The Upper Hand Salon: River Oaks

?Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself.? more

Carrie is by far the best stylist and colorist in the Houston area! Every time I walk out of the salon, I feel like a new person. She is a true expert and makes your ""salon"" experience"" very enjoyable. Thanks again,Carrie! Pros: wonderful staff,comfortable atmosphere,above average stylists Cons: N/A more

I have been a client of John Rubio for approx. 4 years. At first my hair was in horrid condition, due to using harsh chemicals. Under John?s TLC my hair is so incredibly healthy now. Whereas I live in Beaumont, Texas (which is an hour and a half drive away), I do not hesitate to make the trip to get my highlights and haircut. You simply can?t imagine how great I always look when I leave or the excessive amount of compliments I receive. John does an amazing job on my style as well as my color. My hair just looks phenomenal!!! He is the best! Pros: Ambience, Service Cons: Parking more

I absolutely love The Upper Hand and I love my hairstylist, John Rubio. He is a miracle worker ladies and gentlemen. Everytime I go to John I get compliments on my hair. The ambience and the atmosphere of this establishment is very nice. I live an hour and half away from Houston, yet I make the trek to go because no one does my hair like John. I highly recommend him. He's fantantastic. Pros: The atmosphere is lovely. Cons: Parking is not very good. more

I have been going to John Rubio for 5 years and he is absolutely fabulous. I always look absolutely gorgeous everytime I leave the Upper Hand. Everyone raves about my hair. John does such an excellent job. It is always so shiny, soft, silky and luxurious. I never thought it could be this way. My hair is naturally curly and I've always had a problem with frizziness since Houston is the humidity capital of the world. But no more. When I leave John, my hair never gets frizzy. It just looks stunning. He is fantastic and I highly recommend him. Pros: Customer Service Cons: Sometimes hard to find a parking spot. more

The Upper Hand is a fabulous beauty salon-- from the wonderful service at the front desk, especially Elizabeth, to the staff that shampoos. Monique does a fabulous job with waxing and ****JOHN RUBIO**** is the best colorist, especially for BLONDES! Trust me, I have been with him for over 8 years and I have ALWAYS been complimented and approached by random people asking me where I got my hair cut and hi-lights. When I moved away for college and had to go to someone else--- I never got compliments and my hair always turned brassy colored and faded within 3-4 weeks max-- and did i mention it got totally fried? With JOHN, your hair will NOT fade, will NOT turn brassy, and will NOT look like you did it yourself with a box from Walgreens (unlike other salons, in Houston or other cities worldwide) I have gone salon shopping across many states and countries, and there's no place like the Upper Hand and there's no person like JOHN RUBIO. Likewise, he cuts men's hair fabulous too and fixed a horrible do that a girl at the Houstonian gave my boyfriend. Could you say lop-sided side burns and a jacked up bowel cut? Oh yeah, he got billed a $100 for his unprofessional hair cut while he was originally quoted 45$ at the Houstonian! John fixed it up the next day and now he looks better than ever-- he looks darn attractive and now only visits John. You want good hair, a good time, and to be noticed in a positive way-- try the Upper Hand River Oaks. Pros: Attitude, Professionalism, Services Cons: Parking (unforuntately) more

Disaapointed after getting a really bad haircut at the mall , I made an appointment with Bryan for a correcive haircut.I think it was the best decision I ever made.I got the best haircut ever!! and it stayed great even afer I washed it and blowdried it myself.He is very honest in his opinion and suggestions.I would recommend Bryan to anyone looking for a great haircut and the Upper hand salon for a nice salon experience.I think ive found my stylist! more

Josephine, Josephine, Josephine! That is the name I give my friends when they ask me who does my hair!! I had just gotten the worst color and cut of my life when I saw one of my friends and her hair looked great, she mentioned Josephine does her hair. When I saw Josephine we talked about my hair for a good 20 mins before she layed her hands on it (I was very scared to do something else to it), then she worked her majic and fixed both my color and cut! I highly recommend her, she gave me the most amazing highlights and haircut! I have told all my friends about the best kept secret in Houston..Josephine and now all of my friends go to her! Pros: Service Cons: Parking more

I have been living in Houston for now 6months after moving from Australia. I never thought finding a good hairdresser could be so hard here.....guess what it is!! After a few ""ordinary"" experiences I found John Rubio, he is extraordinary!! My hair is in better health than it has ever been, my blonde highlights last sooo much longer and I don't get that ""brassie blonde"" look after 4 weeks. The compliments keep rolling in weeks after John does my hair, he really knows how to cut hair.....and girls if your blonde or want to go blonde, John is your man!! don't even consider going anywhere else. And if your happy with your current hairdresser, still see John, he will make you even happier with your hair! Thank you John :) more

I heard about John from a friend, that said ""John Rubio is the hottest thing in houston right now!"" So I had to go see for myself. I had been growing my hair out and was just kind of bored with it. I brought in a few pictures and told him I wanted something totally new, but I wasn't sure I could pull off the look I was going for. He did warn me that what I wanted was significantly shorter, but he thought it would look great. I took a deep breath and said OKAY! I get so many compliments on my hair now, its pretty crazy. I've been back about 6 times since and I'm impressed everytime. Whether I tell him I just want a trim, to maintain it, or I wan't something a little different, I'm always pleased with the outcome. I have also gotten color done as well with John. His hilighting techniqus are outstanding, I had him touch up my roots and add a very vibrant fuschia for my hilights. I've also done some pretty crazy things with my hair, but he kept the integrity of my hair intact. My hair actually looked healthier when he was finished. I really can't say enough good things about him, he is very professional and he has a calming effect on his clients. He is really funny also, like getting your haircut isn't already something that will boost your mood, but he makes me laugh everytime I'm there. A little note about the salon in general, everyone is friendly especially Elizabeth at the front desk she is always accomodating when I call and desperatly need an appointment. Even if you currently have a stylist that you are happy with, you need to seriously re-think it and make an appointment with John, he is truely the best! more

I went to UpperHand because of all the good reviews...and...I went to the hairdresser that has been named the most. I took in a couple pictures showing exactly what I wanted. I received NOTHING...I repeat...NOTHING...like what I asked for! In fact, it's so short that I can't do anything with it, let alone what I described what I wanted to do in the first place. I went over this at least 4 times with this hairdresser about what I wanted. She obviously didn't hear a word I said and after the first cut, it was too late. I do not understand why hair stylists want to do what THEY want and not what the customer wants. I was also told that they would call me in two days to see how everything was going. Guess what? I have NEVER received any phone call. I am trying to keep positive thinking that my hair will eventually grow and I can go somewhere that hopefully will give me what I asked for. As far as going back to Upper Hand to do this...FORGET IT!!! Oh and by the way - the prices listed on the website - not even close. Add about $100 to that. Pros: The guy that shampooed my hair was really nice and did a good job. Cons: Price / Skill / Not even coming close to what I asked for more

If you're looking for a hairdresser to trust with your hair/style Trish is your girl!!! I have been seeing Trish for 4 years now and I will never ever let any other hairdresser touch it! I am the type of person who is very concious and well, attached to her hair but I would let Trish cut my hair in my sleep! I recently cut 9-10 inches off my long hair that I've had the better part of my life, and I wouldn't let anyone but Trish do it. I love my new hair style, just like every other time she does it. I strongly recomend Trish not just for her ability but for her personality, she's great! more

Trish knows short hair!...she has great suggestions for creative changes to keep my cuts edgy without being too funky for the office. Trish and Emily make super therapists, too. The salon has a great ambiance that's inviting and comfortable. Pros: Trish is the bomb! Cons: N/A more

So I decided to see Trish because i have been jumping around from stylist to stylist and never was happy. Thank god i saw the reviews on citysearch and got her name. She is so talented and i feel like a million bucks. I have never left with a cut I couldn't style and my color always look fabulous. Thank you citysearch for helping me find such a wonderful hairdresser. Pros: Trish, and Emily Cons: parking more

The Upper Hand Salon is a fabulous place to talk to interesting people, relax and get a real ""spa"" experience. The technicians are talented, forward-thinking and just a lot of fun to be around. I always feel like a million bucks when I leave! Pros: atmosphere, skill level, customer service more

There is NO place better in Houston! The salon itself is stunning, the staff at the front desk couldn't be nicer, friendlier or more helpful. But THE MOST important person in this salon, to me, is Louis Lopez. I was Louis' first cient when he graduated from school. This man has an inate color sense - I think he probably taught his teachers a few things! When he left the salon he started with, I followed him, and have never been happier. I have people constantly stopping me to ask where I get my hair done - so I am always running out of his cards. Friends I have referred to him tout him as much as I do. Aside from being the best colorist in Houston, his haircuts and finishing work are outstanding. I am a red head thanks to him with a pretty interesting ""do"" - it is pretty funky, but this man can do anything from a young person's haircut to a young conservative man or woman's do, to a 60+ roller ""do"". And if you're not, or not wanting to be, a redhead, it doesn't matter - he can do blondes or brunettes with equal ability and flair. Aside from his fabulous style/color ability, he is one of the nicest people you would ever meet. - I look forward to my appointments with him as it is always a VERY special treat for me to see him,and catch up, walk out with AMAZING color and style, and be welcomed and treated better than any salon I have been to in Houston. If you don't go there, and if you don't book an appointment with Louis, you will never have an idea of what you're missing. Call TODAY :)! Pros: The best place ever! more

The customer service - and results - at The Upper Hand Salon couldn't be better. From the time that Elizabeth takes your call to schedule, to the time you walk out with fabulous hair , you are treated well and with a friendly respect. Jennifer cuts and colors and Lisa does my regular blowouts (Lisa is also a skilled makeup artist). I get compliments on my ""pantene hair"" all the time; and this is the woman who has naturally curly (read frizzy in the summer in Houston) - they do a great job and do with with a smile. Great Group. Pros: Great location, atmosphere. Fabulous results Cons: parking mid day can be tough; its not cheap more

Carri Winegar at The Upper Hand salon did a fabulous job on my hair yesterday! The color looks awesome and I have received several compliments from friends and family since I left the salon. Her assistant Mickey does a great job styling as well. If you are looking for a great stylist in the Houston area you need to call The Upper Hand and book your appointment with Carri. She's a perfectionist, friendly, and efficient. Pros: They serve wine :) more

This is a long overdue review. I have been going to Carri W. for some time now and would follow her around the world if I had to. It is a bonus that she is now at the Upper Hand. I love the salon and its fun/funky atmosphere. I lived in California for a few years and thought no one could do my hair the way my stylist did there and Carri has exceeded all expectations I had. Not only does the girl do amazing color, but her cuts are beautiful! I cannot go anywhere without someone stopping me to ask where I get my hair done (even when I haven't washed my hair in days!) Not only is that a huge compliment to me, but also to Carri. She is talented and loves what she does. Did I mention that she is also fun to chat with? An extraordinary sylist! Trust her! Pros: Fun salon, friendly staff more

After having a bad experience with my last colorist... I was referred to the Upper Hand salon. What a great experience! Carri W. was so great. She is so personable and knew exactly what I needed for the right hair color and cut. What a professional, she really listened to me! She rocks! I highly recommend her. You can tell she loves what she does and that definatley reflects in her work. Cons: too many doors more