Joel C Ma Hair Studio

I cannot recommend Eva Parker enough. Not only did she give me a fabulous haircut I love and continue to get compliments on, but she is incredibly sweet and kind as well. I am Mom with a 3 month old and 3 year old — it’s really hard to find time to get away and do nice things for myself. Eva went above and beyond in taking extra time to make sure I have a haircut I feel good about. She told me how happy she was to see me bouncing out of the salon feeling great about my new hair! I am so grateful!

MYRA is AWESOME. Made my wax as pain free as possible, kept me laughing, and probably the best service i’ve experienced. Just moved to San Diego and have been looking for a place to go for a while, and she is fantastic! Also folks — try sugaring! Game changer! Reduced growth by atleast 30%!

ZARA is the best! She’s a master colorist and stylist. I don’t know what I would do without her!
Her talent is amazing. I highly highly recommend her. She’s a beautiful person inside and out.

Myra was the best. Made my trip as easy and painless as possible. Would recommend to anyone needing the highest quality talent combined with that extra special personality and humanness.

Erin is great! She is a gifted stylist and really cares about the outcome. It’s nice to be listened to and have it turn out just as you like!

Simply the best. I have had color, highlights, haircuts done there and I love it. They are so professional and always exceeded my expectations. Definitely recommend !

I have been going to Zara for over 5 years. She is a wonderful stylist. I’ve had my hair long and short and done highlights and full color and I’ve always been happy with the results. She really listens to what you want. She is also so sweet. I love going to see her. This studio is very nice. Good location. I have not had any trouble with parking and the studio validates for up to 3 hours. There are also several places nearby to grab coffee or food.

I am a client of Zara — I’ve been with her for over 15 years and can say she is a masterful stylist. She gives me wonderful highlights, hides my greys, and makes me look beautiful and young. She did my hair for my wedding and now my husband goes to her too. You will be very happy if you become her client.
She is also an extremely kind person and always remembers your stories and asks about your life. She is not just a stylist but also a friend.
The practical stuff: parking is free if you validate at the salon AND it’s right next to Regents Pizza which is a great place for some non-​budget-​busting dinner and drinks.

Joel runs a wonderful salon! I went there on a recommendation for highlights and Erin did a great job.
I had a very small time frame of availability and they were very accommodating with that. The service was superb, the salon was very clean and I was so pleased with my finished color — especially since I had scheduled this from a box job gone wrong. Will definitely be back!

I love this studio. Everyone is very nice. Plus the studio itself is gorgeous, brand new, clean! Parking is validated in the very busy UTC area and it’s close to good coffee shops and eateries. They hold great products that the girls always sample on your hair.
I’ve been having Erin there do my hair numerous places for the past ten years. She is fantastic. I have stubborn, very naturally curly hair and I’ve never had anyone cut it quite as well. She is a magician every time. I’d highly recommend checking this place, and Erin out!

Katie Stone is your gal for blondes, and respecting your length. I know this based on all the times she has given me the perfect blonde highlights and when I ask for a trim she’s able to give me a good shape without sacrificing my length! Do your hair a favor and see Katie!

For men we can find less expensive places to have haircuts but I followed my wife here to meet Megan her stylist who started working for Joel recently. I found out there is a difference when you get to a higher level for haircuts. Megan is very good.
I had a chance to meet Joel on my way out yesterday and complimented Megan. There is parking downstairs underneath the building as well.

They’re great! Professional and kind, and if I lived here I’d come all the time. They really care about what you want, and do a good job.

Joel has been my hair stylist and color specialist since 1986. I don’t know what I would do without him. He really knows color! He really knows about keeping your hair healthy. They only use the best products on their clients. Joel is a real pro! I noticed someone mentioned parking issues below. It’s actually 3 free hours, not 1. So parking is not an issue at all. The location is very convenient. I always have random people coming up and asking who does my hair… even on «bad hair days» it looks amazing! I highly recommend Joel C Ma and his team. The only thing you’ll regret is not finding him sooner. ;) THANKS FOR ALWAYS MAKING MY HAIR LOOK AMAZING JOEL!

Alicia is the best hairdresser I’ve ever had. My northern european hair is especially challenging but Alicia always makes me look fabulous. She’s not only a great stylist but also a very talented colorist. She listens and makes great suggestions. She’s also a delightful person.

I have been going to Alicia Kane for cut/​color and style for over four years and would highly recommend her to anyone confidently. She not only has a very good chair side manner but is easy to engage in conversation while treating your hair to a 5star cut/​color/​style of your choice!

PROS: Clean and trendy atmosphere, accepts walk-​ins, friendly stylists, isn’t pushy with product sales, loved the end result.
CONS: Busy parking lot, the lot charges after one hour parking validation before 6PM on weekdays.
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It’s unfortunate that this place is up and running as I’m moving away from the San Diego area but I’m glad I had the pleasure of working with Alicia for my balayage.
I came in with no appointment and Joel worked me into their schedule with no problems! I came in thinking I probably would have to come another day but I was in the chair and chatting with Alicia about different options an hour later (She was at lunch when I first came in).
She was very good with explaining how balayage works and what I can expect to happen since I was going lighter than I usually do. She was careful to go over what she had in mind and I loved that she and I were on the same page before she started working. Alicia showed me samples and everything! While waiting for my color to take effect, I was even offered a drink, something I really appreciated since it was warm outside.
Everyone here seems happy to be here, stylists and clients. Back when this was Azalea Salon, it didn’t always seem that way…
The only downside I found was that this salon shares a busy private lot and the first hour of parking can be validated but you’re charged by the hour after that first freebie. My balayage treatment took about 2.5 hours of painting and toning so if I didn’t live close enough to walk, I probably would’ve avoided parking there.
Totally would recommend Alicia and the rest of the staff to others looking for quality service in a growing salon, especially UCSD students in the area who might want to grab Regents Pizza after getting pretty or need to study at the Starbucks afterwards!

Joel is the best stylist I’ve been to and I’ve been to many stylists in New York and Beverly Hills. He exceeds Louis Licari’s salon in Beverly Hills and all others. You know he’s the best if other stylists are getting their hair done by Joel. He is the most innovative stylist located in a beautiful Salon. Would not go to any other stylist. I would give him 10 ten stars if I could! Love Joel!