I absolutely adore this place. I never thought I would say that about a salon. After a little research, I decided on stopping by Speak to get a haircut because I have a rats nest that people call luxurious locks. Make your appointments online. It was a straightforward website, easy-to-use, and very quick. I've had a lot of problems in the past booking online and often prefer calling to make appointments. But it was a breeze so I was off to a good start. I arrived 15 minutes early for my appointment with Shelby. I tentatively walked in and immediately relaxed. The space was beautifully decorated, there were items from local stores on sale, and the sweet sound of music wafted through the air. Yes, no loud clanking or gaggle of gossip to be heard. It was so refreshing and intimate! There are only two chairs so only two clients can be seen at a time. It's completely different experience than what I'm used to and I like it. Shelby is so sweet and calm. She met me at the front, offered me a beverage (thanks for the La Croix!), and took me back to where the magic happens. The actual salon is a small room with two chairs (but not claustrophobic) and bright windows with a plethora of succulents/greenery in every which corner. I loved it. Shelby listened to my concerns, offered a few suggestions, and started with a dry cut, wash, blow out, and then finishing touches to ensure everything is straight. I didn't go for a drastic change because I'm growing my hair our for my wedding, but I definitely wanted my hair to feel lighter and smoother. Shelby was amazing and thoughtful in her approach. I also really appreciated that she didn't think I was annoying because I'm a natural chatter and at one point, my friend even stopped by to say hi. Shelby (and Julie) were both very gracious and inviting. If you're looking for a zen salon and a totally different but great experience, come here. Ask for Shelby and she will take care of you. Thanks for the wonderful time! read more

Speak Salon - Darling salon and shop! - Hair Salons Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Both Julie and Shelby are wonderful. Hair care/other services: They listen, make great suggestions, and my hair always looks and feels great. Shelby does a great job with a brow wax, too. Julie once suggested a style for me, and when I finally committed and Shelby executed it - it's the best haircut I've ever had. My hair type is wavy/curly (various textures from 2B--3B), both Julie and Shelby are respectful of my curls. The various services they offer (like in-between trims & dry cuts) are perfect for what I need. Atmosphere: Also love the studio - location, decor, featured gifts/jewelry, and great styling products. Great taste in music too, I turn on my auto Shazam as soon as I arrive. :) read more

I was desperately in need of a haircut and Julie had a same day opening. She was FANTASTIC! Recommended great margaritas down the street all while giving me a gorgeous cut and bringing some life back to my hair. I am terrible at getting my hair cut consistently and I really appreciate that she didn't make me feel guilty over that or pressure me to buy products. I'll be going back to her again! read more

Julie did a great job with my hair! Julie has been specializing in dry cuts for years now, so she was well equipped for COVID. I wanted something low maintenance that I don't have to spend a lot of time styling, and she delivered. She explained why she was cutting my hair texture a particular way and checked in with me throughout the appointment to make sure she was cutting the way I wanted it to look instead of barreling ahead like some stylists do. SPEAK's COVID precautions also made me feel super safe. On the off change that you're in there at the same time as another customer, you're separated by a wall. They wipe down/sanitize all the surfaces between customers and wear masks the whole time. read more

Curly girls come here!!! Finally a salon that understands curly hair and will cut my hair dry, instead of when it is wet and stick straight- that isn't my natural hair! I washed my hair about two hours prior to my appointment, let it air dry without product, and got a beautiful cut from Julie a few months ago and came in today for a trim with her. Absolutely wonderful! Ps the salon smells amazing and my hair now smells amazing as well!! Thanks so much :) read more

I booked my appointment with Julie at Speak through their web site nearly 3 weeks ago. I selected them based upon their Yelp reviews. When I arrived for my appointment, I was 10 minutes late. I have a new puppy in the house and I had an accident to clean up before I could leave. It was one of those mornings! En route, I tried to call but could find no phone # on their web site home page - just an email address - so I just went with it. I drove past the salon the first time because there is not much signage so I had to drive around the block (2 of them because one of them is a one way street). Once there, I walked in and there was a woman doing a consultation with a client. The stylist looked at me and nodded her head but said nothing and gave me no direction nor welcome. So, I took a seat. A few minutes later, a second stylist came out with her client and glanced my way but said nothing. I waited for nearly 15 minutes but they acted as though I was not there. This was bewildering, so I got up to leave and no one said anything to me as I walked out the door. Since I did not get my hair cut as I had planned, I can not comment on their ability to provide that service. I can say that their customer service doesn't even register on the chart. I don't know if they are always this way or if they were being passive aggressive because I was late. Only they know that and they weren't talking to me. Update: No, I was not accustomed to your salon's set-up but that is irrelevant. I'm a 40-something woman who has spent a lot of time in salons so I have an expectation of professional service. Since your salon IS so tiny, it was all the more uncomfortable to be no more than a few feet away from either of you and neither could manage to even tell me hello. You fell short, but it worked out well for me in the end. read more

BEST SALON EXPERIENCE SINCE IN KC. MELISSA turnt it out today! Being the son of a hairstylist I can spot passion and talent from a mile away. Melissa made extra sure that I was satisfied with the cut and color. Her thoroughness made me feel safe in her chair, especially it being my first appointment. Also, Kevin Murphy hair products provide their users with extremely natural, high performance hair care, and the ladies at Speak Salon are definitely in the know. Is it weird to go back twice in one day...? read more

Tara Shaw is not a stylist, she truly is an artist. I have never had someone be so precise and take time with every strand of hair. (and I have a LOT of hair!) She is an *expert* with bangs also. I love that Speak offers a dry cut trim option as well for when you only need a bang trim or quick shape up. I'm so grateful to have found this salon and someone as dedicated to the art of hair like Tara is! read more

Tara Shaw is so wonderful. I second everything Tara P. said above. Adding.. I am very picky about my hair stylists.. and she has set the bar pretty high. One thing that is very important to me is how personable and the quality of conversation we have. Tara hits a home run here. I felt like she was my friend, not my stylist. She answered my questions expertly and gave me advice. She is not some idiot who doesn't know her stuff. She is intelligent and willing to share. She didn't push product on me. After my first visit, I told her some things I didn't like about the first time and she really wanted to hear it to fix it. After that, I never had a problem. The place is very cool and low key. You feel like you are in someone's home. It is a bit hard to find, I drove by it a few times. I moved away from KC but I have often considered driving back 3.5 hours JUST to go back here. Go here. read more

On a friend's recommendation I visited Taylor for a brow shaping today, and I'm going back. In the last year I've suddenly become very concerned with my eyebrows - they're pretty thin and light, and I've always been afraid to overpluck them for fear they'd just disappear. I've nervously had them waxed at two different places and threaded at one, and they've always been all right, but I always leave wondering if they're good enough to bother spending the money on. Well, I felt good about paying for this trip. Taylor is the most detailed waxer I've been to (or heard rumor of, for that matter), and did a very precise, attentive, & gentle job. She also eked a better shape out of my spare brows than anyone else has managed to, no matter their tools, and my skin was less irritated afterward than it normally is. The salon itself is cute, clean, and comfortable, and lacks any weird salon-y smell. I'll definitely be back. read more

I can't say enough great things about Speak. Julie has been taking care of my hair since I moved to KC almost 5 years ago. She's taken me from short bobs to long layers and always knows what will look good with my face shape and hair color (she does amazing highlights, as well). She just gave me the most amazing short razored crop today, and did an elegant, original updo for my wedding this past summer. Her prices are fair and her product selection is wonderful -- the Kevin Murphy products are the best I've ever tried. Tara has done a really nice job tinting my eyebrows and my husband now sees Melissa for his hair (his previous regimen involved simply buzzing his own hair each summer and letting it grow into the winter for the last several years; I think Mel is the first person he's actually paid to cut his hair). Even though all the girls are fresh and trendy, there isn't even a hint of pretentiousness at this salon. Everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcome and beautiful! read more

I have never been particularly loyal to any salon. This is primarily because I tend to get my hair cut once a year or so. The last time I received a haircut, I went somewhere else, and had a pretty good experience. From what I know, though, the same people are no longer running that shop. I had heard about Speak, & decided to check them out instead. I am really glad that I did! I think I have finally found a shop to be "the one." Tara was my stylist. She listened to what I wanted, offered suggestions, was chatty but not overly so, very pleasant and relaxing, and in the end I ended up with a fantastic haircut! Her next client showed up while my haircut was being finished, and I don't feel like she rushed it one bit. I felt bad for the guy waiting (ultimately it wasn't too long), but was appreciative that she didn't slough me off to get to the next customer. She offered suggestions of products, but wasn't pushy in the least. She also showed me techniques for getting different looks from my new haircut. Besides the nice folks, the salon itself is beautiful. Exposed brick walls, wooden floors, artwork (they are a gallery too), nice hair stations, good music. The whole experience was great. The best part is all of the compliments I have received on my new cut. I've gone this short or shorter before, but have never garnered so much attention for my hair! read more

Melissa van der bom has made it possible for me to love my crazy curly, insanely thick hair again! The shape and thickness of my cuts from Melissa has been great each time: thinned in the right place, blunt ends where I need them, texture that's just right. For my first cut, she knew from my reservation that I was a curly girl and she picked up a keratin treatment for me to try out. I liked it so much I'm now getting them regularly. WHAT A DIFFERENCE it has made. Smooth, happy, less frizzy hair, whether I go curly or straight. (They're not cheap, but mine lasts about 7 weeks and it's been very much worth it.) All of the gals there obviously know their stuff. It took me a very long time to find a salon that speaks my language, and I am now a devotee. Thank you, Melisa & Speak, for saving my relationship with my obnoxious hair. read more

It's been a week since I went to Speak - plenty of time for me to style it on my own and see if I can get the "Hi, I just had a blow-out for the 7th day in a row" look. So far, I absolutely love it. Check my beauty and salon category, I've gone to every salon in the KC area...and hopefully, I found my home. Back story, I HATE getting hair cuts. No matter how long it gets, it's still super healthy that I only need to get a cut once a year. With my long, thick, Kardashian-like hair, most stylists get extremely scissor happy when I unleash the mane. Melissa was fantastic. I was a little apprehensive at first because she does dry cuts and I've never had a good experience with that - nonetheless, she nailed it. She took off 7 inches and I still feel comfortable with my security blanket, aka my hair. She even took the time to flat iron my hair! Normally, people charge extra for that. Ugh. They also give you a full week to come back and do touch-ups at no cost if you find something wrong with your cut. The building is terribly hard to find in my opinion; hence, the deduction of one star. Extremely reasonably priced, only $50 for a cut! Double bonus - YOU CAN BOOK ONLINE. You can never go wrong with that. Thank you, Speak Salon and Melissa! read more

Although I've been going to Salons to get haircuts off and on for years, I've never really been comfortable in them. It's like I just stepped into the wrong locker room. That's not the vibe I get at Speak. It feels like I'm in someone's cool loft apartment, oh and I'll get a haircut while I'm there. I followed Julie over from the Darling Room (see, women's locker room) and have been impressed with everything she's done to get her salon up and running. She does a great job layering and thinning my hair to get it to behave and doesn't even complain when she has to mow through two months worth of growth. I've been to Melissa, too, and she does a great job and is easy to chat with (and I'm not very chatty.) I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with anyone there. It's good to feel comfortable. read more

Though I haven't been to Speak!, I used to see Julie when she was at the Darling Room. She is awesome!! I am so particular about my highlights wanting them well blended, very natural looking, easy to grow, and this gal has the magic touch! If you're wanting to grow length to you hair, she has a great technique of cutting the hair dry. This enables her to see the ends that need a trim and is able to trim the least amount of length. I miss the great salon experience I had while living in Kansas City...especially in the fun and artsy Crossroads District. I can't wait until my next visit home and I can finally experience Julie's new project: Speak! read more

You know, I'm not getting any younger. And if someone can make me look decent, even good, I'm thrilled. Melissa at Speak Salon can really turn my hair out in a smooth, shiny do. She concentrated on my hair's needs- it's tendency toward thinning- and cut my hair in such a way that now my hair looks full. Great color & highlights as well. Speak Salon is SO relaxing, too...like curling up in a spacious, brick-walled loft with a good book and the smell of coffee. I've been twice, and I'll go back, even though the cost is a bit higher than my smaller-town salon -(though definitely a KC average hair cut and color price) because the hairstyle was so great. I don't have to fight my hair. I can get in quickly, with three days to a week's notice. Yep, Speak Salon makes this presentable hair-thing look easy. read more

I have been to Speak twice, and plan on going back a third time. Which, in Dulaney-speak, is like saying I found the Holy Grail of salons. I tend to hop from one salon to another, each time leaving with a sense of slight disappointment. You see, I do not have an intricate hairstyle. It is basically a bob. Slightly (very slightly) inverted. However, I always leave a haircut with either a Kate Gosselin or a weird neck-mullet thing, even though I always start out by saying that my least favorite part of my hair is when the back grows out too long and starts sticking to my neck . No one ever does it right and I always end up back in my bathroom with a handheld mirror and a pair of craft scissor trying to even out any mistakes the stylist may have made, mostly the hair that they left that is now sticking to my neck. I know I could probably just tell them what I want them to fix, but I am afraid it will get even worse. So I say "ohhh, I like it", pay my bill, and am on my way. Until I came to see Julie. After moving back to KC after a year in Chicago, I started looking for a new salon. Through Yelp, I found a few that I decided I would try. The Darling Room in my top three. However, once the time came for my third haircut, it had closed. Luckily, I learned that out of the ashes of the Darling Room came two new salons, Speak being one of them. I went to their website, booked my appointment online and later that week went in for my cut. Julie is super friendly. She listened to what I wanted and made suggestions. The right suggestions. She also did exactly what she said she was going to do. I didn't have to break out the craft scissors that night, for the first time in a long time. I have since been back once, for a split-end cleanup. I do A LOT of heat damage to my poor, poor hair. Julie also gave me tips on how to do a little less damage. I only blow dry on cool now. Taylor also needs to be recognized in my review. While I have only been to her once (because when money is tight I will choose to forgo the much needed eyebrow wax), she was amazing. Something to know about my brows: they are lopsided, spaced far apart, bushy, and the left one has a much, much more pronounced natural arch than the right one. The right one looks like someone glued a dead caterpillar to my face. Not cute. But Taylor was able to make them look good! She was also able to put an arch in the right one that didn't look unnatural. For the first time ever my eyebrows matched! She took her time and I could tell she is really into what she does. She is an actual esthetician, not just a stylist who was briefed on how to wax, which I have definitely experienced before. I ended up with half of my eyebrow missing. Speak is also a studio that hosts various artists and events. It's a multi-functional space, which is cool. You can get a badass haircut and look at some neat artwork as a bonus. Unless my head somehow gets shaved at my next appointment, I think I have finally found my salon! read more

I have been a patron of Speak for some time and recommend the salon to anyone looking for a great stylist and location for salon services. Julie is the stylist for my entire family (I love that my kids can get their hair styled here, no kiddie cut salons for us!). I have several friends that are regulars of Kayla and she is great too. In addition to being amazing stylists, I have to rave about the good vibe feel of the salon! They also have an amazing spread of unique beauty items for not only hair, but skin and the soul too. I pretty much want one of EVERYTHING on the shelves. I love Speak and can't imagine going anywhere else! read more

Speak is a professional and beautiful establishment. They have online booking which is very convenient. They do dry cuts as well and if you need a quick touch-up, the 15 min. cut works. I alternate between the 15 min. and full cut. Julie and Shelby have great reputations. My neighbor uses Julie and her hair always looks fabulous. I go to Shelby and I receive compliments about my hair. Thumbs up on Speak. read more

Love this place! As well as doing amazing hair they also have a great shop that sells wonderful items from a lot of different artists (local and national). Also they always have fresh coffee! read more

My hair cut is fabulous and does everything that I want it to do. Thanks, Julie. From Ellen in Hyde Park : ) read more

These guys are awesome. Flexible, laid back, reasonably priced. You can also schedule an appointment online which is great. Highly suggested. read more

I received an incomplete haircut and rude conversation. I do not recommend. I will not return.

Julie has been the best stylist I've seen in decades of hair salons. She listens and can also intuit what I want in terms of my hair style. And the vibe in the salon: warm, welcoming, extremely cool. read more

I have been going to Speak Salon for a year and leave happy every time. Julie is an amazing stylist and Kayla is a genius at waxing and tinting. I love being able to book online, its so convenient. All 3 ladies who work there are lovely and funny and make you feel like you're at a friend's house. I have turned 2 of my friends onto Speak and now they are fellow devotees! A very cool and cozy place. Highly recommended! read more

After many years of serial hair stylist-ing I've been to Speak twice now and have vowed to finally settle down with a stylist. I think it's official, since I've now followed Julie from the darling room to her new place. I've also gone to Tara and she was fabulous. She did a great messy look and these ladies can both cut bangs masterfully -- which I have been complimented on several times since my last cut -- even with my less than thick hair. read more

After years of searching, I've found my salon. My hair is doing exactly what I've wished it would do forever. The cut is perfect and easy. Julie, the owner and my stylist, is nice and friendly without being overwhelming. Speak also offers $15 dry trims after your initial cut, which is perfect for someone who's always tempted to take the scissors to her own hair to save a few bucks. Speak, I'll be seeing you again soon. read more

Best haircut in Kansas City!! I take the bus thirty minutes just to get my haircut by Tara. I won't let anyone else come close to my hair but her. Plus it's very reasonably priced. Love it!! read more

I just got done with an appointment with Tara Shaw, and I just have to say, I haven't liked a haircut this much in at least 5 years. Not only was she professional and friendly, she asked me questions about what I wanted, because frankly, I didn't know. She took what I said and for once it actually transformed to what I was thinking. I can't see myself going anywhere else for a haircut anytime soon. read more

Tara Shaw did a great job on my hair. I went to make an appointment with her today and she is gone! Where did she go? I need a trim!!!

I consulted Yelp to help find a salon/stylist when I moved to the KC area this year. The great reviews led me to Speak and Tara Shaw. Talk about hitting the jackpot! Tara is fantastic! She approached my haircut with the sensibility of an artists and the skill of an engineer. I have never had a better haircut. I echo everything Zain Y. said in his review. The Salon is lovely and every person working there has been friendly, efficient, and professional. The website is a great tool that allows you to see a calendar of available appointment dates/times and make your appointment online. Prices are very reasonable too. I can't recommend Speak enough. read more

I am grateful for having found this establishment. I won't deny that it took me a long time to find a salon that I wanted to go back to a second time. I shopped around a lot. It wasn't one particular thing that kept other places from working out, but Speak really won me over as a whole. The environment is not intimidating, it's a streamlined process to book online, and while you're waiting for your appointment you can shop around all the cute products they have. The staff is friendly and attentive, and I truly felt heard when voicing some concerns about my unruly cowlicks and scars that cause my hair to misbehave. Shelby has given me the best haircuts of my life, and I really can't recommend this business enough. read more

I've been going to Kayla at Speak for over a year now and I won't go anywhere else. I have always hated getting my hair cut because I have wavy/curly hair that I don't like to mess with. Kayla understands how to cut my hair so I don't have to put a bunch of product in it to tame it. She doesn't try to sell me stuff I don't want or do stuff to my hair I don't like. She gets that I just want my hair to look good without having to brush it and she is a miracle worker who makes that happen. Also, I see her like once every two months and she remembers everything I told her the last time. Kayla is awesome! read more

I have very difficult hair to cut and have been to TONS of places. Finally, I found the one! Julie is an excellent stylist who not only knows how to cut hair but has a way of making you feel comfortable and relaxed. The shop has a retro feel to it. I don't plan on going anywhere else. read more

Got a dry-cut with Shelby, and it was exactly what I wanted. I've gotten my hair cut short in he past, but wasn't satisfied, so I was so happy when she managed to shape my hair exactly the way I wanted! The cute interior adds to the lovely experience. read more

I have gotten my hair cut twice and highlights once. All three were done by Julie. I was very pleased with Julie's work, both the cut and color. She is personable and really takes her time. Plus she understands that some people can't get their hair done every month, so she gave me some really great information and tips on how I can take care of my hair in-between my appointments with her. Thanks Julie! You're the best!!! read more

I love Julie! The only person who has touched my curly hair since I moved to KC 5 years ago. She's so sweet and patient. Really takes her time on my thick curly hair and most people couldn't do that. Highly recommend for curly haired girls, she knows her stuff! read more

I love this salon. They are so welcoming and it has such a great vibe to it. They have a lot of fun products and decor for sale in the waiting area. I had never had a dry haircut before coming here...it's been amazing! If you have curly hair, this is the place to go!! Thanks Julie!! read more

TARA IS AWESOME!!!!! The whole salon is just so cute, and its such a wonderful space. It's comfortable but very interesting. I was referred to Tara by a friend of mine who always gets compliments on her hair everywhere she goes. I was a little nervous because I have wavy hair, and my hair can be difficult to work with (it has a mind of it's own), but my friend assured me Tara could take care of me. I figured "hey it's a free consultation so why not just try...". After the first few minutes of our consultation I felt confident she knew what she was talking about and was ready for a new do. Not only had I let her talk me into color, but she suggested we go a whole new direction with the way I cut/style my hair. After my luxurious scalp massage in what was the most comfortable shampoo bowl I ever laid my head down in, Tara lead me back to her station with the smell of fresh baked cookies and some super chill music in the air. I knew I was in for a treat. After Tara was finished styling my hair she turned me around and my jaw seriously dropped. The color was so rich and shiny, and my haircut was seriously unbelievable! So if you're looking for a place where you can seriously relax and trust who's doing your hair I would definitely suggest going to see Tara at Speak Salon Studio. Awesome ladies, wonderful products, good smells, and just really good treatment ( I got home made cookies for Pete's sake) AWESOME TIME!!! read more