I went in to ask for a gel change ( had gotten a full gel manicure the day before at a different salon), because I hated the color :( They were all so sweet, sat me down right away, and didn't even charge me for the full service. I will definitely go back when IMO. Portsmouth. The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff was lovely :) Thank you Solari! read more

Solari uses Aveda products which they tell you are plant based and safe. They could be plant based but definitely not safe. At first I trusted what they said about the hair color being safe then I started with a great deal of hair loss which was contributed to my age. Then I started with some irritation after coloring and then severe pain and blistering which I had to apply ice packs to my head for 4 days before it subsided. I asked to see the ingredients and I was sent the product leaflets for each item used to mix my color. They are definitely not safe and contain multiple ingredients above OSHA approved levels of being toxic and dangerous and contribute to hair loss and severe scalp irritation. I made this known to the manager and she told me she would talk to Aveda and get back to me. it has been 20 weeks since then and she still hasn't gotten back to me. I can only assume Aveda knows its ingredients are toxic and just don't care. In those 20 weeks of being free of Aveda products my hair has filled in bald spots and is growing strong and healthy! Please do not take my word for anything, just stay informed and ask to see the actual ingredient papers enclosed in each item used to mix your color. You can't miss the large dark printed letters "TOXIC " I still have my copies! Good Luck and take care of yourself! Linda read more

Whitney gave an amazing facial that included a neck & hand massage. Staff overall was friendly and helpful. Salon is immaculately clean.

I came to Portsmouth for a birthday weekend away and decided to get a facial at Solari. I had an amazing experience with Kirsten. She and everyone else at the spa was so personable and kind and I felt like a million bucks when I left. I was also a little nervous doing this during covid times but they took safety very seriously and I was not worried about it at all. Kirsten even got me in for a manicure afterwards too! I had a great experience and would def be back again! read more

The whole Solari Salon team is great- super fun and professional. I have never had a bad experience. If you're booking a hair appointment, ask for Molly!! She is an absolute genius with color! read more

I called to get a facial/mani-pedi. They had a down day for the staff the day I needed! But that's not we're the story ends. Lynn is who I spoke with and she bend over backwards to help me find a local spot for what I needed. She is fantastic and if this is the type of staff that works there, we will be back again. Wonderful job and maximum effort. Thank you. read more

I started going here for my nails. Everyone is so nice and they do an excellent manicure and Pedicure. I've had both Caroline and Whitney and they both were perfectionist. Lynn the Manager is really nice and helpful. read more

I've been going to Solari Salon and Spa for several years and I'll tell you why...Yes, the staff is very friendly and very accommodating. And yes of course you're asked if you would like a glass of wine or water. And yes they have excellent products, Aveda and others. But they care about what I'm looking for, and they're able to deliver! Molly is my person! She books far in advance, and she is worth the wait. I showed up for my appointment late yesterday afternoon, was invited to sit in the salon chair, and we talked about how I needed a change for Fall, but I didn't quite know exactly what I needed. Molly listens to every part, asks all the right questions, and Voila! I ended up with a haircut, color, and style that is fantastic! Love this place, love the people, love supporting small downtown businesses, and really most importantly (selfishly!), I love walking out of that salon feeling great! read more

I went to Beth this past weekend for a color and bang trim. She is amazing and takes great pride in her work. I always feel like she takes her time to make sure the results are just what I wanted. I felt like a million bucks leaving the salon :) read more

I chose to try Solari because I really enjoy Aveda products, my experience makes me wish that Aveda gave more consideration the salons they tie their brand with. I previously went to an Aveda salon in MA that was great. The only reason I left is because my stylist was offered a better job in Boston (a little too far for me to drive). So called on a Saturday and made an appointment for Monday at 3pm. There's nothing that stands out about this interaction, it was pretty normal. I just remember being on the phone and trying to save it in my calendar. I had to ask the girl three times the name of the stylist...and each time i did I would follow it with "Monday at 3pm". So, imagine my surprise when I get there Monday at 3pm and the girl behind the count tells me I don't have an appointment...with a look that suggested I clearly had no clue what I was talking about. Maybe she thought I was lost, who knows. I don't know if she was just waiting for me to accept this and leave, but I told her to check again because I had specifically made an appointment on Saturday for Monday. She looks again and tells me sorry. She suggests that I could come back at 5:30, but that's the best she could do. At this point, I've already had the longest day ever...I'm in no mood for bull. I was clearly annoyed and told her that this my first time at this salon and that at the other Aveda salon i went to I never had this problem. I told her I wasn't very impressed and I turned to leave. She asked me to hold on a second. She met outback with a stylist (presumably the stylist I was supposed to be with) and came back. She asked if I could come back at 3:15 and then she would be able to take me. I reluctantly said ok. She fed me some line about the person over the weekend who took the appointment and the trouble they've been having, personally not my problem. So, I came back at 3:15. The girl behind the counter was on the phone and didn't even make eye contact with me. The stylist was pretending I wasn't even there. At this point I was ready to scream. Why is it that I called and made an appointment and yet I'm being treated like a nuisance?? Is it really my fault this business doesn't have it together enough to simply save an appointment? I waited 5 more minutes and walked out, still being completely ignored. Solari Salon and Spa definitely did not add to my day, nor was I impressed with how they conducted themselves. I went from being a potential client to that "annoying customer" no one wanted to deal with. So beware first time goers, you could probably receive better customer service at Super Cuts and at least a reliable appointment. read more

Several months ago, I decided to get my first massage ever. I decided to go with Solari because of their convenient location and pretty shop. I arrived 10 minutes early, spent nearly 20 minutes waiting. The woman apologized for keeping me waiting, and took me to the room. When I got settled, the woman immediately put on the timer and asked what I was looking for and reminded me that I was only scheduled for a "relaxation massage" so no deep tissue stuff. I told her it was my first time, and that I get tight from sitting at a computer, but didn't have any specific requests or limitations. She started and, when asked how the pressure was, I told her she could go harder. It was over before I knew it. It felt nice, but I still felt tight. I got dressed and went to pay downstairs. The woman at the register looked up my info, and then asked me how much I wanted to tip. THis being my first massage, I didn't know what was expected and asked how much people usually tip. She simply stated it depends, but usually "12 to 20 percent". OK. I left a $6 tip for a $55 30 minute service and left. I was feeling ambivalent about my first massage experience, I didn't feel any difference and it was awfully expensive. And that's when I looked at my phone at checked the time...it was only a few minutes after my scheduled massage time. I looked at my receipt and saw that the transaction went through only two minutes after my massage was scheduled to have ended. So, given that we got started late, and that I spent at least a couple minutes getting dressed and paying...I came to the conclusion that I didn't get my full 30 minutes worth. While I understand that it was probably just 5 minutes or so short, it still is disappointing because it cost nearly $2 a minute. In less than a half an hour, I spent $60 and didn't feel any different. It wasn't worth it; will not go back. read more

Not impressed... I never let anyone but my regular hairdresser cut my hair, but, when I moved up here, I wanted to get a new 'regular hairdresser'. There seemed to be some good reviews on here, so I gave Solari a try. Literally the worst haircut I have ever had. I don't remember the name of my hairdresser, but he kept chatting about how he had actually just started cutting hair recently and really liked it! Super... Just not impressed at all. I just drove back on down to MA to have my regular hairdresser do damage control. read more

Molly did my hair and she lifted me so that there was no Banding around my root area and the toner took perfectly to one all over color, which was what I was trying to achieve. Even tho we had some miscommunication on the color I was trying to achieve, we ended up finally getting it just right and I left feeling happy and satisfied. I would highly recommend her for a cut and color she did a very nice cut on me and I've received many compliments on my hair. I will continue to go to her. Very good salon and they care a lot about satisfying their customers! read more

Just moved to Portsmouth from Somerville, MA and I've been on the lookout for a new spa/nail salon. I popped in one day to see if they could squeeze in a pedicure for sometime that same day. The woman at the desk didn't seem to know how to use the reservation system and it took a while to figure out 1) if they could take me and 2) schedule the actual appointment. But it worked out and she got me in later that day (which was nice!). I hung around downtown for a few hours until my appointment and as I was headed into the spa, I noticed a voicemail - it was the spa calling to ask me if I could come in "later that day". Well, I walked in and talked to the front desk person and she said "don't worry - we'll figure it out". Ok, thanks. I went upstairs to wait for my appointment - took me in 10 mins later than scheduled and overall it was a mediocre pedicure. Barely 30 mins long and the polish job was pretty messy. All this for $55 - yep, $55 for 30 mins. Oh, and after I was done, the nail tech told me to go out to the chairs and wait. Never came back. No nail dryers either so took a while for polish to dry. Now, my expectations are probably pretty high - I had this amazing place in Medford, MA that would give you a full aromatherapy pedi for $50 - and it was well over an hour with a nice leg massage. I'm desperately searching for something similar. I won't be back here - for pedicures or anything else. And I love to partake of all kinds of spa services on a regular basis. read more

relaxing ambiance, was greeted with a smiling face. Had a 90min massage by Mollie, she was excellent and kept making sure the pressure and temperature was okay. I felt great and much more relaxed after this massage and would recommend anyone to go here for their spa services. read more

What an awesome experience! My husband got me a gift certificate to Solari for my birthday (massage, facial, mani/pedi) and it was amazing! From the moment I walked in and was greeted by a sweet receptionist who showed me to the "relaxation" area to being walked out by her 4 hours later there isn't 1 complaint. Molly is an amazing massage therapist - it was an hour of pure relaxation and indulgence. Honestly, this is the first 60 min massage I have fallen asleep in - you're that relaxed - that quickly. It's been years since I had a facial and Jen was fabulous!! She is sweet as can be (and honestly we probably could be best friends) and offers suggestions for healthier skin WITHOUT making you feel incredibly pressured to buy (but I did b/c I'm an Aveeda user anyway and decided to switch it up on her suggestion) - which is always a relief. I walked out of there with the skin of a 20 year old! My pedicure and manicure rounded out the day and was just as wonderful as the massage and facial. Caroline was wonderful. The massages were great and she took her time painting and it my nails came out great. All 3 women were so sweet in making sure that my 4.5 hours away from 3 young kiddos was as relaxing as possible. I will definitely be going back. read more

Booked 4 manicures here before the Big Day for my bridesmaid, mother, mother-in-law and I. Actually, I booked 5, and then 3, and then 4, so I was on the phone with Solari quite a bit. My fault. Generally, they are friendly and knowledgeable. They have a great downtown location, with the manicure stations on the 2nd floor overlooking Market Street. The manicure I got wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was fine, and it is staying pretty well. The cosmetician was pleasant and the color turned out perfect (not streaky or thick). I had nothing to do with payment so I can't speak to whether I'd pay to come here on my own. Minor complaints include the fact that they don't have coffee, and the only tea they have is naturally super sweet. Also they try to advertise relaxation and calmness, but the conversations downstairs reverberate up the spiral staircase and make it difficult to just zone out. They also only have two manicure stations, so making a girls day is kind of difficult-- someone will always be waiting. Overall, though, they did what I hired them for, and with a smile. read more

I was able to get an appointment quicker than I thought. I filled out a request online and they called me back about an hour later. Shannon was my stylist. She rocks! She asked me what I wanted and then did a great job! I walked out with a great cut and a smile on my face. Next time I'm trying the spa read more

I recently received a manicure and a haircut at Solari. My fiance had booked a manicure (they also managed to move my manicure appointment back a couple of hours on short notice so that was nice) for me for my birthday but I also needed a haircut. I walked in about an hour before my manicure and asked if they had room for a haircut walk-in around the time of my manicure. The receptionist was very pleasant and managed to find someone to do my hair directly after my nails. The haircut is what turned this into a 3 star (instead of a 2 star) review. The haircut turned out well and the blow dry/product my stylist used left me looking very sleek for birthday dinner that night. I'm still pleased with the cut even without the styling. She really listened to what I wanted and did a great job. The manicure was much less successful. I ended up not too pleased with the color, but that's my fault. What isn't my fault is the fact that it's been less than a week and I'm already having polish chips fall off the middle of the nail. Additionally the consistency of the coats the woman put on is lacking and, especially near the base of my nail, the veneer is thinner than everywhere else. Meanwhile, the woman who did the work was pleasant enough but didn't really make me feel especially welcome. Overall, I would be totally happy to get my hair cut here again but I'll be going elsewhere for nails. read more

The best salon in Portsmouth NH is extreamly outdated from the holes in the ceiling in the hair salon to the cracks in the chairs at the shampoo station. The Spa rooms upstairs are discusting and have stains all over the floor. This spa is filthy and I would never get a service here again. I've been to several Spa's in Portsmouth NH and I can assure you this is not the best. The owner clearly doesn't care about NH sanitation laws and the appearance of her business. I had make up applied on me and they used a Q Tip to apply it because the make up brushes were filthy how unprofessional. read more

Went to this salon because it's supposed to be an Aveda. Aveda typically offer outstanding design and hair care. I will never go back. Came home and washed my hair removing so much hairspray I was getting Ill . I can still taste the spray in my mouth. 160.00 for the worst hairI have ever had. Trying to get in was like Fort Knox. Don't waste your money. read more

I had a last minute urgent need for a blowout and I was so appreciative that Solari was able to squeeze me in with little notice. Shannon G. styled my hair and it was perfect! So perfect that even looked great all day the next day even after sleeping on it! I will definitely be back! read more

I have only ever been to Solari for a wax and have to say that, based upon my experience, I will not be going back. The woman was pleasant, but the room was tiny and stifling hot (in November). My biggest complaint, however, is that when I got home, I realized that there were patches of hair that the waxer had neglected to remove. I am not talking about a stray hair here and there, I literally had patches remaining. Also, the hair regrowth began only a week later, which would indicate to me that it was broken off by her method, rather than being removed from the root. Honestly, for the $75, I could have done a better job myself. read more

I just came back from Solari after a cut with Samantha, and it went great! Samantha is very friendly, and confident with the scissors. I asked for a scissor over comb men's cut and she delivered. They also offer you a refreshing glass of tea during your cut, and gave me a couple samples of products to try out. I highly recommend the salon and Samantha in particular. read more

Just returned from a girls' spa day at Solari. Ten of us got treatments from manicures to massages and everything in between. Overall, everyone was very pleased with their service. This was my 2nd visit to Solari. The first time I had a massage, which was fab and this time I had a facial. I felt like my esthetician was very knowledgable and she gave me some great tips. The staff at Solari were outstanding and very accommodating to our large group from 3 weeks ago when we booked our reservations through the end of our appointments. Thank you to Solari for a fabulous spa day! read more

I was just looking up the phone number on Yelp and saw the negative reviews. My daughter and I have been going here for many months now since moving to the area. The service has always been accommodating from the minute we walk in the door. We see a stylist named Tam, and both her color work and cuts have been terrific - so good on my daughter, in fact, that I used her for me (super picky me!!). I have not tried the spa, though I will, and will report back on my findings when I do. read more

Meh Ive experienced better as far as deep tissue massages go

Tanya H. rocks my hair everytime! And Amara is massause extraordinaire! Love this place.

I don't opt for pedicures on the regular, but when the occasion strikes I generally hope for at least a pleasant experience, especially if it's somewhere I haven't been before. Even upon setting up my initial appointment I was struck by Lynn's accommodating tone and friendly demeanor - which turned out to be reflective of the entire spa. Upon setting foot in the door I entered into a clean & inviting atmosphere. The staff all shared the same friendliness and down-to-earth nature - the overall vibe nicely complemented the services they provided, which made for a most relaxing and enjoyable experience. :) Highly recommended. read more

I had my make up done for NYE by Leah. She was great and made me feel fab! The salon is so cozy and everyone is super friendly. We are on vacation & visiting Portsmouth for a few days. Happy I stopped at Solari & will be back! read more

Just had the best haircut ever here! First time trying this salon after trying other local places. Melissa did an amazing job and made me feel so comfortable in her chair! Already booked my next appointment with her before I left. read more

What a gem of a spot! My girlfriend got married several weekends ago and we all got prepped at Solari. The front desk staff service was fabulous- patient (with a gaggle of bridesmaids and family), and the make-up artist (Michael) was wonderful. The bride wasn't sure about her hair, and the stylist was quick to make a fix and make sure it was perfect. They even provided us with a cozy spot to hang upstairs while others were getting ready and put mother of the bride on a massage table with hot towels to relax! If I lived closer, it would be my go-to spot! Thanks, Solari!! read more

I love this salon because of my stylist, Stephen! He is wonderful. Attentive, good conversationalist, has great technique and will give you what you want. The salon is kinda pricy so I am not able to visit as often as I would like. If you are looking to get great hi-lights, Stephen is your guy. read more

Ashley did a FABULOUSLY job cutting my hair today. I'm a hair stylist myself and I found myself learning from her amazing cutting techniques. :) I was going from mid length to very short and she nailed it. I've never been happier with a haircut in my life. Also a friendly nail tech painted my daughters nails while we waited. Overall the staff, atmosphere and my hair was more than impressive. So happy. I'll be back! read more

I came to Solari because my stylist, Taylor, recently transferred here from another salon in MA. First, I have to say that Taylor is the best stylist I have ever had - not only is she talented, but she is personable and compassionate as well. She takes great care of her clients. You will not be sorry if you see her!!! Next, the salon itself. It's a little small, but the staff are very friendly and welcoming, unlike some other salons I've been in. I've only been there twice so far, so am just getting to know the names and faces, but so far I feel very comfortable there. The space is very charming, with exposed brick - reminds me of my first apartment! It may be small but it doesn't feel cramped - the owner makes a good use of the space. Very, very clean, well-stocked with Aveda products (it's an Aveda concept salon), and warm. I am very appreciative of the work the staff does, and although it's a bit of a drive (one hour, to be exact), it's absolutely worth it. read more

I saw Leah for a facial and she recommended for me to have the Plant Perfecting Peel. My skin felt amazing afterwards. Thank you for a relaxing experience. read more

I have been going to Solari for three years now and will never go anywhere else - I love it! The Solari team is incredibly friendly, compassionate, and talented. Ashley does does my hair and always knows what to do. My husband goes to Shannon and is hooked. We're a Solari family! read more

I had been going to Salon Solari for about a year and a half, but finally called it quits. When I first started going here, I loved my hairdresser. She always listened to what I had to say, gave helpful suggestions, and always made me feel like she was taking time to make my hair look good. One day, I called to schedule my appointment with my usual hairdresser, but I was told that she had left and they couldn't tell me where she had gone. I booked an appointment with another hairdresser and asked for a trim. This hairdresser spent about 20 minutes on my hair, and when I left I was trying to figure out if he had done anything to it at all. I decided to give it one more try. I made an appointment with a new stylist. She was friendly and better than the last hair stylist, but always gave me the same, straight, boring haircut despite what I asked or what pictures I brought in. I thought that maybe I just had unrealistic expectations for my hair type (straight and thin), but I recently tried out a new salon and was blown away with my haircut. In my opinion, this place isn't worth the money. read more

I went to Solari Salon and Spa for a blowout and style before my engagement photo shoot this weekend. My stylist suggested putting in a bit of curl after the blowout to formalize the photos, I agreed. In addition to curling my hair unplanned, my stylist suggested I come back into the studio an hour or so later for a touch up and to make sure I was completely happy with the hairstyle. This kind of care went such a long way. The lovely ladies at Solari also kindly let me use their natural lighting to do my own makeup in the salon before my photo shoot. I can't say enough about my experience here. I will definitely be back in the future. read more

I hate to criticize an establishment with friendly, professional staff, and Solari does have that going for it. But I just experienced the absolute worst eyebrow job of my life. Alarmingly bad. The outer third of one eyebrow is completely bald. The other eyebrow was saved only because I told the esthetician, "A", to stop. As it is, my brows are blonde and not thick. They need attention only to keep the shape nice and neat. I told "A" that I only wanted a trim, and no wax. We agreed that she would tweeze any "strays" but as she was gabbing on and on and on she went completely tweezer happy and took away the precious few hairs I had to begin with. She also trimmed them far too much. Afterward, she apologized profusely, which I do appreciate. I know that mistakes happen. She was a very, very nice person and I am guilt ridden writing a bad review, but when someone goes to a professional salon, she expects the professionals who work there to have been trained and to know what they are doing. "A" clearly has no idea what she is doing. My brows looked pretty nice before this appointment -- they only needed a little trim!!! Now, they are horrible. Skimpy and poorly shaped. Trimmed nearly to the skin. One is noticeably wider than the other, but I can't match them up or I will have two bald spots. I keep looking in the mirror in the hopes that I'm imagining it, but every time I look in the mirror I start to cry. "A" knew I was upset. She said, "you could use a brow powder." She even suggested that I try Latisse to help my brows grow back in. Well, A, I am indeed familiar with makeup, and I would not need to use Latisse had you not removed most of the hair from my brows. What sucks the most is that an esthetician of all people should know that once plucked, eyebrow hairs sometimes do not grow back. I'm concerned that I have permanent eyebrow baldness now. Regardless, it will take months for my brows to grow back in as they were before. Kudos to the salon for comping not only my brow treatment, but my lash tint as well. They handled the mistake professionally. But I'm still very, very, very upset. read more