So disappointed and upset at my experience. I went in and explained I'm a natural blonde and get highlights once a year to brighten things up in the winter and the sun takes care of the rest in the summer, so I wanted something super low maintenance that would grow out as naturally as possible. I let her know I had a wedding coming up and I chose here because they explicitly advertise low maintenance highlights that grow out without harsh lines. As soon as I got back from the shampoo bowl I noticed my blonde was multiple shades lighter than anything I would be able to keep up with, and panicked a bit. Kristen acknowledged it was a lot. When we looked at the line of where the highlights started versus my root she expressed understanding that this wasn't super blended and tried to put some color on it to fix it. There were also spots where the bleach bled, so there are random (literal) spots in my hair that are much brighter than other areas (see pics). I was stressing since this was the very front of my hair that would show in an updo, and the side of my head looked like there was a bald spot from the bleach lol. She assured me I could come back to get some lowlights or some kind of correction so I tipped well and left, despite being pretty anxious. I reached out to Kristen the next day to schedule a fix like she said and this was her response: "Sorry you're not happy with your color! I feel as though my hair coloring technique isn't what you're looking for and another artist will have the technique you're looking for. In this case, we will refund you for your service." What??? I have two weeks until a wedding and if that's not your technique, then why do you advertise highlights with "optimal brightness without noticeable lines or harsh grow out"? Such a strange way of handling it when you don't deliver well. Leaving me high and dry, stressing out trying to find an appointment somewhere rather than fixing it. And I personally think if you can't fix highlights that don't look good or bleach bleeds, you shouldn't be doing highlights in the first place. Like I said strange, disappointing experience. I can see that someone else on here had a similar one, too. Also the owner responded to my google review by accusing me of making the stylist feel "unsafe." The same stylist who had me get my phone out while I was in the chair, look up her personal instagram, follow her, and told me to reach out to her on there to book a lowlight to fix my hair. Very strange thing to do with someone you feel "unsafe with." Accusing me of making the stylist feel unsafe and trying to shame me into deleting my review rather than just admitting they handled this situation poorly and didn't have the ability to deliver or fix their mistakes just underscores my experience. read more

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From the moment I stepped through Balayage Portland's doors, I LOVED the vibes! This is every Insta-lovers dream! Palm leaf wallpaper with a hot pink background and chic, modern furniture adorn this salon. What's an added bonus is they also have a cute boutique shop the minute you walk in! You can buy clothes AND treat yourself to a new you! After being suggested by a new friend to see Cait & seeing her work on Insta, I had to book an appointment! Cait's portfolio on her Insta is amazing. She caters to blondes specifically, which is why I thought she would be able to restore my dark roots back to a silver-blonde. Unfortunately, if you are not too familiar with hair textures other than caucasians, you will be faced with a challenge. Asian hair takes MUCH longer to process, which is why we are willing to pay an experienced hairstylist who dedicates a whole day to us $700-900... Cait is my girl, she is SUPER AWESOME. Her humor is ON POINT. We both don't take life too seriously, which is why it was so easy working with her! But, if you know Portland, Maine's demographics... you don't get to experience that challenge. After 2-3 days, my hair color faded to where it didn't even look like I had gotten it done... read more

Balayage Portland - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Maine

Couldn't be happier! I haven't had my haircut since September as I was planning on going to a salon right before COVID-19 hit. So I waited until it was "safe" to visit establishments with precautionary measures. I originally had an appointment with Hair Etc, which I had never been to, and was informed right before my schedule, by the owner, that she had "double booked" which was disappointing because she said she was open all morning when I called 2 weeks in advance and she kept fluctuating her prices on me. But, looking back on it, so glad that I didn't go there because my stylist, Nicky Couch, did an amazing job on my cut (long to shoulder length) with layers. She was attentive, communicated well in advance with reminders on my appointment (sticking to the schedule unlike the other establishment), and listened to what I wanted while providing lots of great and informative tips on how to care for and style my hair. The salon also had very clear instructions their website on how to mask up; outlining their cleaning protocols for COVID precautions. There were no more than 2-3 other guests while I was in (not to mention how cute the salon was and plenty of street parking, though metered). I paid $1.75 for an hour with 10 min left to spare! Overall, happy with my service and would definitely recommend Nicky. Next time, would love to get my hair colored by her. Check out her IG for examples of her work! read more

Balayage Portland - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Such a pretty and clean and light-filled space. Friendly staff and excellent hair braiding done there, as well as cuts and color, etc. (Wish they had a street sign to make it a bit more prominent, though!). read more

Balayage Portland is the absolute best! I have super thick curly hair. Kari always does an amazing coloring and cutting my hair. She is the only person I trust with my hair ! read more

This was my first balayage and will NOT be my last! Jessica was so sweet and walked me through the whole process. I knew vaguely what I wanted and her experience brought my vision to life! Normally when I get a dye job I like, I still leave feeling a little self conscious because of the way it's been styled. Not here! I left feeling like a million $$ and HOPING I'd be able to recreate the look at home. I'm already looking for excuses to get my hair done by Jessica again sooner than I'd planned! read more

I legit never write reviews BUT... I went to balayage portland twice, the first time was meh. I went back a second time and it was no bueno. I wanted to go back so the stylist could fix a few things I was super unhappy with. She was completely unresponsive so I reached out to the owner, Jess, thinking she would be helpful. ehhhh nope. She made zero effort to help me. As the owner you represent your business and I think its very poor service that she made no attempt to fix any of this. Instead she just ignored me. Yes, your wallpaper is super cute and the colors are fun but the service is sub par and so are the stylists. read more

I've trusted Justina to chop my hair into the perfect summer lob, fix a highlight situation gone wrong, and bump up the blonde with each coloring session. I couldn't be happier that I can now get my hair cut AND colored by her at Balayage Portland. Like most people during COVID, I was looking forward to salons being opened again, but I have also been cautious about interactions outside my circle. I was happy to find that Balayage Portland supplied a comprehensive list about how the salon and team were handling the situation. It was easy to book an appointment online. I received an email reminder about my appointment. Justina also reached out the morning of the appointment to touch base about the salon's COVID precautions. Justina is an excellent stylist on top of being a sweetheart. I'm so happy to have found her for my hair and now gladly share my hair secret with you. read more

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SO NICE. I am on vacation and walked in to see if they sold travel size shampoo and conditioner for Keratin. They did not have any but the really sweet lady at the front desk made me my own travel size bottle! The service here is great, recommend for anyone! Thank you so much again read more

My experience with Cole was incredible. I felt comfortable with him, as he really listened...and holy smokes his talent is off the charts. The salon itself is beautiful and relaxing, and from the work I witnessed I'll be a return customer at a few of the stylists (for different services). Thank you Cole, for making me feel beautiful. read more

Thank you to Jessica for consistently making myself and daughter feel amazing. She is professional and cares about her clients. If you want great hair, but also a warm hearted salon this is the place! read more