Color by Cate
Color that looks like you
A San Diego hair studio for blonde, grey blending and lived-in color, plus hand-tied extensions, cuts and blowouts.
Why clients choose Cate
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Five stars, every review
A perfect 5.0 on Google across 19 reviews.
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A colorist's eye
Blonde, grey blending and brunette alike — clients talk about color that's blended seamlessly and toned just right.
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An appointment you look forward to
A moody little studio and a stylist who listens and makes the time fly.
Hair color, with Cate
Color by Cate is Cate Lucas's studio on W Lewis St in San Diego, a small, warm space where one person does your hair from start to finish. High contrast color, soft blending, a lived-in look you can grow out — it all starts with a real conversation about what you actually want.
Cate's view is that great hair is about more than being blonde. It's health, balance and placement that suits your face and your routine, so your color still looks right months later.
Clients come back for the work and stay for the hang. If you're ready to update your look and have a good time doing it, book a chair.
“I love what I do. And I truly believe in the power of great hair.”
What you can book
Color, cuts and extensions in San Diego, from a quick gloss to a full transformation. A consultation comes first for some services, so the plan fits your hair.
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Blonde and highlights
Hand-painted babylights, partial and mini highlights, and a money piece to keep the front bright between bigger appointments.
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Grey blending
A seamless way to soften or grow out grey, starting with a grey blending consultation.
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All over color and gloss
All over color to cover grey and add depth, or a conditioning toner and gloss to cancel unwanted tones on pre-lightened hair.
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Transformational color
For an entirely new look — brighten and blend over a longer appointment, with a consultation first.
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Hand-tied extensions
One or two rows of hand-tied extensions for added body, length and volume, booked after a consultation.
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Cuts, blowouts and updos
Cut and style, dry cuts, fades, edge ups, bang trims, blowouts, special occasion updos, and a lesson in blow-drying your own hair.
The service menu
- Hand-tied extensions, 2 rows
- $400 · 120 min
- Consultation required. Hair not included.
- Hand-tied extensions, 1 row
- $225 · 60 min
- Consultation required. Hair not included.
- Consultation
- $50 · 30 min
- Grey blending consultation
- For anyone thinking about, starting or already grey blending.
Recent color
Bright, dimensional blondes and soft silver blends, straight from Cate's chair. Tap any photo to see it full screen.
Kind words
5 stars on Google from 19 reviews.
“Cate is truly the best colorist in San Diego! While she is a blonde specialist, and also a specialist with extensions… even as a brunette SHE NAILS MY COLOR. She makes me walk out of her salon feeling like a trillion bucks.”
“My hair never looks better than when I leave her chair. I’ve been going to her for years now… She’s such a girls girl, always gives the best advice, and her space is SO vibey, there’s nowhere I’d rather yap and get a blowout.”
“Simply put Cate is amazing! She loves what she does and it shows. I won’t let anyone else touch my hair… I used to hate getting my hair done, and now I can’t wait because I get to spend time with Cate.”
Before you book
Cancellation policy
- Cancelling within 48 hours of your appointment is charged at 50% of the cancelled service.
- New clients forfeit their deposit and need a new deposit to reschedule.
- No shows are charged 100% of the booked service.
Paying
Credit and debit cards accepted. Buy Now, Pay Later is available for bookings from $50 to $4,000 — get approved before your appointment.
Gift cards
Treat someone to time in Cate's chair: $50, $75, $100, $200 or a custom amount, sent by email on the day you choose. Gift card sales are final.
Book your next color
Open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm, and Friday until 6pm. Cards accepted, with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Find the studio
1617 W Lewis St, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
(480) 329-3933
[email protected]
Restroom · Credit cards accepted · Debit cards accepted · Wheelchair-accessible parking · Wheelchair-accessible entrance