Douglas J Salon

They used to be really good and still do have good stylists and colorists, BUT they’ve begun to really pitch product, and their stuff is expensive and I don’t think that great. I believed in the Aveda product line, but in recent years, I think it’s not only gotten overly expensive, but the stylists pitch as much product as their actual service costs. I don’t think I’ll be going back any more mainly due to this prioritization on profit through product.

Thank you Katie! Had a facial this morning and it was the best thing EVER! I wish I could take her back to Colorado with me. If you are going to this salon request Katie for an esthetician! Thank you Katie!

I had a great experience here. My colorist, Will, took so much extra time and effort to make sure everything was absolutely perfect with my hair. I’d definitely recommend this salon!

This review is actually for the call center which schedules appointments; I have been going to this salon for over 6 years. I called today to make an appointment for a cut and color. The person I spoke with, Michelle, booked me with a stylist and colorist who I didn’t know, so I asked if they were familiar with a particular coloring technique that I wanted since in the past, that had been an issue (they had to schedule me with a particular colorist who knew how to do it). She very snottily replied that everybody should be trained in the same technique and that there was no difference between colorists. I asked if she would mind checking since this was something I had actually experienced in the past. She then put me on hold, and returned, saying «I just checked and confirmed what I ALREADY TOLD YOU, that there is no difference in colorists, clearly you are misinformed.»; I have no idea why she felt the need to be so nasty, particularly to a paying customer trying to schedule an appointment. I wish there was some way to let the salon know that having people like her working in the call center is actually driving away customers. Very unfortunate.

Will was absolutely amazing! He was so precise with my hair color and really took the extra time to perfect it. He also gave my recommendations on how to style my hair with my specific cut and color. I would definitely recommend him. He goes above and beyond any hair colorist I’ve had at other salons!

I have been coming to the Douglas J eXchange for 8 years now, and I have not once considered going elsewhere. In fact, even while living 30 – 45 mins away from Ann Arbor for several years, I still drove back every 4 weeks for a haircut and every 6 – 8 weeks for highlights. This place is that good!
I see Amber for my haircuts and Beth for my highlights — both do an incredible job. I routinely get compliments on my hair and it’s really just a testament to the great work they both do every time. I can’t say enough about either of them.
The salon itself is more of a minimalist décor — comfortable, not overly showy, but very nice at the same time. They serve complimentary water, coffee, and tea.
One thing to note that’s out of the ordinary — tipping is not allowed at the Douglas J salons. So just an FYI if you are going for the first time.
Prices are based on the level of the stylist/​colorist — the higher level the person is at, the higher the price. Level seems to be determined by years of experience and performance, from what I have observed. Higher levels can get pricey, but I don’t think any of the prices are out of line with other higher-​end salons. In fact, they’re still lower than some salons, I’m sure.
This location has a full line of Aveda products for sale — hair, skin, makeup, etc.

I was in town for my son’s wedding and wanted something special done with my hair. This was the first time I’ve had an up-​do and Amber did such a wonderful job. I was so pleased with the results — it was perfect.

My go to salon! I have been seeing Trevor for color for nearly two years now. Each time he gets my vision and my hair always looks so natural! The complimentary drinks and not having to include a tip (they don’t accept them) make the whole experience a lot more luxurious. I have also done a wedding up do which lasted all night. I want to try spa services next!

I love this place! I’ve been here three times and have had different stylists each time and also, have been extremely happy with my service!
I do either Level 1 or 2 because I know I don’t ask for anything too crazy with my hair. For me, the best haircuts are when no one can tell you got a haircut. The stylists really listen to what you want and ask questions to make sure what you are saying is what you want.
The stylists don’t try to tell you which style is best for you because they understand that you know how you want to look.
They offer you coffee/​tea/​water when you go in and they don’t take tip! Service is consistent.

First time here: $ 41 haircut included oil scalp massage, wash/​condition, cut, blowdry, and hand/​arm massage. My stylist, Molly, was fantastic. She recommended a product, but there was absolutely no pushing or guilting like I’ve had in other salons. The reservation process was super easy online, they sent a text reminder the day of, gave me coffee and a sweet greeting when I walked in, and I left feeling incredibly happy and satisfied. And they wouldn’t let me tip! So in return, I’m leaving this nice review, and giving you my business as long as I’m in Ann Arbor. Thanks ladies!

Lindsey is a great stylist. I live in North Carolina, and do a lot of work in Michigan, so I time my haircuts over when I am in the area. Great service, nice people.

I was very impressed by the over all experience at this salon. It is within walking distance of U of M’s campus and they do take walk-​ins. As a student it is a little bit pricey for me to go to often, but I did learn that they have an institute about a block away with cheaper prices! Even though the cost is high at this salon, the care and customer service cannot be beat.

In the unlikely event that anyone else is relocating from Louisville to the Ann Arbor area, I’d note that this is basically Z Salon. Except with metered parking and no naked lady statue outside.
For the rest of y’all, Douglas J is an excellent example of the Aveda school+salon model. I feel pretty confident that any stylist who has graduated from the Institute, moved over to the salon and gotten their first promotion shouldn’t do anything irreparable to my hair. So, I aim for a Level 2 stylist.
The Level 1 staff are surely very competent, but I’d probably want a personal referral in that case. If you’re going in blind, I think it is worth the $ 7 or whatever.
I was very pleased with my haircut the first time out. Blair really took the time to figure out my hair, my short and long term style goals, and my styling habits. Or lack there of. She was a good sport to not judge me for my unwillingness to do anything on a daily basis requiring a second hair product.
And I am now the proud owner of two — count them TWO — separate and independent eyebrows. So, you know, bonus points for being a full service salon.

These four stars are for Heather. I was a new customer, and tried a level 1 stylist for the $ 41 flat rate. For $ 41, it’s actually a really good deal because there’s no tip added, plus a little massage.
I want to give props to Heather though for being really nice, not too chatty, and helping me decide what would look best for my cut. I want to especially thank her for not shaming me for not using expensive product, like every salon on the planet. I know many places have incentives to sell you things, and encourage you to buy fancy conditioner, but I’m so glad Heather recognized that I’m clearly not that kind of customer and didn’t make me feel bad about it.
Overall, Heather had solid skills, and I would likely come back.

Average cut for moderate prices.

I have to admit I am not a hair style officiando by any means, but, I am one who likes to get my monies worth when I spend it.
I have gone to the Douglas J INSTITUTE several times prior to here and was very happy with the results but it is a huge time constraint because the students are slow and need to be graded by instructors throughout the process.
So, the Douglas J SALON is the solution to that! They are absolute professionals. I had my hair cut and colored. I need to point out that two different stylists did the job. One did the cut and one did the color. Meaning, you get experts in each area. They consult with you and each other before starting and the end result is gorgeous! I have not worn my hair in a ponytail, other than to workout, since my cut! I love it and scheduled my next appointment before leaving!
Oh, and they don’t allow tips either, just like the institute. So, for an absolute professional job (which you pay comparable to other salons) and Aveda products, this is a great salon!

I found a $ 10 off coupon online, and made an appointment day-​of with a Level 1 stylist. So I got a nice haircut for $ 31 ($ 41 — $ 10, and no tips). This was very pleasing, given how expensive haircuts can be.
My stylist was Blaire, and I have only positive things to say about her. She was patient, thorough, and sweet.
Nice overall experience, as well. I was offered tea or coffee when I came in. Having read the Unilocal reviews on the great tea, I asked for that, and it was awesome. Licorice-​y. I waited just a few minutes for Blaire to come over, which worked out perfectly. It gave me time to relax and have my tea, but wasn’t so long that I got antsy.
We talked about my haircut hopes for a few minutes, then Blaire gave a really enjoyable head massage. So nice. I feel like I’d go back just for that. Then, the shampooing was pleasant and a good length, and finally the haircut… efficient. The blowdrying went on a while, but whatever, we had a good conversation going.
Blaire did not try to sell me products, which I appreciated. In other reviews I’d read that stylists do that, and so prepared for the spiel. But, happily, none.
When I went to pay, I asked about the tip thing. Indeed, they are a no-​tip salon. I really appreciate that. The price you see online is the price you get. Between that and a pretty haircut, I felt great going out the door.
A few days later, I still like my haircut. It was a simple cut, but those are also mess-​up-​able, so I appreciate that Blaire did such a great job with it.
I definitely plan to go back here. I’d previously said that about Vox, but when I compare prices and experience (the head massage!), I definitely like this place better.

This place is ah-​ma-​zing! Start with the tea, when they ask you would like to drink, ask for the tea. I wouldn’t steer you wrong, unless of course you have an aversion to licorice — in which case, I’m not sure I want you reading my reviews!
Then — Scalp massage with essential oils, yes; hand massage while you wait, yes, please; an wonderful shampoo; yes, please; an amazing haircut; triple yes, and thank you!; and then comes a blow dry and style. All of this awesome service at a very value-​filled price of $ 41 (for a level 1 stylist — prices go up from there if you want a more experienced stylist) .
Oh wait, I forgot to mention the invaluable advice and education about my hair type, best ways to wear it, etc.
This is the best service I have in a long time. I’m not a «pampery» type of girl, but you will feel that you are the only customer in the world at this salon; they are that service-​oriented!
There is no tipping allowed — in and out in about an hour for $ 41 total!

Came here with a few girlfriends to get mani/​pedi treatment. Our students were great, they did a good job and my student was able to give me some tips for a new mom. I like the idea that they are students and that their work gets checked over by senior personnel. That way, I feel that if there was a major blunder, they would fix it before I left the building.
I was a little confused by the process up front however. We just milled around front for a while before getting checked in, and again we stood stupidly with our nail techs after we were done, waiting for someone to acknowledge us. Not just us, the customers, but also the students! It was a little off-​putting.
Bonus: I love that they switched to more natural nail polish, and while the finger nail paint had to come off in 1 week for work, the toes are still going strong with their vegan color.

Looking for a nice salon? No need to look anywhere else!
LOVE this salon. I’ve been a loyal customer for the last 3 years.
If you’re getting your hair colored/​highlighted, ask for Jessica. She is the absolute best! I trust her explicitly– when I go in, no need to tell her what I want… she figures it out every time and I walk out of there feeling beautiful!
As a loyal aveda product user, a nice scalp massage, wash and style with all aveda products tops off your salon experience.