Avoid this place at cost . The owner wants to make your hair great again but fails as business owner and stylist

I love Brilliant Salon and Spa. Owner Chris is my Master Stylist and he has handled everything from an a-line bob to an awkward grow-out stage to extra long locks. A true hair artist, he is able to read your hair and identify techniques to be employed to optimize how it lays and looks on you. He's also a joy to talk with. A great location, friendly rest of the team and years of experience. MUST USE FOR YOUR HAIR SALON! read more

See Melissa! I am new to Portland and was really nervous about changing hair stylists. I'm picky about my hair! :) I love the people who work here: down-to-earth, friendly, and professional. Their pricing is great and you get what you pay for, beautiful hair. I see Melissa Messer, and she is going to be my hair stylist for as long as I can keep it that way. She listens patiently to what you need, and you can really tell she takes pride in her work. She will take that extra time to make everything "just right." This is a really talented "artist," not just a hair stylist. She did an amazing job with my color and helping me suit it to both my taste and skin tone, etc. I later found out she does make-up professionally, and she did both my hair and make-up prior to a photo shoot. I was so impressed. :) I highly recommend her for both hair and make-up for any event. She is such a pleasure to work with, and I felt like I had to leave a review for once on Yelp, which I use a lot to find services I need. read more

Brilliant Salon & Spa - The beautiful color done by Melissa Messer. :) Very happy woman... - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I was 15 min late to my appointment. I tried to call them to let them know I was running later than planned. No one answered the phone after I made multiple attempts to call. When they did finally answer, the rudest person told me that my I could not still come to my appointment because my hair would take too long to style (not true). When I told the man that I didn't have to get a blow dry then he said well someone already took you appointment seat and we have no other appointments for today. I told them well I live across the street can you squeeze me in if someone is late. Response. No. Did he offer to get me in on another day? No. He just hung up. Prior times my interactions with this salon have been neutral with employees here. Each time I come I tip at least 20%. I have been flexible with doing a later appointment if one of their other clients was "taking longer than predicted." This company's response to the one time I was late is outrageously disrespectful and unacceptable. I will not be going back to this establishment because I don't think I was treated respectfully. read more

Chris has been cutting my hair for years and I couldn't be happier! I'm one of those people who never has any idea what style I want, what would look good with my face shape, how to do my hair (so I need something low maintenance), or anything about hair in general other than how to live with it on my head. Luckily Chris takes care of everything. He's had the business for about 15 years and recently moved it a few spots down, still on the river though. This space has a better view and a lot more people watching! They have a huge selection of products, mostly Aveda if not all. I've had several stylists over the years but none has been so consistent in knowing what I need before I do and giving me a cut I can deal with on my own. I've tried getting him to move in and do my hair daily but apparently that's where the line is drawn. Too bad, he's pretty fun to hang out with. read more

I started going to Chris Fazzolari at Brilliant Salon when I moved to Portland in 2000 -- 11 years ago! You know you've found a great thing when your relationship with your stylist lasts longer than your than your relationship with your (ex)husband and subsequent boyfriends! Seriously! It's like I get an amazing color treatment and therapy and a glass of wine all at the same time -- what a deal is THAT?! Truly, and I hope I won't get him in trouble for saying this, he was willing to use my former Redkin Shades magic combo on me when I first went there after moving from Michigan. I had had enough change and didn't want to shift my hair formula and color as well! We long ago shifted into using Aveda products, but I really appreciate that it's not one of those snooty Aveda salons where they must all wear black and be Aveda clones. They've got personality, heart, and unique style. I'd never see anyone else in Portland! My hair and life is happier & more brilliant because of Chris and Brilliant! read more

I really love this salon on the waterfront! I started going here after our move to Portland because I wasn't sure where to go and it was right next to our apartment. The staff are really awesome! My stylist Shannon is the best! And the owners are super nice too!! They are an Aveda salon and have a great selection of Aveda products including make up! I have had cuts, color, highlights, and eye brow waxes done here and they are always great! I am so happy that I found such a great salon! read more

Went again to visit Jody again to get my hair redone and again I was very pleased with the results. My hair tends to loose hair very quickly because of my curls and Jody went above and beyond to make sure that the color will stay. She really listens and gets to know you as a client and friend to make sure that you get the most out of your hair. Go and visit her! You will be very happy!!!!! read more

Over the years I've bounced between a few different salons. I typically miss an appointment and move back to whomever is available first. Chris is not only very entertaining, but available on Saturdays! While I may forget an appointment here and there, he is always willing to rebook me. I use him to cut my hair, nothing fancy, or extensions, weaves, coloring or waxing. Just a simple cut and I'm usually out within 45 minutes. Friendly staff and open on Saturdays? Yes please, I'll keep returning. read more

Such a great experience. Silas is an amazing stylist and he was totally game for my drastic change. Lots of hair cut and finally layered in perfect layers.... The color is shiny and dark just like I wanted it. I don't even want to talk about the disaster that lived on my head before. I was one of the last clients in the shop and the vibe was happy and fun. No snobs and you can tell they go out of their way to make you look great. By the end of my cut I told him to do what he thought would look best. And I'm SO glad I did. I highly suggest this wonderful salon and Silas is amazing and talented. Thanks again Silas!!! See you again soon! read more

Brilliant Salon & Spa - Silas did my hair and I love it. Best haircut and color I've had in years. - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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After more than my fair share of bad salon experiences, I've finally found a salon I plan on sticking with! Melissa is outstanding! She takes the time to listen to your concerns and actually takes the time to explain why she does things and what will work best with your type of hair. She is really passionate about what she does and proves that it's really quite an art. Looking forward to seeing her for some highlights next time! read more

Melissa is simply the BEST! I'd gone to Melissa for over 4 years when she was in Chicago and was sad to see her move to Portland! My husband and I vacationed to Portland recently and I decided to catch up with Melissa and check out her new salon. Melissa is extremely professional and talented! If I could afford it, I would fly out to have my hair done by her any day! I highly recommend Melissa!! The salon is located in a great area along the river walk in Portland. read more

Ive followed my hairdrrsser jessica to this place. When she quit doing salon job for good they took care of doing the same thing she used to do for me ....im very happy that i dont have try looking for another place read more

I just moved to the area and was looking for someone to be my new person and after one cut the search is over!!! So fun, so friendly, and the skill is amazing. I never want to go anywhere else. read more

Walked in to ask if they had any availability for a blow out. The man working at the counter was not friendly and acted annoyed when I asked. I will take my money elsewhere. Customer service is crucial these days for any company to survive...just saying. read more

I've been growing out my natural color for over a year, and suddenly hit a point where I wanted to be done with that little project. I dropped in just to get a feel for the place, and to see if anyone there was willing to help me get my natural curls back in shape while playing up my emerging silver streaks. Jody was available, and we chatted about what I wanted, my hair's curl and texture, and what my goals were once the grow-out is completed. She gently convinced me not to go too extreme in one swoop, and feeling confident that I'd landed in the right place, I headed for her chair. Long story short, Jody gave me the best haircut I've had in Portland, and quite possibly anywhere else in all my years of wrangling my curls. The tiny bit of color that's left actually looks intentional, and blends in with my now mostly natural mix of dark brown and silver. I love it, and I literally get compliments on my hair every single day. That's never happened before! Thank you, Jody, for a wonderful experience and haircut, all served up in a beautiful salon with a river view, and at an affordable price. I've found my new happy hair place! read more

I normally go to another Aveda salon but was working with time/travel and visited this salon on a whim so that I could fit a haircut in before the holidays. I will not return. Shannon cut my hair unevenly, so much so that I had to go running to my regular person before a flight to have it fixed. What my regular stylist said was "oh yea, this needs lots of softening and evening out. She cut this just straight across, didn't she?" Pieces of my hair were inches longer than others and there were one or two pieces in front of my face that were significantly shorter and choppier and unblended than the rest (will be in my eyes for months before they grow out). She seemed frazzled (cut herself within 2 min, which I understand happens, but still...), was dropping her tools, hands were shaky, having to adjust her clothing (off the shoulder shirts are not for when you're cutting hair!!!), etc. She'd make random, drastic cuts and then look a little puzzled. I really do feel bad for writing this but feel it's needed. I hope that she receives more training before cutting more people's hair. read more

Brilliant Salon & Spa - Laughable... - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I had Kristie did my manicure she did such an amazing job. I'm impressed that my manicure lasted for a long time she is very detailed oriented and does amazing nail art and also she is a great conversationalist! Ask for Kristie! read more

I was searching for an Aveda Salon in Portland and choose Chris at Brilliant Salon for a color / cut. Had a great experience: Loved the color results and the cut. I'm trying to grow out layers, so didn't need a significant cut, just re-shaping. Chris is a great listener and used the right cutting techniques to revive my cut. Another plus is that they are open later in the evening than many salons, plus Saturdays. The Riverplace location is super convenient, accessible by the streetcar or bike, but parking is easy too. Finally, I appreciate that Chris has been with Aveda for many years -- he's clearly an expert about their products. read more

Having just moved to Portland I was very worried about finding a stylist who would be able to work well with curly hair and who has a very good knowledge of color. I hit the jackpot with my first try. Chris was amazing! He understood exactly what I was trying to accomplish and my hair style exceeded my expectations! My appointment started exactly when it was scheduled. The salon is immaculate and he didn't try to shove product on me like a lot of salons are known to do. I highly recommend this salon. They are awesome! read more

I had a color treatment done and was not happy with the results. The stylist refused to redo my color without charging me again full price, which I could not afford. I wasted $100 and cried all day. My regular salon will waive the charge or redo my hair if I'm not happy. Very bad customer service. read more

Silas gave me the best haircut I have ever had!!! I'm kind of hard to please when it comes to my thick wavy-ish hair. He really listened to my concerns and problems I have had with previous haircuts. BEST HAIRCUT EVER! And he's hilarious!!!! read more

My eyebrows were absolutely butchered here. The aesthetician clearly has no idea what she is doing and she RUINED my eyebrows. I would never ever recommend people going to this salon. read more

I moved from LA to Portland and I have to say this is the best salon ever! I've been bleaching my hair since I was 12 and am always looking for the perfect ash blonde and I finally got it here with Silas! Not only does he do my hair amazing but he's also extremely fun to talk to so it's always a good time! If you're looking for amazing hair and a fun time go see Silas! Oh and they also have complimentary wine!! read more

Melissa is the best! I went to this salon for the first time last week and let me just say how relieved I was to be back in an Aveda salon. The product is the best of the best and I looked and felt like a new person again after my cut and color. Melissa is highly trained and worked for many years in a top notch Aveda salon in Chicago before moving to Portland. I'm glad to finally have someone I can trust to make my hair look awesome again. Can't wait to go back! read more

Melissa M. is the best! She colored and cut my hair for four years and I have yet to find someone to replace her (we both relocated at the same time). I am extremely picky about my cut AND color, however, Melissa gave me the best haircuts and coloring I've ever had. I even had her do my color for my wedding and trusted her all the way. She is a great listener and was conservative when I needed it and risky when I wanted to take a chance on my hair. I first began seeing her to grow out a horrible bang cut I'd received back in 2009---never did I know my hair could look so good after having my first cut with Melissa. Her cuts grow out beautifully yet you will still want to go back frequently just to see her :) She was one of the top stylists at the Aveda salon in Chicago. I moved last spring and drove 4 hours twice in order to see her. She is greatly missed!!! I would still be making the 4 hour drive to see her if she was still in Chicago. read more

Had an AMAZING cut and color yesterday by Daniel Ewing of Brilliant Hair Salon. It is perfection, I LOVE IT!! If you're needing a haircut, color, or style go to Daniel at Brilliant Salon and Spa. I can't recommend him enough...Thanks Daniel!!!! read more

Melissa is a skilled hair stylist. I love my cut and highlights.

This Aveda location is great! I had an amazing cut with Jessica. She did an excellent job of listening to what I wanted and changing what I wasn't happy about. I have very short curly hair and I wanted it cut so that I could get the most out of my curls. She did it perfectly! I'm new to Portland and she made me feel very welcome by telling me all the great spots to check out. I also got some great help from Silas on the new Chakra line that Aveda has. I would definitely recommend this place! read more

Shannon cut my hair really nicely. I have long thick hair that are unmanageable but Shannon kept the length but lightened the volume. This way my curls look good or I may straighten them and I can also take care of my hair really fast on busy days. Thank you Shannon! Oh and Jodi for making an appointment for me in such short notice. read more

Stopped here for a bob trim and Jodi did a fabulous job. :) Got a lovely scalp massage, shampoo, detailed cut, and blow out. She gave me some advice on what to see locally and was super pleasant to chat with. Fun corner storefront has a great view and across the street from Kiosko for a cold brew. read more

Melissa did an excellent job on my hair! I found Melissa by searching reviews for an experienced colorist. She fixed a bad color job that I had received at another salon and I'm very happy! She really listens to you and asks the right questions to figure out what you really want and offered great advise for options to fix the problem I came in with. I highly recommend Melissa. She has a new loyal client in me! Thank you, Melissa!! read more

Besides being a super awesome and amazing person, Chris is a outstanding hair dresser. Ask and you shall receive. Beautiful salon, great atmosphere, not to far into down town! Excited for Brilliant Salon's new location a few doors down later this year. Love getting my hair cut with Chris!! Highly recommend :) read more

Jodi was my stylist, she was absolutely fantastic. I came in unsure of how I wanted my cut, I have problem hair (fine, straight hair!) she was great at making suggestions and did a great job executing what I wanted. She was professional, she gave a great message while we discussed my hair and I left feeling happy and confident with my new style! I liked the atmosphere of the salon. I am from out of town so it was nice to arrive and find the place clean, well appointed and professional staff! read more

Jody is truly a hair miracle worker! She is a color expert and always cuts and shapes my curly hair just right. Having moved from Dallas last year and having had several mishaps with the places I tried in Portland, I am so happy to have found Brilliant and Jody. Once Jody does your hair, you won't want to go anywhere else. She's always upbeat and fun to visit with while your there, too. read more

Wow, stopped in simply to purchase travel shampoo and conditioner. They mistakenly put 2 conditioners and no shampoo, irritating but no big deal. (Was in town for a wedding but since I wasn't the bride, don't think anyone would care about my hair!) But when I called them they straight up lied to me about being open on Sunday, and told me I could come and get my travel shampoo. How disappointing and bizarre. read more

Truly a nightmare salon visit. Inexperienced and uneducated. I would advise seeking out another place where you are not rushed out of the chair after having your hair destroyed. I initially went after reading the few positive reviews. What a mistake I made. read more

Melissa is awesome! I have been searching for a good aveda salon and hairdresser for over a year, since moving to Portland. I literally went to 5 different places before finding Melissa, and thank goodness I have. She is meticulous in delivering just what you want and also takes her time to teach you to style it just like she does. I learned the most awesome tricks to getting a bob lay flat and not follow the natural kinks my hair has - wow, what a difference! read more

I have been a client since 1993 after years of searching for a hairstylist who really understood how to work with super fine hair. Chris Fazzalari is great with my color and cut - one year i had pneumonia but i got up against doctor's orders to make my hair appointment with Chris! Other stylists at the salon have done my entire family - always with rave reviews. Definitely high end service at a very reasonable price. read more

Daniel is the best with curly hair. I have tried many stylists in Portland, but Daniel is by far number one! I'm writing this review because I came home after my haircut yesterday feeling like a million bucks. read more