Bateau Hair Salon

Look, I’ve been seeing Shab for the past 7 years. She’s got all them skills:) I lost my way at one point, scoped out other stylists, and came back crying/​begging for Shab to fix it. And she did. Righteously. I shall remain faithful.
Color, cut, vision, steers you away from cray ideas. You need her. She’s a hair therapist.
Wanna know how I know I have a bomb cut? Because even when I don’t do jack with it, the way it sits, falls, all of that… is RIGHTTTTT.
Andddd, she’s the only stylist ever, that’s been able to give me the perfect color. Allow that to sink in.
Plus, she’s good people, and that my friend, is hard to find.

If I could give more stars, I would. This gem of a salon has a cool vibe, excellent décor, and a generous selection of cutting-​edge hair products (Oribe, Kevin Murphy.)
I’ve been a client of Nicola H. for 13+ years and happily followed her from another salon. Truthfully, I’d follow her anywhere. She’s colored my hair, nurtured it when I’ve foolishly damaged it myself, and taken it from long to short and back again.
Nicola is highly-​trained, keeps up on the best styling techniques, and thoroughly enjoys her work. It really shows in how the hair looks and feels the day it’s cut, a week later, and a month after it grows out. She is incredibly patient and always works with me on whatever idea I have, or photo I bring in, and never fails to translate my vision.
I give Nicola H. my highest recommendation!

I’ve been meaning to color my hair for the past two years and just never felt it was the «right» time. I haven’t dyed my hair since those middle school/​high school days where you went home with box dye from Walgreens.
My SO urged me to just go since I’m entering a new phase of my life. I’ve been very particular with who does my hair after one too many horror stories, cut too short, razor-​ed hair… events that didn’t make me feel good about myself. My SO actually found Andrea for me! I was very hesitant at first, but the more I thought about it… why not.
I had a consultation with Andrea the day before, initially it was 15 minutes, but turned into a 30 – 40 minute conversation. Andrea is very personable and is from the Bay Area.
I ended up cutting my hair after expressing I wanted my hair to have more volume and more bounce without having to use product or doing something fancy with a hair dryer/​hot iron while making sure I still had a full pony tail.
I am currently 6 weeks out from my cut and I love it. After all the talk, I highlighted my hair 2 shades light than my black hair (yes, this girl paid to have her hair TWO shades ligther than black) and it’s semi-​noticeable while in the sunlight. I have noticed it is lighter than when it was initially colored. I’m excited to go back for my next color + cut in a few more months.

Nicole A. has been doing my hair for a LONG time (we’re talking 10+ years!). The other week she styled my hair the morning of my wedding and it was then that I realized that I haven’t yet shared with the world that Nicole is not only a talented stylist, but a truly caring and thoughtful person. On the day of my wedding, she not only accommodated her schedule to come in early to do my hair in time for my early ceremony, but she bought flowers AND champagne for me to celebrate the occasion! I mean — who does that?!? Aside from how wonderful she is as a person, she is also so talented. That is why I had to follow her throughout her career to make sure she’s the only one who does my hair! :) She has cut, styled, and colored my hair throughout the years, and I’ve loved it each time. Nicole is an awesome person and stylist — I highly recommend her!

My hair stylist moved to Sonoma and I followed her there from SF but after many many years it got to be too much. I’m picky and love the Tony and Guy approach to cutting. I read all the reviews on Unilocal and went with Nicole. And Nicole gave me what I wanted! Since she didn’t know me I did have to convince her to cut my bangs shorter. But no biggie. The best part is the cut grew out beautifully (that is the testament to a great cut!).

I’ve spent the better part of my adult life battling my curls. I’d either flat iron my hair (to the extent that I had the patience to) or throw it in a ponytail. I would think I had found a good hairstylist, but after a few visits something would go wrong… they’d ignore my cowlicks, screw up my hair via their poor thinning techniques or would just stop listening to what I wanted. But then my life changed when I met Nicole. She knows that not all hair is the same, and that the approach to cutting curly hair is much different. She makes sure to let you know what she is during each step of the way during the cut so you’re never left wondering what’s going on. She truly listens to what you want/​are looking for. She’s taken my hair from a short A-​line to a layered cut past my shoulders without a single «awkward phase». I wear my hair down all the time now and get constantly complimented on it. Nicole has truly given me the «wash and wear» curly hair I have always dreamed of!

Nicole, Nicole, NICOLE! That’s really all that needs to be said, but I’ll elaborate. Nicole is a goddess is a multitude of ways.
1) Listens to what you want done while adding her artistic touch.
2) Talks you through your cut of you have any questions.
3) Is a literal blast to be around.
4) Offers a clean-​up, basically a complimentary trim in between full cuts, making your cut last longer!
Nicole is such a pleasure to be around making me look forward to each appointment.
Two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

I am not one to write a review, but I felt like I had to share my experience.
I have gone here for two hair cuts now. The first was fine. Nothing great, but convenient so I decided to go again.
This last time was awful. I think my hair stylist thought I was another one of her clients, because she wasn’t attentive to my directions with my hair. By the time I realized that she was cutting the top of my hair way too short, it was already too late. I did ask her to cut my sides shorter, so she could have also gotten confused and thought I want all of my hair short, which I definitely didn’t. Also, the hair on my sides are uneven now creating an awkward bulge. She also never cleaned my neck hair so I had to do it myself when I got home, which seems pretty insane to me. I didn’t realize it until I came home and looked in the mirror and saw there was still awkward neck hair. Isn’t it fairly standard to show a guy the back of his neck when you do a hair cut?
I could go on, but overall I am very disappointed with how my hair turned out. I know that she could have had an off day, or that she could not be used to cutting guys hair or guys with really straight hair, but it is frustrating to spend so much money and walk out feeling like you got the same experience as if you went to the cheapest barber shop in the city.
I would definitely not recommend this place. I use to go to Rubio and Raven in Lower Haight and switched because I moved to SOMA, but I am thinking about going back. I would recommend there if you are looking for a place that takes the time and effort and knows how to cut men’s hair well, if you are willing to make the trek out there.

Nicole is the bomb! (There is also a Nicola at the salon — with equally stellar reviews). I’m pretty low key about my hair — have done every color (ex platinum and black). I’ve had a deep red/​purple color — with colored (blue, teal and blonde extensions) for about 2 years. Decided I wanted a change — maybe blonde this time. Tried 2 salons in the city — both times, the stylist didn’t want to do it — talked me out of it – will have to double process your hair, it will be orange, it will be damaged, etc… etc… I’ve gone from red to blonde before — so I know the drill (orange hair for awhile, a frizzed out look, etc…) So both times, I walked out with the same hair I’ve had for 2 years– red/​purple with lots of colored extensions. Just how was I going to change my look? Enter Nicole. She was straight up about expectations — drastic hair color change from red to anything is a process. But instead of talking me out of it, she was excited about the blank slate she had to work with. Out came the extensions. Goodbye red/​purple. By the time she finished, we realized we didn’t really talk about the cut. «Just cut it however»… and oh did she… it’s short, messy, low key. Her hair cut totally captured me! As for my color — yep… got a tad of orange going on… but the way she cut it – and the blue streaks that are still in it from a blue dye job I had recently– actually resulted in a pretty hip do. I’m heading (no pun intended) back in a few days. Nicole is coming in on her day off for phase 2 of my color. Pretty impressed by that — she is working around my travel schedule. The vibe is über chill — no affectations or attitude here. Shemeen (did I spell it right?) is the receptionist extraordinaire — very friendly, warm and welcoming. I like lots of change — and big changes — with my hair. I think I found my home.

I will follow Erin where ever she may go; from Grasshopper, to Bateau, to wherever else she may end up (as long as it’s in San Francisco). Any salon that has Erin as a stylist has got to consider themselves lucky. Haircuts are a taaaaaaaad pricey, but you are getting what you are paying for. Ready to try something a little different with your look? You can do so with not even a speck of fear with Erin in charge.
As for the salon itself, it’s clean, with a fun boat theme, and staff is always on time with your appointments. For all the times I’ve been there, I have never had to wait a minute past my appointment time, and if I come a smidge early, I get seated right away. The receptionist is gracious, polite, and a pleasure to interact with. She lets me gorge on M&Ms and funny little orange fruits that they put out– for some reason I’m always STARVING knowing I’m about to get my hair cut.
I like Erin’s dog, Lady, who lounges around the salon. She’s a sweetie and a beauty. Go Bateau!

Ava is amazing! She literally and actually took the time to figure out what looked good on my hair. For the longest time I wouldn’t let anyone touch my hair, and when I did I would always leave nothing like I had hoped. I would go right back home and literally cover up all the bleach and highlights that was applied beforehand. Ava is the hair goddess! She made me feel amazing! I felt so comfortable letting her do my hair because I knew she knew what she was doing. My hair looks amazing thanks to Ava!

Go see Andrea Beltran! Here’s why –
I am very picky about my hair and it is one of the things that I don’t mind spending a little more money on. Over the years I have gone to my share of high-​end salons and typically leave feeling OK about my hair, this time around however I walked out ABSOLUTELY LOVING my hair, both the cut and the color! The salon/​gal I have been going to for the past 5 years has been great but is located in Burlingame whereas I live in Alameda and work in San Francisco so it’s not an easy trip to make. Bateau is literally a 5 minute walk from my office!
I was nervous at first as I never have much luck articulating what I want and why but Andrea knew what I was hoping for and mentioned things I was thinking BEFORE I even said anything. She knew I wanted to steer clear of the mom-​bob and read the expression on my face when we talked about cutting more than I planned for. She explained everything to me, talked me through everything and taught me how to style my hair, not only faster but better! I walked out with one of, if not the best haircut I have ever had!
Andrea really knows her technique and goes above and beyond for her clients (the massage at the shampoo bowl was such s great midday treat!) It looks like I no longer need to make the trip to Burlingame!
The salon is nice, not uppity and so close to the water. Pricing is a little expensive but nothing out of the ordinary. You’ll be happy you treated yourself! Andrea also works at another salon in the East Bay so if you can’t make the trip to the city you can always see her at Marquee Salon in Oakland!

My mother always says, «variety is the spice of life!» And when it comes to hairstyles, it pays to have a trusted hair stylist. I always have loved trying new styles and Erin does such a fabulous job helping me find the right one for me. When I had my baby last year, I realized a trip to the salon that involved hours of processing and cutting and frequent return trips, albeit fun and relaxing, was way less realistic. This past cut is fun, easy to maintain, natural (well a little color to cover my new grey «sparkles» as Erin calls them) and has been getting lots of compliments. Erin does such a great job styling, cutting, coloring and finding ways to help me do the same! I LOVE my time spent at Bateau, it’s well worth a babysitter ;)

I just got my hair done yesterday at bateau by Erin Tanaka Black. Let me start by saying I am I love with it I cut over 7 inches off which was a big change and I am so happy I trusted her to guide me. The color is amazing and I am so happy. From the receptionist too the stylists this place is on point great service. I have been to many salons in this city and I am so happy to have found the best! Trust me go there see any of their stylists and you will be so happy you did!

I am writing this review after almost three weeks of contemplation. In summary: a bad haircut followed by an even worse attitude.
Here’s the story: Nicola had cut my hair last year, and I liked her. There is no doubt that she knows her stuff. So I went in to chop my shoulder length hair off into something short. I shared my expectations, and then expected Nicola to do her magic. The end result looked great on the day of the cut. But it was nothing short of terrible the day after. So I called in to make another appointment to fix the mess. At the fix-​it appointment, I showed Nicola a picture of what I thought would salvage my hair. She explained that I was asking for a whole new haircut, which means paying for a new haircut. I somewhat agreed with her. But I also reminded her that I want a different cut because of the way she had cut my hair earlier. She didn’t seem to agree to that, but we tentatively settled on a price reduction for the new cut. Since she didn’t have time that day to do the full cut, I took another appointment for next week.
My issue with this experience started when I realized that Nicola did not agree that she had done a terrible job with my hair. The cut was not fine and neither did it suit my face. I have a clump of hair on the side just standing up… in protest. I expect a hair stylist at a good salon like Bateau to know what would look better on me. Also, I expect artists to own up to their art — however bad. That didn’t happen with Nicola. I cancelled my appointment for a new cut because I got this very negative judgmental look/​vibe from Nicola as I was leaving.
I would have happily paid the sum for a new haircut to salvage what I got in the first place. But the attitude… that just left me feeling uncomfortable, and unwelcomed.
I will not be returning to Bateau. Who cares about the hair? It’ll grow back. It always does. Or, I will get a better style at another salon. But I do care about being treated with dignity, like a human.

I was so happy to reconnect with Nicola at Bateau, after several years. I too was lucky to be introduced to her at Grasshopper. She got my hair right from the start and it was clear then that she was a seasoned and very talented hairstylist. Her haircuts are consistent if you would like, but she also knows how far to push creativity so that it fits you. When money got tight for me, we lost touch but when I was back on board I immediately thought to go back to her. I found she had opened her own salon and was not surprised. Talent like hers deserves its own limelight and she has been successful in producing a comfortable and cool atmosphere for her following, and her talented team.
Nicola also truly cares about her clients, always taking time and listening to your preferences so that you are happy with your experience. She helped me feel calm and beautiful for my wedding — I still get compliments on my hair when I show photos. It is an investment as others have pointed out, and so she offers complimentary clean-​ups to help ease the cost. Again, a creative and thoughtful way to help her clients.
She has incredible style and she passes this on to you with every haircut. Make the appointment!

Bateau salon (and in particular Erin) are the best! The salon is clean and trendy, and in a great location. I have been loyal to Erin ever since I moved to SF. She gives great advice on different cuts, and her color job is amazing. Added bonus that she is super sweet and great to talk to. I will never go to someone else for as long as I live in SF!

I would like to preface this review by stating that despite having negative experiences with businesses in the past; I have never felt the need to take time out of my day to leave negative feedback, even when warranted. That was until today! If you are considering making an appointment at Bateau Hair Salon don’t bother wasting your time.
This salon should be shut down, as they have no clue how to run a professional business. I booked a hair (color /​cut) appointment and selected a day for the stylist Beth that was provided to me based on HER schedule. After waiting a few weeks eager to get my hair done, the day before my appointment the salon called and told me they needed to cancel and rebook my service as Beth was heading out of town. This happened to me three times in 3 weeks, which is obviously not acceptable.
I finally asked them to book me with a stylist that cared enough to not bail on her clients at the last minute and I was assured Beth would be able to see me on my next scheduled appointment. After planning my entire day around my appointment, I showed up at the salon only to be turned away again because the stylist was not able to come in for her scheduled bookings. Really?!
I have never experienced such unprofessional service in my life. The lady at the front desk seemed to think it wasn’t their fault as she apparently left me a message a few minutes before my appointment time (while I was driving across town in traffic to make my appointment). I can promise you it’s not worth the money to get your hair done at this place. The stylist have zero respect for their client’s time and everyone in the salon seems to think it’s acceptable to do this to customers repeatedly. I will never step foot in there again and I hope you don’t bother either. This salon came together after a bunch of stylist from other locations, such as Grasshopper salon decided to come together at this location — huge mistake because now they have no clue what they are doing or how to treat paying customers!

Hmm, interesting set of reviews on here.
I received a haircut from Taylor a while back and feel like it was one of the worst haircuts I’ve received from a non-​Supercuts establishment.
Facts:
— I’m a white male with a typical short messy haircut. Literally the one every fraternity dude across the country has. In other words, my request was simple.
— Other hair stylists take ~30 minutes, 45 with pre and post-​rinse/​wash.
Taylor took 1 hour and 45 minutes. The first side took 45 minutes. My haircut was still undercut and uneven after it was all said and done.
My goal in this review is not to sabotage Taylor or Bateau. However, with almost all positive reviews on here, I think it’s worth noting that I had a pretty terrible experience and one of the worst haircuts in recent memory. Taylor appeared to be cutting by trial and error. Who knows — maybe it was an off day. But isn’t that why men pay $ 60+? To avoid off-​days?
Nice place, good location, the receptionist was nice… but the haircut experience was pretty awful.

This review is for Terresina.
I almost had a heart attack when i discovered that Terresina was no longer at Grasshopper Salon.
Thankfully, after a quick search on Unilocal (thank god for Unilocal and Terresina’s loyal client base), I found out that she had moved to Bateau, a little further away but still within walking distance from my office.
Terresina has a great attitude, is well-​versed with all types of hair (my thick Asian hair is fairly straight with natural wave/​body) and is the best hair stylist I’ve had in a while. I get tons of compliments from friends on my ‘do. Her rate includes a clean up in between trims
Awesome.