Who we are
Welcome to Acute Collective—a vibrant, inclusive hair studio nestled just off Union Square in San Francisco. Perched above the city’s lively streets, our second-floor sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat where laughter, creativity, and exceptional hair care converge.
Founded in 2012, Acute Collective is led by veteran stylist Linda Thomas, who brings nearly two decades of international experience, and her talented protégé Andrea Hernandez, a San Francisco native with a passion for art and connection. Together, they have cultivated a space where clients can unwind, share stories, and indulge in personalized hair services.
Words we live by: Kind beauty, Conscious choices
Our philosophy
At Acute Collective, we believe beauty should be kind—to people, animals, and the planet. That’s why we use KEVIN.MURPHY products, known for their professional performance, vegan-friendly formulas, and cruelty-free commitment. Our color options include vegan choices and formulas that are ammonia—and PPD-free, while every product in the salon is free from sulfates and parabens.
From color to care, each product is selected with sustainability in mind—packaged responsibly, gentle on your hair, and designed to protect both you and the environment. Here, it’s not just about how you look when you leave—it’s about feeling good knowing every detail was chosen with care for you and the world around you.
Linda Thomas
Owner / Stylist + Colorist
Linda began her nearly 20-year career internationally before settling in San Francisco, where she’s created a dedicated following with her infectious energy and serious professional skills, perfected through advanced training from Kevin Murphy and Color.me.
She founded Acute in 2012 to create an open, welcoming space for her wide community of clients and collaborators, and she’s since grown the collective to include her love of plants and design. Acute Collective is a reflection of Linda’s easygoing warmth—a neighborhood space that invites everyone in and adds beauty in their day.
Andrea Hernandez
Stylist + Colorist
A proud San Francisco native, Andrea Hernandez discovered her love for hair, makeup, and fashion at an early age. Her passion turned into purpose when, as a client of Linda’s, she was inspired to pursue a career in the beauty industry. That spark led her to the Paul Mitchell Institute, where she laid the groundwork for her craft.
For the past three years, Andrea has trained under Linda’s guidance, refined her skills, and developed into a versatile, detail-driven stylist. She specializes in balayage, dimensional highlighting, precision cutting, styling, and extensions that blend creativity with technique to bring clients’ visions to life.
At Acute Collective, we believe hair care should be as enjoyable as it is transformative. Our Downtown San Francisco hair salon is more than just a place for cuts, color, and treatments—it’s a welcoming community. Bishop and Boogie, our friendly shop dogs, are always here to greet you with a wag and a cuddle, making every visit feel like catching up with friends.
Products we use
Healthy, sustainable hair care starts with the products we choose. At Acute Collective, we use KEVIN.MURPHY for their high-performance results and conscious approach to beauty.
Our color services include vegan options and formulas that are ammonia-free and PPD-free, delivering vibrant results without harsh chemicals. Every product in our salon is cruelty-free and free from sulfates and parabens, so your hair gets the nourishment it needs—without compromise.
We believe that what goes on your hair should feel as safe and intentional as what goes into your body, giving you peace of mind with every service.
From color to care, everything is selected with sustainability in mind—clean ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and products designed to protect your hair, your health, and the planet.
