I've never really been one to write online reviews, but my experience at REPUBLIC over the last couple of years has really motivated me to talk about it here. It's true what others say here about the beauty of the salon, and the customer service from the entire staff including the front desk is second to none. This speaks very highly of the management there. Prior to coming to REPUBLIC, I truly dreaded getting a haircut. Like so many other dudes I spent many years having my hair butchered by whatever disgruntled "stylist" that Great Clips, Master Clips, Machete Clips etc. had on duty when my hair was finally long enough I could no longer put off having it cut. Every blue moon I would find someone who actually would give me a good haircut, but when I would go back the next time to see them, they would not be working there, and another random person would start from scratch experimenting with my hair. It was a vicious cycle. I learned about REPUBLIC from some of my co-workers. They knew I was having a hard time with haircuts and they recommended I try them out. During my first appointment, I met the wonderful Sarah. I have been going back to see her ever since, and it's been going on over two years now. Sarah is very passionate about what she does, has a great personality and really goes above and beyond to make sure I have a great experience every time I visit. This is someone who loves what she does, and has the skillset and talent to make good on her promises. If you are a dude and worry that republic can't make it happen for you as some have suggested, try Sarah. If you are not happy with your haircut after she's done you don't deserve to have any hair because you are truly lost. Bottom line is, this place has top notch customer service, skilled stylist who tend to stay put and not leave every month, and excellent ambiance. On an unrelated side note, Sarah's current assistant Shelby, whose stunning beauty and elegant demeanor reminds me of the Elven folk from Rivendell, is a real pleasure to be around. Its my understanding she will be a stylist there one day, and I think some people are going to really enjoy what she does for them. Sarah+Shelby+wine=the best hour ever! Only one way to make things better....someone needs to install a hot tub! Hahahaaaaa....... dont judge.... ;) read more

I went to Republic in 2012 after some recommendations for Shane. I had waist length hair and wanted short, long-pixie styled hair. I brought four pictures and emphasized that I wanted my hair short because I wanted it not to touch my face. The cut I received was nothing similar to the four pictures I brought, and I asked him 4 times to cut the hair in my face above my eyebrows, since I wanted bangs. I proceeded to cut the back of my hair about 1/4 inch long, but left the front of my hair chin length, and then trimmed 1/8 inch off each time I asked him (and showed him where I wanted it) to cut my hair shorter. Shane told me that my hair would only be straight, not wavy as in the picture, so he did not want to give the exact same haircut. It was interesting because my shorter new growth is obviously curly, and I had slight wave and lots of body throughout my hair, and the women in the 4 pictures had hair with lots of body, but not much wave. I respected his opinion, and asked if he could just make bangs work. Obviously he wasn't up to the task. I give two stars because the cut looked fine, since it looked somewhat similar to the pictures as it grew out a few months later, except for the front which was super wavy after a few days and always in my face. If he would have given me the shorter front as I explained that I wanted multiple times, I would probably still be going there, but I've found a stylist which specializes in wavy and curly hair and I couldn't be happier now. I would recommend Shane for anyone who has straight as a board hair since I don't think he understands textured hair and I've seen amazing haircuts from him on other people with straight hair. Wavies, beware. read more

This salon is Top Notch. The stylists are amazing(SARAH AND CAMERON). I was new to the Athens area and needed a haircut badly. I kept putting off making an appointment because my hair is very finicky. It's baby fine and has a bit of wave/curl to it. ...too much layering/bad layering and it looks like I have no hair. A friend of mine from a mothers group I joined got an AMAZING pixie cut from SARAH. I figured I'd give it a shot since she also has fine hair. ( This was the best cut I have ever seen! Before the cut, she had shoulder length hair. Now, it fits her face perfectly...It is gorgeous) My hair is just past my shoulders with grown out layering. CAMERON fixed the bad layering job, evened things out, took a minimal amount of hair off the bottoms, and did the best vertical layering I have EVER received. My hair makes spiral curls without even putting product in now! I was afraid she would make it look thin...but it is just the opposite. My husband took a picture of me holding our son...and when I saw the picture I could not believe how awesome and full my hair looked! (and I did nothing to it...just pinned back after a shower!) Finally, I want to say that 40 smackers for the best haircut I've ever gotten is a sweet deal indeed! I have paid far more for far worse! read more

I can't express how much I miss Republic Salon. It's not often that you find such a gem. I went to Lyric from 2007 - 2012 throughout undergrad and grad school, and I terribly miss her cuts. I've read through some of the reviews and am quite frankly surprised by the negative ones. My review is from a dude's perspective. First, I really miss Lyric's creativity. In fact, I never came in with example photos or clear instructions. I totally let her do her own thing and always loved my fresh cut. I'm not sure if this ever annoyed her, but I always loved the bad ass, final look. People were always complimenting me for it and I was proud to sport her do. Second, I'm completely aware that this is a college town and prices are higher than establishments such as the Hair Cuttery-- but you should also recognize that this place has talented stylists. You're paying for quality, period. I currently live in DC and everything here is super, super overpriced. If Republic were a one to two hour drive from here, I'd make that trip just to visit Lyric (Scout's honor*). Third, this place is trendy. They offer neat cuts for dudes that are out of the southern, fratty norm. Be adventurous and try something else. read more

This is my favorite place and only place I go to get a hair cut. I don't live in Athens anymore, but it's worth the trip for me. I used to get my hair cut at Great Clips or anywhere I could find nearby. When I got to college, I decided to try higher end salons. I've had my hair done at three of these type salons in Athens, and this is my favorite. So I'm obviously not a connoisseur of hair salons, but this is my go to place. I have long, thick hair, and I usually get a tapered V cut with 3-5 inches taken off along with a lot of thinning out with layers. Callie is the stylist I always ask for. She does exactly what I ask her to do. I've not had much success in the past and typically am unhappy with my results. However, here, I always feel fabulous when I leave. Decor is clean and modern. It's downtown and you can usually get parking. You get a refreshment when you enter (I get hot tea typically). I do the basic wash, cut, and dry/styled. I never feel like it's rushed or too time consuming. Callie is easy to talk to and does a fantastic job. The price ($45 without tip) isn't bad (but I only get my hair cut twice a year) compared to other places I've been for worse hair cuts. read more

I have had my hair cut and colored twice now by Hillary at Republic and I cannot tell you how happy the job she does makes me! I am originally from the UK and have just moved to the US and was worried about finding a permanent replacement for the stylist I had used for a very long time at home and thought they were doing a great job. But Hillary's work kicked them right into touch - she totally got what I wanted, a collar bone length shaggy messy cut, and she also totally understood that I wanted a 'noticeable' color - not something safe, but an awesome magenta/pink. She took time to understand my personality and as a result I have the best hair I have ever had and I get endless compliments on the color - often from complete strangers :) If you want to feel cool and funky, feel like yourself and smile when you look in the mirror, call Republic and book an appointment with Hillary Satcher! PS I am not based in San Francisco but live in Athens GA - this review was posted when I was at a conference there and had just received ANOTHER compliment from a client! read more

I have lived in Athens since I was really little and feel like I have tried everywhere! No place does it as wonderfully as Republic. The hair stylists are always open-minded, listen to what you want, and are really good at communicating back to you what they're going to do before they do it. I have been going to Dersy for the past few years and I LOVE the way she colors and shapes my hair every time. Every one there is extremely polite and helpful (I love it that they offer you a glass of wine/beer/coffee on arrival). I plan on using them for my wedding plans as well. Even my fiance gets awesome haircuts with them. We both got tired of the terrible haircuts you can get at cheap places around town so I convinced him to go to Dersy and it was a night and day difference! Yeah, they are a little on the pricey side and thats unfortunate but they really are amazing up there so if you're tired of messing up your color by trying to dye it yourself or going to cheaper places around town, try this and you will be hooked! read more

Update: My original review is below. I just wanted to add that I still love Republic! I see either Lyric or Callie (when Lyric is too busy) and both have been awesome, have taken the time to actually listen to what I want and tell me what might work best for my hair. I've been impressed with the customer service on all levels at the salon. Will definitely continue to go here! Republic was recommended to me by my boyfriend when I went to another salon and came home crying over my "new 'do." When I called Republic about fixing my hair fiasco, they were extremely helpful and understanding. On the phone, they asked really good questions about my current hair situation and were able to fit me with the best stylists. Because they were already scheduled for that week, they put me with one stylist for the color and another for the cut. Both were fabulous and were able to (easily?) fix my last hair mistake. I'm so glad there's a salon like this in town so I don't have to drive back home to Atlanta! read more

I just got home and am immediately writing a review. My appointment was with Lyric, and it was fantastic. I was early, but greeted immediately, got checked in, offered a beverage (which I accepted haha), and sat on a comfy couch. The atmosphere is excellent. Really trendy and comfortable. As soon as she finished with her customer, Lyric came over and introduced herself and got to work on me. I knew ahead of time that it was more expensive than the places I'm used to *cough* Great Clips *cough* but it was more than worth it. I got a mini-massage when I got my hair washed, and while most places tack on fees for bangs, long hair, styling, etc., all of that was with the haircut. I felt really great while I was there, and instead of having a haircut be a hassle, it was a real treat. I'll definitely be going back *Oh, and my hair turned out perfectly. :) read more

I was a bit nervous going in as I needed to get a very short haircut for a show I was in so I needed help deciding how to best do it. As soon as I walked in they were extremely welcoming and asked me all about myself to make me a profile. I was about 30 minutes early to my appointment, but they accommodated and took me early which was very helpful because I had somewhere to be after. They offered me a drink and my stylist took me to talk with her about what I wanted to get. We talked it out and she gave me a few great options and once she did it I loved it! I have never liked having my hair too short, but the way they did it was fantastic and I might just keep it this way now I liked it so much. I couldn't recommend this place enough, the fact it is in the pricier side is well worth it and a great investment. read more

Republic Salon has a wonderful atmosphere and ALL the staff is helpful and kind. I love it when I walk in the staff addresses me by name and then offers me a drink ( and they do have my coke zero that I like) Lyric is the professional that does my hair which is color, cut and style. She listens to me and I have always walked out of there looking wonderful. Her new assistant, Sally is equally kind and easy to talk to. I can't wait to see how she progresses. She will be great when she gets a chair and has clients of her own. All the professional and I mean ALL are very talented. I would trust any one of them to do my hair. I highly recommend Republic to anyone looking for probably the best salon experience in Athens. read more

I'm really picky with who cuts my hair. For years, I had my mother who was a professional stylist be the only person to ever cut my hair, because a lot of places would somehow mess it up! I came in to have my haircut and right away I noticed how professional the atmosphere seemed. While you wait for your stylist they will offer you your choice of beverage. Unfortunately they didn't offer any liquor, but who can complain really? Kristen Byron ended up cutting my hair and I've gotta say that she did a really fantastic job! Even though I don't live in Athens anymore, I will come back just to get a haircut from Kristen. If you're really picky and particular about how your hair looks, I highly recommend this place! read more

I am now a regular at Republic, I've been very happy (and getting a lot of compliments on my hair) since I started going there. I go to Brett, who has been amazing with both cutting my hair and giving me a balayage. A lot of stylists have trouble with my bob, because they cut it in a way in which it will start to mullet out very quickly. Brett understands how to cut short and medium length hair very well, and did it so that my bob (and now lob) looked amazing the day I got it done and in the following months (I tend to go 4 months between cute). The balayage looks amazing, he did it so that it's obvious there was a change (I hate when stylists are TOO subtle) and so that it still blends beautifully. read more

I have been going to Republic Salon for several years now and I can't imagine anyone else touching my hair. I was so disappointed when I had to move to Florida for a year. It seemed no one could get my hair right! I currently live about an hour away and I still make the trip to Athens to get my hair done. They are just that good. The staff and stylists here are excellent! I have been to several of the stylists there and they have all been great and willing to listen to your ideas and offer advice on your hair. Right now I have been going to Cameron and she rocks! I've been getting so many compliments on my hair since I've been going to her. read more

Fabulous! I had the BEST cut and highlights from Lyric @ Republic. The salon is super welcoming/friendly and the complimentary high end refreshments are a nice touch. But the best part is my hair--I have very thin (but a lot of) curly hair and Lyric made me look like I just stepped out of a fashion magazine. I have NEVER loved my style as much. Lyric is a true artist. (I have been to salons in LA and NYC.) My boyfriend got his hair cut by Sarah while I was there and he looks amazing as well so this salon isn't just for the girls. I will never go anywhere else. I guess if I move, I'll have to fly back. Thank you Lyric and Sarah! read more

I recently had my first visit to Republic and ...WOW! Over the years, I have been to many salons that listen to what I wanted and then...completely disregard everything I had said and pictures I had shown. Well, that has come to an end. Shelby did an awesome job and I have had so many compliments but, more importantly, I love it! She looked over the photos I had brought, listened to what I had to say, and offered suggestions. For the first time in over a decade, I feel like I have actually paid for something I wanted coming out of a salon. Thank you so much Shelby!! Wonderful staff and a great place. read more

I struggled to find a great hair salon in Athens (Model Citizen, Emporium, etc). Then I found Republic and Shane! His color is simply phenomenal. He took me from brunette to blonde (after the poor life choice of switching from blonde to brunette in the first place) in one visit without damaging my hair. I always get so many compliments, and he introduced me to balyage. I can go several months without getting it colored and still not have noticeable roots. His cut is great too! Highly recommend. I intend on still using him after I graduate! read more

I'm a dude and I've been going to Republic since they opened a few years ago. I have super difficult hair to cut given a cowlick in the front and curls in the back. I've been more than satisfied with each of my cuts and have seen at least 4 different stylists. Everyone there has always been very friendly and at what other salon can you relax with a terrapin? I never write reviews but when I saw the one below from a guy, I felt obligated to let others know what a great experience I have always had. read more

I have been going to the Republic for the past four years and I have never had a bad experience. Not only are the stylists courteous and attentive, they are also extremely talented. One of the things I have always appreciated about the cuts I have gotten at the Republic is that they grow out very well and continue to look great even weeks later. The color bar is also excellent. The dyes are very high quality at a reasonable price. I would highly recommend this salon! read more