Charlene LaskyWhen my sister went back from her vacation, the first thing she said was how her hair was so dry. It looked dull and wouldn’t cooperate no matter how she styled it.
That’s the most frustrating part—when your hair feels off, it affects your confidence more than you think. And honestly, that’s why most of us end up booking a salon visit in the first place.
The problem is, not every place gets it right. With so many beauty salons in San Diego, it’s easy to walk into one that promises a solution but fails to deliver.
So instead of taking that risk, I narrowed down the ones that actually know how to bring your hair back to life.
How much do beauty salons in San Diego charge?
Beauty salons in San Diego usually charge between $50 and $150 for haircuts, while services like hair coloring can range from $100 to $300. However, prices can still vary based on the salon’s reputation and the complexity of the service.
1. The Lab A Salon
Address: 3034 University Ave, CA 92104
Contact Details: +1 619-543-9952
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
When I was helping my sister figure out how to fix her post-vacation hair, we kept running into basic services that didn’t really solve the problem.
The LAB A Salon was one of the few that offered more than just that, starting with a free consultation to assess what your hair actually needs. With 17 years in the industry, master stylist Adrianne Tolentino has extensive experience.
The range of services makes a lot more sense. Haircuts start at $60 for short hair and $80 for longer lengths, while color services like partial highlights begin at $200 and full balayage at $250+
Styling options such as blowouts start at $65, with services like extensions and perms available for more advanced needs. Makeup and bridal styling are also offered, so it’s easy to take care of everything in one place.
That same attention to detail carries over to the experience. A quick matchmaking survey pairs you with a stylist based on your needs, while the “lab-style” approach adjusts techniques depending on your hair’s condition.
However, the detailed consultation process can take longer than expected, which may not suit those seeking a quick appointment.
Made the whole experience less scary
“Very thoughtful and helpful when deciding how much length to cut! I went in determined to donate my hair, and it was such a big deal for me. I’m so grateful Anya made the whole experience less scary and genuinely pleasant!”
- Pamela Morales, Google Review
Offers great suggestions
“Lab A Salon is hands down one of the best salons around — the vibe is super chill, the space is welcoming, and the entire team is friendly and professional. I’ve been seeing Catalina for many years now, and she’s nothing short of incredible.
Recently, I went in to change up my hair color for the fall, and she absolutely nailed it. I had a vision in mind, and she brought it to life perfectly — the color turned out even better than I imagined. Catalina always listens closely, offers great suggestions, and has such a talent for both coloring and cutting. Her blowouts are flawless, and her Brazilian straightenings leave my hair smooth, shiny, and easy to manage.
She’s also just a genuinely kind and easygoing person, which makes every appointment feel relaxed and enjoyable. I always walk out feeling refreshed, confident, and totally taken care of. If you’re looking for someone who truly knows hair, Catalina is it!”
- Ariana Hernandez, Google Review
2. The Loma Salon and Spa
Address: 2907 Shelter Island Dr, Suite 212, CA 92106
Contact Details: +16199909145
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The Loma Salon and Spa offers a more complete beauty and wellness experience in one visit. It’s the kind of one-stop setup that makes things easier.
Hair services like cuts, balayage, and keratin treatments are seamlessly combined with skin and body care, which I find especially practical.
The service menu goes further with advanced options such as microdermabrasion and nano channeling, while massage services range from sports and deep tissue to cupping and sound healing.
In addition, skin and lash treatments include custom facials, brow lamination, and lash lifts. Nail care also covers gel and acrylic sets, making it easy to fit multiple services into one visit—which, honestly, is a huge plus for convenience.
The team brings personality to the experience. Bernadette, the salon owner, leads the hair services. Meanwhile, Sarah handles skin and lashes, Sheila focuses on massage, and Tina adds energy to nail services.
However, due to the limited number of providers handling massage and nail services, scheduling may lack flexibility and require booking based on your availability.
Super meticulous and kept me updated through the process
“I had an amazing experience getting blonde highlights at this San Diego hair salon! My stylist, Zoe, was super meticulous and kept me updated throughout the process, which made me feel comfortable. She made sure my hair stayed healthy while lightening it, and I love the results. The salon is really cute, had great music, and everyone was so friendly. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a stylist who really cares about both your hair and the experience.”
- olivia mclarty, Google Review
Always leave with more than I imagined
“I’ve been treated by all the professionals, and they are excellent, attentive, and do a great job. I always leave with more than I imagined. I highly recommend it. The environment is clean and pleasant. Great location and ample free parking. Bernadette Bueno is she is simply the best!!!”
- M. R., Google Review
3. Hyde-Edwards
Address: 2308 A Kettner Blvd, CA 92101
Contact Details: +16192320108
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday:Monday: Closed
Hyde-Edwards focuses on both professional makeup application and permanent makeup options. This combination is a big plus, especially if you want low-maintenance results.
As a result, services are designed to enhance everyday features, from brows to lashes, in a way that still feels natural.
What really adds to the appeal is the level of experience behind the team. Several artists bring 10 to 20+ years in the industry, which shows in the precision and consistency of their work.
I also like how the space itself feels modern. It gives the entire visit a more elevated feel, especially since the ease of online booking keeps the process simple from the start.
One drawback is that permanent makeup results may require touch-ups and time to fully achieve the desired look. This is usually around 2-3 months of continuous sessions, which may not be ideal for those who prefer quick sessions.
Beyond the core services, there are added perks that round out the experience. Gift cards are available for spa, nail, or hair services, which I find especially useful if you’re planning to treat someone or even yourself.
To build on that, a mobile app on the App Store and Google Play lets you earn rewards.
For ongoing care, professional products like Kérastase Paris and Davines are also available, along with shop merchandise for at-home use.
A true hair magician
“I just had a haircut with Katie for the first time. She did an AMAZING job with my hair cut, one of the best ones I have ever had in my life! Somehow she added tons of volume to my hair, which is usually a very hard thing to do, but her cutting technique is amazing. She is a true hair magician… Thank you Katie.”
- Lejla Aganovic, Google Review
Blown away by the amazing results on my first visit
“I had George cut my hair and it turned out amazing! This was my first time there and I was blown away. I called morning of and was able to be fit in an hour later. If you are looking for a new spot, this is the spot to go. Parking was a little limited so leave yourself an extra 5-10 minutes before your appointment.”
- Catherine Mccarthy, Google Review
4. Bellezza Salon
Address: 4318 Voltaire St, CA 92107
Contact Details: +16192220129
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Bellezza Salon is all about simplifying everyday beauty care, bringing different services together in one convenient spot. The service range covers hair, nails, skincare, and waxing, which I find especially practical for keeping up with regular maintenance.
This has also become one of my go-to spots for waxing services, mainly because the results feel consistent and well-handled. For those exploring beauty salons that value both variety and convenience, the overall setup just makes sense.
That same sense of clarity carries into the pricing ranges, which I really appreciate. Women’s haircuts start at $65, and men’s at $45, while lightening services like balayage begin at $250.
One thing to keep in mind is that prices are not always fixed. Since independent providers set their own rates, similar services may cost more or less depending on who you book with.
Skincare options include custom facials at $140 for 75 minutes, along with treatments like HydraFacials at $165 and microdermabrasion at $115. Plus, hair repair and smoothing treatments range from $75 to $350.
Beyond these, the overall experience leans more boutique. Instead of automated booking, each service is coordinated more personally.
I also like that services are handled by independent professionals. It brings a different level of expertise and personalization depending on who you book with.
The only person I trust with my hair
“I had the pleasure of having my hair done by Maritza, who is now the only person that I trust with my hair. I cannot recommend her enough. She makes you feel welcome and valued and has an incredible talent. I love that my hair turned out a beautiful ashy blonde that adds dimension to my natural dark brown hair. Thank you again Maritza and I will be back soon!”
- s g, Google Review
Always delivers consistently great results
“Love Bellezza!! This whole place is fantastic, been here for about a year and a half, and they really do it all- hair, nails, facials, and even injectable. I’ve seen Lisa & Liz (nails), Janelle & Maritza (hair), Grace (facials), for services here now and I couldn’t recommend them enough. Very meticulous and always good results. But honestly everyone here really knows their craft and care about the client results and experience. 100% recommend!!”
- Andrea Marr, Google Review
5. Sweet Jane Salon
Address: 1443 University Ave, Suite B, CA 92103
Contact Details: +1 619-894-0388
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
For those exploring beauty salons that prioritize low-maintenance styles, this place leans into effortless cuts like shags, bobs, and soft layers.
That same approach is applied to how services are priced. Cuts are $150 with Nicholas and $125 with Norman, while bang services range from $25 to $50, and consultations remain free.
I also appreciate the flexibility of their styling services, with blowouts priced at $150 and adjusted based on hair length, density, and condition.
Behind that consistency is strong experience. Founder Nicholas Roach brings 20+ years in the industry, including work backstage at major fashion shows, while co-owner Norman Anderson continues to refine his craft through training with Unite.
The experience extends beyond the chair as well. The space feels warm and relaxed, with a community-driven vibe, and with a 5.0 rating across 400+ reviews, the results clearly speak for themselves.
However, the hair-focused approach and higher starting prices may not suit those looking for a full-service salon or a more budget-friendly option.
Honestly, my hair has never looked better
“$100+. The best hair salon I have been too. After doing hours of research to find a hair salon that fit my needs ( ASD/ anxiety/etc) I stumbled upon Sweet Jane Salon. There are only two stylist there: Norman and Nicholas. Nick cut and styled my hair beautifully. He is a true artist and he loves what he does and it shows in his work. Honestly my hair has never looked better. I didn’t really know what I wanted my hair to look like so I told him the things I wished my hair had more of ( volume, shape, long enough to put into a ponytail). The results speak for themselves. In conclusion, if you have an opportunity to get your hair cut here, don’t hesitate… book the appointment.”
- Reno Sammons, Google Review
A true expert who delivers effortlessly natural results
“If you’re looking for an exceptional hairstylist in San Diego, I can’t recommend Nicholas highly enough! With over 20 years of experience at Bumble & Bumble and now at his own beautiful salon in Hillcrest, Nicholas brings a rare combination of creativity, precision, and professionalism to every appointment. What I appreciate most is how well he listens. He takes the time to understand your lifestyle, hair texture, and personal style, then delivers a look that feels effortlessly natural and perfectly tailored to you. Every time I leave Sweet Jane Salon, I feel refreshed, confident, and completely taken care of. Whether you’re ready for a big change or just want a refined, polished cut, Nicholas consistently delivers flawless results. His work speaks for itself—and so does the way you feel walking out of his salon. A true expert in his craft, one of San Diego’s very best!”
- Lani Grim, Google Review
