Theory Hair Studio

We recently moved to San Diego and finding the right stylist can be challenging, scary, and frustrating. I did my online research and took a chance on Hair Theory Studio. Uyen is an amazing stylist. She is extremely knowledgeable in her profession. I went from a dark red head to blonde within two sessions while maintaining healthy hair. She discussed each step of the process and together we devised a plan. She was realistic about the goals and how to do it as safely as possible. (Going from extreme dark red to blonde can be very damaging to hair if not done properly) I immediately trusted her and I couldn’t be happier. It is rare you find a stylist that is so skillful, knowledgeable, and professional. This has been my best hair experience to date and I will continue to go to her while stationed here in San Diego. I cannot say enough good things about my experience and how pleased I am with the outcome.

This salon is amazing! Certainly the best you have ever experienced. Uyen, the owner, is the most talented, and conscientious stylist I have ever met. Watching her perform is Art. She takes such delight in achieving your ideas. She is unbelievable ! I am a man and have the utmost trust in her judgement and ability. Treat yourself to the best.

I couldn’t say about all types of services here, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend to do a coloring here. I have paid $ 125 for damaged hair. I ask to color it in copper and instead of copper have got just the bright red (absolutely unnatural color). I have explained and shown pictures what I wanted before coloring, but nothing helped. The other girl, who is showed up while I was there had white damaged hair instead of just bright tone.
The specialist either don’t know nothing about the coloring proses itself either is really bad in colors.
And eventually made us both to pay for absolutely unprofessional service.(
Too upset right now (((

This was my first time in San Diego and I came upon this salon by chance and I’m really glad I discovered it! I had gone there for a balayage and color correction for a previous highlight that was done back in New York that I was unsatisfied with. Uyen corrected it and I came out very happy with my new look. She’s a very professional hair stylist and continually kept me informed of what she was going to do to my hair. She and her staff at the salon are really nice, and I definitely recommend this salon!

Uyen does beautiful, magnificent eyelash Magic. She cares about her clients and her work. She is calm, sweet & dedicated. Theory is an adorable salon with easy booking, outstanding customer service & amazing lashes! Thank you Uyen :)

Amazing. That is all. I’m Asian and I trust uyen. She is great and knows what works for your face

I love Uyen, and her studio! I had very dark brown hair and wanted to go to a very light blond. I was coloring my own roots with box color (for years), so to get it light blond I needed some professional help for sure. Uyen told me it would be a process, which didn’t surprise me, so after two trips, a month apart we have almost reached the goal. Right now after just two trips the color looks fantastic, but just need one more highlight session for it to look perfect. Uyen knows what shes doing and takes extra precautions to keep the hair healthy during the coloring process. This studio is a winner!

Amazing place. They are like family. When I first arrived to San Diego I tried other shops in Little Italy. Not only were they high cost the customer service was bad and they cuts and hair coloring were terrible. I decided to try Theory and since I first appointment I feel in love. I get my hair cut and color and it always turns out great. I recently dud the lash extensions and Uyen goes a fabulous job. I get compliments on my hair and eye lashes no stop. The staff is warm and friendly and you feel like you family when you walk in. The owner is one of a kind who knows her job business and excellent customer service. I recommend Theory hands down she also is great at accommodating after hours appointments. I love love love them I am sure if you try them you too will be blown away with the results.

What a wonderful place! Uyen uses a personal touch to her up to the minute color and style techniques. She turns hair into art. I’m so happy to have found her and this amazing salon!

I got my eyelash extensions filled here twice. The place is small, but super homey, and cute. The receptionist is the cutest thing ever and so is the owner. They are kind, welcoming, and VERY COMPETENT at their jobs. I LOVE my lash fills. They are full, long and beautiful. But there is ONE thing for me that is a deal breaker, and I will likely not go back unless I really really need a fill downtown. She charges $ 60 if it’s been 2 weeks since your last fill, $ 70 for 3 weeks, and $ 80 for 4. I know that this sounds fair since you would expect it take a bit longer if your lashes are more sparse, and the prices are somewhat consistent with downtown, but I’d rather drive a few miles and pay $ 50 for a fill regardless of how long it’s been since your last fill. I know multiple places who do fills for $ 50 outside of downtown.
EDIT: My eyes stung a bit during the appointment, my right eye especially. Now they are both still red and bloodshot. Also, my lids hurt because it feels like she glued them to my actually lash line. I read more about it. She may be using old, bad glue since she doesn’t do a ton of lash extensions. I’d stick to her for hair. I hope my eyes are ok!

Why the 1 star:
1. Bangs were cut uneven, right side is longer than left
2. Small chunk of my hair was randomly cut that’s not part of my layers or bangs
3. Emailed the studio on Sunday about my dissatisfaction, pending a response

Once again had a fabulous visit at Theory. Uyen is by far the best hair stylist EVER. She also has a great staff (Olivia exudes warmth and has a friendly, open presence). I trust her completely with my hair because she knows what’s what, what’s good, and a perfectionist. Everything you want in a stylist. Plus she becomes your friend. Can’t get better than Uyen (Theory). Thanks for existing! (FYI I get full highlights and cut)

I have been to theory twice now. Ali is the best stylist I have had yet in San Diego. I am so happy with my haircut, and color.
On my first visit, i needed help to «fix» a bad boxed color job (I know, my bad. lesson learned). Ali didnt make me feel stupid, nor did she lecture me or take advantage of my desperation my over charging me. I was so happy with the result, and will not go anywhere else.
The enviorment, and vibe of the salon is great also.

As a guy somewhat new to San Diego, it was difficult to find a legit hair cut spot. Surprisingly, it was right under my nose in such a great part of town! More importantly, the ladies at this place know what they are doing and they do it with passion.
The person I go to is Emily and she was awesome. Uyen, the owner, was also very cool and friendly and she made sure that I left happy. The atmosphere, the hair cut, the head wash, etc has been the best. Overall, the value that I receive far exceeded my expectations by way of their superior customer service and performance. Keep up the good work!

Okay, I have never posted to Unilocal before… so here it goes. My entire life, I have always had trouble finding somebody that can cut my hair properly without me critiquing it poorly when I get home, or when i’m sitting in the chair for that matter. I have been working with Emily at Theory, and she does a phenomenal job and has made some outstanding recommendations on different styling techniques. Emily is a great conversationalist and I have never once felt rushed. I have recommended her (very highly) to my friends and colleagues.
The place is very clean and charming with a nice urban/​modern ambiance. The owner, Uyen, is also a really awesome young lady and such a sweetheart. Do yourself a favor and try them out!

To the T. There is no misunderstanding. You are horrible to do business with, plain and simple. There was no charge cause when I replied to your message about how you wanted to charge for the cancel I also let you know you just lost a customer. Then you replied back saying you would wave the cancellation fee. It was to late by then cause we were so appalled for you even thinking to charge us a cancellation fee when we just had told you her father had just passed. Specially when we called you over 24 hours in advance.
Like I said, You are the first review I have ever gave a 1 star to and the only 1 star review. As a business owner or even a manager you should know to just apologize and figure a way to keep the customers happy. Not try to blame the customer.

I’ve lived in Orange County + San Diego for most of my life. This hair salon one of my absolute favorites. Very hip space with hip employees to match.
I usually work with Emily. She does great highlights + cuts. She also does my extensions. I’ve always had a positive experience with her.
Uyen is the owner + I go to her for lash extensions. I get a refill about every 3 weeks.
Over all a top salon + I would highly recommend it.

Had a fantastic cut at Theory Hair Studio! Uyen gives a stylish cut and keeps my hair looking flawless.
I have wild woman curly hair that would happily stay a frizzy mess if left to its own devices. Uyen always knows how to take my crazy Extreme color and cut request to another level and makes it happen for me. She really does know her stuff and a consultation with her on your hair is priceless. You feel confidant in the outcome and being able to keep it up on your own. Great service by all the staff and a wonderful environment!!!

I’m so happy I found Uyen and Theory Hair Studio! I’ve moved around a lot in the past few years, so I’ve probably been to at least twenty different stylists. Uyen is the first to be able to get my color exactly how I like it. For some reason, my hair seems to confound most stylists; they’re never able to prevent it from turning brassy. Uyen has the magic touch! I also get extensions from Uyen, and I couldn’t love them more. She uses extremely high quality materials, but it’s her application of the extensions that truly impresses me. I know a lot of people with extensions end up with damaged hair, tangles, or bald spots… I haven’t experienced any problems like that at all! If you’re considering getting extensions, you DEFINITELY have to visit Uyen for a consultation.
Thank you Uyen!

I redid my ombré after Uyen colored it for the first time over a year ago.
I was surprised that my color lasted so long! We only lightened it once and toned it twice. When it grew out, it blended it seamlessly with my natural color. I was worried that my ombré would be hard to maintain, but Uyen did such a good job!
This time, we lightened it just a little more. I am very happy with it! I just wanted to post a picture of it!