- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Pulse Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Day Spas Hair Salons, Day Spas [Edit]
1023 SW Yamhill StPortland, OR 97205
Neighborhoods: Southwest Portland, Downtown
(503) 274-4272
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 3 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
$50 for $75 Certificate
Acacia P. said: "I just had my first massage here, and it was just fantastic! The ambiance was nice, it felt very private (I did not notice any noise at all), and…" read more »
26 reviews for Pulse Salon
26 reviews in English
-
Review from Zuzana K.
2/10/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Just got a cut and color done by Jikaiah and it looks awesome!
Jikaiah is so nice and casual but at the same time she gave me a lot of great tips on how to take care of my fine hair. I felt like I was in good hands and the result is an evidence that indeed I was. -
Review from Emma N.
11/5/2011
Just went here for the first time a few weeks ago, and I was happy with the results. I usually just keep my hair pretty plain and long, and don't think about it tons. But I found a picture I liked and took that in. Seemed to help, and I'm pretty happy with having layers and side swept bangs and all that fun stuff. I will have to plan on going back again in a few months!
-
Review from Jen B.
Portland, OR
8/2/2011
I've been fighting with myself all day over whether I should write this review. What's more important: telling the Yelp community about a sub-standard experience, or keeping my mouth shut so some kid can continue doing what she does to pay for college? At the end of the day, though, I know I value other peoples' critiques of services, so maybe this is for the greater good.
I don't know the name of the girl who cut my hair (not a good start, I know). She was young, very nice and friendly. She was trying to pay her way through architecture school and was really interesting to chat with.
She also seemed to know exactly what I was looking for when I asked for her to try to reproduce my formerly-cute pixie cut, which was suffering from several weeks of outgrowth. She asked all the right questions and I was sure she was going to be awesome and my hair was going to look amazing.
An hour later and... Meh, not so much. I don't want to be cruel because she really was an interesting, easy-going person, but you could tell that perhaps her cutting skills weren't on a par with her conceptual skills. What I left with was something closer to my brother's $10 Supercut than the soft feminine pixie cut I was looking for.
I may go back to Pulse and ask for a different stylist. I chose this place because of the great Yelp reviews and the stylists on the salon's site looked like they knew their way around a short, woman's cut. For the girl who cut my hair, I wish her all the success in the world. I just won't be asking her to cut my hair anymore. -
Review from Jessi B.
4/20/2011
I wanted to like this place. I did. The woman that cut my hair seemed to be receptive at first. I had two ideas, we worked out which would work better. Then she decided to do something completely different.
It was obvious that I didn't like it, and I just couldn't find the words to tell her how to fix it. She cut a little more to thin the pouf out, but still not helping. Finally, to make matters worse, she told me that I didn't know what I wanted. (huh??) And, that I could come back tomorrow when i figured it out. Add about 5 oz. of pure, unfiltered aggressive tone so that I would leave as soon as possible.
I paid, left quite embarrassed. What did I say? Was I an annoying customer? Eh, I really don't believe so. Just a girl who believed in lots of great reviews of this place, but I guess I got a grumpy stylist.
I give extra star when I received a Thank You snail mail card from the owner (not my stylist.) -
Review from Sherry S.
Updated - 10/6/2010
Still loving the hairdos I'm getting out of this place.. And Amee is the woman that is doing the magic on my head. She is very easy going which I like because I don't have to deal with overly opinionated folks with scissors regarding my said hair. I have lots of THIN hair (kind of an oxymoron but so be it)and it does not enjoy being forced in to anything too high and mighty as it ends up just flippin me off and falling flat.. That saying, Amee understands my hair because her cut lasts a while and my hair has yet to disagree with her.
It's also in a neat little old house across from the library so it's very unpretentious which I Iike because I don't just go to cut my hair but to relax and enjoy being pampered.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/17/2010
Had to cancel my appt. with other hair salon due to NO A/C.. yikes.. can't have that!
Went back here… Read more »
-
-
Review from Claudia F.
Phoenix, AZ
5/3/2011
Such a cute place, in a pretty easy place to find in downtown Portland. I was traveling from out of town and desperately needed to get a cut. I read some reviews on Yelp and decided to try out this place. I called on a Monday, and they were able to Book me an appointment by Tuesday with Monica. I give this place 4 stars because I got exactly what I wanted and asked for. Monica took her time to assess my hair and made several suggestions on what I should do to increase movement and the way it lays. She was very nice and easy to talk too. I felt very comfortable with trusting her with my long hair. I really enjoyed the conversation, and the fact that I got what I wanted. It's a great feeling when you can leave the Salon feeling better about yourself and about your hair. I purchased travel size Moraccan Oil and some Unite Spray. I would recommend this place if need a good hair cut.
-
Review from curtis l.
Portland, OR
3/20/2008
Is it possible to give 6 stars? Suzanne at Pulse gets 6. (yelp, please change the ratings)
Suzanne is the owner of this relatively new salon, conveniently located in SW next to the city library. Great music, atmosphere, service (beverage during styling, etc).
She was great, friendly, spent more time trimming the mop than I think anyone ever has, including mom back home during the 'bowl-cut' years. not to mention she did a great, careful, stylish job. Just don't tell mom.
Suzanne even let me leave w/o paying; although I had to fess up when making my next appt! Thanks Suzanne! -
Review from hillary r.
Portland, OR
6/19/2010
LOVE LOVE LOVE my hair color and cut. Suzanne nailed it and i will not go to anyone else as long as i live in portland. Yelp research pays off yet again.
Suzanne was able to weed through my vague instructions, hungover inability to verbalize coherently and delivered EXACTLY the color I've been picturing for years. I have crappo hair, 30% gray and hair so independent it may be curly one day and wavy the next- not easy to tame. Combine my hair issue with the colors I have imposed on it over the years from black to purple to platinum, I wouldn't wish my hair on my worst enemy. Maybe the girl in 9th grade who made fun of me for not having any boobies. bitch. -
Review from Eunice B.
Portland, OR
7/30/2009
I meant to write a review right after my haircut a couple of months ago but oh, here it is. I was on a hunt for a stylist/salon until I stumbled upon Pulse thanks to all the admiring reviews here on yelp. The owner of the salon, Suzanne, gave me my first haircut in Portland. I know that she's a talented hairstylist but a bit conservative for me. I clearly stated I wanted something androgynous, funky, short, and chic (in hindsight, maybe that was too much to ask woops).... well she gave me short and chic no doubt. Kudos for her though for grasping my not-there-yet feeling about my haircut, so she cut my hair shorter (very much appreciated) and a bit funkier. Then I felt, okay now she's getting there.
Anyway, not a totally bad experience. I'd go back to Suzanne in an instant if I have nice, wavy, charming hair. If you want to go extreme with trendy and super Vogue-ish chic look, go book Suzanne now. So it's been a couple of months, I'm perusing my unopened mail and tada... a card from Suzanne! Hold on tight Suzanne, I'll get a haircut before I go to NYC this September, I need a super chic, feminine look. Thank god in PDX, we really don't need to worry about all these 24/7 flamboyance. -
Review from Melissa M.
New York, NY
11/2/2009
Great overall experience and I love my haircut!
I was visiting Portland for work and needed a haircut. I did a a search on yelp and am so glad that it lead me to Pulse Salon. They were able to squeeze me in at the last minute. I normally never buy products, but ended up buying this Moroccan oil for hair that she used and I'm amazed at how big of a difference it makes.
I'll definitely make another appointment at this place the next time I'm in town. -
Review from Jen C.
8/30/2010
These are 5 hardcore stars because this is a FIRST for me!! Never happened to me before - where I randomly pick a salon and end up having a GREAT experience....thank you Yelp! Went here in early August to see Suzanne as all of her reviews on Yelp were really good. They were spot on! She is a great hairstylist and the owner of the salon. Very professional and personable, with no pretense in the salon whatsoever. I have really thin hair that is hard to cut and I rarely let someone else touch it besides my DC hairstylist. But I was desperate and needed a slight trim - and Suzanne did a great job with the cut and the color! I always get bright almost platinum blonde highlights but I love it when hairstylists are creative and change it up a little bit as opposed to just filling in the same color every time. Suzanne also gave me some low lights which added so much more dimension to my hair color I am definitely going to be requesting them when I go back home. I consider myself a very high maintenance hair client and I've been to enough stylists (since I've moved around so much) to know that not everyone can cut thin hair and make it look good. The cut, color and blow dry were all really good. Pulse delivers and the price point cannot be beat. This was the most satisfying hair experience I have had in a LONG time, and Pulse Salon is easily one of the things I will miss most about Portland.
Also -- Pulse was mentioned in Elle Magazine's August 2010 issue as the top Salon in Oregon, just some FYI for ya.Listed in: Best of Portland
-
Review from Brian F.
Sierra Madre, CA
6/10/2010
Rose cut my hair. I told her I wanted something long (John Edwards, Richard Gere, or Michael Douglas) and just to trim it a tiny bit. I left with a near-crewcut, looking like something out of the film Gladiator. Doesn't look too bad, but nothing remotely like what I'd ordered.
UPDATE: Everyone loves the haircut. Wish there had been better - any - communication - but everyone loves it - so I'll be back! -
Review from Ouroboros B.
Oakland, CA
8/5/2010
I went in yesterday to get my haircut, as my hair was out of control. Everyone I interacted with was very nice, Rebecca who cut my hair was very nice, and my actual haircut was just ok. My hair still has the same blobby shape that it did prior to the cut, but it's now shorter, with perfectly styled bangs (which I didn't ask for.) Overall, for finding a random place on yelp and paying $45, it's OK, but now I have to wait for it to grow out a bit and find someone else to give me a proper haircut.
-
Review from Catherine G.
Portland, OR
7/14/2009
I've been going to Christen for over 6 months and the only time it was not good was when she went on maternity and her sub did not understand my color (I ended up with Ronald McDonald red roots-weird). When she got back, Christen started right back in on what we could do and it looked better with that very first color and cut. She really listens and seems to pay attention to what you're willing to do with your hair and what your hair can do- which I appreciate.
She will suggest product but does not push anything on you. I think their prices are in line with other salons in PDX but I wish it was not so expensive so I could go more often! -
Review from Sami H.
Portland, OR
10/23/2010
I've had my hair done twice at Pulse and both times have been such a great experience. Rebecca is an amazing and talented stylist who made me look and feel good when I left. I love the atmosphere at Pulse and I'll recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to go!
-
Review from Jessie K.
Beaverton, OR
7/26/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I've been coming to pulse for almost 2 years now, and I won't go anywhere else. I read reviews on yelp and made an appointment with Suzanne, the owner. She is skilled, welcoming, funny, and refreshing. I love coming here for my cut'n'color because it is cozy, chic, and cheerful. Plus, Elle magazine has recognized them as one of the top 100 salons in the NATION. Pulse ftw!
-
Review from Kristina K.
Portland, OR
4/11/2009
It takes a while to get acquainted with a new city. I had to find a new favorite local beer, a new favorite bakery, a new favorite coffee shop, a new favorite hair stylist... the list goes on, like a new general practitioner who would probably not like the new favorite bakery or new favorite ice cream shop I have decided to frequent.
In Portland, there's a dizzying amount of salons to choose from and a close friend helped me find the needle in the haystack. As of April 2009, Pulse is celebrating their two (2) year anniversary and has amazing personnel, with some who have over 15 years of professional experience. The environment is light hearted, friendly and positive. Management must be doing something right! The salon is located in a restored Victorian home and occupies the first flat. The Victorian feel brings warmth to the brightly lit, welcoming space. They have a cute spa-like bathroom. One of my favorite features at Pulse is the hair rinsing room who's light is on a dimmer switch. Hair washing and rinsing got just a little bit more relaxing; no more cold, bright florescent lights like other salons. Although I brought photos of some hair styles I liked, I still wanted suggestions of what would work best for me. What I received was sincere, professional advice without attitude, pushiness or indecisiveness. I love my new highlights, new hair style and new stylist, and this place does not disappoint. From my two hour appointment, I got a sense that each of their personnel shares a passion for hair styling and customer care. Similar to another Yeep's experience, I was not pushed into purchasing any products. It was refreshing and I liked that. This place is REALLY good.
Pulse is conveniently located off the MAX line and close to a parking garage. Their schedules are really busy on the weekends, so I recommend to call in advance for an appointment. If you need an experienced and easy-to-approach hair stylist, want to earn a little reward for referring a friend or looking for a mini makeover; there's no reason to go elsewhere. It is really that good. Besides complete hairstyling, they offer color, highlighting, chemical straightening and curling, massage and body treatments, skin care and waxing.Listed in: Portland Musts, My Neighborhood
-
Review from S A R A H.
Portland, OR
8/14/2008
Overall this was a very pleasant experience. I was way overdue for a hair cut and color. I chose this salon based purely on yelp reviews and I have to say that the reviews are spot on. My stylist was Kirsten and I thought she was great. She listened and made appropriate suggestions and didn't try to sell me on products. I'm sure they're supposed to, but the good stylists know better. If you REALLY like a product, you'll ask. The pricing is reasonable, she saw me on time and my hair feels great. Call Kirsten today! You'll leave with happy hair.
-
Review from Danielle H.
Portland, OR
4/17/2008
Huge kudos to Courtney and Pulse Salon. I moved to Portland four months ago and suffered through some bad haircuts looking for a new stylist. My search is over with Courtney. She is friendly, warm and a great stylist. She listened to what I wanted, offered suggestions and spent an hour and a half giving me a great cut and style. All while I relaxed and sipped some delicious wine! I am so pleased to have found such a great new stylist!
-
Review from Toni M.
Portland, OR
8/6/2008
Girls, (& guys) if you don't have a regular stylist, or the one you have takes too many creative liberties, (or just plain sucks but you're too afraid to leave because you don't want to hurt their feelings).... get over it & get into PULSE!
Great location just around the corner from the library, & right next door to a cute coffee shop. (I didn't try that, but I will sometime)
Anyway, you walk in, & immediately you don't feel intimidated or uncomfortable. You know we have all been to "those places". The ones that are the newest best thing & on the cutting edge of everything, but you have to go out & buy a new outfit & put on most of the jewelry you own just to make sure your stylist will take you seriously.....
Pulse is warm, friendly, inviting, relaxing, & decorated with class. From the minute you walk in, you know that you're appreciated, & you will be treated with respect. The music & overall atmosphere are great, & the offer of a beverage during your service is a really nice touch.
Christen was my stylist & she is AMAZING!!!! I am way fussy when it comes to my color, & just about as fussy about the cut. I went in with a picture of what I wanted my hair to be like, with a few subtle differences..... she listened to me, made some helpful suggestions & worked with me to get me what I wanted. She was on the money!!! Everything about the end result is PERFECT! She is also a really easy person to talk to..... I am a total chatterbox as it is, & sometimes, I know I am an unstoppable force once I get going...... I never felt uncomfortable or that I was "over-the-top" with her. We had a flowing conversation that at times even included Suzanne & her client. It was really like hanging out with friends...... (while getting an amazing hair style)!! You can't go wrong with Christen.
Suzanne, who I saw working with a couple clients while I was there is also extremely talented!
Great place, great people, great products, & exceptional service..... all at a very decent price! I can't say it any clearer..... Go Here! You will LOVE it! -
Review from Emily U.
Portland, OR
2/12/2009 1 photo
Having moved from Chicago a few months ago, I was in need of finding a new hair colorist and stylist. After doing some research on yelp, I made an appointment with Suzanne at Pulse. She's the owner of the salon, but she definitely doesn't come off that way - she's not arrogant about her abilities and her pricing was very reasonable. I made an appointment for partial highlights and a haircut. Suzanne was a great mixture in a hair stylist - she listened to what I wanted but also made some suggestions on modernizing my look. Suzanne ended up doing an amazing job and gave me this whole new look but without making any drastic changes. When I went home, my husband's jaw dropped. I needed a roll of Bounty paper towels to clean up the drool off his face. Yes...the new haircut was that amazing.
-
Review from Inga B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 6/21/2010
And I have been back.....I recently went to San Francisco for business and had several random people come up to me asking about my hair. Suzanne lightened it a tad bit this time around for summer and it looks perfectly sun kissed. Major kudos!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/1/2010
Thanks Yelp, you've led me in the right direction once again.
I am uber picky when it comes to… Read more »
-
-
Review from Martha E.
Brooklyn, NY
4/5/2010
I've only come here for a brow wax, but Suzanne was very helpful and chatted with me all through the wax. It's a wax, so it's not 100% fun, but I was relaxed and comfortable. Also, she did a fantastic job and even talked through her technique. I'd definitely come back.
-
Review from malia c.
Grants Pass, OR
6/19/2011
I am pretty sorry to write this review, as it goes against everything in which I believe in terms of criticism. I first went to Pulse about a year and a half ago and was impressed by impeccable service, the best, most focused haircut I'd ever had, and a sense that the salon, while chic, was also down to earth and practical. I returned a year later and the experience was a little different. I had the same stylist (the owner) and she was as nice as she had been the year before. The difference is that while she was doing my haircut, she was distracted by a pretty intense visit going on with her contractor around enlarging and expanding her salon. I was so disappointed with the cut (for which I paid the full price) because it was careless and indifferent to my needs. I think she's a good stylist (as evidenced by the year before) but she's running thin in terms of being an owner/stylist because of her need to attend to things like the remodel/upgrade) but she didn't serve me well the second time I went there. I'm now on my third trip to Portland and have decided not to re-appoint with the Pulse owner/stylist because of my last experience.
-
Review from Gaby R.
Portland, OR
8/17/2008
I am new the area and was searching for a nice but reasonably priced place to get my hair cut (long overdue). After a search on yelp, I made an appointment at Pulse. Christen was my stylist and she was awesome. She listened to what I wanted to do and took her time with me. She didn't push any products on me or didn't pressure me to make another appointment right away. My hair is healthy and I'm definitely making another appointment with Christen.
-
Review from Mgizzle A.
Vancouver, WA
11/16/2008
My 3 year old daughter and I went here as a bday gift from my husband. Christen was amazing!!! She was very patient with my daughter and explained everything she was doing in kids terms. I'm very happy with both our haircuts! Will definitely make an appointment with Christen again!
