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Pink Hair Salon and Gallery
Rating Details »
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)1204 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-2888
- Hours:
Mon. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
40 reviews for Pink Hair Salon and Gallery
I can honestly say, without any exaggeration, that this was the BEST haircut I have EVER gotten. EVER. I'm moving to San Fran next year and, if I could, I'd fly back to Austin to get my haircut here.
If you have curly hair, make sure you set up an appt with Georgia. She was fantastic - she definitely knows how to work curly hair and also teaches you a great technique to style it.
First time there -2nd worst haircut of my life. I took a photo, I sat down and told her exactly what I wanted (long layers, no texturizing, please, nothing that requires lots of product to style. Simple. Classic. Wrong salon). Instead of giving me the haircut I described, she gave me the only haircut I think she knew how to do. My entire head was reduced to un-stylable, texturized, fluff. Waaay shorter than I requested. I called her to say I was disappointed (I waited until I could play with it myself and surveyed the damage), and got a snippy, defensive "I didn't thin your hair" without an offer to fix it (which couldn't be done, anyway), or refund. So, that sealed the deal. A refund, and I'd given them another chance. Instead, I never have gone back. Second time in my life I've cried over a haircut.
I know people love Pink, and I'm sure the staff is wonderful, and they are attentive but....
If you want your hair to look ridiculously razored and texturized, go here. If you want someone who actually knows how to cut hair in a way that specifically suits you or addresses your (basic) requests- well, my experience told me they couldn't deliver on that one.
I wouldn't go anywhere else but Pink. This might be because I'm biased and I have been friends with the original owner Farah Carter (now owned and run my her mother Deborah Carter) since we were teenagers. But honestly, even if your only friend in the whole wide world cuts hair, that doesn't mean that you have to go to them if they suck. But Farah far from sucks, and she has done my hair justice for the last 15+ years even when we were kids bleaching it to straw in some tiny garage apartment somewhere in South Austin. Even then the lady had style. Once when Farah was unavailable I went to Monica, and I was also extremely impressed.
I read through some of the reviews and I can see where some folks might get the impression that Pink is cooler than thou. It's pricey and you're not going to get cow-towed to and told that your hairstyle looks great if it doesn't. As for the weird price fluctuations, it could be that they use different products that cost more, etc. Additionally, they do often juggle more than one client at a time and this is because they are seriously do damned busy. I have to book my appointments with Farah 6 to 8 weeks in advance!
When you go to pink, take a deep breath. You could be there for a lot of hours. You might leave with a lot less dollars. But you will definitely love love love the result. If you're bored, bring a book (or be subjected to astrological junk literature they leave all over the place) and have a glass of wine.
I had two hours to kill before meeting a friend for a run and dinner--my only free night while in austin for a conference. My hair was seriously frightening. Enter Pink.
My stylist was Chenoh. Let me just say upfront that this is the best cut & color my woefully frizzed out, dried out hair has ever experienced.
Plus? The salon is just cool, offbeat, great art for sale, but very very down to earth. For once, I didn't feel I was out of place.
Chenoh actually spent time teaching me what to do with my hair. The cut was simple, nothing woo woo. But she introduced me to the DevaCurl line of products. I'm such a sucker for products, and always disappointed, except for this time. DevaConcepts is not just a line, it's a way of life! (http://devaconcepts.com).
There are about 14 steps (OK, 4) to follow, but the result has been nothing less than glorious.
Moral: If you have curly hair, go to PINK and see Chenoh.
Second moral: I cannot find a similar salon in D.C., so apparently will have to now travel to Austin to get my hair cut. That's gonna put a serious crimp in my style.
NO! Absolutely not!!! ZERO stars.
Worst hair cut I've ever had. People actually comment on the back of my hair being funked up.
Chenoh is a bad ass wizard.
She cuts my hair.
I'm fucking hot.
Genetics only got me so far; Chenoh took care of the rest.
I'd give her a 6th star for being affordable. But I'd pay twice her rate if I had to.
Pink Salon (just down S. Congress from "Wet" salon - makes me laugh like Beavis) is a great place to get one's hair cut. I can't say it's as awesome for guys as it is for gals - my (men's) haircut costs in the neighborhood of $60 (!) which is as much as I've ever paid for a haircut in L.A., London, Tokyo, etc.
Farah's been cutting my hair for 10 years. She's a great person - very honest - and takes her time trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. All the ladies at Pink RAWK - including the amazing Monica, who I am usually too nervous to talk to (she's THAT bodacious!). They have a wide and varied array of artwork for sale on the walls and the 'product' that they use always makes me feel 'purty.' 4 stars (pricey for guys and limited parking in SoCo minus 1 star..)
Pink is pretty darn good for the middle of Texas. Austin may be the State Capital -- a music mecca -- and a city that boasts the country's most educated residents -- but it is under-appreciated for its fashion and beauty trends. Enter Pink.
Salon Owner Deborah and her daughters are serious Scissor Wizards who actually wield control over Austin thermostats. Chicks choose Pink to stay cool or become "f***ing hot" (paraphrased, see Stephanie S.'s review).
Owner Deborah -- Winner of the North American Hairdressers Award for Classic Hair, Winner of Redken Texas Hair Color Competition, Winner of Austin Monthly's Pick for Best Long Hair Expert, artist, writer, and illustrious astrologer -- champions creative cuts and next generation products. Pink even offers art events, live music, and clothes for sale within the 4-walls of the salon. It's not just the service -- it's the atmosphere.
Check out Pink's Myspace page with 1,330 friends: http://www.myspace.com...
Note: because they are cutting-edge trendy at Pink, be clear and upfront if you have conservative tastes like me. They will happily oblige JCrew and Jimmy Choo girls.
Products: upon last visit -- Davines, Crede, a stockpile of "Next Celebrity Faves"
Oh, Pink, let me count the ways that you knock my socks off...
Here's the deal. You ARE going to pay a bit more at Pink than most other places, but it's going to be worth every penny because you feel amazing when you walk out and until you come back. You come to Pink. You get an awesome stylist who bonds with you. (Tisa, I love you!) You get a haircut/style that looks good not just the week after you get it cut...but until you come back again 6-8 weeks later. And you WILL come back again! They show you awesome products to make you look like a goddess. You sit in a cool, funky salon with neato artwork on the walls and rockin' tunes. And you're in a great location, since if you're thirsty you can pop over to Jo's Coffee or grab a snack at several places down the street.
The thing that got me hooked on Pink is that Tisa and I always set a "goal" whenever I sit in her chair. We set our goal, and then we make it happen. That's how I went from a pixie-haired blonde to a swing-bob brunette in 6 months, and I've never felt better! Bond with a stylist today!
We've all been there...you move to a new location, you hesitate on finding a new stylist until you can't stand it anymore...you take the plunge.
Normally I end up trying about 3 or 4 salons before finding a new comfort zone, but I really lucked out in finding Pink straight away.
My pairing with Chenoh made me a very happy girl. She cuts dry with a general sense of structure in mind, then the scissors take on a life of their own. When she was finished I had a style fit for the runway. Fabulous! She took the time to get to know me a bit in making style choices, but when down to it, she was concentrating on the work.
I found my Austin salon. As I write this I simultaneously want to keep it a secret, so I can get an appointment.
Ack! $25 for a bang trim?!? I'm not sure how much a full cut & style goes for here, but by my calculation, at twenty-five dollars a minute, I suppose I could have the whole head done for $1500.
Nice place, though; the receptionist & stylist were pleasant and professional. Before my sticker shock (and subsequent, overwhelming sense of being ripped off), I was ready to drink the kool-aid...
Even if Tisa Bean wasn't a great hairstylist, conversationalist, advice giver, and cool mo fo, I would still love her just for her name.
I have been across the street to the "other" place and have even given them two chances. I walked out the second time before I even got in the chair. I won't go in to detail, but I am grateful they sucked because it allowed me to give Pink a try.
Take my money. Marry me. I don't care, I love you.
My life would not be complete without Farah! She's amazing...color, cut, everything! So many strangers compliment her work when I'm out shopping, dining, hanging out...She has a talent for bringing out the real you. For those who get that "I need to change my hair right this minute urge", just beware that you have to book far in advance to get an appointment.
The salon sells hard to find hair and skin products as well! I'm in love with the Leonor Greyl Magnolia Oil. OH! They also have a DJ on Friday afternoons which is great entertainment while you're waiting for your hair color to set in. I can't say enough about this place! Check it out!
Chelle did my hair and makeup for my wedding and she was fabulous! I had looked around for someone who would do fingerwaves in my hair, which is very straight and thick, and everyone told me it would be really hard to do and that they would have to use tons of product and pins. I had given up on that look when I was talking to Chelle about makeup, and she told me that she, indeed, could do fingerwaves for me! So I actually had hair to match my 30s-inspired wedding gown without a lot of fuss and muss. Oh, and Chelle also did my nails!
I'm hoping to try a haircut and maybe color at Pink soon.
Have you ever had a hair-gasm? Me neither, until finding my stylist at Pink.
I had my hair cut at Pink before I moved to Austin. I got paired up with Chenoh. Oh, oh Chenoh. She is a bad-ass. I have very long hair that many stylists balk at. She was thrilled (or at least appeared so) to have a part in nurturing my hair. She was absolutely meticulous in the cut and gave me bangs that looked great and were easy to style.
I returned a few months later after getting settled in Austin. She knew exactly who I was although I had a bit of a hard time recognizing her with her new sassy doo. I couldn't believe it. The second go round was as good as the first. I did notice her prices were going to go up ten dollars the following week. It's totally worth it. This woman is phenomenal.
It took a bad cut for me to realize what I had with Chenoh. I went to INNU salon because it is much closer to my house. Dreaded miscalculation in judgment. I've written a review on my experience if you are interested. Needless to say, I will make a call to Chenoh next week for her help in repairing the damage.
Pink is great. All of the stylists seem very skilled and friendly. Give it a go if you're looking for a place to get a unique cut from a fantastic stylist.
There is no better salon in Austin. The talent staff transforms blah to beautiful.
Monica designed my wedding hair. She spent time to get to know me and improvised using fresh flowers and dramatic extensions to create a dramatic look that wowed. She is the best event stylist in Austin. Georgia fabulously fashioned my bridesmaids' updos to perfection.
All of the ladies there are wonderful to work with, but I think Lili is the sweetest talent there. A kind heart and brimming with creativity.
If Austin could gift Pink to every person in town, we would be the best looking city on the planet.
MONICA HAS MOVED!! See grapvinesalons dot com downtown location to make an appointment.
Monica is a hair genius! Usually, I am always unhappy right after a haircut when my hair goes though that weird period of a few days adjusting to the cut but I never have this problem with Monica. I have been immediately happy every time! And she's a lot of fun to talk to! Not only do you leave looking great, but you leave in a great mood, too!
Pink is staffed by a crew of happy, generous-of-heart, style-conscious but unpretentious stylists! I walked in there in the middle of SXSW, looking both travel & gig worn and immediately felt both welcome and relaxed. Deborah, the owner, directed to me to Liz's chair where she made a quick and accurate assessment of my color needs. Cups of tea and a stack of magazines as well as a selection of makeup and hand-made clothing to peruse made any waiting painless. The salon fits perfectly in the hip South Congress area 'hood... so I was that much happier that I looked a hell of a lot better when I walked out.
I decided to write this good review in order to balance out the horrible review I had to write earlier today (Jiffy Lube = Boo!). Anyhow, I have been to numerous salons in town and this one tops my list. I visited Pink last month and had a pretty great experience. My stylist was sweet and genuinely cared about what I wanted to do with my hair. She did not impose any dogmatic hair philosophies on me, and actually seemed to enjoy working on my long and difficult-to-style mane. They serve all kinds of folks, so do not feel as though you have to be cool to step in this place. I am somewhat less than cutting-edge, and I made it through the door. I liked it so much that I sent my sister here the next week. She loved it too. I do wish they had given me some water though (I was parched!). Overall though, yay Pink!
I had a great experience here. I liked that my stylist Deborah (the owner) sat down with me to talk about myself and my hair and my ideas before she did anything else. I felt like that was something that had been missing from every other hair appointment I'd ever had. I was glad that she took the time to really understand what I wanted and what my concerns were.
She had me change into a smock before she did any work, which I appreciated. I feel like I often leave hair salons with tiny, impossible bits of hair scattered on my clothes. It was nice to avoid that.
Deborah is a LONG HAIR EXPERT. I felt so relieved when I heard her talking about long hair. She pinpointed so many of the problems I've had with haircuts in the past and explained what she would do differently.
She cut my hair with lots of vertical cuts, which have allowed my hair to grow out gracefully. She said she wouldn't be surprised if I didn't need to come back for another haircut within the next year! It is holding up very well...
The haircut was more expensive than most I've ever gotten. But I feel like Deborah's expertise was worth the cost. I also decided to splurge and get the Japanese hair products (Clay Esthe) she recommended. I have been surprised at how much of a difference that has made. I use a fraction of the conditioner I was accustomed to using because this stuff (Nigelle DS - Tender Feel) is so effective...
All that said, I would recommend Pink - and specifically Deborah Carter - to anyone with long hair. The cost might seem steep, but it might be the best haircut you've ever had! And hopefully you won't need another one for a long time... :)
To start off, I am a very high maintenance client when it comes to getting my hair cut and colored. I really liked the stylist I was going to but her pricing was never consistent. The last time I went I just got highlights on short hair and I left spending, just for the highlights $150. For Bleach that was on my head for 15 mins! When I asked my friend who has really long hair how much she paid for highlights from the same lady, $100. I don't know if this is a Pink thing or what, I find it to be really bad business.
Let me start with the type of hair I have. I am Asian with some natural unruly waviness to my hair. So, I permed my past-bra-buckle hair about a year ago when I was back in Asia. It was getting split-end-y and unhealthy when I visited Pink, and I wanted to cut the unhealthy part off and start afresh.
My stylist was Joanna. I was the first customer of the day at 10am, and there were already two to three other customers in the salon. Everyone, from the receptionist to the stylists, was very friendly and nice. Joanna's consultation with me was quick and efficient, and within ten minutes, she had a plan for my visit. I was to have deep conditioning for my poor thirsty long hair, and she'd cut my hair wet with the deep conditioner in. Then, we'd shampoo again and she'd trim my bangs. She introduced to the Deva line that many other reviewers have raved about. Joanna also introduced me to the Deva Curl technique, but she never once pushed the products on me. I can't say that the cut is The Best I've ever received, but the attentive service (1 1/2 hours for a haircut) and the fair pricing ($45 with deep conditioning!) put my experience at Pink as one of the best. I have already made my next appointment in January.
I was strolling by on a Sunday afternoon and while their Salon wasn't open their small Gallery of goodies (light and airy tops, skirts, knit t's accessories and lil' gifts) lured me inside.
If you are looking for something unusually urban and cute you have to stop by this place. I can't recall the designer's name but there were some very cute tops and accessories on sale. Most of the clothes seemed more apporpriate for someone with a smaller frame. (read between the line: I ain't no size 2) But I ended up checking out with an adorable wrap around skirt for $45. Not cheap but not pricey either considering it was made really well and the fabric is adorable (navy blue with white stiching and trim).
They have a small selection of goodies - so I wouldn't go out of my way to visit. But, if you happen to be in the area it's definitely worth a peek. You never know what you'll find.
My girlfriend picked up a cool calendar and we were on our way...
I LOVE Pink Salon and my stylist Johanna. Actually, I don't know if I love Pink Salon or if I ONLY love Johanna. I've held off writing about it because yesterday was only my third visit, but I've been undeniably excited after all three, so I figured it's time.
I've always wanted the stylist you could say to, "Leave it long but do what you think will look best," and you'd come out looking amazing. I tried it somewhere and came out with a mullet. Not cool. Here, however, Johanna knew EXACTLY what I wanted and gave me a beautiful, natural cut and my first-ever highlights.
When I decided I wanted to "go blonde" after being a brunette my entire life, she suggested--as I was saying it--that we do a Gisele on me and do root-y briage or baliage or something like that. Perfect! Now we're on an action plan to go blonde naturally, in stages, and my most recent shade complements my skin tone perfectly. It's so perfect and natural that people who know me have been looking at me funny and trying to figure out what's different. How much do I love Johanna?! She's always happy, always excited about my hair, not afraid to give me her opinion on how it should look but always respectful of what I want ... she's just amazing.
Pink is cool, laid-back, sweet magazine selection, decent prices. I've heard great things about the other stylists, and the other women (and men) leaving the shop always look put-together and sassy at the same time. But Johanna is what makes the place AWESOME for me.
I love Pink! I discovered this place after seeing my friend's new bob, it was so cute! I have been to two stylists here (Amanda and Lauren) and have been extremely happy with both. The prices are slightly high, but the quality is evident--these are the best haircuts I've ever had! I am so sad that I will be moving away from Austin next year and have to find a replacement for Pink!
I absolutely ADORE this salon. They always do an amazing job with my hair for a very decent price. I am never disappointed.
i wasn't even going to touch this place with a review because everyone else has pretty much covered how great it is. but after reading a review written by thomas, i feel compelled to share my experience.
i have had my hair cut all over the country. in austin i had been a regular at maximum fx (when it was on the drag) and some other aveda-product-pushing-place - also on the drag. many years i walked into these salons, told them i was a musician and artist, but dealt with quite a few snooty employees & stylists. i would request a unique haircut and tell them to go for it because i didn't have to look "normal" for a "normal" job. i usually got a decent cut, but i was NEVER blown away with their creativity and i always felt a bit bummed that the rocker hair i wanted and asked for seemed too scary for them to attempt. i won't even go into the awful, tear-inducing haircuts i got in lubbock, texas during college. i think my face says it all on graduation day.
in the fall of 2001 someone suggested i go to farah at pink. i walked into pink for the first time on crutches. yes, i had busted my ass on some concrete and was pretty beat up. i had already made the appointment and really needed a boost, so i kept it. if the salon was full of a bunch of "washed up hipsters" (as thomas puts it) and stylists who think they are rock stars, would they have been as nice to me as they were? i doubt it. i looked like hell. so, during a very difficult time in my life and after many years of searching for that true creative hair stylist...i walked out of there that day feeling like a million bucks even though i was still hobbling on crutches and covered in bruises.
flash foward 6 years. i still go to farah at pink and have had the most unique hairstyles and colors over the past 6 years. i've had people ask who does my hair while on tour and visiting cities like los angeles, san francisco, brighton, london, amsterdam and nyc.
i have never been able to go into a salon with an idea and collaborate with a stylist the way i can with farah. she really tries to get to know her clients and what makes them unique and beautiful.
any decent salon in austin will have comparable rates. and most of the artwork that thomas (the reviewer) mentioned is actually created by one of the stylists, so there.
If you ever need waxing, go to Chelle, especially for a Brazilian. Everyone has always told me how painful the process was, but she is amazingly good at making sure you are comfortable and minimizing the pain.
chenoh did my new do, and i absolutely love, love, love it!
i found a photo online and she told me the pros and cons of it and turned what i found into an actual reality style that i can wear on the streets!
the cut she did is my other photo, but dont judge it by that. it was so humid that day! i really should put up a new picture just to show how amazing my hair is!
thanks sooooooo much!!!
oh and she was so nice, and i got in on a last minute cancellation, but she stayed as the last one there, and i didnt feel rushed at all!
ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO THE PINK STAFF! I had no idea you all were as good as you are. I received a mini makeover (makeup, eyelashes and hair touch up) on yesterday. I was one of the breast cancer survivors who modeled for the BCRC calendar during the photo shoot for the upcoming Bra Art show for the Breast Cancer Resource Center. The staff was very personal, patient and professional. I noticed they remained calm and controlled even when the atmosphere seemed "a little chaotic" .
I love Monica. She's the best.
I've been on the Monica bandwagon for years - looks like this is good place to shout about it. She is absolutely amazing!
Pink is a great place for a guy to get a haircut too. Monica is who I go to and she's fantastic with mens stylings. Yes this place is funky and yes this place is very south Austin and yes this place is a trip - but that's what makes it worth it. Why go to stupor-cuts when you can go to a place that has interesting people with great stories and a hip atmosphere? I highly recommend it.
i go to trish for facials, waxing, tinting, etc....she is amazing. trish really makes you feel beautiful and all she is there to do is enhance that. her room is small but so cozy, it's like stepping into another realm. the whole salon is really unique and well worth the cost.
I was laughing to myself when I went here. I was exploring all the Soco shops, wandered in here to look at the clothes and then had a good laugh when I realized that this was the hair salon that I had talked to yelpers about. While I wasn't here for a haircut ( budget wouldn't allow it, Le sigh) I did love the clothes, purses, music collection and art hanging on the walls. If I had 40 bucks that I wanted to spend on a funky slip dress, I would buy it here. That's saying something. The stylists all looked hip. Maybe someday, next big bonus, Ill check out the hair part of this salon as well as the art part.
Ask for Monica.
I got a haircut here. im pretty sure it was just the one and nobody could tell :(
such a shame about Pluto getting declassified...
the ONLY place i get a hair cut in Austin and i have lived here for 14 years. bit pricey though. if their prices would come down a bit, i would go more than once a year, definitely! love you girls!!
very disappointed.
