Helmet Head

I think it’s funny/​interesting that they haven’t responded to me almost 3 months later (even though the person who came in after me got one), but can post my pic on their website. I’m the one in the teal tanktop getting her hair cut by jamie in front:

Did not like. I was informed by the stylist that she doesn’t do clipper cuts, and had to suffer through a $ 40 scissor cut that ended up looking nothing like the conservative, simple high-​and-​tight that I always get. I understand that hair can be art, but I just needed a simple service performed. Wrong kinda place for me, I suppose. I also understand that they probably rent out the chairs and these were the quirks of that individual stylist, but it still reflects on the business. For me, $ 10 at Ashley Hair Salon down the street got a much better haircut.

It’s been a while since I visited Helmet Head, but as I was scheduling a hair appointment I was thinking about past haircuts and felt I should review my experience here.
I always get my hair cut on my birthday before going out to dinner, just a little something to make myself feel extra pampered. I wanted to try a new salon, so after looking at the Unilocal reviews I chose Helmet Head for my birthday treat.
First of all, the location is a little bizarre. It is out in the middle of a somewhat industrial area, and definitely doesn’t impart the «luxury salon» feeling. I like that they had a concept and the décor was cool. While I waited for my stylist I chatted with the receptionist, and when I told her I chose the salon because of Unilocal,she told me that I got 10% off because I am a Unilocaler. Awesome.
I told my stylist what I was going for (for length and style) as well as how I usually wear my hair. I also told her that I would be going out for a fancy dinner that night for my bday and was looking forward to a nice blowout. She sounded confident and capable. Fast forward, she starts styling my hair and I get increasingly nervous because she is putting finishing touches on my hair after only partially drying it with the blow dryer. I have that kind of hair that can’t just be blow dried, because without further styling it just expands and expands into an unfortunate, frizzy-​afro-​looking disaster. I could feel that the under layers of hair were still damp. In addition, I had told her I needed some subtle layers so that I didn’t end up with that triangle look where the ends are all poofy, and she had not put a single layer in that I could find.
I am really bad at speaking up in situations like this, but it was my birthday and I was definitely not going to show up at my birthday dinner looking like this, so I summoned all my nerves and told her it was not really what I was hoping for. I told her I wanted a few subtle layers, and that my bangs still needed a trim, because I was going from full bangs to side-​swept ones. She seemed frustrated, which I understand, but said «Well to do anything about that I’m going to have to basically do it over?» Okay…
So round 2… When she spun me around to look in the mirror, I was still very unhappy. Layers indeed– the cut looked like the Rachel shag circa 1995, except partially dried with frizzy curls. My bangs were not cut in a way that fell nicely, and she had used so much product trying to tame the poof left by the unfinished blowout that my hair felt greasy and heavy.
I was over it at that point, so I paid (full price, no Unilocal discount after all I guess…) and went home where I re-​washed and styled my hair. The cut, when straightened, was really choppy, and the two sides were uneven. The layers were chunky and definitely not subte. Ugh.
Anyway, I live in Honolulu now, but even if I was still in Seattle I would be looking for a different salon. I couldn’t tell if she wasn’t listening to what I was asking for if she was incapable of producing it. I have difficult hair, I am well aware of that, but for a salon rated so well I expected more.

I am totally not a «yelper»…I forgot that I did it once, and I think Helmet Head was the only place I reviewed. I came here on Saturday to get an updo with Sami because she had done a great job for one of my friends.
Sami did, hands down, the BEST updo I have ever gotten. She was so nice, and totally listened to what I asked for. She even reduced the price because my appt didn’t take the full amount of time, and threw in some free hair wefts to make my ‘do look extra special.
You simply cannot get a better experience than Helmet Head… there’s a reason I keep going back here! They are the best!

I have never had a stylist of my very own before. I’m flighty — one cut it’s Vain, one cut it’s Regis, next cut it may be SuperCuts. I know hair grows back so sometimes I just want to get it cut on a whim…
But that’s all changed — before the end of my appointment at Helmet Head I swore my allegiance to Lorena, who was able to listen to me prattle endlessly about my rather mundane life, who knew the haircut I was dying to ask for without me actually needing to ask. It’s true — she’s a salon psychic.
Having pink hair and being a DIY kind of gal, my hair is all sorts of damaged. Taking at it every morning with my trusty straightener, the periodic bleachings [and re-​bleachings, d’oh], the pink bubble gum smelling goo being slathered all over my hair before being tightly secured in a grocery bag and duct taped to my head before I sleep to ensure my pink lasts as long as it can. I’m no stranger to hair drama — believe it or not I have a metric buttload of strawberry blonde hair when I am not cotton candy pink. My hair will always find a weird way to stick up if I don’t have the right cut.
Enter Lorena: she’s got a ton of experience [she was a stylist at Gene Juarez prior to Helmet Head] and is an awesome listener. As I said, I was very vague with instructions — I figure no matter how cool something may look on other people, there’s always a chance it won’t look good on me so I leave it up to the stylist’s discretion — and ended up with a phenomenal haircut.
Even though it was only a couple inches of hair being trimmed on most of my head, the haircut was an immediate improvement… To the point where I already have to count the compliments I’ve received on both hands [almost moving on to toes!] and I’ve only been rockin’ this ‘do since Saturday afternoon. Not to mention, it was a total steal, as my cut itself only cost $ 30.
… I’ve already got an appointment to have Lorena re-​pink my hair for me. I deserve it.
[PS: Helmet Head was awesome as a whole as well — the décor is fabulous and the entire staff was really welcoming!]

I decided to try Helmet Head for the first time a few weeks ago. After shopping around for a hair cut, they seemed to be the best value by a long shot. Several of the places I called wanted $ 50 for a haircut, and I just refuse to pay that much! I payed half that at Helmet Head, and was very happy with my hair cut.
The salon itself has a very interesting atmosphere. Its definitely not your run of the mill salon. It seems like a biker/​vintage hair kind of vibe. Its cool to see the vintage hair styles that they do for some of their clients. I enjoyed watching one lady getting her hair done.
Nina cut my hair, and she did an excellent job. She was very sweet and easy to talk to. I asked her to take an inch off, and she knew that would be too much, so she took of ¾″ first, and I was much happier with that. I was really pleased that she picked up on that, and made a decision in my interest. I asked her to keep the same style that I had, just trim it. She did that, and actually improved the style! I am really pleased with the changes I made. I will definitely be back to see her soon.

So I came to Helmet Head after having a «break up» with my previous hair stylist in January of 2011. Since coming to Helmet Head, I’ve had an absolutely wonderful experience. These ladies are classy and treat their clients with respect.
Kurstin has been awesome! She does an excellent job on my hair. Even after 2 months of growing out, my hair still looks great because she does a great job. Thank you!

OMG! i’m so glad that I decided to try a new place in getting my hair cut. For YEARS i’ve gone to different places, stuck with them once, twice and maybe three times because i’m afraid to venture off. but dangit! i’m sure glad I did this time.
My first time there, I found helmet head and saw amazing reviews decided, hey why not? Made an appointment, long story short I had Lorena and she did an AMAZING job. I had a simple trim and add layers and it nearly didnt cost me as much as it did when I went to 7.
I’m usually not a talker when I get my hair cut, so it was very quiet between the two of us (which I hope wasn’t awkward for Lorena) here i’m use to the «asian» hair salons, snipping away and hair flying everywhere but this time i’m sitting here not feeling a thing wondering… «is she cutting anything?»
Yes she was! She asked if i wanted a sleek finished look or volume, I let her decide and we went for the volume look. LOOOVED IT! i’m glad. I only have 2 complaints 1) is that i’m not exactly crazy about the product that was used to probably volumize my hair (sorta on the sticky side and I typically don’t use hair product) but I figured, if that’s what help volumize my hair and made it look the way it did, by all means, lemme get some more!
2) Maybe there was a miscommunication, i told her I part to the left. To me that meant my bangs swipes to the left yet she swept my bangs to the right? none the less, it was amazing and they will see me again!
I’ve been dying to find a «non-​asian» hair salon. I just totally HATE how you set up an appointment but when you arrive at your time, that stylist is with another customer. WHAT THE HECK! why make «appointments» if you cannot honor that. whatever.
Helmet head, you will see me again!

I’ve never been more happy with a stylist than I am with Dawn. The first time I walked into Helmet Head, Dawn was fairly new and she was sitting at the receptionist desk. I walked in and asked for a haircut and she stood up and said ok, follow me. I followed her and was thinking to myself, «am I getting my haircut by the receptionist?»
After getting more acclimated with her through conversations about life and food (my favorite subject) I just blurted it out, «so…do you cut hair often? or just when everyone else is busy…» And she laughed, saying she was a stylist just helping out at the desk. I was relieved and even more satisfied when she was finished with an amazing haircut. I’ve been going back for a few months now, and they take VERY good care of their regulars. Dawn even gave me a free haircut as a birthday gift! How nice is that?!
I would definitely recommend Dawn to everyone! She takes her time and does a great job every single time. She’s also very pleasant to be around and is the nicest stylist I know!

Thank you J & Living Social for bringing this establishment into my life.
My wonderful husband recently gifted me a 60 min. facial a la Living Social for use at the Helmet Head Salon. I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive at first, as I have never had a facial before. However, upon arrival I was warmly welcomed and introduced to Lauren, the aesthetician. Lauren then guided me to the back of the salon where Dr. Jennifer of Xerion Skin Science awaited us behind a bar (circa 1952 soda shoppe) to conduct a skin consultation before my facial. I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with Jennifer’s expertise in skin science. Utilizing a biochem./medicine background, Jennifer customized the facial care products and masks for my facial.
The facial: WOW! Lauren you are amazing! I especially loved the leg/​foot and arm/​hand massage between each mask. I was also extremely relaxed by the soft music and the scalp massage. On top of the softest, clearest skin, I received an eyebrow waxing! After the facial was complete, I was given the opportunity to purchase all of the handmade, customized products used by Lauren at a great discount. After Lauren and Jennifer took the time to walk me through the ideal skin care regimen, they packaged the products into an adorable, free tote bag of my choice and I walked out of there with over $ 150 of natural skin care product for less than $ 75!
Now a week later, I am already noticing more balance in my bipolar skin. No more dried out skin from the harsh OTC products that left me so oily at the end of the day you could fry an egg on my forehead. Also, the deluxe eye cream (one of 5 products I got for $ 50. Org.$ 40 value alone) is perfect for my dark circles, and I am loving their tip to put it in the fridge.
Get in there and see these ladies! A must if you want to avoid harsh chemicals/​products or just enjoy the great service.

I was excited to try Helmet Head after reading the great reviews on Unilocal.My 1^st time there I had problems finding the salon and arrived too late for Carly Jo to have enough time so I rebooked with her for another date.
Carly Jo was really sweet but the haircut she cut was one of the worst I have experienced. I have loose spiral curly hair that gets straighter farther away from washes and it was shoulder length at the time. I was interested in some light layering and shaping. Carly Jo used thinning shears haphazardly cutting off 3 – 4 inches and I was left with a lopsided frizzy mess. Using thinning shears on curls disrupted the curl pattern and left the locks in a stiff frizz.
I am not a high maintenance person, appreciating good cuts that make life easier, so having a cut that made my hair awful was very stressful for me as I had gone in to get shaped up a week before a job interview. I called a few days later asking for help in styling what Carly Jo had done and the owner had me come in. I talked with her and the stylist Kurstin and they agreed that nothing could be done until a couple of months of hairgrowth happened, the owner apologized and offered a complimentary cut in two months to fix what Carly did.
After my hair grew for two months I went back to see Kurstin and she went through and cut into the locks to free up the curls from the effects of the thinning shears. It helped.
A few more months later I went in for another cut, I called in advance to let them know I was running 15 minutes late which the receptionist said would be ok as long as I got there within 15 minutes. I arrived as promised and after I got there Kurstin was on the phone and didn’t get to the chair for another 10 minutes. She was on the phone with her car insurance. When she did come to the chair I explained the shaping I wanted and she started to cut.
She didn’t say much so I asked her what her approach was going to be for the shaping I was after. She seemed angered and snapped back about how «I was freaking out about my hair» which was a bit odd. The rest of the time was pretty unfriendly. When she rinsed my hair out she wiped and scratched her nose on the towel she used to wrap my wet hair with.
Although we had another 10 minutes before her next client she did not dry my wet hair. I asked her if she was done and asked for a new towel and went to the bathroom to dry my hair. The cut frizzed out my hair at the crown.
I’m not sure if she was stressed because of her car or if she did not want me as a client or if she was mad that I was late. I thought about trying to talk with her about what was going on for her last week but decided the cuts and the unwelcoming atmosphere were not worth going through that for me. So I’m trying another salon that got good reviews on a curly hair website.

I very VERY rarely give a 5 star rating. Actually, to this date, I have yet to do so. Let that be known first. But I honestly feel this place deserves the highest recognition I can give on Unilocal.
I found Helmet Head after searching online for a hair salon. Having just moved to Seattle, and having no female friends to ask «where you get your hair did» I turned to Unilocal.I found a place (that I won’t name here) that’s just down the street from my apartment in Cap Hill. And let’s just say I was not entirely pleased with the outcome. But I’m cheap, so I let it grow out (and grow out it did, not-​so-​nicely either) before getting it «fixed». I again turned to an online search, and this time found Helmet Head.
Thank god.
I called and asked for a haircut. I’m usually not very picky (which is why I was surprised by how much I disliked my previous haircut — it was that bad), so I didn’t ask for any particular stylist. Jamie had an opening. I took it. And I was super pleased. She took the time to ask me what I was looking for and she actually LISTENED! Again, I’m not super picky so I gave her a lot of free reign — it’s why she’s the stylist and I’m not — but she got it right and made my hair look healthy and happy again. And I’ve been going back ever since.

The cut and color here were truly just ok– nothing spectacular, nothing worth returning for. The stylist (couldn’t remember her name) was super friendly and nice. I was a little disappointed to see that there were no dogs present, but hey, that’s ok. I was excited to try out this place with such rave reviews. However, I came away really disappointed. The cut wasn’t as described, even though it was just trimming up an existing cut– they left the hair on the top of the head way too long, so it looked shaggy when it should have been spiky. And the color was dramatically toned down from the striking contrast that used to be there. It was almost like we went to an edgy salon, yet got a Mom-​Jeans cut and color.
Ok, so they weren’t sure exactly what we wanted– this was our first time there. That could be changed with subsequent visits (Brighter highlights! More off the top!) But what really put the nail in the coffin on this place was the price. I get that cutting and coloring hair is expensive and I expect a high price tag for overall color and foil, but nearly $ 200 for a trim and color on very short hair?! Holy cow, that was the breaking point. No way would I spend that much money on a ho-​hum result, especially on a pixie cut.
If the cut and color were spectacular, I might return. But I don’t want to pay a few hundred bucks on trying this place out again. I’ll find someplace else. Nice people, but too expensive for too little excitement.

I needed to do something new and exciting with my hair so I saw all the great reviews on Unilocal about this place and seeing as how it’s near my house, I decided to make an appointment.
I had the most amazing hair experience, ever. Sam is hilarious, but even better, she has some serious hair skills! I showed her a picture of what I wanted and she took her time to make sure it was perfect down to every last detail. I have a freakish amount of hair so it took nearly 2x as long as I was scheduled for, but not once did she rush what she was doing or take any shortcuts to make it go by faster. The cut and color are gorgeous. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it, even from my mother, who has a tendency to hate everything I do haha.
I will definitely be going back to her in the future for any and all hair needs. I think it’s safe to say that after years of bouncing around from salon to salon, I have found a place worth coming back to.

I needed to get my hair, makeup and nails done for a wedding I was in… so I went to Helmet Head!
I had Jamie who gave me an AWESOME up do and Kurstin for a LIFE CHANGING make up experience. Annabeth always does my nails, so I knew I would get a STELLAR mani/​pedi and I did!
The entire staff was so great and I felt like a rockstar when I left and all for an amazing price.
One of the other bridesmaids got the rockstar treatment that day too and said she is a customer for life!

The BEST hair cut I have ever received for the price. Unbeatable. I honestly don’t understand how this place exist considering their hair dressers are 5 star quality for a 3 star price. Very rare. I was raised on good hair cuts at expensive saloons, however, breaking out on my own, I refused to pay the price. Since moving to Seattle, I went first to an expensive salon and then to a cheap one. Unhappy with both; The first for being to pricey, and the second for a crappy hair do. I was blown away with Helmet Head.
I had Kurstin. She rocked my haircut. Listen and asked specific questions to really get what I was saying. She spent her full hour with me, even though I didn’t care if I had a style or not. She also spent a lot of time taking weight out and making sure the cut was exactly how I wanted it.
My gf had Jamie, who was also amazing! I’ve never seen her with such a sexy-​cute haircut! I loved it. Awesome job! We are def new regulars.
You must go here. There is no where in town, or most towns that can beat this quality for the price!

Okay, I just got back from getting the best hair color job ever by Kurstin.
Here’s how the story began. I was a pretty tan Asian (like NC42 in mac shades) with black hair and I decided to go light ASH brown with blond fading into the ends. I wanted to look like I came back from the beach. I didn’t want any golden shades. I went to get it done at this other salon where I usually go to get everything done and guess what happens…
This other place bleaches my hair with splotchy pieces and tries to color over it with a light brown shade … I don’t know how but my whole head was blond!!! Unless I was going yamanba, it looked ridiculous on me. So I went back the next day to get it done a few shades darker … then what happens …
MY HAIR IS ORANGE!!! not like a dark orange, but like an orangutan animal neon blond peach who knows what color this was. The other place kept on insisting that it looked nice and I was like HELL NO. I cried the whole time I drove to work and my coworkers had a big laugh of it. =(My boss called me a Japanese pop star and my hair was lighter than my coworkers natural red beard.
So that’s when I made the best decision of my life to go to Helmet Head to get it done right. I called around 10:30 in the morning to see if they had any openings and thank the lord they had one at 2:30 pm. I went in there with my hat covering my head and prayed that someone could fix it…
Kurstin was kind enough to take out time to help me pick out the right shades and what she was going to do. She didn’t push to do something I didn’t like or want. She used a demi permanent dye because my hair was so badly damaged. She was so gentle when she applied the color with her fingers instead of using a brush to poke at my scalp. And guess what, I came out of that salon so happy I almost had tears of joy! My hair is the LIGHT ASH brown where I want it to be and the ends are such a nice natural blond. She took her time to blow dry my hair with a brush to make it all bouncy. Not flat as a pancake as that other place. Everyone was so friendly and so passionate about what they do. =) I am glad I chose HH to get my hair fixed because the other salon tried to get me back in to «fix» it again.
The color cost me 90 dollars and I tipped Kurstin 30 because she saved my life from further humiliation. If you have major hair emergency, this is the place to go!!!
Plus, they had the cutest dogs!!!

A wonderful experience at Helmet Head. Sammy, the owner, gave personalized attention to me. I never felt rushed while we discussed my hopes and dreams for my highlighting. I have really naturally dark hair, and wanted to be able to tell I did something with my hair, but didn’t get shocking stripes. She did a wonderful, 2-​tone job that complemented my hair and gave depth and volume to it.
This place does have a couple really friendly dogs, but they’ll leave you alone if you wish. I wanted the pug to like me, but instead Sammy’s chihuahua (I think?) snuggled upto me.
The price was definitely more than I usually pay, but the quality was definitely better. Sammy also showed me some hair-​magic volume powder that I love to use! For a haircut, I’d probably go somewhere cheaper, but investing in good hair coloring is not where you should cut corners.

I came to Helmet Head after following Betsy from Vain. I’ve usually had really good experiences with Betsy, but unfortunately this past appt wasn’t one of them.
I have hair that takes a long time to grow. I have fine hair so most stylists choose to give me layers to give the illusion of volume. I told Betsy I didn’t want my shortest layer too short and to not make my hair look like a mullet. She accomplished the latter, but unfortunately my shortest layer was much shorter than I wanted and the shape of my hair afterwards was just too awkward.
I was very displeased with my haircut which I explained to Betsy. She invited me to come back during my bang trim to reshape my hair, which I probably will not end up going to because I fear she will just chop more of my hair off.
I ended up going to another salon and paying another stylist to fix the shape.
Overall, I probably will not be visiting Betsy again– which is unfortunate considering how happy I had been with her a few years back. Betsy is still a great stylist and very pleasant to be around– I just don’t know if I would trust her with my hair again.

Attention all South-​enders: Go here, you deserve it.
Helmet Head kicks ass, plain and simple.
Got my first cut with Sammy yesterday and she took my less-​than-​optimal description of what I wanted and made my vague vision come to life. On top of being gorgeous, Sammy is friendly, down to earth, had a vested interest in my happiness, and didn’t try to push any products on me. She also didn’t make me feel bad or guilty that I color my own hair, she actually gave me some good advice about how to do it for best results. I walked out of there with a great look that’s completely me, and I will be back. I’ll bring my guy there too.
The salon resides in a terrific new space complete with motorcyles on display, one of a kind dressing mirrors (Sammy’s husband made them!), pedicures and manicures, massage, Reiki on Fridays, and well-​behaved, adorable dogs that add a special welcoming touch.
Look for the painted flames on the front windows and go get yourself a great new ‘do!