Dara Roberts Hair Design

Best. Stylist. Ever.
I was on vacation in SF and wanted to treat myself to a haircut. After reading all the positive reviews Dara had on Unilocal,I called her up to see if she might have an opening. I got lucky and she was able to see me 2 days later!
I was a few minutes late due to the tricky parking in the area, but Dara was friendly and welcoming. We talked for a full 10 minutes about what I was looking for before she even touched my hair. My idea was a little offbeat and I had had trouble getting stylists to attempt it in the past, but Dara was on board to give it a whirl. I was in her chair for 90 minutes as she attentively and thoughtfully shaped my new do. She was very focused and thorough — it was clear she is a true artist and takes her craft seriously! It was a joy to talk with her as she worked– she has a kind, open-​hearted, and genuine spirit.
After my cut, Dara did a complimentary sound healing session on me which was originally supposed to last 10 minutes, but she ended up working with me for a full hour. It was an incredible experience to literally raise my vibration after my cut. I felt transformed, inside and out, and my whole body was humming/​buzzing with joy for the rest of the day!
Dara put me back in her chair for one more last minute touch up on my bangs before sending me out into the world. I’ve had dozens of nice, expensive hair cuts in my life, but none of them come close to this! Super low-​maintenance– I never had to blow dry or work hard to get it to sit just the way I wanted it. It took a full year for me to even consider getting a trim, and now (18 months later) I still haven’t brought myself to let anyone else touch my hair! I’m planning another vacation this fall and crossing my fingers I’ll be able to schedule a time with her again! :)

she is great at not only at cutting hair but listening and being a good sport. her cuts are like great sculptures standing the test of time, looking great for months to come. She has also been very welcoming with feedback and the occasional adjustment visit a day or so after. catching up with Dara is wonderful, and taking her haircuts home is a treat.

Dara Roberts’s salon is super easy to get to, in an area of SF where there are lots of chic upstair salons. I LOVE the way it is decorated. You step into a high-​end yet comfortable space and I immediately feel relaxed and welcomed.
I love that she takes her time to really understand how I want my hair designed.
(Who wants a rushed hair cut? When I get a spa experience I want it to be un-​rushed) This is a fabulous un-​rushed spa hair experience. Here hands are amazing during the shampoo/​conditioner — she gives the most amazing scalp and neck massage. Amazing!
My cut is gorgeous with Dara and she also used some great organic hair colors. She dyes my hair with care, and my hair feels SO much healthier with the natural hair colors, BUT it still «pops» with vibrant color. I love it.
She never pushes the «every 6 weeks» thing that other stylists /​hair designers push. She cuts and colors hair so that it looks great as it grows out. She seems open to me coming for color and cut whenever I want to.
I like my hair to look Wild sometimes, and professional at other times. She nails it – It is the BEST investment that I can make to look good out in the world and really feel like ME.
She is also really big on the finishing work — making sure that the hair cut and colors really show one another off. My hair looks and feels great and everyone I meet loves it too. Thanks Dara!

Dara has been designing my hair for over 12 years. I say «designing» because she is an artist in every sense. She is very intuitive, a good listener and extremely skilled. You can’t ask for more in a hair stylist. I am the woman in the pictures with curly hair. About 5 years ago, I cut it off (that’s me in the photos). Since then, I’ve let it grow long (that is also me with the long curly hair) and Dara added highlights. I get compliments on my hair all the time. I moved away from SF but I still make the 1.5 hour drive up there to get my hair done.

Dara is a wonderful stylist. She’s got a great eye for flattering cuts and colors. I have thick, wavy hair that hasn’t looked better since I started seeing Dara. I continually get compliments on my ‘do. Dara’s also an amazing sound healer and singer and brings a great deal of intention and calm into her sessions. I highly recommend working with her (and don’t hesitate to ask for sound healing — she’s truly amazing!).

Thank you Dara! For the most beautiful Color and the EXTRA Special Care and treatment! My every need was attended to, and extra special care taken to ensure the best for my hair and the service you gave me. Your loving attention to detail was noticed and appreciated! I love too that it is all organic! Lakshmi

If you are lucky enough to have Dara as your stylist, count yourself lucky. In full disclosure, I knew Dara’s husband as a professional colleague before I knew her. He and his friends had highly recommended her to me, and so, I tried her out. And this will sound corny, but so be it: meeting her changed my life.
Dara is more than a hair stylist. She is an energy worker, a healer, an artist, a singer, and a confidante. You not only look freakin’ a-​m-​a-​z-​i-​n-​g when you walk out of her salon, you FEEL energized and rejuvenated.
If you just want your hair cut, go to SuperCuts or any of the hipster stylists you can find by the dozen in SF. Seriously.
I have been seeing Dara for at least 2 years now… maybe more. Every single time I leave her salon, I am *blissfully* happy. Most recently, I asked Dara to transform my long locks to something light, free, playful, and MUCH shorter… and 12″ later (!), I got my wish. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love my hair. Yet again!
Yes, it takes awhile to get your appointment. So plan ahead. Yes, she often isn’t taking new clients. There’s a simple reason for this; she’s great. But she’s worth the wait. Yes, you often wait a bit when you arrive at your scheduled appointment time. So plan some extra time, bring a magazine, or be prepared to possibly do some shopping across the street. (Truth is, Dara almost always calls when she’s running behind.) The reason all these things are true is that she truly gives EVERY client her all when she is working on their head. Nothing less. Every single person that sits down in front of her receives her full attention, passion, talent, and meticulous artistry.
I think a good metaphor is that Dara is to hair what the «slow food movement» is to food… Do yourself a favor: sit down, slow down, take a break, get a relaxing scalp massage, focus on yourself for a couple hours, drink some tea, and play/​collaborate with someone who is truly gifted at finding that intersection where your inner beauty meets your outward presence. And walk out a changed woman (or man!).

Dara still gives great cuts, but I’ve finally given up on her flaky behavior. I’ve put up with it for years, rationalizing that all artists can’t necessarily be good business people. But enough is enough.
I’ve wasted so much time sitting in her waiting area reading magazines — and I don’t mean 5 or 10 minutes; I mean 30 to 45 minute delays every single time — that I’ve asked her to call me when her previous client was leaving the salon.
She also frequently (at least every other time) calls to move appointments we’ve scheduled months in advance (at her insistence). This last appointment she called TWICE to move it, and then eventually called and asked to move it back to the original date and time. And this was after she couldn’t schedule me when I actually wanted to come — even 8 to 9 weeks out — because she was already booked solid.
Apparently, there are many people who are more patient than I am, or she’s just decided that a long-​term client can be treated this poorly on a regular basis.

I discovered Dara because i asked a random stranger on the street with amazing hair where she got it cut. Then i checked the reviews on Unilocal.
It really did take forever to get an appointment– no joke. I called probably like 4 times in 6 months before i got the message that she was taking new clients on a cancellation basis only. The only reason why i was so persistent is because i’ve had some seriously bad, seriously expensive haircuts in the last couple of years.
Dara was awesome! Not only did she give me a fantastic harcut (totally new style), but she was super cool & down to earth. I am SO OVER the über pretentious salons in this city that just try way too hard. I just want a good haircut!
Anyhoo, salon was great– relaxing, good vibe, and had amazing views. I left with my hair styled so well that for the first time in years i didn’t have to pull the contraband baseball cap and rubber bands out of my bag and run home to re-​style my hair (girls, you know what I’m talking about…).
Fantastic!

After seeing the same person for almost 8 years with the same basic look, that I did love, I finally ventured out to the unknown and tried someone different (blame it on the year of the Dog). Even after making great friends with my wonderful Hairstylist, I had to make a change. Its not you, its me! I swear.
After finding Dara on Unilocal and reading how she creates a work of art that reflects the natural movement of the leaves in a tree during a wift of zephyr, I booked the 2 month in advance apt. Wow! Is she that good, what if it is all hype?
Finally my day came and I rode the bart to Powell and as I was walking and bulldozing my way amongst all the tourists and annoying shoppers, and trying not to relieve my pockets of money to all the people asking, I made it to her door.
She walked up and the air around her was one of down to earth wisdom with a flair of spunkiness I immediately warmed to. Ok, this is going to be ok. Still felt incredibly guilty by changing hairstylists, but that was overidden by excitement of change in the hands of someone who knows.
Well, Dara knows. And the healer that she is, she transformed my lifeless locks into a glowing layered shapely life I had always sought but never knew how to get. I started out slow, with conservative layers to open up my face, and after three times, I have the shortest layers I can get keeping the length. I now have flair spiked with moderate spunkiness, and I am loving it. Each time I come I want to go more dramatic by trying new things, now that is trust. It grows out amazingly well and the shape keeps me looking put together but most importantly, naturallly so.
That is the best I can sum it up to. A natural inflection of who the next person you can be. Whether it is a conservative doo, or a more punk view, you can trust Dara with her powers to make you a new wonderful you.
Even my twelve year old neice noticed my new hair, and the first words out of her mouth: Wow, love your bangs, your hair looks so… natural. That coming from a twelve year old girl. Now that is impressive.

I went here based on lots of positive Unilocal reviews, but for these kind of prices I would think Ms Roberts could hire a person to man the phone. Paying strictly in cash is so inconvenient.
I think the cuts are okay, but I don’t think she is a color specialist and I wasn’t terribly happy with the color.
Not to mention it took her an extremely long time to do the color. Anyway, I just can’t get too excited about it, coz there are too many hurdles to get to this place. But once you get there, the view is killer.
But if I have to pay extra for the view, forget it.

I have long hair. And I used to have *REALLY* long hair. Hair that would go out of control curly at the slightest humidity. Hair that other stylists would often cut way too much off of, and without understanding the zen of wavy hair.
But Dara understands what to do with my long, wavy locks. For the first time, I am comfortable enough to leave myself completely in the hands of a stylist, and not to try to micromanage the details of the haircut. We chat about how much I want off, and what hue will make me happy, then Dara works her magic.
And as the other Unilocalers have noted, she gives THE BEST scalp and neck massages ever. I’d go in just for that between haircuts if I could.

Another great find from Unilocal.Dara is a quick 2 stop BART/​MUNI Metro ride from the Financial District, and so it’s easy to skip out of work for a quick cut!
Dara gives the best scalp massages EVAR! When I am coming down with a headache, I just have to dream of that awesome massage, and no Advil needed.
Hands down, there is no doubt about her detailed and precise hair-​cutting skills.
Hands down, she has a savvy one-​person business plan.
Hands down, she is one of the most personable stylists.
This stylist is solid, period.

When I leave Dara Roberts’ salon, I do not look like a fool. Only someone with a stylist history as bleak as mine can understand the importance of this.
My hairs thank her. All of ‘em.

I DREAD cutting my hair because stylists never seem to know what to do with my thick, yet fine, wavy/​straight long mane. Thank God I found Dara on Unilocal!My hair has never been so happy and bouncy! I constantly receive compliments on my hair, whether it be fresh after a cut with Dara, or even two months into growing it out. (You know it’s a great cut when people compliment it when it’s between cuts!)
I asked for a consultation, which she provided gratis, and I loved the way she worked and what she visualized. I booked my appointment one month out and waited. Well worth the wait.
She spent quality time cutting, analyzing, and shaping my hair into a beautiful cut. She is the ONLY stylist who has ever been able to INSTINCTIVELY know how to balance out my usual lop-​sided hair-​that-​is-​heavier-​on-​the-​left-​than-​the-​right side.
Her highlights and lowlights were also blended perfectly, and gave me that «natural» look that I like.
I’ve been to numerous stylists, both in the East Bay and San Francisco, and her prices are very reasonable.
Thank you Dara!

Dara Roberts is a genius. She knows exactly what to do with your hair (even if you haven’t the slightest clue what you want), she’s incredibly patient and she’s a perfectionist. She’ll spend some time massaging your head and neck while your hair is being shampooed, which I had never experienced before seeing Dara and I LOVE IT.
She is also incredibly friendly and will offer you tea when you come in and ask how you are (but actually want to know the answer). She’s awesome. I love you, Dara Roberts. My hair thanks you.

Just got my cut about 3 hours ago… Dara is a TOTAL artist!
She sat me down and we briefly chatted about what I was looking to do, my likes, dislikes and so on. Then she got right to playing with my hair, pulling it up to ‘fake’ new hairstyle options. Checking it out from various angles. It was amazing… I’ve never had anyone take such care before even starting to cut my hair!
Then, once we decided on an option… she sculpted my new look… I mean, she cut strands in groups, one section at a time and slowly created a masterpiece. I loved watching her work. I felt like a piece of art that she was putting her best effort into for an important event — like I was going to be displayed as her work at a big gallery! She truly seemed to love what she was doing…
Also, she is very friendly and easy to talk to. We gabbed away the whole time about everything… traveling, fruits and vegetable seasons, pets and significant others. It felt like catching up with an old friend! The whole experience was amazing…
She was running a bit late and then took the full hour to work with me but it was worth every minute… and every penny!!! Dara’s efforts are worth a fortune but her price is reasonable. One thing I didn’t know until it was paying time is that she doesn’t accept credit cards!!! So please bring cash or a checkbook!!! Perhaps someone already mentioned this on here but I only made it through the first ten reviews before I was totally convinced I wanted an appointment *smirk* So I might have missed it.
Anyways, the whole appointment was like a spa treatment… massage, consultation, therapy (we chatted away) and I came out looking like a star. I love my new cut. I went in with no idea what I wanted but came out with a cut I absolutely love!
You HAVE to give Dara a try…

I found Dara and Unilocal at the same time and, as it turns out, both were amazing finds.
I hadn’t been to see a stylist for a few years when I finally decided I had had enough of my hair and had to at least get some old scruff chopped off.
So I did an online search and found the reviews page for Dara. I was impressed with the comments since I was looking for exactly this sort of experience –Someone who’ll listen to all my requirements (easy to take care of, professional but with some personality, something I won’t have to blow-​dry straight every morning etc.) and then play within those boundaries.
She gave me a trim and layers the first time (I was being cautious) but after that grew out and grew wild I made another visit and a bigger commitment to change.
She’s an artist. People I hardly talk to at work were stopping me to tell me they loved my hair. I heard it from nearly everyone on my floor (and some folks on other floors). I’ve included a before and after in my photos. Judge for yourself.

Dara is awesome. My hair has never looked better and it’s a very low maintenance do. She’s great with curls and waves. Her first available appointment was two weeks out and I’m glad that I decided to wait.
Update: a year and a half later, I’m still going to Dara. She’s the best thing that ever happened to my head.

As nearly everyone has pointed out — Dara is an incredible artist. She is one of the few hairstylists I have come across that seems to truly love what she does. The time and patience which she put into my haircut could only come from the hands of someone who has a very real passion for what they do. Tonight, I couldn’t stop shaking my hair and running my hands through it. I can hardly wait for tomorrow to wake up and revisit the art that has descended on my head… but back to Dara.
My hair is pretty easy to work with, so I’ve never had a bad haircut (minus my mom’s horrible cuts as a child), but I’ve also had very few exceptional haircuts. Dara reached exceptional and then some. She listened to everything I wanted and executed it perfectly. Her head massage alone was worth the cost of the haircut paired with her great energy. Dara takes such pride in her work and cut, that I would recommend her to anyone, regardless of their budget. I am that confident in her abilities. Finding a hairstylist that revels in the art of cutting hair is pretty hard nowadays. Finding a hairstylist that allows you to relax and breathe is even harder. Dara is not only one of the best hair masters I have come across, but a genuine break from all the hectic chaos of daily life. Simply put — her number is being saved in my phone — for next time.

I have very fine, very straight hair and when I find someone who can make it do something resembling ‘style’ I stick with them. That’s why I went the the same hairdresser for 13 years. But then I moved and thus began my quest. Three years later I had almost given up. I was to the point that I would make treks back to my old home town just to see my hairdresser.
One day, on a whim I searched on Unilocal and through a series of links ended up on the page for Dara. After reading the reviews I decided ‘what the heck, it’s only hair’ and made an appointment.
I always start every hairdresser with the ‘ultimate test’. I sit in his/​her chair, look them in the face and say «I don’t ‘know what I want, but I has to be classy, professional and EASY to style» Rather then give me the look of horror and fear that I was used to seeing in a stylist’s eyes, Dara smiled and enthusiastically started giving me ideas. Before long we had come to an agreement and she went to work. What I walked out with was a GREAT hairstyle that not only met my requirements but looked FABULOUS!
My next visit I handed her a new challenge. A photo of a hairstyle I liked that was drastically different from what I was wearing. She tackled this problem like the pro she is. Not only did she give me the hairstyle pictured, but she managed to make it MINE by altering it to fit my face shape and hair type. I also let her color my hair this visit. What a treat! She used a mix of techniques and a variety of colors that complimented my new style and gave me the ‘look’ I was looking for — a mix of funky and professional that satisfies both my personalities. I’ve gotten more compliments on this one color then I have all other color ‘jobs’ I’ve even had — combined. It’s been three months and I still get complements. A testament to how fabulously it’s grown out. No ‘dye line’ in site.
I can honestly say that Dara is an artist. She doesn’t just cut hair she designs it. I’ve never met anyone who was such a perfectionist. Just when you think she’s ‘done’ she’s whipped out the scissors or the blade and is attacking another section of hair that she isn’t happy with. It’s this kind of attention to detail that will keep me coming back again and again.
And as someone else said — the head/​neck/​shoulder rub is worth the price of the cut alone!

I love Dara, very down to earth person with a modern style. Shapes Salon is a very comfortable salon with a nice view and Dara just makes it better. Like many woman that have had long, beautiful hair their whole life, cutting it can be a very scary thing. Dara was very comforting and knew exactly what I wanted for lift and an over all, beautiful, low maintenance style. Google her for her website.
04÷30÷06
So I am in Sydney and I am really missing Dara and the magic she does to my hair. Once you go to a good stylist you start to wonder what the heck you were doing paying 15 buckaroos for a hair cut. I went to a 25 buck place thinking I would save money and we have all been to super cuts at least once so I thought thats how it would be. NOOOO. It was the worst cut EVER! I had to get it fixed for 80 bucks, from this great Irish lady in Surry Hills (Oz land) but they just don’t know whats up. So when I get home I am going straight to Dara. Dara I miss you!