The Alfredo James Hair Design Story:
A Journey of Excellence
At Alfredo James Hair Design, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident, empowered, and radiant. Our mission is to deliver accessible luxury through a salon experience where every guest feels pampered, cared for, and truly seen. Founded by master stylist Alfredo Contrera and partners James McDowell and Nicole Taranto, the brand blends artistry, hospitality, and thoughtful business leadership to redefine the modern salon experience in San Antonio. With locations in Stone Oak and Alamo Heights, Alfredo James Hair Design is known for exceptional hair color, balayage, extensions, and personalized service—alongside advanced beauty and wellness offerings at our Stone Oak location.
Our Roots
Alfredo, a master colorist with more than 15 years of experience, trained in Palm Beach, Denver, and Seattle before bringing his expertise to San Antonio. Known for his precision and creative vision, he’s passionate about helping guests feel confident through exceptional hair.
James shaped the brand with a background in business and guest experience, creating a salon environment rooted in hospitality, elevated design, and thoughtful service, while partner Nicole Taranto provides the financial leadership guiding the company’s continued growth.
Together, they built Alfredo James Hair Design on a shared belief: beautiful hair, genuine connection, and a salon experience where every guest feels at home.
Our Journey
Alfredo James Hair Design opened in 2024 with a vision to create more than just a salon—it’s a destination where artistry, innovation, and community come together. From the beginning, the brand focused on delivering exceptional hair color, balayage, extensions, and personalized service in a space designed for both comfort and inspiration.
As the salon grew, so did the experience. Today, Alfredo James Hair Design serves guests at locations in Stone Oak and Alamo Heights, while the Stone Oak salon also offers advanced esthetic and aesthetic services, including luxury facials, injectables, and wellness therapies. With every evolution, the mission has remained the same: to provide elevated, confidence-building experiences that leave every guest feeling seen, cared for, and truly beautiful.
Our Vision
Our vision is to make beauty and self-care more than just a service—it’s an experience that empowers, elevates, and leaves every guest feeling confident.
Accessible Luxury
We deliver high-end hair services in welcoming, thoughtfully designed salon environments, ensuring every guest feels they deserve exceptional care.
Empowering Confidence
From expert hair color and extensions to personalized styling, our work is centered on helping guests feel radiant, modern, and truly themselves.
Elevated Beauty & Wellness
At our Stone Oak location, advanced esthetic and aesthetic services—including facials, injectables, and wellness therapies—complement our hair services to support a full beauty experience.
Fostering Creativity
We invest in our team through education, collaboration, and a culture that encourages stylists and specialists to grow, refine their craft, and thrive.
Community & Responsibility
We’re committed to using professional-quality products, supporting our local San Antonio community, and building spaces where guests and team members feel inspired, respected, and connected.
More Than Just a Salon
Alfredo James Hair Design is a sanctuary where luxury meets accessibility, and artistry meets empowerment. Whether you’re stepping in for a haircut, a transformative color, or a wellness treatment, we aim to create moments of joy, beauty, and renewal.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we redefine beauty in San Antonio.
Discover the Alfredo James Experience
We invite you to join us and experience a new standard of beauty and wellness.