Bubbles Salon

Katie works magic with my hair. I just sit down and tell her do what she thinks would look good. My routine is to go to bed with wet hair or leave the house in the morning by only blow drying for 2 minutes and I always get tons of compliments. I have recommended five people to her and they were all pleased. It might be on the expensive side but totally worth it. I think she is very professional. I can’t comment on the salon as a whole or the other hairdressers. But I will continue to use Katie.

CLOSED. This place has been gone for a while now. I recommend heading to Volume Hair Studio, which is just a few blocks away on 18^th at Chestnut. Ask for Natasha!

I went to Bubbles for highlights and cuts. I was a walk-​in and waited for 15 minutes before someone seated me, which is fine. Lauren is the girl that cut and highlighted my hair. I was charged 130 for my the whole process, which is fine, if I was given highlights around my entire head an not just my sides! I could tell she was rushing to get me out as she had appointment coming in. I wouldn’t have minded to come back another day if they would just be straight up with me. Instead they gave me to someone who was rushing and didn’t do what I asked and overcharged me for it. I een tipped her 20. Dislike the service. Honesty is a must and she didn’t have it.

I have had an inherent mistrust in stylists for years thanks to my family’s hairdresser, whom I refer to as «Attila the Hairdresser». I’d say one thing, she’d do another. All this changed when I was referred to Eric N at Bubbles. I have been a faithful fan since 2005. I wanted something new. He asked «DO you trust me?». I said yes and an hour later he spun the chair around so I could see I had a completely different style. I was THRILLED. Eric takes his time with each client and is very personable. Big heart. My suggestion is; however, go to Bubbles and plan to spend time. Eric is good at what he does and doesn’t rush.
I am a fan of Bubbles. Great people. If you go in expecting a «fast food» style service place, you’ll be disappointed. It is a salon. Appointments run late.

Can I say I love Rebecca?
I grew up with a mother who cut my hair and when I left home I was left to fend for myself. For the last 6 years I’ve gone to hairdresser after hairdresser being disappointed with their lack of knowledge.
Then I found Rebecca. She understands hair. She can tell my looking at my hair if it’s dry or where the heavy spots are. I guess my post is less about the overall salon and more about her as a hairdresser.

I came here years ago, and saw Rebecca regularly. I always left with a gorgeous cut that grew out beautifully.
I came here again after living elsewhere for two years. I was just a walk-​in (no idea if Rebecca is still there), but waited only 15 minutes or so. I’m at an awkward growing-​out phase from a pixie, and the woman I saw did a good shape-​up; nothing dramatic. She gave me good advice and was wholly pleasant. When she finished, I asked for a few changes to be made to the cut and she complied.
I’ll have to have a few more visits to be sure, but if this place is up to the same standard it was 2 years ago, it’ll definitely jump up a star in my book.

I am African American with a relaxer and had been going to bubbles for months with no problems. I arrived for my 415 appt yesterday and was told that I could not be serviced bc of my hair texture and the need for special tools. (I was scheduled to get wash, blowdry, flatiron.). I left flabbergasted. My husband called them given the racist nature of their comments and was told that I was 15 mins late to the appt. I was on the phone complaining to him at 427 so it is impossible that I was late. So unless you want to be around racist liars, I do not recommend you go here.

First time visit last week. I made an appointment for 5:30 and was already seated in my stylist’s chair by 5:32. She listened to everything I had to say regarding the style I was looking for, understanding full well that I was looking for something simple and easily managed (I’m a low maintenance girl) but still wanted shape and volume.
The appointment did take almost an hour and a half, but it came out wonderful and was reasonably priced. Only complaint was within a few days my hair (having a mind of it’s own) shaped itself back to the way it was. Then again that could very well be my own fault.

Once I had my hair done at Bubbles by Rashada & it was a total nightmare. See Lauren H’s review. Basically, this woman does the same thing to everyone. Wash hair, braid hair, stick you under a dryer, then attack your hair with a brush. It’s a pathetic system that only works if you have not-​so-​much hair with not-​so-​much curl. I have a massive amount of hair and it’s massively curly. Putting it into 2 giant braids and then having the hair DRY like that so it’s MATTED and then BRUSHING it is I N S A N E. Even someone who has never done hair before can predict that lopping extremely curly hair into a giant chunk & then drying it = giant dreadlock. Brushing giant dreadlock = breakage.
Is it really true that Rashada does this «technique» to everyone? Well, she told me so, and so did the other staff who were around, and I watched her do it to other people.
Is it really true that Rashada will also actually say nasty things to you while you’re in your chair & she’s terrorizing your head like a demon who never got a cosmetology license? Um, yes. Really.
If you are a mixed race person/​African-​American with natural hair/​or someone with that kind of curly hair that needs to be treated with care, never go to Rashada. Ever. It’s just like Lauren H says — Rashada doesn’t care about what routine works for you. She’s going to do the only thing she knows how to do, and it sucks *unless* your hair is straight (naturally or chemically) and there isn’t tons of it. And whether you complain or not, she’s going to be mean. I’ve paid much less for much more talented styling.

not good… went for a trim and a blow dry…
here’s the story–
I had an appointment but waited over a half hour despite that. The place was practically empty so I’m not sure what I was waiting for.
My hair dresser complained the whole time about how he needs to hurry up with my hair because he needs to go eat!
I left shortly after that with frizzy hair, uneven cut and a lighter wallet…

So the only reason I have been going to this place for the last two years is because I haven’t yet found a talented stylist who won’t deplete my bank account. The cuts I’ve received here, vary greatly. Every other time I make an appointment, I am let down.
On numerous occasions, I have been paired with a stylist who is pre-​occupied with another client/​friend. Two cuts ago, the stylist actually left me mid-​cut to socialize with a girlfriend of her’s and began styling her hair instead. I remember thinking to myself, «This appointment is for a party of one, correct?» Upon returning home to do my own hair check, surprise surprise, I find that my length is uneven due to a distracted stylist. She DID NOT deserve the generous tip I left her.
The next time I booked, I actually had to tell the receptionist that I wanted an appointment with their best stylist because I was butchered the time before. I got nothing but an attitude in return, when I should have had an apology at the very least, if not some sort of discount or compensation for the trouble.
I think I’m finally done. If you’re not overly critical and picky, then it may be the place for you. However, my search is on for flawless talent elsewhere.

This is the first hair salon I’ve tried since moving to Philadelphia. I just got my hair cut here today and couldn’t be happier with the results! My stylist was Katie and she was great. She was super friendly and listened to what I wanted to do with my hair. She was very thorough with my cut and made sure the length was ok throughout the process. She also did a great job blow drying my hair afterwards… if only it could look this good everyday!
The haircut was $ 40 (before tip) and included the shampoo beforehand too.

I went to Bubbles because I was desperate for a relaxer and new hair cut for the Fall. I read reviews and although some were not so good, I decided what the heck i’ll give it a try. I called on a Tuesday and was able to get an appointment for that Thursday. When I called I asked the receptionist a stylist that would be great for my type of hair because I don’t play around with chemicals and un-​experienced people. Anyway. The day of the appointment I walk in and I sit and wait for about 10 minutes or so. My stylist (Nicole*) already had a client, but was prompt in getting me started. Whole process went well, didn’t spend 4 hours there 2 hours tops and it was an ok atmosphere.
My only gripe is that I overheard one of the stylists make a racial slur. There was me and one other black woman there. She said“OMG there’s black people in here!” and started laughing. But turned pale, when she saw that I had heard her. But whatever. Overall the experience was good. The website advertises that relaxer for a certain price and I ended up paying $ 120 plus $ 20 tip and it was worth it but I was surprised when I got the bill. I would go back if the prices were a little better. But overall an okay experience.
*Nicole was really good would recommend her to all African American females looking for relaxer and cut.

If it wasn’t for Rebecca at Bubbles, I would have probably shaved my head by now, or resorted to a life of ponytails. But Rebecca saw the potential in my hair, and over the past two years she has made me feel more beautiful than I ever thought I could feel.
To start, I have thick, wavy, coarse dark hair. It’s about a fifth of my body weight. I used to wear it long, but in July of 2008, I finally got so hot that I decided to cut it all off. Hair like mine is difficult for even the most experience stylists, but Rebecca was up to the challenge and then some. I left with my hair 6 inches shorter, and definitely noticed more guys on the street checking me out.
Over time Rebecca and I started to expand my style and color horizons, and each time the results have been amazing. I am constantly complimented on my hair, and people on the street come up and ask where I’ve gotten it done. I hope they go to see her, because she is the BEST.

I should’ve listened to Lauren H’s review but I too was in one of those moods where I just didn’t feel like doing my own hair. I also hadn’t had my ends trimmed in about a year.
I called on a Tuesday afternoon and was able to make a 5pm appointment which was great but that was about the highlight of the experience.
From all the reviews of African-​American hair I’ve heard, it seems to be the common thread that Bubbles does not straighten your roots. Ever. I loved the rest of my hair — not too much was trimmed from the ends, cute but not overdone waves/​curls — but I still had to go home and flat iron my roots.
I’d still go back for a color/​cut/​trim but now I know to expect to have to flat-​iron my roots.

I have been to Bubbles three times, and I have never been disappointed. I am low-​maintenance when it comes to hair and I like hairstyles that do not involve dye, and can be easily pulled into a ponytail, so if you are a highlights person, mine might not be the review for you!
My first two times were with Peter, who is great. He is friendly and does a really nice job. He listened to what I wanted, made a few suggestions, and my hair turned out exactly as I had pictured it. He also has a nice blow-​out technique that results in sleek hair with a lot of volume– which is really saying something because I have fine, curly hair!
My most recent time was yesterday (New Year’s Eve) with Rachel. Rachel is equally sweet and talented, and actually gave me a great suggestion for something new and I love the way my hair looks. Her blow-​out style results in a flatter, shinier look, which I liked equally and was perfect for going out last night.
Bottom line: they do a great job, and it only ever costs me $ 40. A great deal for a great cut!

I was referred to Bubbles by a friend of mine on FB. I was looking for someone that could do african american hair and get me in and out with a minimal wait. She told me to see Sophia and I would be in and out! She was right! I waited for about 5 to 10 minutes, which is reasonable. My sylist Sophia washed my hair, blew it dry and used a flat iron to curl it. She was very attentive making sure that I was happy with the style. She also gave me helpful tips on products to use for my hair. She did advise that the products that she used were available for purchase at the salon but she wasn’t pushy at all. She made me feel very comfortable and she did an excellent job.
The price was $ 45 which is reasonable. I was in and out in an hour and I loved my hair. If you are looking for a quick professional sylist Sophia is great!

2 or 3 stars depending on which hair tech you get. They do offer Phyto Products though and sometimes I will run in to get what I need (at full retail). They also used to carry a Caviar Conditioner I liked — not sure if they still do.
The one lady I liked is gone (Cindy) — and you could tell she had «issues» — she was pregnant with spiky blond hair when I met her. Gave me a decent cut.
The other lady I had claimed to be the manager. She did me for a last minute updo and was very controlling (she did what SHE wanted to do, not what I wanted) and thus, I was not happy.
I have NEVER (and likely will never) had my hair colored here. I only came here again (after Cindy left) because it was an emergency.
Oh — and the prices are pretty reasonable — it’s a chain — they can do that.
And (thankfully) they can usually accomodate walk ins.

I used to go to Bubbles on Rittenhouse on a regular bases. My stylist Cyndi was godsend, because she knew what was what. She knew she was a good, solid stylist working at a chain location that desperately wanted to pretend to be more high profile and classy than it actually is.
See, I’m a guy. And on top of that, I’m a fat guy. A fat, gay professional rock and roll musician. I like wacky haircuts. And I have a beard that constantly needs to be styled. And Cyndi understood that. She understood that I was not the typical Bubbles customer, but she never once made me feel unappreciated and out of place.
Six months ago, after going to Bubbles for a year and a half, Cyndi left. How do I explain the change? It’s like replacing the diamond in your wedding ring with poop, because glass is just too classy.
Out of my last 6 visits, only one was acceptable, and I don’t know why I kept going back. I think I had just held onto hope that things would go back to the way they were when Cyndi still worked there.
The final straw was a few days ago. I went in for a cut&style plus a beard trim, and I brought in my best friend Toshio. Toshio is also a rock and roller, even moreso than I. He is — surprise — Asian, and he has thick black hair. On this occasion he wanted it shaved into a traditional mohawk.
Before our appointments we were quoted a price of $ 25, each. My haircut was decent, but then again all he did was shave my head and style my beard — and I brought in pictures for the beard, so it would have been hard to screw up.
Toshio’s stylist was a snotty little man bitch. I was not privy to the experience, but I heard back from Toshio that the stylist was constantly arguing over the actual style Toshio came in for. He wanted to give him some kind of fashiony feauxhawk with a tail or some nonsense.
Hey, know what? I think it’s great you have ideas and input as a stylist. You should definitely share that. But when you are so insistent that you make your client uncomfortable, there’s a problem.
Toshio finished before I did, and they charged him $ 35 for his cut and style. If you were paying attention, you’ll note that’s $ 10 more than quoted. They charged ME $ 30, and mine included a beard styling.
Then, when we got outside into the light, I noticed they had BUTCHERED his hair. The mohawk part was decent, but the side areas that were supposed to be totally shaven had splotchy areas where the hair was visibly longer than the rest. And not in some kind of intentional pattern, mind you, but just clearly a hack job of a shaving.
What followed was 4 days of arguing over the phone with «Dallas,» the district manager with an attitude, and now I am scheduled to meet the store manager John today at 9AM to get a refund. I guess I can report back on how that goes.
Suffice to say, my Bubbles have burst.

i am always on the quest for the perfect jane birkin/​marianne faithfull bangs. if you know me, it is a constant struggle to find a stylist who doesn’t overcharge, understands asian hair, and listens to the customer.
when i was in boston, i had the most awesum hairstylist. a vietnamese lady who would cut my hair to perfection and bring me fresh spring rolls and hot tea while i was getting my hair cut. moving to philly, i have yet to experience this. sigh. and i was struggling to see with my long bangs!
i wandered into bubbles salon on my lunch break from work. if you see my photo, my bangs are perfection. i look like an animé. the costs are reasonable. about 40 bucks and they are open on mondays! for me, it is convenient to my work, so i can dash here on lunch or before i head to work since they open at 9 am. i go to amanda. she is low key and does a fab job. just look at my photo!
i have only gone to amanda, so i can’t vouch for the other stylists, but for 40 bucks or so, she helps me stay pocket cute!