I have just returned from my hair appointment at Helene Rene and thought I
would finally write something on City Search about my wonderful experience
each and every time Helene has done my hair. I am shocked at reading 2 of
the nastiest reviews I have ever seen. I have known Helene for the last ten
years, she has done my hair with considerable finesse I might add and been a
warm, giving and loving person to be around. I feel I must come to her
defense as people don’t always know the whole picture. I know Helene would
never discuss this herself, but as a friend and a customer I must tell her
recent story. The building where she lives and works was sold last year and
she is being evicted. She has spent the last 6 months looking for new
digs, not just a new home but a space for her business. She has lived and
worked in this location for 20 some odd years and suddenly she is being
forced to completely change her entire life due to this new landlord.

We have all had bad days and I would hate to have her suffer unnecessarily
just because of 1 or 2 bad reviews, especially when there are at least 60
positive reviews praising her salon. Her prices are more affordable than
anyone on Union St. Helene was not available to cut my hair at one time so I
had to visit another salon which set me back $280.00. Please understand I
have extremely short, fine hair, it takes maybe 20 minutes to cut and the
color takes in about 20 minutes. I really felt taken on that one and from
now on I will give Helene a little more advance notice so I don’t have to
deal with this kind of rip off again. Helene was shocked when I told her how
much I spent!

She is fabulous, reasonable, warm and understanding and is currently moving
to a new home and has been offered a private space in a local salon to
continue her work. I wish her all the luck in the world and will remain a
good customer. Thank God she is staying in the neighborhood!

Helene Rene Salon is the worst. Did not have proper products to use on my hair, the color turned out way too dark and because she did not dry it completely I did not know how bad it was till I got home. Perhaps because she did not want to attempt to style my hair she asked if it was OK after she fluffed it a bit and used the dryer so it was only damp. I said it was fine just so I could finally get out of there. The noise was deafening. She took phone calls (2) while she was in the middle of doing the color! I couldn't believe it. It's upstairs in an old victorian house and it's a disaster - the building is being renovated, or maybe torn down. It was nothing like a business, except that I had to pay. She did not even have the lights turned on so can't imagine her cutting hair! Steel Magnolias was a palace compared to this establishment and the results I got could have been out of that movie. My former hairdresser who I went to for over 8 years moved to Portland. I did not see this place before making the appoinment - only knew that she used Redken products (and she did not have the products that i use on my hair) and that was how I happend upon this so called salon.

Moved To SF from New York City, read the reviews and thought OK I'll try her. What a mistake! She's totally unprofessional. Had not a clue how to style my hair -and the haircut was really bad. She did not offer to fix it, but was anxious to cut it again on my next visit (so she could charge me for it again). In a house that's under construction so the noise is awful, it's drafty and the lights were off- No kidding! And parking? $16.50 across the street. Have not one good thing to say about this shop or its owner.

A few years past it was time upon my journey to discover someone new in the business of my hair. Allowing my fingers to walk through the San Francisco yellow pages I was making no headway to find a hair designer/salon with preference for Redken products.
Once I logged onto the Redken website here I found Helene Rene!
Throughout my journey I have discovered most hair persons have little knowledge or experience to cut hair with considerably density. I recall my first sitting with Helene she offered a libation, took the time to discuss what it was I was looking for. As Helene began to cut my hair it was apparent her knowledge and experience was simply a cut above the rest. Helene offers a multitude of hair, skin care services, products, consultations, a pleasant comfortable setting, reasonable prices and a great location.
Highly recommended

I will keep it simple. Helene Rene listened to my needs. I love my new color and she included a Step by Step Make-up Class. Helene taught me so much about my hair and make-up wow!. She showed me up do's I can do in less then 5 minutes. I bought her complete Skin Care and Make-up line. Its great. She is so reasonably priced. She has very flexible hours. Call her.