I have just returned from my hair appointment at Helene Rene and thought I would finally write something on City Search about my wonderful experience each and every time Helene has done my hair.... More

I have just returned from my hair appointment at Helene Rene and thought I would finally write something on City Search about my wonderful experience each and every time Helene has done my hair. I am shocked at reading 2 of the nastiest reviews I have ever seen. I have known Helene for the last ten years, she has done my hair with considerable finesse I might add and been a warm, giving and loving person to be around. I feel I must come to her defense as people don’t always know the whole picture. I know Helene would never discuss this herself, but as a friend and a customer I must tell her recent story. The building where she lives and works was sold last year and she is being evicted. She has spent the last 6 months looking for new digs, not just a new home but a space for her business. She has lived and worked in this location for 20 some odd years and suddenly she is being forced to completely change her entire life due to this new landlord. We have all had bad days and I would hate to have her suffer unnecessarily just because of 1 or 2 bad reviews, especially when there are at least 60 positive reviews praising her salon. Her prices are more affordable than anyone on Union St. Helene was not available to cut my hair at one time so I had to visit another salon which set me back $280.00. Please understand I have extremely short, fine hair, it takes maybe 20 minutes to cut and the color takes in about 20 minutes. I really felt taken on that one and from now on I will give Helene a little more advance notice so I don’t have to deal with this kind of rip off again. Helene was shocked when I told her how much I spent! She is fabulous, reasonable, warm and understanding and is currently moving to a new home and has been offered a private space in a local salon to continue her work. I wish her all the luck in the world and will remain a good customer. Thank God she is staying in the neighborhood! Pros: Example: best croissants in town Cons: What are the drawbacks?
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Helene Rene Salon is the worst. Did not have proper products to use on my hair, the color turned out way too dark and because she did not dry it completely I did not know how bad it was till I got... More

Helene Rene Salon is the worst. Did not have proper products to use on my hair, the color turned out way too dark and because she did not dry it completely I did not know how bad it was till I got home. Perhaps because she did not want to attempt to style my hair she asked if it was OK after she fluffed it a bit and used the dryer so it was only damp. I said it was fine just so I could finally get out of there. The noise was deafening. She took phone calls (2) while she was in the middle of doing the color! I couldn't believe it. It's upstairs in an old victorian house and it's a disaster - the building is being renovated, or maybe torn down. It was nothing like a business, except that I had to pay. She did not even have the lights turned on so can't imagine her cutting hair! Steel Magnolias was a palace compared to this establishment and the results I got could have been out of that movie. My former hairdresser who I went to for over 8 years moved to Portland. I did not see this place before making the appoinment - only knew that she used Redken products (and she did not have the products that i use on my hair) and that was how I happend upon this so called salon. Pros: none Cons: everything
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Moved To SF from New York City, read the reviews and thought OK I'll try her. What a mistake! She's totally unprofessional. Had not a clue how to style my hair -and the haircut was really bad. She... More

Moved To SF from New York City, read the reviews and thought OK I'll try her. What a mistake! She's totally unprofessional. Had not a clue how to style my hair -and the haircut was really bad. She did not offer to fix it, but was anxious to cut it again on my next visit (so she could charge me for it again). In a house that's under construction so the noise is awful, it's drafty and the lights were off- No kidding! And parking? $16.50 across the street. Have not one good thing to say about this shop or its owner.
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Helene Renee is an artist. You will be pampered while your looks are enhanced to make you look & feel your personal VERY BEST. Her salon is a by appointment only salon where all the attention is... More

Helene Renee is an artist. You will be pampered while your looks are enhanced to make you look & feel your personal VERY BEST. Her salon is a by appointment only salon where all the attention is on you. She is flexible with her hours, so if you have unusual demands on your time, she will go out of her way to meet your special needs. During your appointment you will relax and feel like you are on a mini vacation while Helene styles & enhances your appearance. You will leave her salon feeling refreshed, relaxed, rejuvenated and thrilled with the way you look. Pros: Personable, Relaxing. Thumbs Up, Does House Calls. Union Street is a fun location to have lunch before or after.
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Helene and I met while working on a fashion show back in 1990. I was just out of college and had no idea what to do with my hair. Thankfully, Helene did and she has continued to be the only one who... More

Helene and I met while working on a fashion show back in 1990. I was just out of college and had no idea what to do with my hair. Thankfully, Helene did and she has continued to be the only one who knows what best to do with my hair ever since. She has outlasted my marriage and is the only hairdresser my 7yr old daughter has ever allowed to cut her hair. Helene has done just about everything that can be done to my hair- permed, cut, and colored. All to perfection. Along the way, we have become lifelong friends. How many peole can really say that about their hairdressers. When she finally retires, I guess my hair will simply just grow and become colorless because there is no way I will ever let anyone else near my head. Everyone I have recommended has come away loving their hair and loving Helene! She is a San Francisco tradition! Pros: She can work with any type of hair, in any condition. Cons: She's not 24hrs, just 7 days a week
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I met Helene at a make up class she was giving at our local recreation center. I am a 60- year old female, who basically was never taught how to pick out colors, styles or how to properly go about... More

I met Helene at a make up class she was giving at our local recreation center. I am a 60- year old female, who basically was never taught how to pick out colors, styles or how to properly go about finding out these things. In fact, I was so fasinated about all of the above, I actually took her class twice. Imagine my surprise to find out that I can wear makeup that matches what I wear. I had always thgought (or not) that you were to wear makeup that matched your eye, hair and face coloring. Imagine my surprise that I could wear so many more color choices based on what I was wearing. I immediately switched my hair dresser of 8 years and knew this was the right thing. I had my first hair cut in November that actually lasted 3 months and was beautiful growing out. I can not tell you how happy I am with what Helene has done for me, personally and professional. I am not sure I have ever had so many compliments on my new look, my hair cut is so me and care free. Her shop is comfortable, parking is across the street, great shops in the area, a truly wonderful experience. And you can purchase the products from Helene, she actually has her own line of cosmetics, and showing me how to use them was even better. So, ladies and gentlemen, as well, if you are looking for a fabulous new look, do yourself a huge favor and treat yourself to a visit to Helene's shop, you will not be sorry. Her hours are so user friendly and she is so knowledgeable of all things beauty. I am a happy camper, who will never need another "new" hairdresser.
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I scheduled with Helene after seeing her rave reviews here on Citysearch. I hate trying new hairstylists, especially on an important night -- and I was dressing to the T to attend the opera that... More

I scheduled with Helene after seeing her rave reviews here on Citysearch. I hate trying new hairstylists, especially on an important night -- and I was dressing to the T to attend the opera that night. I especially hate getting updos, because my hair is stick-straight, fine and heavy -- making for some bad experiences in the past (poofy, stiff, or just falls out within an hour). I asked for long layers and a soft French twist that would hold up all night. Not only did Helene listen intently and make me feel comfortable, but she gave me exactly what I needed -- a gorgeous, sophisticated updo that miraculously stayed perfect, even after walking several blocks in a steady drizzle. Even the hairspray didn't stiffen in the rain -- my hair stayed soft. I couldn't believe it! Her prices are reasonable, her place is comfortable, and she gave me coffee and a coupon to the "Jasmine Beauty Nails Salon" next door (another rave review!). She also does makeup classes that teach you how to look good in less than 7 minutes -- I plan to take one next time I'm in the city. Highly recommended! She deserves her "Best Of" rating, for sure!
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A few years past it was time upon my journey to discover someone new in the business of my hair. Allowing my fingers to walk through the San Francisco yellow pages I was making no headway to find a... More

A few years past it was time upon my journey to discover someone new in the business of my hair. Allowing my fingers to walk through the San Francisco yellow pages I was making no headway to find a hair designer/salon with preference for Redken products. Once I logged onto the Redken website here I found Helene Rene! Throughout my journey I have discovered most hair persons have little knowledge or experience to cut hair with considerably density. I recall my first sitting with Helene she offered a libation, took the time to discuss what it was I was looking for. As Helene began to cut my hair it was apparent her knowledge and experience was simply a cut above the rest. Helene offers a multitude of hair, skin care services, products, consultations, a pleasant comfortable setting, reasonable prices and a great location. Highly recommended
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I will keep it simple. Helene Rene listened to my needs. I love my new color and she included a Step by Step Make-up Class. Helene taught me so much about my hair and make-up wow!. She showed me up... More

I will keep it simple. Helene Rene listened to my needs. I love my new color and she included a Step by Step Make-up Class. Helene taught me so much about my hair and make-up wow!. She showed me up do's I can do in less then 5 minutes. I bought her complete Skin Care and Make-up line. Its great. She is so reasonably priced. She has very flexible hours. Call her. Pros: Flexible hours, Good prices, Very experienced
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I found Helene on Citysearch. I was very nervous. We talked. She showed we picutres. I had a glass of wine and munchies. Helene cut my hair off. I was shocked. When she took off the cape and I... More

I found Helene on Citysearch. I was very nervous. We talked. She showed we picutres. I had a glass of wine and munchies. Helene cut my hair off. I was shocked. When she took off the cape and I looked at myself. I said"This is the best." I finally found someone who listened and got it the first time. She did my make up. Wow. Everyone I know and strabgers have asked me where I got my hair done. She has a lot of knowledge about hair , color and make-up. Call her!! Prices are reasonable. Pros: Parking lots or stree, Comfortable salon, great location
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