Population Salon - NOPA

★★★★★

This review is specifically for Kati! I love my hair!!! Kati was the definition of a sweetheart, listened to my concerns, and made the best recommendations. She pointed out what was less desirable about my current highlights with photos and explained exactly how she would fix it. She was careful with the lightening timer, and did a beautiful blend of low lights and balayage! I didn’t feel that my hair was dry or damaged after the appointment, I could tell she was being careful not to over bleach it, which is super responsible. She didn’t take out almost any length but still gave me some nice long layers and face framing as we talked about so I can keep enjoying my length! I was honestly NERVOUS about my appt - I found Kati through insta and booked her without looking at the salon’s reviews. I still ended up very very happy with the results and had no complaints about population! I guess it just goes to show how individual artists are soooo different and have different talents, even if they’re renting a chair in the same salon. It’s unfortunate there’s a few folks here that seem to have collected a slew of bad reviews, but at least with Kati, I will for sure be coming back whether it’s at Population or elsewhere. :)

★★★★★

I have been coming here for an ocassional haircut since 2016. I have had different hair lengths but have requested a Brigitte Bardot/ curtain bangs style every time, no color. Every time I am given a set of bangs which fits the length of my lengths and is just short of accentuating my cheekbones so the haircut looks best a few weeks to month in, as it becomes more lived-in. I am always given layers which make sense and grow beautifully. I really trust that when I see even the most junior stylist that I will receive a good cut that is worth the price, and so trust this salon/ salon owner very much. I've had good and bad experiences with seeking a more feathered style to my haircut and find that this salon always delivers and understands the look I am wanting. My only wish is that they stock davines hair washing products and bumble and bumble's volumising line- I've been in years with r+co and while I love their branding the products are not as good for a more tousled look. The haircuts here cost a bit more than I want to spend for something seemingly straightforward such as cut, but I love the way the ends are cut here and the style always feels livable and young and a bit more effortless than a straight blunt cut.

★★★★★

I could not recommend Kati at Population more highly - she is the BEST!! I bounced around between different stylists across SF before finally finding Population and Kati! I’ve now been seeing Kati for the past 5+ years.. I’ve trusted her with my hair for all of the important milestones in my life since then - from getting engaged, starting a new job, getting married, and now moving across the country! I’ve gotten partial and full balayages from Kati, and have been ecstatic about the results every single time. It is obvious that Kati cares so much about her clients and the work that she does. She really got to know me and my hair, and made such thoughtful recommendations at my appointments. I always walk away feeling excited and confident about my hair after my appointments. Kati is also just such a lovely person, and the time flies by chatting with her while she works! I’ve moved to the east coast, but as much as I can, I plan to align my hair appointments with my work trips back to SF - that’s how good she is!! The salon is also beautiful and in a super convenient location! Highly highly recommend Population, but especially Kati!

★★★★★

Most of my haircut experiences in the past involved getting turned away from a barbershop because of my hair length or leaving a salon that felt like an apple store with a very expensive Lord Farquaad haircut. I’m really grateful to have been referred to Kati at Population- she nails a trim and style every time I go in (male shoulder length+ hair). She is very kind and pleasant to be around, and it’s obvious that she’s very dedicated to her craft. Hanging out in a hair salon doesn’t exactly come naturally to me, but everyone at Population is very welcoming and authentic in my experience. The overall vibe and aesthetic in there is tasteful and classic without being pretentious. 5/5 experience with Kati and the whole Population crew every time.

★★★★★

I cannot recommend Gomez at Population Salon enough! As someone who can be self-conscious about how I look, finding someone like Gomez has been a game changer. He doesn’t just cut or style hair—he sees you. He takes the time to understand your face, your vibe, and how to make your hair bring out your natural beauty. Every time I sit in his chair, I know I’m in good hands. He thoughtfully shapes my hair to frame my face in the most flattering way, and I always leave feeling more confident, radiant, and like the best version of myself. Gomez is incredibly talented, intuitive, and kind—and that combination is rare. Trust me, you won’t regret booking with him. In the mission or Nopa location, book with him!!

★★★★★

I had a great experience with Araceli at Population. She was incredibly detail-oriented and made sure to understand exactly how short I wanted my hair. She really knows her stuff when it comes to curly hair. Highly recommend!