ColorCounter in San Diego, CA

The location is really beautiful and in a great spot for walking around after receiving a fresh new style. So, the appearance of the salon is good. However, my personal experience was not so great. I just moved from SF north bay/wine country and needed to find a new salon. Every experience I've ever had at a salon when I book a full highlight includes the color, cut, and at least blow dry if not also a little styling for the price tag of $200. Not here. I booked a full highlight per my usual and was informed when I was in the chair that it was only the color. I was not receiving a cut or blow dry for my appt selection. Ok fine, I really needed color updated. Color was beautiful, exactly what I asked for. However, when I stopped by the bathroom after the appt I had dye stain all over my forehead I could not get off!! I shamefully walked back to the car to go home to scrub my forehead instead of walking around One Paseo like I really wanted. I'm a mom of a toddler and don't get out much, so I was hoping for a little more time to myself before going home. The other annoying thing was that the stylist's next appt had not yet arrived and she asked me if I wanted a blow out. I accepted, but during the blow dry the next appt arrived so I only got half a blow dry and was charged for a full blow out. The stylist was nice and we had nice conversation additionally I did the millennial thing by not saying anything because I didn't want to make a stink about my half blow dry that I was charged full price for. Anyways. I can't go back after that.

Caren did my hair at the color counter. She did a great job giving me the light pieces I was looking for & I'm pretty happy with how they came out. Caren really knows how to mix her colors and tone the hair  perfectly. I am so glad I found her. She really made my hair look vibrant. I highly recommend Caren if you are looking for a blond expert or highlights pro. The only reason I am taking two stars away is because my roots could have been better. I noticed that they are not blended  nicely. So I described the situation to Caren and it was a lot of back and forth and not willing to work around my schedule to fix them. I also gave the option to have someone else fix the roots but still no response. If I paid $63 in tip, I don't think that is too much to ask. They have a 12 day salon policy where you have to come in within 12 days of service to get a fix up done. My stylist only works every other Saturday & I can't go in on weekdays as my work schedule is the same as the salon hours. I just feel terrible about giving them $63 in tips and not getting  the customer satisfaction.

Color is fine, but they let me walk out of the salon with DRENCHED hair.
I don't want to pay $$$ for a quick blow dry (with out styling) that was ridiculous.

Never again.
And I do not recommend.

Normally I have had great experiences here, but do not get you hair cut by Caren. I recently went for a bang trip and wanted to get slightly shorter curtain bang, yet I walk out with straight across bangs that are not even on either side. I have no choice but to wait for my hair to grow out until this hair disaster can be resolved, but if you mildly care about your appearance, do not go to Caren. I had clear images of what I wanted, but came out completely butchered.

I always go here for color and cut. I found someone new so I think I'll keep going to her. I just went yesterday and got a brilliant color and cut. But they do come at a price. For a partial highlight and cut it was $350 including tip. I think a toner would as added as well. Does my hair look like it was worth $350-no but I'm happy with the overall look and will continue going.