Five stars, every review
A perfect 5.0 on Google across 19 reviews.
Color that looks like you
Color by Cate
Cate Lucas · W Lewis St, San Diego
A San Diego hair studio for blonde, grey blending and lived-in color, plus hand-tied extensions, cuts and blowouts.
Buy Now, Pay Later is available for bookings from $50 to $4,000 — get approved before your appointment.
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.”
The work
Platinum, silver-blonde and soft grey blending, done in the chair on W Lewis St. Tap any photo to see it full screen.
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.
Not sure where to start? Book a consultation and talk it through with Cate.
Why clients stay
A colorist's eye
Blonde, grey blending and brunette alike — clients talk about color that's blended seamlessly and toned just right.
An appointment you look forward to
A moody little studio and a stylist who listens and makes the time fly.
In their words
“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. She is a true expert and I trust her with my hair implicitly. Aside from being so skilled, she is also just simply so wonderful to be around. She is a gem.”
“Cate is the BEST, my hair never looks better than when I leave her chair. I’ve been going to her for years now. Today I got a clear gloss + trim for my wedding prep and I’ve literally never felt hotter 😂 She’s such a girls girl, always gives the best advice (especially when I’m tempted to chop all my hair off), and her space is SO vibey, there’s nowhere I’d rather yap and get a blowout, love you Cate!!”
“Simply put Cate is amazing! She loves what she does and it shows. I won’t let anyone else touch my hair. And, aside from her talent with hair she is the most amazing person. I used to hate getting my hair done, and now I can’t wait because I get to spend time with Cate. I have referred so many people to her and they have fallen in love with her just like I knew they would. She’s the best of the absolute best!”
“Cate has been doing my hair for well over 7 years and I trust her completely! Her colors are always blended seamlessly and I always leave feeling so beautiful! To top it all off, sitting in her chair is so fun so your appointment always feels like it flies by!”
“Cate knows hair better than anyone I've been to. She will make your vision come true.”
“Cate is a lovely, talented person! She really listened and kicked up my style! Looking forward to seeing her again!”
Good to know
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. Babylights and transformational color take a deposit for new clients.
- No shows are charged 100% of the booked service.
Gift cards
Give a chair with Cate: gift cards come in $50, $75, $100, $200 or a custom amount, sent by email on the day you choose with an optional message.
Gift card sales are final.
Book your next color
Open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm, and Friday until 6pm. Book online or call and tell Cate what you have in mind. Cards accepted, with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance.
Find the studio
Color by Cate 1617 W Lewis St, San Diego, CA 92103, USA (480) 329-3933 [email protected]Restroom · Credit and debit cards accepted · 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 |