Since my induction into the San Diego scene, one of my biggest hurdles has been finding someone I can trust with a pair of scissors – let alone hair dye and toner – to frame and tame my beloved tresses. After all, there are valid and invariable reasons why women take such precautions with inhibited stride.
My adventure in salon experimentation has taken me far and wide in the world of hair: it has taught me how to decipher between the fantastical, the unlikeable and the “hat required at all times” of places. For those locals who have found themselves in a predicament similar to mine, let my learned wisdom offer an irrefutable cure for your given malady.
Discover an edgy yet refined hair haven where your locks will experience a truly modern touch – Diesel Salon.
Situated on the corner of Adams Avenue and Biona Drive in the quaint neighborhood of Kensington, you will find the seemingly ordinary Diesel Salon. But step inside the bold- faced doors and into an air of masculinity, fringed by a pinch of girlish touch and you will easily find that Diesel is atypical of the neighborhood stereotype.
The bright and simple reception area comprised of worn, marble floors, five black chairs, and a sleek gray and black framed desk waits inside dark double doors. After speaking with the amiable receptionist – and conspicuously eyeing the large jar chalk full of Red Vines – I took a seat in one of the chairs next to the heavily-lined wall of Bumble and Bumble and L’Oreal Professional hair products and flipped through an issue of Maxim awaiting a much needed deep conditioning treatment.
Set aside the spunky décor and it is easy to perceive how the audaciously colored red, dark gray and chartreuse walls alone provide a foundation for the salon’s daring ideation. Past the reception area, guests proceed into one of two separate “macho-esque” styling rooms; each station dons a vivid red Craftsman tool box, housing each and every kind of hair utensil one could possibly dream of, and a pulley fixated on the wall next to a lofty mirror which conveniently clasps on to a hair dryer.
Looking up from my magazine, I was greeted by the beaming blonde owner, Candice Buckett. After offering a welcoming beer, Candice escorted me to the wash room for my “hair-apy” treatment.
The small wash room, located in the back left corner of the main salon, exhibits three black leather reclining chairs positioned in front of red porcelain wash basins. After plopping down in chair of my choice, Candice immediately set in with the L’Oreal Absolute Repair Shampoo and Masque, followed by the L’Oreal Absolute Repair Power Dose having explained that my tresses were in some serious need of TLC. And yes, I most definitely agree that they were.
When asked about the history of the salon, Candice informed me that in January of 2007, she bought the previously titled Service Station salon and revamped it into the edgy persona that is now Diesel.
“I think the name Diesel itself is what makes the salon unique because it tailors to not only women, but men as well,” says Buckett. “It’s a fun and funky place to get an eccentric hairstyle, but at the same time a place where you can get a style that is elegant and refined.”
Eccentricity is exactly what you will find floating in the Diesel atmosphere. Eclectic tunes ranging from the Stones and Spoon to the Raconteurs and Jack Johnson softly tickled my ear drums as Candice led me past creatively adorned “Men” and “Women” bathroom door fixtures – undoubtedly one you have to take a peep at for yourself.
After Candice brushed, dried, spritzed and glossified my hair, I instantly noticed the much deserved vivacity my locks had been begging me for.
While haircuts start at $35 for men and $50 for women and color and highlights range from $65 upwards, Diesel also houses a mini day spa. Past the red brick wall and up steel plated stairs punctuated by pipe railing, a teal-hued skin haven services moisturizing facials and expert waxing treatments.
For a modern hair haven with an alternative edge and extra spa perks, visit Diesel Salon in Kensington. Find more of the best San Diego salons and spas in our beauty directory.
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