Ujima Hair Worcz

I got my hair done by Travis. I left the salon with wet hair that wasn’t finished and he told me he could finish it in the next couple days if I drove back down there and paid $ 40.

Gary Porter, a masterful hairstylist, whose specialty is precision haircutting, has been my hair-​stylist since the 1990s. He is a true artist who takes pride in his work, and he loves to enhance the beauty and uniqueness of all his clients. There is a caveat: Gary’s client-​loyalty is quite high, so be prepare for a «short» waiting period; however, during those times of «short» waiting periods, Gary will always warmly greet the waiting client and explain the situation, which makes for good customer care: a talented hairstylist and good customer care is a winning combination.
The reason for a 4-​stars rating, and not a 5-​star rating, is excellency is a journey, more than it is a destination.
Final note: my profile picture — the haircut by Gary Porter.

I cannot say enough good things about Ujima! The staff is wonderful. Travis is the real deal, and I have never left disappointed with my hair. I highly recommend Ujima for all hair care!

SEXUAL HARASSMENT!!! DON’T GO HERE!!! It is the worst, no joke. Not only was Travis unprepared and extremely poor at time management he was SEXUAL HARASSING. My appointment was at 1:30pm but my hair wasn’t touched by him until about 7:00pm when he began sewing in wet tracks in my hair. Travis said that he knew someone who supplied hair; however, he failed to obtain hair for me as promised leaving me with no other choice but to purchase hair last minute from a local Indique shop for $ 300. He also lied about knowing the shop personnel at Indique so there was no discount on the hair. When I told Travis about the price he said that he would lower his price of $ 245 for me. Since he did not begin doing my hair until late during the evening I was left alone with him in the shop when his assistant left. At that time, Travis began sexual harassing me. He is an older man in his 50s and told me «you are a very pretty girl». At first, I thought he was just being nice then he told me that I had a «nice voice» and that I was «honesty very very sexy». Travis then sat in a chair and positioned me near his PENIS to complete my hair. This was the MOST UNCOMFORTABLE AND FRIGHTENING hair experience of MY LIFE. He then asked me «do you know what my favorite club in San Francisco is?» When I asked, where he said «the gold club», which is a female strip club. I was highly uncomfortable and so scared that I did not even use the restroom after waiting 9 hours for my hair to be completed. After I expressed no interest in his sexual advances, he said «I thought about it and I am going to need you to pay in full». I just paid him and left because I was honestly scared and alone but, I truly believe that he failed to provide me with a discount that he promised because I said nothing to his sexual advances. Just don’t go here. I am looking into reporting him to the better business bureau. On top of that my hair looks horrible… it is too thin and the tracks are not separate evenly because he was too lazy to add an enough tracks. He may have also stole a bundle from me because he acted as if he forgot that I had an additional bundle; the hair that he gave back to me seem less than a bundle. I am highly disappoint and wish that there was somewhere in 2015 that women could report shop owners for sexual harassment. Please trust the bad reviews! Don’t go here if you are an attractive woman, have a life, and want professionalism.

Just updating my review. Still pissed about the hair cut BUT I gotta say the relaxer Travis’ assistant gave me is holding up well. It’s the first time my hair has ever taken to a relaxer and lasted this long (its been 17 days). So I’m giving them 4 stars again.

I love it here! I can’t understand how I’ve missed it all these years! I have natural hair and love Estella for helping me maintain it, my hair always seems to smile and I never leave upset with my style just inspired and compliments galore. Highly recommend this place to anyone if you want to feel welcome and expect excellence

As a business woman who is meticulous about her hair and time, it was very exciting to find a new hair stylist like Gary Porter (510−967−6887) who is professional, amiable, swift (you won’t be in the salon all day), and AWESOME at what he does. When I relocated from Atlanta, the «black hair stylist Mecca,» to the San Francisco/​East Bay Area, I was overjoyed to find an excellent hair stylist on my first try. But when she moved out-​of-​state, not only did I go through hair trauma with several stylists, I needed a «hair miracle.» Then I met Gary and he rescued my hair. Since Gary has been styling my hair, I have always looked «diva-​fierce.» Try Gary Porter (510−967−6887) at Ujima Hair Worcz Salon in Oakland (Piedmont area) and you will never regret your decision.

Maurice is an expert in cutting! He knows how to fame your face and body to a hair cut with great color! Great person and excellent service all the time!

Look no further — Gary Porter is the stylist you’ve been looking for. I just moved to the area and have been SEARCHING for the best stylist I could find and despite recommendations, I couldn’t find anyone. I am super picky since I am of mixed descent and have had prior stylists treat my hair harshly, rushing through my service to my detriment, and lack of concern for what I was looking for.
Until recently, and after reading the overwhelmingly positive reviews for Gary, I sensed that my search was over. And, once I met him, I knew that he was the one: his personality to mirror yours, the way he studies your hair, the way he tries to recommend a hairstyle that may match your personality, and the way he listens to what you think you want. More importantly, his impressive experience in hair care and excellent style made me feel secure in everything he did, to the point that I was totally willing to let him make the decisions about styling and cutting my hair. I was in and out! Plus, he is flexible in availability and scheduling. I left feeling that my hair was the best it’s looked in years, and that I had finally found the stylist for me, who is a genuinely awesome professional and acquaintance. You won’t be disappointed. And again, this is coming from one very picky girl!
Call him direct to book: 1 (510) 967‑6887.

This is my second time here and I always get an appointment with Travis. He is really nice and knowledgeable about hair. If you are new to the area and looking for a hair salon, I would definitely recommend this place.
Sincerely a native New Yorker

Gary is a very talented hairstylist with many years of experience. He works with all types of hair and is very good with color.
To see some of his sample work, visit
For any questions, call Gary at 510−967−6887

I went to this salon after stopping by another in SF that was the stuff of nightmares. But I called here and was able to do a same-​day appointment. It’s a beautiful, clean, friendly place – spacious and they seem to do different types of hair (natural, treated). Usually I wear mine natural but I needed it pressed and Travis did a great job – he’s very calm and professional. It was a relief to have that after my harrowing experience preceding it. My hair (pic posted) took about 1.5 hours and cost $ 65, which I felt was very reasonable.

Gary slayed my hair! I was so so pleased. I came in for a wash, press, and cut for my natural hair (types 4a/​b/​c). I hadn’t had my hair straightened since 2010 and I never had a haircut so I was skeptical and nervous. But Gary had really great reviews on here so I decided to go with him.
He was friendly and professional. He made me feel comfortable and I trusted him to do his thing with my hair when my originally planned cut (a bob) did not work out. I thought I wanted a long bob but what I really wanted was what he did! He tapered the back of my hair and kept my length up top. The cut frames my face well and I really have no complaints. It’s perfect because I can straighten it and style it similarly to how he did or wear a tapered fro, which I’ve been wanting for quite some time.
I left the shop with a big grin on my face and will definitely be coming back to him in the future.
Tip: He books his own appointments. You can call the shop to get his cell phone number to contact him directly.

I love the location, the friendliness of the people and most of all my hair. I am in hair heaven!

Gary is Amazing! I just moved here from
LA and wasn’t sure where to find a black hair salon. I’m so happy I Unilocaled and Google and found this amazing Hair God. He’s honest and will let you know if you’ll look right or not with the hairstyle you’re trying to do. I love him. If you’re looking for a cut and press he is your man. Thank you Gary.

Thank you so much to Travis! I did the big chop. He was very patient and encouraging. I am going to Spain in a few days and he gave me a few easy tips to help me start my new natural hair journey for the months I am away.

I have been a client of Gary Porter for well over a decade and have never once been unsatisfied. Thru the numerous relaxing, straightening, color, and cuts every appointment has been a winner and definite confidence booster. Gary’s talents with color and style are endless. I highly recommend giving him a call. The long lasting smile on your face and plethora of compliments you will receive will make you wonder what took you so long!

Gary Porter is the man located on Piedmont Ave… he will keep your hair camera ready all the time! Check him out 510.967.6887

If you read no other part of this review, just call and make an appointment with Maurice!
Hands down best hair dresser I’ve ever had! This man has been truly blessed with the gift of snatching and laying strands ever so brilliantly! great attention to detail with cut and color! I came to him after over a year in and out of weaves. He worked to get the health of my hair to the best it’s been in years, always educating me on better at home care as well. His assistants are amazing as well– true dream team!

So this review is for Nichole. I have be going to her for the last year. I don’t go to the shop very often because I am lazy. In Dec. 2013 I decided to stop perming my hair and go natural. I went to Nichole to get advice on keeping up my hair without doing the big chop. It was six months in that I decided to do the big chop. I was extremely nervous but Nichole did a great job of encouraging me. More recently I went back to Nichole to add color to the tips of my natural hair. I showed her the color I wanted and she did an excellent job of matching the color. It was nervous about damaging my hair but the end result was awesome. I constantly get compliments.

Great location, wonderful facility, clean salon, friendly staff, wide selection of services, and all the clients appeared to be very happy with their finished product.
I have natural hair (4b) and the assistant Ebony did an amazing job with the wash and detangle. FYI — the two times I’ve gone, my hair poofed up just moments after leaving, which is disappointing because I was charged $ 65 (more with tip) just to have my style fail me by nightfall.
Overall I would recommend this salon but take heed all you kinky curly naturalistas.

Two words: Maurice Michael.
After moving to the Bay area, I was in search of a barber and colorist. Found each of them, and both turned out to be super flaky! (no pun)
After trying to google various search term combos of natural+hair+color+barber+SF Bay Area, etc, I finally came upon Ujima Hair Worcz, specifically Maurice Michael. I’m so glad I found him. His station is filled with hot tools and clippers, which made me feel comfortable that he has knowledge and up-​to-​date skills in both cosmetology and barbering, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.
I have to get use to being in shops again… I have typically gone to small salons with 1 – 3 stations and am usually in and out (rare, right?). Time-​wise, it was a traditional shop, so I waited a while after my appointment time to finally get in his chair. Fortunately, I wasn’t in any type of a rush, and was more excited than anything to see what he can do. Also, chatting it up with another stylist while I waited was pretty cool.
He hooked me up! Took the time to explain to me some hair stuff in detail (even included a lil science in there). He understood my concerns (having locs in the past, thinning hair, what I’m going for and what I’m trying to avoid in a style). He is definitely gifted. He is great to collaborate with and has a fun imagination. Normally, by this time, I’d be a little self-​conscious at how my cut has grown out, but it’s been a few weeks and it’s growing out cute and evenly. I am definitely returning!
To get there, go up the wooden steps. There is a shop directly downstairs, but it’s not Ujima.
P. S. This shop had a great, welcoming vibe!