Acme Head & Body
Categories: Hair Salons, Nail Salons [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Nob Hill266 Sutter St
Ste 2
(at Grant Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94108 (415) 989-2263
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
10 reviews
Neighborhood: Union Square
"I was down the street at the dentist and looked on yelp for a nail salon in the area and found Lux. Popped in around 5pm and sat down for my…" read more »
67 Reviews for Acme Head & Body
Preston is incredible. I hate when I go to a stylist with a picture or explanation and they nod emphatically then proceed to do nothing resembling my dream haircut. Preston is quite the opposite, not only does he listen, but if he ever deviates he makes it clear why and it always ends up looking even better then anything I could dream up. Preston has the perfect blend of being super cool hairstylist who styles hair for photo shoots and ad campaigns and being an easy going guy who is as passionate about dance shows on TV as I am. Not only is he well worth the price but he also provides free fringe cleanups, so that you have perfect looking hair for an entire 6 weeks instead of it having to get bobby pinned up after week one! I highly recommend Acme Salon and Preston in particular if you have had yet another frustrating hair cut or are just looking for someone new in SF.
Clifford was my hair and makeup artist for my wedding. After our initial meeting, I trusted him completely on my hair and makeup. He took his time and went the extra mile to make sure I looked gorgeous on the big day. I loved working with him so much, I am considering going to him regularly even though his salon is a little far from me.
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After moving to the Bay Area, I held stubborn and refused to wean myself from my stylist in LA, cutting and styling my hair only when I returned to visit home. But lately I acknowledged that this was a very inconvenient way of going about things and~ based on Yelp reviews~ booked an appointment with Lindsay for a sunny Wednesday afternoon.
The salon is small and located unexpectedly on the second floor of a building in the busy financial district. If you get a salon chair by the window you can look out at the bustling streets below. There are the standard style-oriented magazines to read while you wait (although I wish they would add some Elle or Marie Claire to the mix) and you can wet your lips with complimentary beer, wine, water, or tea. I opted for a glass of white wine to take the first-time jitters off, but it turns out I needn't have worried.
Lindsay is an energetic woman with short wavy hair who wears her styling tools slung around her waist the way a cowboy would wear his holster. She worked quickly and efficiently but took the time to be thorough and made sure I understood everything she was going to do before she snipped one strand off my head.
I suppose I could take off one star for being a little pricey ($200 even for a cut and basic color, before tip), but I'd rather pay any amount of money than walk out of a salon with hair that I didn't like.
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Preston Nesbit - is an amazing person and a fabulous hair stylist - not to mention makeup artist. I have used Preston both Professionally as a Makeup and Hair Stylist for the past 3 years as well as personally for my hair care and styling. ACME salon is a great salon and they always make you feel at home. Highly recommend Preston and ACME to everyone out there...
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Preston is a genius, no two ways about it. He did hair and makeup for my wedding, and I was beyond thrilled with the results. He listened, gives his honest opinion, and then proceeded to whip up something even better than I had imagined... all with a smile on his face and some really excellent conversation. I only wish I had met him sooner!
I've been going to Acme Head & Body for a couple of years now because Preston is amazing. He's obviously skilled in styling hair, but he is also able to listen to what you want and share his professional thoughts as well, so you collaborate on a really great style just for you. I have always loved my cuts from Preston, even days later when I style it myself at home. Preston's fantastic and the salon is very charming, with wonderful antique dressers as the hairstylist stations with large windows that let in lots of light. Acme Head & Body is very conveniently located right downtown, so you can get gorgeous then go shopping to buy clothes to match your new 'do.
Having recently moved to San Francisco, I was way overdue for color and cut, but also nervous about trying a new stylist. I went to Clifford based on the Yelp reviews and was so pleased. I color b/c of premature greying, but didn't quite know what color I wanted at this point. I also had no clue on the haircut. All I knew was SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE AND FAST! Clifford really had great ideas that kept in mind my need to look natural, and not spend a lot of time on my hair in the morning. And, while waiting for the color to set he did this amazing eyebrow shaping and played with my make up and we watched the beginning of the Sex in the City film on his computer. It was a fun and productive appointment and I will be returning every six weeks to keep it all looking good! I haven't felt this good about my hair in a very long time.
FYI- VERY easy online appointment system.
This place, and my fab stylist Preston rock! I have been going to him for almost a year now and am completely happy. He always does a great job and we have a ball catching up and chit-chatting. He's so easy to get along with- fun and hip without any attitude you might expect from such a posh location. This cool dude has never pushed product on me and always gives me a great, professional haircut, with lots of laughs.
- Parking at the garage a block away: $5.
- Getting offered a beer as I walk in: zero
- Knowing I'll look great tomorrow for that hot date/interview/photo shoot...: priceless.
New school year, new hairdo. I took the leap of faith with Lindsay, placing myself in her experienced hands with only the instructions to "go a little different, but not too different." I'm about that indecisive. Lindsay, however, delivered. It's absolutely what I wanted---and I didn't even know what I wanted going in.
It's a bit pricey. Average for the area, it seems. I think it was worth it. Good show.
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I've never met a hair dresser that could give me a great looking trim without taking much hair off! They always take too much off no mater how emphatic i am. i have long hair and want too keep it that way but i was in bad need of a trim. It was a miracle. Somehow Carol meticulously cut my dead ends off and there was barley any hair on the floor! AMAZING! i love it, i want more
FINALLY found a stylist in San Francisco!!! yipee!!
Go to Clifford (www.cliffordstyle.com) if:
1) you have long hair and don't want to chop it off
2) going for the natural look
He is amazing.. I left yesterday feeling like a celebrity.. seriously he is great.. and not overly pricey
He has a private room, which is really nice also. I will be back!
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Thank you everyone for the wonderful compliments and messages.
I'm so glad I have helped you all seek service from Clifford. He's so honest and firm with what he can and cant do/ will and won't do. He's not money hungry and it shows. It's such a wonderful thing about him. I wish I found him sooner... then maybe I wouldn't have such damaged hair.
Good luck to you all!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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08/22/2008
Four months ago, Allan of Allan Salon in San Jose DAMAGED my hair and my hair now requires numerous… Read more »
I've been to this place twice in the last 2 months. Yes, I go to get my haircut every 4 weeks, sometimes 5 if I'm on vacation.
My girlfriend even went with me last time to get a dye job and loved it, guess she'll be back. Overall, great place. Very talented people and in with my girl, that's a bonus.
Lindsay is sooo awesome! I've known Lindsay since she was born and I'm not surprised to read these rave reviews. I travel all the way from Palm Springs just because I trust no one but Lindsay to work her wonders on me. She has taken me from gray and balding to bold, brassy and curly! Although she is a little pricey, she is well worth it. Besides, when I'm gone, she is going to get it anyway.
Love,
Dad
PS: Kudos to you Lins, on a lot of great reviews from your customers!
Having been recently abandoned by my longtime hairstylist, I was on the lookout for a new stylist, getting various cheap cuts when I was in dire straits and in need of a trim. I had researched a bunch of stylists on Yelp and decided to go with Acme, specifically Lindsay.
Going to a new stylist can be nerve-wracking for me, so I was nervous, but hopeful that Lindsay would be able to understand my needs for my hair (something easy, something that would work with the texture of my hair, something I could wash and wear because I am a busy grad student, but also something that would look decent and put together).
That was a mighty tall order.
And Lindsay filled that order and then some.
She was very professional and yet friendly all at once. We went over my hair ideas and she suggested some different ideas that could work with my awkward hair length (right at the shoulders, ugh). After a lovely shampoo, Lindsay went to work on my hair, giving me a layered cut that works with my natural waves and cut a little of the length off, too.
Lindsay offered to style it straight or curly and I opted for curly. She showed me how to bring out the waves and curls in my hair while combating the frizz that can come about through too much handling and walking around in the fog banks in SF. She twisted my hair into ringlets and dried it with a diffuser. It looked fantastic! I was very happy with the style and its low-maintenance qualities.
I left feeling very happy with my experience and confident that I could redo the style with similar results. I would love to come back and see Lindsay for color and cuts.
Just a note about the hair salon itself: it is a very breezy and open space. The elevator takes you right up to the salon itself and you are thrust into the space. I loved the decor! I also picked up some Davines products, but they also carry a few other lines as well.
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Sassy, sexy, beautiful and hot. These were some of the compliments I got after Lindsay worked her magic.
I had very long hair that I was loathe to cut but knew that I needed a change. With great trepidation, I made an appointment based on the reviews I read on Yelp. I took a picture in and we talked a bit about the cut, how it would look on me, the shape of my face and texture of my hair. We used the picture as a start but Lindsay modified it to work for me. I went from waist length hair to ear-lobe length so it was very drastic and scary as she cut it away.
I love how I look and feel. The cut looks fantastic. It's hip, sassy, and uniquely me. I've gotten more compliments from everyone I know and even people I don't know. I have praised her name to all who would listen. I'm very hard to please and I'm pleased. I was also pleased with the cost. She is very reasonable for the service you get. Make your appointment now!
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I moved to the city about two years ago and have been on a hunt to find a stylist that I'd be excited to return to. My hair is very difficult and I've been so unhappy with the bad color jobs and pricey hair cuts that really never seem worth it.
I saw Kimberly G at Acme for a cut and color (the night before a job interview) and could not have been happier. I absolutely loved my hair right after it was done (sometimes it takes me a few days to get used to things) and have continued to love it for the past 8 weeks. I am amazed at how long the color has lasted and the cut has held up. I have found my permanent hair salon and am so happy. Another plus- her online appointment booking system makes it so easy to schedule with her. She also gave me some great tips on my hair which I have been using every morning since.
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I choose to go to Acme because of all the wonderful reviews on Yelp. Granted they were mostly specific to stylists who weren't available but I really needed to get my color done. Holly was able to accomodate me and was just WONDERFUL. She not only did a beautiful job on my hair, she did it with a lot of class. We discussed my needs and she offered honest guidance then excecuted our plan perfectly. I feel I should mention, I do NOT go to the salon often because there are more bad hair stylist then good and I'm very picky about my hair. So when I find a wonderful person, I'm so grateful. Thank you, Holly! Weeks later and I'm still getting compliments.
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I love this place. I actually found it through yelp haha. It is in the perfect location, walkable distance from BART and in the heart of Union Square. Paul Frank, Banana Rep, Chinatown down the street, what else can I ask for ???
Anyways everyone that works there is pretty friendly. I don't get the "I think I am better than you vibe", which you tend to get at a lot of salons. I love Holly, she is awesome!!!! I am not that chatty so it is nice not to have someone try to force it. She also understands that I am a low maintenance chick, so she always gives me a hair cut that suits my lifestyle.
It is the scariest thing to get out of your comfort zone. I have had like the same hair style forever always the med/long hair with layers. So when I actually went for the big chop chop, I felt comfortable because honestly I trusted her. I love my new hairstyle! Instead of hiding my face with all my hair, I can now walk around more proud and confident, which feels great!!!! It is funny how a little thing can change so much.
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I just got back from getting my hair done w/ Lindsay for probably the gazillionth time.
She did such an amazing job (yet again) that I felt inspired to write about it. Not just about Acme Head and Body salon, which is great and they have plenty of talented stylists. but Lindsay needs her own page on Yelp!
I have a mop of a head of hair. Its long and thick and unruly at times. I see Lindsay pretty religiously every 8-10 weeks to try to reign in this mass on top of my head.
She always gives amazing suggestions on both cut and color. An absolute genius in color, she always gets it right. Never brassy, never too red--she just knows what to do.
That's not to say if you want something specific she won't do it--she can follow your instruction to a tee and knows what you're saying almost before it comes out of your mouth.
Go see her!
And, another bonus: they have an appointment booking system online at www.acmeheadandbody.com so you can see what time slots are available, book and confirm your appointment all at once!
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Ok Clifford just gave me a haircut yesterday. It was not just a haircut. It was an all-out bombshell - sexpot - "yes, I carry my own windmachine with me" haircut.
I walked out onto Union Square. Catcall.
I left the BART station. Catcall.
I am not an extraordinarily attractive person and wasn't wearing anything particularly fetching. It was the hair! Thank you, Clifford.
He also did my eyebrows. If an eyebrow could elicit a catcall, I'm sure Clifford could make it possible for you.
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Preston is one of the best hair sylists in San Francisco. Nice, sweet, funny, charming personality and he makes you feel and look great. I got a haircut from him, that was one of the best cuts ever. My hair looked great for 8 weeks based on the cut alone (everything else just fell into place). He is the sweetest man too and he knows hair. Love him!
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Believe the hype!
Clifford really is a genius with hair and took me out of my comfort zone (I asked him to) just ever so slightly but let me keep my length. I was apprehensive at first, but I walked out feeling glamorous and polished. I could go on an on about Clifford's expertise, but i know he gets shy when people talk about him, so I'll rave also about the online appointment feature.
I looooooove being able to check the stylist's schedule online and see where I can fit in a treatment that works with my schedule without having to go back and forth interpolating with a receptionist and guessing when would be a good time to come in. It has made it far less painful to get and keep an appointment and the email reminders are nice too! The services are on the pricey side, and the salon isn't especially glamorous-looking, but I really liked the no-bull@#$% super fantastic results.
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Kimberly Givsan ROCKS!!!
All the stylists here book their own appointments and manage their own clients but I love that boutique feeling that system gives. I switched from a good friend because I needed someone closer to work/home (sorry Val!). I haven't gone to any of the other stylists at Acme but my experience with Kim has been fantastic.
LOVE the online appointment system: http://www.kimberlyg.com
She gave me a disconnected layered cut for my long straight hair and did an amazing job with my bangs. I said "don't give me the Jennifer Aniston!" and she didn't--haha.
She's also a total sweetheart and I feel like I am spending time with a friend. Anyhow definitely call and ask to see her. She also does color but I am trying to give my hair a dye break.
P.S. They're above the Paul Frank store and every time I go to Acme, the Paul Frank store calls to me...curse you, evil monkey!
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I just returned from my second visit with Kimberly G. for highlights. I wanted to wait until my second visit to review her, because the colorists I have tried the last few times have done a good job the first time, but couldn't get it right the second time. Anyway, thank you to all the yelpers who recommended Kimberly! I am thrilled with the color -- it is the blonde I have always wanted -- perfectly light, golden strands that are not in the least bit orange. And her prices are about the most reasonable I've found in SF, which leaves me with some extra cash to pick up a new lipstick at Fresh across the street. Thank you, Kimberly!
Ladies, you know how hard it can be to find a stylist and I SWEAR by Lindsay. She single-handedly saved my hair from a home perm DISASTER (I was pretty much set to not leave the house until it all grew out) and managed to give me a cut that looked hot bone straight or super curly (my hair is naturally curly) which is hard for a lot of stylists to do. She's also hella fun to talk to and gives good relationship advice ;-) I heard about her from a friend and now I turn all of my friends on to her too!
Tried this new salon for the first time and was very pleased! Preston does wonders to you hair! I consider myself a difficult customer because I have lots of curly, thick hair and he tamed it all down! Excellent job with the highlights as well!!
Lindsay was EXCELLENT! I yelped out to find a place to get my hair cut and all the 5 stars I had to give it a try. Lindsay asked me what I wanted and I gave her total control. I told her I wanted something easy to take care of but with a bit of style. I have a cowlick in the front and it's always been a challenge to work with. She was the first stylist in 38 years to show me how to deal with it. THANK YOU! I have a whole new style and face shape due to Lindsay. I still havn't managed to make it look as good as she did, but it looks way better...and I'm still learning. HIGHLY Recommend!
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I can't even remember the last time that my hair didn't piss me off. My hair never has the effortlessly neat n' polished look nor that cool messy look,.
So, we're going to San Diego this weekend for a cousin's wedding and this is the first time that I am going to meet the girlfriend's parents. Yikes! Made worse only by my ratty, frizzy, constantly ponytailed head. I need help.
I yelped for a salon and found this place. The rave reviews and tales from other coiffure-ly challenged out my anxious mind at ease.
So, after work the girlfriend and I headed out for some dinner and an 8:45pm appt with Kimberly. Now, my girlfriend was thinking that I was nuts/frivolous/spoiled/princess-y to spend so much on a haircut. The glass of cab that Kimberly gave her seemed to change her mind.
Kimberly right away sensed my frustration with my hair and told me what she thought would be ideal for me- which coincidentally was exactly what I wanted. HOWEVER, my hair was not able to oblige. The rat bastard who mangled my hair before did not leave the layers long enough. The only way to "fix" it would've been to cut my hair short. Hells no! She offered to cut some bangs and fix the layers to help the grow out process be less traumatic. Long story short, she did a fantastic job, gave my bangs that I have always wanted and never thought I could have. My booze-y girlfriend approved and we left with me swinging my hair around like a happy dog. YAY! The millisecond that my hair grows out enough, I will be in Kimberly' chair getting the haircut I've always wanted. THANK YOU Kimberly!!!!!
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Weird... I think I saw Shawna S at ACME today.
It is sorta hard to miss a red RED head of hair.
At any rate, Preston and I go way back and he gets me... I say I want a mix between Buster Keaton and Bladerunner and he's on it.
I tell him that he is an extremely disciplined stylist, whereas most others want to cut cut cut cut trim trim trim trim... Preston knows how to leave the front if you want it long or the back if you want it shaggy.
In fact, he often reads my mind about those thingss and still approaches it gently as if I might disagree, he'll say "if you don't mind, I really like the front long..."
And I'm like, "SERIOUS that is what I want!!!"
It's good. He's good. They have beer and wine.
But there are an alarming amount of fake looking reviews on this page. Yelp-Police may need to step in.
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I walked down Sutter Street with a handkerchief tied around my head and large sunglasses that covered my face. I looked left and I looked right before I headed into the doorway next to Posh Bagel that lead to Acme Head and Body. I was incognito, hiding from my stylist...
Okay... so it wasn't THAT serious. But I SERIOUSLY felt I was cheating on my stylist. I decided to see Holly at Acme Head and Body because she styled my hair during the YELP event at Therapeia this past November. So I said, "What the hey... let me give her a try!"
The first time I went to visit was to get my hair in an updo for my sister's and my Bond Girls and Villains Party. I asked for a fancy beehive to make myself a 60s inspired bond girl and Holly totally delivered! Everyone LOVED my hair and most important --- I loved my hair.
So decided to go back a couple of months later get my hair cut and dyed black and I LOVED it!!! Holly was awesome. I decided to keep my hair long and she was able to put some movement in my often drab hair. At first, the color wasn't as dark as I wanted but it wasn't her fault. I didn't specify how dark I wanted it. When I told her, she happily took some time out of one of her days to make it darker for me. She was fantabulous!
Cheating on my hair dresser had never been more worth it. I think I'll be sticking to Holly for a while.
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Kimberly G: can you say miracle worker? There, I said it: Miracle Worker. I came to with hair *ruined* by another salon, and she took me in hand and fixed me right up. Not only was my hair ruined, but I was petrefied of stylists adfter my last experience, and she did as much to sooth my nerves as recreate my color. Thank you!
After experiencing an absolutely *horrific* haircut by another salon that left my hair looking like a chia pet (and I'm still cursing it and growing it out FIVE months later!), I got a referral to Preston from a cute Ford model who works at the Pottery Barn in Corte Madera. His side-swept bang made my jaw drop at the register ... in return for sliding my credit card across that counter, I needed to know who the scissors were behind that seriously adorable do.
Flash forward a month later and I'm sitting in Preston's chair. Ok, not only is he BEYOND dagger cute, sweet and charming, he knows how to take hair that looks like complete and utter sh*t and turn it into a sexy, stunning, head-turner.
And p.s. For those brunettes among us, he loves working with our neglected end of the hair-coloring rainbow. No hideous skunky blond highlights growin' out on his watch. He likes to play up what you got ... seriously, what's not to love about him?!
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Went here today to get my hair colored. Carol sat with me to discuss exactly what it was she was going to do to my hair, so there were no surprises like at some other salons. She colored my hair and did a fantastic job. Everyone in the salon is extreamly nice and they make sure you are comfortable.
Moved to the city recently and needed to find a new stylist. Based on her other great reviews, I went to Kimberly G at Acme for highlights and a cut. She was AWESOME! Super nice and did a fantastic job - listened to what I wanted & spent extra time getting it just right. The cut is great and the highlights (blonde) are gorgeous. I will absolutely be back to see her. Definitely recommended.
This place is small, in a great way. It feels like everyone here knows each other, they always have a pot of tea and coffee brewing, and are ready to serve.
I went to Carol from an ad she placed on Craigslist looking for a hair subject. I was tired of my sorta wavy, longish, blah hair and didn't know what I wanted, so I responded and put 100% of my trust in her.
I left with an adorable look that catches everyone's eye! I loved it so much, that I now continue to schedule my appointments only with her, to keep it looking sharp.
Its a bit pricey, but really not bad for a nice salon in San Francisco.
After my favorite girl Kai left VS, I went to Kimberly for highlights (thanks Yelp!) The reviews were accurate, she did a great job.
The only downside is that my hair was quite dry afterwards and took a few Phyto deep conditions to get back in shape. I'm not sure what the salon uses. The color looks great though.
Update: Last visit to Kimberly, she took my review seriously and was conscientious about the potential for dryness and quite attentive to what may be the cause and how to treat. I highly recommend Kimberly.
Online booking is so convenient too.
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Clifford did such a wonderful job, I'm so happy I found him!! I hadn't cut my hair in over a year and after I had my baby, decided to treat myself..sooo glad I did!! He did such a great job trimming my long hair without chopping it all off and gave me such awesome tips during my session!! Highly recommended!!!!! Thanks so much!!!
So I went to this salon after I googled "top ten salons, San Francisco " .. I made an appointment with Preston.. he is so awesome! He did exactly what I wanted.. my hair looks great and I will return to him.. very talented guy. He is Fierce!
Once again Yelp has saved the day...or my hair as the case may be. Frantically looking for a new hair stylist since I moved here from Chicago in January, I sought the help of fellow Yelpers. They lead me to Kimberly G (Givsan) of Acme Head and Body.
I was lucky enough to get in to see her for a hair cut, as she is usually booked weeks in advance. Once I got to the hip spot above Posh Bagel, I was pleased to find Kimberly so friendly and a great listener...not to mention her adorable dog. She listened to what I liked about my hair and what I didn't and where I wanted to go with my style. I felt comfortable with her assessing my style and off she went with her scissors. I ended up with a precise cut, the volume that I wanted, and worthy hair that I could flip around like I was in a hair ad. We also talked about the "game plan" for my hair color and I immediately booked another appointment. I'm going to see Kim tomorrow for highlights so I'm sure I'll be writing another rave review about that for all to read. Thanks Kim and thanks Yelp!
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