I have been Ricks client for years. I found him after many unfortunate coloring attempts by other stylists. On my first visit Rick had me to look at my hair through microscope! This is just so I understand what a healthy hair is like vs damaged. He also explained why some colors don't stay on certain hair. It was like a chemistry lesson almost! :) I've been black, brown, red and I finally decided to become a blond. Ladies, you know how hard it is do go blond after coloring hair dark for years. My biggest fear was not to turn into yellow or brassy. I just left his salon and I am very VERY happy with the results. My hair feels healthy and the color is great. All my friends are complimenting me. Rick is a very kind, caring and intelligent person who is an outstanding professional. It is very easy to work with him. He is super busy, so make an appointment with him waaaaay in advance. He never overprices and that is yet another wonderful thing to add. Highly recommended! read more

I've been twice now and had a different experience both times. Rick is a very kind and knowledgeable stylist and I was pleased after my first cut and color with him (he did cut my hair his way, not mine, but it was not a bad haircut overall). The second time was not as great of an experience. He seemed a bit off his game. While always very chatty and attentive, he seemed distracted. I had to coach him on my color and I did not get a cut. The (very reasonable) price was the same. Not sure why. While I enjoyed his conversation and would usually give him a third shot to see if my second visit was just an off day, the drive and the setting were enough to send me back to my overpriced salon for my next cut and color. read more

Rick is the best! I get all my blowouts and layers done with him. He is so kind and makes sure I'm happy with the style/cut before I leave each time. They keep the salon clean and the experience is very relaxing. Highly recommend to anyone looking for simple maintenance! read more

Still blonde and having fun! Embracing my kpop "roots!" THANKS TO THE ONLY BOARD CERTIFIED COLORIST in Hawaii, RICK HOO OF PARKSIDE SALON in Makiki. He is booked abt two months out and is off Mon-Wed. He is a chemist by degree and knows all about chemicals and the mix of them. He doesn't accept tips because he said it goes against what he does. Rick Hoo is based out of his home in Makiki. Contact him to schedule an appt at 808-533-2208. You won't be sorry. Rick is extremely knowledgeable about a diverse range of topics and of course the obvious, HAIR and COLOR! I usually have dark brown hair with highlights, but have gone blonde via Rick. Rick can dye your hair very blonde without damaging/frying your hair as what happens with other hairstylists. My hair always feels and looks smooth. Rick has his own at-home salon near Roosevelt H.S. He has a very steep driveway, so don't wear heels or wedges! Park on the street and walk down the driveway. As you walk down the driveway, you will see his house on the left. Turn the corner of the house and there will be a door to his salon. Most of all though, Rick is very nice, generous and giving. I highly recommend his services. Prepare to be AMAZED! read more

See all

What a find. Little did I know that Rick did some of my good friends' hair. This was the best "hair" experience that I have had in years. He genuinely wanted to do what I wanted! Going grey gracefully is a skill and Rick knows what he's doing. Thanks Yelp reviews for helping me find The Parkside salon. read more

Rick is an absolute genius. I was so nervous because all he had to go on was a picture of what I looked like before- I had lost my hair and it grew back a completely different color. He NAILED it. I feel like myself again thanks to his abilities. I truly wasn't sure he could do it because like I said, I barely gave him anything to work with and I didn't really see him mixing much but two hours later and I was a brand new person - or rather I was back to the me I remember. Rick was patient , kind, knowledgeable, and fairly priced. I can't recommend him enough for anyone looking for a great colorist and cut. Mahalo, Rick!! read more

I came to Rick with my hair a mess. I have been traveling over the past year and had been to a few other salons that didn't know how to handle my hair. Rick had a 5-star rating on Yelp and amazing reviews so I decided to give him a try. At first glance, Rick knew exactly what to do to transform my too-blonde, straw-like, multicolored highlights into beautiful natural-looking caramel colored babylights and lowlights. It was exactly what I wanted and suits me perfectly. He is truly an expert at what he does. He instantly knows what will look nice on you and how to execute it perfectly. Rick is also extremely kind and patient. He knew that my hair would be a major project and blocked out enough time to devote to it. I had so much fun chatting with Rick in his salon. We talked about everything, from raising chickens and honeybees, to anthropology, to hair (of course). He is truly a Renaissance man. Not only did I leave with beautiful hair, I had a lot of fun along the way. Bottom line, go to Rick if you want beautiful hair and a great personalized experience. You will not regret it! :-) read more

The Parkside Salon - I wish I had a before picture to show you what a difference, but this is the beautiful result of Rick's hard work :-) - Hair Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I called several times in the morning and afternoon of Friday. Nobody answered and it kep rining, not even an answering machine. The last time I called, someone picked up after rining for a while and hamg up on me. Maybe they are one of the best but sorry, I'm not wasting my time to TRY to make an appointment. read more

Rick you are truly the best !!! The quality and dedication that you put in my hair is so greatly appreciated. Rick is a true professional I previously went to a salon payed 600 and left feeling unsatisfied and frustrated with the way my hair came out. I found Rick on yelp and made an appointment he was very responsive and attentive to what I wanted he is very knowledgeable and a master of his trade. Ow and another thing his prices a f**king awesome thank you again I walk out feeling amazing no B.S hear he is the REAL DEAL!!!! Mahalo read more

Rick is the color master. I have always had a hard time getting a good color. My color ended up amazing. He also know how to cut hair just to your specifications. I have fine hair so finding conditioning products that do not weight it down is difficult. Rick gave me som Opalex N0. 8 to try. It's a great product that gave me frizzy free hair without the weight. It allowed me to style any way I wanted and it stayed. Now to find a better way to keep the color longer, but as with everything, nothing last forever. After 10 weeks, yes 10, I'm ready for a refresh. read more

Yes he's good. I don't want to say much else as Rick I has enough clients/exposure. He's been in the game for a long time and yes he is the only Master Colorist on the island. It's a special credential that he has to renew every year, so Rick is always up to date on the latest techniques, trends and more importantly, chemicals being used in coloring. He was so fast with my color correction! He knows what he's doing. And Rick is so nice too, I got along with him right away. He listens to what you want but also gives his professional opinion to whether if it will or will not work etc That said, Rick is a one man salon that he run his out of his house in a studio workshop, up in nice Makiki Heights. The studio is not done being remodeled tho as it's apparent with some exposed wires and areas, but really that doesn't take away from his services. Going there I now understood why other reviews said it was like "being at a retreat" and "a diamond in the rough". So if you're looking for a slick, modern or busy salon, you're not gonna get it here. It's just you, Rick and the trees. It's very comfortable, clean and serene. If you do end up seeing Rick, my suggestion is don't park in the driveway! It's super steep and hard to turn around/back out. Park on the street and walk down. Also another thing is Rick doesn't accept tips! He said it's something true professionals don't ask for...but no wonder people are always bringing him things! (a lady brought him food when he was working on me =) read more

Just went to Rick today and he is everything fellow Yelp reviewers have said, amazing! Here's my story: I was looking for a hair colorist because I was tired of my hair looking so crappy from box color. So I looked on yelp for salons specializing in coloring. I stumbled upon Parkside Salon, with a complete 5 star rating but only 14 reviews! I thought to myself, "every review is glowing with five stars and raving about Rick Hoo but there are only fourteen" I decided that the quantity of reviews did not matter, but the quality and so I took a chance and called Rick for a consultation. He was completely straight up with me about the pink highlights I wanted. He cautioned me on how much damage it would do to my hair, and honestly I am glad he told me because I don't want to purposely damage my hair to the point of disintegration! We ended up doing light highlights and turning my hair into something more "fall appropriate" and I could not have asked for anything better! I love love love it and he is to thank for it. Rick is completely well versed in many subjects, like travel, politics, and ESPECIALLY HAIR. He knows things I wouldn't have IMAGINED about hair and styling hair and whats in and whats out. He is the REAL DEAL and no one can dispute that. Just check out ABCH, the american hair something or rather that certifies colorists and accredits those who do hair on a legit level and can be trusted to be HONEST and CAPABLE of coloring your hair without using terrible chemicals mainstream "hair stylists" do. Go to him. Just do it. Look no further. If you don't like it, that's too bad, because he's the only colorist/stylist that is NOT ripping you off. seriously. read more

What an amazing experience! I love my color and haircut, but most importantly, Rick is a great person, so kind, knowledgable and professional. I came to Rick with brassy looking hair, and I left with fantastic color. Thank you, Rick, I'll be back soon :) read more

I'm almost thirty and I have been seeing Rick my whole life. All my major haircuts were courtesy of Rick - my pixie cut in freshman year, my prom and winterball hair. And even though I live on the mainland now, I always get a haircut when I come back to see my family. I even turned down an offer from the airline for 600 flight credit and a first class ticket the next day, because I had an appointment with Rick the next day and I was worried if I cancelled I wouldn't be able to reschedule during my visit. I also wouldn't trust anyone else to color my hair. He always makes it look nice and natural. He care's about keeping your hair healthy. I also like how he doesn't push his products on you. Though I should probably look into it, as my hair is so soft and nice smelling after. Rick also talks to you to make your hairstyle fits your lifestyle. He knows I'm real low maintenance with my hair, so he won't give me something that I need to play with for an hour to look good. read more

Rick did such an amazing job on my hair! Had me dancing & smiling all the way home. I am SOOO very happy with the results. I came in to the salon not really knowing what I wanted to do, just that I wanted to go lighter & needed a change. Rick started off by showing me both the ends & roots of my hair under a microscope and explained what healthy vs. damaged hair looked like. Then he mixed up two different colors and gave me perfect highlights. I went from a boring dark blonde to a warm & lively strawberry blonde. Rick used high quality products that smelled nice & my hair is still perfectly soft and healthy weeks later. I very much enjoyed my experience at Parkside Salon & look forward to returning soon. The salon itself is a comfortable relaxing setting in a studio expansion of Rick's house. The views were nice, peaceful relaxing music playing & Rick's little dog just hanging out. Easy to find the house & parking. Overall a fabulous experience. I HIGHLY reccomend! read more

I went to Rick's when I visited Hawaii eight years ago from a friend's recommendation, and I've been going there ever since. Rick knows exactly how to personalize cuts and colors according to your hair, and he's amazing at what he does. Coloring isn't just artsy fartsy for him - he knows the chemicals and the science behind it all, so you can trust that whatever he's doing isn't going to damage your hair. His highlights are especially amazing, and I always get compliments. :) He also has the cutest dogs to cuddle with while you're waiting, which is a definite plus for me! read more

I feel so honored to have my highlights beautifully done by Rick! He listens and delivers wonderful results! I'm so happy with my results and never knew my hair could look so good! If your fortunate enough to set an appointment up with him you'll see what I mean! read more

The Parkside Salon - Thank you Rick! - Hair Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I recently discovered Rick Hoo, I have visited him 3 times. He is the most helpful colorist I have ever visited. He explains carefully everything he is going to do and he listened to what I wanted. He is friendly and caring and so welcoming. He helped choose the right auburn hair color for my very fair complexion. And I like my new haircut too! And he is helping me transition from coloring my hair to embracing my natural (now gray) color and I feel that I am in great hands. You can not go wrong visiting Rick at the Parkside Salon! read more

Rick was so amazing!! I was lucky enough to find Rick on my maps, just happening to be a close salon. I didn't know I was actually in the midst of a legend! He's a master colorist and knows his stuff. He is a chemist by trade so his color mixing is a science, something I've never even thought of before. He even has a microscope in his salon to view people's hair to see what color sticks best. I was so pleased to find Rick and I can't wait to return. Such a nice appointment to relax and know I was in good hands. read more

Five stars!!! I'm so happy with my hair color and cut and I will say it was so affordable compared to most places I've gone to in hawaii. He did such an amazing job and is so knowledgeable when it comes to hair (I'm sure you have already read that in the other reviews). I am so happy I could scream with joy. Friendly and professional and so so talented. I highly recommend him to everyone who's looking for someone who knows exactly what they are doing. I recommend parking in the street(plenty of street parking) and he accepts card but does not accept tip. Such a humble guy and I look forward to getting my hair cutt by him again :) Mahalo read more

I have been going to Rick since I was 5 years old (17 years of my life!) and he always does an amazing job. He actually did my very first haircut as my mom wanted to see how long my hair would grow, I've been going to him ever since. He's done my hair for all my high school events (several winterballs and proms) and also did my highlights and dye. He is the only Master Colorist on the island and the only one I trust to color my hair as I know the products he uses are safe. I've let several other people color my hair before and it never turned out the way I wanted it. I can always trust Rick to do a superior job! He always explains what color will look better on me, and he's always up on the latest trends which is very helpful. He's a very genuine and professional guy. He his very busy so expect to wait a couple weeks before you can get an appointment! He used to run his salon out in Kaimuki and now runs it out of his house in Makiki Heights. It's very comfortable with a nice view of the trees. Sometimes his dogs are there as well. They're the cutest and very friendly! I recommend parking on the street as his driveway is very steep and it's hard to park. If you ever are looking for a colorist, or want to try something new on your hair, I'd go to Rick! I love all his work! read more

I am a self acknowledged hair KLUTZ! It is such a relief to go to a stylist & colorist who understands that and makes sure that my hair looks great! Rick is the absolute best at knowing what cut & color will flatter as well as work with the natural quirks of each persons hair. I took my (very particular) mom to Rick when she came to visit & she still asks me about him a year and a half later - when she comes to visit again, I think seeing me will be a secondary motive... He even helped my sister long distance with a hair color disaster! Whether you've hesitated to play with style or color your hair or have done both & are looking for someone who is just the best, I highly recommend Rick & The Parkside Salon! read more

This was THE best appointment I've ever had! Rick took his time analyzing my hair as well as listening to my vision for my brand new look. He is extremely knowledgeable and gave me the perfect color! This was the first time that my scalp didn't sting during a chemical process, and my hair looks and feels healthy and vibrant...and it looks awesome! I will definitely be back! read more

The Parkside Salon - Before Parkside...ugh - Hair Salons Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Rick Hoo is the best of the best. He is the only American Board Certified Colorist in Hawaii. It means that all colorists in Hawaii except Rick are not certified colorists. Needless to say, He does an amazing and flawless job (coloring and haircut) on my hair. I get a lot of compliments on my hair all the time. All hair type can benefit from Rick, but if you have Asian hair (black or dark brown hair), he is the one to go! He is expert in coloring Asian hair. I'm Japanese and have naturally dark brown hair. I have him dye my hair to Raspberry color. I know it sounds crazy, but it's not if he colors my hair. He picks right red color for my skin tone, so I don't look strange in my red hair. In fact, many people came to me and said to me, "I love your hair". Isn't it nice!? I almost forgot to mention about his salon. It is very cozy and inviting, so you can relax and discuss your hair with Rick. read more

I found Rick by accident while reading a magazine at another hair salon. In the back it had a listing of Master Colorists and in Hawaii... he is it.. the only one. I didn't really give much thought to it again... until I had a hair debacle. A salon that I went to in Waipahu ended up messing my hair cuticles up to the point I couldn't pull a comb through it. I was trying to get my hair color corrected and this is what I was left with. Given that my hair length was down to my waist, I was in trouble since the hair couldn't be brushed. What I did brush broke apart in pieces... in all my years I've never seen anything like it! In desperation I called Rick, tried to explain my situation and got an appointment. That was almost a year ago. Granted I had to cut my hair ...as Rick says... you can fix some mistakes, but the damage is done. I'm trying to grow my hair back out, but I only go to Rick on the island. Not only is he an expert, he knows all the science behind this stuff! Never knew hair could be so complicated until I had my own personal disaster. I normally rave and yelp about something I love immediately but I was trying to keep Rick a bit of a secret. He has TOO many clients as it is and I hate to fight for his time. Still, this review is long overdue and I have to give him props for bringing my hair back to life... Now if I can just get it to keep growing faster so my husband stops saying I look like a boy, we'll be set! read more

I am so thankful to Rick for the miracles he works with my hair. He understands the chemistry of color, is up on all the latest color and trends, he's great at making recommendations for your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. I am so grateful for his mastery of hair as he helps me feel and look my best. He is a hair angel. Great at his craft and pleasant to chat with while he works his magic. ~ nicole read more

OMG, Rick is the BEST! I went to Rick back in the 70's when I was in college. I always remembered that he made me look beautiful with the best cut of my life. Whenever I would look at photos, I would think about his talent. By the way, this is the first time I am reviewing on YELP because I wanted to RAVE about RICK WOO! WOO HOO! (ok, sorry about that... i couldn't help myself) Back to my hair and review. Well, a co-worker mentioned Rick and I decided that I needed a change. I wasn't feeling beautiful anymore.... I needed to color often and my hair was looking tired. I was worried I would have to wait for a while to get an appointment but he was so accommodating and I found out that he is a MASTER COLORIST ... the only one on this island and he educates other stylists on the mainland and other countries about the chemistry of hair color.. He confirmed my studies and fears regarding hair dye and explained how bad it really was for us.... I eat organic, and avoid artificial color and harsh ingredients in my food and make up... but knowing how bad hair dye was... I couldn't help it because i NEEDED to color very OFTEN... I am so happy that I can now color and not worry because I leave it in his expert hands. Not only is Rick an expert on hair... but he is the "renaissance man" : a person who has wide interests and is expert in many areas. Each time I get my hair done, I learn something new from him. And he does serve the best tea from Taiwan! I used to always hold my breath when I went to other salons as they sprayed all the hair spray and used different products and chemicals on people next to me and on my hair. I am so happy that Rick's place has clean air, and no smell of chemicals. He keeps things simple and I always leave feeling BEAUTIFUL again! So glad that I found Rick again... he always makes me feel like a good friend! You will love him and so will your hair! If you want to go to the best.... go to Rick! After all.... YOU DESERVE IT!!! read more

I think I found my diamond in the rough. I'm very impressed and happy with my experience and service here at Parkside Salon. Definitely the one of many salons that is reviewed right for what it really is. Rick did an excellent job cutting my hair. He took his time, explained everything, washed and shampooed my hair before and after the cut, heck he even showed me a hair follicle underneath a microscope. Apparently he studies hair to the degree to have an analysis done of why the hair is the way it is (i.e., why it's breaking etc). That's called passion. Very professional, very polite and might I add very accomodating. With my busy schedule, haircuts are not really a part of my dictionary & Rick was nice enough to squeeze me into his schedule. Further, he also touched up on my mom's hair cut which was a wrecked mess from another salon cut a day before. I felt totally at ease here without any of that fake hair stylist talk just to get through the hair cut. Only real talk here. No big books from the 1980s of retro hair cuts and wild wedding and prom updos. Just Rick, his salon and his great cutting powers. My next hair cut? Here at Parkside Salon. If/when I color my hair this will be the go to place for me. *Feeling Refreshed!* read more

Great atmosphere! Rick does an awesome job, very professional and courteous. I've been going to him with my hair trouble for over 8 years! Very trustworthy and friendly, would highly recommend as the place to stop by for a trim or to go all out! Parkside Salon A+!! read more

If you're looking for a colorist, look no further. Rick Hoo is not just a stylist, he is a chemist. He understands the chemistry behind everything he puts in your hair, ensuring that your hair is healthy. Rick even came in first place in a nation-wide colorist competition. This guy knows color! I have never had highlights that look so natural and his technique is unmatched. He gives awesome cuts, too! I find Rick to be a great guy. He is well-versed on any topic and great conversationalist -- important when you have to spend a couple of hours getting your hair done. Rick is my hair-stylist for life! read more

Having known Rick for several years, I can tell you that if you are having hair issues you should be making an appointment at the Parkside Salon. Instead of getting advice based on the latest fad you will get help from a professional who uses real science and education to fix what others mess up. read more

First of all I would like to thank Rick for his sincerity:) He will give you his honest opinion on what would look good on you, while still achieving the look you want. He also cares for the maintenance of your hair and will suggest future touchups that will keep you looking good. *Rick is the only nationally certified master colorist in Hawaii sine 2007 this is the highest designation in the nation with less than 1900 members. He is constantly studying new methods and techniques to stay at the top of the hair industry He genuinely provides only the Best experience for you. Insightful, sincere, professional, and truly kind. Love Rick, I'm sure all of you will too :) read more

Rick is the man!! SUPER nice, Super fun to talk with. He goes WAY above and beyond to help his customers and always gives a sharp and good-looking cut. No frills, all business, he'll always shoot with you straight and let you know how it is. He's one of the few truly talented and legitimate stylists around, especially in Hawaii. Although I just use Rick for cuts, many of the women I know have had their hair colored with him and they really love it - apparently, that's his specialty! I can't highly recommend Rick more. read more

I look forward to see Rick every couple of months for my hair cut! Rick is warm, friendly and honest. It's always such a relaxing and welcoming experience to see him in his private location at the Parkside Salon in Makiki! What I love the most about him is that he educates his clients about how the beauty industry puts harmful chemicals in most hair products and he is VERY knowledgeable about this topic. He is well known for being an EXCELLENT colorist although I haven't done any color with him yet as my hair is still recovering from a case of very damaging highlights done by an unexperienced colorist. I learned my lesson and from now on I only trust Rick with my hair!!! read more

Where to begin! How about a list?! - Rick Hoo can do incredible things with hair. He can fix whatever hair color mess you or another stylist has made, he can give you immaculate extensions, and he'll give you the haircut YOU ask for. - Rick is a Master Colorist, the only one in Hawaii. At first, I didn't know what that was and doubted its measure. But it's a real thing and it's impressive. - That being said, he is no doubt a master at color! - He is warm, welcoming, accommodating, and likeable. Who doesn't want that in a stylist? - Rick uses products that are the least harmful on your hair, but are still effective. He's not just a hair stylist, Rick has a background in chemistry and attends seminars on the mainland dedicated to understanding the chemical makeup of particular hair products. Rick is in high demand, there is no doubt about that. If you ever decide to go see him, you'll definitely keeping coming back :) read more

Just moved back to Honolulu and looked up Rick to do my hair again. He did an awesome job back then and still does now! Love how he cuts my hair and the color he uses, still leaves my hair soft and shiny. Have had many a compliment. Mahalo Rick for doing a great job! read more

We have been customers of Rick Hoo for years, he is the best for anything hair. Any problems, call Rick. You will never go wrong again./gkn read more

I went to Rick for the first time with drastic hair changing ideas (chopping it off and going dark). He was great listening to what I wanted, looking at the photos I brought and making sure I was happy. After a couple days I decided that I wanted to go even shorter and add a few highlights...Rick got me right in and said he just wants me happy with my hair what ever it takes. I love my new short look! read more

I highly recommend this very skilled colorist. His salon is comfortable and comforting, and his work is extraordinary.

I have always had a challenge with my side swept bangs. After getting them cut by other hair stylists, they seemed to lose their shape very fast. But awhile back I was introduced to Rick and he has been able to give me great looking, long lasting bangs that even hold their style as they grow longer. I am ever so grateful! Rick is extremely professional and is a great listener. He really pays attention to what his clients want. read more