Defining Image Salon

Unprofessional, uncaring and way overrated.

by NotRed at Citysearch

I selected this salon based on City Search reviews. Hair is their art, they claim.

This is the first review I have ever chosen to leave, but I feel I must warn others of my experience.

The salon is grubby. No getting around it, it is need of a good cleaning...especially under the chairs. That was my first impression. Not a huge thing, but I expected a more professional image.

The "stylist" who seemed extremely nervous, did not make me feel as though I were in competent hands, certainly was no hair artist, and, frankly, I left with the worst color and close to being the worst haircut of my life.

Finally, when I called the salon to voice my concerns, the man who answered the telephone was completely rude and defensive and most unprofessional.

I will never return.

• Cons: Uncaring and unprofessional management.

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!

Wow! The best!!

by markim at Citysearch

Edan has colored & cut my hair for years. I had an exceptional treat at my last visit - Patty did a facial! Oh my, what a wonderful experience. My skin still looks and feels like a million bucks! She used and applied products specifically for my skin type and I left the salon feeling fabulous. Patty is amazing, knows her product and is extremely skilled at waxing and facials.

If you want the best hair cut, the best color now you can also get the BEST all around facial! Defining Image is amazing. Thank you.

• Pros: professional, fantastic results
• Cons: none