Someone who knows these things told me to to meet her at her favorite hair dresser's new place. We were going to sculpt my hair, which had been untouched for a decade. It was down to my waist, and totally wild. I hadn't washed it in a week to prepare it to meet Raphael. I couldn't find his place, and I'm a native Angelina. It was hidden between Santa Monica Blvd and Melrose, on the west side of Robertson. Some nice-looking locals pointed me in the right direction, and I walked in to the salon called Raphael West Hollywood, at 647 Robertson Blvd. Turns out those nice locals were the folks working in the salon. They were just outside, though, enjoying the weather. Raphael guided me up the stairs into a white and modern palace. Palace is the only word I can think of to describe Raphael's jewel of a studio tucked into an unknown corner of our Hollywood-influenced world. It was a fine day, and the wind blew warm, clear and buoyed my spirits. My friend arrived after I swirled around, taking in the elegant but comfortable room, red and white, with a high ceiling and enormous white chandelier hanging pendulously above. Raphael calmed me down and knew what to do. He wasn't afraid of my hair (thick and wild as it is). He cut it, mastered its shape, and found a style I can wear and easily maintain. he did it all in an instant, it seemed to me. I am beyond delighted by the cut. Here are quotes from those who know me and saw my haircut, before and after: "Now you look like the person inside your brain." (from a kid) " You look beautiful!" "Wow. Wow. WoWWWWWW!" "You look ten years younger." I danced all night. My feet hardly touched the floor. It was incredible. Every time I saw my own reflection, I kept finding the best in myself. Raphael found the best part of me and cut my hair so everybody else would see it too. I never imagined a hair cut could do that. And don't get me started on the graceful art of the shampooist! I will go in every four months, and the hefty price of one great haircut just means I'm always looking my best. And that's why I'm crazy about Raphael. read more

Raphael is the best hairdresser in the USA, so I have no idea what this other reviewer is talking about. I am 43 years old and have very thick, long, challenging hair. I have traveled all over the world and lived in NY, London, Paris, LA, Miami and now DC. I say this simply to say that I have had my hair done many times by many different hairdressers at various price points. The ONLY times I have been truly happy to part with my money, have been the times Raphael has done my hair. Raphael understands hair like no other professional I have worked with. I have written bad reviews on Yelp, that have apparently been taken down, because they were too unkind. So I am definitely NOT easy to please, nor do I like blowing smoke..... I would fly to LA to have my hair done, OR not have it done at all, because now that I know what real professional hair cuts, color and styling are all about I am spoiled forever. In France you go to school for 6 years vs. 6 weeks of beauty school here. Raphael blows ALL the other hairdressers I have been to straight out of the water! No doubt there was some misunderstanding as Raphael would certainly not charge again, if you needed to come back to the salon to have something fixed or changed the next day (I can't possibly imagine that happening, but still). There are plenty of fancy salons, where plenty of people go and spend time and money and enjoy being flattered by the hairdressers. The hairdressers do atrocious and fake looking highlights, wrong colors, weird unflattering cuts, and are essentially doing the customers a dis-service, because they DO NOT LOOK GOOD! Raphael is honest and straight-forward, and would NEVER let a client walk out of his Salon looking bad. I know this because sometimes I have been there and seen several other clients come and go. Like me, Raphael has many die-hard devotees who have been going to him for years and years and would never consider having a lesser artist touch their heads. He may have an extravagant personality, but so does Karl Lagerfeld, and Raphael is the Karl Lagerfeld of hair. Period, The End. read more

Let me begin by saying that I am incredibly picky about who even touches my hair. My hairstylist who I loved and trusted for years moved out of the state. Before he left he mentioned the names of some hair salons and stylists that he would trust referring me to. I checked out the websites and decided on Raphael Haute Coiffure in West Hollywood. The salon is located in a nice area, parking is easy, and the inside of the salon is beautiful! The decor is sophisticated, classy, and welcoming. And the staff was very friendly, accommodating, and pampering! They offered food and drinks and ensured that I was comfortable, relaxed, and taken care of. Raphael is a hilarious, kind Frenchman who is dedicated to his clients, and it shows through his perfect work. I was extremely happy with the work he did on my hair. The cut was exactly what I explained to him I wanted--flawless. The expertise Raphael accumulated in Paris is definitely apparent. Another positive point would be the product line Raphael uses in his salon. I have fine hair, and after a visit to a salon, it is easy for my hair either to be dried out or look and feel too greasy from too much product. Raphael and his products made my hair look and feel perfect--the shine, the volume (which I never have), and the smoothness made me even happier with the final outcome. I'm sad that my hairdresser for years is no longer available, but I've found someone I trust at Raphael Haute Coiffure. read more

I love this Salon and i love Raphael even more! I came to this salon by word of mouth... and i will not go anywhere else!! Raphael and his team are truly great at what they do.... The experience was magnificent and my color and haircut came out absolutely perfect! The products he used were amazing, none of which made my hair flat or sticky (which is a problem i have since i have very straight hair) Thank you to Raphael and his team for transforming my hair. It has been 3 weeks and my hair still sits great right out of the shower not to mention my color is lasting longer than ever! i definitely recommend this salon! read more

Raphael is an extraordinary hair stylist. Every client sitting in his chair is the fortunate beneficiary of his exceptional skill, aesthetics, and sophistication. I have gone to Raphael for many years--even when I lived in other parts of the country I would arrange for quarterly visits for beautification by Raphael. His cuts and color are the absolute best. He gives his undivided attention to each client--he doesn't overbook and juggle multiple clients. The environment is professional, friendly and relaxed. Alma, his assistant, is also a gem. Thank you, Raphael! read more

Raphael is the greatest hairdresser I have ever gone to! After many years of visiting many salons (and even dying my hair myself), Raphael has fixed my messes and given me the best colors and styles I could have ever imagined. Whenever I walk into the salon I instantly feel welcomed and relaxed. Raphael and Alma are friendly, welcoming and hilarious! There's no other place to go to get your hair done. If you're looking for a salon that provides excellent, professional service in a great environment....Raphael's is the place to go! read more

Raphael is one of the few owners who do both hair and make-up! He is an artist when it comes to color and cut. When I leave the salon, I feel happier and more confident in my appearance. The salon is a magnificent space so airy and immaculate! He also has his own product line which is very specific for different types of hair challenges...it is not one size fits all. If you are looking for a fresh new look, allow Raphael to do what he does best: help wonen and men look extraordinary! read more

I have been a client of Raphael for over 25 years. That's the truth! I am a local Beverly Hills physician and resident. I trust Raphael with all my hair needs. I have long mouse brown, frizzy hair. Naturally I'm a disaster! Raphael consistently transforms my hair into a natural rich auburn cascade of bouncing soft curls. Honestly, I feel so much better when I leave the salon. I have a little more self confidence and smile each time I leave the salon. read more

This place is amazing! The salon is the nicest one I've ever seen and the stylists are so professional. I was a little hesitant about leaving my old stylist to try out this new place but I'm glad I did. I come here to get everything done and the owner actually has his own product line that works a lot better for me than the store bought stuff. Definitely a diamond in the West LA area. read more

My wife and I went to Hollywood for a wedding last year. She needed her hair to be fixed in the way it can keep up with her standards and style. She picked out this place, they did a phenomenal job, were really professional and did what they were supposed to. As of today she has not stopped talking about you guys, please keep up with the good work. read more

If you're looking for "wow" factor, Raphael is your man! He is such a master at what he does. He will give you an experience like none other. Perfection! When our hair looks like a celebrity, we feel like one. Words can't describe what this man creates! I would highly recommend Raphael. You will never be the same again. read more