This review is most especially for my shaved head/pixie/grow out folks: After a couple of months of extensive research on extensions, wondering if it would even work for me at my current length, I found Thairapy PDX and became obsessed with all of the beautiful transformations, especially Phoenix and her blondes. The actual IRL experience was beyond what I had even expected. I fully prepared myself to be turned away, that I would be told I'd have to come back in 6 months or more when I had more length, and so, I went into my consultation with Phoenix entirely with an open mind. I hadn't been able to look at myself in the mirror for weeks, feeling severely unhappy with the lack of style my hair had, not wanting to pay for a haircut I'd only be half content with, where I'd need to get regular trims to maintain a sense of balance, and I was really feeling like shaving it again was just not what I wanted. Phoenix is incredibly patient, kind, gentle, and transparent. We both understood that jumping into this was about the journey, not the destination, and she absolutely exceeded my expectations tenfold. I cannot stress enough that if you go into the experience expecting seamless style, aka the ability to put your hair up in any style without tapes showing at all from the start of this process, you're only setting yourself up to spend a chunk of change and to be disappointed. That being said, I CAN put my hair up, braid it, set it in space buns (so cute) , but not without a decent amount of finessing, bobby pins, and patience; time well worth it to me. At the end of the day, weigh what's worth it to you - I feel more like myself than I have in a long time, and cliche, but...that's priceless. I'm also beyond excited for all the different styles we'll be able to try as my hair grows! Price wise, it isn't cheap, but...it shouldn't be? You genuinely get what you pay for, both in the quality of the extensions themselves as well as the wealth of knowledge and skillset the Thairapy stylists have. If you're on the fence, I suggest doing some math on what it would cost to get maintenance haircuts at your current length - where you would be genuinely happy with the style during that time. (In my opinion, that math has got to include happiness meter as well as financial) With this in mind, I ran numbers with the understanding that extensions could become an essential element of my self care budget at this point in my grow out phase. In the end, it's an investment worth every cent. It's a privilege to be able to experience this, and I honestly had some fears that walking into the salon with a messy pixie-mini mullet disaster would have me feeling like I just sat down at "the cool table you can't sit at". I could not have been more wrong. Thairapy is inclusive, inviting, and honest if you're willing to go into it eyes open. The added bonus? Knowing that the company re-uses and recycles wherever they can; an extra fuzzy feeling at the end of the service. Phoenix, thank you for your kindness, your skill, and for giving me an unparalleled amount of daily serotonin. You're pure magic. read more

I had been looking for a few weeks for someone to try to fix some major issues for me, from previous services from elsewhere. I was new to extensions and the previous place had given me a single row of 4 sandwiched together in a hand-sewn weft. I have extremely fine hair and it was extremely damaged from (over/improper) bleaching. So I was having issues with slipping and breakage because the weft was too heavy and pulling. I had also wanted lavender hair, but got something that wasn't even close (still at the previous place). I found Thairapy's website and looked at all the hairdressers linked social media to see who I felt I could vibe with and get as close to what I wanted as possible. I felt like Aisha could achieve that. She had plenty of vibrant hair photos and videos, and her own hair is a vibrant. Plus, after reading her blurb on the website I felt like it wouldn't be a stressful appointment. I don't do well with change and I always dread the same "customer service" questions like, what do you do for fun? There was none of that stilted awkward exchange with Aisha. She was so chill and easy to chat with, but we also vibed without talking at all, her focusing on what she was doing and me just spazzing out She was straight up from the beginning about maybe not getting the light lavender that I had originally wanted. We discussed options, hair health, products and usage, we looked at pictures, and she even took the time to discuss options for my weft. It wasn't something I had booked for in the consultation (because I couldn't figure out on the website) but she could see my distress about them. I came in with one end sticking out of my hair (flipping) and they had slid a few inches after being installed a week before. Aisha offered to keep them until our appointment so she could clarify them and get them ready. She also explained and suggested that because my hair is so fine I should have 2 rows of 2 and come in every 4 weeks for move ups and re-installs. The day of the appointment Aisha was ready to go and her excitement was palpable, which fed into my excitement. I didn't have any expectations going in, other than making my hair presentable again. While I didn't get the color I originally wanted from the inspo pic I sent, we got so close, and honestly I think what she gave me fits my skin tone soooooooo much better!! She also did an amazing job on my weft, it's NEVER felt this good! It's so light on my head, even though it's the same amount of hair, and it feels much more balance rather than just slapped onto my head. She also gave me a cut that blends my real hair into the weft much better so I won't have to heat style it everyday just to hide my real hair texture. I'm so beyond happy with EVERYTHING that Aisha did for me!!! She saved my hair when I thought it was impossible, AND she made my fairy girl purple hair dreams come true! She's chill, easy to talk to, knowledgeable about her trade and honest! I'm so grateful that I booked with Aisha and will be recommending her to everyone who asks about my hair! 100/10 for Aisha at Thairapy. read more

Thairapy was exactly what I needed! I met with Lyndsay for a consultation when my hair was in a horrible state after going through chemical damage and rounds of bad extensions. She was so kind and informative and got me in with Nilza within a weeks time (I didn't have to wait a month :). Nilza is AMAZING and I am so grateful to have been connected with her! She was professional, efficient and so sweet with me as I was emotional from my year of hair woes. She explained what she was going to do step by step and made me feel the most comfortable I've felt in the salon chair than I have in many years. My end result was exactly what I asked for (or better) and exactly what my inspiration photos looked like. I couldn't be more happy with Nilza; I have fallen back in love with my hair again! I am looking forward to going back for my 7 week maintenance appointment. The salon is beautiful and the approach they take at Thairapy is noticeably different than anywhere I've been. My only complaint is not making my appointment sooner! If you are feeling discouraged and upset about your hair I strongly suggest contacting them and doing this for yourself because it made me feel like myself again for the first time since I've been trying to recover my hair (which I didn't think was even possible with the state that my damaged hair was in). I am so HAPPY and grateful for Lyndsay and Nilza! read more

Ali was awesome! It has been 10 years since I have done anything with the cut or color of my light brown hair so I was a bit torn on what to do and slightly nervous. I was debating a demi close to my natural color to hide some greys or MAYBE lightening but I'm so glad she convinced me to lighten! Its a change for sure, but it's still very natural, beachy and will be low maintenance which I appreciate for my lifestyle and the health of my fine hair. The tone of the blonde, reminds me of the color I had as a kid, and amount going through it is perfect for me and it really brightens up my skin and makes my brown eyes stand out. I'm very pleased. I also got lots of beaming compliments this weekend, and from people I didn't expect! The cut was just as I requested, a one length trim, and I walked out loving everything, but I should have listened to her when she suggested a few layers to lighten things up just a little on my ends, and make it easier to look nice when I cant blow dry or straighten, so I'm going back Thursday to get that done, which she left the door open for me to do free of charge. I think she could tell there was only so much change I could handle in one day and didn't push it, and I really appreciated that. Overall such a great experience! read more

I saw Phoenix on 6/28 and I'm just completely amazed. Not only by my hair, but her amazing service! It was like hanging out with an old friend; we just talked and laughed the whole time, she's so fun to talk to! Truly a queen. Now my hair? Oh my goodness. She was very upfront with me on how (because of what I currently had going on) that she wasn't sure if we could get all of my hair goddess goals done that day. I really appreciate her honesty and communication through this process! I told her to do whatever she needed to do (she's the professional, right?) and she blew it out of the water. My hair is so soft, feels so healthy and new. I'm so impressed and I've gotten so many compliments already! She really goes above and beyond with the small details, I'm completely in love and I can't wait to go back next time to get my extensions done! I don't think I can recommend Phoenix or her salon enough. Everyone was super kind and the vibe of the salon is super friendly. You can tell they care and only want the best for their clients! I'm super excited to go back! Thank you! read more

I cannot recommend this salon enough to everyone! Nilza is a true gem and she delivers the best results time and time again. I have ethnic, extremely thick and unruly hair. I've came into the salon in the past for just blowouts and hair cuts before and it's always the best experience. I had my hair permanently colored quite a few different times to achieve this red "before" photo. I was terrified of trying to remove the red since I didn't want any crazy damage done. A week after my appointment and my hair feels better than it ever has! I was completely blown away at my results and she exceeded any expectations I had. I showed her a few photos of what I wanted to achieve in the future, never in a million years thinking it would all be done in one sitting. She was also very realistic when it came to possible outcomes and assured me that I would not walk out of the salon with bad hair. I had to attach some photos for proof of this perfection! read more

Lyndsay Maderis is everything you could ask for in a stylist: she's wildly talented, a wonderful soul and always leaves you feeling like a hair goddess. I met Lyndsay at an interesting time, in terms of hair, when I was transitioning from blonde to brunette. Anyone who's drastically changed their hair knows this requires trust. From that first cut and color to the full length extensions years later, my trust in her abilities have never wavered. She puts in the time, the effort and she never fails to turn my hair into a thing of beauty. For all these reasons, I knew I only wanted one person to style my hair and makeup for the EMMYs -- a true highlight in my career and a fabulously glamorous event that insists upon nothing but the best. Thanks to Lyndsay, I went to the EMMYs feeling like a million bucks. I encourage you to trust her with your hair too. You won't regret it. xoxo read more

I just got keratin extensions for the first time and Phoenix was absolutely amazing. She was very clear about the different options for the type extensions and how they are different from one another, as well as what my expectations for outcome should be. I have always had very fine hair and recently it began thinning. I have never really liked my hair, it just was elegant it was. Getting this done has completely changed that for me. Not only do I love my hair, what an unexpected confidence booster!! This is not an inexpensive process, but if you can swing it I can't recommend it enough, especially with Phoenix! People who saw me a month prior have said "I didn't realize your hair was so long!" Everyone is astounded at how natural it looks. It is literally indistinguishable from my own hair. read more

Thairapy PDX is by far the best salon in Portland. Not only do they offer your basic appointment needs, but are a premium extension salon, and also eco-friendly. I was Miss Oregon USA 2019 and needed my extensions done for Miss USA and with a quick turn around time. Not only did Lyndsay accommodate me, she did my appt. while her daughter was in THE HOSPITOL just to fit me in with time to leave for nationals. Not only that, but I went to Nilza for a touch up before giving up my title and mentioned I wanted tape-ins but felt it was too late to book the appt. Thairapy now has extensions IN THE SALON and Nilza put them in along with my color and cut no problem same day. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH and cant say how thankful I am for this team and what they do for their clients. Go there or be square! read more

Pheonix is a total gem and the best at her craft that she clearly has so much passion for. She spent time in our consultation really informing me about which extension method would be best for my specific type of hair and what would fit the criteria that I wanted. I was looking for discrete extensions for my fine thinning hair. This was my first time getting extensions, so I was a bit nervous. She tailored the color and extensions so perfectly, by the end of the whole process I felt like a new person. I love my new hair and could not be happier with the care Pheonix puts into her craft, and if you're intrigued by the world of extensions, you can really pick her brain for all the interesting inside details and knowledge that she keeps. Thank you, Pheonix! read more

It was my first time going to Thairapy PDX and I was very pleased. The salon is very clean and everyone was very professional. You could smell the chicness in the air. I must say that I am extremely lucky and grateful to have found Phoenix, she truly is an amazing stylist. She is incredibly knowledgeable and after listening to my hair concerns she had the best advice and recommendations. I had an appointment to cover the grays on my roots, do balayage, and cut my bangs which had grown out of control during the pandemic. I went in feeling shy but went out feeling the most confident and beautiful woman in town. I cannot recommend Phoenix enough, she must have been sent by the hair Gods from above! Thanks Phoenix, see you soon. read more

Runnnn don't walk to Thairapy!! Phoenix is the BEST, this angel of a woman has literally changed my hair-life! She genuinely cares about you and your hair and goes out of her way to make sure you're getting the best treatment. I wanted to have highlights done and she didn't want to give them to me without knowing they would damage my hair - found out that it wasn't ideal for me. She had an amazing alternative of using highlighted extensions. The extensions look so natural and she did such an amazing job blending them in. I literally feel like a whole new person!! Phoenix will have you leaving the salon feeling amazing, even the way she does a blowout is perfect, can't say enough about her! read more

Lyndsay Maderis is not only the best hair extension applicator I have come across in 5 years of hair extensions around the world, she is the best service provider. She has the ability to combine her expert opinion with what you have in mind, coming to a synthesis that is really pleasing. But best of all, she is a good person. This is so apparent from first meeting, that you trust her implicitly and are free to relax and enjoy her just making you more beautiful than you already are. Because she makes you feel beautiful from the time you enter, til the time you leave. And this just increases with each time you go in for your extensions. We are lucky to have her in Portland, Oregon. read more

Next Level Hair Extensions by Lyndsay Maderis is an essential class whether you're new to hair extensions, or have already been offering them in the salon. I am so glad I flew in to Portland to attend this class! Take this class if you're interested in learning what it takes to fast-track your success from an artist with proven results and impressive career timeline! Lyndsay does a great job presenting useful information on application, blending, haircutting, and social media marketing. As a bonus, you're sure to be in attendance with some of your hair heroes; as Lyndsay has a way of drawing together amazing like-minded types! Highly recommended. read more