Great salon with parking, pretty interior, convenient booking, and my favorite stylist of all time: Bryce-the-wonderful! I received a hair cut and style on Saturday--it's another great cut in years of great cuts from Bryce. And I saw lots of other offerings that piqued my attention. I'll explore further options with Valerium when my work schedule lightens up in a few months. read more

Given that I am very particular about who does my hair, it can take a while to find the right vibe; the right person. I was most fortunate to discover Valarium. The Salon. The Man. Top to bottom is the most authentic experience one could hope for. As a result, my beauty and confidence know no bounds! For those of you who are not afraid of some intelligent conversation, you'll find yourself in good company. read more

I've never left a salon so thrilled! Jennifer really understood how I was feeling about my hair and made it look SO much better. She covered my grays, cooled down the color, and put in beautiful highlights. She also effortlessly fixed my grown out short haircut. I feel so relieved and confident! read more

I love to go to Valerium's Salon. He is for me the best hairdresser. He does amazing colors and he is very sharp with cuts. I truly recommend him. You will love it. read more

Just had an effortless waxing sesh from Dorene the waxing queen. Was in and out of there in less than 20 minutes. It was quick, comfortable, and nearly entirely painless. The professionalism of Dorene was amazing and she makes you feel right at home and relaxed during the time you're with her. You can tell she's very experienced and doesn't miss a thing. She's very thorough and even has a very gentle wound healing cream she applies afterwards so that your feel comfortable leaving her place without any stickiness. Highly recommend her services! Give yourself a little bit of time to find parking since it is a busy street. read more

There parking lot was a nightmare. The hairdresser was rude and the haircut and color was horrific. They left me orange and brassy. I ended up going to another salon to correct it. When I called to speak with the owner, he was even worse than the stylist. It was obvious he didn't give two sh*ts. read more

I'm a balding, middle-aged dude. Not much hair upstairs to really think about. That said, I have had two extraordinary experiences with Valerium. Firstly, he is my girlfriend's stylist and, I gotta say, he is a magician with her color and cut. Truly outstanding! He makes my already hot girlfriend crazy-desirable! And, because he does such an incredible job with my girlfriend's hair, I sent my daughter to have her hair styled for prom. Valerium not only did not disappoint, he gave my daughter a perfect style and hair experience that was beyond exceptional. In fact, recently, she returned to add a little pizzazz to her hair. Once again, Valarium could not have been more outstanding. He is an artist, a consummate professional, and about the coolest guy rockin' on NE Sandy. This guy knows his hair! read more

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Go see Amanda!! She's 5+ stars!! Much Covid Care at Valarium too! I followed Amanda to Valarium initially with some trepidation, but I had received two excellent cuts from her. Both haircuts grew out better than any haircut I had ever received!! I normally need to get my hair cut every 8-10 weeks to maintain any sense of style, but my budget changed significantly so started having to wait 4-5 months between cuts. I discovered Amanda by purchasing a Groupon when she worked at GBest. I had a fantastic cut, but it took 3 appointments, so I was uncertain. I liked the cut from her so returned to her in February 2020. Covid struck and I couldn't get my hair cut and it grew out beautifully!! So, I followed Amanda to Valerium and paid significantly more for a haircut!! The cut in July lasted to 12/1/20 when I had her cut my hair again. She takes such seriousness in cutting your hair, every single hair! Every scissor cut is purposeful and skilled! You won't go wrong with her. Just be patient because she is a special, unique person!! They follow Covid safety protocol to the T!! I felt safer from Covid getting my haircut with Amanda and Valerium (with his client) in the salon than when I went to my dr for my flu shot!! Amanda and Valerium both wore two masks and Amanda carefully and diligently disinfected every item after touching it. Go Support Amanda!!! read more

I had a wonderful experience today. I received a fabulous haircut from Valerium. My first ever haircut from a man and it was a great experience. He listened to what I wanted, we discussed hair tips and best practices for my hair care and he gave me a very thoughtful and beautiful Bob. Just what I wanted. I am excited that I have found a highly knowledgeable, compassionate, true and calm hair care professional close to my home. I'm looking forward to a long happy relationship. read more

I had an appointment with Amanda at 2 today. She didnt even bother to show up. Didn't answer my texts or calls either.

First time at Valerium Salon but a return customer for Dorene. She is The Wax Queen who used to be in the pearl district. I'm giving this place five stars but wish I could give 100 stars!! When I first got there I was greeted very warmly by the staff. The place looked clean and was nice inside. Doreen came and got me from the front and took me to her private studio around the side. Now a review of her services. First of all I just have to say what a warm and welcoming person she is. She makes you feel comfortable right away and is very professional and respectful. Even though I have been to her once before, I had a traumatic experience at another waxing place and was super nervous to get a wax "down there". I was in and out in 20 minutes! It was way less pain then I was anticipating which told me she really is THE BEST IN PORTLAND!! I have had eyebrow waxings that were more painful then this! I highly highly highly recommend her to anyone. When it comes to the Vajayjay, you shouldn't trust just anyone! I will definitely be returning to her again!!! read more

Jennifer is amazing! She has been doing my hair for years now and never lets me down. Especially with color. I always get a lot of compliments and people always ask me where I go. read more

Best hair done here! Valerium is the bomb.com and the salon is beautiful. He is friendly and funny and very professional. The other people that work there are really great too. I can't recommend this place enough Lavi does my hair extensions and she amazing. 5 stars all the way. read more

Rebecca is the BEST! And believe me I've searched long and hard to find someone to tolerate me and my considerably picky hair concerns...lol! Not only does she create healthy, beautiful, maintain-able style, but she listens intently to my hair goals (and whims ;-) and is never shy or rude about letting me know what is and isn't possible for my hair. She will always err on the side of caution and make sure we are on the same page before any potentially regrettable decisions are made, yet still manages to be highly creative........Plus, she is just an all around great person and I love talking and hanging out with her while getting my hair done, so....win-win ! read more

I won't deny it, I love my hair! Today is my first day back at the office after the holidays, and I have gotten several compliments on how good it looks. However, even though I was prepared to splurge a little, I was sent completely into shock at the price to get my hair coloured, and it put a serious damper on Christmas weekend. The cut was $65, which I expected for a quality cut at a somewhat more upscale salon. However, when she did some math outloud and mentioned $120, I thought that was the total. When I was handed a receipt for $195 (ie, the colour alone was $120), I was stunned. My hairdresser was very nice, even took the time to call and warn me she was running a little late, and did a great job. But this is Portland, and I know I can get a great dye job for half the price. read more

Alisha has been such a great resource for me over the years. I have followed her through three salons in the almost ten years I have been going to her. She knows how to cut curly hair, because she has curly hair and so has learned what it takes to do it right. She is friendly and pleasant. The studio is trendy - in a good location. My biggest (and only) concern is the cost. Through the years I have tried other stylists on occasion in order to find a new curly expert who I can better afford. They always disappoint and I end up back with Alisha. read more

WAX review : Dorene is a master unlike anyone I've ever been to with waxing! I have had some REALLY great Brazilian waxers but Dorene has completely set the bar at a new level. Quick, comfortable, confident with what she is doing you are in and out so quickly, she makes it as painless as possible and you can just tell that she has so much knowledge of the skin, products she's using and how to navigate your treatment with individualization of what you need exactly for your skin/hair type. I've also never felt so comfortable in a Brazilian way, she is so kind and complimentary! LOVE Dorene, I don't know why anyone would go anywhere else! read more

My long-time hair stylist Alisha recently moved to this salon and I couldn't be happier. As soon as you walk inside you realize that Valerium is in a class of its own. Beautifully designed and stylized, you would think that the place was in Beverly Hills or something. Everyone here is friendly and helpful and they have excellent wine and treats (I hear that Valerium's parents make them daily for the salon - how cool is that?) I would have followed Alisha anywhere, but I'm so, so glad that this is where she ended up. read more

I wanted to take some time to talk about how wonderful Dorene is for waxing. I had been getting Brazilians for about 5 years until I had a TERRIBLE experience over seas. I said I would never wax again and was severely traumatized. However, after 5 months of recovery, I said I would give it another shot. I went on Groupon just to see what was out there and I'm sure glad I did. Dorene is amazing. It was the least painful Brazilian I had ever had, and that was after months of shaving and my hair becoming thicker and darker (which usually is more painful). I was in and out in 20 minutes. The space is inviting and Dorene has a warm personality that makes you feel comfortable from the beginning. I started as a Groupon client, but no need to search any further. I will be going on a regular basis again and happy to pay full price. read more

This is the only place I will get my and my girls' haircut. Valerium is a master at cutting hair. He has such a good sense of style. He takes the time to get to know you and learn about how you take care of your hair and how much time you want to put into it each day. My girls are 12 and 7 and they have been coming here for years. He makes them feel so special everytime. read more

Emily Lucas at Valerium has been taking care of my hair with wash/cut/style/color for several months now. She is completely awesome and I have never had such good results --- every single time! Emily has the amazing talents of really caring for her clients and being a perfectionist all the way. So appreciative, thank you! read more

Dorene was completely unprofessional and rude. She told me that she would not be able to wax me because I'm pregnant. When I scheduled the appointment I told the receptionist that I would be using a Groupon and that I'm pregnant. Dorene said she charges more for pregnant people and that it would be too difficult for her. She said she would need more time. She made me feel incredibly uncomfortable and I walked out without having the service completed. Just 6 weeks prior I had been waxed by somebody else (still very pregnant at the time) with no issues so this was completely Dorene's fault. Do not go to her. read more

This review is months overdue. Valerium has been a constant in my life since moving back to the PNW and growing increasingly frustrated with lackluster results from other stylists. I had wanted to work with a stylist in the Camas/Vancouver area because Portland traffic is often cringe-worthy. But, everyone knows that when it comes to your hair, dealing with sometimes horrific traffic is just something you must endure. I stumbled upon Valerium one weekend while running online searches to seek out a true expert who could fix my increasingly over-dark dyed strands. Valerium rescued my hair and brought it back to a beautiful, natural color. More exciting than that (is it possible there could be anything more exciting than that?!?) is that not only is Valerium a genius in coloring, he has, on two occasions, transformed my hair into the vision in pictures I collected and shared with him. Valerium has given me two major cuts that were so spot-on, precisely what I wanted, that I am in awe of his scissor skills. I am now donning the most chic pixie (a la Natalie Portman shaved head grow-out pixie) that is uncannily and eerily EXACTLY what was portrayed in the photos and as I envisioned. I've had pixie cuts about a half-dozen times in my life. The pixie Valerium gave me today is just PERFECT. I've stared at myself in the sun visor and rear view mirrors of my vehicle, the bathroom mirror, my phone, etc. at every possible angle for an absurdly and unhealthy amount of time today, marveling at my perfect, pristine pixie (yes...the rare alliteration trifecta--so well-deserved). I love my haircut. Beyond all of that, Valerium takes a great deal of time showing his clients exactly how to style their hair to make it look as flawlessly as it does when they leave his salon...because if you can't style it yourself, what is the point?!? Finally, Valerium has become a dear friend and confidante--beyond the typical bond I've had with prior stylists. He truly is family. I love him. Yes, Yelpers: I. Love. Him. You will as well. Go see this hair genius. read more

I have been looking for a curly hair specialist since I moved to Portland and FINALLY after years of searching I've found her! I admit I've spent far too long straightening my naturally curly hair because I didn't know what to do with it. And apparently neither did my previous stylists because every time I tried to rock the curly look I ended up looking like a clown. It was probably about a month ago that I was at the mall and I saw a woman with AMAZINGLY stylish curly hair. I am soooo not the type to do this, but I practically ran her down trying to find out where she got her hair done. Long story short, she directed me to Alisha at Valerium Salon and I made an appointment immediately. I got in two weeks ago and I admit I was nervous, but hopeful. Turns out I didn't have to be nervous at all. Alisha was great. To weeks later, I LOVE my hair. And it's CURLY! For the first time ever I love my hair curly. It's crazy. I keep telling everyone about Alisha, and finally my coworker told me to get on Yelp (I think she was tired of hearing me talk about my hair), so here I am. So if you're looking for a curly hair specialist who can rock natural curly hair styles, go to Alisha, she is awesome. read more

I am in love with this salon for many reasons, the main one being my stylist Alisha Savage (Chadwick). Every time I get my hair done here, I am greeted with friendly, professional service and leave with a stylin', hip cut. The salon itself is quite cute (and very clean) and resides in a very convenient location in SE Portland. Definitely more of a "chick" salon, but I have dragged my boyfriend in for a cut before and he survived. read more

Just got a great cut from Lisa E. - I went from past-shoulder length to a shorter bob cut. Lisa is also well versed in curly hair - she knew how to cut , layer and shape my neglected mop of hair - I've gotten so many compliments! Thanks! Great salon, great service! read more

In full disclosure, Darcy is a personal friend of mine. That being said, she's never cut my hair prior to this, and tonight my hair looks nicer than it ever has in my life. I still love this salon, and I recommend you go to Darcy. She has made my man-friend and a number of man friends look freaking amazing, which made me a little worried she wouldn't do as good with my thin, long, hard-to-handle, limp, lifeless girl hair. I was so wrong. She is gifted. Go see her. She will make you pretty. read more

Highly recommend Valerium-I have always been apprehensive of trying a new hair stylist. I have long textured hair. After some research, I decided to have Valerium cut my hair and add baby lights. Valerium was incredible, very detail oriented, and caters hair cut/color exactly to what the clients' needs and wants are. My hair feels revived! The haircut frames my face perfectly, while maintaining volume and shape just how I like it. You can easily tell he has years of experience. read more

Catrina did such an amazing job!! I was always scared to get my hair dyed and cut again it had been over a year. She definitely changed my mind about a womans hair. She has been doing hair professionally for 12 years. And i will get my hair done by her FOREVER! I trust her completely. She dyed it, cut, and thinned it to perfection. I will be forever grateful for the beautiful job she did. I cant get over how great everything came out. She took her time. Catrina is super friendly and really knows what she's doing. She definitely cares and loves her career. I will reccomend her anyone and everyone!!! Salon is clean, professional and comfortable. I wont go anywhere else. Thank you Catrina. read more

I've been coming to see Valerium for about 3 years and I can tell you he is one of the best colorists in the city of Portland. I had to cancel an appointment with him a couple of months ago and I went to another salon because of scheduling around my personal life. What a mistake to go to someone else. I had a cut and color by Valerium today (fixing what went wrong from the other stylist) and I feel like a new woman! Warning: he is a bit expensive but well worth it. read more

I had my hair done by Lavi and I can't say enough great things about her and the salon. She got my color exactly how I wanted it. I also received a conditioning treatment and hands down the best shampoo and scalp massage I've ever had in my life The girl has magic hands. She was very genuine and professional and super friendly. The salon is really clean and well maintained. I will definitely be returning. read more

Marcy was awesome! I showed her a random picture of how I wanted my hair to look like and she pretty much made it come to life! I have pretty curly hair so I wanted something with body but not so much that it would look like a giant frizz ball. Marcy was able to make it all happen. She was quick, friendly and totally willing to listen and work with my restrictions! read more

Valerium. There are no words to express the quality of work. The professionalism. The personalization. the care. and the artistry. It's all tied into one beautiful word: Valerium. So grateful to have walked in the doors 3 years ago, after hopping for many many years. Go. Now. Go. read more

Kathy. She gave me the best haircut of my life. I have weird in-between wavy hair that looks mullet-ish with any layers, and she totally rocked it out. She was kind of a slow-mover... my appointment started late but I saw her chatting in between clients... I was full of nervous energy because it was the first time I was away from my infant son for that long... the quality of her work totally surprised and wowed me, after washing out the style it STILL looked good. Sorry about the crappy tip, Kathy! I'll do better next time. read more

I have one name for you if you need anything waxed.... It's ELISE! She's incredible! I love her! I have been told I can't grow my eyebrows out anymore(they have been too thin) and she laughed telling me that it can sometimes take a year! I thought I was at a loss after 2 months. She has given me helpful hints and she's so easy to talk to. She makes you feel comfortable. She's super neat with her waxing and it hasn't hurt at all when she has done it! I use to get bad bumps after and I rarely do now that I go to her. I hope she never ever ever changes jobs b/c I have found my girl! read more

Just recently had my first experience at this salon. I had gone to Jamie at The Parlour in St. John's for a couple of years (love The Parlour!) but alas, I moved to outer NE and now live too far to make biking to St. John's a viable option just to get my hair cut. I went to Jennifer at Valerium, and she did a terrific job. I absolutely love the cut, the salon was upscale and yet laid-back at the same time. Everyone there was friendly (no snobbery, which I was afraid of), and there was no high-pressure sales crap to get me to buy their products, and I basically had a good time drinking wine and chatting with my very talented stylist. It cost WAY more than I am used to paying ($65 just for a cut and style- gulp!), but honestly I think it was worth it and I will definitely go back. read more

I was desperately searching for a salon that was NOT located downtown - tired of paying for parking, fighting traffic, etc., but wanted the downtown esthetic. Since I live in the Rose City Park area I decided to try Valerium. Oh my! Lisa Ernst cut my hair - and believe me my hair is not picnic - it was honestly the best haircut I've ever had. My stringy thin fine mop was beautifully cut and actually looked great. I was thrilled. Lisa listens and takes the time to understand what you want. She is very knowledgeable and confident whi h makes you feel comfortable in her capable hands. I have scheduled cut and color. Looking forward to her working her magic once again. Yes, it is expensive. When I phoned and scheduled my haircut they quoted $55, but the charge was $65. Apparently the stylists operate independently within the salon, so I can understand why the rate was misquoted. I'm saving my pennies to pay for the cut and color and anticipate sticker shock. Even at these prices I think she is a good value. I was not as in love enthralled with the salon's environment as some other reviewers. Basically it's one big room with 6 or 8 hairdressers working side-by-side. I found it noisy, but if sheLisa can work her magic again I"ll continue the relationship, Plus I love the free parking and not having to deal with downtown traffic. read more

Thank God for Darcy! She is excellent. I found her to be compassionate, personable, honest, knowledgeable without being condescending. The best part she gave me a great hair cut (w/ extensions)! The location is a bit precarious, but totally worthwhile! read more

Lavi did an outstanding job, not expensive at all, so nice and friendly, professional, could not say enough nice things about this Salon. Loved every bit of it. read more

Jamie Donaugh Brown has been my stylist for many years, and I can't imagine seeing anyone else but her. She's incredibly gifted in the way she cuts, colors, and styles my hair. I always have friends who compliment me on my hair, and ask "who do you see?" One of the things I especially appreciate about her is she listens to what you ask her to do. I hear so many horror stories about stylists who don't listen (cutting off several inches when the request was for a trim). You'll never experience this with Jamie. She listens and she also takes the time to make recommendations about what she knows will be flattering for your face. Plus, she makes the appointments fun and personable. You won't be disappointed! Salon itself is clean, chic, and the glass of complimentary wine is always nice. read more