Ola

Best haircut in Seattle: Kathy Kelly! Love her work and she’s so easy to talk to. The best!

Came into Ola because I saw great reviews here on Unilocal.The staff was super friendly! Great atmosphere! First impression was spot on! My stylist was nice. Somewhat good convo. I came in for a Color, Cut and Blowout/​Hair straightened.
Color came out wonderful! Cut… not so much. Most times I’ve been given a haircut, it is cut after the blowout/​straightening. It was cut wet but that wasn’t a concern at the time, until today, I noticed my layers are very uneven. And I don’t want to mention the blowout. I looked like Farrah Fawcett caught in a wind storm. So It wouldn’t have mattered if the haircut was done before or after the blowout. And maybe I should have specifically asked for my hair to be flat ironed but given I wanted a blowout due to having curly hair I think that should have been obvious enough.
I’m confident my stylist is a great stylist, but she couldn’t style my hair, and that OK-​given that I did have to change my appointment over the phone-​earlier that day I went into the salon and made my appointment– and could not be scheduled with the original stylist I was given. Maybe it would have resulted differently. $ 125 for what I got, unfortunately was not worth it.
The only reason I write this review is to encourage those who aren’t that familiar with different textured hair to get experienced especially being a higher end salon. Im not bashing the stylist I had at all. All stylists have different talents and strengths. And unfortunately in Seattle, few are well experienced with curly textured hair. So I end this review not to question ones ability but to ask to broaden ones ability especially being a higher end salon.

I’ve been going to Ola for more than four years. KC is always fantastic in getting exactly the right color for me, and because of her recommendations, my hair is in perfect condition now that I’m using their non-​ammonia color.
Recently I decided to give Alfonso a try since my regular stylist (Dawn) was away on vacation. I am SO glad that I took the plunge. Alfonso gave me the best cut that I’ve EVER had from anyone, bar none.
My appointment with him was eight weeks ago and amazingly, my hair is not only holding its shape, it actually just keeps getting better. I love the way it moves, and it always looks good no matter what. It looked great from the very first day. He has a real gift. Alfonso — you’ve completely re-​set my expectations!
My cut is holding up much better over time than it did with Dawn, whose cuts lasted just barely two months. Alfonso’s cut have easily held up two months and at this rate, I’m thinking maybe even three.
And as an added bonus, he’s such a genuine and kind person (as is KC). I know I’m in the very best hands with them.
Alfonso is new to Ola. I am so glad that he has chosen to work here. He is a true master and artist of hair, and is my go-​to stylist from here on.

This place is great! Opal is a great colorist, I’ve been her client for a couple years now. Great products, too.

I was fortunate enough to get pulled in as a hair model for a partial /​retouch foils class. Candi was the lovely lady doing my hair. It was my first time in and it was a really good experience. The hair came out great; they were totally understanding while I fumble around with ideas and non-​descriptive requests. My brain works better with science than with describing what I need for my hair! They were so helpful, though. Everyone there seemed to be laughing, chatting and enjoying themselves. Great atmosphere, cool looking and well decorated shop. Comfortable considering this summer’s heat. Overall, great experience! Can definitely see myself going back!

If you were ever hesitant to get lash extensions, don’t be! Nicole Vela at Ola did an amazing job on my initial set and I have been loving them ever since! I’ve been coming in every two weeks to have them filled, and I’ve had no negative reactions and am loving the dramatic effect completely.

Julia has been doing my hair for years now and I completely trust her judgment and advice. I always leave with great color and cut and I am always incredibly happy with all she does for me. If you want a great stylist go to Julia! In fact I have an appointment this Saturday that I cannot wait for!

Went here to see Megan the other day. She’s the best. My girlfriend and I both go here to see Megan. Skilled at both women’s and men’s hair. A+ location, great service.

I’m really sorry to say I did not have a good experience… what should have been a simple blowout and style. The woman that did my hair obviously did not know how to deal with ethnic hair. Blowing out my hair, she did in every which direction (did not know how to hold a comb through my hair) and then when she went to flat iron my hair she seemed confused as to why my hair would not hold a shape. The edges were frizzy and my hair had no style and no curl to it at all. Disappointed that I had wasted my time and my money I had to go home and spend an extra 30 minutes to do my hair… better than it was done for $ 40. I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the overall atmosphere and wished I would have had a better experience and a better night. I feel that it was a waste of money and I will not be going back.

YAY! I love Briana here, for any service, lashes, brows. FACIAL? And Tarlyn for hair, they are chill, professional, and great talent!

My long-​time hair stylist Opal just switched to this salon and naturally, I had to follow her! Opal is simply the best hairstylist I’ve had in years and I have lived in New York, Boston and Chicago. She worked for many years at a prestigious downtown salon and ran their training programs.
Opal takes my flat, stick-​straight hair and gives it volume and movement! After a cut with her, I feel the need to toss my hair like a shampoo commercial model. She is a perfectionist: because I hate it when my collarbone-​length hair flips out where it hits my shoulders, Opal takes a subtle triangle-​shaped snippet around my shoulders such that it doesn’t flip out. No hair stylist has ever taught me so much about controlling my own hair: she taught me how to blow-​dry my hair in under 10 minutes while still controlling the weird flip-​out situation. She even taught me how to tease my hair while not looking like a Texas beauty queen.
Lastly, she is a delightful person to talk to and remembers everything about your life. Getting a haircut is like catching up with a good friend (who gives really awesome scalp massages).

What a find for a great massage at a resonable price! I do find it very odd that Massage is not on their menu, but ignore that it’s there with a wonderful woman named Tiann. She is AMAZING. Not only is she a super friendly, kind person but she worked my painful shoulder and lower back muscles and already I feel MUCH better. I feel like I have struck gold. If you want a good massage I HIGHLY recommend calling and getting a massage from Tiann !

I am so happy to have found Ola and Ashley! I came in for a color update with Ashley. I hadn’t had color put in my hair in years and just wanted a little bit of lightening around my face to help mask my post-​natal hair loss. Ashley listened thoughtfully and had a great plan for solving my problem but also being sensitive to me not wanting to a.) look like it had been colored or b.) commit to any sort of maintenance. I asked her to be very conservative and this is the first time I feel like a stylist has listened! She continued to be patient, thoughtful and supportive as I waffled on my decision. I didn’t feel rushed and knew her goal was my happiness, too. She did such a beautiful job! I was so thrilled with the results and Ashley has earned my trust, that now I’m planning on returning to do a little more to brighten up my «do» — thanks Ashley and Ola!

I had my hair colored by KC and cut by Kathy (I believe– eek, I’m terrible with names).
I avoid getting my hair done because I have some hair loss and it generally stresses me out. Not every hair professional handles it in a sensitive manner but everyone here was absolutely wonderful and I never felt uncomfortable for a second.
KC is very warm and affable. I knew which color I wanted my hair and she glanced at it for maybe 2 seconds and whipped up a color that matched exactly. It was almost unnerving because I thought it would be harder to get a perfect match, but for her it was no big deal and she smiled and chatted the whole way through. I was extremely impressed.
Kathy was also amazing, she was quick and skilled and made me feel right at home. My hair has never looked better. I will definitely be going in more often for my hair care needs.

I love this place! It was cute and all the ladies I spoke with are super friendly. I came here to get lash extensions and Nicole did a bang up job! Seriously, I looked in the mirror and was so impressed… then I realized I will always need to have these lashes so I will be back.

As a Dominican woman, finding a hair stylist is difficult wherever I go (with the exception of the Dominican Republic and Queens) but I get the feeling I may have found a regular go-​to at Ola Salon with Julie! My manager and coworker both recommended her and and so I called to schedule an appointment for an express keratin treatment and luckily they had availability on a Saturday afternoon for me!
I live in Queen Anne so I opted to take the bus to West Seattle (just one straight shot on the D line for me) and they are conveniently located right off of the bus stop! I was running a few minutes late but Julie didn’t seem phased at all and she did a fantastic job on my crazy mane! Really great first experience! My only reconsideration was that my manager said she pays $ 75 and I was charged $ 95. They gave me a 10% discount as a new client but it still seems odd. In any case, hopefully the treatment lasts and I will be back in the next couple of months!

I’ve been a long time customer of a small salon owner and decided recently to branch out. I asked a co-​worker who lives in W Seattle for a recommendation and she suggested Ola. I admit though she does not have the best hair and she couldn’t even recommend a specific stylist as she doesn’t ‘have one’.
I booked an appt anyway for a cut and color and told the girl when I scheduled that it was my first time and I needed someone who was good with Asian hair. She assured me she had me with the right person — a guy — and that she noted I had their new customer discount (which was to be 20%).
I received a call the day before to confirm my appt and told that they only accept cash for gratuity. This annoyed me all night as I hate places who like to force you into bringing cash for tips ‘and’ I find that to be very unprofessional to tell people that on the phone.
I show up to the salon for my appt and I’m not greeted nor was I helped. There were two ‘hostesses’ if you will who were standing at the front but they were busy socializing with each other and a different client. I finally waited until they dispersed before I walked back over to try to wave someone down.
The interesting thing about this salon is the setup. I was finally greeted by my stylist and sat at his ‘station’ and then introduced to his ‘assistant.’ We talked through what kind of cut and style I was looking for and then he got to working on my color mix.
He wasn’t a bad guy and the conversation flowed pretty easily for the most part. It took him about 20 mins or so to ‘color’ my hair which was really only my crown and then he told me he needed me to move to a side seat as he was going to do a ‘quick trim’ while my color set. I’m not a huge fan of this as I think it tends to make you feel less special but I had no choice. I was sat not under a dryer but just in the corner — for about 35 – 40 mins. Thankfully I had my phone so I could at least surf the web and try to entertain myself. Don’t even bother trying to read the magazines as I think some of them were literally from last year.
The assistant came and got me to go rinse out my color. A few things to note here:
The ‘wash’ felt like I was being patted down and not washed at all. My hair is super thick and I was shocked it even washed out any of the product as it didn’t seem I was getting a thorough wash.
They also don’t use ‘salon’ product in my opinion as my previous salon only uses Pureology (which is also what I use at home). They used L’oreal product. L’oreal.
After my ‘wash’, I was sat to get my hair cut/​trimmed and I was hoping this would at least salvage the day. But alas, it was a little bit of a disappointment. He took about 2−3″ off my length which is what I was looking for but I didn’t feel there was a lot of ‘cutting’ and the blowdry was pretty much a quick job with a round brush. I didn’t leave feeling like I usually do after a cut of «I am going out tonight because my hair looks amazing! Shiny! Clean! Cute»
Instead, I got out of the chair feeling like I could’ve had this same cut/​color at a way cheaper salon with «Cuts» or «Clips» in their name.
Then I went to the front to pay and the girl didn’t take off the new customer discount. I had to argue with her and she told me it was only 10% now vs. the 20% that was previously advertised (ding one star for that). And the total charge ‘with’ the discount? It was $ 150 for a cut/​color. That was WAY too much for how little color and cut was done.
I really wanted to like this place but after all the little things that added up; I can’t say that I will be. I guess I’ll stick to my original salon because at least I know the quality and products used on my head are ones that have worked.

Still lovin’ Ola and my dream team, Kathy and KC! My hair was just past my shoulders when I started seeing Kathy almost three years ago and it’s now brushing the top of my hip hugger jeans — and it’s looked FABULOUS the whole time thanks to Kathy’s magic. KC also has evolved my color very well over time to match my needs; with her delicate touch I can let it grow out as long as I want between treatments and there is no dye line, it just eases into my natural color. When I want to pump the volume back up I set an appointment with her and that’s that!
I’ve referred several friends there and they’ve all loved it, and had super cute hair when I saw them after their appointment!

I purchased a coupon for some spa services here and completely forgot the expiration date. When I called to explain the information to their receptionist, their esthetician graciously agreed to accept my voucher for the face value. We spoke for a few moments and I ended up booking a back facial.
You would probably drive by it if you weren’t looking, the storefront is set back slightly from SW Avalon Way. Parking was easy enough, there were several spots right in front. A word of caution though, there is a grade for the lot so take care when you open your door so you don’t ding another car.
Tiann came out to meet me within minutes of my arrival. She made me feel very welcome and led me back through a series of hallways to the spa area. The room was cozy and comfortable, a nice temperature and quiet. Tianna explained the process before we began and during the facial itself, let me dictate the level of conversation.
So, yeah, the back facial. The description was for «a relaxing back, shoulder and upper arm treatment. Includes a thorough cleaning and exfoliation, extractions, massage, steam, treatment mask, toning, and moisturizer. It leaves you feeling hydrated, clean, exfoliated, refreshed, and cleaned to be seen.» It was SO relaxing that I nodded off a couple times during the treatment. To me, that’s a hallmark of good spa service and afterward, I needed some time to regroup. I didn’t feel rushed. Tiann gave me a large glass of water and I relaxed in the lobby for a short while.
What else can I mention? Music was nondescript which was perfect. One of my pet peeves is overly new-​agey flute music or babbling brook sounds during massages. I know they are suppose to relax you but I find them irritating so they do the absolute opposite. I arrived on a dreary grey day but left feeling like I was radiantly warm from my overall treatment. It was made of win. Thanks Tiann, YOU are made of win!

I’ve been going to Michael (cuts) and KC (color) for almost 2 years now and I still love the results whenever I can bother to get my behind into the salon.
Be sure to have your budget in mind BEFORE you book an appointment since different stylists and colorists have different price structures. I believe Michael is the most expensive in the whole lot, $ 90 for a cut. That said, I have long wavy hair and only need a true haircut twice a year, maybe three. He does bang trims in between cuts for free (though I do of course tip him for those). I believe all the stylists here will do free bang trims btw.
They also have extensive skincare services here. Facials, lash extensions, waxing, etc. I did eyelash extensions for over a year (Michelle) and loved them, but at $ 50 a fill, it became a luxury item that I had to discontinue. For now anyway.
I’ve never had anyone at this salon push product/​s on me. Suggest it? Yes. Ask me if I need a fresh bottle of my shampoo or conditioner this visit? Yes. Suggest a conditioner treatment during my appointment? Of course. But it’s their JOB to up-​sell, this is how the salon makes money. You should never feel weird or uncomfortable about saying «no», or, «not today.» And I can’t even imagine how someone could assume that an add-​on service, such as a conditioner treatment, would be free. If you’re unsure, oh my gosh, ASK!
The receptionists are one of Ola’s strongest assets by the way. SO capable and knowledgeable about product and about the staff, they’ll always steer you in the right direction if you are unsure. Just ask them! They also know who you are before you’ve barely stepped in the door, greeting you with a cheerful «Hello (insert name here)!» which is a really nice add value in a world of crappy customer service.
As long as you know ahead of time that this isn’t a Super Cuts experience, you won’t be shocked by the pricing structure. It’s comparable to any high end salon elsewhere in the city. Except here, you’ll actually be treated nicely too.