The Hair Lab is clean, professional, and their stylists are personable and talented. They seem to…read moregenuinely enjoy being in the salon and working with their clients. I worked for Paul Mitchell the School OP for several years, so I tend to look at salons with more scrutiny than the average guest. I was impressed with The Hair Lab. They have great customer service, great communication, and their stylists take the time to do a thorough consultation. They offer beverages and regularly check in on guests while they're processing. The stylists take pride in their work and keep their stations and tools clean. Over several visits I didn't see a build up of hair from multiple guests on the floors or tumbleweeds of hair in the corners. They use and sell quality professional products. I saw Nina a few times for for balayage and haircut. She was wonderful, sadly she's since moved to Texas. It's super easy to schedule an appointment by phone or request one online. Their front desk staff is friendly and accommodating. Continuing education for their stylists seems to be very important and they stay up to date on current techniques and trends. The salon itself is really cute, modern, and easy to access. Both their street and parking lot entrance are wheelchair friendly, and their stations and wash areas seem to support accessibility as well. I would highly recommend The Hair Lab.

I really wanted to love my experience here because the salon itself is absolutely beautiful, and…read moreevery staff member I interacted with was warm, friendly, and welcoming. Unfortunately, the actual service I received was not what I paid for. I booked and paid $90 specifically for a curly haircut, which is a reasonable price in this area for a true curly specialist service. However, what I received felt more like a standard haircut rather than a curly cut. Before the appointment started, I thoroughly explained what I was hoping to achieve: more curl definition lasting beyond wash day, guidance on styling techniques, and a haircut tailored specifically for curly hair. Despite this, my hair was cut wet rather than dry, and there was no curl-by-curl shaping or specialized curly cutting technique used at all. As the appointment continued, several things made me question the stylist's experience level with curly hair. My stylist, Anna, seemed unprepared for the appointment. While styling, my hair was already drying and becoming frizzy in the front before products were even fully applied, and I had to point out that it needed to be re-wet. She also did not have her own diffuser and had to borrow one from coworkers. I had specifically mentioned that curl creams tend to weigh my hair down, but one was still used during styling. The diffusing process itself was also very uncomfortable, as I was instructed to hang the lower half of my body off the chair so my neck rested against the back of it. By the time my hair was almost fully dry, it honestly looked very similar to how it did when I walked in -- like I had showered, slept on wet hair, and done nothing else to style it. That was extremely disappointing after paying for a professional curly hair service. Anna could tell I was unhappy, and to her credit, she was kind and tried to fix things by washing the product out and attempting a blowout instead. Unfortunately, I still left with poorly styled hair. The face-framing pieces were going in different directions, and the overall result did not look professionally styled. I do want to emphasize that Anna herself was very sweet and pleasant throughout the appointment. However, when charging $90 for a curly haircut, a certain level of expertise and preparation is expected, and I do not feel that level of skill or knowledge was there. When booking, I specifically told the salon owner I was looking for an experienced curly hair specialist. I was told Anna was newer to the salon but had experience with curly hair and many happy clients. I truly hope this experience was just a one-off, but based on the multiple issues throughout the appointment, it did not feel like someone with advanced curly hair knowledge or technique. The owner did initially reach out afterward to try to rectify the situation, which I appreciated. However, after I responded, I unfortunately never heard back again. I had been very excited to come here because I've heard so many wonderful things about the salon, which makes this experience even more disappointing. I truly hope they take this feedback seriously because the salon itself has a great atmosphere and very kind staff.

I got the best Spring haircut and color from Kai.. really a complete makeover I had lunch with…read moreseveral of my Nurse friends and everyone complimented me and my husband really loves it and believe it or not it's really low maintenance Kai does an excellent job if you want a new Spring look book an appointment.. great Salon

If I could give negative stars, I would…read more I came into this salon with healthy hair and a simple request. Highlights. What I left with was a chemical war zone on my scalp and hair that looked like it had been through a haunted car wash. The stylist completely botched my color. It was patchy, uneven, and flat-out fried. I looked like a spaghetti squash that had been left out in the sun. Worse. I went back to give them a chance to fix it and it somehow got even worse. The stylist acted like they had never seen a toner in their life and honestly seemed like they were not in a sober state to be handling bleach or scissors or any other living creature for that matter. I ended up going to another salon just to undo the damage and they were horrified at what had been done to my hair. After spending over six hundred dollars and enduring two appointments from hell, my hair is still damaged beyond repair. Think straw with commitment issues. Do yourself a favor. If you value your hair, your time, or your dignity, run in the opposite direction. This place should come with a warning label and a fire extinguisher.

I read all the reviews so I made an appointment with Chelsea the owner. We discussed my hair and…read moreshe did a beautiful job cutting it. I will go back. Sondra

The five star reviews ARE TRUE!…read more First, the ambiance was so relaxing. Im talking essential oil diffuser, low chandelier lights, candles for sale, fun couches, with a maximalist-esque decor vibe, and even a little library! Second, I came in to get a bad color fixed from another salon and believe me when I say that she went above and beyond. I didn't expect much since it was in pretty bad shape coming in, but she blended it so well and did exactly what I wanted. Going back to the relaxing environment, at the shampoo bowl, I nodded off THREE times because I was so relaxed. THREE TIMES! That's never happened with uncomfortable shampoo bowls being at odd angles, but the bowl was what all shampoo bowls everywhere need to be! It's by appointment only so you'll want to book in advance if you want to get in. After I booked, I went to look for another time and she was already booked a month out. (Not surprising!!) Great conversationalist, wonderful treatment, took her time on me, and just.. what a lovely experience. I would say this place is definitely a Maplewood gem.

If you have curly hair, Kyra is That Girl!…read more I have been wanting a curly shag forever and my past stylists have either been too afraid to do it or thought it would look mullet-y, so I thought I'd try a curly hair expert. Multiple reddit threads and FB groups later, I saw enough recs for Kyra that I was ready to give her a shot. The salon itself is so cute and eclectic--the coolest thrifted decor! And I was greeted with an offer for a drink and gladly took a hot coffee on a freezing day, which was a great way to get started. Then I met Kyra who was SUCH a good listener and she continued to educate me on what she thought would work for me, told me we could always get more funky at a future appointment so I wasn't too shocked, and walked me through all the steps of styling so I could recreate her magic at home. When I tell you that she gave me the cut of my dreams, I mean it! 70s vibes with defined curls and a routine that won't take me three hours. I genuinely can't wait to go back. GO TO KYRA!

The cut and color was perfect! Unfortunately, it's growing too fast! Will get in again!read more

Had my hair done a week ago by Alyssa. She put bling back in my hair after a year plus letting it…read moreget healthy and it looks absolutely beautiful. It's in such great condition since switching salons and coming to her on a regular basis. She is super friendly and I love coming to this

I was denied a bang trim by Kelsey because I wasn't an exciting client. Kelsey unkindly noted that…read morebecause she "specializes in color," she doesn't have time for the appointment unless I do a color service. What a freaking JOKE!! I have never heard such a ridiculous reason to not see someone for a ten-minute appointment. I will NEVER visit this salon regardless of my hair needs and would strongly recommend giving your business to other estbalishments.

We're from NY and l needed to get my hair done for my son's Wedding and Rehearsal Dinner. I found…read morethis salon and Julie on line and l am SO glad l did! I came a few months prior and she did a test run for the Bridal Shower and spent a long time getting it to look perfect so l felt confident it would be great for the wedding and it WAS! She's attentive( answering my many texts and pics l sent before meeting her lol),patient,kind and made the entire experience fun and pleasant. I even brought a few of my friends attending the wedding who got their hair done there as well and EVERYONE was so happy! She made a stressful situation being from out of town a wonderful experience and days to remember!

I got my haircut by Maddie and she was honestly the best hair stylist I have ever had! She was so…read moregood about checking in at each part of the haircut to see if I wanted it shorter/different. She's such a nice person too and a delight to talk to. I only visit St. Louis a few times a year but I will forever be sure to get my haircut by her whenever I visit!

I have gone here a couple times now for a haircut of my long curly hair. I enjoy that the process…read morefor booking something online is very simple and straightforward, they send you reminders, you were able to pre-pay, and they're easy to get in contact with. You can park on the street immediately in front on an hour by hour basis, or if you want to walk a couple blocks, you can park in the neighborhoods behind the main central West End area. When you enter, you are offered some tea or coffee or water, always something I appreciate. The receptionist is very welcoming as is the staff. I was very pleased with my curly haircut and conversation during the procedure!

Excellent service - The best hair salon in St.Louis! My stylist Alec is very talented and he does…read moreamazing job on my hair. They use Aveda products - wonderful! Their hair wash station is the most comfortable I've ever seen. Those chairs won't hurt your neck. They also have Aveda goodie bags for new customers!

I went back to Kink to see Grace. I told her what I was having trouble with blending and that I…read moreneeded a few more extensions put in. She took a look at my hair and checked out how I had been taking care of it and gave me some tips on how to untangle the existing strands. She was so laid back during my visit with her and I am loving my hair. She is by far the most open and understanding stylist I have had in many years. I dig her vibe and the relaxed atmosphere. Grace is the best!

Tori is the best hair stylist I've ever had, and due to distance, I have to find someone else and…read moremy heart is broken. Tori is brilliant, and gave me the best cuts! She took me from long to short and helped me grow it out, and my cuts always looked fresh and not too new or too grown out, even if much time passed. I'm dragging my feet to find someone new bc I keep hoping I can somehow make the distance work. Truly, the best place ever, with the kindest folks. Go here. Be nice. Support Kink!

This was my first visit to Lisa who listened to my concerns and offered a lot of good information…read moreand then a great haircut. The salon itself is comfortable and welcoming. Will be happy to return!

Charles did my hair. I had more than 3 inches of regrowth and my hair was extremely brassy. He's a…read moreliteral hair magician. He somehow revived my hair and made it look 20 years younger. Perfectly blended and the perfect color . He brought back my natural color, only classier and richer and the shine with his expertise. I cannot wait to see him again. He was the most lovely person and a true expert in what he does. I highly recommend Charles at Strands!

Sara was welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly! She listened to what I was looking for and what I…read moredidn't like about previous services done at other salons. She had great recommendations and I couldn't be happier with the end result. My hair looks shiny, healthy and refreshed! I love the color and cut and felt so confident leaving the salon. I will definitely be back and can't recommend her enough!

I did not want to leave this review, but after paying $700 and leaving with severely damaged hair,…read moreI feel obligated to warn others about my experience. I went to this salon because a stylist I had been seeing for over a year moved here. She had been maintaining my cherry cola color for about a year, and when she moved to The Boulevard, I told her I wanted to start the process of going back to my natural level 6 brown. I understood that removing red is a process and specifically told her I was completely fine doing it over multiple appointments. I also asked if we could keep the first appointment within a certain timeframe because I had dinner plans, and she agreed. My appointment was scheduled for noon. When I arrived, I sat alone for 30 minutes without being greeted, consulted, or acknowledged by anyone before my stylist finally came over. The appointment ultimately lasted 7 hours, and I had bleach on my hair for approximately 3 hours. When I left, my hair was severely damaged. In fact, my stylist knew it didn't look right because as I was leaving, she told me to "wear a ponytail to dinner." That is not something you say to a client who just spent hundreds of dollars and received a successful service. I have since shown photos from that appointment to other licensed cosmetologists, and multiple have told me the damage was evident as soon as the foils came out. I have always taken excellent care of my hair, use professional products, and have never experienced damage like this. My hair is now rough, difficult to manage, and completely different from how it felt before. I can't run my fingers through it, my natural texture is gone, and it is genuinely unrecognizable to me. I was so upset that I spent the entire weekend crying and had to miss work on Monday. When I called the salon Monday morning, I was told the owner would contact me. I never received a call. When I called back two hours later, the owner suddenly answered. She offered a free treatment if I came in immediately, but the first thing she said to me in person was, "It's not that bad." After spending two days devastated over the condition of my hair, that was incredibly dismissive and upsetting to hear. The owner then told me that the original stylist would perform my next treatment and that I could pay for a new color service. I explained that after what happened, I believed I deserved both a refund and a corrective color service. The stylist refused a refund, and offered the color service for free. I agreed to this, and then stylist put red back on my hair, leaving me looking almost exactly as I did before I started this process, except now my hair is badly damaged and I am out $700. I came to this salon because I trusted my stylist and trusted the salon to guide me through this process responsibly. Instead, I have walked out feeling worse every single time. The most disappointing part is that the owner never apologized, never took accountability, and never made a meaningful attempt to make this right. I wish I had never come here. I am now left paying for the damage done to my hair, and multiple people who have seen the condition of it have told me I should pursue legal action because of how severe the damage is.