What to look for
A good highlights appointment starts with someone who listens. Talk through your starting color, the lightness you want, and how highlights will work with your cut and lifestyle. Some stylists prefer hand-painting or balayage; others use traditional foil techniques. All of them can work well—it's about finding the right match for you.
Reviews matter here. Look for stylists who get consistent praise for color placement and blend, not just brightness. If you're nervous about a big change, mentioning that upfront helps.
Booking and availability
About 29% of the salons offering highlights in San Francisco accept online booking, so you have options if you'd rather schedule digitally. If your preferred salon doesn't offer it, a quick call is usually fine—color specialists often like to chat with you first anyway.
All of the salons here have customer reviews, and they average 4.86 stars. That's a solid pool to choose from.