Grace Hair Salon
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pearl District906 NW Irving St
Portland, OR 97209 (503) 241-7771
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
27 Reviews for Grace Hair Salon
I just got a haircut with Eve today. She was very nice and i am happy with my hair cut. Highly recommend the place.
My past is littered with terrible hair cuts. When I was about 19 I started cutting my own hair, and was actually pretty successful at achieving the style I was after. Fast forward 7 years, and I find myself staring in the mirror after making a mistake with the scissors, and I decide I need some professional help.
A friend of mine (with super cute hair) recommended her stylist, Trish, who was working at another salon in the Pearl. I took the plunge and scheduled an appointment, and was very happy with the results. Trish completely listened to me, understood what I was after, and didn't pressure me to buy product or book another appointment. In fact she even gave me a couple pointers on how to maintain the cut myself, if I wanted. Awesome! Trish is now working at Grace Salon, a place that initially kind of intimidated me. But the space is pretty, the service is friendly (they offer you a drink while you wait), and you can't beat a good haircut! It is more money than I ever thought I'd spend on my hair, but its worth it. I'm surprised and happy that I found someone I feel comfortable telling, "Just make me pretty," and trust that she will.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I initially reviewed Grace and Yelped about my "Bleh" experience there. But after communicating with the owner, I realized that my words might have been a little harsh and I was partially to blame for my bad hair day there because I kept yammering away about other things and not focusing on the task at hand: my hair cut and color enhancements. Next time I need to stop talking about celebrity gossip with my stylist and take over responsibility of my hair future.
I read all about how great Grace was on Yelp and decided to go since it got so many rave reviews. I was disappointed in the end result. Throughout the experience, I felt more like I was at the dentist having to get my tooth filled rather than getting my hair done. Next time I need to open my mouth or else pay the price in being disappointed with the results. I did not open my mouth, other than to be tentative the whole time about the cut and color.
Here is what went wrong and what I could have done differently to remedy the situation:
First, I asked for scattered highlights so the grow out wouldn't be so bad. Did I get that? Nope, just your standard highlights. I should have verified that the scattered highlights were being used rather than make assumptions.
Second, I asked to remove some of the red/orange that was coming out since I like to swim on occasion and I occasionally get in the sun. Did I get that? Nope, just s'more red/orange highlights. When I saw the color, it looked orange, but I thought that maybe I was seeing things, maybe it would be better in a different light and maybe I wasn't used to it. I should have demanded right then and there that it be redone to not look orange (or at least ask for help in getting it less orange).
Third, I said I didn't like thinning scissors on my rock star hair. Did they refrain from using those? Nope, used 'em. My former stylists never used those funky thinning scissors since the grow-out turns out looking like lampshade head. I even asked if this was normal and expressed concern that I didn't like the look of those scissors, and my stylist reassured me that it was what everyone used. I need to find someone who isn't like everyone since my hair most certainly isn't like everyone else (I have an enormous amount of hair but it is baby fine in parts and swirly curly). I should have taken more control of the situation and stopped my stylist from using them. I thought (incorrectly) that I was wrong in not wanting her to use them. I must follow my gut instincts next time rather than watch as clumps of hair get "thinned" out of my mop.
Fourth, when I got home later that day, my head hurt... actually, my scalp hurt. I tried to figure out why it felt like my head was burnt to a crisp ... when I was sitting under the steamer while my color enhancements were setting in, I think it got way too hot. I didn't really feel it so much when I sat under the steamer cooking, but frogs never realize they are getting cooked until just before they are ready to be eaten. If you feel at all uncomfortable under those steamers, get out from under there or ask them to turn down the heat.
I probably will not go back there again based on my personal experience, however, I think that they really want you to be happy. Don't decide to leave them in the cold based on my review. Consider my review helpful information of what not to do wherever your head-o-hair takes you. I originally gave this salon a 2 based on my experience there. However, because of the admirable customer service on their part to follow up with me about my experience and attempt to remedy it, I have bumped Grace up to a 3.
I just left Grace a short while ago and WOW, I really love my haircut and color. Joy is just about my favorite person in Portland right about now. She is AWESOME. Thank you Laura N for suggesting her and for all the reviews that mention her. I am super happy with my hair!
OK, first....the salon itself is super cool but not uncomfortably hip. I love the warehouse vibe and style. Very cool. I was immediately greeted with a smile and Joy made me feel quite at home! We talked for a while...we discussed my hair, how I normally style it, what type of work I do, what color I was looking for, and how my hair tends to fall on its own. I was quite impressed with how thorough Joy was and how much time she took to find out what I was looking for. Plus Joy was very helpful with suggesting a color, we talked quite a bit about that too. Also, they use Goldwell products, HURRAY for that! I have been looking for a salon that used Goldwell and am happy to have found one!
My cut and my color are so awesome. This is the best cut I have had in a long time. I mentioned to Joy that my previous salon in Los Angeles used Goldwell and perhaps the next time I came I could bring in the formula/equation that they used to compare the two colors. Joy was right on board and told me that she welcomed feedback on the cut too. As of today, my feedback is.........................JOY RULES!
Oh, and my husband loved it too, he has already told me a bunch of times how much he likes it. Looks like I found my salon!
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (4)
Cool (7)
I had the worst hair cut of my life and ended up going somewhere else to get it completely re-done. I asked the stylist to shorten my already great bob that I had done in San Diego and instead she WHACKED my hair. The few times I have had this haircut done before it always took a while to get the shape right and she finished in 15 minutes even after I asked her to fix some missing pieces. The stylist at another salon who re-cut my hair was so shocked that I had paid for the hair cut. I was so disappointed in Yelp for giving this salon such great reviews when they had a hair stylist who who is so terrible. I am sure there are other people there that are good but the girl I saw was not. Next time you think about getting a hair cut consider somewhere else.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a particularly loyal client when it comes to hairdressers. I'll come in, get my hair cut...and then cut it myself for the next year until I've messed it up so badly that I need someone to fix it again.
This was the case when I appeared on the front stoop of Grace's, and they graciously fit me in for an appointment the very next day with a wonderful girl (whose name escapes me) and she fixed me right up. And even complimented my bang-cutting skills! Overall, great haircut, great conversation and a great space. I highly recommend.
Minus one star because it was kinda expensive - worth it, but still.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
My hair's super-thick and my face is wide. Getting a cute cut is a special challenge for me. I had a gift certificate here and was pretty excited about the favorable reviews.
Joy, my stylist, was friendly and listened to my instructions (keep the extreme side part! don't make my cheeks look any more chipmunky than they already are!) and offered the suggestion of taking off most of my hair (I'd told her I definitely wanted something new). I haven't had short hair in maybe a decade but she seemed pretty capable so I just went with it.
The result? My boyfriend couldn't stop smiling when I came home to show him and I'm pretty pleased myself.
All in all the staff were professional, efficient, and friendly. The artwork on the walls and pierced/dyed/tattooed clientele and staff give it a definite hip vibe and yet they handled my vanilla hair requests nicely. I'll be back for the free bang trims and I've already scheduled my next appointment. Purple highlights? Maybe...
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (3)
Cool (6)
I found Eve right here on YELP, and wow were the reviewers right!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
I came here to get my hair done for my very casual wedding. I walked in the door and the guy who was fixin' my hair named Collin asked what I was looking for I told him some ringlets or just a blow dry since my hair is only chin-length, then I told him I was getting married. He lit up! He was so happy and told me that he could "work magic" and get my hair into an up do. It took 40 minutes, he used over 50 pins and made two mini-ponytails for volume and voila it was up and up for good.
It looked amazing, he made it into a curly twist and it stayed all night long without looking like a helmet. I even kept my hair in that night when after the ceremony I went to my friends hotel and had some champagne. It cost about $50 and the hairdresser was fabulous, it relaxed me so much I was on a cloud all day.
When I set up my appointment I was told that he was the best at special occasion hair and he was. the place was modern and I loved the way they keep their tools in huge tool boxes.
If I could attach a hair picture I would! He did preform "Magic" like he said he could!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (5)
Cool (7)
I love my hair! (now)
I have had problems in the past at other salons because:
A. I have "challenging" hair - it's super thick & there is a lot of it.
B. I have a hard time articulating what I want - I know it's annoying to stylists but for some reason when I get to the salon I just can't get it out. I've tried bringing photos but generally can't find what I want in print.
Enter Joy at Grace Salon - on my first visit she spent some time with me trying to figure out what I wanted & what would look best. She asked a lot of great questions that no stylist had asked before! Then once she had a clear idea of what I wanted she fully described what it would look like and gave me the disclaimer that it was going to be short enough that I couldn't wear a pony tail anymore.
End result? An awesome cut that took my bland shoulder length hair to a super cute short look AND it's easy to style myself!!! (She really listened when I said I was a wash n' go kinda gal).
Other pros: Easy street parking (even in the Pearl on a Saturday), beautiful & clean salon, good magazine selection, nice staff, fair pricing,
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
When it comes to my luscious locks I'm not afraid to spend what little money I have on a haircut because, as a friend once told me, "you wear your hair everyday."
I waited to write this review so that I wouldn't rave about a fabulous hair cut only to realize two months later that it only looked weird and funky as it grew out. However, the time for truth has come: Grace is Great.
Joy has both cut & colored my hair and gotten me through a transition from shorter blond hair to long dark hair and her cuts kept me feeling stylish and happy with my hair the whole way through (no awkward transition periods where I just wished my hair would grow already!). She is laid back and manages to make the perfect cut and color seem effortless.
The salon itself is filled with a range of clients from young urban pearlies to older people. The one thing every client seems to have in common is a desire for a great cut in a hip environment that isn't snooty or overly trendy. The staff are very sweet, professional, and accommodating. Costs are comparable with other similar salons in the Portland downtown area (priceyish but what you'd expect). My favorite part of the salon: there are windows everywhere and all that natural light makes me feel happy and relaxed!
People thought this was:
Useful (9)
Funny (3)
Cool (4)
my hair was butchered at Dosha....went to Grace w/ Jodi, and had an awesome cut! She asked many questions to get exactly what kind of layers I wanted. She gave me light whispy layers for my long hair. The layers look awesome and feel awesome. She only chopped off 2 inches like I asked. If precise layering is what you want, Jodi is your girl.
I always ask my stylist to part my hair for me. She did an okay part for it. Not exceptional to frame my face, but it worked. I think the final project, including styling techniques and way of parting hair is crucial for me to walk out amazingly happy. I am very nitpicky, especially when it comes to how voluminous the blowout is (and I like it big and flowy) to the hair parting (why I gave 4 stars).
The salon is simple, clean, easy to find, and comforting. Everyone looks well put together, and all of their hair amazing. Always a good thing. I wouldn't mind trying Eve or Grace out from other reviews as well!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
Ive known Thad for over 10 years, Im amazed by both his skill as a hairdresser and his passion for the vision that has become Grace.
He is a great friend, and his team plays a great role in the success of the salon
Mark Putnam
evolution hair design
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
i give this salon a big 5 stars for a wonderful bang cut. granted, it wasn't a full cut and style, but hey - my bangs are tricky. i have cowlicks like none other and a really short forehead. so making my bangs look like they are naturally falling to the side is a difficult feat.
i give props to valerie who made it happen.
i'm going back on tuesday to relive the experience with a new cut and style =)
i'll review again if this rating changes after my second visit.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
This was my favorite salon experience ever. I've often gone to Rudy's because it's in my price range (under $30), and I like their style. Grace blew them out of the water! The cut I received from Lauren is the best cut I've had in over three years. AND, it fit my price range.
The location is great (the eco-trust farmers market is across the street), the gallery inside incredible, and the friendly service just right. I have found my new salon in Portland (only took me three years)!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
OK so one day, after three years of grown out beautiful long hair, I decided to cut it all off...MYSELF!
Momma decided that wasn't OK(though friends thought it looked fine), and told me to get a haircut, professionally. I yelped it, I called, I was recommended Eve, and I love the result. Great atmosphere, not pretentious or scary, great service, wonderful results!
Though we ended up with a bob(my own fault I may say), it is one of the best haircuts I've ever had. She does bang trims for free whenever you need 'em too!
Next time I go, a new do and maybe even some color! Thanks Eve!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Being new to town the search was on for a good hair salon and stylist. I read the reviews on Yelp and decided to try Grace. I made an appointment with Eve as other yelpers with curly hair had recommended her. She was great. She really tried to understand what it was that I wanted, she was very careful and methodical with the cut (it took a full hour), and she wasn't overly chatty or into the small talk which I personally prefer. The cut has lasted a long time and is growing out really well. I personally think it's a steal at $35 as the same cut would cost $100 in SF and $60 in Seattle.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Of course I'm going to give the Salon a 5 star rating considering that I own the business and I know the amount of energy and care that my friendly staff and myself put into our facilities and our work every single day! Thanks for reading my review and please come by and check us out or get involved in our community web site!
gracehairsalon.com
Thad Grace
C.E.O.- President
Grace Hair Salon
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (4)
I'm not the type of person that usually pays $35 for a haircut. I prefer easy, low-maintenance styles, so I usually just go wherever and get a trim. But it had been 18+ months since my last haircut so I decided to go for it. I read all the great reviews about Grace Salon so I booked an appt.
Eve was great. She had to shampoo and comb out my ratsnest before cutting it in half and she gave me a great, simple, but well done cut. She took her time and made conversation, but not the forced kind. There were several other clients in the salon at the time so it was fun listening to them all.
I ended up paying $90 for the cut, 2 products, and tip (I tipped heavy because my hair was more than just your normal cut) and it was worth it. .
2 days out, I'm super satisfied and so glad I chose Grace Salon. I made an appt for my husband with Eve for a haircut tonight and I will definitely go back, though probably sooner than 18 months from now.
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Cool (3)
I spent the last three and a half years living in a city known for being hip, cutting edge, stylish, forward-thinking, etc. etc. What that meant for me is that I wound up with some of the worst hair cuts and color jobs I've ever had. It's hard out there for a pimp. Enter Grace Hair Salon! I found them through this site, and after reading good things about Eve, booked an appointment.
That was this morning.
This afternoon, my sense of relief is palpable. Not only did I get a great color job, but I found someone who *gasp* actually LISTENS. I gave her the history on my hair, and told her what I wanted. She enlisted input from the salon's owner Thad (who was quite gracious and helpful) to make sure it was done the best possible way.
Not only did I get great color from a helpful and friendly stylist, but it was really inexpensive, comparatively speaking. Can't say enough good things!
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Walk into Grace Salon, and you know just by looking around that you're going to get a hip haircut. Thanks to all the hard work of their employees, the space is beautiful and stylish.
Until I moved away from Portland, the very talented and vivacious Eve was my hair's one and only. I followed her magical scissors from salon to salon because she knows how to turn my jumble of curls into a cute little hairdo. I've sent multiple friends to her, all of whom have been converted because she listens to what you want and makes sure that you're happy with the haircut.
Sorry Mom, the real reason I'm visiting Portland in a few months isn't for your birthday, it's so I can get my hair cut here.
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (3)
Cool (6)
My Grandfather, in my fathers side, was the town barber. My Father, when he was alot younger, was the top hair stylist from Chile to Barcelona. As I was young, my father cut my hair. He later taught me to cut it myself. So, I did.
Since then, I rarely get my hair done professionally. Unless, I was called in for a shoot that required my hair to be cut. and I always get the same reaction once it's all over; "Yikes!"
Now, Grace Hair Salon, had a difference. As I walked in, the decor was clean and had that minimalistic look to it. There was a really cool mural on the wall that added a touch of urban flair. Oh yeah, did I mention that the stylists were awesome and very professional?
I believe it was Eve that did my hair for the first round and Thad tagged in to have a chop at it on the second bout. Thad Grace, welded these large shears with precision. Every snip was carefully calculated in a matter of seconds. A first I was thinking, "Thank god he into cutting hair. Could you imagine if he was deranged?" I'm Kidding. (^_^)
In Conclusion, If you haven't had your hair done in a while or your tired of barber shop fronts that are at risk of a possible Police Raid, then Grace Hair Salon would always be a wise decision. The price is right for what you get; Quality.
Thad Grace, along with his staff of Professional Hair Style Technicians (I'm not sure how you title 'greatness') are very knowledgeable, hip and skilled. Good people.
Go. Go now!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Grace is an ambitious new hair salon in the Pearl that is quickly establishing itself as one of Portland's hottest hair spots. The location is sparkling and hip, with a graffiti mural on one wall and a rotating art selection on another. The stylists have their fingers on the pulse, and are both reliable and cutting edge.
I have my hair done by Aaron McClure, a charming hipster with the awesome ability to figure out what I want when even I don't know. A week later I sent my best guy friend to see Aaron, and he came back with the best hair yet!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Grace is my go to for a hair cut. Aaron is my favorite, he knew just what to do with my hair even with my incredibly vague direction (I'm working on it). After wards I always get lots of compliments and always feel like I get more than my money's worth (I get my mop cut only twice a year).
You should definitely try Grace, going to other un named chain "hip" hair cut joints just makes me feel like I'm in the hipster version of Supercuts, and Grace has tons of style and talent.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Fantastic! I have been 'thinking' about calling up Grace for about a month now. Finally, my fingers did some walking. I called looking to book with Thad, but he is booked out until sometime in October and I procrastinate. The receptionist asked me what I was looking for ... Color and she told me that Colin (a great colorist) had an opening. I took it! I am glad I did. The color is amazing and the cut (which I am never really overjoyed with when my hair is longer) is super, super, super. Thank you Colin. Then to top it all off ... he actually styled it. No, not a quick run through with a flat iron, but curled my tresses into a I just woke up, cool do. Colin I am seeing red .... thanks for the great hair moment. Also, it helps so very much when the staff is nice and helpful.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Grace Hair Salon recently relocated - their website should be updated soon - to a great spot across from the ecotrust building in the Pearl. It is very industrial cool, but still welcoming.
My hairstylist Eve is great, but everyone else seems good too. I recommend checking it out. Plus, they have first Thursday shows here every month.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
When two people look at a photo they see different aspects of the photo and the resulting haircut is never exactly what you wanted. Knowing this I went to Grace hoping that the stylist would be artistic enough to know what will look best and at least not make it look terrible, so based on the reviews of this site I went in for a cut. $45 later (+tip) I walk away crying. Probably my own fault for not telling her I hate it but I don't usually like to give people another (literal) whack at my hair when I'm already upset. Worst haircut of my life and I'm not exaggerating. Maybe I should have gone with Thad, who knows? Lesson learned... Price does not always equal quality.
Update: After requesting a refund Valerie very graciously and quickly refunded the money to my card. While I may be going through a couple months of grow-out there's definitely something to be said for good customer service.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Petite Provence
23 reviews
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
- Mother's Bistro & Bar
130 reviews
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
- Bar Avignon
6 reviews
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
- Iorio
13 reviews
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
- Belly Timber
13 reviews
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
