Arabella Salon & Spa

Kirsten was personable and sweet and not only took into account what I wanted, but also gave me her professional opinion. I got bangs for the first time in a few years and she did a great job of putting me at ease when I was nervous about the change. She also gave me a haircut that was amazing! My hair looks healthy and full and shiny! Kirsten really cared about what I wanted, and took into account my personality & lifestyle when cutting/styling my hair. Not only was Kirsten great, but the entire salon has an amazing, warm, fun vibe to it! I even got a tour of the place when I arrived! :) I have never been more pleased with a hair appointment in my entire life! Arabella is amazing, thank you! :) I can't wait to go back! more

I have been going to Piper for cut and color for 5 years. I have long thick wavy unruly hair. Piper too has similar hair so she personally knows what to do with it. Every 3-4 months I get the Keratin treatment. It works so amazing on my frizzy hair. Thank you Piper for always being upbeat and personal every time I see you. You always get my color just perfect. Thanks for the arm and hand massage. Bang trims in between cuts are free. Check out piper you will be happy you did. more

I just have to say, that my overall experience at Arabella Salon & Spa was so lovely. Thank you Piper for making me feel fabulous and gorgeous with my new 'do! You are magic! I had been growing out my hair for sometime and with embracing the idea of cutting it, I also wanted to try out a new stylist as well. I had read such great reviews on Citysearch about Arabella so I decided to call and book an appt. with one of their stylists. I got an appt. with Piper on really short notice. Super Awesome. On the day of my appt., I kind of got a little lost (it's not a storefront salon, it's upstairs in a loft) and was super nervous, but once I found my way, I was taken away... to a hidden gem, right off MLK Blvd. There's an amazing rooftop garden and a really 'breezy' peaceful vibe. All the people are super nice and friendly! And they play good music too. :) Anyway, Piper greeted me and was super nice and spent time getting to know me and what I wanted. That's something I really appreciate. She knew how nervous I was and really made me feel at ease. The rest is history... And success! I'm now rockin' a new 'do and feelin' FAB! Thanks Piper! Thanks Arabella! I will be back! Pros: Everything! Cons: Nothing! more

When I first moved to Portland, I was desperate to find a good stylist--I've got a incredibly finicky 'do and don't just let anyone touch my hair. And I'm uber picky. Fortunately, I landed at Arabella Salon first... Since then, it's been 4 years and I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. I generally see Amanda Williams, but on occasion when she is working on a film, I go see Libby Beaman. They both kick ass! Incredibly talented, knowledgeable and precise! They really take the time to educate their clients and make us feel comfortable. Their color and product line, Davines, makes the most wonderfully smelling shampoos & conditioners too! That doesn't hurt. I am still working my way to trying Davines' skin care line, which I've heard great things about. On top of the amazing service and great product.. The space is fabulous, with a retro oven for a filing cabinet--it's all things alternative, with good tunes and cozy rooftop garden... I feel at home with Arabella. Thank you guys! Pros: Everything. Cons: Nada! more

The first time I walked into Arabella I felt at home. Everyone was so warm and conversational. I didn't feel looked down on like I had at other upscale salons in the past. I had my hair cut by Trish and she took my damaged mop and made it look HOT! I picked out the Nou Nou shampoo and conditioner from Davines because it made my hair feel like silk! There is absolutely nothing negative I can say about this salon and that is a first! Thanks guys! Pros: Sweet staff, beautiful decor, amazing products. Cons: None? more

Everyone at Arabella is amazing but my personal favorite is Miss Amanda Williams. I'm picky and my hair is all kinds of not cooperative. I tell her how I would like to look and she figures out how to make that happen. She is a hair artist. The products they carry are yummy too. I started using their new skin care line and it's improved my skin by a million. They have a sweet roof top garden and that is something you don't get to see a lot on the west coast. The vibe at Arabella is fun and relaxing, I often end up spending a lot more time there then I really needed too. . . and that's not just because Trish is so hot.... : ) P. Pros: Talented Ladies ! more

Finding a great hair stylist is always really difficult for me. Someone who listens to what you want, but also gives some great suggestions as to what would look good on you if you're looking to change it up. A friend suggested that I go see Amanda at Arabella after a botched haircut and she worked her magic and FIXED it! Ever since then I've been hooked and will NOT go to anyone else. I really like the location / atmosphere of this place too. It is on the second floor of a warehouse-type building and has a loft / large studio feel to it. It's very comfortable and relaxing inside with couch seating while you wait. Pros: Done right every time. Cons: None! more

Amanda (the salon owner) has been my hairdresser for 17 years. It's impossible to say enough about Amanda's ability to wrestle some style and life into my hair. Her knowledge of color is incredible, and her competence with hair cutting is unsurpassed! I can't count the number of times people have complimented my hair (it's ALL Amanda). Arabella Salon and Spa also carries amazing hair and skin products (Davines); the salon's helpful and knowledgeable staff are always willing to lend a hand to assist with any questions. As an added bonus, you can cover all your waxing/facial needs with the fabulous esthetician, Stephanie June Johnson. You've got to try this place! Pros: Friendly and well-informed staff. Convenient. Cons: ???? more

I completely lucked out last month when searching for a salon over the net for my trip to Portland (I live in Australia). This salon is fabulous and Steven transformed my hair from a frizzy, dry, home color disaster to the best it has ever looked. How he managed to make my hair healthier and softer while applying a full head of completely beautiful, natural blond is a mystery to me, but he did and I will be making the trip back to this salon no matter how far the trek! So, thank you Steven for the beautiful cut, color and conversation :)) I have never had so many people comment on how great my hair looks! Pros: Color, Cut, Conversation :)) Cons: None! more

I've been seeing Amanda, the owner of Arabella salon for almost 4 years now. And I don't have a single complaint. She's truly amazing--like a fairy, she buzzes around and adds sparkle making anything and everything awesomely beautiful! I'm not the most adventurous when it comes to changing my hairstyle, but I tell no lie--even though I get the same hair cut/color every time... I always fall in love with it all over again. In addition to her capabilities of making me 'fall in love' with a hairstyle...she can do anything. She's been in the hair industry for over 15 years doing hair and makeup. Relaxers, extensions, wigs, hair that does itself and twirls! (just kidding!) She has major accomplishments with working in the film industry also, working on major movies like Twilight, Indiana Jones, Into the wild, etc. You can do no wrong by going to her. I swear! Go on, give her a call 503-249-6558! Pros: Everything. Cons: Nothing. more

I won a haircut with Steven at a silent auction and finally decided to give him a go...wow is all I can say. He knows I can't blow or style and that I have a wash and wear lifestyle...he made my hair work and look terrific, taking it to a new place no one has taken it before. He's not cheap, but I'm worth it! Pros: Great at what he does, very good at communicating more

I am a very picky, semi-high maintenance client who expects a classy professional hair style. I took a whim going somewhere new and seeing a different stylist. Steven is a man of his word, he will give you his honest opinon about what you want your hair to look like as well as his input. He desires his clients to be satisfied with their new hairstyle, and Steven definetly succeeds on providing his client's EXACTLY what he/she wants. He listened very carefully to the details I wanted and provided a little of his own style into it, which was great. I have gotten so many compliments on my new hairstyle and I have Steven to thank. I will definetly go back and see him to get my hair done in the future. Great haircut, conversation, and atmosphere. Thanks Steven! Pros: Customer Service :) Quality Cons: nothing more

I tend to be sort of a spazz about my hair (especially for a guy). Steven never really requires me to explain much how I want my hair done. I explain in a few words, and without haste, he jumps in, and does his thing. Invariably, his work is perfect...and that's not something I say often. Furthermore, given that my work revolves around customer service, I tend to not be easily impressed with customer relations experiences easily. I have to say that Steven takes that part of his business as seriously as he does his artistic and technical skills with the shears. If you want a GREAT haircut and style, paired with an excellent customer service experience from a true professional, go see Steven Lightfoot at Arabella. He'll get you squared away. Pros: Killer men's/women's stylist, great with people, truly profe Cons: none more

After having my hair cut messed up at another salon, I came to Amanda, and she was able to not only fix my haircut, but also reduce the dryness. I'm so happy to have my hair look good again! Pros: great cut, great products more

I just saw Steven at Arabella for the first time and I can't say enough good things about my experience. I have very thick hair and have had only a handful of good haircuts in my life. I am always cautious when trying out a new stylist and ask many questions. Steven made me feel confident that he was the right man for the job. He knew exactly the right way to handle my hair. He listened to what I needed and gave me exactly what I wanted. This is the best haircut I have ever had and I will not see anyone else as long as Steven is around to cut my hair. If you have ever had a bad haircut and need someone that is going to make you feel confident and give you a great style you have to see Steven at Arabella. You can't go wrong with Steven!! Pros: cost, quality, experience Cons: Nothing!! more

Steven Lightfoot volunteered to help out a stylist whose child has a serious illness and needed coverage for her clients. He volunteered his time and LUCKY me: one of his donated slots was mine. He cut and colored my hair following some written instructions from my stylist and by listening to my wishes. And I WAS BLOWN away. The guy is an artist! My hair was his palette. On top of being talented, he is a true humanitarian. HE HAS NEVER met the woman he was helping out. How often do we meet this kind of person? more

.Went shopping to Dunedin to cute little shops like Darling Memories,Amanda Austin and Rose Garden. Everyone in these shope were nice and welcoming. I wanted to end my shopping experience with a nice cup of Java. Whe I walked to Cappucino's Bakery...I saw a couple of customers and once person working behind the counter so I decided to sit and but my bags down. When I sat on the counter...the lady working there didn't aknowledge me but I figure she was alone so I didn't take it personally. Since I really was craving my cup of Java I decided to patiently wait. After taking the order from customers she went to the back and dissapeared for 20 minutes. At this point I really needed to go to the bathroom. When she came of to serve the people I asked if she can buzz me to the bathroom and she ignored me. I asked again and she SHOUTED at me and I saw a mean lady looking at me. She yelled"don't you see that I'm working alone here...if you need a public bathroom there's one around the corner". I metioned to her that I was a potential customer and I have been patient by waiting 20 minutes and she didn't have to yell at me and send me to a public bathroom. I've had my bags here and that she shouldn't abuse me for no reason. After that...she yelled at me again and told me that I should leave her shop. SHe mentioned that she was the owne and I was shocked and couldn't believe that she was being so cruel to me for no apparent reason. She basically was taking out her job or personal frustrations on me. I was really shocked and like any women with some integrity I defended my case....and tol her that she was very cruel and bitter and that this is no way to treat a customer who has been patiently waiting. She then did the ultimate...she called the cops so they can escort me for no reason. Since it was so unfair...I figured I would wait and explain my side of the story to the cops...that I was basically waiting 20 minutes for a cup of Java and to use the bathroom and this lady was just cruel with me for no apparent cause...just being abusive towards me from her personal frustrations. I decided to leaven and not let her ruin the wonderful experience I had with other merchant owners in the area. I saw her as being cruel, catty and bitter and left without take in it personally. I have travelle all over the world and come from a family of restaurant owners and I ive that the owner of Cappuccino's Bakery a 0 out of 10 rating for cruelty, abuse, and and hateful energy. Have a spirit lady...it's Xmas. She is a lady Scroodge. If you are visiting Dunedin...stay away if you are happy, attractive and fairly young because this witch will hate on you and give you ill treatment. She represents the haters of the world who hate the happy, sexy, beautiful and cheerful young women. STAY AWAY from the abuse. Oh by the way I saw she did the same to a customer on a Yahoo Travel Review....this MErchant will give Dunedin a bad name. Pros: cut/color/style, cute place, friendly staff Cons: very expensive! more

I had my hair cut by Mr Steven Lightfoot at Arabella salon, and I am thrilled with how it turned out. He knew EXACTLY how to turn my idea of what I wanted -- my dream hair cut, that I've been hesitant to try out because I was unsure how it'd work with my features -- into reality. And he consulted with me on every step of the way. The end result is that I have the best hair cut I've had in years. I will definitely be back to see Steven again. Pros: Beautiful atmosphere, consummate professionalism more

For the past 6 months I’ve been dying my own hair dark brown with demi-permanent dye. My husband knew I wanted to change my hair to brown with light blond low lights, so as a gift he decided to purchase a gift certificate for me to color correct my hair and get it the way I wanted it (knowing I would definitely not be able to do it myself). He made calls to places I had once been before and to places he heard were good....Urban Colors only had one person who knew how to do color correction, and she charged $100 an hour, then he tried Avanti's Salon, she didn’t pick up so he left her a message, then he called Arabella's. After talking to someone on the phone , and then even coming into the salon to further discuss the gift for me, the ladies at the salon promised I would leave the salon with the exact look I wanted , it would cost no more than $200, and in fact I’d probably have money left over to keep or put towards whatever. My husband (who said he was willing to pay up to 300, was happy to hear 200 was more than enough) purchased the gift certificate in good faith thinking I was going to be really happy after my hair appointment. The exact opposite happened when my hair stylist Deanna did a HORRIBLE job on my hair. Instead of brown with blond low lights I had nO low lights at alllllll, my hair was spotty, and my hair was nOT brown, it was red-ish-Orange (especially at my roots). She asked me if I was happy with the auburn brown look, I said not really, to me this looks way more red then brown which is not what I asked for! And then she proceeded to tell me that red was an undertone of brown, yata yata yata and this is why she usually doesn’t make promises...(and although she told my husband she charges 50 an hour, she told me 55, and wrapped up our session at 3 ½ hrs using all of the 200)... Fortunately for her, since her next clients were sitting & waiting, I decided I was going to be kind enough to not be brutally honest and tell her how much I hated it and how horrible it looked. She tried to make me feel like there was no other way around it and I would just have to deal with the red for a few weeks/months until I come in again and then *MAYBE she could give me the look I originally wanted...Maybe?? WOW.. Long story short, Francesca from Avanti salon ended up calling me (well my husband) back a few short days later, and told me that she felt really bad for me and offered to fix my hair for really cheap and this time do it right. THANK GOD for her!!!!!!!! I seriously did noT want to walk around town having people believe I would actually pay for the hairstyle I had. My hair is finally just as I wanted and I’m so grateful to Francesca for it. For anyone out there who thinks paying more means a better service, please don’t make the same mistake I did… I totally regret going to Arabella and I wish my husband would have been able to set me up with Avanti in the first place. Pros: great location, friendly staff, up-to-date on latest trends Cons: $ not cheap, but worth the price :] more

The stylists at the salon invited teen mothers and girls in residential treatment to a morning of, hair styles, make up and pampering. The stylists were kind and respectful and treated all the girls like queens for the day. For the girls who were unable to make it to the salon, the stylists brought the salon to them. They provided hair cuts and make up where the girls lived. The stylists did an awesome job and made it really special for those girls. The folks at Arabella really care!!! Pros: Socially Conscience Cons: none more