Utopia Salon - CLOSED

This salon has moderate operators, The salon is a little small and the atmosphere is to be desired. I would give this salon a moderate rati... more

Three weeks ago Utopia Salon closed it's doors for business after 9 years! As the former owner of the salon, I am saddened about this, but also excited about the future, for not only myself, but for all of the former sytlists and colorists that worked at my salon who all moved onto new salons! I want to thank each and every one of them for making our salon the salon that it was. Every day we took great pleasure and care in living up to our name (Utopia) that it would be the type of atmosphere that not only clients would find inviting and welcoming, but also for all of the people that worked at Utopia Salon. I will miss you all! Lastly, but certainly not least...THANK you to all of our wonderful clients (many of whom have decided to follow their stylists/colorists) to their new surroundings. I myself have relocated my business at a salon called Level 4 salon, under the name Lendoesmyhair Again thank you everyone you all truly made Utopia, Utopia! .....................Len handeland (former owner of Utopia Salon) Pros: San Francisco's finest stylists worked here and made it truly Utopia! Cons: Nothing,Nada! NICHTS! nothing! more

I went onto CitySearch to check out a few salons and happened upon Utopia's listing. After reading positive review after positive review, I scheduled an appointment conveniently on line with the owner and stylist Len. I was really impressed how Len took the time to have an in depth consultation with me, not the typical being told from the stylist what the client needed to do, and not being given a choice! He worked with me and said "it's your hair and you should be comfortable with the style and color(not to mention be in love with it!) Well, I have NEVER been in love with my hair until I saw Len! He gave me the cutest cut(lots of layers and movement!) and the highlight he gave me, Wow! I have received so many compliments already! He used three different colors (2 blonde shades and one darker color) which he said would create a lot of depth! It has! I love the salon as well, the only sad thing is, he told me he was CLOSING his salon after 9 years! But he assured me that he would work somewhere else (in Union Square) so at least he isn't moving away just as I located a GREAT stylist! I can't wait to see him again in his new salon(wherever that might be!) but I would let this guy do my hair in a garage! That's how good he is! Go see this guy in his own salon before he closes it! You will be in love with his magic just as I am! THANKS LEN! I look forward to a long and lasting relationship! more

It was my very first time going to an upper-scale hair salon and after this experience, I'm never going back to a Super Cuts again. Let's just say that every time I come across a reflective surface, I can't help but look into it. Trust me, I'm not much of a looker, but damn, did I like what they did to my hair. William is such a sweetheart and you can really tell he cares about what he does by watching him work. He paid high attention to detail and really took his time, unlike some others who just chop away without care. William is truly a Michaelangelo with trimming shears. Can't wait to book my next appointment! Pros: Can't complain. Cons: Haven't found any yet. more

I gave my daughter a birthday/college spring break treat at Utopia Salon. She had a strong wish to get a perm so I set up an appt. with their perm expert Billy. It was his opinion that her long, straight fine hair type would require a considerably layered haircut and would need daily blowdry/styling to manage a "smaller rod" curl. Leaving the decision to my daighter, she might have gone ahead -- but Billy finally said he really didn't think she'd be happy. We appreciated his honesty and dedication to keeping his clientele satisfied with their final results. She decided against the perm. We still had a gift card to spend so on the spot Billy graciously arranged a highlight with Heng, a master colorist. She was fun and did a wonderful job. My daughter left the shop looking very naturally sun-kissed and feeling very content. While waiting for her, I asked about and got a relaxing pedicure with lemon-mint soak/scrub and coconut massage -- mmmmm! Hello Springtime! Thanks Utopia Salon! Pros: convenient to BART/Union Square, stylish yet welcoming space, personable, attentive, high quality service more

Oh my goodness, i just got back from getting my hair done by Billy!!! he is truly an artist!!! I am one of those people who always went to the really cheap places where i got a crappy 15 dollar haircut. Every time, i left completely unsatisfied. this was the first time in my life that i left bouncing with joy. I look amazing, i am a completely new person all because of Billy's work! He did exactly what i wanted and more. Pros: Everything more

I've been getting my hair cut by Billy Aldrich for a few years now and he continues to amaze me with how skilled he is. He's done a perfect job shaping my hair through all of its different styles; from perms to pompadours, Billy knows exactly what he's doing! Outside of the great job that Billy does, the rest of the staff at Utopia is also very accommodating, friendly, and talkative. Pros: Great all around! Cons: N/A more

I love Utopia Salon! I was a hair model for William. He had never met me before, but understood exactly what I wanted for an overall look. He helped me find the perfect color that fit my vision. He did such a great job on my color, that I was dying to go back the next day for him to cut it too! I love my edgy, fun, styled look! I would trust him with any length or look. Thank you William! I will be back! Thanks, Becky Pros: Thumbs up! Free wine durring your service. more

he's going to give you the best advice about what's right for your hair and won't steer you wrong. He's the most amazing colorist and will alway make you feel great about your hair. He'll help you select the style that will work for your personality, looks and hair type. You'll love your look. I promise. I've been a loyal client of Paco's for over 20 years, at least that many hair style changes (long, short and everything in between) and at least 5 color changes over those years. And he also gives the best neck massage while washing your hair. Pros: Great Salon and staff... Cons: None more

I was a random walk in waiting for my red eye home and was fortunate to have stumbled upon this salon. William is wonderful! He took the time to create a style that is great for both my work and social life (not an easy balance), and I literally told him to do whatever he thought was best. Almost more importantly, it's been a style I can recreate myself. An accomplishment unto itself! I'm happy with the style, and my brutally honest coworkers and friends have also been really complimentary :). Overall, I was really impressed with his talent and concern about both the style and my own capacity to recreate (as well as my morning time limitations). Finally, not only did I get a great haircut/style, but William was a delight to talk to during the session. While we all know that a good cut is the goal, it's really nice to have a fun experience while sitting around in a smock. Looks like I'll be getting my haircut on the west coast from now on, thanks! more

I got a new hair color, without my wife's knowledge and a new, more modern hair style. When she saw me, she said she wanted it too, ( same c... more

My first visit to Utopia was a walk in and I have gone back for all of my haircuts ever since. William is amazing! I have had him for cuts and styling and he always does a fantastic job. Not only is he sweet and fun to talk to but he is also super passionate about his job and making you look your best. I have recommended him to all of my friends. The salon is beautiful and the staff is great. It's always a nice relaxing experience everytime I go. Definitely check this place out and ask for William! more

I just went to Utopia for the first time, and will definitely go back! Hang gave me absolutely gorgeous highlights and I really love the cut I got from William. Both of them are extremely talented, and really listened to what I asked for. I am 100% satisfied with the outcome. Thank you! Pros: High quality products, great staff, talented artists Cons: none more

Over 20 years ago, a friend recommended that I set up a consultation with PACO RIVERA, as I had extremely damaged hair. Paco restored my hair back to health via color correction technique, hairstyling skill, by convincing me to work with my hair?s natural characteristics (foregoing chemical straightening) & to regularly use the hair care products which he recommends. As time goes by & fashions change, Paco changes both the style & color of my hair. I?ve had long brown hair, short platinum blond hair, medium length auburn hair, as well as other combinations. Paco is a truly gifted colorist. Currently, he is mixing five colors together (shades of red, gold & a bit of brown) which work to give my hair a more natural look, as opposed to a one tone flat color. I particularly enjoy the way the colors in my hair respond to light. Most of the time, the interplay of light on my hair color is subtle. Then there are those spectacular moments in time when the sunlight hits my hair at a certain angle and colors reminiscent of autumn leaves light up my hair like fire. Later, as the angle of light changes with the setting sun, my hair color once again reverts to chestnut brown. I?m in awe of this interplay between lighting and the colors which have been mixed into my hair with such skill. I truly believe that Paco?s background in the Fine Arts gives him solid footing in this realm of color and style. Thank you for making such a positive difference in my life, Paco. more

This is my first time to visit Utopia, used to go another salon on Sutter St. I chose William from the roster of stylist from their online booking because of positive reviews that I read here on citysearch. I told him that I was ready for a change and want to have my hair "chopped off". He did not disappoint, I left with a very cute haircut that earned compliments from everyone. He was also easy to talk to and listened to what I wanted. I love the online booking and I loved the overall experience. Pros: online booking more

I have been seeing Len for over 10 years. He is consistent (which is so important!) friendly and a good conversationalist, and to put it plainly the guy simply knows how to cut hair! Before I began seeing Len, I was going to the typical barber, but that changed when my girlfriend flipped over the bad cut the barber had given me and I never went back. I have followed Len to MANY salons over the years (until he opened his own) and don't regret it!. I have been trying to get my girlfriend to go to Len but she is loyal to her stylist, but who knows? maybe someday. Anyway go see Len if you want a great expereince, I know I enjoy my visit each and every time! Pros: Welcoming atmosphere, trained professionals! Evening appointments Cons: Not a one! more

I recently went to see Billy at Utopia for a perm. I had chemically straightened my hair a while ago, so Billy decided to do a strand test to make sure it could take the perm. Unfortunately, it didn't but I really appreciated Billy's professionalism and honesty about this. I ended up with a haircut (layers) and I loved it! Not only was I impressed with Billy and Utopia, but my husband (who went with me) was as well. They offer a level of service rarely seen in many businesses today. My only regret was that I was unable to tip Billy with my credit card since they only accept cash or checks for tips (sorry Billy!). I definitely look forward to returning to Utopia. Thanks Billy! more

I went to Utopia to get a body wave and a trim from Billy. They were very accomidating when I arrived and the salon has a nice ambiance. My cut on the other hand, is about half an inch uneven in the front and much shorter than a trim would imply! I found this out only because the perm he gave me makes me look like a poodle and have now straightened it. I've always been skeptical about new stylists and this experience gave me yet another wake up call- be skeptical of city search commentary! Now, I have to pay for another stylist to fix my hair after already spending over $200 on a student's budget. more

...my hair is in the best condition ever! Not only does he give me the BEST color and cut in town, but he is also a great and down-to-earth guy. Having lived in LA, NYC, and Chicago, I have experienced many great stylists at some of the best salons and I truly believe Len is top notch! I have been going to Len for over a year and always walk out of the salon satified 100%+. I also find it impressive that Len manages to find equally talented and passionate stylists who are highly trained to work in his salon. Don't waste your time trying out those other salons in SF (like I once did, unfortunately)...head over to Utopia...you'll be really happy you did!! Pros: Top notch and highly trained stylists, friendly and down-to-earth atmosphere Cons: Absolutely nothing. more

Like a lot of others, I've been trying to find a hair salon and a stylist that i can rely on to give me what i want. The ambiance was very friendly, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. I was very pleasantly surprised by the fact that they have convenient online-booking for appointments - something that all places should implement! It made the experience that much easier. The appointment was taken and finished in a very timely manner. My hair wasn't the easiest the deal with and rarely sits the way I want it to, but after communicating the issues I had been experience to my stylist - William, he patiently took care of everything in a very timely and effective manner. He's very professional, genuinely sweet, and I appreciated all the helpful suggestions that he has given ( that I will definitely be doing my best to follow). Overall, I loved the results and the experience and can't wait to return to him after my hair has become a bit healthier so I can decide what to do with it next! Thanks a ton, William!!! Pros: Booking Appointments Online - Very convenient, Clean Comfortable Friendly Ambiance, Professional stylists who deliver great results Cons: None that I recall more