Upscale Hair Gallery

Went here once, Angela did my hair. She was running 45min behind finishing up a client before she got to me. She had me under a dryer for over an hour maybe two while she hosted a skin care party and then started on another client! My hair came out looking awful! I will not be back and will not be recommending this salon to anyone.

Just walked out after being ignored for 30+ minutes. My daughter had an appointment with Angela and we waited, and waited, and waited. We asked another stylist if Angela was there and she went back to get her. After another 10 minutes of being ignored we left.

I’ve been searching for a good hairdresser in San Diego for awhile now and then I found Qiana. Wow. She is amazing and such a doll. My hair looks and feels amazing! She is so sweet and welcoming & even her shampoo feels great!!! I will absolutely be back. Also the price is amazing for the results I got!
Thank you Qiana!

I called in because my earlier place called and cancelled my appointment with them. She told me to come right in and I did. Qiana was a life saver and she really brought life to my hair. I wish I would’ve come to earlier, but I will make sure that I refer all of my friends to her. She is awesome and my hair loves her too!

Up Scale is a great salon. My son had Courtney working on his dreds for over a year. The environment is welcoming, clean and they have many stylist with differing skills. Courtney is great with dreds and barbering.

This place has been here for so long & I’m so upset I’ve just found out about it. I paid $ 50 for a shampoo condition & style. Then also paid $ 25 for a trim. William had took so much care for my hair it was such a relief to find someone in the area at a such a convenient price. The environment is extremely welcoming & friendly I felt right at home. This is the perfect place to come to for anyone with multi-​cultured hair.

I have been to this salon twice since the beginning of the year. There are not that many African American hair salons in the area, so I decided to write a review because I know it can be difficult for «us» when we move to new areas. First, the receptionists or the stylist at the front is always courteous. The salon is clean and relatively quiet. There is usually infused water to meet you at the waiting area, which in the warm San Diego weather is always welcomed.
All the clients that I saw while I was there, seemed to be happy with their hair. On my first visit I believe I saw Angela. I was definitely pleased with the way my relaxer turned out. On my second visit I booked Angela, but she couldn’t make it, so Brittany did my hair. She did a really good job with my relaxer. I also know of one family who all visit one of the male stylists, not sure his name and they have been going to Upscale for years and actually recommended the salon in general to me.
This is MY PERSONAL experience about the times I have visited and my experience as it to relates to the stylists I have worked with and the services I have received.
I have never received color services and/​or hair extensions so I can not speak to the negative reviews about those types of services.
Lastly, on another note, I love the fact that these stylists can often get you in and out. There is not a lot of time spent waiting around.
I was actually on Unilocal looking for the phone number as I plan to schedule an appointment for the near future. If my experience changes I will be sure to update.

To everyone who had an unpleasant experience here, I suggest you give them another try! I had my hair colored, trimmed, and pressed/​flat ironed by Q and she did an amazing job! She was professional, on time, and made my hair beautiful! The other stylist in the shop were very nice and funny. They had me laughing the entire time and I felt so comfortable and welcomed in the shop! I will definitely be back and will be recommending this shop and Q to everyone!

HEALTH HAZARD! BEWARE OF BUYING HUMAN HAIR! (PART 2) Tiffany from Upscale Hair left me a message to call her on Unilocal after I posted my review. So, I called her and we spoke about the nightmarish incident that happened to me. I told her that Angela was the stylist that sold me the mite infected hair. She kept asking me the name of my doctor that diagnosed my mites and the exact date (s) of when I seen the doctor. I felt like she thought I was lying about the incident. However, she did tell me that she would speak with Angela and offered me a complimentary treatment at Upscale. I declined the offer. I’m so traumatized from my experience at Upscale, I WILL NEVER RETURN.

I have lived in the area for awhile and didn’t realize this salon was here. It’s really nice inside compared to some of the other salons I’ve been to in San Diego. Brittany was so sweet and made sure my braids were just the way I wanted them. I was really happy with how quickly she had me in and out. Im glad I found this hidden gem and I definitely will be back.

My daughter and I are both natural and we have had great experiences at this salon. The prices are posted and there is no confusion. Thank you Ms. Norma for taking care of me and my daughter. I don’t like going to a salon where stylist are offended if you ask questions about products being used on your hair; I did not experience this at all. Great customer service.

I thought long and hard before deciding to update my review, but I believe an update is necessary.
I paid three visits to Courtney in an effort to repair a previously botched color job. Initially, I was happy with the base color; although, the issue of my «halo» was not corrected, even with several applications of toner. My hair was still several shades of blonde, and I wasn’t too pleased with the halo that wasn’t corrected. I was told that it was something that would be corrected over time. Because I liked Courtney, I trusted that this would be the case. After my third visit, the front of my hair suffered from severe breakage. In fact, it was so short that I could not even rock a bang to balance out the breakage. There was already some damage, but after the third visit it became significantly worse.
I contacted Courtney via text message to set up an appointment. At that time, I also inquired with Courtney as to why in her opinion the breakage had occurred. There was complete silence. To this day, Courtney has never responded to my inquiry and concern. That was my que to once again begin my search for a hair care specialist that truly cares about healthly hair and is responsive to his/!her client.
It’s sad, but unfortunately I will no longer return to this salon.
If you know a bomb stylist who is an expert with hair color and natural tresses, please let me know!

I have been going here for a while and I can say that Upscale Hair Gallery is my hair’s home. I love it here. The décor and ambiance is unbelievable and I always leave feeling refreshed. I am always greeted with a smile and I love the fact that they have refreshments in the waiting area. If I am waiting, I love to go browse the boutique in the front of the salon. Everything is so cute and for reasonable prices. I have left with plenty of great deals.
I feel comfortable going to any of the stylists, they are all very talented and nice. I watch as they work with other clients and I have to say that I have never seen anyone leave less than happy, including myself.
I have been to places where I just feel dirty after I leave, and let me tell you, this is NOT one of those places. Everything is kept so neat and clean.
They have many products to choose from for sale. Nairobi, KeraCare, Mixed Chicks, and Design Essentials, just to name a few. All very high quality products for a very good price.
I love this salon and I tell all my friends about it!

I first went to Upscale years ago when I moved for college and couldn’t make it back home to get my hair done on a regular basis. my stylist I first saw was wonderful. My hair was healthy, the vibe was great and I had no complaints. Once my stylist mysteriously disappeared I fell into Rey’s chair. At first, she was decent; priced reasonably and always available. Over a course of three appointments, she began to trash my hair, calling it dry and encouraging me to return for more appointments. I listened and increased to try and «fix» my damaged hair. She ended up giving me an awful hair cut saying that was the only way to get rid of the breakage. I went in my car and cried, the cut she gave me was HORRIBLE and looked like my three year old nephew did it. I made the mistake of returning where she continued to bash my «dry hair.» My last appointment took forever and I heard more about her impending trip than any hair care solutions and that was my final straw.
The reason my hair was dry and breaking (according to my stylist from home) was because the relaxer was too strong and left on for way too long. Rey also never used any hair care products and her tools were way too hot. The only thing I’ve changed since discontinuing going to upscale was my hair stylist and my hair is longer and healthier than it has been in years.
Also, the stylist are unprofessional and rude. They talk about each other and made negative comments about interracial dating. Little did they know that my friend who was sitting in the stylist’s chair next to me was in an interracial relationship and my fiancé is of a different ethnicity than myself. Im no stranger to salon talk but this seemed very ignorant an inappropriate. My last appointment was the best appointment because I decided to never return again. If every stylist there was like Will who always greeted me with a smile or my former stylist, I may have given a better rating but it is clear that there is need for some cuts in who rents booths from the owner, if this salon is going to improve.

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL!
I went into the shop with my daughter, who was getting a consultation from William. My first impression of the shop and its stylist was «PROFESSIONALS» the shop is clean well arranged and decorations are classy all the styles look uniformed in their own unique way. So far the shop was living up to the array of rave reviews, I had gotten over the years, from strangers whose hair was so fabulous I had to ask where they had, had it done.
Now back to William, after my daughter’s consultation I was so impressed by his knowledge and forthrightness that I asked a few questions for myself. My daughter made her appointment for the following week. Apprehensive because of years of poor service, lack of professionalism, and hair salon drama I wasn’t thrilled about jumping right into yet another shop. But by the time we had gotten back to Chula Vista I was convinced I would give him a try too. I called William back, asked a few more questions which he happily answered, and booked an appointment.
A week later my daughter had her natural hair highlighted and cut, it was fabulously healthy with natural shine and lots of body. I was really impressed that William had her extra thick tresses bouncing and behaving like freshly relaxed hair.
During my telephone inquest (LOL) William supplied a contact for high quality hair out of ATL, at my request. So on the following day, gorgeous hair in tow I arrived to be made over! Parking was a mess (which is the only reason they didn’t get 5 stars so allot time for parking), nonetheless William promptly greeted and consulted me and got me started with a equally professional braider. Since I had chosen to wash and condition my own hair, at the completion of the braiding I was done in a flash, hair ombred, dried, cut, and styled to my liking; and I was on my way…
Oh, and if you were wondering. I was not his only client at that time. Yes he worked his magic on two other customers in between time (rather than leaving any of us sitting somewhere drying up like a raisin), and we were all in and out of the shop looking runway fierce!!!
Having said all that after more than 20 years in San Diego, I have finally found a shop I can call home and a stylist who has it all together.
Now I’m praying I’ll be able to get an appointment after this.
THANK YOU WILLIAM, xoxoxox

I recommend this salon for someone with ‘difficult’ hair. I love my cut and color when I went!

Rude service. We had an appointment, still had to wait 30 minutes. We were patient and understanding when the owner asked if he had been helped yet. Brought my 13 year old granddaughter here for hair straightening, a total of three different stylists worked on her hair, they kept handing her off (she has very kinky hair, understandably she isn’t the easiest to work on, but we are easy to work with and don’t complain). We were committed to complete the straightening and haircut once she had the products on. Hair came out fine, but this was the worst service I’ve ever had in any establishment in all my years! My granddaughter and I look nothing alike (in terms of skin color,) and I hate to even imagine that played a role, but I have no other explanation for why they would treat us with such disregard. :(

If you are looking for a ‘professional black salon, this is NOT the place. I tried this place despite the negative review, and I regret it.
I was greeted my a kind receptionist who let my stylist (Ray) know that I had arrived. After 20 minutes of waiting, I believe the owner asked if I had been helped. I let her know that Ray knew I was waiting, but had not yet spoken to me. After another 20 minutes I grabbed my purse to walk out and the owner grabbed Ray who finally took me to her booth. Interestingly, the other stylists were talking about the fact that there were negative reviews about them on Unilocal.They laughed at the women who complained about having to wait 50 minutes at her first appointment, and one of the stylists actually commented «What do you expect, this is a black hair salon. You better expect to wait.» And all four stylists (with clients in their chairs) proceeded to laugh out loud. I knew I was never coming back, but the relaxer was already on my scalp… I was stuck.
Ray did a wonderful job with the shampoo and scalp rub/​massage– it felt really good. However, my main complaint is that she told me that my hair looked dry. After having being washed and completely dried she suggested that I need a deep condition. Then once blowdryed she suggested a trim for $ 15. I declined and she proceeded to style my hair with no products at all.
My hair turned out okay. I went home and used my own products for it to finally have a ‘polished and styled’ look. My finacee actually commented that it was not worth the money. But my hair came out straight, and so far hasn’t fallen out. I left my previous stylist looking for a salon for ‘professional black women.’ If I’m going to have to wait 50 minutes for an appointment, only to recieve bare bones service… I will just stay with my previous stylist and spare myself the milage and gas.

Received a good hairstyle but the stylist was not the friendliest and her prices were too high for what she did and I’m not a frugal person. She also did not provide a breakdown of the prices before or after the service or even introduce herself as this was my first time coming to her and to the salon.
Sorry that I don’t remember her name… that’s how unremarkable she made my experience. Don’t think I’ll go back mainly because of her attitude. I like to spend my money where I feel appreciated.

So this place has a nice look and a professional setting, etc. The main stylists may be good, but let me tell you not all the stylists are created equal. I went to Juanita for a relaxer and a cut. This woman does not know how to cut or style. AND she didn’t rinse my relaxer out properly. I got my hair cut in Chicago awhile ago and I loved it, but it grew out. You could still see the A-​cut shape, so all she had to do was follow it. She completely butchered my hair. It was an ugly cut, my hair had no body when I left, and it felt stiff and didn’t move. Also she kept stopping to turn around to talk to the other stylists.
Here’s a tip: When the other stylists are staring at you with a blank face, that means they know your hair is getting f*** up. I have heard good things about the other stylists, but Juanita is so inept at doing hair I’m afraid I can’t go back.