Blake Charles Salon — Local services in San Francisco

Since I get compliments daily and asked about who does my hair, here's my best advice:

Find a great colorist and a great stylist who knows how to cut hair to suit your color style. It's rare to find an individual who does both superlatively.

This review is about my colorist Lisa at J Cozza Salon. Color is the most fun part and what most people comment on immediately. Although they have yet to meet each other, Lisa and Jeff are my hair's dynamic duo!

Please read more about Groove Salon's uber-hair stylist Jeff Jimenez, who cuts my hair.

JCS's Lisa Nguyen-Fukuda hair coloring mastery is phenomenal! I have been getting compliments for years from both women and men about my hair color, daily. Especially about how lively and naturally-vibrant my hair color looks. Lisa's technique takes coloring to an art form. I have "dulce de leche and caramel" high and low lights with brilliant and healthy shine. Lisa uses multiple techniques--including balayage--to give my color and cut depth, brilliant shine and naturally vibrant color.

I first came to Lisa when no other colorist had the kind of expertise to tackle the mess another colorist and I had made of my hair color. Before I chose Lisa to "fix" my Nicki Minaj jet black bob, the last recommendation of a "color expert" at a competing salon suggested that the best that could be done is to cut my hair color out to a super-short pixie before I could lighten up the color of my hair! I haven't looked back since then and have been happy with the constant compliments about my healthy color and luscious long locks for nearly ten years: thanks to Lisa's color artistry (and Jeff's cuts, too). Backing up Lisa's color artistry at JCS are Lisa's assistants: Mel's shampoo-massage, hair glazing finish and styling finesse are Lisa's "secret icing to the cake" and not to be missed!

Joseph Cozza Salon is the quintessential salon and spa experience.

The lobby of greeters are there to meet, orchestrate and complete my experience with contemporary graciousness, discretion, and the promise of pure pampering magic. The lobby (and support staff) sound and look like well-coiffed television anchors who know the salon and how to match your issue with the right spa/hair/nails services and products.

The plush spa waiting and changing room is peaceful and separate from the lively hair salon waiting area. Both have tastefully posh and relaxing seats to sip a beverage, read a magazine, or pull out your laptop to finish some work before your appointment. The hair services waiting area is adjacent to their makeup stylist room that's behind a pro-infomercial loop flat screen featuring the latest salon's products and services featured by a Joseph Cozza pro. A pretty bank of private changing rooms is there to change back into street clothes and check out the "new do".

I can't say enough good things about J Cozza Salon: from the estheticians (see Vanessa) and massage therapists (See Ben..you'll thank me for this one!), to nails and make up products and services.

So, treat yourself well at Joseph Cozza Salon, and find out more. ...

Stop Searching—Just Book with Jay!

You’ve spent enough time reading reviews—just book with Jay and thank yourself later!

I’m not from San Francisco, but after months of avoiding a haircut, I knew I needed to find a stylist I could trust. My past experiences at Hanover Salon in Walnut Creek were inconsistent, so I spent hours researching and reading reviews before choosing Blake Charles Salon SF—and I couldn’t be happier!

From the moment I walked in, I felt completely at ease. The salon is professional yet welcoming, and Jay’s warm personality immediately put me in good hands. He personally guided me to the hair-washing station (no vague pointing), made sure I was comfortable, and even served me coffee on a saucer with a delicious pastry.

I originally showed Jay inspiration photos from a movie, but midway through, I remembered another haircut I loved. Without hesitation, he blended both styles seamlessly. He only took off about two inches, yet completely transformed my hair! Even with another client waiting, I never felt rushed—he listened, adjusted, and made sure every detail was perfect. For those wondering, I got a cut similar to Angelina Jolie in The Tourist, and Jay nailed it!

Beyond his skill, what sets Jay apart is his honesty. No upselling unnecessary treatments or pushing products for profit—he genuinely recommends what will work best for you. If you’re looking to upgrade your routine, their Oribé and Kérastase products are definitely worth grabbing on your way out!

The entire salon team is just as wonderful. From the kind receptionist who gave me a tour to the respectful staff keeping the space pristine, everyone was professional and welcoming. Another stylist even took a moment to compliment my new look, which made the experience even more special.

I’m getting married later this year, and I will be bringing my entire bridal party to Blake Charles Salon for our wedding hair. If you want a stylist who listens, transforms your hair, and makes you feel amazing—stop searching and just book with Jay! Thank you, Jay and the...

I went to this salon about 1 month ago and had an amazing experience. I had highlights done by Linda and a haircut by Maritza. I am a very low maintenance hair person, and with this in mind, both ladies did an amazing job; I can wake up and be out the door in 15 minutes and still get compliments on my hair.

I first had an in-depth consultation with Linda where she took the time to find out what I was looking for (covering some grays while giving my hair a boost of life), what kind of job/work environment I have (conservative), how willing am I to maintain my color/roots (not often), etc. She was very honest with her suggestions and took in not only my idea of what I wanted but also what would blend into my natural hair color as it grows out. In the end, we decided to go with an all-over caramel highlight, which I love.

BUT, before Linda started on my hair, Maritza came over to have a consultation not only with me about my haircut but also consulted with Linda about what she was going to do with the color. This "double consultation" really impressed me because it gave me a good feeling that I would be walking out of the salon with a color and cut that would compliment each other, which they do amazingly well.

I frequently walk out of salons less than impressed with my cut because many stylists take a look at me and assume I have straight Asian hair and cut it with that in mind, but the fact is that I naturally have slightly wavy hair. Even without me saying this, Maritza immediately noticed and gave me some suggestions of what would compliment this slight wave given that I wanted to keep my hair semi-long and ready to go in the mornings. In the end, Maritza did an amazing rendition of beach ready hair that brought out the best of the highlights and with layers framing my face in a very flattering manner.

I highly recommend both Linda and Maritza and can't be happier with my hair, which I get compliments on...