I go to Erin for haircuts, mani/pedi's, color, updo's, etc. and have had a great experience every time. Prices are great, $54 for a mani/pedi?! Yes Please! read more

Darrin James Salon - Updo by Erin - Hair Stylists Near Me - Minnetonka, Minnesota

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After being a Spalon Montage groupie since college, I decided I needed to find a less expensive alternative for my haircuts. I went in yesterday afternoon for a trim. After being greeted with a rough-looking, gum-smacking receptionist, I realized she was Claire, the stylist I booked an appointment with. Reluctantly, I sat down for my consultation. We discussed that I wanted a healthy trim of about an inch. She asked if I liked my longer layers and I said yes. As the appointment went on, I realized she was cutting a lot of hair. (Upon entering the salon, my hair was midway down my back and my first layer started at my shoulders.) She mentioned that my layers were cut strangely and so I figured she was cleaning it up. She kept cutting and cutting and I thought to myself "this is the most thorough cut I have ever had" but as it went on, it appeared that she kept trying to even up what she had just cut on one side of my head with the other side. It wasn't until I saw her take a LARGE amount of length of that I got really concerned. I proceeded to get a fair-at-best blow dry (the hairdryer was super hot on my scalp and I had to ask her to turn it down) and tried to remain calm when she showed me the final product. "Maybe once I style it myself it will look better" I thought. I live not too far away and I jetted home. I took another pass at it with my own tools and product and stood there in complete shock. My once flowing locks are now more like Jennifer Aniston circa 1995. I am beyond devastated that after I have been trying to grow my hair for years, it's now in the salon's garbage bin. I called the salon and spoke to Darrin, the owner. He was more than apologetic and offered me a full refund. He also did everything he could to assure me that that was not the type of experience he wanted for any of his clients. He listened and really seemed to care about my satisfaction. Unfortunately, it's too late and beyond repair. So, I don't think the salon itself is bad news, in fact, Darrin's customer service was incredible, but I would advise anyone to avoid Claire at all costs. I will be returning to my overpriced salon. At least before I left with all my hair. read more

Super excited to be posting this. I worked at a salon for 4 years as a receptionist and was very uneasy about living in a new city where I'd have to find a new stylist. For a year I kept driving back to my hometown to get it done, and finally, after moving into a new apartment and driving past Darrin James, I decided to make an appointment. Claire colored and cut/styled my hair and I will definitely be going back to her. She picked the color that was PERFECT for me and not too dark, not too light. Love it. It's similar to what i've had before but it is more warm and rich in color. The cut is adorable and she was easy to talk to and fun. The salon is very cute and modern, all of the staff seem super friendly and considerate of their clients at all times. I was asked by more than one person if I wanted a magazine, coffee, water, whatever else I could need to make the experience more enjoyable. Working at a salon for 4 years I did do all of these things for our clients too, but it just is so much different being on the receiving end. The price is unbeatable for the quality of work. I had a full color, cut, and style for $75.00. That's unheard of in minneapolis. I bought product, so it was a little more than that in the end and after tipping, but still, for the quality, I was thrilled, and so is my checkbook. I think I found my new spot, go check it out! they do manicures and pedicures too! read more

I recently got my hair done here and I loved it. You know in the Sex and the City movie when Sarah Jessica Parker (aka Carrie Bradshaw) has her make over moment and gets to do the hair flip, well I got to do that and my hair was done THAT GOOD! I went to Claire and she was fantastic. She had a positive attitude and was a great person to talk with. I left with the best hair style I have ever had. I needed the pick me up and she gave it to me. The atmosphere and general feel of the place is relaxed but urban and modern. They work quickly and are environmentally friendly... GOTTA LOVE THAT. I was so nervous when I went there, but they made me feel at ease and I walked away with a huge smile on my face. Prices are pretty good for the Uptown area, but not as cheap as a Great Clips. read more

The salon is clean and in a convenient location. I am wary of giving it only two stars because I think it may have just been my stylist and may even go back and try someone else given the rave reviews on here! But as far as my experience: my stylist was very nice and my haircut was ok. I told her I wanted something new and left with a trim... though she did give a good head massage! Then apparently my pedi appointment got bumped back so she originally told me I'd have to go next door for coffee for half an hour, but then she said she would make the blowdrying process take half an hour longer - also not ideal. The pedi was underwhelming - not a great paint job and she also accidentally dumped some of the dead skin into the basin (gross). I was charged for the full pedi though I thought I was getting the express. All in all it could have been a fluke experience and I should mention I had a groupon so maybe that had to do with it - but I was unfortunately not impressed! read more

Darrin rocks! Friendly and fun environment and you will walk out feeling great! Great place, I would recommend to a friend without a doubt. read more

I purchased a Living Social deal for three massages at Darrin James Salon & Spa. Booking was a tiny bit of a challenge as there is only one massage therapist but she does work Sundays so that is an option. Otherwise, she is booked out a bit. Upon arrival, the staff was attentive and friendly. It's more of a hair salon but the massage room was cozy. Nature inspired music played in the background and I was asked if I'd like to choose an essential oil for my massage. She also used hot towels on my back and feet which was a nice treat. She did ask me first if it was okay so I wasn't surprised. She used firm pressure which is what my muscles needed. Overall, it was a great deal and I'd go back, especially if they had another coupon offering. read more

I purchased a daily deal for this salon, which included a hair color, cut and brow wax. I arrived at the salon and they had tons of magazines to choose from. They also had some activities for kids to keep them occupied. It's a good thing they had all those mags there because my stylist was 10 minutes late. Since I was 10 minutes early, I had quite a wait. I was happy that my stylist Claire was worth the wait. She took the time to get a good idea of what I wanted. She knew about the daily deal offer ahead of time and explained to me that the color I wanted would be a modest up charge. I appreciate that notice upfront. All three services took 2 hours - piece of cake. In the end, I'm thrilled with my color and cut. It's exactly what I asked for and looks better than the past few cuts/colors I've had. My brows look great but I hate how they do it over the wash bowl. I much prefer the comfort of massage tables that many salons use. I also was a bit bummed that they didn't have styling products that were free of artificial perfumes. I had to bring my own shampoo and conditioner, which definitely isn't ideal. This ended up being a really nice experience overall. read more

When I moved up here in 2008, this salon was right across the street. Having the same hair dresser my entire life in my small hometown, I was very wary of trying someone who didn't know my hair at all. When I came home and looked in the mirror, it was the greatest haircut I had ever received. Now nobody but Darrin cuts my hair. Here, you'll get friendly, honest service. Everyone genuinely cares about you, rather than pushing unneeded product. If something is suggested to you to purchase, there is always a personal reasoning behind it. Also, they have a points card! And they're open late! Aaah! It's great! read more

Kaylin (probably spelled wrong!) did an awesome job with my hair yesterday! I have natural curls and I really wanted long straight flat ironed bangs. I was VERY nervous (i'd never done ANYTHING to my hair before!) but she put me at ease right away. She REALLY listened to what I wanted, and even gave me some tips on how to style it and make it look even better! I'm still adjusting to the new look (it's a HUGE change!) but I love it! She did a great job. read more

I was very happy with my experience at Darrin James. I was in Minneapolis for a month last summer (July 2014) and needed to get a cut and a color. I gave the stylist the color info from the stylist I usually go to at home and she matched it perfectly. The cut was also perfect. I used the online deal and that was also great. I also got a facial and loved that as well. If I lived in the Minneapolis area, this would be the place I would go. I will be back next time I'm in Minneapolis. Thanks, Darrin James Salon and sorry it took me so long to write a review! read more

I have gone to my fair share of salons in the city and Darrin James definitely gets it right every time. My stylist's name is Becky. She is a color genius! I am always over-the-top pleased with my hair. I get compliments and am asked quite frequently who my stylist is, I really should be equipped with a stack of her business cards! She is always ready with suggestions if I am not sure on what route to take with my hair. Top notch service in a great location, right by the lakes! read more

I must be honest, 2 things brought me to Darrin James Salon. 1) They had a good Yelp review, and 2) They were the only ones open after 5pm on NYE. I walked in to the salon and was impressed right away. The salon was clean and welcoming, with water and coffee available. My stylists Rochelle was nice and actually listened to what I wanted for my hair and the price was reasonable! I will be back to get a hair cut!! read more

Same reaction as Jessica F. I somehow fight back tears daily as I try to style my hair. Claire gave me a horrible haircut. I'm one of those people who has the mentality, its just hair, but this is horrible and I hate looking at myself in the mirror. I look like I have a mullet. I can't even wear my hair down, its too horrible. I asked for long layers and somehow ended up with a disaster. I've let it go for almost 2 months and its terrible. I called and am setting up a time to talk to Darrin tomorrow. This is not acceptable. :( read more

I went in for a prenatal massage and was really pleased with the service. At first I wasn't sure what to expect as this appeared to just be a hair salon, but she took me back to the room and it had all of the essentials. The room was warm and inviting with soft music playing and dim lighting. The room was small, but that didn't bother me. My massage therapist was amazing, making sure I was comfortable throughout the whole massage. I would definitely go back again! read more

Short version: I was seen by Claire, got the same haircut I could have gotten at a cost-cutters/great clips but twice as expensive. Long version: Let me explain. Found the place after the salon I used to go to closed, and picked it because it had a decent review here and is close to where I live. I went inside with an open mind, I'm very easy to please as long as you get it ballpark where I'm talking about, and I know that 95% of the time you're not going to get exactly what you're asking for when you go to a place for the first time. Because of this I brought in photos to help show what I was looking for, and let my girlfriend go through exactly what I was looking for with the hair dresser, referring back to the photos, showing what we wanted different, etc. I was set up with Claire, and honestly was slightly apprehensive after reading the majority of the negative reviews here are directed towards her, but still keeping an open mind. Overall the haircut is below average. I'll have to wait a week or so when it grows back in (my hair grows surprisingly quickly), but right now it looks like the same kind of haircut I used to get when I went to cost-cutters/great clips, but for twice the price. So I don't think I'll be going back. read more