The hair, it is in my eyes...

October 19, 2007 9:44 PM

Best place to get an exactly-as-you-want-it haircut in Portland, OR.

Prefer the salon treatment over a barbershop, though past experiences haven't been 100% positive in either case. Perhaps I fuss over it too much, but I hate it when you say half-an-inch and they hack off two.

I'm a n00b to Portland but know my way around - help please!

posted by roygbv to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (15 answers total)

Because I only cut my hair once a year or so, I feel okay going here. If price is an issue, you can ask them for a stylist in training (their rates are lower). They are really good at either suggesting things if you aren't so precise and sure of what you want (like me), or following very precise orders (or so my sister says).
posted by eralclare at 9:52 PM on October 19, 2007

Plus, they give you a head rub and massage your hands! Zow!
posted by eralclare at 9:54 PM on October 19, 2007

Is this for a guy or for a gal?

For guys, I've had GREAT experiences with Bishop's Barber Shop downtown... it's a local chain. There's one in NW and SW. They've got kind of a punk aesthetic in the store, but don't let that turn you away. I've seen more old ladies getting their hair done there than true punks. I don't know how good they are for women's hair, since the standards are different, but I'd assume that they're just as stellar as they are for men's.
posted by SpecialK at 10:00 PM on October 19, 2007

My husband and I just started going to Hotbox and I really like it. It's extremely affordable (his cut cost only $20), and Clairissa, the owner, will take a lot of time your first appointment to make sure she understands what you want. She's also just an extremely nice and charming person. I couldn't recommend her more. Good luck!
posted by melissa may at 10:08 PM on October 19, 2007

Response by poster: For a guy, though my hair is somewhat long and I'm not looking for a "dry and go" kind of cut. I blow dry and straighten it (looks fucking insane otherwise) and would prefer that the cut takes factors like this into account. And price isn't a big deal.
posted by roygbv at 10:17 PM on October 19, 2007

By your profile I see you are of the male persuasion. MrGirlfriend goes to HairM, in downtown Portland, and digs it.
posted by DrGirlfriend at 10:17 PM on October 19, 2007

I'm fond of KoiPod, at 3442 SE Belmont. Kahala is the owner, and to be recommended if you can get an appointment with him. Bonus: Kinta, the restaurant next door, is delicious.
posted by mumkin at 10:38 PM on October 19, 2007

check out Gilly's Salon: 2512 SE Clinton. Ask for Lu, she's a sweetheart, and is the only girl that can give me a decent haircut.

super cute shop, and you can get some records next door!
posted by furnace.heart at 11:53 PM on October 19, 2007

I've gone to both Bishops and Salon in Vogue (I'm a guy) and have no complaints but then I'm not a very discriminating customer. The free beer at Bishops is a nice perk if you happen to get your haircut on a hot summer day, in the afternoon...
posted by esome at 12:49 AM on October 20, 2007

I like Bishops.
posted by Packy_1962 at 8:27 AM on October 20, 2007

I go to Bishops, but their quality is pretty inconsistent; I've gotten both excellent and disappointing cuts there. I've heard good things about HairM.
posted by thinman at 10:45 AM on October 20, 2007

This won't be very helpful because I'm never particular about my hair.

Mrs. Thomsplace & I just went to Do or Dye across from the Laurelhurst. Cissy is manic and hilarious and did a great job. Again, neither of us were very fussy about what we wanted today.

I've also been to HairM downtown once. Ok, fine fine. Twice. Beer. HDTV sports (your own screen, I think). Scalp massage. Eye candy. However, if you're married/attached, you may or may not find it uncomfortable to later explain why you chose the place that seems to only employ girls in very tight black t-shirts. "I swear honey! I called all over town and there was NOWHERE to get my hair cut and I had that big client pitch so I couldn't look scruffy, could I? Hello? Hello? Shoot, I think my signal cut out..."

Rudy's on SE Division is awesome. I've never gotten a bad cut there, and the space is big and airy (and punk). The thing I've never liked about ALL the Bishop's locations is that they feel really cramped. Mebbe that's just me, though.
posted by thomsplace at 8:39 PM on October 20, 2007

Seconding Hotbox (yes, I am the husband). Seriously, the only reason to go to a Bishop's is free MGD, and that's not a very good reason. I'm sure Clarissa would give you a beer if you asked for it, it'll cost the same as Bishop's, and it'll be much better as far as atmosphere (unless you like listening to bands that sound exactly like Joy Division).
posted by sleepy pete at 3:58 PM on October 23, 2007

I guess by now you've had your hair done. sorry. i've been here for 2 years and tried all the 'best of 'this or that'' salons in Portland. they all sucked big time... at least compared to nyc. BUT luckily, i moved next door to a salon called Gossamer (503-227-6377, 2636 NW Thurman & 26-27th. Kim and Sandra are the only stylists there. they both do great cuts and color. I'm a pretty pale blond, but Kim did my highlights -and an awesome cut- that were on par with anything I've gotten in NYC (started to think i'd fly home every 3 months...). They really are the best hair people in this town. Because of that, you'll probably have to wait a couple months for an appointment, but they always call if/when they get a cancellation. Good Luck!
posted by cyberdelicat at 12:27 AM on January 7, 2008

Grace Salon is good, too. Especially Eve.
posted by hulahulagirl at 7:17 PM on May 26, 2008