Studio NN

Nancy is the absolute BEST stylist especially when it comes to balayage. When I first went to see her, she immediately worked her magic with my hair, turning my over processed, brassy ombré into a soft and natural looking dark brown to blonde balayage. Since then, I have only let Nancy touch my hair. Maintaining blonde hair when you have naturally dark hair is expensive and difficult if you don’t want all your hair to eventually break off. You definitely don’t want to go to just anyone. The combination Nancy uses to keep my hair light and bright but also healthy is ingenious. I have been blonde for over a year now and my hair is still long and healthy without a lot of breakage on the ends. She is hands down the best hair stylist I have ever been to and her work speaks for itself. I am constantly getting stopped on the street and in stores from people complementing my hair and I always tell people to RUN to Studio NN and see Nancy. If you are lucky enough to find an opening in her schedule, BOOK NOW! She is WORTH every penny and MORE.

I was referred to Studio NN over a year ago just before my 33^rd birthday. I had the most amazing experience and have been coming back ever since!
Prior to discovering Studio NN, my hair was over-​processed and brittle. As soon as I arrived for my first appointment, I was pleasantly approached by Nancy Ngouy and Matt Mallen. They both examined my hair and its condition and began coming up with a game plan. I was a little nervous being my first time and so close to my birthday. They began double teaming my hair and before I knew it, my hair was transformed. My hair felt healthy again; soft and bouncy. Nancy and Matt are miracle workers and I highly recommend them both.
Studio NN is a very fun and professional salon and I couldn’t be happier!

I found Matt on Unilocal when I moved to San Diego in 2013. He is a fantastic stylist who listens to his clients. His coloring is on point, I was always very satisfied with his highlights! One time I told him I was hoping they would be brighter and he had me come in a week later to get them to the right tone and kept the charges minimal. Matt goes above and beyond to ensure his clients are happy with their hair.
He cut and colored my hair for two years (I just moved out of state). Last year I opted to try the «lob» that was popular. He made it look great but was able to do so without making me commit to the style long term. I was able to grow it out a few months later and my hair still looked good!
He always has an entertaining dog story too. Highly recommend Matt Mallen as a hair stylist!

Matt is excellent. He gave me the most involved haircut I’ve ever had, and the result was better than anything I’ve had before. I was surprised at how cheap it was.

Great studio, great vibe, and most of all, great stylists! When I moved down to San Diego two years ago, my guy in Orange County recommended that I see Matt. No one else has cut my hair since. Super chill vibe and Matt is always willing to work around my schedule. Matt also doubles as my restaurant guy in SD — he knows his stuff!

After a 4 month wait I had Cindy do my hair. We were in a several step process. I had an appointment for touch up and the next step but she texted and asked if I could change my appt. I agreed I made the appt for two weeks later she texted 45 minutes before and cancelled on me for a «family emergency» … I never heard back from her after that. Won’t be returning.

As mentioned by other Unilocalers, Cindy is a wonderful hairstylist. She knows what she’s doing and I am normally satisfied with her work.
I’ve had two separate appointments with Cindy. Both times were for a bayalage.
My first time was about a year ago and I loved it. Cindy took her time and explained the technique behind the process. She spent nearly 3 hours working on my hair but the entire process only felt like an hour. She made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. While we were waiting for the color to process, Cindy came by to check up on me a couple times to make sure I was okay and still comfortable in my chair. After some time, my hair was ready for a wash. And during the entire time at the sink, Cindy made sure that she didn’t accidentally splash water all over my face — which I appreciated. Cindy then blow-​dried my hair and gave me the cut that I asked for. I left the salon feeling pretty impressed.
After six months later, I went back to see Cindy for a touch-​up. This time, she was running late but she texted me beforehand telling me about her delay. I wasn’t on a crunch so I agreed to meet her later. When I got there, I showed Cindy a picture of the cut & color that I wanted this time — a tad lighter but still natural. As I suspected, Cindy patiently hand painted the color onto my hair while we chatted away. She made sure everything was good while I was waiting in my chair. I remember feeling excited because I knew she’d do a wonderful job once more. Again, I left the salon feeling pretty impressed with the color and cut.
But, a week after my 2^nd visit, I realized that the color was turning quite brassy. Not sure how this happened because I use shampoo/​conditioner for color-​treated hair. I texted Cindy a picture of my hair and asked if she can help me with it. Cindy responded a couple hours later and said she can fix it for me at no cost but will need to check on her availability. She then mentioned that the toner must have faded out faster this time around. I was happy that she even responded. I knew that she’d be out of town the following weekend for Coachella so I responded to her saying that there was no rush and that I can wait. However, this happened in April and I still haven’t heard from her.

My wife get her hair done here and always looks sensational! Cindy is a great stylist who puts passion into each customer’s hair and it shows!
I never mind waiting for my wife as the salon makes it comfortable for guests by providing a waiting lounge that has soda, water, wine and beer!
Parking is limited but there’s plenty of free parking within walking distance.
If you’re looking to get a new refreshing look, drop by here at Studio NN.

Over priced. Nothing special, was not happy with my results at this salon. Instantly regretted going there. The hair stylist seems to have an attitude and the whole experience was off. For my personal experience, I would not recommend.

Cindy is amazing end of story, i remember the day I got back from deployment she did my hair an I haven’t gone anywhere else. I was in the marines when I started going to her an my hair was in bad shape from all the gel, after the first time I saw her she made it so healthy, an beautiful. I’ve been going to her since 2011 an I refuse to let anyone else touch my hair! Her hands are magic!!! She does get booked quick because of how talented she is so book in advance but I’m telling you it’s worth every minute an every penny!!!

Love, love, love Nancy! She has transformed my hair from being boring and gave it life with rad red balayage ombré. I’m the type of letting my hair grow for years, maybe cut a few inches and not styling it all. My hair is thick and super straight so styling (curling) it took forever. Plus it never stays for more than five minutes. Nancy was very helpful in telling me what she was doing, the products she was using and also gave me tips on how to style. I’ve been in love with my hair since the first time she touched it and have been going to her for about a year now. She’s very professional and always has a smile on her face. She’s opened my eyes on different products and how to really take care of my hair. Thanks Nancy for showing me the way and making my hair beautiful!

I made my first appointment with Cindy and booked almost 4 months in advance! It’s totally worth the wait and the price that you pay.
I’ve been riddled with unfortunate hairstylist luck until I came to this studio! Cindy has an expert level of understanding when it comes to hair coloring. She simply won’t take shortcuts to make it easier on herself. I had seen multiple hairstylists who didn’t do such a great job coloring my hair, but Cindy understood exactly what I wanted and explained the process as she worked. She’s fast and efficient, and I’ve never seen someone work at her pace even though I have experience as a receptionist at a hair salon.
The studio is a quaint little placed tucked away near Banker’s Hill. If you come before 6pm (except on Sundays), expect to pay the meter for parking. You can find free parking closer to balboa park and the bridge that overlooks the freeway but it may be a bit of a walk. I believe that Cindy mentioned Studio NN had their own private lot too (I must have missed it on my way in).
For all intents and purposes, Cindy can take care of all your hair needs. Just be sure to book her in advance because you’ll need to take a number to see her!

I have had my fourth session with Cindy in the span of 8 months and she still blows me away with her work! My hair has gotten healthier and stronger ever since I’ve been going to her. We were finally able to achieve the honey balayage color that I’ve been wanting for the longest time and get rid of all the leftover box dye I had in my hair (from my rookie mistake).
I love how she’s able to give my hair a natural and healthy look even though bleach is involved in the process. She truly cares about her clients and their hair by using the best products. I swear she puts some kind of «hair crack» on me because my hair ALWAYS feels smooth, light, and looks so natural every time I walk out the salon! I get so many compliments from my family and friends every time and will recommend Cindy to take care of their hair.
Like I said previously, she may be booked 3 – 4 months in advanced, but be patient. Seriously! She’s so worth it.

Don’t get me wrong, Cindy is a great hairstylist… if she keeps the appointment.
The first time I booked an appointment she cancelled and I had to re-​book. On the day of the appointment, I showed up at the salon (on time) and she was no where to be seen. I got a text about 10 mins later informing me that she was running late due to traffic. Once she arrived, she did an ombré and my hair turned out fabulous.
Next appointment, she cancelled on me two different times. I was annoyed but since she did such a great job I was willing to let it go. Life happens. She re-​touch my ombré and it turned out fabulous once again.
Third appointment, she cancelled and I had to re-​schedule (again) The morning of the new appointment, she cancels AGAIN stating that someone passed away in her family and that she had to attend a funeral. I never heard from Cindy again.

Cindy is the best thing that ever happened to my hair. She works fast but not haphazardly. My hair looks so natural and healthy after she worked on it even though I went in for a color. She also does ombré correctly by painting pieces of your hair not by completely lifting color off your ends.
As for Cindy herself, she is the sweetest person. She had to cancel my appointment initially because she hurt her self, but she contacted me immediately as soon as she had a spot. I honestly did not expect a stylist who is as busy as her to even remember to get back to me. It was a last minute spot but I was most definitely not gonna say no. You would not deny an open spot if she had one for you. Look at her clients’ hair!
The studio is really cute and cozy. When I was there, there wasn’t another client waiting. It’s nice that each client is worked on without the hustle and bustle of other people impatiently or patiently waiting. Like many other salons drinks are offered. Background music was also great.
My old salon was initially great but they were getting too crowded and I was in and out of my stylist’s chair feeling like I just had a cut at a chain store. I’m just happy to have found Studio NN and Cindy.

Studio NN is the best! Nancy is incredible. I haven’t ever found anyone I trust with my hair more than her! When I tell her what I want done to it she does it better than I pictured it to be. I always leave the salon happy and of course looking gorgeous. Studio NN genuinely cares about the quality of their work and their services are worth every penny. :)

I started seeing Nancy back in 2010 or 2011 and I have been a loyal customer ever since.
PREVIOUS SALON EXPERIENCE
My hair is thin, fine, brown and long. I’ve tried the range of hairstylists from inexpensive Fantastic Sams to medium price to super fancy expensive A Robert Cromean Salon. With all of my past haircuts and color, none of my friends or family noticed. I thought it was just because my hair was hopeless.
HAIR AFTER NANCY
After seeing Nancy, I get compliments on my hair color from friends, family and even co-​workers. Even male co-​workers ha! I was so excited to finally have people notice. People would even ask for her business card because they liked my hair so much. Nancy has given me some basic hair tips throughout the years that have really improved the health of my hair.
ABOUT NANCY
Scheduling an appointment with Nancy is super easy and is like making plans to see a girlfriend. I genuinely look forward to spending time with her. She loves what she does and it shows in her dedication to her business and to her hairstylists that work in her salon. She’s super open and could probably have a side gig as a life coach. She’s such a pleasure to know and it makes getting my haircut so much fun!
THE SALON
Every time I go in there is something new or under renovation. It’s so much fun to watch her creativity unfold. Parking is easy since they have their own off street lot.

My all time favorite beauty bar. I love Toni for my nails! Nancy the owner is super sweet. The salon is clean, very welcoming, feels like home kinda place! I see Cindy for my hair!
Cindy’s experiences in the beauty industry contributes her artistic abilities as a hair stylists (along with make up, tanning, & much more) and has allow her to have a fresh and unique perspective when consulting with clients on what will work best for them. With an enviable combination of education and experience, she has attracted a large variety of clientele. Cindy has a passion to make people feel beautiful. She is an expert in her field and her attention to detail is superb because she is committed to the contentment of her clients. She is a consummate professional and an extremly talented person. I recommend Cindy because she’s artistic talent you can trust.

This review is for a MANI-​PEDI with Toni… she works out of this studio, and her brand is called «Polished by Toni.»
I bought a Groupon for this service, because I hardly ever paint my nails, and am trying to be better about that. Toni prides herself in taking her time with clients. She took an hour and a half with me, and buffed every last bit of callus off of my feet — this is not typical, particularly when you’ve made a Groupon appointment.
Toni is super nice, and did a fantastic job with the polish! A very welcome treat after a long day at work.
Thanks, Toni… will be seeing you again!

DO-​I-​LOVE-​MY-​HAIR?!
Ahh YES DUH! And that is why I give this place 5-​stars!
Being in San Diego for over two months my hair needed a little TLC (Tender Love Care) and this was the place that made it possible. I have been meaning to get my hair done for quite some time due to some unfortunate horror hair experience (s) (I know everyone’s had one of those) and yes it’s plural meaning more than one bad experience. I called to make an appointment and received an email regarding a confirmation appointment time through StyleSeat. It was there on StyleSeat I saw the New Client Special and got that deal!
THE LOOK:
I was going for an ombré/​balayage type of hair.
THE STYLIST:
Cindy is her name!!! She is an artist with hair and specializes with this technique. I showed her a photo of what I was looking for and she was kind enough to tell me what she CAN do, not what she’ll poof out of thin air and boom you have hair like a celebrity. She explained what she was doing and made conversation which made the 3 hours go bay faster. After sitting in the chair for more than 2 hours the buns start to numb. Lol. But Cindy was awesome at keeping conversation with me and making me feel relaxed. She did a color and style with my hair and added a mask as well to give my hair an extra boost.
OVERALL:
My experience at Studio NN, which is a small little salon with Cindy as my stylist was great. My hair is awesome and my boyfriend calls it the «sexy hair’ while my sister calls it the ‘baby baby Victoria Secret hair.» Whatever anyone calls my hair, I don’t care, but what I do know is that it is not boring but IT IS pretty fierce! Thanks CINDY!
FINAL RESULTS Take a look:
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