I've never had my hair 'done' formally for an event, and I have challenging hair - very thick with lots of layers and a mind of its own. I decided to ask for pro help for my wedding hair and I settled on Akasu by chance since it was near to our venue and had good reviews. Mara did my hair and was amazing. She did a small test run prior to the event and was genuinely friendly, helped me plan carefully for what would work best for the event, and listened to my ideas. What made her work truly exceptional, however, was her willingness to make last minute changes when the weather heated up in Portland and I realized that a full updo would be the most comfortable choice. Without time for a practice run, she calmly agreed that this would be a great idea and that she would be able to make it happen. Day of the wedding, she looked at a few photos I'd gathered and got to work. She took extra time and created a lovely and comfortable updo (even unbraiding and redoing a section that I wanted to change) and gave me tips on veil and flower placement. My hair stayed in place throughout the night and looked the most 'under control' that it ever has! Price was very reasonable and service excellent. I recommend for anyone who doesn't want to deal with the full bridal experience (and the prices that come with it) but wants to look great. read more

Akasu Hair Studio And Spa - wedding updo by Mara - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I want to move in here. Akasu is an absolute gem that sits in a cute old Victorian house on N Willamette. The atmosphere is comfortable, peaceful, and inviting. It's really the opposite of Portland's typical frou frou salon where you are greeted by a spray tanned bleached blonde smacking gum calling you "hun." How refreshing! This place is all about providing the best services with the best products, by the best staff. The staff is what I think sets this salon apart from others, among many other unique aspects. The staff are the most knowlegdable, passionate people who were hand picked by the owner who takes no short cuts whatsoever. Each one of them will take the time to explain the products, where they come from, and why they were picked. Another great aspect of this salon is time. I originally went to Akasu for a haircut. I came in with a crazy long mane and decided to chop it. It took about an hour. Jen Healy did an an excellent job. She took her sweet time and gave me all of her attention and input. Lots of stylists tend to lose focus and want you out of their chair so they can get to the next person, but she did the opposite. A couple weeks later I decided the cut wasn't short enough and went back to take few more inches off. Jen took another full hour for the trim and did it FO FREE! I couldn't have left happier. Another great aspect is that Akasu hires employees and not independent contractors. This is such a relief! It means that the cattiness and obligations to certain stylists who aren't necessarily the best person for the job at hand are completely eliminated. So I can send my girlfriends with long hair to Tyra because she specializes in long hair, and my girlfriends with short hair to Jen, because she works well with short hair, etc. It means that the owner wants clients to have the best service possible. One last thing! Akasu offers hour-long Yonka (yes, YONKA!!!!) facials for only $75!! Unreal, right? I'm dying to try one and will let you all know how it goes. Or you can try one and let me know? They offer referrals rewards, too. Akasu is as good as it gets and I would recommend this salon to any and everyone! read more

Do you have curly hair?? If so, then head on over and see Jennifer. She is the curly hair expert I have been searching for my whole life! Finally getting the hair cuts I need and want. The salon is lovely and everyone is friendly and accommodating. You can even have a glass of wine or beer while you get dolled up! read more

Tyra is a customer service goddess. I just called to inquire about a pedi which they no longer offer, however she was so informative about other services and I can't wait to visit her soon. What a pleasant surprise to talk to such an angel & I'm so excited to get a facial here! read more

I have a pretty wide bubble for personal space--like Hubble sized. So some stranger pawing my face with product? Hmm. But Heather at Akasu does an outstanding job. It is really the best facial with Yonka products (which is the best skin care line) in town. The atmosphere is lovely but still professional; she has a deft, intuitive touch and talks exactly the right amount. Have I gotten any better about personal space? No. Am I at least glow-y from a distance? Yes, thanks to this service. Highly recommend Heather to all. read more

I can not count the number of times over the years I have had people approach me and ask where I get my hair done. I own a real estate company here in Portland and I refer all my clients here. Even the skeptics who are use to their favorite hair salons in NYC, San Fran or LA are blown away by the color and cuts they receive here. The women at Akasu know their color! I have natural red hair and they nail my eyebrow tint. The salon is not frilly, its laid back and the staff is experienced and focused on doing great hair. The product line is top notch. The owner knows her stuff and carries only the finest skin, hair and makeup products. I have thick wavy/curly hair that's been short and long. I have never had to go through an awkward grow out stage, the cuts I have gotten continue to look great even when I haven't come in for months. They do free bang trims between cuts and that is a huge bonus for maintaining my shaggy bob. I know you'lll love your hair after you go here and don't forget to treat yourself to one of the many facials, massages and waxes they have on the menu as well. Get ready to look gorgeous! p.s.- I have two little girls and they beg to go to the "parlor" when its hair cut time. One curly hair and one fine and straight, they always come out looking great and the cuts last even as their hair grows out. read more

Okay, one of my co-workers when I started at my current employer almost 3 years ago had fantastic hair (the kind you stare at thinking "Wow, I wish my hair looked like that"). It only took her leaving and another 2 years before I finally called and figured out that I too could have cool, playful, even sexy hair. Who knew? Jen Healy is a great stylist - she listens, doesn't tell you want you want to hear and focuses on what she thinks will work! And she cuts like a dream. I haven't had so many compliments in ... a loooong time. I love how my hair feels and I like that I don't have to hear endless chatter. The salon is in a good location - close but not too hipster; it's got great light, good products and a pleasant vibe and I highly recommend you check it out. read more

Like most men, I've struggled over the years to find a good place for haircuts. Once you're out of your early 20's, spending $15 for a cut just doesn't cut the mustard anymore. But neither do I feel the need to spend $50 and up. I mean, I am a dude after all. Akasu is the perfect mix. You don't feel like a total metrosexual just walking into the place. But neither do you feel like you're going to come away looking like you just went to Supercuts (no offense to anyone who patronizes Supercuts). The environment is very friendly and relaxed, and just between you and me, the ladies who work there are easy on the eyes, which doesn't suck is all I'm saying. As an added bonus, my wife has gotten me massage gift certificates a few times for Xmas & birthdays, and they're always killer. She also keeps trying to tell me I should try one of their facials, but screw that. I am a dude, after all. But if you're into that, she says they're awesome. So, there you go. read more

I've been a customer at this salon for several years and over the last few visits I couldn't help but notice the high turnover and increasingly tense environment. I've always enjoyed the hairdressers and their expertise which is why I've continued to be a patron even though the prices are a bit steep for my budget. Getting a good service is valuable so I'm more than willing to pay the extra bucks. Problem is, every time I've found a stylist that I love, they're gone by my next appointment! Either the owner here has the worst luck in the world, or there is something else going on here. I know people move on, but seriously, EVERY time I come in there are more new faces than familiar ones. What's even stranger is that when I've called (assuming you can even get someone on the phone) to request someone that I've liked in the past, I've been aggressively persuaded to see someone else even when the employee that I was requesting is still there. Or, even better, I've shown up to see a particular hairdresser only to find out that I was now seeing the newest member of the salon.TWICE! Shouldn't I have been notified? Isn't loyalty to a stylist a good thing? The vibe in this place has gone way downhill and I can only rely on my own observations to try and guess why. The last time I was there I asked my hairdresser about some of my suspicions and while she struggled to be positive in her response, I overheard the owner berating an employee next to the reception desk and actually called her "stupid." My question was answered. My hairdresser just shrugged and smiled. I've had the owner gruffly pass by me over the years and it's no wonder the employees seem to tense up when she's there or just quit altogether. She seems pissed off and poorly represents, in my opinion, an owner of a salon/day spa. She never smiles or says hello to me. In fact, she seems put out by my very presence. The last time I was there, upon checking out, I attempted to leave a tip. An ordinarily simple transaction, right? There was no tip line on the receipt and when I questioned how to proceed she told me not to worry about it. Doesn't that screw the stylist? WTF?! I won't be supporting her business any longer. With so many other good salons out there I can't, in good conscience, support one that doesn't seem to treat people with respect, dignity and appreciation. read more

Why yes, I AM a massage whore. I scout the city in search of the world's best (ok, Portland's best) massage. Of course the world's best massage therapist is my husband Jonathan (who doesn't work at Akasu, which I am here to review for you nice folks, so enough about that.) So where does the world's best massage therapist go when HE needs a massage? He sees Sara at Akasu. Sara P. is a great, tuned-in massage therapist and she WILL work the kinks out (warning, if you ask for firm pressure, you might be holding your breath and trying not to be a big baby). I like Akasu for the North Portland-style laid back, come as you are--and yet look good while doing it, kinda vibe. I discovered this place when a couple of friends took me here for my bridal shower, and we cackled up a good time while getting our nails done and guzzling down wine (we kept getting louder and louder, and they were totally good sports about it). Good, talented people, in a cool old Portland Victorian house. read more

Akasu Hair Studio And Spa - massage room - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This is a fantastic salon, and Gioia Gomez is a true professional! I highly recommend, been going to Gioia for years. Her skill with color is unparalleled, and great prices for the high quality Framesi brand color. Awesome. Go see Gioia! read more

I have been in Portland for over 2 years now and this is the ONLY place I have been back to more than once for my hair. The place is charming in an old house. I am always offered the beverage of my choice and everyone is very laid back and friendly. This is NOT a swanky upscale place.... translation: you get a good haircut for a great price without having lots of overpriced products and accessories pushed on you. I have recommended several people here and they have been happy as well. I recently tried someplace else per recommendation and I will be back to see Niko again so she can fix up my poodle-shag bangs. Akasu also boasts many other services such as massage, cranial sacral, spa treatments, etc. read more

I had a great time getting my locks did by Desiree. The salon is beautiful and for the first time when going for a big change, no one tried to talk me out of it! read more

Tyra has been doing my hair for over two years now and I could not be happier. I have a lot of gray to cover and she does it like a champ. I am constantly getting compliments on how great my hair looks and I owe it all to her. The salon itself is very relaxing and nice to be in. Having two kids, I view coming here as a little mini-retreat. You can always have tea or wine, and there are magazines galore to choose from. I'm wanting to make an appointment right now just thinking about it! read more

Heather O'Brien is the best. Though it was my first facial so I don't have much to compare it to, she was so, human. She asked about talking/relaxing, described the entire process, and made me feel more relaxed than I had in weeks. And, the AKASU products are incredible. I am not a lady lady (well I'm a lady, but no makeup/hair dryer/face washer) and she really helped me see the benefit, and I actually went back when she wasn't there and purchased some akasu lotion as I can tell a difference on my skin. Whoo hoo! Can't wait to go back.. read more

yeah thats a lot of stars... but the feeling of the people i have encountered here is why. Down to earth, interesting ladies, thats who i have met in my visits for hair cut and color and an amazing massage. i will definately be coming back here. After my first massage i actually said, i feel like a new person... the haeterd massage table is heated, it was like butter on a skillet. I am so thankful for these ladies. read more

Akasu is an awesome place to come for all of your male grooming needs. Whether it is a haircut or some of the other spa offerings, the quality is always top notch and you come out looking great. Plus, shopping for gifts for special occasions is easy as my wife always loves to receive gift certificates from Akasu for the amazing massages! read more

I received a great facial from Sarah at Akasu. My skin looked great after and there was very little redness from extractions. Sarah was friendly and attentive and made it clear that my comfort and relaxation was her main priority. They use Yonka products, which are my favorite. The Akasu space is beautiful and relaxing as well. Definitely a good experience. read more

I had a manicure and a pedicure done by Kristi today, and they were both awesome. My nails look great, my hands, feet and lower legs feel soooo soft, and I totally felt relaxed and pampered the whole time. The salon itself it great--a beautiful building with really nice touches to it. And it smells good. Who doesn't want to hang out in a place that smells great while you are taken care of? I will be back for more awesome nails! read more

Tyra is very talented, attentive and kind. I was just passing through Portland, but would be happy to have the opportunity to come here again on another visit. read more

Jennifer has been cutting my hair for several years and she's absolutely fantastic. Before that, another stylist at Akasu did a great job. The salon is extremely nice and comfortable, and everyone seems genuinely happy to be working there. I've also had several massages at Akasu and they've been wonderful as well. read more

Admittedly, I am hardly a spa and salon expert but I can say I had a fantastic experience here with Sarah Ruby at Akasu. Sarah was incredibly friendly, welcoming and helpful...plus, she answered all of my questions and never made me feel like a clueless rookie (although clearly I am). The price was a deal considering the quality and effort. Pros: Its right in my neighborhood close to work, they are incredibly flexible with scheduling and I can fit it easily into my work day. For much of my life, I never really understood why people went to see estheticians, but as I get older, I am realizing the importance of proper care. Cons: i hear the turnover is a bit high, and I know Sarah is new, but i suppose its not that bad (for me anyway) since she came here and i couldnt be happier. additionally, the location is really convenient to me, but i imagine its challenging for some. Neutral: I personally think all spa stuff is pricey. but only in relation to say, a free walk in the park. (maybe im cheap). spa stuff costs money, ive come to accept that its a luxury and therefore i choose to pay for it, so complaining about costs for anything spa related is annoying. but on the bright side, Akasu spa stuff is completely reasonably priced! read more

Maura gave me the best hair cut ever. I have difficult hair in that I have cowlics, thickish-hair, colored, bangs (bangs the new face-lift) and I work way too hard making it look OK. Maura cut it so cute and easy peasy to style. Thank you! Laura read more

Needing to make an appointment, I did a quick Google search for Akasu Hair Studio and Spa's telephone number because I did not have it with me and landed on Yelp. I was moved to write a review based on the two reviewers who had such a drastically different experience than I and the dozen or so other people that I know who go there have had. Tyra, the owner of Akasu, has been cutting my hair for years. I have thick, long hair that I wear both straightened and naturally curly. Tyra is the only person I have been to that cuts my hair in a way that maximizes both styles for me. She knows how to cut curly hair and I have always been very happy with my experience. Going to Akasu has always been a relaxing, positive experience for me and I just could not go without putting in my two cents. read more

Ive been visiting Akasu for the past few years. This place is where to go to feel your best! Massages, hair cuts, scalp treatments, hair color, facials, spray tanning, and waxing of whatever you need. I've felt rejuvenated each visit! Sarah M. is, without doubt, one of the best estheticians in town. Knowledgeable, insightful, and talented. I've purchased a variety Yonka ( the skin care line they carry - the rosemary infused eye "pick me up" lotion is a favorite) and Framesi (hair care) products and have been happy with all! I love this place! read more

I received a gift certificate for a facial on my birthday last year, March, 2012. I called to make an appointment and realized that the salon had written the wrong year on the expiration date, noting that it expired the same month that it had been purchased. When I called to see whether they had a record of the gift certificate, since they had clearly made a mistake on their end, the salon called me back to say that although their certificates usually expire a year from purchase, they would not honor my certificate, even though it clearly expired in March, 2013. Today is February 12, 2013. Heather informed me that I "could have called at any time during the last year." Obviously, I didn't call until now because I thought I still had until the end of March of this year to use the thing. To be blamed for their own mistake was just the icing on the cake of this terrible experience. Thanks for leaving a sour taste in my mouth. I will be sure to remember the name of your salon forever, and avoid it like the plague. read more

I had the best facial EVER yesterday at Akasu. First, the space is beautiful ... sparsely decorated, neat and very clean, sunny and airy. Very zen. Second, Allison is a miracle worker. She worked wonders on my skin, explaining what she was doing every step of the way. She didn't skimp on the extras, giving me a great shoulder and hand massage, and taking her time on the facial. I felt pampered and completely relaxed thanks to her gentle touch (the waterfall music and heated table didn't hurt either). I also enjoyed the Yonka products used during the facial and I loved that none of them were pushed on me - even thought I couldn't resist buying a tube of night cream. What I loved most though was that Allison was not the least bit bossy, but when asked she offered up encyclopedic advice on skincare. She really knows what she's doing, and it's rare to find someone you trust right off the bat. Thanks, Allison ... I can't wait to come back! read more