Defining Image Salon

Your hair will be in good hands here!

by chapeaukiki at Citysearch

My former hair color specialist retired from the business and since then I've had more than a few below average experiences with salons around town. After perusing the City Search listings and feedback I called Defining Image. To my pleasant surprise I was able to get an appointment with Christina within a few hours of calling on the same day. Upon entering the salon I was greeted kindly by several of the staff. Everyone I talked to and everyone who provided services were friendly and none of them were overbearing. They were down-to-earth and did not put on the sort of affectations often found at pretentious salons. But most importantly, Christina was a great listener and did an amazing job with my color, which by the way was not an easy task since (1) I had previously used dreaded home color kits and had some brassy tones; and (2) I wanted color that is darker than my normal shade. Christina used a combination of overall color and low lights and worked carefully to correct the color. The color products used were not harsh or irritating in any way. She even spent extra time to style my hair straight (I'm a curly head). The end result far exceeded my expectations and I am, and continue to be, very pleased. Also, the intern who washed my hair was great. I think he has a bright future in the beauty industry. My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that when I went to leave Christina a tip I was directed to place it in some sort of communal (open) envelope. I tipped her $20 for the excellent service. It always irks me when gratuity of this nature goes into a nebulous place. I had to run but would have left a personal note for Christina if there was a private envelope available for her. In any case, I hope she knows how much I appreciated her time and her service. I will be back and won't hesitate to recommend the services of this salon to others. Thanks!

Love the Color!

by lindsaypdx at Citysearch

Laura did a great job coloring my hair. The staff was friendly and offered candy too! I will definitely go back.

• Pros: Reasonably priced, excellent color
• Cons: None

Best Salon Ever!

by Linda Rohman at Citysearch

Best color....covers the grey, my hair feels healthy and not fried, constant compliments. Edan has cut my hair and it turns out exactly the way I asked and envisioned. Patty shapes my brows; they turn out perfect every time. I feel so lucky I stumbled on this place five years ago. Never a disappointing experience. Friendly, exceptional service. I trust them completely; so much so I hired them to take care of my wedding party on the most important day yet. I was ecstatic with the results as was everyone in my bridal party. They accommodated everyone and we each looked absolutely beautiful. can't stop raving... get yourself here and give yourself a real treat!

• Pros: great color, exceptional service, awesome cut
• Cons: can't think of any

Response from this business

definingimage-1– November 21, 2009 at 09:01:45 PST

Thank you for your comments! We love taking care of you and all of our clients. We were honored to be responsible for you and your wedding party on your special day! See you soon. The Defining Image Team.

Great Color....Average Haircut!

by msirishred at Citysearch

Recently went and had a color and cut. The color turned out wonderful but the haircut was just average....I have actually had a better haircut at Great Clips!

• Pros: great color
• Cons: parking, price

Response from this business

definingimage-1– October 12, 2009 at 19:31:39 PDT

Thank you for your comments. We're glad you love your color. However, we wish you would communicate with us directly so that we may work with you on your hair cut. Customer satisfaction is important to us and we cannot help you if you do not contact us. Expectations are sometimes misunderstood and given the opportunity, I'm confident our team could help.

Older guy gets hair reboot

by davewe at Citysearch

I've had my hair cut at salons before but they always asked what I wanted done, I always said to just do it the way it is but shorter. This time I decided I would ask for recommendations. I did my due diligence and decided to go to Defining Image. I asked Ellery what he thought and he gave me his recommendations as far as the cut. I then asked him about coloring the grey. I've never done this before and was hesitant. He put me at ease.

Watching Ellery cut my hair, I could tell immediately I was in the hands of a master. Not just the wham bam kind of cuts I usually get. He's also a woodworking (as am I) and I suspect that accounts for his meticulous nature. The haircut is the best I've ever gotten! Why didn't I know about this when I was younger and had all my hair?

Then it came time for the color. His apprentice (I can't remember his name - sorry!) did the coloring. I was nervous but just went with it, telling myself "it's only hair." When we were done and it really didn't take very long, it looked very natural. In fact, I remarked that the hair looked very similar to the color I had maybe 15 years before.

Ellery turned me on to some hair products to use and I was set.

Just ran into my neighbors. Their first comment - "nice haircut." They couldn't figure out what was different and I told them I'd had it colored. They really hadn't realized - just knew they liked it. Exactly the effect I was looking for.

So, in short, a great experience!

• Pros: Everything was great
• Cons: Nothing

Response from this business

definingimage-1– October 12, 2009 at 19:33:41 PDT

Thank you for your comments! We will be sure to share them with Ellery and Jesse (our apprentice).

run don't walk!

by recutified at Citysearch

After enduring a bad shag a'la'Florence Henderson for the last year care of a very sweet stylist who was nonetheless doing my do no favors, I decided it was time for a breakup. After reading the rave reviews here I booked an appointment w/Laura and I could not be happier.

I feared the worst: bad cut, bad attitude, something actually worse than the current bad cut I was sporting. Instead...

Laura was sweet, unpretentious and this is the best cut I've had maybe...ever?!! I went out the night of my cut and my friends pronounced me "recutified" and compared my swirls to Venus de Milo's. And, having just stepped out of the shower and styled I can honestly say I have never worked so little for a cut to look so good. No more flat iron, a miracle!

Best place for a haircut

by mclovin08 at Citysearch

I've been going here for a little over 2 years now I think, so my review is a bit late. I will never get my haircut anywhere else. Nichole does an awesome job with my short haircuts. They are also really nice when I have to call in to cancel my appointments [even when it was a same day appt].

I always get compliments on my hair, even way after I've gotten it cut.

• Pros: the stylists, products, atmosphere, everything.

Outstanding!

by apfccc at Citysearch

In 64 years of getting hair cuts all over the US, I have found 4 individuals who excelled. The Defining Image has 1 of them: Maria. She is amazing!

• Pros: Best men's haicut in town
• Cons: none

it's good to stick with a salon:)

by kathleenbelcher at Citysearch

this was the first salon i visited when I moved to Portland 5 years ago and although there have been ups and downs with changes in stylists, the owners have always been in place to ensure that I was cared for in the long run. My current stylist is Christina, and I am extremely happy with both color and style from her. I would recommend this salon highly, and overlook any postings regarding the physical appearance of the salon. those superficial details are not important compared to the quality of the service, styles, etc.

• Pros: professionals at the salon's very core
• Cons: adjusting to new stylists

Maria - the ultimate hair-designer

by survivor777 at Citysearch

A woman is always in search for that one talented hair stylist who is capable of bringing out the best in her by intuitively tuning in to her core and by creating an image that ultimately defines her. Well, my search is over – I have found my ultimate hair-designer in Defining Image in the person of Maria. Maria is not only passionate about what she is doing but she also has an amazing gift of a true artist with a vision, so everything she touches with her magically talented hands turns into a masterpiece every single time. My hair has always been very thin but Maria gave me a haircut that took 10 years off me and gave my very fine hair body and energy. I absolutely loved the haircut and loved the way she styled my hair.

• Pros: Talented and thorough hair stylist with consistent successes

So amazing!!

by CSMobileUser at Citysearch

Wow, I just had a cut and color with Nicole and let me tell you, it is perfect! Exactly what I asked for. Finding someone to manage my curly hair is tough, but she totally came through! I can't wait to go back!