Utopia Salon - CLOSED

My wife and I have been seeing Kenny Berk(now with Utopia Salon) for over 15 years. He has worked at many prestigious upscale salons, and has now chosen Utopia Salon. It is always an extreme pleasure to see Kenny, he is warm, personable,funny, and truly listens to what exactly the look a person is going for! The atmosphere at the salon is relaxed, but still upscale. My wife and I love the ever changing artwork that appears at the salon and the art receptions are a nice addition as well. Kenny only cuts (so you can imagine what a master stylist he is!) his training obviously comes from many years in the industry (and the fact that he is also a plat- form artist/performing on stage at hair shows for Redken, doesn't hurt either!) Whether it is classical haircuts(like you would find at Vidal Sassoon) or trendy hair cuts, bordering on the avant garde or edgy! Kenny can do it all! My wife and I have NEVER been disappointed with our experiences with Kenny. My wife used to see another colorist at Kenny's previous salon but Kenny mentioned that there will be a new colorist soon to join Utopia salon(Maritza) who is supposed to be amazing! so my wife has decided to wait and try out this new colorist and combine that with a GREAT cut from Kenny(I guess you would call that a team effort!) So don't walk, but run to see this extremely talented guy! I conveniently book my appointments on line(you don't even have to call the salon!) and in this busy world we live in what a luxury!!!! All over I would rate Kenny a 10! The salon a ten! and hopefully Maritza(the soon to be colorist) a ten as well! From the reviews her clients have written her, I am sure she will be! Pros: Nice atmosphere! Ever changing artwork, art receptions, easy parking! SKILL! Cons: a little expensive, BUT WELL WORTH IT! more

Maritza has been doing my hair and my daugther's hair for 2 yars now. She has been great, and I'm always happy with the results. She likes to try new things always keeping in mind my preferences and needs. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants a skilled and proffesional colorist more

I've been going to Utopia for several years and will keep going back because of the friendly service, great ambiance and overall experience. I love that I can have a glass of wine or coffee during my hair cut. People always notice when I get my hair cut or colored... so kudos to my favorite stylist Len. My husband also loves getting his hair trimmed here. Utopia seems to be unique in that they display beautiful artwork and have open houses on occasion to celebrate local artists. It's in a great location, you should check this place out! Pros: ambiance, service more

My haircolor was overprocessed and overhighlighted by a top Salon that I have been going to in New York for two years. My friend highly recommended Maritza and my hair needed help. I went in for a consultation and first I felt a quick feel of politness and professionalism. She read my mind and knew what had been done to my hair without me even speaking. She suggested her recommendation and I agreed. She told me my hair needed two visits till it was in full recovery. She was right and now after 14months of having her do my hair she is moving. I had total faith in her right from the start and she has always been consitent. I never had so many people compliment me on my haircolor. She is a true artist and is very passionate about hair, she is the true expert. more

I am one those people that like to have their hair color every two weeks (since there is not enough roots in one) the way I met her was when my hair was damaged for so many highlights and colors, a friend of mine recomended her and I have been her client ever since. more

After reading the reviews, I decided to check Utopia out for a color and cut. I've visited other SF salons over the past 2 years and was looking for a new stylist. The salon smells like hair chemicals and has a cheap feel to it. I asked for a basic trim, but my stylist cut and cut. I have been growing them out every since! As you can see, I did not have a pleasant experience. Cons: Atmosphere, skill of stylists, expensive more

Maritza did my hair and makeup for my wedding and it was just perfect. Everyone keeps telling me how amazing and glamorous I looked. It looked even better than I can imagine and would highly recommend her to anyone. and she is so nice too! more

The reason I started going to Utopia is because they have the greatest hairstylist in the world, his name is Tony and he has been cutting my hair for almost 10 years now. During those 10 years I moved to Los Angeles, Houston, and Reno, but I always returned to San Francisco for my haircuts. That's just how great he is, not once have I ever been disappointed by his cuts. Everyone else at Utopia are friendly and it's a very cozy place to boot. Sooki more

Utopia Salon is a perfect 10: the staff is friendly, talented and attentive, everything is always spotless, they play great music and have interesting art and/or photography that gets changed up regularly. It was easy to appreciate that Utopia is a great space before I even got to Len's mad skills. Quite simply Len was able to turn my "hair apathy" around. Thanks to a recommendation, I made the upgrade from "getting a haircut" to "seeing a stylist" and I can't thank that person enough for the advice. Len is super easy going, friendly and from the start cared to make sure we both were at the same level before he made the first suggestion as to "what to do with it". He showed me how far style could go and I can fully appreciate how talented he is at his craft when I realize how much of a positive thing it is to know when I look great thanks to a great hairstyle. Addendum: in response to the person complaining about a chemical smell... I say... "huh?" I think of that usual salon smell of burnt hair, dissolved plastic and acetone and Utopia has NONE of those unpleasant aromas. Even with the hair coloring that goes on they somehow they keep the place ventilated so I have never really noticed it. I would say Grant Street smells far worse than inside Utopia! Also, they have comfy couches for the off chance you have to wait before you appointment (which happened exactly one time over the years I have been going there.) Lastly, Len gives a lot back to the upcoming students who work there by not just making hairdressers-to-be sweep up hair, but shows them the hows and whys of his work. That to me shows a very good intent and a genuine desire to teach others. Good karma! more

Maritza has been doing my color for 5 years now. She is very talented and she is always keeping me updated with my hair. Now she decided to move to the West coast, I'll miss her because she was someone I could also talk to. Utopia salon is very lucky to have her and I wish her the best of luck. more

First my wife was going to Len at Utopia, then one daughter, and even the daughter from L.A. - so I had to give it a try. It is a really pleasant hair salon - good location downtown - service with a smile. I've never had a better haircut. Pros: Very nice environment more

As a regular client at Utopia Salon, I feel the need to tell others about the OUTSTANDING and CONSISTENT SERVICE that I ALWAYS receive, which is what keeps me going back! After having a great experience at a chic hair salon in Paris several years ago, I knew I could never return to my 'USUAL' place in the city upon returning home, since I had now experienced the best of Paris. So I set out on the task of finding a 'new' place I could call the best of San Francisco! That's when I found Utopia Salon and Len Handeland. The first time I met Len at a social gathering he commented on my hair cut and color not knowing that I had just returned from our 'Girls Paris Shopping Trip'! I mentioned that I was so amazed at how the 'proper' hair cut for one's face shape, and the color that matches one's skin tone makes all the difference in the end result! He could tell by my comments that I desired the same ongoing experince here in SF - a magically place and talented stylist who matches science, hair styles and trends to what's best for ones hair texture, facial structure and skin tone! He reveiled his position at Utopia and offered to take on the challenge AND did he ever! He's always courteous, ontime, and professional and ALWAYS delivers a great look! I'm such a big fan that if you want professional talent or advice you seek out the real experts! Even after having moved from the city to Napa Valley, I still make the drive religiously to Utopia Salon every six weeks..... and you should to! more

I never got comments on my hair until I went to Len at Utopia. He considers your personal style and tailors your cut or color to perfection! If you want a low-maintenance do, he'll satisfy your request. If it's a special occasion, done. more

I was a little skeptical when my wife(who also sees Len) suggested I go to him after numerous bad haircuts at barber shops and Supercuts, and especially about the whole guy thing going to a salon. But I got over it quickly with Len's help! Man, this guy is amazing! I have never gotten such good haircuts(I knew he did a great job on my wife's hair, she gets it cut and highlighted...but it looks natural!) but I had no idea he could cut a guys hair so good!!! The atmosphere at the salon is nice, but not too snooty(I was a little aprehensive about going to a Union Square salon) but Len made me feel welcome, consulted me as to what style I wanted, offered me magazines(they even carry magazines for guys!!!) and offered me a glass of wine(I almost asked for a beer and that would have made my experience even better!, but the wine was nice enough!) So guys...if you are tired of getting cheap cuts and having your wives or girlfriends complain about it, go see Len, the guy is talented! He listens to you, he recommends the right hair care product to use so you can get the same look at home. Nice salon envoirnment, nice art up on the walls, and everyone at the salon seems happy to be there! Overall a 10!!!!! Pros: Great envoirnment! Great haircuts! Friendly! Nice art up on walls! Everyone is happy! Cons: There don't appear to be any! more

I am a long-time customer of Tony Jones. Tony is THE best - he has style and wants all his clients to have it too. As for the salon - it's a wonderful, warm, creative place that allows artists of all types to display their talents. Utopia supports its stylists as well as the Bay Area artists whose works are displayed on Utopia's walls. Pros: Cutting edge talent Cons: n/a more

Hang is very talented with the scissors. She brings out the best in my curly hair. Not inexpensive compared to other salons, but her cuts are sophisticated and maintain their style 3x longer than other stylists around town. My hair grows fast, so I know that when my cut maintains it's shape for almost 3 months, it's a good one. more

I have been coming to Len at Utopia Salon for over 3 years. I had my hair previously "Thermally Straightened down in L.A. and was apprehensive about allowing someone else do the procedure but Len put my worries to rest! He answered all of my questions and concerns first by starting off with an in depth consultation regarding the Thermal Straightening procedure/what product he uses, price time etc! I guess you could describe Len as "nit picky!" ....I guess a better way to describe him is as ...... a perfectionist! He always makes me feel as if he is giving me his undivided attention 100%!, and his attention to detail is ....incredible! In the past I have had stylists "juggle" clients while working on my hair, but not Len! He says he gives EVERY client his all! (Less room for carelessness! or mistakes to happen!) I also have seen Len for hair coloring, and haircuts which he is also highly trained at! He does just about everything except teeth! Ha! Seriously if you are in need of a new stylist(new to the area) or just need a change from your current person then by all means experience Len! and his salon! Everyone at the salon is so friendly, many of the other stylists recognize me when I visit Len for my appointments(and unlike other salons where the stylists don't even look at you, unless they are working on your hair, much less greet you!) the crew at Utopia always makes me feel welcome with a warm smile, and an offer of a nice glass of wine!(which is a nice touch! especially after a hard day at work!!) I also see Ann the manicurist at Utopia and she is AMAZING as well! best manicures and Pedicures in the city!(Be sure to schedule a "Spa pedicure" with Ann, they are awesome! So keep it up Len/Utopia/Ann! and thanks for all of my wonderful visits! I am thrilled with my hair,nails and EVERY visit to Utopia! Pros: Warm friendly envoirnment! Wine! knowledgeable Stylists, Nice artwork on the walls! Cons: Len is not inexpensive, but so far it has been worth it! more

What a lovely time. Relaxing atmosphere. Very well run salon and one which I make an extra effort to be on time as they are so nice. Pros: The online appointment calendar really fits my scheduling needs. Cons: I have none! more

Freda Salamy is the best hair stylist and hair color expert I know. She is a warm and welcoming person and an exceptional professional. I have been going to her for well over ten years, and I can always trust my hair will look its best. I have sent other people to Freda, and they have been loyal clients ever since. Freda is one hair stylist who is a rare gem to find. Make an appointment with Freda Salamy. She does an outstanding job!!!!!!!!!!! more

Utopia Salon is a great find in San Francisco. Hang seems to be one of the main stylists there, and has been around for many years. Before t... more