Heads By Design

Definitely a must for hair care. Gary knows his stuff. He most certainly deserves his 5 stars. He listens and because he does, I got the best haircut I have ever had!

4 words: Miracle Worker, Artist & Master. That is Gary Head.
I went in with a dead patch of brassy red hair, brutally damaged by over bleaching, bad coloring, and tape-​in hair extensions, came out with beautiful, shiny hair and the most amazing cut ever!
Who wants their hair chopped off right before a romantic get away to Vegas? No one. But i put total faith in Gary, and have turned my hair over to him now. What i got in return for that faith is what i thought would take a miracle, but in the hands of a master stylist, a 2 hour haircut is a work of art. I literally watched a ballet dance around my head, Gary’s hands danced around with such technique, deftness, precision and amazing flair, it was simply magic!
My hair was colored strand by strand, i kid you not. I have never had such luxurious color applied to my hair, nor in such a thorough manner, painting each strand and twisting the hair in different directions to produce the most incredible low lights and definition.
I was in the hands of an artist and it was awesome. Yes, i felt in awe. I felt lucky and grateful to be there in that chair in his perfect studio, tucked away in a quiet, unassuming business complex in San Ramon. I seriously felt like a celebrity going to the exclusive Hollywood stylist. Gary is above and beyond the consummate professional, on every level. He has worked with Sassoon and Yosh and his 35+ years of experience is clearly evident.
He talks pretty much the entire time, educating you about every step he is taking and why. You will come out of there very knowledgeable about your shampoo, conditioner, cut and color, products and styling tools. I was there over 4 hours, but it was worth it.
His salon is really sweet. He designed it and built it himself, with a few friends. I intend to spend many years here, and i feel special!
I do believe i will have shoulder length, full, healthy hair in one year, working with Gary.
My two photos are taken the day after, so not as perfect as day one, but still looks great.
Thank you, Gary!

My wife got her haircut almost 1 and a half months ago and the cut still looks very good. Initially she was very apprehensive as she has long hair and didn’t want it to cut short or loose it’s volume, thanks to Gary it was taken care of very well and she had nothing to worry about. Thanks for the haircut it has been a pleasure.

I’ll save you some time: every single review for Gary is 5 star and it’s because he deserves it! I’ve been going to Gary for 2 years and don’t know why I didn’t give a review sooner.
I’m in my mid-30’s and was tired of spending hours getting my hair colored every month to cover my grays. I started going to Gary based on many great recommendations from moms on the local mom’s network (Iron Horse Mothers Group). Gary understood that I have a busy life style and helped me transition virtually seamlessly to my natural color in a way that always made me feel beautiful. Though it was a long process, I now get complements on my «silver highlights» and would never consider going back! He’s a true artist, always taking into account the season, my life style (busy with kids), and what works for my hair at that time. He knows I’m willing to trust him and I always walk out with a great style that I can recreate. Because he knows I’m willing, he seems to create a different style for me each time I go, so I never feeling bored with the same look.
To summarize, you will love Gary for the following reasons:
1) He’s an awesome hair stylist, and will find the right style for you and your lifestyle
2) He will always make you feel beautiful
3) You’re worth a great hair cut. Actually, the best hair cut you’ve every had!
4) He’s a really great guy
5) His studio is private and relaxing
6) He works crazy hours, so you can always find a time to meet your crazy schedule (just be sure to call ahead for an appointment)

I have been getting my hair cut by the same person for over 25 years but because of unforeseen circumstances she was unavailable for and extended time. Had no idea where else to go, it’s not a guy thing to know about hair stuff. I searched the Unilocal reviews and decided to give this place a try. In short best haircut I’ve ever had. I was very apprehensive about going somewhere new. Gary knows his stuff. He did a great job and has a new customer. Very knowledgable and told me about new products without trying to push them. Tried a few and they worked perfectly. Sorry I didn’t go to him before. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Have been going to Gary for years! He is a genius in his trade! Very creative and definitely skilled at Hair Designs for both Women and Men. He is also great with the art of hair coloring
Somewhat expensive to the traditional hairstylists but Gary is the guru of hair designs! Definitely worth every cent of it. Your hair will grow so well that the style is still good on the day of your next appointment.
Trust me. Once you try Gary at Heads by Designs, your hair will love you!

My mom visited me from North Carolina for the first time this week. She was anxious to meet Gary and get his advice for a new style. He did a top shelf job! No surprises there! She fell in love with Gary’s kind spirit, just as I did years ago!

First off, I want to mention I have the most difficult hair ever. It never does what I want it to. Anyhow I made the huuuuuuuge mistake of using home dye, to cover highlights. Dark brown. It didn’t look terrible, but didn’t look that great either. Fast forward a month, I decided to try a bright red color. Again, a home dye. Well, the results were horrific. Like 30 different shades if red. Lighter at the roots and darker at the ends. Horrible. I found Gary on Unilocal.He was able to see me the same day we spoke on the phone. He got to work immediately. While he was working on my hair he was constantly giving me tips and suggestions on how to care for my hair. He really knows his shit and I’ve been to several hairstylists, including stylists who work on celebrities. The end result was phenomenal. I still can’t believe how great my hair looks!!! Looks better than even before I screwed it up!!! Highly recommend!!!

I’ve been seeing Gary now for 6+ years and wouldn’t dream of allowing anyone else to cut my hair. Gary has made his hair his passion, not just a job, and it shows in the care he puts into every cut, style and color.
I was never big on changing up my hair style and Gary was great to work with me on that. He provided suggestions when prompted, but would also just cut my hair how I would like it which is always great! He cares about the health of your hair and scalp and only recommends products that will compliment this and not ruin your hair.
I appreciate that Gary works some late weekday evenings so I can come in after work. He is always accommodating and you can tell he truly cares about his clients. I also love that I can come in between cuts to get my bangs trimmed — just stop by and he’ll see me right away! His website is great and I love that you can book appointments with him online — so easy!
His private studio is amazing! I hated going into hair shops before and having to listen to the needless gossip around me. Gary’s studio is peaceful and free of extra noises. He takes music requests and provides water (sometimes even tea and wine!).
I love my hair and completely notice a difference between before Gary and after Gary in terms of the health and shine of my hair.
Bottom Line: If you want just a cut, then find a hairstylist at any shop around. If you want someone that is going to care and work with you to make your hair the best it can be, then go to Gary and start treating your hair right.

Gary is an artist… he doesn’t just hand you a book, tell you to pick out your hair style and then cut it! I so appreciate the time and skill he uses to design a cut that works for my face and my personality!
He also works to make sure your hair is as healthy as possible. He gives me an education about hair each time I see him.
I’ve gotten so many compliments on my hair from people who have known me for years.
Go see Gary, he will take exceptional care of you and your hair.

Gary is truly unbelievable! Not only is he the «King» of hair stylists, he truly cares about you and does anything and everything to make sure you realize that. After three visits, my hair feels and looks better than it has in years! Gary spends so much time with you, educating you on your hair, and visualizing with you what exactly he has planned for your hair today, tomorrow and in the future. If the look, feel and health of your hair is important to you, Gary Head is the man for you! In such a short period of time, I feel like I have made a new lifetime friend. I can’t ever imagine going anywhere else. When you arrive for that first visit — be prepared! You are going to be absolutely AMAZED!

Gary truly understands hair. He is meticulous, and takes time to understand what you’re looking for. I’ve found Gary’s advice about hair care very valuable and I can’t believe how good my hair feels ever since I started coming to him a couple of months back. Thanks Gary!

This was my first time going to Gary and boy was I impressed. I have already received three compliments on my hair and I never get compliments on my hair!
It was not only the best haircut I have ever had but such an experience! Gary has an immense passion for hair and his knowledge blew me away.
He took time to show me how to style my hair, where most stylist just do it for you and then you are stuck wondering how to get that fabulous look again.
I am so excited to see Gary again!

I started seeing Gary about six months ago. At the time, I didn’t think much could be done with my hair as I’m a man and I usually keep it short. I also have historically had challenges with dry scalp resulting in having to use a different shampoo a week to keep it under control.
Gary is dynamite! He gave me a fresh new haircut that also helps camouflage my receding hairline. He introduced me to some techniques and products that have not only eliminated my dry scalp but have actually helped stop my hair from thinning. In fact, I’ve seen fresh hair growth in an area that was thinning.
Gary is very patient and gives you his unqualified attention when he is cutting your hair. He explains what he is doing and makes recommendations for how you can maintain the ideal hairstyle. He understands the difference between a glamour look and creating realistic hairstyles for your daily life that look great. In all my years of haircuts, I’ve never had someone so knowledgeable and detailed in his approach.
I would recommend him to anyone.

Gary and I worked together at Neuvo Salon in Blackhawk some 18 years ago!
I thought I was METICULOUS, but Gary is the the leader of the pack! Not only does he hear what your needs are, he listens and explains in great detail what products you could be using for healthier hair…
During this time I’ve gone from very short hair dark brown, to very long salt and pepper with a ponytail and now more medium with more salt then pepper… LOL
And because over time as these changes took place I followed Gary’s recommendations for products I must use for my hair… And thank God I did because I still have hair! LOL
Through the years we have become really good friends because we appreciate one another talents in our chosen professions…
So take a ride on the wild side and see Gary at Heads By Design, you’ll be sooo happy you did!

Gary is a wizard with hair! No really! Take it from a picky customer when it comes to my hair. Not everyone can cut and style long thick hair. He even took the time to show me an easier way to fix it for better results in less time. Very helpful since I travel a lot. You can get cheaper but not better then Gary! He’s the best!

Good cut for long hair. I measure the quality of the cut by the length I can go without my next haircut. In the past, I would look in the mirror, hate the hair, then book an appointment. I found a great stylist on the Peninsula, but work brought me into the Tri-​Valley area (I prefer to cut during my lunch hour.)
It has been months since I last saw Gary, and the style is still looking great. I will be setting up another appointment when I see a lot of split ends and actually need a trim.

I found Gary the best way to find a stylist. A woman I saw every now and then always had wonderful looking hair. Like me, she has curly hair and not everyone can work well with that. After seeing her through 3 great styles (and after becoming less and less satisfied with my gal), I asked her who cuts her hair and she sent me Gary’s way. I love love love Gary! The man knows what he is doing and he will help you make the most of your hair, however you like to do it (I’m a wash-​n-​go gal). No matter how much I like a cut, when he tells me about a change he’d like to make, I trust him completely because he’s always done well by me.
Also, Gary doesn’t pressure me to buy product (don’t you hate salons that do that?) but I have bought some based on how well what he has used in my hair works. He sells high quality stuff at good prices.

I wished there were ten stars on Unilocal to represent how AWESOME Gary is! I had the pleasure of meeting him at a Moms Club event in San Ramon last night. The haircut only took 20 mins due to the long lines but I left there feeling so so impressed with what he was able to do. I can’t wait to see what he can do when I go back to his salon for a full treatment!
For years I have not been successful in finding stylists who can manage the «wild» waves and body in my hair. I mean I have tried over 30 salons in the greater Bay area and seem stylists in Japan and the Philippines. I have gotten cuts, Chi treatments to manage my crazy hair. My hair is dry, puffy, and hard to manage. Imagine that on a 5 foot 2 person. It was like walking around in a mushroom cap.
Now enter Gary. He is very easy to talk to. He listened to what my issues with the hair were and provided great feedback. Gary looked at my hair and right away told me what he would do to take off the weight He took the time to explain to me how he would cut it, why the cut will work, and after the cut explained to me how to blow dry it, tools I can use so it will look its best. I probably won’t have time for that since I am a full time mom but so far it’s looked great just out of the shower and go. You can feel that he genuinely cares about what the client needs. He only worked with scissors, not texture tools or only funky stuff. I LOVED how it turned out! My head felt lighter and it completely changed my look. Also he gave me three product samples that will help style my hair. How awesome is that, free stuff after an amazing cut.
As a busy mom of two little ones, I live with the pony tail look almost daily. It’s exciting now I can wear my hair down again and I don’t have to stylist-​hop anymore. I look forward to going back to see him.
Honestly you have to give him a try and you will never see another stylist again!
Thank you Gary.

Gary Head is a master of hair, both for men and women. I have been seeing him for over a year now and he not only cuts my hair perfectly he is helping me to grow my hair back. All of the spots on my head that were balding now have strong mature hair. He teaches techniques for maintaining and growing hair so it is not just product based regrowth.
Gary isn’t cheap. You will pay 2 to 3 times what a barber would charge. And you will get a cut that is professional and make you look good in front of clients or customers.