Population Salon Nopa

This review is specifically for Kati! I love my hair!!! Kati was the definition of a sweetheart, listened to my concerns, and made the best recommendations. She pointed out what was less desirable about my current highlights with photos and explained exactly how she would fix it. She was careful with the lightening timer, and did a beautiful blend of low lights and balayage! I didn’t feel that my hair was dry or damaged after the appointment, I could tell she was being careful not to over bleach it, which is super responsible. She didn’t take out almost any length but still gave me some nice long layers and face framing as we talked about so I can keep enjoying my length! I was honestly NERVOUS about my appt - I found Kati through insta and booked her without looking at the salon’s review

I could not recommend Kati at Population more highly - she is the BEST!! I bounced around between different stylists across SF before finally finding Population and Kati! I’ve now been seeing Kati for the past 5+ years.. I’ve trusted her with my hair for all of the important milestones in my life since then - from getting engaged, starting a new job, getting married, and now moving across the country! I’ve gotten partial and full balayages from Kati, and have been ecstatic about the results every single time. It is obvious that Kati cares so much about her clients and the work that she does. She really got to know me and my hair, and made such thoughtful recommendations at my appointments. I always walk away feeling excited and confident about my hair after my appointments. Kati is also j

They do not listen and I would never return here even if I was paid to. My first cut was an absolute hack job, I returned for a free adjustment from a different stylist since it was so bad and while his cut was infinitely better he still refused to give me what I asked for and in fact gave me the opposite of what I explicitly requested. I was very clear and honest with both my stylists (and I sprung for the most expensive tier) I told them that I had recently fallen in love with my wavy frizzy hair and wanted a cut that was bushy and thick at the ends to emphasize what I love about it. They took all those things I love about my hair away from me. As I said the first stylist, Erin W., just hacked at my hair as you can see in the first photo, no technique or care at all. The second stylist

Most of my haircut experiences in the past involved getting turned away from a barbershop because of my hair length or leaving a salon that felt like an apple store with a very expensive Lord Farquaad haircut. I’m really grateful to have been referred to Kati at Population- she nails a trim and style every time I go in (male shoulder length+ hair). She is very kind and pleasant to be around, and it’s obvious that she’s very dedicated to her craft. Hanging out in a hair salon doesn’t exactly come naturally to me, but everyone at Population is very welcoming and authentic in my experience. The overall vibe and aesthetic in there is tasteful and classic without being pretentious. 5/5 experience with Kati and the whole Population crew every time.

I cannot recommend Gomez at Population Salon enough! As someone who can be self-conscious about how I look, finding someone like Gomez has been a game changer. He doesn’t just cut or style hair—he sees you. He takes the time to understand your face, your vibe, and how to make your hair bring out your natural beauty. Every time I sit in his chair, I know I’m in good hands. He thoughtfully shapes my hair to frame my face in the most flattering way, and I always leave feeling more confident, radiant, and like the best version of myself. Gomez is incredibly talented, intuitive, and kind—and that combination is rare. Trust me, you won’t regret booking with him. In the mission or Nopa location, book with him!!