Founder · Creative Director · Master Colorist

Alfredo Contrera.

The artist behind the name.

San Antonio · By consultation

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Alfredo Contrera, founder, creative director and master colorist of Alfredo James Hair Design in San Antonio
A distinct point of view

A signature,
not a formula.

Alfredo Contrera has spent more than 15 years mastering the balance between technical precision and instinct. His work is refined without feeling overworked, luxurious without losing the person beneath it.

Before founding Alfredo James Hair Design, Alfredo developed his perspective in salons across Palm Beach, Denver, and Seattle. Each city sharpened his eye. San Antonio gave that vision a name—and a place to become something larger.

Today, every color begins with the same discipline: understand the guest, respect the hair, and create a result that looks inevitable.

15+ years Behind the chair
Four cities A career in craft
Two salons One exacting standard
The Alfredo James philosophy
The work should be noticed.
The technique should disappear.
The AJ Method

Beyond technique.
A standard.

Alfredo developed the AJ Method as a proprietary approach to balayage—one built around the individual rather than a repeated placement pattern. Hair history, facial features, natural movement, desired maintenance, and the way color will evolve are considered before the first section is painted.

The method now forms part of the creative language of Alfredo James Hair Design, giving the salon’s artists a disciplined framework while leaving room for artistry. The objective is never simply lighter hair. It is balance, longevity, and color that belongs to the guest wearing it.

Explore balayage and hair color services at Alfredo James .

Personalized in conception. Precise in execution. Effortless in the final impression.

The house he is building

One name.
A larger vision.

Alfredo James was created to become more than a collection of beautiful salons. It is the foundation of a modern luxury hair house—defined by exact standards, a recognizable visual language, serious education, and an experience that feels personal at every scale.

Every guest experience, every artist developed, and every location opened is part of that architecture. Alfredo’s name is on the door because his point of view is in the details.

Today: Stone Oak and Alamo Heights.
This is only the beginning.

Access to Alfredo

A private point
of entry.

Alfredo’s appointment book is intentionally limited and centered on established guests. He does not offer general online booking.

Prospective new guests may call either salon to request a consultation. Our concierge team will learn more about your hair, your goals, and the level of work involved before guiding the next step.

Consultation requests are reviewed individually and do not guarantee appointment availability.

The essential details

About
Alfredo.

Who is Alfredo Contrera?

Alfredo Contrera is the founder, creative director, and master colorist behind Alfredo James Hair Design in San Antonio. His career spans more than 15 years and salons in Palm Beach, Denver, Seattle, and San Antonio.

Is Alfredo accepting new clients?

Alfredo’s book is intentionally limited, and he does not accept general online bookings. New guest opportunities begin with a consultation request by phone through the Stone Oak or Alamo Heights salon.

What is Alfredo known for?

Alfredo is known for personalized balayage, sophisticated dimensional color, precision hair design, and his ability to create polished results that remain natural to the guest.

What is the AJ Method?

The AJ Method is Alfredo’s proprietary approach to personalized balayage. It considers the guest’s hair history, features, goals, placement, tone, and long-term maintenance to create an individual color plan.

Where does Alfredo work?

Alfredo works by limited appointment at both Alfredo James Hair Design locations: Stone Oak and Alamo Heights in San Antonio, Texas.

Alfredo Contrera
Founder of Alfredo James Hair Design