Urban Soul Salon

I’ve been coming to get my hair cut by Ann for years now after a recommendation from a coworker, and it’s always worth the trip across the bay (and just a few blocks from Glen Park BART). My hair is fairly coarse and very thick (Asian hair), so I always have issues with volume, especially since my hair is about chin length.
The first time I got a cut with Ann, she took some time to look at my hair to study how it grew out. She gave me a trim, and the next time I went to see her (about 6 weeks later), she took some time to study how my hair grew out from the last cut she gave me. I thought this was a great indicator that she wanted to give me the right cut and layers that were appropriate for the way my hair grew out. After haircuts at other hair salons, my hair would grow out and push everything out away from my head and neck. As my hair grows out after a cut from Ann’s, it grows longer but not out and awkward. I love this because I don’t always have the time to see her at exactly 5 – 6 weeks and can stretch out the time a bit more without looking awful.
The price is great, too, as a lot of places are usually about $ 65+ for quality cuts and the cheap/​quick stuff for $ 20 and under. Ann’s price point in the middle is just right for me.

I really don’t like going to foo foo salons where they charge and arm and leg. I’m a mom with a full time job — busy and just want a haircut that is simple to maintain.
I definitely get this with Ann — great haircut, great price, and great location.
Thanks Ann!

Went to Ann tonight for a haircut, first time. very pleased. she really listened to me and observed my hair, head shape and proportions to my body. not having brought photos, it was Ann who looked up a photo in a magazine and made a suggestion that I agreed with. she was quick and efficient. I really love the new look she gave. will return.

Ann is great! Solid communication, really steady hands, and very relaxed atmosphere. My roommate and I both have had great experiences here, and definitely will be returning.

Do yourself a favor and don’t go to this place. Not sure how others can give 4 or 5 stars but this lady does not know what she is doing. Came here for a blow dry service and she basically just shampooed and air dried my hair. Did not even dry it in parts… my hair looks even better when I fix it myself. And she claims that she «did a GREAT job». I am utterly disappointed. What a waste of time and $ 35

Second time back with Ann! This time I came half an hour before my appointment so I had a chance to sit and watch her work & chat with her client. I can really tell that she cares a lot about her clients, she has a really deep connection with everyone. This woman honestly has such a beautiful soul.
I had a really delightful talk with her during my appointment as well. I came in for a haircut & color this time, it was a little pricey but totally worth it! I brought in a picture again and of course she gave me exactly what I wanted! My favorite part of our chat was just being able to see how passionate she is about her work. Ann seriously treats every client she works on like a piece of artwork! She gives great advice & it’s just nice to hear her life story. I will be coming here for my haircuts and what not for as long as she will keep her shop open!

Ann is great! i’ve been pretty hesistant to cut my hair short because i have curly hair and no one’s really given me a cut that suits me, but she absolutely did. she even explained her styling process to me so that i know how to take care of my hair & style it correctly. i’m glad i found her! her pricing is super reasonable, too! :)

I have very curly hair, and Ann is the first stylist to cut in a way that defines the curls and gets rid of the excessive volume curls can make. I’ve been going here for 3 years and have always been very pleased.

I have been coming here for several years to get a simple men’s cut. The price is reasonable and Ann always does a good job.

Ann is awesome. She’s been doing my and my husband’s hair for about 6 months. She is fast and efficient, and does a great job. I am white and my husband is asian and she seems highly skilled with both types of hair. In fact, she does a far better job cutting my husband’s hair than the 3 previous places he tried in SF that cost much more. If you are looking to spend all day in the salon gettin’ yur hair ‘did, then Ann is not for you. Personally, I appreciate the lightening speed at which she works. I can get highlights, base color touch up, shampoo, haircut and blowout in about an hr. Since I’d much rather be spending my precious free time outside and not stuck in a salon, I am grateful for her efficiency. Thanks Ann! You’re tip top!

Ann is great. I tell her how I want my hair cut and she does it. I’ve only come to her for a cut since I don’t really dye my hair but I’ve been tempted to see how she does. Maybe one day I’ll get the courage to get my hair colored. An appointment is necessary so make sure you call ahead.

My husband and young daughter go to Ann for their haircuts. She’s done a layered cut as well as a bob cut for my daughter that have both turned out so cute. Ann is also a sweetheart.

I have been coming to Ann for more than two years, now; even though we don’t live in SF. It’s well worth the 45 minute drive and bridge toll for a superb hair cut (short or long, I’ve had both), reasonable prices, and lovely conversation. I will be loyal to Ann for as long as she and I are both in the Bay Area.

Ann did a fantastic job with my hair! I’m new to the area so was concerned about finding someone local and affordable. She’s right down the street, was so quick, efficient, friendly, and had a great personality. She listed to what I was looking for and fixed up my hair that was in desperate need of some freshening up. Also completely reasonable pricing and I was fixed up and out of there within 35 minutes. Thanks, Ann!

Well-​versed in styling all types of hair, the woman who owns this cozy salon gave me the trim and cut I requested with some helpful words of advice on making personality match your haircut. Very empathetic and conversant in Mandarin (and Cantonese) which was fun.
Will happily come back again for a perm when my hair is longer and recommend her for anyone seeking a good haircut!

Ann was good the first time I had a haircut with her. There wasn’t much to cut though since I just wanted the ends of my bob trimmed a little bit. I thought it was odd that she kept mentioning how she was trained to cut «white» people hair (I am Asian), but I just ignored it. The other thing that bugged me was her asking when I last washed my hair. She decided that she wouldn’t need to wash my hair after I told her it was this morning. She told me over the phone that it came with the haircut! But whatever, the haircut was good, not great. So, I gave her a second chance.
The second haircut was horrible! I asked for a trim since I wanted to grow my hair out. I told her not to thin out my hair too much or use the razor. What she proceeded to do was cut my hair one length in the back and used the RAZOR to give me layers and THIN out the front. My hair is now uneven and unbalanced since the back is thick and the front is thin and choppy. When I complained she tried to excuse herself by saying that this is how all hairstylists cut layers and that razors are the only way to layer. This is not true since I have had haircuts at other places that can cut layers with scissors. Obviously she is not talented enough or she is too lazy. BTW, the entire haircut, with the shampooing and conditioning, barely took half an hour. Needless to say, I am never going back. Maybe she is only suited to cut «white» people hair.

Wow! What a hidden gem. Ann is wonderful and a master at cutting *very curly* hair! I was very pleasantly surprised. I’ve been telling everyone I know.
Ann listened to my wishes (I brought in photos) and she made recommendations too based on my face and she was right. I like to go to true professionals and relax and let them do their thing. Ann is a true professional. I will become a regular, if she will have me.
She is fast, efficient and yet I left her chair feeling relaxed and happy and my curls look amazing! Best cut ever? Quite possibly. I’ll be back in 3 months for my ombré color treatment!

I had a wonderfull morning together with Ann. She might very well be the most intelligent and differntiated hairdresser in San Francisco with a super sence of humor. i had a great time.
And by the way: Her haircoloring skills are way beyond. And the cost wasway less than expected.
Any time again — when I am back in San Francisco.
(Review written by an USAmerican who lives in Europe and works in Taiwan)

When was the last time you discussed how Dōgen brought Zen to Japan with the owner of your hair salon?
I’m always scared when going to a new hair salon. This was a great experience — the overall experience almost better than the haircut. The whole adventure took over an hour as I had to wait — then I went to get Sara, a lady who had her hair colored a decaf latte from across the street — wait again — hang out across the street at Bird&Beckett where Ann finally finds me behind the «Used History» book shelf — it was a great hour.
I’ll be back on Saturday — why? the teacher of the hair salon owner will give a lecture — you guessed right — on Zen — and there will be free vegetarian food.

Ann is great!
I got a crappy haircut at a different place earlier in the week and decided to visit Urban Soul Salon because it was convenient, has great reviews, and she had an open appointment right when I needed. I couldn’t be happier.
Ann spent several minutes talking with me about what I wanted, getting an understanding of my lifestyle (I ride a bike /​wear a helmet every day), etc. She quickly knew what I’d like and also suggested some small changes based on her read of my hair, shape of my face, etc. In other words, she paid attention and gave me a cut based on all of the info available.
I’ll be going back!