After moving back to the area after having lived away for a few years, I was in the market for a new hair stylist. I have always heard good things about Akari, so I decided to give it a go. When I called to make my appointment, the guy on the phone took the time to ask me questions about what I wanted done and about my hair, then matched me to stylists that he felt suited my needs. The whole process felt very personalized, which was awesome. Akari has different people cut and color, which means they are really fantastic with their techniques as they are specialized. I had Carrie (Kari?) coloring my hair and Ashley cutting it. I got balayage highlights, which I have had before from other salons. Carrie did an amazing job and even went back and revised the highlights slightly after she was done to make them more natural and blended by adding a few low-lights (this involved redying my hair after it had already been cut and blow dryed, then washing and blow drying it again. Damn. Talk about dedication to your clients!) The end result is incredible- I honestly feel it's the best color I've had. Further, she was SO accommodating and understanding- she sincerely just wanted me to be happy with the color and didn't mind taking extra time to make that happen. Her technique was unreal and she managed to tone the color perfectly- I am brunette and sometimes can go a bit orange-y. This is the best tone I've had; no yellow, but no grey either. Love. My haircut from Ashley is also perfection- she took one look at the photo I had brought in and matched it exactly. She completely understood what I wanted. The salon also carries loads of high-end products, which I appreciated as I have been on the hunt for a good purple shampoo. The girls took amazing care of me and everyone was SO nice! My experience at Akari was top notch from start to finish (coffee, nice waiting area, plenty of magazines and friendly receptionists who even fed my parking meter when it ran out). 10/10, would recommend! DEFINITELY worth the high price. read more

The best compliment I could share would be this: when I get my hair colored at Akari I get compliments, a lot. When I don't get my hair colored there, I don't. It's hard to make coal black hair look luxurious and skinny. They do. Akari Isn't the cheapest, but I need color every 3 weeks and it's a two plus hour process... so, I better like the people, my environment, and I better look so fabulous that my husband doesn't complain about the cost. Akari meets my demands on each one of those! I'm to old for bad hair. Beautiful healthy shiny hair and epic cuts from Franki ( who used to run in the top model circles w Vidal Sassoon) ... maine hair never looses shape just gets a longer groovy style... I can and do go months without a fresh cut because I can! His cuts last! They can't make me you get or taller ( I asked) but they can give me the best cut and color and make my husband happy I spend the money for it. Oh and I have been going here for about 13 years. Life happens and I have gone other places that are cheaper w better parking... nice people and all. But I just don't get the look and feel I want like I do at Akari. Just sayin read more

My husband and I came to Portland for our honeymoon. One of biggest goals on our trip was relaxation. We stayed at the Press Hotel, an amazing place, and they recommended the Akari spa. I have had many massages in my life but none have been better than the ones my husband and I got here! We decided to get two massages each, the first were the signature massages. These were full body massages designed for relaxation. I was absolutely amazed with the skill and knowledge of Faye Wilder. Faye is thoughtful and really listens to your needs. She creates a relaxing and comfortable environment and gives an amazing massage. Later in the week we went back, my husband got a deep tissue massage and I got the reflexology treatment. I once again had the pleasure of getting Faye as my masseuse and she showed amazing knowledge in chakra points and essential oils. She tailored the massage to exactly what I needed. My husband and I were thouroughly impressed with he kindness, skill and knowledge of the staff at Akari. Next time we are in Portland we will defiantly be back! Thank you! read more

AWESOME. So, this is definitely one of the more expensive salons in Portland, but I truly believe you get what you pay for. You know when you go to get your hair did and you're not totally sure what you want and you have a really hard time articulating it to the stylist and then you walk out not looking anything like your vision? Well, that would never, ever happen here. The stylists know exactly what questions to ask- they will make you think about aspects of your hair, routine, product, etc., you never even knew to think about. They will MAKE SURE you are on the exact same page- in fact, the same word on the same page- before they clip and/or color. They really care. Specifically, Colorist Brooke and Stylist D are amazing, but I get the feeling everyone here rocks. I had a pretty extreme color treatment done, and Brooke called me the next morning to make sure I was feeling 100% confident about my new 'do. She encouraged me to come back for any sort of modification if I had any apprehensions. Love, love, love. So worth it. Go. read more

I finally broke down.... I hadn't had my hair cut in many months; likewise for a mani-pedi. I was nervous about going to a salon in the COVID environment. I figured Akari would be as safe as any salon could possibly be. I was RIGHT! From the moment I rang the doorbell, the staff put me at ease. Masks are required. You're required to wait at the door until a staff member checks you in with health & travel questions and requiring a thorough hand-washing (there is a sink conveniently located at the entrance to the salon). There is hand-sanitizer everywhere! All staff are wearing masks AND face-shields. I observed the sanitizing process between clients. Well done, Akari! But most of all, it was great to see Peter-John again and get another fabulous (and very necessary haircut). It was my first visit with Julie and she did a great job, too! See you again in about six weeks! Tell all your friends - Akari is open for business and doing everything they can to keep their clients and the staff safe. read more

I will say at times when I go to Akari it can be a bit confusing where to go to check in. I will say it is the most beautiful salon in Portland. The staff is very knowledgeable on the products and the services. I have had the nicest people help me with my coat and offer me a beverage. They have a menu with wonderful food and wine that is prepared by their own chef. They go to New York and other big cities to stay on top of the latest fashion and education that has to do with hair. I had Terra cut my hair( she is very funny and real). I also had Brooke color my hair she is also real and has a lot of experience. Looking at these reviews I was hesitant in going into Akari. I was glad I did. You can't make everyone happy, I know from my experience. I was happy I found a New York salon in Portland Me. read more

The total experience was wonderful!!! Making and confirming the appointment for a manicure/pedicure with Abby Paul was a pleasure ! Upon arrival I was warmly greeted by both Abby Paul and Mark. Both cucumber or citrus water were offered as Mark escorted me to the nail area . Although the atmosphere very nice it is surpassed by the service which was "truly special". I appreciated that they offer "9-free" nail polish" which apparently limits the most harmful nail polish chemicals. Julie Garrison was my nail specialist whose skill and personal demeanor are exceptional!!! Well Done... Thank-you!!!! read more

Masterful haircuts that grow out perfectly! My stylist is Jenny. She cuts my hair in a short, graduated bob with attention on every hair falling correctly. This attention results in a haircut that grows out perfectly. Since I have been going to Akari, I can go two or three times longer between cuts and still have my hair style easily. Everyone I have met on the staff seem intelligent, artistic, and professional. Prices are higher but I find that I am really not spending that much more in the long run because my haircuts last so long. read more

I love Akari! I get my eyebrows waxed here and Shondra does an AMAZING job and puts such thought and precision in her work! I also get my hair done at Akari and my hair history has been quite a battle of finding a colorist who knows how to color it well, and Kari saved me from a bad experience elsewhere! She is very attentive, skilled and always has great advice for me. And the customer service staff are the best ever! Very friendly, accommodating and always a pleasure to see when I come in! Cannot recommend Akari enough! read more

The owner is a RACIST!! Do NOT Patronize this Hair Salon I went to their annual "Akari Experience" last night. The owner of the salon refused to let in two of our U.S Coast Guard men who had reservations. He stated that he did not allow men in the event. There was a large number of men in attendance. However, they were all white. Many people noticed, including the Portland Police Officer who was watching the door. We do Not need establishments like this in Portland, Maine. Jane read more

I am so happy with service, and atmosphere at Akari! Not to mention; The experience I had with my stylist: Stacy Macpherson, who i'm always going too now. I have a hard time expressing what I want. But she had the most intuitive nature, and I have incredible joy with what Stacy did! Not to mention how easy it was to work with her, and how understanding she was. I will be returning, definitely! As soon as I can. I suggest this Akari for everyone! Thanks guys! read more

I had my hair cut and a massage at Akari and could not have been happier with my morning of pampering. It was delightful! The salon is gorgeous, so you feel like a million dollars as soon as you walk in anyway. They think of everything - from refreshing citrus water when you come in, to a beautiful waiting area, to luxurious facilities... the massage room alone is spectacular. Five stars!!! read more

I've been going to Akari for 4 years now and honestly can not recommend a better salon and spa in Portland. They have become like a second family! I do my hair, cuts, color, massage, facials, nails - every service is so personable and high quality. Their points system is a nice perk for repeat customers like me and saves hundreds of $ per year. read more

Just had a FABULOUS shampoo and blowout with Kelsey. Never find time to spend pampering myself; now I wonder why? I will certainly be doing so again in the future, exactly what this day needed. Highly recommend; Kelsey's attentiveness and attention to detail combined with gentle ministrations already have me planning what can we do next. read more