The best hair salon in Atlanta! I have been seeing Skip for over 2 years now and can't imagine not seeing her! I came to her with really dry damaged hair from over bleaching - She took me from bleach blonde to a beautiful deep red color that I die for and my hair is soft and shiny again! I get asked many times a week who does my hair and where I go - SKIP! No matter what color or style you're looking for, she can do :) I also love there cortex salon conditioner and the hair spray that you can buy. It smells amazing and lasts a long time! The prices can be a little bit higher but you get what you pay for here and it's worth it! read more

Great team of people. Very friendly environment. Would recommend to anyone in the area looking for a stylist. The front desk lady was so nice and professional. read more

I have been frequenting Cortex Hair Studio for over 20 years. My current stylist, Rachel, is fast, but meticulous in cutting my hair. The staff are courteous, and the service is always consistently excellent. read more

I live in the Virginia Highlands area and thought I'd give this salon a try after seeing how popular it is, but unfortunately, I had a really poor experience. I requested a blunt bob (I've had this haircut for years). I saw a few bobs on my stylist's IG, so I thought I chose well. My stylist washed my hair extremely quickly, which felt rushed, and only cut it wet. When she blow dried it, she didn't pass through it at all to take out any weight, like. I asked, or make sure it looked okay, since hair always is different wet vs dry. In the end, my hair was lopsided (one side was half an inch shorter than the other), the ends were so choppy & uneven, and there were so many strands of hair that were longer than the other. I realized the issues with my hair the morning after my cut when my hair settled more & it wasn't styled. I called to have a follow-up appointment, but ended up canceling because I did not trust the stylist I saw to be able to fix it & chose to go to another salon instead. Upon cancelling and kindly explaining my situation, the receptionist on the phone was not apologetic and did not try to repair the scenario at all. This was surprising because typically salons will offer another stylist to take a look at it, or at least say sorry. To be honest, I think this may happen a lot at this salon because on my new client form, they had an extremely detailed "No Refund Policy". I'm happy that my stylist was very friendly, and I'd like to think my experience was a fluke, but sadly, I won't be recommending this salon to anyone. read more

I know bad reviews always sound bitter, so I hate to leave them. But, I have never experienced hair damage like this in my life, and I just want to save someone going through the same awful experience. I just moved to Virginia Highlands area, and was looking for a new salon. With all of the positive reviews for Cortex, I decided to give it a try. I decided to go in for a cut just to test the waters and meet the stylist before I let her work on my platinum blonde hair. She was nice, cleaned up the damage from extensions and processing hair, and gave me a good cut. However, I was concerned that she might not have the experience needed to take my blonde down to a more natural color. So i decided I would ask the manager if they thought that she could preform services I was looking for. The manager guaranteed me that she would be able to safely work with coloring my hair. I shared that I am used to spending 500/visit on my hair and would spend any amount to make sure there was no further damage. Manager again assured me that the Stylist would be "Great at this" referring to coloring my hair. With this recommendation, I made an appointment to come back for my color. huge mistake. The process seemed like it was going fine - after I was rinsed off, I asked the stylist how my hair held up, because I knew it was damaged from being blonde. She said "Good - hardly any hair came off in the bowl". I would come to find out that this woman had ZERO integrity and completely lied. As you can see from pictures, she burned off a huge portion of hair. She styled around the mishap, charged me her whole fee, and accepted my 20+% tip. When I got home I thought something looked off, but no one likes how other people style their hair and put it up in a ponytail until I could wash it the next day. After washing it was so clear that something was wrong. All of the hair on the right side of my face was missing about 3 inches down from the root! Just gone!!!! I am amazed that anyone would have so little integrity and class. Not only did she ruin my hair, and lie to me about it... but then she billed me. I have never in my life been treated so horribly by a salon. I just wanted to share this story so that you can be cautious when choosing this salon for coloring. It could cost you 3 years of damage grow-out + the insult of paying them to destroy your hair. read more

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Let me start this off by saying I've never left a bad review nor have I ever even reviewed a business online. So leaving bad a review is just not in my nature. I have been a customer of Cortex since 2015 and I will never return after my latest experience. If the haircut and color service that I paid for wasn't bad enough, the poor customer service from the owner, Marion, really drove the nails into the coffin. I had a horrible experience with a cut and balayage on May 1st, 2021. I saw Olivia and asked for a very simple hair trim and balayage. What I got, quite frankly, looked like a child took dull scissors to the ends of my hair and dipped the top portion of my hair only (!) in pure blonde hair dye. My hair is a medium brown so the underside was still medium brown. The owner called and left a voicemail stating that that was how balayage was supposed to look and spent a minute and a half over voicemail trying to convince me that what was done was done properly and with skill. It was not. To then tell me that the pictures she saw that the stylist took looked "absolutely gorgeous" is incredibly unacceptable when I sent the pictures attached here to her and it's clearly not at all what I asked for nor is it how anyone should execute a balayage technique. We all know how styling, lighting and filtering can make things appear different than they actually are....it's the magic of social media. The pictures here where I styled my hair how I do on a daily basis are completely unfiltered and in the same lighting to show the difference. Not only was I completely let down by Cortex I had to pay $300 MORE to get it fixed at a different salon that was highly recommended to me by people that I trust. The owner explained their policy to me and said had I come in to get it fixed there then we could've avoided this issue; however, I did not trust that they could fix the damage that had been done and didn't want to risk more damage and loss of hair. So instead I chose to go to another salon where friends of mine go and whose hair is always done with the highest of skill and integrity. Since they are not refunding my money for a horrendous haircut and color, I hope that they will use that $305 to further Olivia's education. read more

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If you are sick of all the hair factories in Atlanta, try going to Cortex in the Virginia Highlands! I have been going to Cortex for about 5 years now and I love it! The space recently went through a renovation to have more of a modern vibe. They use products such as MOP, Aveda and Bumble and Bumble (My fave!!! Try the sumo wax for super shiny hold)! If you have to wait a little bit for your haircut, fear not...coffee and tea is available and the staff is super friendly! One more thing about the staff...it's always a good thing to see the same faces that I met 5 years ago! I personally see Roxanne when I go to Cortex! Not only can she cut fabulous hair and do rock star color, but she is fun to talk to, gives excellent gym/workout advice, and is a super hottie. (Guys...she is single! :) ) Plus, she always cuts my hair just right to give me that sporty David Beckham look that I want! Check it out if you are looking for a change! You won't be disappointed! ***Special Tip - New clients booking an appointment with Roxanne and mention the Cortex website or Roxanne as the featured stylist of the month will receive a 15% discount! read more

If you're looking for Skip Boman - she has moved to Asheville, North Carolina. Go see her at Ananda Hair Studio!! It's a beautiful and easy drive from Atlanta. I still make day trips to see her! read more

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Skip did my hair for my wedding...platinum blonde highlights with halo extensions and soft curls...exactly what I wanted! It's so sad she's moving away...she's been doing my hair for 5 years. I don't think I've tried any of the other stylists, but the salon is very nice and the people are friendly. read more

Cortex Hair Studio - Skip did my hair for my wedding...platinum blonde highlights with halo extensions and soft curls...exactly what I wanted! - Hair Salons Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Love Cortex! It's a breath of fresh hair to find somewhere so warm and welcoming. A throw back from when people were nicer to each other! People stop me in the street to compliment my haircut --- thank you Jon!! read more

I have been to this wonderful salon twice now. And when I tell you that Speaks volumes...I'm not kidding. I have now dyed my hair pink 5 separate times with five separate salons. I have never TILL NOW gone back to a salon because I liked it enough and the hair stylist enough. Emma is so sweet and talented. She is very special I will dare to say I have a salon and a stylist of my own. This last visit was a bit crazy cause I ended up having a time constraint due having to pick up my niece and nephew. So instead of saying oh well. Emma asked Olivia to help. Olivia is wonderful as well. So sweet and super funny to talk to. I will definitely be coming back to this wonderful salon. And I fully recommend both Emma and Olivia. Thank you both for everything, even with the craziness surrounding my visit. I went from hot pink to blonde. Come to find out...that is not an easy thing to do. They did an incredible transformation on me. Everyone is loving my hair. Thank you both very much. read more

Cortex Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I think the studio may have started pressuring its stylists to bring in more revenue, because the last couple times I've gone to see Brandy the cut has been more brisk and the price has been a good deal higher. I know inflation is real, but increasing prices 15% a year? Sheesh, this ain't health insurance. read more

I have been a Cortex customer for several years. Before I started going to Cortex I was a Great Clips regular. I always left unhappy, and finally decided to find myself a real salon. A friend recommended Cortex, and more specifically Skip, so I moseyed on over to the Highlands to check it out. It was great! The staff has always been friendly and responsive to requests, and the price is reasonable for the quality. The building is cool, and it's a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The real plus to Cortex has been Skip, however. She's very laid back and easy to talk to, and it's clear she is actually listening. Every time I go in we are able to pick up where we left off -- she asks about the dog, my family, etc. She also has some solid bar recommendations! I'm leaving Atlanta to live on the West Coast, but I am going to miss this place. It'll be hard to find a new hair stylist, that's for sure. read more

My roommate goes to this salon, so I thought I'd try it out. I'm a poor student living on a stipend so I made an appointment with the most affordable stylist. Note: the website may state there is a discount, but double check if there really is. My appointment was at 5 pm on a Friday and maybe that is why the stylist I saw seemed to be rushed and in a hurry. Sure, she was nice enough and I don't really like talking to stylists anyways, but this haircut was the fastest I have had and the quick attention showed in the end result. My bob was uneven in the front, my bangs were uneven and choppy, and the stylist made my hair so poofy that I felt like my mom. I immediately wanted to wash my hair. That was the first time I ever left a salon feeling that way. Good thing hair grows quickly to hide choppy cuts. My roommate does have great experiences here, but she sees a different stylist and generally gets more than just a trim. Based on my appointment, it seems that the stylists don't really care about service if they think the person won't come back again. Had my experience been satisfactory, however, I would have become a regular client. For me, a two-star meh is an apt description of the service I received at Cortex. read more

I have been going to Cortex for almost 7 years. They've seen me through countless hairstyles, jobs, boys and cars. They are the constant. I love the zen-like feel of Cortex. I've been to other salons for blow outs and I can't believe what people put up with him this town - it should be relaxing and calming to get your hair cut! Cortex is always on time, always peaceful, great magazines, coffee, and most of all, stylists. Brandy has been snipping my locks since I was barely legal and not only has she become a friend, but she is a talented confidante. I trust her inherently - the girls here are all up on the styles and trends but they just do great work. I have been so lucky to find Cortex and Brandy. Cortex is like a home away from home and I love my hair every single time. I also love buying accessories at check-out - so dangerous but it gets me every time! read more

Felt very comfortable getting my hair cut. Everyone has a mask on. Plenty of sanitizer at the counter.

I've been seeing Skip for 3 years now and can't imagine anyone else cutting my hair. Skip's a wizard at long layered cuts and super cool and laid back. I feel like I'm visiting a friend at every appointment. Cortex staff all seem laid back and I appreciate the friendly and unpretentious vibe. Yes, go there, you won't be disappointed! read more

I literally have nothing negative to say about my experience at Cortex. I've lived in Atlanta for 2 years so far and have yet to find my "soulmate stylist." Until now. In looking for a salon, I was searching for something nearby my apartment that sold both Aveda as well as Bumble and Bumble. Finding Cortex was like my lucky day...Skip is a dream come true! Not only is she chill and actually fun to talk to, but she gave my long, flat, boring hair shape and body again and I left feeling refreshed and happy! Highly, highly recommend this place. Plus, the staff was SO nice! You have to love that! read more

I've been getting my hair cut (and sometimes colored) at Cortex for over a year now and love it. I see Rachel and my husband sees Skip - we couldn't be happier! They use great products (Bumble and Bumble and Aveda), have an excellent staff and I've always been happy with the service. Prices aren't shocking and it's usually not too hard to get an appointment (though that depends on the stylist). Always leave feeling great! read more

Cortex is such a wonderful hair studio. I see Skip, who does wonders with my long layered hair and side-swept bangs. She is down to earth, funny, and I genuinely look forward to our conversations. Always walk out with a smile. The staff and atmosphere make me feel so welcome and comfortable (versus other salons with a pretentious and smug attitude). They are great about rescheduling when needed and the free bang trims in-between appointments are the best. Prices are extremely reasonable and the skill level is top notch. Zero complaints. read more

Awesome website where you can take a look at all the stylists and see what they specialize in. Easy to get an appointment, everyone is super friendly, the place is comfortable and inviting (you don't feel like you are not cool enough to be there), and the experience was overall awesome. Rachel was awesome, listened to exactly what I wanted, talked me through the cut (it was pretty drastic!) and did a fantastic job. No high pressure BUY OUR STUFF tactics. Overall a fantastic experience. read more

Brandy is f'amazing, particularly for curly hair. Best haicuts (plural) I've ever had. She's able to change it up which can oftentimes be hard for curly hair. My hair has never looked so great--bouncy and shiny. I receive compliments all of the time from friends and strangers. read more

Emily is absolutely amazing. My former hairdresser moved to California and before meeting Emily I refused for anyone else to do my hair. I'm so glad I gave her the chance, shes my person when it comes to hair! Thank you so much! read more

I am thrilled with how well my hair turned out. Emily did my hair, she made it look so beautiful. They are so nice and kind there. I totally recommend this hair salon! Thank you Emily! read more

Great salon! I have seen Rachel with both shorter and longer hair, and she gives a great cut for both. She's super easy to work with, great suggestions, and love the results! read more

I was not a salon type of person until I met rachel and cortex hair studio. I was recommended by a close friend and I will not let anyone else cut my hair. I usually let he do as she pleases and I can never complain about the results. I would highly recommend her to anyone asking. read more

I am taking the time to write a review because I am quite disappointed. I drove almost two hours to get to my appointment because Ive heard good things about this salon. I went in for FULL blonde highlights and walked out with PARTIAL. After spending 2 hours in there I didnt have the energy to argue about the price. This is just a principle - if youre a high rated salon, this should not happen. read more

Cortex Hair Studio - Huge area of my hair without any color on. Paid for full highlights walked out with partial. - Hair Salons Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I would seriously dive/fly/walk back to Atlanta if I ever moved away - just for this salon. I have been seeing Skip Bowman for about 3 years now and in 30 years have not found a better stylist. I recommend her to everyone I know and have never heard a complaint. Her cuts are great and her color is even better. She is amazing with blonde in particular (I've done every shade with her). And she's affordable. And incredibly easy to talk to. HIGHLY recommend! read more

I've been getting my hair cut and colored at Cortex for 5 years now. Since moving away from the Va-hi neighborhood, I now drive 40 miles to still get my hair done there. I highly recommend Rachel and can echo the other reviewers' comments about the staff and service. This place is a great find and the prices are not outrageous. read more

Everyone at the salon is great to deal with and very personable. Nice atmosphere. They do a great job of scheduling, following-up with reminders, and keeping appointments running on time. And while the salon as a whole is excellent, the reason I've been going for years and years is Skip Boman, the best stylist I've ever had. She does an exceptional job with men's haircuts. And on top of all that she is an awesome person. It seems like everyone I know who goes to other stylists at the salon have had great experiences as well. So, you can't really go wrong. read more

My review is looooong overdue for Lindsey. I was probably waiting to write anything because I am selfish and didn't want her to get too popular and too expensive. But since I've relocated to DC, I will say that she is truly amazing with color, and if you live in Atlanta and highlight your hair, you must go see her. She is a master of using highlights and lowlights to create the exact look that you're wanting. She's also great about suggesting subtle changes (darker hues in the winter, brighter around the face in the summer, etc) to keep things fresh. She really listens, and she executes color that is even richer and brighter than what you're picturing. I like that the salon itself is really low-key also. Not too loud, not too congested. Feels like a neighborhood gem and a place where you can relax. Oh, did I mention that she's affordable? I think partial highlights are around $80, and a cut is around $30 - for her skill level, you are getting an absolute steal. read more

I visited Cortex based on the strength of other Yelp reviews. The small salon, hidden in an intown neighborhood, was airy and quiet. The stylist, Emily, was friendly and professional. She took her time, explaining each product she used and offering styling suggestions. I certainly would recommend Cortex to anyone looking for a new salon. read more

Go see Skip at Cortex! She is so laid back & great to talk with. Her prices are very reasonable plus she never makes me wait. The salon's staff is always very helpful & friendly - never uptight or rude. My wife gets color done with Skip & is always excited for her visit. Go now! read more

After hearing rave reviews of Cortex, I decided it was worth a shot to try them. I have very curly hair and have had a difficult time finding someone who can cut it the way I want in Atlanta. I scheduled an appointment with Brandi after seeing some good reviews of her on Yelp. I checked in and made my way to the waiting area. Brandi came over to introduce herself and consult about what I wanted out of a cut. She then went back to her client and spent another 30 minutes after my appointment time working on her previous appointment. While waiting in her chair, I asked her about dry cutting (most curly stylists I've used prefer this method). She said she only cuts wet (that's fine) and that she knows how to cut curly hair. Umm, okay? I didn't think the sass was necessary and was a turn off to a first time client. Overall, she did an OK job on the cut. The layers were not what I asked for, and she also cut too much off the length. I won't be going back. read more

Just have to hop on to show my girl Skip some more love! I had Skip highlight my naturally medium-blonde hair last month and OH. MY. GOD. I have never had more natural color in my life, and I have been coloring my hair for 14 years! Skip, as usual, listened carefully to what I wanted and delivered 3 different tones of blonde mixed with my natural color, all of which melded together in a perfect storm of honey, cornsilk, platinum, and sunshine! I can't even do justice to her skill set in words. Additionally, my hair texture is nearly unchanged, despite the coloring, which anyone can tell you is hard to come by! Such a gentle technique, such flawless results...hair love, guys. For real. And again, she's just a straight-up cool chick. 5 weeks til my next appointment...can't wait! read more

Ask for Tracie - she is the best and takes care of my entire family! Great cuts and colors for men/women/children (4+).

Cortex deserves 5 stars on every level. Skip is my girl and I always leave very pleased with my hair. Although I am much older and a lot less cool than Skip I look forward to catching up with our lives while she works her magic. read more

owner was very rude to junior stylists and assistant w/ glasses really disheartening ... my hair however turned out ok and felt healthy but nothing too exciting im a tad late on the review but i made a yelp today to give another review read more

Cortex is the best salon ever!!! I don't want to share my best beauty buddy, but Rachel is a hair Goddess! For years I have gone through countless stylist, but she is the only person I have found who is amazing at both cut and color. Whether I have a specific style/color in mind or if I give her free reign-I am always AMAZED at the work Rachel does. Not only do I get compliments on the cut, but my mother also loves her work too!. Also, prices are very reasonable-I have had some extremely high cost Buckhead "celebrity" stylist do some very questionable work on my hair which left me very traumatized b/c of price and color. Rachel Rocks! read more

Have been going to Cortex for highlights and haircuts for sometime whenever I was in Atlanta and still living overseas. We finally moved to Atlanta over a year ago and I have continued to be a client there ever since. Lindsey has a great eye for colors and does a really good cut too. I strongly recommend both the salon as well as Lindsey herself as a stylist? Will remain there for sure for as long as I live here. read more