Acute Collective

Acute Collective was founded in 2012 by Linda Thomas, who began her career internationally before settling in San Francisco. The studio is about two blocks from Powell BART and close to several Muni lines and the Powell cable car turnaround, with street, metered and garage parking nearby.

The studio uses hourly pricing rather than fixed prices per service. Clients pay for time in the chair, and that time covers whatever the look needs that day, such as extra color, toners, treatments or a haircut, without booking separate appointments. Gratuity is built into the service price, so no separate tip is expected. If a visit runs long or the stylist falls behind, the stylist follows up afterward so the client still receives the full booked time. Shop dogs Bishop and Boogie greet visitors.

Services cover creative and classic haircuts, color from partial and full highlights to balayage, lived-in color, platinum card highlights and root touch ups, and styling for occasions such as blowouts, waves and updos. Color correction is offered for box dye mishaps and uneven tones. Bang trims and color consultations are shorter bookings, and the consultation fee is credited toward a color service.

Products are chosen with sustainability in mind. The salon uses vegan, cruelty-free products and KEVIN.MURPHY lines, and every product in the salon is free of sulfates and parabens. Color options include vegan formulas that are ammonia-free and PPD-free. The studio frames its work around kindness to people, animals and the planet.

Built around hourly pricing so the time in the chair fits the look, with a focus on sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free products.

A lively, inclusive studio with a calmer, retreat-like side and a welcoming community feel.