Kalista Salon & Spa

503-405-8012

137 SE 28th Ave Portland, OR 97214

www.kalistasalon.com

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FREE Lumiere, and/or Foot detox bath, now through October 31st. Kalista is celebrating there 10 year anniversary October 9th, open till 10 pm come in for happy hour prices all day till 7pm then after we will be celebrating. Pirates booty will be bringing the snax, Live DJ, And dancers lots of funs stuff and prizes!!! RSVP now to get on the VIP list.
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Mon-Fri 10am-9pm Sat 10am-6pm Sun 10am-6pm

Message from Kalista Salon & Spa

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We are the official Salon and day spa for PDX49, the entertainment zone. Watch us at the top of the hour on channel 13 from 5-9pm Every second Friday of the month we stay open till 10pm. Calendar of specials located on specials page of the website www.kalistasalon.com $25.00 services; Happy hour Monday-Wednesday 12-4pm ~Eco friendly, Cruelty Free~ Kalista was established in October of 1999. The focus was cruelty free products & to be eco friendly.Everything used from the color for your hair to the laundry detergents & cleaners are safe. Jammin 95.5, KPDX Channel 2, Celebrity Clientel, salon today, 101 hairstyles,short cuts, Modern style mag., PDX Magazine, Portland Monthly, WW,& More Featured us for many of our skills as being the best in the

Editorial by Citysearch

Funky beauty salon offers massages, waxing, haircuts, extensions, straightening, pedicures, manicures and wedding/prom services.

Key Points

  • Open 7 days a week
  • Happy hour Tue-Wed 12-4pm
  • Open till 10pm, Every 2nd Friday

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Insider Pages Reviews for Kalista Salon & Spa

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Kalista Salon & Spa has the CRAPPIEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

by Amy R.

Candice B. I had the exact same experience!

$125.00 package, NO BACK RUB as advertised, not even a neck rub, and didn't get all the facial treatments either. I was even charged a higher amount, which they refunded the next day. When I spoke with the manager, she told me the information was printed wrong in the booklet, and would be fixed. That was in November of 2008, they still haven't changed the information! The massage couldn't be done because the girl wasn't licensed, she was new and didn't realize what the $125.00 package included.That was it. NO apology, nothing.

NEVER AGAIN AND I TELL EVERYONE THAT WILL LISTEN!

Posted 07/08/09 | Report Abuse

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Worst Experience of my Life!!!

by erin c.

Went in to get a Japanese Straightening done on my hair. The stylist (Heather) left the straightening solution on my scalp for so long it permanently burned the top layer of my hair. Two years have gone by and you can still see the damaged area. The owner, Kim, took no responsibility, she only offered me a re-do. Most salons would give you a refund. Now why would I let a salon that ruined my hair have another go at it?? They were completely unprofessional and unsympathetic towards the entire ordeal. DO NOT GO TO THIS SALON!!! They offer NO liability for botched services!!!! BEWARE!!! One more thing, the stylist told me the owner, Kim, had a stalker ex-boyfriend that blew out the windows of her old salon and that's why they moved to a different location. That was very comforting to know as I sat in the chair next to a window!! Horrible salon!!! Trash!!!

Posted 06/06/09 | Report Abuse

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BAD, EXPENSIVE SALON

by Debbie J.

I went to this salon for a hair cut and color. It was the worse cut and color I have ever had. My hair cut was just butchered - it has taken nearly a year to grow out all the weird lengths that were cut into my hair. The color was atrocious - didn't even begin to cover the gray as I had asked. Then I was informed by my stylist that I should have my brows waxed as they made me look like I had no eyes...Hello? I have light brown eyebrows and trust me you can certainly tell that I have eyes. It took 4 hours and cost over $300. I would have been better off doing the cut/color myself at home.

Posted 06/03/09 | Report Abuse

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I will never return...

by T F.

I was very disappointed with this salon. Bad customer service and too high of prices for the quality of service offered.

I will never return to this salon and recommend to anyone to try someplace new before trying Kalista Salon and Spa.

Posted 05/26/09 | Report Abuse

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head to toe treatments

by evelyn d. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,595

I liked that they offered head to toe treatments. The decor was really interesting and the beds are heated. That was a nice surprise. I had a really great massage and facial that had me so relaxed I could hardly move.

Posted 01/24/09 | Report Abuse

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$ 125.00 dissapointed

by CANDACE B.

did not get what i paid for! i reviewed &purchased a facial/massage package based upon its detailed description of services received.the advertised "back massage"[later i found out is a neck "massage" by unlicensed person] only i would call it maybe a neck rub?also advertised"a full skin analysis"looking at my skin in dim light; fell far short for my standard and other skin analysis/facial experience i have had.last but not least..to finish with a LED light treatment,however i never received this either! only thing good to say is i liked the product used.

Posted 01/08/09 | Report Abuse

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Kalista salon ROCKS !

by supershelbi1040

I've gone to Kalista salon and spa a few times, always doing crazy things with my hair and it turns out great ! The girls deffinalty know what there doing, and the colors have always lasted till the next time i go in. I love it!

Pros: Best hair dressers ever(:

Cons: nothing!

Posted 11/12/09

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Never again

by lalu00

I went to Kalista because I had a hair appt. I usually go to another salon but my hair dresser is in Europe for 3 months so I had driven by this place before and thought I would give it a shot. I arrived and stood their about 10 min before anyone even noticed me and then was told to wait and I would be seen soon. I don't even know the name of the girl who was going to do my hair bc I was told everyone is great and they booked me with who was open that day/time. I waited for 30 min and no one ever took me back so I walked out. I too heard all the girls laughing and being very unprofessional. I can't believe this place is able to stay open. Plus it looked dirty so I'm prob lucky I walked away. I wish I would have read all the bad reviews before I went.

Pros: Nothing

Cons: Everything

Posted 11/06/09

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HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE salon

by kati908

I got my hair colored there 2 weeks ago and it turned out horrible. I expressed very nicely that I thought the highlights looked more orange than blond and was totally ignored. I left a message with the owner and never got a call back. Everyone there seemed hungover and spent all their time gossiping. So unprofessional and so not worth the money or time. I recently over heard a nurse whom I work with also talking about a very bad experience she too had there. So bad that she is getting her lawyer involved. If they would return phone calls and actually act professional I'm sure alot of this could be avoided. However, they prob should hire people that actually know what they're doing bc this salon does not. Please take all the bad reviews seriously bc I did not and my hair is paying for it. It also looks as if the girls there wrote some of their own good reviews due to all of the negitive ones.

Pros: Nothing

Posted 11/02/09

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PERFECTLY Pleased!

by Happyheidi

I am sooo thankful to find Kalista! I was looking online for a salon that knew what they were doing with hair extensions. I was impressed from the very beginning when I stumbled across Kalista's website. I had looked at numerous other websites about hair extensions, and Kalista was very thorough on their procedures and the pros and cons to hair extensions. I scheduled a free consultation and after the consultation, I left even more pleased and excited for my new look! It gets even better folks...I have my hair colored blonde as well, and if you are a person who gets their hair colored blonde, you know what I mean when I say it is HARD to get the right blonde for your complexion. Well after chatting with my stylist about how I was not happy with my current blonde color she knew exactly what I was looking for and managed to create the PERFECT blonde color I so desperately was looking for! I left the salon with beautiful blonde top quality extensions! I have had them in since the first of July and they still look amazing! I workout frequently and this has had no effect of the condition of my extensions. When I first had the extensions put in, my friends would say wow your hair has gotten so long it's really pretty. When I tell them that they are extensions they are so surprised because they look so real. I highly recommend Kalista for hair color and extensions! I'm eager to try their other services...Cheers!

Pros: top quality hair for hair extensions, knowledgeable, unique

Posted 10/28/09

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Faithful Customer For 7 Years Gets Damaged & IGNORED

by trinitygirl79

I've been one of the owner Kim's customers for seven years. My last time in for color and cut she damaged my hair. It was dry, rough, brittle and felt like ends were broken. I called her the day after the appointment to see if anything could be done to help repair it. She was off that day so I left a message. After no response for over a week I called a second time. I was informed she was too busy to call me and was asked to email her instead, that maybe I might be able to get ahold of her that way but no guarantees. I don't think after being Kim's customer for SEVEN years that I should have to be the one going out of my way to get her to call me. I left another message and am not surprised she never called me back. Anybody who knows anything about customer service would have had the courtesy to call me back. It's obvious she doesn't even appreciate loyal, longtime clients who just want a little advice. It's been a month now and my hair still doesn't feel normal....
SO THEN today I get this auto email from Kalista Salon complaining about how all their good reviews were wiped off sites and that the bad reviews are former employees conspiring against them. They are asking their customers to write good reviews and to just call them if they had any bad experiences. What a joke, they don't even call people back.
So here is my response to their auto email:
The truth is there's a lot to say about their bad reviews too. I've been going there for years and the employees ARE catty and DO talk trash about other employees and customers in front of people all the time. I put up with the drama because I liked the way my color turned out. No more drama for me, I will gladly go somewhere else now.

Cons: Drama

Posted 10/28/09

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Lipo Massage

by victoriajasmine

I can't wait to go back and get more sessions. Spa is really clean, good atmosphere.

Pros: They were on time when I came in. Very friendly staff.

Cons: None.

Posted 10/28/09

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Absolutely fabulous!

by kdl_woohoo

My husband and I had a couple's 90 minute massage about 3 wks ago at Kalista's. It was absolutely wonderful. We highly recommend. They have good prices, great staff, etc. We were highly impressed by the professionalism, and we will be back! It was a great present for my Hubby's bday!

Danielle (& Phil)

Pros: easy to find, laid back, professional

Posted 10/16/09

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A magical adventure

by Bradleefrance

I experienced a massage and was amazing. From the moment I walked in I was welcomed instantly by one of the staff. I was then asked to fill out a comment card in a separate room with a lovely chocolate cookie and glass of water. It would take a novel for me to descibe the amount of detail that went into every inch of that salon! I would HIGHLY recommend this salon to anyone!

Pros: Very stimulating/relaxing at the same time

Cons: Definitly need a tour to see the whole place

Posted 10/06/09

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great cut, and I am so excited for color!

by hwinken

I live in the neighborhood of Kalista and have been thinking about going in for a while. And I finally did, and I am so happy. I have long low-mentanance curly hair. When I asked who I should see the receptionist suggested Sarah.

Sarah greeted me with a friendly smile, and then really took the time to talk to me about my struggles of my hair. She then went on to give me a great cut. I am SOOO happy. I have been to so many people that have butchered my curly hair, and Sarah did such a great job. We then talked about color and she had some fun ideas to do. I can't wait for my color appointment!

Pros: stylist that listens

Cons: none

Posted 08/30/09

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I love this place!!!

by Keri M

I've been going to Kalista for about 2 years. I love the atmosphere, it is so relaxing. Kim and the girls are so welcoming and friendly, when I go in, I feel like I am going to see old friends. Great customer service!!!

I have had my hiarcut, a spa pedicure, foot detox, and eyebrow waxing. I have always been extremely pleased with the results. I have wavy hair and Kim always cuts it using a flat iron. I've never had anyone do this before, wow what a difference it makes. My hair ALWAYS comes out perfect!

I am so happy I found Kalista. I would recommend it to any one looking for a great place to relax, have great spa treatments, and perfect haircuts.

Pros: A very relaxing experience.

Posted 08/27/09

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My hair looks great

by Damask23

Went to Kalista very nervous to get my hair colored red for the first time. Sam was very nice, and friendly. My color turned out great, and she even knew how to deal with my curly hair straitening it before she cut it. I looked so hot with straight red hair, my bf thought he had a new girlfriend! I am so pleased with the service and the price was not bad either. Sam is the best! She also did my sisters bangs and it looked great.

For some constructive critisism, when my sis got her bangs done, she also did her eye brows...and they were really bad. She had just waxed them, with no plucking at all. I complained and they took her right back in the room to fix em, and they did look better. They are willing to negotiate and fix issues if things dont work out, so that is good.....

But overall really a good experience with Kalista. they have a super great atmosphere too, with water and cookies. Lastly, I love the way they answer the phone calling you beautiful, makes me feel good every time ;-)

Pros: my color is awesome

Cons: eyebrows, so so

Posted 08/23/09

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Hair Extensions

by GinaShree82

I came into Kalista Salon and got my hair extensions done..They look amazing i cant believe how well they match my original hair color..I get so many compliments on them..The staff is very friendly and the girl that would my hair was amazing she answered every question i had and more.. Thank you again for providing me the best service and the hottest hair!

-Gina

Posted 08/13/09

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THE WORST EXPERIENCE EVER-STAY AWAY!

by Anniehall56

I took my daughter to Kalista for hair extensions as a gift for her birthday. After having a consultation with a very nice stylist who felt that extensions could not be done on my daughter's very short hair, she asked us to come back in 45 minutes and speak to the owner.

The owner looked at my daughter's hair and said it could be done and that it would look natural; that she would have a thick head of hair. She also said she was an expert at these types of extensions and that she would supervise the entire process.

She did not supervise anything, and left the salon to never return to see the finished product. My daughter looked ridiculous. Her scalp was covered in glue and knots fully exposed. It looked like she was wearing a Frost-and-Tip cap. Even the stylists in the salon and two clients, agreed that it looked terrible with both saying "they wouldn't walk outside like this without wearing a scarf."

The stylist who did the extensions tried to call the owner. She told me that the owner would not get on the phone as she kept texting the stylist to say she would not come back to salon. She wouldn't even talk to me on the phone to come up with some solution to the problem.

The spa manager called and said they would remove the extensions (this is after my daughter had already been there for 10 hours)! He also wanted us to pay for the removal of the extensions, and for the hair! This is after he admitted that he had been there while we were having our consultation and that he knew that the type of extensions they planned to do would not work.
I had to have my husband come to the salon to talk to him, by phone, to tell him we would not pay for their mess.

12 hours later, the extensions were removed and my daughter's hair was fried with glue stuck all in her scalp.
This owner is out of her mind. She claims on her Web site that she is an expert at extensions. She quoted me $1,300 to do this job. This is after I was originally quoted $900 but after hearing that my husband was a doctor, it quickly went up to $1,300. She is unprofessional and does not know what she's doing. Even the staff was embarassed at the way she handled things. Stay away from this place. It's a joke.

Cons: Inexperienced, unprofessional

Posted 07/26/09

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Massage

by miketillypdx

Hello. I came in for a massage as I had heard great things about your salon and was given a poor massage and complained and they referred me to a manager, Aaron. I talked to him had the worst experience. It was completely confrontational and felt like I was the bad guy for spending my money at your business. I will not return, and will let my friends know as well. I had found a new massage therapist since and they stated the same that they have heard bad experiences at the salon and Aaron the manager. Very disappointed. Wish you the best in boosting your customer service, sounds like I'm not the only one that had a poor experience.

Pros: None

Cons: HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

Posted 07/25/09

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Awesome service NO hooty snooty!

by starrgirl

Kalista has a knowledgable friendly staff that has always impressed me. The environment is relaxed yet professional and feels great, the employees always seem happy! Over the years I have had my hair and nails done here and I am seldom dissapointed. The staff at Kalista strives to achieve what you have in mind and they usually succeed. The prices are reasonable and the quality of service is always excellent! I regularly and highly reccomend Kalista to friends, family and co-workers.

Pros: Attentive and detail oriented staff!

Cons: Sometimes you wait awhile even with a scheduled appt.

Posted 07/19/09

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bad hair extensions

by swtlvrgurl503

not so sure of the hair extension quality.... lasted only one month when promised 4-5months.... the stylist herself knows who she is....

Posted 07/07/09

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Great highlights!!!

by littleowl

After getting my hair back to its natural color (or at least very close to it), things were looking drab. I was hoping to fix the situation by the end of the day, but I was skeptical because in my experience, it's hard to book an appointment at the last minute. I remembered walking by Kalista salon a few times in the past and thinking about how lovely the inside looked -- cozy & zen with great decorations including a beautiful fountain. So I called them up, not really expecting to manage getting an appointment and - voila! - somehow they arranged squeezing me in. Once I got there, I saw that the place was even prettier on the inside than I had remembered seeing while walking by. There were even drinks in a cozy waiting area and cookies, too. My highlights were done by a woman named Tia, who was very friendly, listened to my needs, and did exactly what I had in mind. I am very happy with the coloring and I have even gotten a few compliments so far. Thank you, Kalista, I will definitely be coming back and requesting Tia as my colorist! :)

Pros: Ambience, location, friendliness

Cons: A little pricey for someone who usually does her own hair

Posted 07/04/09

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My toes are so pretty!

by TaylorLascoe

I came in to Kalista yesterday for a pedicure...and got more than I thought I was going to! Usually, I go to the little Vietnamese places and am uncomfortable in their run-of-the-mill shop...Kalista is a whole new ball game!

I love the earthy feel of the place...and getting to sit on a luxurious leather couch for my pedicure with a hand filled basin is much better than a slumpy chair and people who don't speak my language. The technician that worked with me, Vera, was so friendly and answered every question I had about the service before we even started. She told me that she only uses all organic products and even has an array of vegan products for those who request it!

When I was done I was relaxed and ready to go about my day...she even gave me free nail art on my big toe!

Go to Kalista for great pedicures!

Pros: great technicians

Cons: none

Posted 06/12/09

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Well Deserved Massage

by OSU10

Being in school, I'm totally stressed out all the time. Came in twice to unwind before finals. Lucan is great, he did some energy work (which I've never had done before), leaving me ready for my studies. Shawn was awesome, too. She broke up all the tension I carried in my neck and shoulders. Overall, great therapists, great work. Thanks.

Pros: Nice Atmosphere, fun staff

Cons: A Bit Noisy

Posted 06/10/09

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Really amazing experience

by pattyg23

I came in with my husband to have a massage and facial, and they where both amazing!! After we where done my husband asked if I wanted to go to dinner. I told him no, I had no make up on and my hair was a mess. Then the person that did my facial said, I can do your makeup and we can see if someone could do your hair. My husband said YES!!! So off i went It was great! I felt like a princess. Thank you for such a great time! The place is beautiful as well.

Posted 06/09/09

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BEST Pedicure ever!

by kwhite702

I went in last week and got a spa pedicure, and let me tell you, it was one of the best and most relaxing experiences i've had. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was going to enjoy myself. Every person that I passed while being seated in their awesome waiting area smiled and said hello to me. The lighting was really cool, and the whole place smelled so good! My pedicure was extremely thorough, and the woman that did my toes was friendly and hilarious. They play great music throughout, and prices are very reasonable for the amount of time that they put into my poor, tired feet. I will definately be returning in the very near future, and look forward to trying more services that they offer. Also, the baby puffer fish that they have in the waiting area is probably one of the cutest things ever. :-)

Pros: The entire establishment

Cons: Not a one

Posted 06/09/09

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Bad service, mediocre results

by Sellwoodian

I was very disappointed with this salon. Bad customer service and too high of prices for the quality of service offered.

I will never return to this salon and recommend others to try someplace new before trying Kalista Salon and Spa.

Posted 05/25/09

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Do not go here!! Better haircuts available elsewhere.

by blacklab08

My girlfriend went to have her hair cut. It was a nightmare. Without giving too much information, the service was horrible, and unprofessional.

Pros: Gift Certificate was easy to print

Cons: You could go to a mall, and get a far better cut for less $$

Posted 05/17/09

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Kim

by Lhdts

Kim is the best of the best. I guarantee that. She is very experienced and when a hairdresser tells you to trust them, you know you are in good hands. Ive been to her one time and when you can tell all that about someone only after being in their chair one time, you know they have the gift!!!!

Pros: Kim

Posted 05/15/09

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no,no no!

by socbeez

For 180 $ I went to their "best colorist" and my roots are a half of an inch grown out. I do not have time to come in for a second visit, my life is just too crazy. For that kind of money my hair better look damn good the first time.

Pros: no no no

Cons: talks itself up way too much and felt cast aside

Posted 05/08/09

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Love my color by Sam

by JeanW45

I transfered to Sam from her old location and She is the best! She is so happy now. This space is exactly what she needed. ITS SO HER. She is creative and so is that salon! LOved it there! The staff is so nice, the decor is awesome! Loved the pond in front with the fish especially!!!!! 10 thumbs up for me!

Pros: location, staff

Posted 05/07/09

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LIPO MASSAGE is awesome!

by laurissa56

I went to kalista only because I just wanted to try something out before I decided to take lipo to the next level, Surgery! I did the full program they set up for me and my cellulite is actually gone! This machine is amazing and I have to say Aimee YOU ARE AWESOME! I had to move back to Arizona for work but I will be back to get another package. I do not want this to go away! Love Luv this salon.

Pros: it works!

Posted 04/27/09

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ewwwww

by imalover

I could go on and on. But essentially the "spa" does not feel like a spa but rather a random country kitchen meets zen monastary meets dollar store jam sesh. I found the staff to be the opposite of knowledgeable and helpful. Any chance of me feeling like I was or could be pampered was ruined by the staff vacuuming next to my treatment room. I will NEVER go back. EVER. Sorry folks.

Pros: can't think of any

Cons: the whole kit and kaboodle

Posted 04/23/09

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So glad I found you!

by jamiej

I used to work with Kim before she did hair 11years ago at a coffee shop. When she started hair, I came to her but eventually moved away and when I came back a month ago I decided to look her up again. And I found her, She moved to this amazing location I loved it! Kim is awesome with hair (STILL TO THIS DAY) The salon and spa are amazing! I am so proud of her for what she has done with it! And herself. She inspires me because she did it all by herself. Great place to go! Great hair. Spa not sure yet but I am going to find out soon. :) Love you Kim you are so special!!!!!

Posted 04/16/09

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Best salon and spa experience!!!!!!

by cplumbing

What I loved about this place is the entrance. It is wonderful!!!! the salon and spa is divided it two, at first I was kinda nervous about getting a spa service because the front had funky music and was loud due to all the hairdressers and conversations. But they took me into this large waiting area that softened the sound from the front to the spa. My first appointment was a massage so going further to the back I was blown away!!!! It was wonderful quite and beautiful and like leaving town in the middle of town. After that I did the Lipo massage and that was again amazing. Loved the room it was so cozy and I am for sure hooked on it now. The staff was amazing in the spa and so nice. Then they took me back to the waiting area and I was greeted my a girl with really pink hair and I myself am pretty conservative but I gave it a shot. Took my deep breath trusted my friend that (by the way already warned me this would be an experience I never experienced before) and trusted that this is what she ment. MY HAIR WAS AMAZING. Really, I love what she did, um Tia I think her name was. She listened to me and gave me what I wanted and I didn't even know I wanted it. She helped me come up with a new look and really I was just going to get a trim, she just made me feel so comfortable. She was so positive about the salon and she seemed to love being there. This only made me love my experience more. Thanks girls! You really are PDX best kept secret!

Posted 04/14/09

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Customer for life....

by realitorforlife

I was at a conference when the speaker spoke of Kalista and commented on how she went to the forest to away. She stated that she came to Kalista, I was so intrigued that I had to go and see what she was talking about. I called made an appointment for a few services and today I went in and had a facial and massage and added a pedicure once I arrived. This place really is adorable. It feels like you are at a resort (well kinda) but at least close enough. The ladies are so cute and sweet. They really want to make you happy and accommodate you. I couldn't get the manicure and the girls where so nice about it and apologized as if it was not ok. Love LOVE this place. Glad I was recommended!

Pros: Environment is lovely.

Posted 04/14/09

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Great Brow Wax

by Nancyfancypants

I called Kalista on a Friday afternoon and was able to squeeze in before 3pm. The receptionist answered my many questions with courtesy and patience. Heidi was my waxer and she took the time to ask what I needed. I had never been waxed and the experience was not painful at all and was relaxing. Their space is beautiful and I would come back for a massage or a pedicure. I am sure the hair people are great but I love Ginger Salon too much. I will definitely come back in four weeks for my upkeep. I feel my face looks much better with new eyebrows.

Pros: Quick and painless

Cons: None

Posted 04/10/09

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THE BEST SPOT IN TOWN

by longtimeclient343

I was asked to write a review, And I am more then happy to do this!!!! I have been going to Kalista for about 3 years now. And I will say they are a wonderful group of people to be around. The owner is honest and is so environmental, completely honest and is always trying to do what ever she can to help anyone out she can. Her continuous effort to stop animal cruelty was the main reason I began to come to Kalista. I love this place! I have personally never had a bad service, of course sometimes I get services that I would have wanted to be different, but isn't that the way it goes? I have however communicated this to them and they fix it. You know what! when people talk trash or neg about you it's a complement, it only means you really are worth talking about. Kim you're amazing! People just hate how great you and your staff is and they want to crush it! See you at the fashion show! You rock hair color!!!!! My fav place.

Pros: Always try to make you happy

Posted 03/01/09

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great work june!

by hollu112

Being a guy you wouldn?t think there is a thing, as a bad hair cut. But I have had a few. When my old hairstyles retired I dreaded that bad hair cut look for a month or so. Well heard about Kalista on the radio and took a chance. I got extremely lucky with June. Probably best hair cut I?ve had and she was so fast I was afraid to look at first. But has been perfect every time and she is very friendly. I also like the idea of the books in waiting room. When I?m early I have actually found a couple of books that I ended up buying.

Pros: excellent staff, Very friendly accomidating

Posted 03/01/09

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Thank you!

by havingfun4454insun1

I went in for a haircut last Friday, but was not seen as there was some kind of problem with the stylist not showing up. They made up for it by offering my rescheduled haircut free of charge. I went in a few days later for my haircut, this time with Carol, who was so friendly and nice, and took great pains to give me a great cut-- then took me around the building for a quick tour. It's very tranquil and inviting. I definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to feel pampered. The facility is wonderful, the customer service is amazing, and a special 'thank you' to Carol for my good hair.

Pros: listen to customers, more interested in customer satisfaction!

Posted 03/01/09

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Great color, great cut

by PootsinBoots

I've been a client at Kalista for a few months now. During my "growing out my hair" phase, June kept me trimmed, tidy and patient. Then I decided my longer hair wasn't doing a thing for my plus-size face. I had a gift certificate from Christmas, and decided drastic measures were going to be taken. I called the appointment lady and demanded the one and only girl who can do red without it looking like it was out of a bottle (little-known fact: every spa/salon has ONE, just ONE, stylist who is stellar at red). After some hold time, the appointment gal directed me toward Sarah. I'm a natural redhead, but my red has faded to blondish in my 30s. Sarah worked with my neurosis, kept me calm, cut four inches off my hair expertly, and colored me up a Perfect auburn. I mean PERFECT. It's red, but not fake. I got an edgier look that better suits my personality. Thanks, Sarah!!!!!! Katherine H.

Pros: Sarah

Cons: Pricey, but worth it!

Posted 02/22/09

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bad hair extension service

by learin

This place was great when initially putting in hair extensions (although extraordinarily pricey). However, when some started coming out and needed replacing, they wanted to charge me to replace them! If the job isn't done right the first time, there should be no charge to fix it, especially considering the price I paid! I would not recommend this place for hair extensions. The customer service was lacking, at best.

Pros: ambience- free tea, coffee or wine

Cons: snotty service

Posted 02/17/09

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Best Salon experience in Portland!

by nrustigan

I have been going to Kalista on and off for about 7 years now and I have always had the BEST customer service and been 100% completely satisfied with my hair cuts and color. My daughter has also been in and taken care of with complete satisfaction as well as my son...the atmosphere is definately unique and relaxing as well as being enviromentally hip with not only the products used but sold as well. The salon itself has so many different ammenities offered it's a shame that more people don't know about this wonderful place! I have always been happy with everything about Kalista and will continue to be going there in the years to come!

Posted 02/15/09

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Hairdressers should be great listeners! You go Maegy!

by LaMenTingT

I am a b@#$h when it comes to my hair but never to the face of the hair princesses cause they hold the scissors. That being said, I try to explain to the ladies that chop, as best I can, that I like my long hair and I want to keep it that way. Once I leave and see how much they lopped off, I decide whether to drag them through the mud or exalt them to the throne of HAIR. Hair mamas, if you are my hairdresser and I come in saying chop it all off, you say "Honey he's not worth it."

I went to Kalista today and had MAEGY as my lovely hair maven. She listened, did exactly what I wanted, prodded me about my lovelife, complimented my hair, brought out it's natural beauty, and finally offered me a great shine product that is, like they say, cruelty free. GOOD JOB MAEGY! I'm a hard to sell kind of gal and you got my vote.

Pros: Great hair, lots of parking, fun location

Cons: uncomfortable chairs on waiting area unless you're from the year 1795

Posted 02/01/09

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Great hair by Ratany

by puncbowl

What a great experience! Everyone that works at Kalista Salon is friendly and helpful. Definitely not a snobby salon. Ratany did my cut and color. She was easy going and did a great job. I get so many compliments on my hair now. I am hooked. Thanks Ratany for the fantastic style! I'm going to be back for some spa services now. :)

Pros: Everything! Love the relaxed feel with the spa environment

Cons: peoples neg comments, Really? It's hard to believe them this place is awesome!

Posted 01/29/09

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Tried and they failed

by vnessa54

I went to this salon after carefully researching CitySearch and seeing their reviews. Mind you that I dont write this reveiw after just 1 visit but 3. The first time was nice, I got a great trim but it wasn't anything fancy so I made another appointment for color, style and a pedi and this time brought a friend.
First visit, my stylist was gone so I opted for another, while I was there, the manager made a comment to my hairdresser about learning how to do "black peoples hair", um ok. I was finally done with my hair and waited to get called for my pedi. No one came for me so once my friend was done I decided forget the pedi, we had been there long enough. As I go to pay, the girl realizes that I had scheduled a pedi and informes me that the manicurist has been waiting for me for 20 minutes. So I flash her a smile and say " nobody came to get me and I need to leave". Rolling of the eyes on their part ,a smile on mine, I checked in do I really have to escort myself around too? My hair came out great though too bad that hairdresser is gone too as I found out on my 3rd visit.
This time I was going out and I wanted to look amazing so I scheduled an updo and semi perm eyelashes. Started with lashes after about an hour of burning senstation, I looked in the mirror, I asked the girl if they were suppose to stick out like that and she said, " yeah they look great". Remember the old dolls with lashes, yeah that was what I looked like, of course not the new one fresh out of the box but the one that was abused and had a run with a Chucky doll. I moved on for my updo, great job but throughout the style I couldnt help stare at the freaky lashes. The was running late and the damage was done so I go to pay the manager is at the till and she looks at me and says, " you got lashes,your going to be addicted". I really look at her and yeah she looked like a freakin crazy lash doll too! Well at least she believes in her product !

Pros: They do great hair

Cons: but nothing else

Posted 01/22/09

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loved my hair

by rachel4445

had a great cut and wax. It's hard to find someone who takes cutting hair seriously and June did great! I will most likely go back :)

Posted 01/11/09

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Excellent work June

by Inspector9

Being a guy you wouldn?t think there is a thing, as a bad hair cut. But I have had a few. When my old hairstyles retired I dreaded that bad hair cut look for a month or so. Well heard about Kalista on the radio and took a chance. I got extremely lucky with June. Probably best hair cut I?ve had and she was so fast I was afraid to look at first. But has been perfect every time and she is very friendly. I also like the idea of the books in waiting room. When I?m early I have actually found a couple of books that I ended up buying.

Posted 01/05/09

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What an AWESOME place

by ivyviolet

I just moved here to Portland a few months ago and my sister-in-law recommended Kalista. I am super HAPPY that she did. When I first walked in, I felt nervous, but I got over that real quick. Everyone was so nice to me. I am very picky about my hair color and Sara worked with me to make a color for my hair that I would be happy with. After she finished, I LOVED MY HAIR! Yesterday I went in during the dead of the storm and Kim helped me. She totally ROCKED at doing my hair as well. And it came out wonderful. She was even nice enough to drive me home in this horrible weather! There is are many more nice things I can say about this place but I don't want to bore the readers. One last thing that I will say is.. go there and only there if you want to have KICK A$$ hair and be treated like a friend!

Pros: Great gals and they are awesome at what they do!

Cons: None...

Posted 12/22/08

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