This is a long overdue review for Mara and Michael! I've only had hair appointments with these two, but I often see other stylists in the salon working with and learning from their colleagues. To me, this is a fantastic sign of a collaborative workplace where everyone is constantly working on improving their skills. This absolutely shows in their work! In March 2017, I made an appointment with Mara for a hair color consult and brought in pictures of some faded denim inspired streaks that I really wanted. She not only listened attentively, but also asked tons of clarification questions that made me feel like she was working *with* me and not just working *on* me. The end result was a deep blue that she assured me would fade in a way that would eventually take on the colors that I wanted initially. I LOVED having the darker blue in my hair! She also sent me home with a product from a tradeshow that gave me the flexibility of letting my hair fade or touch it up as my mood struck. Throughout the first (and only) color appointment, Mara very gently lightened and toned my hair so that it still feels incredibly healthy to this day. I started having Michael cut my hair in September 2017, which coincided with a change to my overall care routine and switching to a curly girl wash regimen. The biggest thing he's done that speaks to his talents is working with my hair to avoid giving me what I call 'the dreaded flippy layer', which is what happens when stylists cut a short layer on top that results something that makes me look years younger than I prefer. Michael is excellent at shaping the hair I have and making my daily routine so much easier with his strategic cutting. I wish I had a better way to describe the magic he does to my hair. For now, I can just say that 2017 has been my best year of hair and color thanks to Mara and Michael! read more

Stylab Salon - March 2017: First color appointment! - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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BEST hair of my LIFE. Mara is a hair wizard. I never have liked my hair from any stylist before. Not to put anyone down, but she is a professional unlike any other. Mara really took her time to make sure everything was precise and to her high standards and it shows. My hair is PERFECT. Perfect cut, length, color, and BETTER than my inspiration picture. (She achieves this with perfect technique and an eye for artistry). Mara does not charge enough, for how much detail and care she puts into her work. I felt like I was taking advantage of her raw talent and expertise. I am so grateful to have met her in my lifetime and will cherish her as my hair stylist. Also, atmosphere was very relaxing. If you were wondering Mara took my black and red box dye and made it a beautiful brown blonde. Book Mara if you have something you want, she will make sure you are happy. read more

Stylab Salon - Brown blonde with baby lights. After. - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Mara is the ONLY person I will let color my hair. It is chemically dependent and hasn't seen the light of day since the 70s. It must be treated sensitively as my hair and I are very sensitive. And to be honest it could look like straw if not done right. It doesn't look like straw . Looks like 35 year old hair long , blond and healthy . And I haven't seen 35 for ,well let's say, at least a decade (ok or two) . She is worth her weight in gold and cuts hair to suit me not what she THINKS will suit me . Simply put , Mara always listens to me and my style preferences. I have never left the shop unhappy, ever. Always feel like my body and soul got a makeover. read more

MICHAEL is a genius. I have straight hair and came in for blow out for a wedding. I got more Compliments then ever!! read more

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I thought it was a longshot but Danny saw me last minute last night for a color, cut and style. She is great with extensions and a blast to hang out with two. Can't wait to see her again! read more

I received a very disappointing haircut and the price was way too high for the level of expertise provided. I was told the stylist had over a decade of experience. Felt like a Supercuts person cutting my hair. The results were worse. Was unevenly shaven with patches, using electric shavers. Terrible! The stylist was friendly, however. AND THEN I was very upset that they took my phone number and have started txting me advertisements. I was told (lied to!!!) that my number was being collected for health safety alerts. Terrible!!! I don't recommend anyone go here. read more

Great blowout, and so accommodating for my Tuesday afternoon much needed blowout. Mara was awesome, engaging and my hair looked great in a very reasonable amount of time. Thanks so much, I will be back. read more

This review is long overdue. I got my hair colored for the very first time here. Mara did an excellent job. Excellent is underplaying it. She was so patient and detailed. The whole team was very friendly and helpful. My hair feels amazing, no damage whatsoever. I love how it looks as well. I wanted a teal color. Mara chose a cobalt blue which has been transforming into various beautiful blue/teal shades. I love how she was able to visualize the color transformation. Her goal was to give me a look that I could cherish for a really long time and not just for a couple of months! read more

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Michael is the best at what he does! I won't let anyone else touch my hair. Trust in him and take his advice because he is a professional and he knows what he is talking about. The location is downtown and the salon has a funky- fresh feel. I look forward to my appointments at Stylab! read more

Michael color matched my hair to its original color with style and skill. I rocked a pixie buzz for three years, bleaching and dying it all sorts of colors and shaving crazy designs all across my head. After all that style, I'm ready to grow it out and chill out a little. Michael matched my bleached ends with my natural roots (with a little warmth for dimension that I'm super happy with) and gave shape to the awkward phase that my hair was in. He even nailed the picky do's and don'ts of my preferences. It looks so good I don't feel compelled to wear a hat every single day! Feels good to be free and feminine again. read more

Victoria made me feel amazing!! Michael played Missy Elliot, which added to the experience! She catered to my spontaneous need, but didn't let me get too wild into something I didn't want. Love my new look! They even made me feel like a model afterward too! For my haircut at hair product, my total was only $67!! Can't wait to go back! read more

This is the best salon in Portland! Emily was my stylist and she really put so much love and care into my hair. I love the results! read more

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Mixed review here. Here's the breakdown: Haircut: 3 stars Experience: 1-2 stars? I feel bad giving less than 3 stars here, because a lot of this is fixable. I walk in and there is literally nobody there, not even at the desk. I sit down and decide that eventually someone will appear, ah yes - here we go, the receptionist? No, apparently another stylist. He was friendly though... I am connected with my stylist who appears from the back with a mouth full of food. I realize immediately that this is the person who answered the phone and booked me, which was sort of a weird convo. My first impression of her is that she finds what I want to do with my hair non-appealing? Just not on the same page? Not doable? We finally agree that I just sort of need a trim, but with that style in mind. I'm worried but easy going about my hair. Here are some of the other points that made it less than enjoyable: - A trim cost me almost 1.5 hours after asking to finish up because now a friend is waiting for me in the waiting area. She still had to blow-dry, flat iron, and dry cut after 1 hour of sitting in the chair. This puts the client in a weird place! I can't ask her to rush but I don't have another hour! Basically: NO URGENCY FOR ANYTHING. - Checking and replying back to text messages during the flat ironing situation above. - Reactionary to my question of utilizing the coupon I found on yelp. - Poking fun at the only other client that was in the room (really? I am a first time client - I'd think you'd want me to come back?) - Trying to sell me on color during the flat ironing, text messaging situation. Digging through her phone to find hair that she colored to show me. - stopping the service provided to me so she can help 'her boss' find color for her patron. Once I finally asked how much longer, the once aloof stylist seems irritated..shit, is she going to fuck up my hair? I'm done in the next 10 minutes...and you can tell by looking at my head. Lucky for her, it grows. It's an ok cut - but the experience is severely lacking. Maybe I should have asked for Gina -everyone else has raved about her? I regret making up my yelp savings in tip. read more

I've been looking for a salon in downtown Portland to regularly go to for my hair needs. My first appointment here was great! I got a long, layered haircut from Max and I love it! I got the exact experience and haircut I was hoping for. I highly recommend this salon. The location is also incredibly convenient. read more

My friend and I booked last minute appointments with Gina and a male stylist (whose name escapes me as he is new to the salon). They were gracious enough to take us in last minute on a Friday evening which I truly appreciate as we needed some relaxation after a long day. We received good service during our hair conditioning treatments which included full blow outs. They even gave us a glass of a very delicious blueberry wine which nicely complimented the evening. I would not hesitate coming here again if I was in the area. read more

Was so happy that Mara could fit me in on Friday afternoon. Going in I didn't know what exactly I wanted, but Mara suggested a few things and I let her run with it. She did an absolutely beautiful Ombré. I love Mara and Stylab, in my opinion you get what you pay for, and with Mara and Stylab you are getting the best!!! Thanks for making my hair look great!!! read more

The Worst Perm. EVER. I know perms aren't a popular choice right now, but I like to get one every once in awhile to even out the natural waviness only part of my hair has... I saw Emily at Stylab. It was terrible. The process itself was mediocre, although she spent a fair bit of time talking about how she's only just now been able to quit her serving job because she's finally doing enough hair, but the results are awful. Somehow, she managed to make most of my hair straighter, except for the very ends, which have been permed into a crinkly mess. I wanted to cry, but had to tip her, because how could I not after the starving hair artist story! read more

I recently had a poor experience at a hair salon which shall not be named that left me with "blorange" hair. So I was hesitant to give things another go with a new stylist... After coming across Stylab, I decided to make an appointment with Mara, and I was not disappointed! Mara spent a lot of time learning about what processes my hair has already been through, what I want for my hair now, and what I want for it long term. She then went over numerous options to get the results I want, and helped me make the best decision. First off she did a great job cutting my long, thick hair! No easy feat. I've been living with this haircut for a week now and am loving it. Also importantly though, is I love the way the color came out! I've received so many compliments since getting it done, and I couldn't be happier. The entire salon experience at Stylab was relaxing and laid back, my time there just flew by. Thank you Mara for fixing my "blorange" hair and giving me hair that I love! read more

Stylab Salon - Couldn't be happier with my cut and color from Mara! - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I was in Portland last weekend for a wedding and needed to get my hair blown out. I've worked as a receptionist/salon coordinator at high end salons for the last 2 years. I also have hot head (tape in) extensions and am VERY particular about my hair and have high expectations of stylists. I booked an appointment online with Michael and he did not disappoint! He used techniques with the round brush I had never seen before. He also took extra time to curl my hair with a flat iron and a special rod. My hair has a tendency to fall flat, and these curls stayed in for a few days. The products he used were fantastic and I'm regretting that I didn't take them home with me! I know that blowout services aren't the most profitable to a stylist and I felt very lucky that he took so much time with me. Thanks, Michael! I've never gotten more compliments on my hair. I'll be back to see you next time I'm in town! read more

Being new to town I needed to find a new stylist which was a big deal for me since I've been seeing the same one for 10 years. A friend of mine recommended Gina at the Stylab so I went for it. It was very reassuring that Gina took the time to listen during my consult and didn't make me feel rushed. I didn't have a difficult cut and just a root touch up but she made me feel confident in the decisions we made for It. I found Gina to be very professional but also personable. Sometimes during an appointment, especially with a new stylist things can feel awkward with silence or too much nervous talk. Gina was the perfect balance. I was more than satisfied with my cut and color. It turned out just how I wanted and I may even try something new next time I visit Gina. I'm glad I found a stylist right away that I can trust. read more

I was in town and just needed a quick blowout, the gal at the front desk of my hotel recommended this place. Truly a great salon with some great people. Carrie gave me one of the best blowouts I have ever had and I do blowouts weekly in Seattle and all over the world. The products were so amazing and the staff is very knowledgable about hair. The salon is very clean and just adorable. I enjoyed a nice glass of wine while Carrie was pampering me and very much enjoyed my visit. I would highly recommend this salon to everyone. It is a gem in downtown Portland!!!! read more

I recently went to Stylab and was helped by Jesse McCarty. This is a few days later as I like to wear the style a few days to see if I still love it..and I seriously do! Overall it was a great experience and I will definitely be returning. I have even scheduled another appointment for an extensive hair coloring as I feel comfortable enough with Jesse to trust she will do amazing. The salon its self was really clean, organized and well maintained. Yet it also had a really welcoming feel that was only furthered by everyone's great attitudes. One thing that I felt made this above and beyond other salons I have been to was that they really tried to educate you about proper hair maintenance without trying to push you to buy a ton of products. I will say that it's not a cheap experience but I walked out feeling like I got more than my money's worth and had hair that was show stopping. read more

Stylab Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I had a Groupon for this place and after looking at their website I was a little apprehensive. Not only did the price I paid for the Groupon look to be pretty much the same price you would pay regularly, but it looked to be a little more "Progressive", shall we say, than I normally would do. I feel like I usually go to places that are a little more "soccer mom" like. All said and done, Gina did a great job on my hair. I don't think I would pay extra for the massage/hot towel wrap, but it was included in my Groupon. read more

Conditioning treatment with Dani was amazing! &get the olaplex for damaged hair! Thank me later! read more

Stylab Salon - Conditioning treatment and blowout by Dani My hair feels so soft! - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Terrible experience. The Man wasn't even the person who I had scheduled. I wanted my hair to be much blonde instead it was waay darker than I asked and this was for my WEDDING! Now I have to pay for some one else to do it again and will never return here. The Man had no idea what he was doing. read more

Just happened to walk by this place while strolling downtown Portland and my friend needed a haircut badly. A really cute stylist walked up and said hi and was very accommodating. Super friendly and as I waited for my friend to get a haircut I was acknowledged several times to see if I needed help--great customer service indeed! As it turned out my friend had a great haircut as well. Thanks Stylab! read more

Stylab Salon - Stylab stylin! - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Mara was fantastic to see for eyebrows! Being new in town, I noticed the waxing sign in the window since I haven't been able to find my kit to do them at home. Very convenient location for me since it's next to the Fine Arts Bldg (where my office is). Mara was very personable and is a Portland native-and the owner. We had such a wonderful chat & I would recommend anyone to see her for brows. I know how important it is to find someone good since screwed up eyebrows are The Worst! I'm super happy with mine...It was a lovely experience. read more

This is now the second time I've had Michael cut my hair; the first was a few months back and with my schedule it's challenging to keep up on my short pixie cut to keep it the way I like and the best part is that even much after the first cut, as it grew out, the cut looked Ah-mazing! I work as a bartender and see many people and continued to get compliments "You're hair is adorable" from people well after it was time to go back and get my trim/shape up! That to me is the sign of an awesome stylist: When your hair grows out and INTO the cut, like it's still fresh and stylish! So, ofcourse the second time I saw Michael, I pretty much said "do what you do" without much instruction and I (once again) couldn't be happier with the results! He stayed within what we had done before but took notice of how I part and mostly how I tuck the sides and he paid careful attention to make the cut and the ends look perfect for tucking or for wearing down in my face. With a shorter cut, many stylists have gone too short or left chunky ends (my hair is super fine), but not with Michael and his scissors--He "gets" my type of hair and knows how to make it do what I want. I highly recommend seeing him and letting your hair get as many compliments as mine have since seeing him! Thank you again! read more

Micheal is so creative I showed him a picture told him it was just an idea. He used his creativeness and gave me the best hair cut ever! It's been a week and I love it as much as I did when I got it cut. I will never go to anyone again!! The way he twisted my hair for curls and during the cut. It was fun to watch him work. When Micheal sits you down he asks what you like about your hair and dislikes. I've never had someone ask that before. read more

Stylab Salon - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I wandered into Style Lab one day because I had just walked out of my office ( next door) to get out of the rain. On a whim and because she happened to have an open slot, I got a haircut from Dani. Best whim I ever had as it was also best haircut ever! I have baby fine, curly hair some places more curly than others, all with a mind of their own. It's a fine mop, and coupled with the fact that I want wash and wear hair as I have no energy to put time into it, she had a challenge her hands. She restyled it, according to my face and I walked out looking 10 years younger and feeling both pretty and interesting. Dani has magic hands and I highly recommend her!!!! Plus she's fun, smart, and great to work with. read more

I came in hestetday for the first time and have already recommended Stylab to multiple friends!! I've NEVER felt so good about a haircut... the cut itself is by far the best I've ever had, but the consultation was so so educated and thoughtful and Mara made me feel so special. She took into account my face shape, hair texture, lifestyle and style into formulating a cut just for me. It was the pampering I've been craving and overall improved my emotional wellbeing drastically. read more

I love that Stylab is right in the heart of Portland, on Max and easy parking. I want some edge in my haircut and Adrian does a fabulous cut. My hair is short so it takes a lot of skill to do it right, also I have an unruly cowlick that Adrian tamed. Adrian listened to me and gave professional suggestions. She is a girl with style and flair!! Adrian gets an A+!! I've already made my next appointment. read more

I am a new stylist here and I love it! Atmosphere is incredible. Mara is the owner and awesome. Dani & Gina are the other stylists and amazing at their craft. read more

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I had a great experience here! Carrie did my hair and chose a color that complements me very well! I am extremely satisfied with my visit and have recieved so many complements about my hair! I would 10/10 recommend coming here and I will be returning to have Carrie do my hair again. read more

I always see Michael and he always gives great tips and advice for how to style and care for my hair. I'm always mesmerized when I watch him style my hair, he is so quick and efficient, I feel like I'm watching an artist at work. Even when I'm not quite sure what I want, I can count on him to come up with something amazing! Highly recommend! read more

Cool place. They offer a beverage which is always nice on a hot day. Warm atmosphere and friendly staff. Michael gave me a great haircut with a nice fade technique and recommended some good product. They carry a lot of the Masculine brand. read more

I can't say enough great things about Mara @ Stylab. She's incredibly intelligent and talented at what she does! I went in with an issue from a previous haircut and she fixed me up like magic. She asked lots of questions to make sure I got exactly what I wanted. I went back to her for color when I wanted to do something fun and crazy- she got my hair to a cool denim blue! However, after one week I missed my blonde so much I asked her if it was possible to change it back without killing all my hair. Mara said no problem at all, explained the process, was excited to do the job and was able to get my blonde back and better than before with little to no damage. Not to mention it took FOREVER because of all my hair and she even stayed much past closing time to finish. She didn't rush though it to leave on time and took her time to treat my hair with all the proper conditioner and love it needed to remain healthy. Consider yourself lucky if you get to be a client of Stylab and especially of Mara. read more

Michael was so knowledgeable and provided so many helpful tips and recommendations for my damaged hair. He was very professional and friendly to talk to! I highly recommend him! I loved my hair when I walked out of there! read more

Experienced this place on a groupon purchase. One of the BEST purchases I've made in a long time! Michael was out of this world amazing. I appreciated his attention to detail and tenacious approach to giving me a great experience! I love love love my haircut. Michael, is officially my go-to stylist. read more

I went in for the first time to Stylab a few days ago for a haircut and partial foil, and Sam was fantastic! I asked for an a-line bob, which meant cutting about 4-6 inches off my hair, and it looks great! Possibly the best cut I've received. Even the other stylists in the salon stopped by the chair and commented on how great it looked. Sam is a true hair artist :) He took the time to show me how to style my new look, which was extremely helpful, and talked through the process. The partial foil experience was just as wonderful. Sam was an absolute perfectionist when it came to placing the foils and selecting the amount of hair in each foil. He picked a beautiful carmel color to tone the highlights, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. read more