Utopia Salon - CLOSED

I'm very picky when it comes to my hair, and until I found Utopia I used to hate having to go in for a haircut because I would always be disappointed in the results. I've seen Billy for both hair cuts and a perm and he is great at both of them! He listened to what I wanted--the length, tightness of the curls, bangs, etc., and he also gave me input and his own ideas as well as styling tips and I've been satisfied with the results every time. He's also very personable and fun to chat with and clearly knows what he is doing. Now I don't mind cutting my hair at all because I know it will turn out great! Everyone else at Utopia is also really friendly and the atmosphere of the salon itself is very welcoming and comfortable. Pros: Friendly and superior staff, great environment. Cons: A little bit pricey, but definitely worth it! more

I first went to Len at the recommendation of a good friend of mine, I had not had my hair done outside Europe before, Len made me feel comfortable withs him and gave me a beautiful look, I love my hair. I do not speak English well, but he listen to what I want and he did it. The highlights look so natural and the cut magnifique! If you are looking for a beautiful new look try Len he is wonderful, I keep going back and now when I go back to Europe everyone asks me where I get my hair done! Thanks Len for my beautiful hair! I love the salon too! Its very comfortable and nice art! Pros: Len, My hair!, location, comfortable salon,art Cons: Nothing more

I have long Asian hair and I wanted a change by cutting my hair short (shoulder length). I'm pretty picky with my hair. I been to different salons in Seattle and I was never satisfied with my haircut. Until I went to William. He really istened to me what I was looking for. He took his time on cutting my hair and he has a great sense of humor. At first I was nervous to cut my hair really short, but, William did an EXCELLENT job. I love my hair now. Also, the staff are really friendly and the place is so lay back. I would highly recommend to go see William!!!! more

I don?t think there are enough superlatives to describe Tony?s talent and dedication. Before coming to Utopia, I was very fickle with hairstylists, and I would wander all over the city to find ?the one.? Rest assured I have found him, and he truly embodies everything a hairstylist should be. Tony is a great listener, but like every great artist, he?s also a visionary. He?s somehow able to process the few bits of information I offer in terms of how I would like my haircut to look like, and he creates a style that far surpasses my expectations. His creations are modern yet very customized to my facial features and hair texture. Moreover, Tony?s attention to detail is unparalleled, and he always stays with me way beyond the one hour mark so that I walk out with picture-perfect hair. The salon's decor is minimalist yet welcoming, and the staff is always ready to answer any requests you may have. I understand that for a lot of people, going to a new hairstylist can be a nerve-wracking experience (God knows I had more than my fair share of disastrous haircuts in the past). But, I would like to assure you that you will be in very good hands with Tony, he is simply the best! Pros: Tony, location, online booking system, staff more

I have been to 4 different salons in San Fran in a span of 2 months..i can finally say i have found my stylist..William is the man when it comes to hair..he knows excatly what to do and he listens and gives you the style you want.Ladies, look no further..if you want your hair to have volume or just a simple style he will do it..you will leave the salon feeling beautiful and sexy...thank you William for giving me a classy,sexy haircut and and giving me the look I have wanted since I moved to San Fran. I have already told all my friends about you Pros: Friendly staff, very reasonable price, excellent stylist more

My stylist : Kenny. Hair cut price: $100. Result: AWSOME!! First of all, I was looking for a hair stylist who knows Asian hair for long. I chose Kenny to cut my hair because so many ppl love Kenny on the City search. I brought some pictures and drawings that shows what I want for my hair. Even though I can't speak English very well, he listened carefully and he understood what I want. I think this is really plus because most hair stylists don't listen, and even they don't look at the picture that you bring. Secondly, The result is perfect and really AWSOME. I'm so happy, so I called my friend who is also looking for a great hair stylist, and she said she will make an appointment soon. Finally, about the price, it was inexpensive! The Utopia Salon website tells you hair cut price is from $55~, so I expected it's gonna be arround $175~. But actually it was ONLY $100 ! You know ecperienced high level stylist usually charge a lot. Kenny is very experienced and he has great skill, but price is inexpensive. This salon is located in San Francisco Down Town, but the price is nice! (you know most salons in SF are expensive) There is only one negative thing. It is the photos on the website. The actual salon is much more beautiful and larger than the photos on the web. I think they should change the photos and hire better website designer. Pros: Graet hair cut, Inexpensive price, Knows asian hair Cons: website photos more

After doing so much heavy research on where to get a good hair-cut, I finally came across Utopia Salon. My girlfriend went in first to try it out. Tony was her hair stylist and it came out absolutely gorgeous!! Since we live in the Peninsula, it was hard to travel to SF every few weeks for a haircut, so we tried looking for good ones locally. Being that Tony was what we based haircuts on, it seemed there was no one at all who could possibly compare to his work. There then came a point when it was my time to get a haircut, so I decided to make the trip out to SF and see Tony. I also took my Mom along. We both were treated like VIP guests. Everyone is really warm and welcoming, and we were offered different beverages from tea to wine. I told Tony that I wanted layers with more bounce. Tony also listened to everything I wanted before doing anything, and relayed what he envisioned he was going to do. I really appreciated that. He was very friendly and kept up a good conversation while he worked on me. He was also very attentive to me. I learned that he has over 20 years of experience and even had cut a few REAL CELEBRITIES HAIR!!! When I was finally done, I looked and felt like a true celebrity!!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TRULY AMAZING WORK, TONY!!! The travel is definitely worth this look and I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone!!! Pros: Warm & Welcoming staff; Excellent Service, BEST HAIRCUT EVER!! Cons: You will have to look for parking garages and pay during the day more

WOW! I HAVE BEEN GOING TO ALL DIFFERENT SALONS FOR YEARS. UTOPIA IS THE GRANDEST OF GRAND. NOT ONLY IS IT BEAUTIFUL, IT IS VERY WARM AND WELCOMING. I GET THE EXACT CUT AND COLOR I WANT EACH TIME. EACH STYLIST HAS BEEN THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP. I HAVE RED HAIR AND HAVE ALWAYS HAD TROUBLE WITH FADING. MY COLOR STAYS IN FROM ONE APPOINTMENT TO THE NEXT. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT LEN (THE MANAGING PARTNER) MY STYLIST! I HAVE HIS TOTAL ATTENTION THE WHOLE TIME. THERE'S NO BOUNCING BETWEEN CHAIRS AND PHONE CALLS. EVERYONE TREATS YOU AS IF YOU WERE A GUEST IN THEIR HOME. THERE IS EVEN WINE IF YOU CARE TO INDULGE. I DRIVE OVER 200 MILES ONCE A MONTH FOR MY PRECISION CUT,GREAT STYLE AND COLOR. IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE DAY, BUT I GET WHAT I WANT! ALSO, LOTS OF COMPLIMENTS TO FOLLOW-EVEN FROM MY PICKY SONS AND HUSBAND! Pros: BEAUTIFUL AMBIENCE, WARM AND FRIENDLY STAFF. EXCELLENT SERVICE & STYLE! Cons: HARD TO FIND THE FIRST TIME. IT'S UPSTAIRS. YOU MUST KNOW IT'S BETWEEN O'FARRELL AND GEARY. more

I have seen Len Handeland for a few years now. Not only is he a good friend of mine(we live in the same building complex) but he is also a very talented stylist. Whether it's for haircuts or for my color( he gives me a natural medium brown, with beautiful caramel highlihgts) Len always delivers! He is funny, charming and makes me feel welcome each and every time. Thanks Len! You are my hair savior! Pros: Great color, great cuts, and nice salon atmosphere Cons: Parking is difficult but not impossible more

I had been looking for a stylist for some time after having moved to the city from the east coast. I was hesitant at first, because I knew I would need a haircut (read: significant chop off) as my hair was badly damaged from my neglect and all the treatments I've put it through. But all my hesitation was completely unwarranted. The atmosphere in Utopia is very inviting and friendly and ridiculously relaxing; I almost fell asleep, while being shampooed. They are always punctual and waiting for you (glass of wine in hand). Tony put me at ease upon first meeting, and I've never looked back. From the first visit, my hair looked healthy and radiant. He gave me a cut/style that suited my face and my lifestyle (i.e., easy upkeep and low maintenance). Now, I'll never go anywhere else. Do yourself a favor, come see Tony at Utopia and let him re-define a little part of you. Note: Take advantage of the online booking it's very convenient and allows you to book months in advance at the click of a button. Pros: Tony, Atmosphere, Wine, Punctual, Service, Evening Appointments! Cons: Bit pricey. more

I highly recommend Billy if you're looking to get a perm/body waves. Before my experience on Friday, I've had no luck with perms. I have long, thick hair which I thought wasn't going to work but Billy reassured me that it would be fine with my hair type. He was right! Along with being extremely personable, Billy listened to what I really wanted and my concerns and the results were amazing. Thanks Billy!!! Pros: Convenient and friendly more

well its been a little over 3 months since i saw billy for body waves and a cut. billy talked me through the process of the body waves, as it was my first time, and they came out better than i had ever imagined! even though i initially got the body waves in order to have more volume when i blew my hair out, the curl was (and still is) so beautiful, i find myself leaving my hair wavy more than straight! the cut was also one of the best i have ever gotten and my day spent at the salon was nothing short of amazing. billy was a joy to chat with and i am so excited to see him again in two weeks when i return to the bay area!! i have finally found my permanent stylist :) Pros: convenient location, friendly staff, pretty much everything Cons: a little pricey but worth every penny more

Billy saved me from my scraggly cut.. is that a word?? It was in such bad shape that I was wearing my hair up every day and tons of hairspray I might add! I love my new haircut now and would highly recommend Billy to do your hair. I'm happy to have finally found an artist that I trust!! more

I have "asian" hair (well, the fact that I'm Asian helps). Thick, a lot of it. Hard to style. I was a tramp salon hopper. Going from place to place, abandoning stylist after stylist who would cut my hair in a way that stuck out at weird angles or would simply give up and trim me to a mop. Then I met Shirley. She knows hair. Not just Asian hair. But all hair. And she worked miracles with me, to where my wife will not permit me to go with anyone else. I have hair crises when she goes on vacation. When I was in public office, before any major event, I visited Shirley. Before I go on TV, I go to Shirley. She has a sweet personality, but all professional. She understands what the customer wants, will suggest what she thinks works best, but will not impose her will on you as so many stylists try to do -- unless you want her to. Try her. You'll love her. more

William Strange, Utopia Salon's newest addition has the skills of a seasoned professional. From the moment you enter the Salon, the staff could not be more than attentive, offering tasty beverages before you glide over the polished wood floors, past new and emerging artists' work that lines the walls. A bright and airy salon with a buzz, which sets the tone for the magic William is about to perform on your locks. I cannot recommend William more highly - his cutting and blowout skills are superb. But beware, you may be hounded by fellow work colleagues after returning from lunch exclaiming "Love the Hair, Where did you get it done?" Kudos to Utopia for snapping William up. Pros: Everything. more

I had my first perm 2 years ago at a local salon - missed the volume, not so much the lousy service and unflattering results. Moral of that short story: do thorough research! I stumbled upon Utopia salon on a google search for a perm specialist. I found great reviews for Billy and he definitely lived up to his reputation. He offered honest and professional advice/suggestions without shooting my ideas down. FYI: if your hair isn't already layered and you're interested in a perm, it is highly likely that your hair will have to be cut before permed...this = more $$$ on top of quite a bit to begin with. I must admit to being a little surprised by the transformation of my flat, dimensionless hair into massive voluminous curls. As Billy assured me, after 2 days, much relaxing had occurred and I'm now left with very flattering softer yet still noticeable waves. As much as I enjoyed Billy's genuine, mellow demeanor and humor on top of his meticulousness, I left him without a cent of gratuity. I had no idea gratuity could not be added onto the credit card or personal check payment until I saw a discreet sign towards the end of my visit. I walked out quite satisfied yet TOTALLY mortified. All in all, Billy is great and he deserves much more than an ashamed thank you...so bring your cash! more

After reading all the great reviews, I decided to make an appointment with Billy to get my first body wave/perm. I've had stick-straight hair all my life, and was anxious about ending up with a really crazy perm.. but Billy was extremely attentive to what I wanted and made it easy for me to feel like I was in good hands. The rest of the staff at Utopia was also very courteous and friendly. In the end, the perm looked great, but unfortunately my hair didn't take in the perm very well and started to straighten out soon after. When I went back, Billy worked with my hair and redid the perm to make sure that I got the results that I wanted. The perm looks great once again, and my hair is no longer straightening out! I am very satisfied with the results, and although I think the salon is a little pricey, it is definitely well worth it with the excellent customer service and excellent results. Thanks again, Billy! Pros: great service, nice atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff Cons: a little pricey more

I visited Utopia a couple of weeks ago for the first time. After reading all these wonderful reviews, I had to go into experience this place myself. My stylist was Billy. I appreciated the fact that he took the initiative to make recommendations to me because not every stylist does that. I also like the fact that not only is the stylist the one that cuts your hair, but also the one that shampoos it. I've been to others where they shuffle you around like an assembly line. Billy was very friendly and gave me great cut. He didn't cut more than I ask! Plus, afterwards, he gave me a pointer as to how I can style my do' at home (I got a layered cut). In short, it was a pleasant visit. I will definitely be back and may even try one of Billy's perms. I think the only negative comment I have was that I was not offered a drink until I was seated in the salon chair. more

Billy gives the GREATEST cut in the city. I've been following him since his days at 77, and I don't regret his move to Utopia. Not only is the customer service fabulous and personal, the men are nice to look at, you get a glass of wine (which leads to such bold haircut proclamations as "take it all off!"), and you walk out feeling like a million bucks. Billy's been in the high fashion styling business for over 10 years, and it shows. more

Tony is a consummate professional. He listens and understands what's important to you as well as offering his expertise on the latest and sophisticated style trends with a great sense of connecting with his clients through his personable approach. Tony is very precise on his technique in cut & style and at the end, leaving your hair to look and feel like you had seen an expert. I travel into the city just to schedule an appointment with Tony and refuse to go anywhere else. Tony and the team of select stylists from this high-end salon is inviting with a warm welcome and prides itself in customer service not to mention "bang-up" hair. more