Hair By Dante

Still love him! Lovelovelove him! Did I mention enough how awesome he is? (Just don’t book him on Saturday afternoons… that’s when I go!)

Dante did my hair on my wedding day and he did a fantastic job! During the trial, we tried many hairstyles and I ended up going with a combination of two of the styles we tested for my actual wedding day (a loose braid that wrapped around and ended in a low, romantic side bun). Dante made me look and feel beautiful. I also really appreciated his willingness to do hair on site at my wedding venue. My sister and my mom were also thrilled with how Dante did their hair that day. At the last minute, my mother-​in-​law showed up wanting to get her hair done as well and Dante was so flexible and accommodating. It says a lot about a hair stylist that can make women of all ages look and feel beautiful.

This review was originally written on 6÷12÷2008 — when Dante was working at another salon. I have deleted the other review and pasted it here…
Dante is AMAZING! Everyone I know that moves away from SF comes back at some point to see Dante. My girlfriend lives in San Diego and had a hair color job that went all wrong. She immediately booked a flight and an appt with Dante. Her hair now looks great. He knows what the hell he is doing! It’s as simple as that. My hair is super fine and he knows exactly what to do to keep it looking thick and full. I know, without a doubt, he will always make my hair look fabulous.
I signed up with Unilocal just so I could tell everyone how great he is.
Thank you Dante — You truly are the BEST!
UPDATE 5÷29÷2014 — I am, of course, still seeing Dante regularly and still in awe of his work. My husband has also been seeing him for several years. I love it when my husband has a hair appt because Dante always sends him home looking so damn cute! Thank you Dante! We love you!!!

Fabulous personality, great technique and the most beautiful color! It’s been 16 years since I started getting my hair cut and colored by Dante. He is the only person who I trust to touch my hair. I’ve gone from long to short and back again. It is the absolute knowledge that Dante will guide you to a beautiful look that gave me the courage to go for a complete change and cut my hair stylishly short. I’ve been getting my hair colored for so many years, I’m not even sure what color it is anymore. That doesn’t matter because Dante makes it look amazing!
I look forward to my appointments with him, just to catch up and laugh!
Always on point with the latest hair fashion, Dante is absolutely one-​of-​a-​kind!
Example: I had just left Dante’s salon when a stranger stopped me on the street to say «you have great hair».
It’s not my hair, it’s Dante!

I didn’t bother asking for price on the phone, b/​c I generally know prices. However, it turned out I ended up with a $ 150 bill for a root touch up! Evidently, this is because he charges an extra $ 70 for a blowout! I’ve been to many salons & almost never run across this. If he wants to do things differently than others, no problem. However, if he knows industry standard, I think it’s his responsibility to be clear about that. He didn’t mention anything about pricing upon booking or when he asked me if I wanted a blow dry. $ 150 for a root touch up & blow dry is very high for a super high end salon, and Dante’s salon is average, as was the color & dry. I definitely won’t return, and I’d just want others to know about his unusual pricing!

I was recently invited to a Gala in San Francisco. I just moved to the United States and wasn’t sure who to go to to get the right hair for the event. A friend suggested to go to Hair by Dante.
So I went to Dante and showed him a picture of me in the dress I was gonna wear. He explained to me the hairdo that would go well with it. He made me feel very comfortable… he was chatting with me like we’re old buddies while doing my hair. In about 30mins my hair was done. I really LOVED it! I got a lot of compliments at the Gala, even from people I don’t know. The hairdo really made me feel beautiful.
I am definitely going back to Dante for anything concerning my hair! He is the best!

I was in San Fran on vacation from Vancouver, BC and decided to wing it and get my hair cut while I was there. I have never had a haircut that worked very well for me. I think this is in part to having fine hair. My last three stylists were very unconvinced that I should get bangs but I thought they might look good.
Dante gave me a cut that honestly looks pretty good when I get out of bed. The bangs are great and look add a little youthfulness (a very good thing). The only downside… I may have to come to San Fran to get my hair done :}

Last year I was given a Trubates coupon for HAIR BY DANTE by a friend of mine, after she heard me complain about my previous hair cuts from other hair dressers. She herself had not been to Dante, but read about him on Unilocal and decided this would be the perfect birthday present for me.
With all my bad experiences I was a bit hesitant to visit a hair dresser that I had not heard of and in form of a coupon.
So before I booked my first appointment I looked him up on Unilocal and was surprised about the overly positive reviews.
This took away a little of my anxiety when I called him to make an appointment.
He was very charming on the phone and when I finally got to his salon I found his personality to match. He is an absolute doll.
Upon my short consultation I explained to him that I was a little but anxious and that my previous hair dressers had cut my hair way shorter than initially discussed.
He immediately took my anxiety when he told me he loves long hair and would only cut as much as I’d tell I’m to.
He explained in detail what he was doing while he was cutting my hair but also answered all questions I had in regards to my hair and how to take care of it.
We got along great and he was very charming and we talked like old friends.
Once I was done I could not believe how beautiful my hair looked. I had not felt this pretty for a long time after leaving a hair dresser.
I received so many comments on my cut and style which was very nice.
Since this time, I have visited him twice, last time yesterday, and must say ever time I felt incredibly beautiful afterwards and my cut lasted a very long time.
I can only recommend Dante to anyone who is looking for a dresser who not only listens to your requests and needs but also knows how to fulfill them.
Unfortunately yesterday was my last time visiting his salon as I will be moving out of the country for good… but I know that should I come back to visit SF that a hair cut by Dante will be on my agenda.
I hope that I will find a hair dresser half as talented as Dante. He left pretty big shoes to fill!

Dante is amazing. He knows what he is doing and really takes his time with each client. He is very fun to work with and very hospitable. He makes sure you are comfortable. I really liked how he left my hair and highly recommend him!

I’ve lived in SF my entire life, and I’ve slowly been trying all the existing hairdressers in the city. I usually give them a shot, end up on a scale of meh to bleh, and then passive-​aggressively hide and never go back to the same dresser. Dante however is an angel. After extensive researching and going through all my bipolar and OCD phases, I decided on Dante to be my hairdresser for my wedding. I met him about 2 weeks before the wedding for a cut, color, keratin treatment, and an updo trial (told you, OCD).
The cut was great. I did absolutely nothing to it for my bachelorette party and friends suggested that I keep that hairstyle for my wedding. I didn’t, but I appreciated the comments. :)
The keratin treatment was okay. My hair is definitely very glossy, but I still have random flyaways. Dante had mentioned that my hair was already in decent condition and that I ought to flat-​iron to help the keratin along. I wasn’t super religious about that, but I was very good about not wetting my hair in the beginning phase (this required some hide-​at-​home hermit behavior for a few days, hehe) and sticking to sulfate-​free shampoo. I would probably do it again to maintain the sheen, despite having to give up on using Kerastase. :P
Color was good, I like it. But where Dante really stood out, in my opinion, was the updos. He tried 4 looks on me, and we decided on two for the wedding – one for each dress and its matching headpiece.
I received this comment on the first look a week after the wedding (the person who said it remembered it!): «You looked SO beautiful. Like a celebrity! I love how the offset hair balanced out the one-​shoulder dress!» Please note that I’m 4’10 and Asian. It’s pretty damn hard to make me look like a celebrity, lol.
The second look was a little more fun and required working around a headband. Dante cleverly hid it in a beautiful braid. I loved the look. I want to point out here that Dante had to step out of a party he was attending to come to my wedding for the second styling, and he was extremely patient even though I was running late. Angel.
All in all, I really looked and felt special on my wedding day, and Dante played a huge part in that. He has a great eye for style, pushed my boundaries without making me uncomfortable, and has a wonderful personality. Seeing that I was under duress, he was soothing and supportive… I suspect he might secretly be a therapist. :) Anyway, Dante, if you’re reading this, I didn’t get to say thank you… so THANK YOU! :)))

The previous reviewers have said it all, and I couldn’t agree more! Dante is the best, he is fantastic, he does magic with hair, he is kind and genuine, he is hilariously funny, and he gives great advice. Since Dante encouraged me to start coloring my prematurely gray hair, I look ten years younger! Now that Dante has tamed my frizzy curls with a truly amazing keratin treatment, I have had more compliments than ever before. People keep telling me that I look youthful, healthy, happy, and beautiful. Thanks to Dante, I now feel that way, too. Thank you, Dante!

Dante is simply the best. He listens, he looks, he gives flattering cuts and colors. He remembers.
In addition to being one of the nicest people I know, his cut and color work are fantastic every time. I first came to him many years ago when he rescued my hair from years of bleaching it punk-​rock white. He carefully fixed the damage, and over the years we have moved seamlessly through various shades of blonde and brown. Every change brings compliments.
I highly recommend Dante!

If you read all the reviews about Dante, every single one of his customers love him because he is not only the best hair stylist in the bay area but also a really awesome, laidback, and super funny guy. IT IS ALL TRUE! Not only that, he is truly honest and will give you advice on hair color, style, maintenance, and really help you out so that you can look the best ever!
I wanted a change from my existing hair style and hair color as I’ve had it for the past 5+ years and got tired of looking like an innocent girl. I was also a little worried about a possible drastic change in hair style (as I still wanted to keep it professional), but Dante put me at ease and basically said, have fun, be sexy and mysterious like a bad girl who wants to be spanked, and flirt with the boys! I said, yeah, why not! I’m bored of this innocent look. It’s so outdated. It’s definitely time for a change.
Dante transformed me from an innocent girl into the sexy, mysterious bad girl that was hidden deep down inside me. My friends had to take a second look at me to even notice that it was me! They did not recognize me at all. Even some of my male friends said that if they were walking down the street and saw me, they wouldn’t recognize it was me and would try to pick up on me.
All my friends loved my new hairstyle and highlights and I do too! I love the change, just in time for the new year! I’m keeping this hairstyle and highlights for a long time. :)
Thank you Dante! You are the best hairstylist in the bay area and you know it too!

Disclaimer: I haven’t had the great fortune to experience Dante’s hair styling prowess. But I can easily give 4 stars, right off the bat, based on what I witnessed a few months ago at a formal event I attended!
Our agency was hosting a 1920’s themed gala and most attendees, including volunteers, were ‘in character!’ One of my favorite co-​workers, stole the show by a landslide — not only with her gown, shoes and accessories, but her hairstyle was absolutely magnificent and awe-​inspiring. Seriously.
The most incredible thing about her hairstyle was not only the way it was styled; but more importantly, the way it was styled to flatter her face. It was as if it was designed specifically for her unique look/​face. She was stunning and it was largely attributed to her hairstyle. Not only that — I later discovered that Dante had colored AND completed her up-​do within an hour and a half!!! And, honestly, she was the best looking one there.
I really can’t wait to experience Dante one of these days. My co-​worker has been with him for 13 years and in the past few years that I’ve know her, she has had some beautiful hairstyles. I’m not surprised he has a loyal following.
I can’t wait to meet you, Dante :-)

I simply LOVE Dante! I have been going to Dante for over 13 years and I have never been disappointed with anything he’s done to my hair. I always get compliments on how well my hair is cut and on the various styles I have had over the years. Dante not only knows everything there is to know about hair but is also a great person. I always look forward to my visits.
Also, I always hear people talk about how long it takes their person to do their hair and I always wonder what the heck they’re doing. When I go and see Dante I am out of there in no time. Dante is not only fast but very talented. Just last weekend I needed an «updo» for a 20’s fundraiser event that I was going to and within an hour and a half I had my hair colored and styled. Everyone at the Gala asked me who did my hair and said «oh, it must have taken him hours to do that.» :-)I received compliments on my hair all night long and to this day I amazed that Dante was able to recreate a 20s look with a modern twist just like that. He is amazing!
If you are looking for a GREAT hairstylist go see Dante — you won’t be disappointed!

I met Dante in ’97 at a Union Square salon, when my *not so great* hairdresser was running late, and he was able to take over, as I was having my hair done to go speak at a Gala Event. My hair never looked so good. I mean an up-​do with an edge! It was original. And, I’ve been hooked ever since.
Over the years, I have had every hair style, every color, every FAD you have seen, and most likely had it months (if not years) before everyone else did! He kept me so current, yet true to my hair. My hair is not easy, my nickname from Dante is Chewbacca (the hairy wookie from Star Wars). So, after all these years I am THRILLED with Dante’s talent, style, and ON TIME performance.
Dante recently became certified to do the KERATIN ANTI-​FRIZZ treatment. This treatment has saved my life. I kid you not, when I used to wash and blow my own hair, I would be committing one hour minimum. The *hair project* now takes 30 minutes tops. Anyone with thick frizz prone hair must get this treatment. My hair is shiny, healthy and glowing. Best part– only have to repeat process 3 – 4 months to maintain. This is NOT a straightener. My curls and waves are just FRIZZ free. You may know this process as the Brazilian Keratin Anti Frizz treatment. Free bang trims are an added plus.

I am kind of nervous to post this because i don’t want Dante’s appointments to fill up because he is AMAZING. The BEST the city has to offer… and i’ve been to many salons before. He has total understanding of hair AND of how you feel the most comfortable with it… that is a trait that most stylists don’t have. So when you leave his salon you feel like you are the HOTTEST, FIERCEST BITCH around! oh and I look it once i leave there.
Dante also does amazing Updos… i always look perfectly put together once i leave his place and the compliments from others do not quit. Seriously EVERYONE tells me how amazing my hair looks when i leave his chair.
And for the MEN: When i first met my fiancé, he had a receding hairline and looked like he was years older than he was. Thanks to Dante (and Rogaine foam) he looks years YOUNGER, and his hair is perfect… Dante has all the girls all over my man now!!!
I am wishing that he’ll do my hair for my wedding, if he’ll have me… Dante, will you please?
And to top it all off, Dante gives the BEST advice in the world… so not only does he make me look HOT, he helps me with my life too… i’m in LOVE…

As someone who is obsessed with fashion, hair, and makeup, I have to say that Dante is an amazing hair stylist. I have been going to him for three years and in that time I have found him to be a fantastic hair stylist who actually listens.
Before the scissors and color come out, Dante always asks me what I want. Even when I have trouble explaining my vision, Dante gets it. Because he is so skilled and experienced, when I fumble through a description of a haircut I saw he immediately picks up on what I’m saying and repeats it back to me much more clearly than I had uttered. He’s great about giving his professional opinion on how my ideas will work with my particular hair texture and face shape. He also considers my long term goals (gotta grow it out for that wedding in the spring!) and how much time and effort I am willing to put into my hair on a daily basis. Plus he gives me awesome styling tips and suggestions without being pushy. I always leave his chair looking and feeling fabulous and asking myself, «How did he make me look so good?!»
If his talent and professional manner weren’t enough, he’s also the nicest guy and so much fun to be around! I have refered him to friends and family before and would do it again in a heartbeat.

in the four years that dante’s been cutting my hair, i’ve thought often about posting about his awesomeness on Unilocal.i never did because if too many people find out how great he is, i would be forced to plan way in advance for my cuts, which would not please me. but since i’m moving out of the country soon, i guess it’s okay.
know this: growing up, i was the girl who sobbed inconsolably after almost every haircut i received. as an adult, i wanted to cry after most of my haircuts but didn’t because i just felt silly. occasionally i’d find someone who did a good job and who i thought could be «the one» but they all flamed out after 2 – 3 cuts.
when i met dante, everything changed.
let’s start with his technical prowess. he does a great cut, plain and simple. he interprets my loose ideas perfectly (i never wonder afterward, «is this my fault? did i do a bad job explaining what i wanted?»). his cuts look great from the moment i leave his chair until i slink back in many weeks later, well beyond the recommended 6 – 8 week range.
and i love how supportive he is from a hair stand point. every single person who’s cut my hair BD (before dante) recommended that i keep it no longer than shoulder length because it’s fine. when i shared this with him, he seemed confused. didn’t see any reason why i couldn’t go long. said it was all in the cut. and he was right. for years now, i’ve been sporting long hair and i love it. his cuts are always flattering and never fussy or difficult to deal with at home.
he also takes time to talk hair care and styling with me. he is never pushy with the products (in fact, sometimes i sit there wondering if we’re talking about things he actually sells). and he’ll happily teach me how to do daytime up-​dos when i ask. he always makes suggestions about new, interesting things i could try with my hair. when i agree, it always turns out great. when i decline, he drops it quickly and gracefully, never making me feel like a loser for not taking his advice.
to top it all off, he’s just a lovely person. kind, engaged, laid-​back, genuine and interesting — overall someone i actually enjoy spending time with.
so if you find yourself wandering from chair to chair, searching for that special someone who can make your hair (and you) look its best. do yourself a favor and go see dante.

Where do I begin to explain Dante??? I guess it begins in 2001 when he was at a salon in Union Square, SF. Referred by a fellow curly-​haired friend, after I’d moved to SF from NY. First hair cut… I was done. He understood my hair immediately. It was amazing & I’ve followed him from salon to shop-​owner ever since. I even now live in LA & can’t help but schedule my SF trips around a cut & (now) color by my Dante. :)
Funniest part about it — is over the years, you later find out you have other (smart & stylish) friends that also go to Dante. :) Best story: my friend was getting married & I hadn’t seen him in quite some time… told him ‘My Gosh! Your hair looks amazing!’… he divulges that he’s ‘skipped the barber’ & is now going to a ‘Professional Hair Stylist’ per his new wife’s suggestion. In all the years I’d known him, I never thought his handsome mug looked so great! SO… ‘who’s your new stylist?’ I ask … Dante! Of course… in one visit — I can see a noticeable change in an already good looking man. One has to just shake their head in approval. :)
Not to mention, I’m obsessed with my own hair… so that should say enough.