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Emerson Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Barbers Hair Salons, Barbers [Edit]
909 E Pike St(between Broadway & 10th Ave)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 323-7437
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
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57 reviews for Emerson Salon
57 reviews in English
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Review from Daemon C.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really don't trust a lot of people with my hair, but I've had people close to me recommend Lancer Forney at the Emerson Salon. I finally had a chance to get my hair done by him.
Now my hair has been notorious for being rather wild. I get my thick long hair from my dad and it has stifled a lot of hairdressers for years. He wanted to try this new Perfection Smoothing System on me, and I was thinking that this would be like other relaxers or texturizers. I was wrong.
That whole procedure was not invasive at all unlike traditional ones. In fact he was also able to do the coloring right after we shampooed the treatment out. He had a bunch of hair swatches to help compare the different shades and how they would compliment with my natural hair color. in the end I ended up with some of the best hair I've ever had in years...not since my old hairdresser back in Long Beach retired some 15 years ago.
The vibe here is very easy going, unlike most salons where it could be a bit on the pretentious side. I was there for four hours, but I had so much fun chatting it up with everyone there while getting my hair done it didn't even feel like it at all. To call Lancer a stylist is an understatement. He's an artist. He knows what he's doing and can even turn my mangled mess into something I can actually be proud of.
He also recommended this Morrocan Oil shampoo and conditioner that will preserve everything that was performed that day. Yeah this stuff and the salon ain't cheap but when it comes to your hair you get what you pay for, and compared to all the uber-pretentious salons I've been at it's actually a good value since you're getting so much more than just a haircut.
Lancer is the man you want. Of course, if he's booked Kate's a wonderful stylist too! -
Review from Marley B.
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Visited Danielle here last week for a quick haircut and left feeling pretty happy. The setup of the salon is unique, with each station using an antique dresser for their supplies. The lighting is also very warm- not the usual fluorescent crap used at most salons. Their products smell great and seem to be of good quality, and they played great music.
$40 for a really good haircut plus a good conversation seemed reasonable. Their online booking system is also awesome for those of us who hate talking on the phone. -
Review from Jon L.
12/14/2011
An okay visit to Emerson.
I don't have a go to hairstylist. I like to mix it up. Generally like to alternate between getting a buzz cut and a style cut. Rudy's is my buzz cut shop, but I have been trying out other places to get a style cut. I purchased a Groupon several months back for a cut at Emerson. With a work holiday party coming up, it felt like a trip here was needed.
Presumably to keep the scheduling process streamlined, appointments are either booked via e-mail or by submitting an appointment request on their website. Someone from the salon reaches out to your e-mail regarding availability. If you don't have a particular stylist you want to see, it seems easier to get the appointment time you want. Otherwise, you will have to work with the stylist's availability to find a time that is right.
The storefront of the salon is in a great location on Pike Street near Broadway. I have passed this place several times wanting to get a cut here. The salon is quite big, as if it takes up two business spaces. Though the waiting area is tiny. There were just two seats.
The hair stations here are large and well spaced with plenty of room to work with. I wanted to get a caesar cut, but apparently my hair is not built for that. But at least it gave a stylist of the look I was going for.
After cutting for a bit, I went to the shampoo station. This process confuses me a bit. It seems like the shampoo wash should be done at the end given the little hairs you accumulate when getting a haircut. What is the point of the shampoo wash if you have to do it again at home after the haircut is complete?
Anyway after the shampoo wash, the cutting began again. And then an awkward moment. My ear had been scratched and a little blood appeared. The stylist was super apologetic. After an application of Neosporin, on we pressed. In the end, I have to say the haircut turned out pretty well.
Overall, I thought my experience at Emerson was fine. I don't know if I can justify a $40 cut here regularly though when I have had some haircuts at Raven just as good down the road.Listed in: The Daily Double
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Review from J A.
Brentwood, TN
2/9/2012
Have you ever walked out a hair salon feeling like you got exactly what you wanted? Have you ever gotten a haircut so good you began to suspect every other stylist and barber who ever touched your hair of--I don't know, padding their resumes, fabricating their certificates, having terrible taste? Neither had I until I went to Emerson. I'm a guy with medium-length (comes more than halfway down my face), very thick, very coarse hair. When my hair was short, I was content to go to Rudy's, but as I grew it out I found it was too much for the barbers there: they gave me competent but consistently unsatisfying cuts. I tried some of the nicer spots in town - Capelli's, Gene Juarez; each hit a different sour note (barbers/stylists didn't listen, didn't know how to handle my hair, atmosphere made me instinctively cross my legs).
Things to like about this place. First, there's no contrived atmosphere. Most salons put me off with their salonness, that sort of delicate, deliberate polish meant to complement the unbearable dance music they pipe in at happy-hour volume. None of that here. Also none of the theatrical, mahogany-heavy touches the higher-end barbershops (places that cater specifically to men) affect; no stacks of Boat Magazine Monthly, no big screen TV screaming sports and man and man, no caricatured sense of masculinity. Emerson's a nice-looking place in handsome building; that's all. Nothing about the place makes me feel uncomfortable.
Second, the haircut is some kind of voodoo (and you were all, 'What's that headline mean; what's this squirrelly business?' *That* is what this squirrel is about.) I've been to John several times now, and every time the haircut is punch-a-wall-for-joy good. He listens attentively to everything I say. He looks at my hair, messes with it a bit, gets a sense of what it can and can't do. It's hugely important for the person cutting your hair to be honest about the limitations of the cut; you have to work *with* the stylist to come up with a cut. Huh, that's a novel concept. Every time someone cut my hair in the past, when I told them what I wanted, they'd just go for it, even if what I wanted was totally unachievable with my hair. Once you've fully discussed how you want your hair to look and how to achieve that look, he goes about doing exactly what you wanted him to with such precision you're left wondering whether he's the only person in the world who ever went to school for this stuff. From techniques so basic it's dumbfounding no one else used them on you to incision-like snips, he was able to achieve the cut something like five stylist/barbers (some of them much more expensive [thank you sister's old gift card]) weren't.
He goes through the hair section by section, cutting each bit and comparing it to the overall cut. Did you know that Top, Sides and Back aren't the only sections to your hair? I didn't. I mean, I did in that I knew parts of my hair looked ridiculous (like the top of the back), but I was never able to get the person cutting my hair onboard with this idea: when I said, 'Cut the top of the back of my head,' they would cut all the hair on the back of my head. John understands the words that I say with requisite specificity. If what you want needs a tweak, John knows and gently suggests it. You wind up getting exactly what you want within the bounds of possibility.
$40 is more than I have historically paid for a haircut, but I think of it this way. Rudy's is $25 now; it's as though a genie said, 'Either you can torch 25 bucks for a disappointing haircut, or throw in an extra 15 and learn that you are in fact a decent-looking human being a woman could someday love. What's 15 bucks to look like a million?' That's cute, right? That's a cute tagline. Seriously, though, I've never written an online review for anything before, and this thing is a monster. Doesn't it piss you off to get a bad haircut? So stop getting them. -
Review from Holly S.
Seattle, WA
1/29/2012
Listening skills could use some work. I was hoping to find a new stylist, but I'll keep looking.
After waiting for 20 minutes, I was just about to walk out, when Lancer "Flock of Seagulls bed-head" finally came out to greet me. I told him all of my concerns with my current cut, he nodded, pretending to listen, then proceeded to do the opposite of everything I had just said. (He took it upon himself to switch my part to the other side, as if he hadn't noticed where it was when I walked in, or the cowlick behind that choice. I said, "I like the length here." *snip!* "I want it shorter here." *dismiss* "I leave my curls natural." *yank, tear, comb!*)
I walked out looking like a Vidal Sassoon ad, circa 1982. Cute, but with curls beaten into submission so as to be totally unrecognizable. I wasn't there to get my tresses done for a bawdy night on the town, just getting it cut for the remaining days of the week.
He's not incompetent, and certainly has some skills. I'm not walking around in a hat, or anything.
But not for a salon price, and not on my hair. -
Review from Inna B.
Seattle, WA
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was walking down Broadway last Friday evening and thinking my hair needed a cut (and style), so I decided to drop by Emerson Salon to see if luck was on my side. (I was ready for them to say "No, sorry, we're all booked up tonight.")
Thankfully that's not what happened, because Franz happened to be there and available. So he got me in his chair, we chatted briefly, he washed my hair, and then got to cutting and styling. I was very spacey from a long day/week at work, so we talked about random things. I believe our topics ranged from crazy socks to Podog mayorship on Foursquare to his vibrating flat iron (sweet)! It wasn't the best haircut or experience I've ever had, but how often do those happen anyway? I got a good cut, a few laughs, and a bottle of Kevin Murphy spray that protects my hair from heat damage (and smells good). I'm happy.
So... Why was Emerson on my mind? Their Twitter and Instagram accounts. I've been following them for about a year, and really wanted to finally check out the salon. I'm glad I did.
Oh, and I think I'm hooked on this Kevin Murphy stuff. I've been straightening my hair a lot lately, and I'm sure it will benefit from some protection from the heat. Plus, it smells good.Listed in: Scalp Massages & Styling…
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Review from ozzy g.
Seattle, WA
9/21/2011
I have short curly red hair. My curls are natural and my color is from a bottle. I get my hair cut every few months and in the summer I like to go for wild color before my trip to that big event in the desert.
Lancer has been cutting my hair for a year now. He is friendly yet professional, personable and just an all around wonderful member of the community. When I needed a connection for a personal matter for my son, it was Lancer who finally made the connection for me after many failed attempts. I will be forever grateful that he stuck his neck for a customer when he had nothing personal to gain.
I have several girlfriends also with curly hair who swear by this salon and Lancer's fabulous scissors. I no longer live close. It's a 30min drive to the salon from my house and I won't go anywhere else.
*** Update Jan. 2012
In December I had Lancer cut three inches from my curls. Then we added three different colors. Red, black & purple. The colors are brilliant and beautifully placed. Strangers stop me to ask where I had it done and my friends all have gone crazy over my hair. One even told me she is secretly jealous of how gorgeous the purple stripes are and she wishes her corporate job would allow her to do the same. I adore Lancer and always leave Emerson feeling like the queen of Seattle. -
Review from marie m.
Seattle, WA
5/19/2011
I'm guilty of the worst hair sin of all. But? It's totally not my fault. I don't get my hair cut on the regular. I know! I should totally do it to prevent...well you know. But each time I've gone to a stylist in Seattle I have been left needing hair therapy and for the last few years I had pretty much given up.
Last week I decided that it was time to do something about my hair. My ends were damaged and dull. I was wearing a bun everyday due to hair shame....and I was just sick of it.
Enter Twitter. I had asked if anyone had a recommendation for a good salon and a few people recommended Emerson. So I googled. I read yelp reviews... and I decided that the face I could trust the most was D'Arcy. People have had nothing but positive things to say so. I knew it. She was my new hair soul mate.
The pre cut consult was fantastic. I love it when I feel like someone is really taking time to figure out what YOU personally want done with your hair. She listened to what I wanted and what I didn't want. Many stylists I have seen have kind of pushed me into a corner of what THEY thought I should do without even listening to what I wanted. But, she did.
In the end I got a fantastic hair cut. Literally it looked like I had had a hair transplant. She did a wonderful blow out and she's going to be my new go to for that service as well. (25 bucks, people. What a steal!).
As I said on Twitter yesterday, she's a doll and a half. Go see her!! -
Review from Amanda S.
Seattle, WA
4/7/2011
Back, naturally, to Emerson Salon.
I always come to D'Arcy with 12 impossible tasks before breakfast.
"Make my hair purple," I'll say. Or worse yet, once the purple is absolutely perfect:
"Make my hair blue, but make it look natural and manage this on top of the purple."
She always makes it happen. When I moved to Seattle and away from my home-town hair stylist,
I was worried I wouldn't find someone else who could be honest with me about what would look good
but also be able to give me what I wanted. D'arcy manages to do all that and my crazy requests.
Emerson Salon is great in general, the reception is always warm, all the sylists are friendly
and on a throughly shallow note, the decor is nothing to be sneezed at. -
Review from Natalie G.
Seattle, WA
8/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have had my hair cut here several times and it turns out great every time. Rusty is my hair stylist and he is great, always takes time to hear what I want and makes my hair look great! He lets me know what will and won't work for my hair type and why, and I have been happy with the end result.
As a bonus you can book your appointment through their website which I like better than calling. -
Review from Chanele B.
Redmond, WA
1/11/2011
The first time I went to Emerson, I had a good experience, at least a 4 star. For my second visit, though, things went terribly wrong... as in "Call the health department. Why are you still in business?!" wrong. In short, the stylist cut himself and BLED all over me, not even behaving as if this was something out of the ordinary.
I was given a new stylist on my second visit because the girl I had booked called in sick. I wanted to change things up, so I asked to get quite a bit cut off. The stylist obliged, actually doing a pretty good job. I like my haircut. It is cute, easy to manage, and I am actually able to style it on my own.
What I do not like is blood of a strange person in my hair. As the stylist was cutting away, he suddenly commented that he had cut himself, as "the creative side of the brain doesn't always catch up to the fingers." Surely, he hadn't cut himself that much... right? When he finally stopped snipping, there was blood running down his hand. He went off in search of a band aid, and returned with a piece of Scotch tape wrapped on it, explaining that the bandaids were upstairs and he didn't want to go up there. He then continued to mess with my hair, styling and such. He did not even offer to rewash my hair!! When I got home, I frantically washed it, ruining all the styling work, but it was just too gross the more I thought about it.
In retrospect, I should have immediately stopped him and asked to speak to whoever was in charge. Blood is not something that should be shared so freely. I was so horrified that I didn't know what to do. I didn't even mention it as I was leaving. To this day, I have NO idea why I was so silent. Trauma?
Needless to say, I am really, really hesitant to return to Emerson for this reason. My haircut was cute, one of the best ones I've ever had, but it is just not a place that focuses on sanitary (or even sane) practices. -
Review from Katherine T.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 10/7/2011
I got my hair re-done about a week ago and bought a product that was used on me the first time I came in. It was a bottle of Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair, bought in hopes of my hair not looking so greasy the second day. I'm not a product user so I tend to forget I have these things. I used it once, a couple days after I went in. I was looking at my hair in the mirror, thinking how greasy the front looked and I remembered I had this. I went to go use it and it just kinda lamely let out a little air. It almost felt like the propellent was gone. I called them up and they told me to bring it in. When I got their, the guy at the counter said it was just empty, but assured me that it shouldn't be gone in a use or two. He handed me another bottle. I just pulled a total bitch move and asked for a free $25 product and he was completely chill and ok with it! GREAT customer service! I'm so glad I found this place!
Did I mention that my hair looks just as perfect as it did the first time?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2011
I've had my hair red for a few months. I went to a big name salon who said they could give me the… Read more »
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Review from J H.
Seattle, WA
10/25/2010
NOTE: I waited a week to write this review because my experience at Emerson Salon was so bad. I didn't want this to be a petulant review.
A week ago I was about to go on vacation and needed to trim my medium-length hair in preparation for my first vacation with my partner. The guy I typically go to (Billy at Seven Salon) wasn't available so I took a chance and walked in to Emerson Salon.
I checked in at the front desk and was told that they were all booked up but to hold tight for a second as there might be someone who could cut my hair. I waited a few minutes and the receptionist came back and said that Rusty could take me immediately.
Indeed Rusty greeted me within a few moments and ushered me back to his chair. Once seated he proceeded to put a cape on me and asked me what I wanted to do with my hair. I told him what I wanted and I was very clear: I'VE BEEN GROWING MY HAIR OUT FOR THE PAST NINE MONTHS AND JUST NEED THE SIDES TRIMMED UP A BIT A MAYBE A LITTLE TEXTURING.
He assured me that he knew what I wanted and started to squeeze water from a bottle all over my head and comb it into my hair. When the scissors came out he had apparently already forgotten that I asked for a TRIM, because the first snip was a little severe for a trim. I winced when I saw the amount of hair he had taken off the side of my head but he seemed to think that my discomfort could be assuaged if I knew how much of a "hair god" he was, at least according to someone's Yelp review of him.
So, for fifteen minutes he's cutting and I'm thinking that this isn't looking right, but that he's the professional so he must know what he's doing back there. At one point he stopped cutting my hair, turned me around to face the mirror and I couldn't believe what I saw! Out of my frustration I blurted out, 'I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU JUST CUT MY HAIR OFF'! Several people around us looked at us and I felt bad for that, but damn, my hair was gone! That's right! I went from having medium-length hair to having SHORT 80's gay porn star hair in one fell swoop! He had cut the sides of my hair straight across my ears like it was 1984 all over again and it looked ridiculous! I told him how bad I thought it looked and he got right in to fix it, but it was about to get much worse!
He started telling me not to get worked up because he wasn't done and hinted that it was necessary to cut all my hair off because my hair was "bulbous" and therefore he needed to make it "vertical" in order to fix the bulbousness (whatever the heck that all meant). To make my hair "vertical" he said he needed to "texturize" my new short-ass 80's gay porn star hair and in hindsight not stopping him at that point was my biggest mistake. When Rusty was done "texturizing" my hair, the back and sides of my hair were about an inch or less. Nine months of hair growth were gone in twenty minutes! Rusty could tell I was pissed and yet he astounded me with his next comment: "it'll grow back." WHAT? Rusty, are you kidding me?
In closing, unless you want your hair massacred by someone that appears to be completely inept at successfully consulting with the client about the client's needs, and appears to smell like three nights too many at the Cuff, don't go to Rusty if you're going to go to Emerson Salon. -
Review from Shaunessy J.
Seattle, WA
3/2/2011
I have been going to D'Arcy for almost a year and she's the best stylist I've been to in Seattle. She listens to what I want, gives great advice about what will look best with my face shape, and knows what she's doing when it comes to color. She's put up with me as I've tried to grow out my pixie haircut to a more bobbed style and along the way, I've gotten so many compliments on my 'do. She's basically a saint. AND! It's totally affordable.
Plus, I've recommended her to a couple girfriends and all are now loyal, happy customers.
Thank you D'Arcy! -
Review from Corey C.
Seattle, WA
9/10/2010
It makes me very, very sad to have to write this review (in fact, I joined Yelp just to write it. People need to be warned.) I used to come see Peter when he was still in town -- please note he's now moved to NYC. It's really too bad, because he was the BEST stylist I've ever had. However, I took a chance and decided to go see John a couple of weeks ago.
Worst (hair) decision ever.
Let's see. I arrived on time, and he was late and smelled a bit. That's forgiveable, if the haircut was what I wanted. I had long hair, wanted short hair, and wanted to be able to donate my hair. These are the issues that came up:
1. I loved my past short hair cut. I showed him a picture of what my short hair looked like. He said, "Oh, short with some layers." Yes, but couldn't that describe MANY DIFFERENT women's cuts? Didn't understand my needs at all, even after I told him I needed to be able to put it in a ponytail since I work on a sailboat. Now, I have to wear clips in my hair and continually re-clip it because it is too short to stay in a ponytail on its own.
2. He forgot where my hair was parted. HE ASKED, FORGOT, AND KEPT CUTTING. As a result, after the blowout, my hair was TWO INCHES SHORTER ON ONE SIDE than another. I wanted to leap out of my chair, but he said "Don't worry, I can fix it." I stayed because, honestly, I didn't know who could fix my hair in the city.
3. He asked me the same questions a couple of times. Completely forgetful, and made me wonder if he was hungover (given the smell as well.)
4. Bottom line: my hair is absolutely NOT what I wanted it to look like. I look like early 60's Betty Draper, not a young 24 year old marine scientist. I have no idea how to style it. I didn't want to get another cut because then it would be even shorter (and thus, unable to tie back).
I can't see myself going back to Emerson, but I am unsure of where else to go. If only I could move to NYC and have Peter cut and style my hair once more... -
Review from Kate G.
Seattle, WA
12/1/2011
I really hate to write a bad review, but this last visit to Emerson Salon resulted in the worst haircut I've ever had. I also had partial highlights done, which are acceptable, but the haircut is so bad I cannot recommend that anyone goes here. I went in with long hair several inches below my shoulders (one length), and asked for a trim to get rid of the dead ends. I had some damage, so I said it was no big deal to take a few inches if necessary to clean things up. I ended up with a really bad version of the Rachel haircut popular in the 90s. The shortest pieces are now above chin length, but the back was left inexplicably long. And then the styllst trimmed the highlighted hair off in the back, so now I have several inches of brown poking out of an otherwise very blond head. Also, the short hair is completely uneven on my left and right sides. On one side all the hair is short back past my ear, and the other side is significantly longer from the front back. I can't do this hack job justice in words, but let's say that every morning when I dry and style my hair, I find even more inconsistencies in the cut. I had someone else back east try to even some of this out, but with so little length remaining, I basically have to grow this out, pulling my hair up for the next several months to hide this mess.
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Review from Heather H.
Seattle, WA
9/5/2010
The stars just about sum up how i felt about my haircut here. It was ok, neither impressive, but not bad as some of the others I've had in the past.
i nabbed the $40 cut and blow out deal on Yelp and after filing through reviews set up an appointment with D'arcy.
D'arcy was super sweet and i right away we sat down and thoroughly discussed the phases of my hair and what i expected today. i like that. She snipped away the dull ends up I ended up with the haircut similar as to what i had before. I wasn't expecting a full transition but at least a little difference.
The salon is very hipster-cool inside, with bright open windows, and the whole antique furniture.
i think next time I'll stick with Vain for a little more variety. Props to D'arcy for her sweetness.Listed in: Beauty habits: Seattle
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Review from Rita L.
Seattle, WA
10/27/2010
I heard about Emerson through an promo/ad on Facebook, introducing their newest stylist Tracy ($10 haircut anyone? Yes please!). I love the online-booking system, and Emerson was very flexible in accomodating my need for a haircut on a Friday night, the day before my friend's wedding. The receptionist (didn't catch her name) offered me tea, and I was soon whisked away by sweetheart Tracy. Tracy listened to what my hair problems (which were: outgrown bob and bangs), and me being indecisive (I couldn't decide if I wanted to grow my hair out or maintain a bob), Tracy helped trim my hair so that I'm not in limbo-bob-shag anymore :) She told me how she'd cut my hair and by how much, making sure I was okay with it before even touching the scissors.
The whole process took about 45 minutes, and I had a good experience having Tracy as my stylist-- I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Kelsey K.
Seattle, WA
3/27/2011
This is my first review...trying not to let the pressure get to me...
OK, so on a whim I bought a Groupon for Emerson and finally decided to use it after not cutting my hair for almost six months (I know, gross). I didn't have my choice of stylists, but it worked out because I ended up with Joe!
I wanted a haircut that looked like I hadn't and he gave me exactly what I asked for. Well, actually it's better. Along the way he told me every product he was using but didn't push it on me at the end - love that.
Scheduling an appointment via e-mail was really convenient too.
I'll definitely be back! -
Review from Alexander N.
Seattle, WA
11/1/2010
First off, it's worth pointing out that Emerson Salon has a web site that's actually useful. You can see stylist schedules and book appointments through the site, with the appointments confirmed via phone.
Anyway, I'm a guy and I care about my hair -- I do care how it looks. I am willing admit that, but that does mean I have to pass up on Great Clips and enter the oft female-dominated world of nicer hair salons. While all (or the majority of) salons, are, in theory, unisex, most are also quite intimidating to the uninitiated dude. I'm not metrosexual, I just want a nice haircut that's a bit more complex than "2 on the sides, 5 on the top." At Emerson, for whatever reason -- maybe it's the simple, wooden furniture or the unassuming reception desk -- I didn't feel like a fish out of water.
So my last time at Emerson, I was going from long(ish) hair (to my shoulders) to substantially shorter, which of course, can be a bit nerve-wracking. I had a specific idea in mind, but like all men, was terrible at explaining what that idea was using the English language. I mean give me a break -- I dunno how to talk about hair -- society's basically told me since I was a kid that I should never do so. That said, Ellen, who cut my hair, could have just made an educated guess at what I was going for, hacked away, and left me with 8 inches less hair and a haircut I hadn't ever wanted. Instead, she whips out her personal laptop and we cruised the 'net for pictures until we were both clear on what was gonna happen. Awesome -- definitely above and beyond what one would normally expect.
The haircut came out basically how I pictured it and Ellen was pleasant to talk to throughout. Would certainly recommend her and this place, especially to any guys who don't want just anyone whacking away at their 'do but also don't want to feel like they're in a place they shouldn't be. -
Review from Akvile H.
10/15/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I have lived in Seattle for a few short years now and have been to many salons, but never have found "the one"...until yesterday that is! A friend tweeted about Emerson Salon earlier this week and I have been itching to fix my hair and change it up completely, so I decided I would check them out. I not only got an awesome deal from their facebook page (free cut with color in October) but the service was great!
Emily ended up doing my hair (color and cut) and she was great! She was very helpful and I love how my hair turned out! It was the most drastic change I have done with my hair yet and it turned out awesome! I received a lot of compliments on the new "do" today from friends and coworkers, so I'm very pleased! I will most definitely be back! If you are looking for a great place with awesome stylists...check Emerson Salon out!Listed in: Get Fresh 'n Fabulous
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Review from Elisabeth P.
Seattle, WA
7/7/2010
Choosing a new stylist after moving away from your old, trusted one is hard. Hard and stressful. I spent as much time searching online reviews for a salon as I did searching for a new gynecologist. After going the El Cheapo route and using the Aveda school in Cap. Hill and having a fairly traumatic experience (5 hrs?), I went to Peter at Emerson to help fix my woeful locks.
I took in a few pictures of what I liked and what I absolutely didn't like. As others have said, I felt like we had an honest to goodness consultation, not just about my hair, but about me as a person, what I do for work, for fun, what makes me tick, etc. He gleans insights from who you are and then somehow manages to impart that onto your hair. Crazy? Yeah, I know!
I have fine, straight hair and a face that seems to be getting a bit too round (ph, Seattle, why are doughnuts so damn pervasive here?). I worry that the wrong layer around my face will make my face look like a little piggy, but he managed to alleviate my fears and create a chic not chunky me.
In all honesty, I will say that the guy threw me for a loop when he took my bangs and lopped them off. During our consult, I'd mentioned that I always dug the blunt bang look, but I thought my hair and it's incessant part wouldn't allow that look...and I thought we'd discuss the bang matter further when we got to that part of the cut. But, I'm happy and I get compliments on a regular basis.
He's the Hair Whisperer. FYI, don't innocently refer to your stylist as the Bang Master on Facebook, unless you want some ridiculous feedback you're uncomfortable having your aunt read....
Taken day of cut!
http://www.flickr.com/...
extras:
Cap Hill parking is terrible, but during the day you can almost always find Pay to Park street spots.
Cut was reasonable at $40-$45
Took exactly 1 hour. -
Review from J C.
Seattle, WA
9/26/2010
Heather H. really says it best, but I dunno a thing about VAIN.
I once gave this place two stars, but it has since dropped to one. I had to take scissors to my hair myself to fix this mess. : ( -
Review from Margaret L.
Seattle, WA
6/29/2010
Came here for a haircut.
I wanted to make a pretty drastic (ok, it was drastic for me) going from long long hair to medium length. So, you know, I wasn't going to trust that kind of job to just anyone.
Ellen, my stylist, did a fantastic job. She listened to what I wanted and also what kinds of problems I have in dealing with my hair...then, she gave me a super cute cut. She did most of the cutting with a scissor, then used the razor to thin my very full hair.
It's only been a few days, but I'm loving my summer-friendly do! -
Review from Shannon S.
Seattle, WA
2/1/2009
My latest review: Unforunately, all good things must come to an end. When a stylist rolls her eyes when I am 10 minutes late because it is Friday night and there is a protest going on down the street, doesn't listen to what I'm looking for and sees I'm displeased and decides to ignore it, then wants me to roll out with my hair looking like Shirley Temple on acid, not a fan. You aren't doing me a favor by doing your job, especially when I'm paying for it. More tact, and less attitude will get you far in life. At least with me.
My original review:I am happy to say, I woke up this morning and I STILL love my hair. This is unusual for me, I typically have a fleeting relationship with my color. Many a upper end salon have bleeding foils, Kelly Clarkson chunks of color and too light ends. D'arcy listened, asked great questions and gave me exactly what I wanted. She didn't pretend to know my hair better than I did, which is a quality very few great stylists in Seattle have. Her stories were amusing and interesting, and her fun attitude was very contagious. She moved around appointments for me and came in on her day off, and she had never had me as a client before. She is very talented and I look forward to seeing her for my next color & cut! Thank you =) -
Review from mairead c.
Seattle, WA
2/15/2011
GET IT IN WRITING Corrective Color half ass job $90-$250
Corrective Color (to have normal colored hair again): $400-$500
I waited three weeks to write this review because I did not want it to be an impuslive rant and rave, but a calm and credible account of my experience with Rusty at Emerson Salon. There are so many details, but the gist is, I was quoted a price by the receptionist for a color correction. She gave me a low end and a high end of the range. He quoted me a price. It was even lower than what the receptionist quoted. He was being paid by the hour.
My hair process was very simple, and he even mentioned it was working better than he expected, but he kept taking breaks and dissapearing into the bathroom, and the "mixing room", but it is interesting how when he asked his colleague to mix up some more of the same color, she took two minutes to do what took him twenty minutes to do. Then he charged me for half an hour when he was was doing another client. When the whole thing was finished, the top four inches of my hair were bright light orange, and the bottom ten were orangy auburn. When I said it looked orange he said, "You wanted natural". That's natural. Its sort of like going to a restaurant and saying that your steak is not cooked to your liking and the chef coming out and saying, "That's how it's supposed to be cooked."
I looked like E.T. in the scene where he is wearing a wig.
He said that I could come in the following week and he would put a toner in it. He tried to charge me for four hours which is just incomprehensible, since the stylist who booked the appointment booked it for two and a half, he mentioned that it would be unlikely that it would go into the third hour , and when I explained to other stylists what exactly was done and they saw the results, they were surprised. When I said, "but you said..." He practically bit my head off. Again. Get it in writing. What people LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE you are liable for and what you are ACTUALLY liable for are two different things, and if its not a written contract, once i'm in that chair with chemicals in my hair, he can bugger off and go hang out at Pony and charge me $90 dollars an hour for it, and I have very little say in the matter.
My hair was destroyed since he overbleached it and would have to put more brown back in, so as soon as I got home I got a pair of scissors and cut off the bottom six inches of fried Rageddy Anne mess myself.
I was tempted to go buy a box dye and say "oh well" to the $ 300 and my long shiney brunette hair (should have gotten a brazilian blowout. instead. Now I have to get one,as well.), but wanted to at least try and see if something could be salvaged.
I made an appointment to even out the two colors and see if Rusty had any magic to work on my hair. the receptionist told me it would be free of charge. I checked several times to make sure. He even told me before hand that it was included with the corrective color service.
I arrived for my appointment. He sat me down, and said. I"ll do it. For $70 dollars. I told him what he had said to me and he said , "That is only if you do the $40 dollar deep conditioning treatments and buy the special products that we tell you to buy." I responed, "You never said that! Do you have that in writing?" He smirked at me, delighted with himself and said "Do YOU?"
It is one thing if there is just miscommunication, but by this point I knew I was just dealing with an individual with extremely questionable morals who either had a mental impairment that kept him from distinguishing truth from reality, or was just lying, and in either case, to invest more time in the matter would the silliest thing I could do.
I went salon shopping and found a great girl at RedX that sat down with me for like 20 minutes looking at swatches (just out of the goodness of her own heart). She told me how to prepare my hair for the appointment the following week with my own products making me feel a lot more hopeful about the whole experience.
Bottom line. The whole experience was uncomfortable from the beginning with the sighing, and just a bad miserable attitude from the start, and to imagine that I was only the first client of the day...
FYI: He suggested that my tip was unimpressive when I went back to get him to fix my hair (which I only left out of fear, discomfort, and the hope that he would fix my hair), saying that it was only seven dollars. When I told him it was in fact $30, he replied, "Oh, well I did not know that, they told me it was only seven."
GET IT IN WRITING. A signed contract. -
Review from Joe O.
4/25/2011
It's 10AM on Easter Sunday, you need a haircut BAD and have brunch plans with the in-laws in about 45 minutes. What do you do? Head down to Emerson where they take you right away and get you out the door. It was amazing - in and out in less than 30 mins and with a fantastic haircut no less (my hair is very easy). Great service, great vibe, great haircut. No complaints here.
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Review from Jamie Y.
2/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
After looking at a few web sites, I found a haircut that was amazing! I instantly found out who the stylist was and made my appointment.
I had a bit of difficulty finding the salon, mainly because I am still new to the Seattle area. Even though I was a little late, they were very accommodating. The amazing stylist that cut my hair was Peter and I highly recommend him. He listened to exactly my wants, but also provided professional suggestions. He worked with my hair texture and my desire to get my hair into one length (it was an asymmetrical cut before and I am growing my hair out).
The design of the location is fantastic. Not overly down yet visually intriguing.
Also, I love the product he recommended for my hair, the Morocan Oil. love it! love love love it!
And the price for the cut is very reasonable. If anything, more than reasonable.
My current picture with the Vivre sa Vie hair is courtesy of Peter.
Thank you Peter!Listed in: Ladybits
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Review from Casey H.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 4/14/2011
D'Arcy continues to be the best stylist I've ever had, anywhere, ever. She works with my changing moods and modes of self-expression, and always, every time, makes sure I look my best. She makes the most of my Sweetie Boy's fairly thin hair, to provide the length I want to see and feel in his hair. She never tries to push product sales, and is excellent at helping to train the styling-clue-challenged. Never, ever, have I had a better stylist. She is a gem.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/6/2010
It's now been just over a year since I had all my hair chopped off by various "barbers" around Cap… Read more »
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Review from Patrick H.
North Hills, CA
8/7/2008
Have you ever seen Beauty Shop? Well, this is basically the same deal going on here, except that this salon isn't as ghetto.
Brand new and renovated. Its 1880s themed with some cool gadgets involved (wheen you go in, toy with one of the machines and the gears start turning). I personally know the owner, hes a great guy, down to earth, so all your business will be going to a good cause!
cha cha cha check it out. -
Review from Kevin E.
Seattle, WA
11/25/2008
I had heard about the opening of the Emerson salon a couple months back, but hadn't gotten the opportunity to go in and check it out...The change in the storefront alone was enough pique my curiosity. I finally got the urge to head down last week and was floored. For starters, look and feel of the place is all it's own...(I mean, who would have thought to create a STEAMPUNK-THEMED SALON?! GENIUS)
It was so nice to find a place to get my hair cut where I wasn't being scowled at by judgmental scenesters, and could actually chat with my stylist. I got exactly what I wanted out of my haircut, and they even threw in a handful of (not just the obligatory single "buy our stuff") samples of the product she used on my hair! Love this place! I'll be back for sure! -
Review from kate w.
Seattle, WA
12/19/2009
I've been going to D'Arcy for cut and color for about 6-8 months now -- she is a godsend.
I've got hair that curls beautifully some days, lies flat some days, and does a horrible mixture of the two most days. D'Arcy (a naturally-curly girl herself, though currently sporting a super chic straight 'do) has always brought me back when things get messy up top.
Recently I decided to go crazy and go from medium brown to a pretty dramatic blonde. I've never had so many compliments; people couldn't believe I'd never been a blonde before, and everyone praised the job she did making it look extremely natural.
I've moved a little farther away than I lived when I first starting going to Emerson, but I'll always make the trip back for haircuts and color touchups. D'Arcy's stuck with me now! -
Review from Shera G.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 2/19/2011
So it has now been a year since I have been frequenting Emerson Salon. I have gone to D'Arcy every 6 weeks for a touch up balayage. (for those of you that don't know- balayage are french hand painted highlights) I have been going to get my hair done professionally for 15 years and have never received a more beautiful, natural look. Because there are no foils used there is no visible root growth. My closest friends do not even notice when I have it done because it is so natural. Emerson salon uses a special color product line from Italy? that makes the service naturally more expensive than what many salons use -cheap professional lines of Redken, L'oreal, uuggh. Still all said and done my highlights for medium hair and a style is $90. That folks, is competetive pricing! The salon down at SLU hair design charged me $140 for foils and gave me a PTA mom haircut for $75. Salon on Yale St. quoted me $210 for foils.
Since I have been using high end salons for 15 years, I believe my opinion counts. After reading some of the other reviews on Yelp I have some suggestions for people: Lesson #1-Communication is key! If I was overcharged at a restaurant I would definately dispute the bill- why do people wait until they are fuming with anger to say something?
Lesson # 2- I have learned about hair is that it doesn't always cooperate with the chemicals- that in no way is the salons fault. It has a lot to do with the condition of your hair when walking into a salon. Patrons will often lie that they have never used box color- which is laiden with harmful ammonia. Lesson # 3 If you are thinking of experimenting with bold color- than you can expect slightly out of the norm things might occur, before you perfect the vibrance or desired color saturation.
The staff at Emerson are extremely helpful in educating clients about the health of the hair and REALISTIC expectations for a color correction.
I really appreciate the customer service of Emerson. I find the reminder calls to be helpful and have always reached someone on the phone within 2 rings.Their website is amazing- check it out!
I am always offered tea and water, my stylist sits with me while processing and we talk about celebrity gossip- one of my fav subjects. D'Arcy informs me of all the latest hair trends and the technolgy behind the look of the stars.
In summary I enjoy my regular visits to Emerson's.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2010
D'Arcy is the cat's meow! I found her while yelping and I think it was a match made in heaven. I… Read more »
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Review from Anjali D.
Seattle, WA
9/6/2009
Just moved into the area, and used to get my hair cut at the Aveda school back where I lived. It was fun, but I wanted something more consistent. I prefer the feel of barber shops, but like the quality of hair cuts at salons better. Well, here you can get the best of both!
The inside of the shop has the classic barber vibe, and the quality of the cut was very good. In fact, I could not have asked for better, but will reserve the 5th star for consistency after I go back a few times more :) Optional straight razor shave on face would put this place over the edge too
Of note, they say about half of the clients are women, so applicable girls, don't be shy! -
Review from Austin H.
Seattle, WA
3/6/2009
Usually, I don't love my hair cut. Typically, I get home and think "It'll look better when it grows out" No more.
Yesterday, I hit up emerson salon, got a cut with Rusty and LOVED it. He was nice and easy to talk to while I was getting my cut. I felt totally at ease, unlike other places where I feel like I'm not cool enough to get my hair cut at. They've got me hooked, I love my hair cut, the salon is beautiful, and the people are nice. Thanks! -
Review from Paula K.
Seattle, WA
12/30/2009
What you need to know about me: I rarely ever go back to the same person. I've cut my own hair plenty of times. I'm never quite happy with the cute.
All that has changed!
I went from long locks to a pixie and I LOVE IT. I can't be happier with what D'Arcy did! I love that she took the time to listen to what I've done to my hair, what I like and what I don't want (Rihanna's hair and Jon + Kate Plus 8 hair! eeks). She was conservative with how much she cut off so that I was ready for the big change. A few people that were used to seeing me with my long long hair asked if I cried about it, and I had to laugh. Why would I cry over such an amazing haircut?!
Side notes:
The salon is cozy, classy and NOT intimidating
Hair cut was well priced, $40 + tip
Booking an appointment was not a hassle at all
Super convenient location
Friendly hairstylists! -
Review from Brynne H.
5/19/2010
Soooo happy.
Okay, here's the thing. I've got pretty great hair, and I know what to do with it. Yeah, there're those days when I can't be bothered to care that if I've let it be curly it shouldn't be in a ponytail, but for the most part, I've got good hair.
My visit to Emerson Salon (with the fantastic to spend 45 minutes with Peter!) was the first time I've seen someone new for my hair in at least four years. Possibly six, I can't quite remember. It's not like I was dissatisfied with my old girl, but my mind has decided that while driving to Bellevue is fine for the mall, the same does not go for my hair. (Plus she's not there on Wednesday or Thursday, the two most convenient days of the week for me...)
Coming here and seeing Peter was a great experience. It felt like he got everything I was saying even when I wasn't sure what I was saying, and he didn't try and give me any of the BS "you MUST come in 6 weeks if you're growing it out" or "your hair will fall right out, all over the floor, if you don't buy this product. and this one. oh, and the one here." That's so refreshing! I don't need the hard sell on products that probably won't make much difference (or that I just plain wouldn't use anyway) and I'll come in when my hair feels yucky, thank you very much!
But yeah, I didn't get anything fancy done, just a desperately needed trim and lightening up of the layers, but it feels great. Everything about the place was great from the three friendly women there when I walked in (ladies, you know sometimes that can be very different in places like this!), to the $40 (plus tip) that I happily paid as I left.
I can't wait to go back and try other services! -
Review from Angela N.
Seattle, WA
3/30/2010
"I help people love their hair again" -- a side explanation from the fantastic Peter, who accomplished that very task for my latest haircut. I came in with only a vague idea of what I wanted, but with very firm stances on what I DIDN'T want. Peter was able to explain to me why my previous cut wasn't for me, and what he'd do differently to give me bangs that didn't make me cry every time I looked into the mirror.
Historically when I got optimistic and hopeful and requested straight bangs from my stylist, I ended up walking away disappointed. Given that track record, I now say this without any sort of exaggeration: within the last decade, Peter has been the only one to give me straight bangs that actually look GOOD on me. Sainthood nomination right there, imo. ALSO, if that wasn't already enough, he mentioned that he also gives free bang maintenance trims between cuts! I've never had another stylist/salon offer me that before, so that level of dedication means a lot to me. I also ended up with very lovely face-framing layers, and he didn't cut off more than we agreed upon.
Sidenote on my mother's behalf, who had her hair cut by D'Arcy: she was extremely happy with the layers D'Arcy gave her. Usually I hear my mother say, "They didn't give me enough layers, sigh..." after past haircuts, but this time she was without complaint! I've never heard her chat so much with a hairstylist as she did with D'Arcy that day; Emerson definitely gets a +1 for the sheer friendliness of their stylists.
Other things I loved about the whole experience at Emerson...
1) They were very understanding when I called to let them know I was running late, and rescheduled me without hassle.
2) They weren't pushy with product sales, which is good, because I probably would've just ended up dumping the moroccan oil on the ground and rolling around in it. Deliiicious stuff.
3) They made us feel welcomed, starting with warm greetings and ending with personal farewells.
It's very obvious that they love what they do, and that sort of enthusiasm translates into a service that I have no hesitation in recommending! -
Review from Robert S.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2009
I am very happy with the gang here and I have known Lancer and Rusty a few years now
Lancer cuts my hair every 2 weeks weather I need it or not I like to keep it short and trim
I also like the new look of the Salon it has a very comfortable feel to it ,and the colors on the walls are soothing, so if you live on the hill and don't want to pay LA prices, these guys also don't have there noses so high in the air that you can't afford a haircut, I'm sure you have been to a few Salons like that in Seattle -
Review from Taylor P.
2/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I had a problem with Emerson and initially rated them 2 stars. I was contacted by the owner with what I thought was a standard reply and I ended up getting the issue resolved for future customers. I am super happy! I did not ask for any free services - just fix the problem and that is exactly what happened. Nice job. So if you read any reviews on price issues - please make a note...odds are this has been fixed. I don't know that I've seen it mentioned in reviews too many times so I'd like to add that I saw Tracy for extensions and she was great. I got a few strands of bright pink and was really happy. 3 stars is A-OK and that is where I'm at with Emerson (I'd really like to give more like 3.5).
