The Refinery

I recently had my hair colored/​highlighted by Shana Sugar. I would highly recommend her for anyone looking for a great colorist. Buffalo is so lucky to have her back!!! She was so sweet and extremely adorable not to mention a color guru! She knew exactly what I wanted and was really able to take my vision to the next level. She was personable and knowledgeable. I have never got some many compliments on my hair in my life. Shana is a true artist and will never steer you wrong. Ladies, go see her!!!

The best haircut and color I have ever gotten. I have been highlighting my hair for years now (I am naturally brunette) but have been blonde for years. The last few times I have gotten my hair done at other salons I have been paying outrageous prices and never really happy with the style or color. I recently got the best cut ever thanks to Kara. Today I got my hair colored and it’s everything I hoped it would be and more! Everyone is so pleasant and kind. I love it here! Woohoooo!

I have been paying way too much for the color & highlights I want at Excuria, so I decided to try a more affordable, convenient place. I actually found a colorist I use to go to in Chicago, who recently moved here, Shana! I was so excited to have her do my color again. I will not be going to anyone else, I love her work!
My color is rich and exactly what I described I wanted. She did lowlights, highlights, and color-​and it didn’t take all day! The cost was very reasonable even with the hefty tip I think she deserved. Besides being an amazing colorist Shana is friendly and has an edge with all of her Chicago salon experience. The Refinery is super cute too, and her assistant Haley was very attentive.
If you are looking for fantastic color & a knowledgeable, talented colorist, at a great price– Shana is a perfect choice :-)

After being loyal to a different salon for years, I finally decided I needed a change. I’m super picky and scared to try new things with my hair, so I was pretty nervous. I found The Refinery through Instagram when my friend got the most incredible cut and color from there. When I visited for my first appointment. I COULDN’T BELIEVE WHAT I HAD BEEN MISSING! I thought I went to a really nice salon before. but The Refinery is seriously a step or 5 up. The décor is beautiful, the girls are so sweet, and they are so talented there. I was so happy with the cut that I decided to officially convert from my old salon for good. My next appointment at the Refinery is tomorrow and I seriously can’t wait! Will update with pics :)
Edit: I love my new ‘do! Shana is a color master!

I came for the first time last Saturday to see Shana. I am Shana’s regular in Chicago but was visiting my family in Buffalo for the week and wanted to visit her new place. It’s beautifully decorated and so serene. I was so surprised to find this in Buffalo off of Hertel! Shana is the tops. I would highly recommend that you book an appointment before she gets completely booked and has a waiting list like she did in Chicago. She is one of Chicago’s best and Buffalo is lucky to have her. My highlights are amazing and I get regular compliments on my color. The prices at Refinery are so reasonable for the service. Find this place and book Shana for your next color!

Maggie and Michelle are the best, and I have been all over.
Maggie is excellent at cutting curly hair. She is an artist.

If you have curly hair, get it cut by Meg (Margaret)! I searched for years for a place that would provide consistently good haircuts and this is it! I always leave feeling beautiful and happy with the service. The atmosphere is great too– beautiful salon and a friendly/​laid back environment. I highly recommend going here!

I had a terrible experience at this salon. Michele would not do my hair at all because my hair is dark. But I’m sure it’s because I did not look rich and because I’m Asian and not white. She completely rejected to do my hair because it would be «damaged» and because I have henna on my hair. I even asked her are there any salons that will dye my hair she straight up said no and that if they do then they shouldn’t be a stylist. I found another salon and the stylist did a strand test on my hair before doing my entire head and it was fine. So she went ahead and did my hair of the balayage I wanted and my hair did not fall out nor is it damaged. Michele does not know how to handle everyone’s hair and as a hair stylist that shouldn’t be the case. They are really racist, I cannot believe having such good reviews they can do that. I did not get a good vibe from them honestly very racist. Never going to this salon ever again.

There are few places in Buffalo that offer the type of service that you find at The Refinery. While I loved my previous stylist, I was searching for a salon that was closer to my home and had many recommendations from acquaintances that this was where I should go.
I booked a highlight with Michele. It took me three to four weeks to find an appointment time– so book early! Upon my arrival, I was greeted warmly by the staff. These girls are prompt!
Michele completely transformed my hair. I went from bleach blonde to warm, rich brunette and she and the girls stopped at nothing to make sure that my color was absolutely perfect. Several hours of processing and multiple coats of gloss, and I walked out feeling confident and radiant. I’ve gone dark before, but I’ve never felt as comfortable with my decision as I do now. Michele is an expert colorist and I fully trust her vision and artistry.
On that note — every single person in the salon is kind and welcoming. What a difference it makes to walk into a place and instantly feel like you are part of a new «family.» They treat you as if you’ve known them for years.
If you’re looking for a new place, fully trust the girls at The Refinery. Your hair will thank you for it!

UNRELIABLE. UNPROFESSIONAL. UNACCOMMODATING. Avoid it like chlamydia. I booked a blow out for 4:00 p.m. (big event at the Yacht Club for my in-​laws’ 50^th anniversary with many out of town guests) but I received a call at 2:30 p.m. to cancel. Amy refused to accommodate/​squeeze in my 30 minute blow out and chose to cancel last minute. Bottom line, if you have an event and need your hair done, skip this place.

I’d been searching for a new salon for some time now. After reading the amazing Unilocal reviews for Refinery Salon, I had to give them a try, and wow am I glad I did! The place is fairly small but has a simple, and beautiful aesthetic.
My stylist was Grace; after telling her what I was looking to have done, she offered some great advice on how to make my hair lay better. In my experience, not all stylists «get me» when it comes to my hair (I have a lot of it). Grace was super friendly and did an amazing job (I got balayage blonde highlights and a trim). Can’t wait to come back!

I’m the type of girl who takes it very seriously when it comes to my hair and since i moved to Buffalo, gotta say i was struggling finding an hairstylist i can count on. Until a friend of mine recommended this place. I looked up online and instantly knew i can trust these ladies based on the previously wonderful jobs of them. the wait is long but it’s absolutely worth it. Michelle helps me to lighten up my base color and i have haircut with Maggie. So satisfied with the result and would definitely suggest this place to anyone!

I’m not great about hair upkeep. The past few years I’ve mostly just been letting it grow, and grow, and grow. Maybe once a year I’ll go and get it trimmed. I have had just fine experiences at two other salons, but I couldn’t help but feel some level of dissatisfaction — didn’t quite like the haircut, or didn’t get a good vibe from the stylist, etc. So I was interested in finding a new place to try. I decided on The Refinery, and specifically Maggie Ryan, about whom I read some excellent reviews. I wanted an expert to handle my hair and help me figure out what best to do with it, and that is exactly what I got.
The salon itself is just lovely. It’s not huge, and it’s busy, so the atmosphere is rather bustling, which I ended up really liking — there was so much going on with three or four full chairs and busy stylists. It was kind of a marvel. The receptionist was very nice. I didn’t have to wait long, and was initially assisted by the lovely and kind Karen, who led me over to my chair to meet Maggie. She and I discussed a little bit about who I am, what I might have had in mind. I went in with hair just about halfway down my back and was thinking about going for a chin-​length bob, one of my go-​to ‘dos when I was younger.
Because my hair has changed since then — thinner, more apt to frizz — she advised not counting on the type of sleek, smooth bobs I was used to having. Instead we went with a more messy, tousled version helped with a little curl made by a wand (expertly executed by Karen, by the way). She told me how I can make my hair not so flat and «blah» in a way that will still work with my rather laissez-​faire attitude. I’m typically a wash and wear type of person, but I’m willing to do a few extra, easy things if it will make my hair look like this.
Getting rid of all those inches was scary, and when I first put my glasses back on after the cut, I did have some regretful feelings… but that was mostly due to shock. ;) It didn’t take me long to feel good about taking the plunge, and I really love the cut.
I had a great time talking with Maggie and felt that she really «got» me 100%. I kind of can’t wait to go back for my next cut, which is saying a lot. I’ve definitely found the perfect salon for me, even if the cost was much more than I would usually be inclined to spend. Because Maggie is an owner, she’s a little more expensive, but TOTALLY worth it.

Full disclosure: I’m not much of a salon person, particularly when it comes to hair. I’ve had the same haircut for at least 10 years (it’s called the Very long, All one length, Cut it once a year if I’m lucky Cut). It was just easier that way. But lately, I’ve been itching for a change, but change is scary when you’ve done something the same way for so many years. I’m a frequent Unilocal user, and I kept seeing these amazing reviews for The Refinery, as well as pictures of ladies with AMAZING looking hair. So I took the plunge and made an appointment online with Maggie… and there wasn’t an open slot for about 5 weeks! She must be good if it takes that long to get in to see her, right?
Well, D-​Day finally arrived and I walked into The Refinery for my appointment. The salon itself is BEAUTIFUL, modern, yet classy and warm. The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile and got me situated while Maggie finished up with her client. After that, I sat down with Maggie to discuss what I wanted… and that was part of the problem. I knew I wanted something different, I just wasn’t sure what. She asked me a lot of questions about my hair and how much time I like to spend on it, and I showed her some pictures of what I thought I may like… which she used to show me what I REALLY WOULD like. It was amazing. The consultation itself was worth it. Next, after a good washing, Maggie began to work her magic. She took such great care with cutting my hair, it was like watching a master at work. I’ve never seen anyone cut hair like this (although to be fair, I’m going once a year so what the hell do I know). After the cut, she showed me how to style it SEVERAL ways, using different products and tools but never pushing me to purchase anything, and even make some suggestions for highlights (unfortunately I didn’t have time for both today).
I’ve only had my new hair cut for about 6 hours, but I’ve never received so many compliments on my hair. I’m absolutely in love with it, because it’s exactly what I wanted and needed without me even knowing. The hype about The Refinery and Maggie is real. Everyone in the entire salon was SO GENUINELY NICE, never once did I feel uncomfortable like sometimes you can in hoity-​toity salons. I’m never getting my hair cut anywhere else, it’s that good. Maybe I’ll start going more frequently than once a year now…

This review summarized in three words: BEST HAIRCUT EVER.
Now read on if you’d like the full review.
I found this salon on Unilocal over a month ago and instead of making an appointment right then and there, I waited until a week before I left Buffalo to look for an appointment. I go onto the online booking service and was lucky enough to find a morning appointment for three days later (someone must have cancelled), the next available appointment wasn’t for another six weeks and I am leaving so of course I booked it.
Leading up to the appointment, I was sent an email reminder two days before and a text reminder the day before, very convenient for someone who is busy and can’t always answer a phone call.
Appointment day: Salon is on Saranac off of Hertel ave. The salon was easy to find and parking was too, equally easy to find. I came in and was immediately greeted by two lovely ladies; Amy and Karen! They were so pleasant and easy to talk to. Everyone else there smiled and said hi too while I sat in the chair waiting for my stylist to come work her magic.
When Maggie finally made an appearance, I immediately felt comfortable and knew we were going to communicate perfectly about what it is I needed from my haircut. She knew exactly what I wanted without me saying much at all and I felt like she understood me and my needs. I have A LOT of hair, it is thick and a unique texture (somewhere between wavy and curly but not too much) but it is difficult for a lot of stylists to know what it needs. But NOT Maggie, she started cutting and she is truly SO, SO skilled. I can’t describe it but she gets into her zone, and your hair is her canvas and she just creates a masterpiece. She spent about 40 minutes just perfecting the cut and when she was done, I couldn’t believe that this hair was mine!
I can truly say it is absolutely the BEST haircut I’ve ever gotten. The blow dry was great too, and came out just the way I wanted. My hair is still long and full, but feels so much lighter on my head. Maggie, you are a HAIR GODDESS!
I cut my hair about every three months, and even if I didn’t, the price is so worth it for what you get. I would still come back and cut my hair here again even if the prices quadrupled, that should tell you how amazing this cut is! I mean wouldn’t you pay whatever it is if you knew you were about to get the best haircut ever?
If I could give this salon 10 stars I would, but Unilocal only allows 5! Go ahead and make an appointment, you will NOT regret it.
I cannot wait until Spring for my next appointment :)

Maggie is also a great stylist for straight hair. Mine is very thin and strait as a string. Maggie has a good eye to look at someone’s face and figure out the best style for them. Like others, I no longer live in the Buffalo area, but I return there regularly to visit family. I always make an appointment to see Maggie while I’m home.
I think the price of a hair cut is extremely reasonable. The cuts and color treatment that Maggie gives me last for several months. It’s definitely worth the price.
I especially like the stylish yet un-​snotty attitude at Refinery. Everyone there is great.

I can’t say enough good things about my experience at The Refinery. My hair was colored by Michele and cut by Maggie. It turned out exactly as I was hoping, to a T. Both Michele and Maggie took the time to meet with me before they started working on my hair– to discuss what I would like, what my hair is like, and how I would want to wear it. I cut my hair from long to collarbone length, and got an ombré from my natural brown to blonde.
My hair came out beautifully and natural looking– perfect color with no visible color lines, and the cut was exactly what I was looking for: easy and beachy.
Everything apart from the hair experience was equally great: the décor, the ladies helping in the salon– really everything and everyone was positive and comfortable.
While the price was a bit steep compared to what I normally pay, I truly believe it was worth every penny to get exactly what I wanted in such a nice atmosphere. I would readily recommend The Refinery to any of my friends or family– it’s honestly an amazing place where you will get exactly what you want!
Glad to have The Refinery in the neighborhood!

I met Maggie at Bumble & Bumble in NY (where I live), and she is AMAZING. I now come back to Buffalo (where my parents live) to get my hair cut. I notice that lots of people are referencing that Maggie used to work at another salon in Buffalo before stepping out on her own. Everyone is missing that she was originally a senior stylist at BUMBLE AND BUMBLE in NYC.
Yes, Maggie is a hair wizard with her skilled razor cuts. My fiancé is even willing to pay NYC B&B prices for her work*. She does magic. She is also an amazing person and I am so happy that she has opened her own salon. The Refinery is a beautiful space and I have had great experiences there so far. My entire family are now clients at The Refinery, and they’re all satisfied customers (and they look great!!).
I can’t wait for Maggie to do my hair for my wedding in October! I am always so excited and happy to see her.
Five star styling + a five star personality = The Refinery.
*No, she does not charge NYC prices in Buffalo. Prices are very reasonable!

Maggie Ryan. That’s all you need to know if you have curly hair.
If you aren’t in love with your curls, stop fighting with them and go see Maggie. She is totally the curl whisperer! When I first started seeing Maggie (formerly at Chez Ann), she took time to understand my hair woes and she knew exactly what I needed — the right cut and TIME. For me, it was letting my hair grow past the trouble spot so that it could really develop the curl/​ringlets that I now love.
I see Maggie every 6 months or so instead of every 6 weeks with my previous stylist. She could double her price ($ 60) and it would still be a bargain because of the saved visits.
I can’t give this shop enough love. Once you go there, you will completely understand. People stop me on the street or in the ladies room and ask me where I get my hair done and what products I use (none). My hair is that amazing and it’s all thanks to Maggie.
If you have curly hair, you need to get yourself an appointment. :-)

Hertel Ave has recently been upgraded with the addition of The Refinery. Located at 77 Saranac Ave, this charming and fashionable salon stands apart from other hair salons and day spas in the area. The Refinery rises above the rest not only because of the stunning décor with large, rich mirrors and sparkling chandeliers, but also because of the incredible talent that is housed within this place.
The Refinery was opened by Maggie Ryan and Michele Huntington who previously worked at Chez Ann. I really feel that both of these women were put on this earth to enhance the beauty of men and women. Over the past six years, I have never had a bad haircut or color from either of them. Their ability to refine the color, style and health of hair makes them the perfect team. As I previously mentioned in my review of Chez Ann, they transformed the mop atop my head from a true disaster to a style that is chic, manageable, shiny and beautiful. After all these years, I still feel lucky to have found them!
During my first visit to The Refinery, I explained to Michele that I wanted my color to look richer while still keeping some lightness throughout my hair for the summer. Even though this was a really crappy and vague description, Michele still knew exactly what to do and delivered an end result that was better than what I was envisioning. Maggie was also kind enough to trim my bangs free of charge, which really polished off my new ‘do.
While the prices are not the lowest (especially for someone like me who has three times more hair than a normal person), paying the extra few bucks is absolutely worth it. For $ 90 (before tip), I walked out of the salon feeling sexier and sassier than I have in a long time. Priceless.
Random yet important notes: Street parking is easy on Saranac. Good, current music is constantly playing. Nail services do not seem to be offered just yet. Facial waxing is available.
Be sure to visit The Refinery if you’re in the mood to turn some heads!