Atomic Salon

Tracey! She rocks and always does an amazing job making my hair the perfect combo of cocoa and cinnamon.

Love coming here and Tracy B is the queen B! Its a very relaxed and ultra cool salon, reminds me of Berlin since all who enter has their own look and stance. Shannon the owner reminds me of King Henry II of France he is friendly and coarse and Tracy B is like one of the cast of the show GIRLZ! She is muy sympa and listens to all of your BOY troubles and then shrugs and says that her grandmother use to sing her Blondie tunes when she was a child… makes me feel OLD then after the haircut she makes me feel YOUNG. Music plays at the salon and a beer bar is right next door in case you want to sedate and seduce those young men who insist on growing beards and looking like Rasputin. Go to Atomic and feel relaxed but leave energized.

I had heard great things about Cori from a friend and had been looking forward to seeing her for some time now. When I finally had some time off work, I scheduled an appointment with her. Unfortunately, I had an allergic reaction to nuts that caused my face to swell and had to reschedule my appointment for the following day. I was still having allergy issues and my face still looked like a chipmunk with hives, but I vowed I was not going to let that stop me from getting my hair cut! When I arrived to the salon, I was 10 minutes late. Upon checking in, I was told that Cori would not see me. I asked if she could at least do a consult or bang trim, but I was told that she asked her later appointment to come in early so her next client was on the way. Since I was scheduled for an hour, I thought this was very rude and unprofessional. The receptionist was exceptionally rude and did nothing to try and reschedule my appointment or make any attempt to assuage my anger. The entire experience was very cold and devoid of any hospitality. I have never been treated so poorly at any salon in my life. I do not recommend Atomic salon.

CoriLee is THE reason I go to Atomic.
Sure, the atmosphere is cool, hip, & fun, they have cool tunes playing, and and the folks are all friendly, but I go for Cori. Because I can walk in looking like a bag lady, with no style plan whatsoever, & walk out looking and feeling amazing and beautiful.
I’ve known CoriLee for many years, both personally and professionally. She’s been the make up artist & stylist for photoshoots I’ve done as a photographer as well as doing hair and make up for the bride and bridesmaids at my sister’s wedding.
Cori never disappoints.
Not only is she über creative and ridiculously talented in all that she does, but more importantly, she is among the most kind, compassionate, & easy-​going, beautiful people I know. Cori cares about the work that she does almost as much as the people she does it for. And she executes each cut, each style, each eyelash with professionalism and finesse!
So, if you’re looking for your «hair home,» do yourself a favor: Call Atomic. Ask for CoriLee. Tell her Crystal sent ya.
Enjoy! =)

ALWAYS overpriced. I decided to get my hair blonde. I went to a consolation where the stylist quoted me $ 150 from 11:30am-5pm. I thought this was a bit much but I wanted my hair done right. I went in for my appointment and while washing out the bleach the stylist got my entire back wet, she kept asking around for advice all meanwhile I was in my uncomfortable chair where they washed my hair over and over. When I got to the front desk at 6pm to pay they Charged me $ 300 and recommended i get $ 60s worth of product. At first i was in shock how were they to assume I even had $ 300 when they quoted $ 150. I felt on the spot and paid like an idiot and even left a $ 50 tip my total was $ 408 when I was last quoted $ 150. Then I got home and realized MY SHIRT HAD BEEN BLEACHED ALL THROUGH THE BACK WHERE «„ANNA“» HAD GOTTEN ME WET AND TO TOP IT OFF MY NECK WAS SORE FOR DAYS. This was THE WORST Experience ever for an overall price of $ 408! I tried to speak to Joey about this before posting a review but he just said to buy another shirt and bring in a receipt but there would be no refund for the up charge. I never got my shirt and I will never go back. All they care about is their image and the music playing bunch a dump hipsters, don’t waste your time or money.

I’m quite disappointed due to the high ratings on Unilocal,yet my experience was poor. Maybe that’s because I had never been to the salon and they made my appointment with Carly (who I did see poor reviews for, I guess that might have been my mistake). First off my appointment was at 11, my stylist rolled into the salon about 11:05. Then while washing my hair, somehow she got water all down my back, I’m not sure if she even noticed, but if she did there was no apology. The hair cut was fine, I have longer hair so there’s not much you can do to mess that up. The experience is the reason for my rating. Throughout the haircut she would intermittently talk to her co-​worker, maybe forgetting that they both had clients, because they were complaining about management not getting the correct shampoo and how it could damage clients hair… in front of two clients. Overall my interactions with the others working in the salon was fine and they were polite, and easily fit me into the schedule, but I suggest first timers at least go to a different stylist.

I had my haircut here by Shannon for nearly 5 years, He is very professional and quick too. I was so spoiled here that I’ve been struggling to find a great haircut since I moved to Maine.

I’ve been back here a couple times since my last review, and since then i’ve been VERY impressed with my experiences! I suppose it all depends on who you go to. The last woman I went to here had a very bad habit of juggling two or three clients at the same time, just sticking me under a dryer or leaving me leaning back uncomfortably while she worked on her other client (s). This was a huge factor in my lower rating from before. Now I am getting my hair done by Carly and it’s been nothing but good experiences. I’ve only had one time where she was doing my hair alongside another girl’s but that was mostly my fault because my hair tends to take a long time to straighten and my appointment time ran over into hers. I don’t mind this, and I appreciate her being so apologetic if it happens (though it’s totally not her fault!).
Style-​wise I have received several relaxers and one highlight session with her. The relaxers always turn out well, and i’m rarely nervous about them. The highlights session was my first… Ever…In my life (my hair has been it’s natural dark brown/​black for my whole life) and Carly was great about giving me tone suggestions and answering my numerous questions as she worked. The highlights turned out great!
I suppose Atomic is on point with prices for hair around the Triangle, and the quality definitely shows but I do always feel a little broke when I come out of here. I’m still not used to there being an up charge for straightening, but I don’t mind when such care is taken. I can stand to part with $ 100 an appointment since I only need to come in every few months.
A great place to check out! Just do your research on your stylist BEFORE you come in!

I had a great experience at Atomic. I called as soon as they opened for a consult and they fit me in within an hour. My stylist was Katelyn, and we discussed my options for a while. My hair was VERY long, frizzy and fine, so I was desperate to make it look healthier without doing something too drastic (like cutting it into a bob which seemed appealing). Katelyn advised that we should go in stages so as to spare me the shock factor of long to short hair. She was right. We agreed to cut it into nice layers that kept the length, but got rid of the thin hairs. She also applied a gloss treatment to calm the frizz. I am VERY HAPPY with the results. The salon is super funky and all the stylists have a cute pin-​up girl look to them. I really loved that! If you go, ask for Katelyn. She listens to you, is patient, sweet, courteous, and very skilled with hair.

Such an AWFUL EXPERIENCE. Have always enjoyed each visit there until recently, Joey decided to shut the water off by the end of the night. When I had a 6 o’clock appointment that lasted until 8:30. I still had to have my hair rinsed and couldn’t because Joey decided to shut the water off throughout the salon without notifying my hair stylist. I had to leave that night with bleach and foils still in my hair! I wanted to speak with him the next day about the issue and he was «too busy.» He couldn’t speak to me up front and only offered a free shampoo/​conditioner. Wow… thanks! (not) COMPLETE DISSAPOINTMENT!

Worst salon experience EVER. I went to Carly. Had to wait an HOUR and a HALF didn’t even realize how much time had gone by until she got me in (the girl at the front desk was so nice and kept me talking) NO APOLOGY from her at all. She was so unprofessional she ordered gross food on the phone while putting foils in. I was so late and I did not what her to cut my hair anyways so I left. She charged me $ 100 for partial highlights (I’ve been getting highlights for years and I know the difference between partials and full) and she said it was a full highlight. I refused to pay that and she gave me $ 10 off. I paid and left, NEVER TO RETURN AGAIN. the place is hip and fun but the professionalism just isnt there.

I had a great experience here.
When you first walk in they greet you and give you your choice in beverage (yay! not-​really-​free wine). The staff are really nice and friendly. They don’t try to pressure you to get any treatments you don’t want (I hate when I go to a salon and the whole time they ask «are you sure you don’t want highlights/​a relaxer/​some other expensive treatment??» I like my hair curly & its natural color, thanks). The cut I got was really well done and easy to manage. Brandy did a great job doing what I asked, but still giving me her professional opinion to make it better than I thought it could be.
Overall, you’re going to spend some money here, but you’ll get quality service and a quality cut so I think its worth it!

I went to Atomic yesterday for the first time and was really happy with my experience. I was really, really in need of a haircut and my regular stylist couldn’t get me in for weeks so I tried Atomic because I have a friend who raves about them.
So… I called — they were able to get me in the next day (awesome!). Then I was running late for my appointment (of course) — I called to let them know & they were totally cool, which I appreciate (save the drama for your mama).
Tracey did my hair (just a cut) and I wasn’t really sure what I wanted because I was sort of uninspired with my hair — I’ve had the same cut for a long time — so I was really pleased when she had some ideas about what might look good. She went for the new look and I’m really happy with how it turned out! I’ll be back for sure.

Atomic Salon is the best. I used to go to higher end chain but this place is much better and cheaper! Where else can you get free drinks (from beer to tea) while you get your hair done?! Also, they participate in First Friday from 7 – 10. Food, drink, and art!

Location — If you’re unfamiliar with Raleigh, it might be a tad difficult. The building itself blends in (in a very neighborhood, organic kind of way), and because it’s on a road hard to turn around on and that is mostly one-​way, I had to circle around when I missed it the first time. Parking is in the back, and not too bad; the lot’s an ok size.
Salon — SO cool! The guy who checked me in and my stylist (Brandi Biggs, I’ll get to her in a second) offered me a drink. The whole interior is really cool, with one side that’s rockabilly, and the other side is more spa-​like. The shampoo bowls are some of the most comfortable… ever.
Amendment — Brandi has moved to another salon, Salon 1220 in Clayton. And I drive all the way there from Durham, because she’s worth it.
Stylist — Brandi Biggs. She’s so thorough, so when you go to her, don’t plan on a quick appointment (I’d rather have thorough than quick any day). She listened to me really well, which is unusual with hair stylists in my experience, and gave me a fantastic shape after she beautifully dyed my hair — they have permanent unnatural colors! So now the bottom of my hair is beautifully blue, after she made sure I liked the color. While she was doing my hair, she actually talked to me. It’s always awkward when a stylist doesn’t talk with me, but it was really comfortable.

About a year ago, I walked into Atomic with my waist length hair & said «Mohawk. Make it cute.» That is exactly what Tracey did. After years of long, thick, obnoxious hair, I decided that before I turned 30, I would have a mohawk. Never have I gotten so many compliments! She knew exactly what I wanted and put a spin on it that really made me feel unique in my style. People who have known me for years say Tracey really «made me, me».
Anyone who has hacked off a good bit of hair can attest to the trauma that can be associated with hair reconstruction. Tracey made the process quick & painless. In fact, I could even say it was enjoyable watching the other clients staring as fistfuls of hair surrounded my chair.
Since the initial cut I have continued to see her for maintenance and I can’t imagine anyone else being in charge of my style. I cannot recommend Tracey & Atomic enough!

Absolutely nothing to complain about! I’ve been to a handful of salons — including those back home near Chicago and another in the triangle — and I have never been as happy with my hair as I was when I walked out of Atomic.
Staff were friendly and accommodating. I called early Saturday morning and they were able to fit me in the same day. Carly cut my hair — she was quick (I was out of there in 30 min.) and accurate — gave me exactly the cut I’ve wanted. She definitely listened to what I described. I found the prices to be VERY reasonable. $ 40 for a cut and $ 12 for the product I purchased. I will definitely be back. I think I’ve found my salon and my stylist. :-)

Add me to the growing list of Joey fans and happy Atomic Salon clients. I’ve been seeing Joey for the last few years and have always had great experiences (3 of my best friends see him too and they’re happily-​coiffed campers too!). He’s meticulous with every cut and color, and I always walk out of the salon feeling pretty, oh so pretty.
I’ve seen Tracy and another stylist (whose name I forget) for eyebrow waxing, and they’re great too. That’s a beauty chore I hate, but they are gentle and never let the wax get too hot like many of the nail salons do (I will never trust another nail tech to do my waxing). And manning the phones and desk is Johnny, who is always friendly and helpful when I call or visit.
The salon is competitively priced – a little more than a chain but not as expensive as others I’ve been to. I am always happy to pay a little more for this service because it’s consistently good.
Happy clips to you!

I went in and got a good cut, but the stylist seemed uninspired. I usually go to another salon in town but I couldn’t get an appointment today and I was desperate for a cut.
I guess I’m a little spoiled. The other salon and the ones I usually visit in NYC are very, how to put this… more proactive in style. By that I mean they sit with you and ask about what you want and then offer their advice based on current trends, shape of your face, and what level of maintenance you want. This usually leads to some really great looks for me. I’m no metrosexual but I like to look good for the ladies so I’m kinda style conscious.
Some other minor gripes… I tried calling the salon for several hours to make sure they could see me and nobody answered though they were open. I don’t know if that refreshment thing is still going on, but no beer thing was offered to me.

With its recently opened expansion, it seems Atomic is finally asserting itself as the hairstyling force it is. Something like the Little Neighborhood Salon That Could, this place is one half rock and roll, one half modern chic and 100% showcase of stylist bada##ery.
While I’ve only experienced Joey’s skills firsthand, I’ve watched the others at work while having my hair done, and have seen a number of people step out of Atomic with enviable new cuts (and color! These guys appear to specialize in head-​turning haircolor). And, like any good salon, Atomic offers you refreshments while in the chair (but unlike other good salons, this is the first to ever offer me a beer and they get bonus points for that.)
A great alternative to barbershops, Atomic’s atmosphere is extremely guy-​friendly. And as if things weren’t casual enough around here, there’s little Ginger running around being ridiculously adorable (one of the stylist’s owns this papillion and dyed her tail purple, making her quite the rockin’ pup).
I always leave Atomic feeling relaxed, in good spirits (possibly buzzing, but whatever) and gorgeous, and for that they get the coveted 5 stars.