Gary Manuel Salon

Being a cancer survivor myself, I decided to make my first appointment at Gary Manuel Salon after reading a review commending the salon for it's "free buzz cuts for chemo patients." Other salons and businesses should take note and follow suit. We need more compassionate business owners. Kudos to Gary Manuel Salon for implementing this wonderful program.

Pros: Take Note

Posted 11/21/09

Katrin is my stylist. On my daughter's recommendation I scheduled an appt with her for a consult, then we procede with the treatment. Fantastic!!!! I've been 3 times since and my hair is getting better and better. The salon is high-end but very friendly, and professional. I used to go every two weeks with a lye-based relaxer on my hair someplace else but I finally figured out it was costing me more to go there than at Gary Manual. Plus I don't get split ends and breakage any more. Love Katrin and the salon.

Pros: excellent

Cons: no parking

Posted 11/16/09

The Gary Manuel Salon has begun a program to provide complimentary buzz cuts for women who are about to lose their hair due to chemotherapy. I was the first client under this new program and the wonderful staff turned a potentially traumatic experience into a positive one.

Words cannnot truly express my gratitude to Jean, my hairstylist and her instructor for their compassionate and caring approach. This is an example of a local business giving back to the community in a personal way and I fully intend to come back as paying client in the future.

Pros: Professional friendly staff

Posted 11/04/09

I have being going to the salon for over twenty five years. They are the best in doing color,. I don't like my hair to look artifical but I still don't want to see the grey After all these years I think my hair still looks natural but in a very good way. I still have people can't believe my hair color is not my own.

Pros: No other way but to say THEY ARE THE BEST

Cons: To bad they can't buy a parking lot for me to use.

Posted 10/26/09

I had a great experience at Gary Manuel. My hair is very curly, and as a result I often (well...usually) end up with terrible haircuts. Chris Archiopoli at this salon did a GREAT job with my hair. I love it! Very cool-looking and easy to style on my own. I highly recommend going to him, especially if you have curly hair.

Pros: knowledgeable stylists

Cons: limited parking

Posted 09/14/09

This salon is the best that I've been to, and definitely worth it! Your hair not only come out looking beautiful, but it's a haircut that is maintainable and you can still make your hair look good when you get home.

Pros: Great Hair, Awesome Product, and Kami

Cons: Street Parking

Posted 07/24/09

I've seen Nyesha for 5 months. My daughter even longer. We have coarse curly ethnic hair and Nyesha is the best! She can relax, cut, curl, color, highlight condition whatever you need. I see Nyesha twice a month. The salon is just that affordable but the level of professionalism warrants much more. I have seen Nyesha do all types of hair and all types of styles. My hair is shiny and yes manageable. It looks great. And, the natural products she uses will grow shiny new healthy hair for you in no time at all! See Nyesha You wont regret it!

Pros: Nyesha

Cons: None in 5 months

Posted 05/24/09

I have been going to Opal since she started her training at the Gary Manuel Institue four years ago. From day one, I have never gotten a bad hair cut or a weird color. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE HER! My curly hair has never looked this good, Bad hair days are a thing of the past. I have to drive 2-1/2 hours one way to see Opal, but it's more than worth it. Excellent service and product.

Pros: quick, professional, intuitive

Posted 04/30/09

The difference between a real pro and mediocure talent is how your hair looks after you get home and wash it and let it dry naturally. The stylists at Gary Manuel consistently cut hair that looks great and the products they use for coloring are of top quality. My hair feels soft and managable even after highlights. I've been going to Gary Manuel for over 15 years and think they are worth every penny they charge!

Pros: Never had a bad cut!

Cons: Sometimes parking is tough to find.

Posted 04/27/09

After spending the last 5 years with long hair that was only trimmed by students at the Gary Manuel training salon (a great bargain, if you have 3 hours for a trim!), I decided to see Stephen Pace at the main salon.

He listened to me and knew exactly what to do. I was treated like a princess and as my hair was being blown dry, I was singing that cheesy beautiful girl song!

My hair looks perfect, the color is naturally brilliant, and compliments abound.

Do yourself a favor, treat yourself to a hair cut, color, and style by a real pro. You won't regret it!

Pros: Stephen Pace is amazing!

Posted 04/07/09

Why would I drive to Seattle from Auburn several times a year to have my hair done? Stephen Pace is the answer to that question. I'm always greeted with a smile, such professionalism and at the end of the day I walk out looking great. He is a master. Oh, and by the way, I've been doing this for 25 years.

Pros: Beautiful hair everytime

Cons: None

Posted 03/25/09

I had the best wedding bridesmaid updo ever!! Def go see Sunny. It took me longer to tell her what I wanted than for her to actually do it. And she only charged $65 which I think is quite reasonable for a great quick hairdo that looked awesome, and got a million compliments!! I'm definitely going back here for my bridal updo next summer.

Pros: updos! products

Cons: parking

Posted 03/05/09

Let me start off by saying, as a first time client at Gary Manuel i was treated with the up most respect. The salon gives off a very calm and soothing vibe.
I went to this salon for the Hair Relaxer Treatment. Mind you, my hair is extremely curly.
This relaxer is supposed to take out 80% of the curl, and it exceed 80% when i got it done.
I rarely straighten my hair, and my curls are now waves.
Michelle Bostick did a very good job, the treatment worked and i highly recommened it.

Pros: Very efficiant and relaxing.

Cons: No cons!

Posted 01/26/09

Busy meetings, blackberry in hand: she was OK ( smiled knowingly, actually) with all of it.....all the while rescuing my hair from the lifeless condition that I was in before I walked in the door of the salon. While I usually spend all day taking care of other people, Michelle does take great care of the very personal part of 'me'. Good hair, renewed spirit in the end: thanks for returning my hair back to great 'health', Michelle. :)

Pros: great location and staff

Cons: $$$

Posted 01/24/09

Keratin Smoothing Infusion an all conditioner based relaxer taking out frizz and curl left my hair with body, shine and softness. Having tried chemical based straighteners before with poor results, I highly recommend seeing Michelle Bostick for this amazing treatment.

Posted 11/29/08

First time entering the salon, I ended up bombarded by strollers and no seating as I completed my patron questionnaire at the desk. The staff seemed overwhelmed by phones and checking people out of the salon as I stood there waiting for someone to take my clipboard. Someone did ask if I wanted something to drink, but then she forgot to give it to me--the hair stylist had served it to me instead. Granted, the basic hair 'trim" (just an inch off) was decent but too pricey (cost me over $80), the stylist was friendly and time-consious, (she kept checking her watch), but the salon seemed too crowded for all the stylists and patrons (with kids in tow).

Bottom line: If you don't mind the noise, high price, and mediocre service, this salon is for you.

Posted 11/22/08

Stephen is the best. He's not cheap, but worth every penny. I am very picky about my hair and am not that great at styling it and he seems to know just what to do. Been a client for several years and unless I become unemployed I'll continue.

Pros: Expertise

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/14/08

Due to horrid traffic, I arrived about 20 minutes late for my cut and color with Parker. However, she was very understanding and took the time necessary to give me a great cut and color. I was her last appointment of the evening and I am sure I kept her there late, but I really appreciate the extra effort and will definitely return! My hair looks and feels fantastic.

Pros: Top notch talent

Cons: Somewhat utilitarian decor

Posted 11/06/08

I am a new client of Gary Manuel salon. I recently started lightening my hair from black and I went in to see Theresa with this red hair that i hated. Theresa was awesome! We chatted the whole time and I felt like we have been girlfriends for years. She took her time and corrected the mess I had, and when she went in to cut my hair she showed just how much she was going to cut. I felt so safe!! (I am a little scissor shy). My very damaged hair, now feels like silk! And the cut is amazing, probably the best haircut I have ever had! I would recommend Theresa to anyone, her personality makes the experience so fun! And also Carmella at the front desk is so friendly, I had so much fun talking to her on the way out. My whole salon experience was amazing!
Thanks Theresa and Carmella!

Pros: Great hair

Cons: parking is hard

Posted 10/11/08

After my stylist abandon me for a punk rock music career - in Nashville of all places - I made my way through a few trendy salons in Seattle, braving some of the worst cuts of my life. Finally I called Gary Manuel and the receptionist thoughtfully set me up with Dan after I explained I had been through hair hell and needed a sure thing. My first cut experience was really great - Dan fixed the mess on my head and was 100% true to his word that it would grow out proper. Since then I've been back for a complimentary fringe trim which was just short of life changing (no really, I could SEE my eyebrows!) and I have my next appointment in August. Would recommend Gary Manuel salon to just about anyone, but to anyone who needs a cure for a bad case of hair-itis I say go for Dan!

Posted 07/30/08

I've been to plenty of Salons... and had some awful cuts! I will only trust my head to Dena Malti now!!!

Pros: Friendly, educated staff

Cons: Normal Pricing

Posted 07/25/08

After reading some of the negative reviews, I went to my first appointment with some trepidation, but decided to take a leap of faith. Besides, by far the majority of reviews were positive. AND, since my regular stylist left for LA more than 10 years ago, I haven't found a satisfactory replacement, so was getting desperate.

Well, let me address the negative comments in some of the reviews: I did NOT find the salon pricey - I thought their fees were right in line with the service provided. I did NOT find the salon snooty - I felt very comfortable and, with the exception of one cloying receptionist, people who worked there seemed genuinely friendly.

Last but not least, Theresa gave me a wonderful haircut. She listened to what I wanted - looks good on my face, easy to care for, more contemporary, let it curl - and came up with a great solution. I couldn't be happier. I think at long last I have found a new stylist! I highly recommend Gary Manuel Salon and, more specifically, Theresa!

Posted 06/28/08

Sherry Mccullough is the most amazing stylist I have ever worked with. She is very careful how she work's with my hair since I over work my hair daily. She is amazing with recommendations and very intuitive about how to style my hair to match my personality and look. Her color techniques are amazing. I've never had color looks so natural, healthy and beautiful. If you're looking for an amazing stylist, color artist, highlight professional and/or hair extension expert - she's the one for you.

Pros: Professional, Experts

Cons: Parking

Posted 05/21/08

I have been to Gary Manuel salon twice now and I absolutely love it....I live in Lake Stevens, but its totally worth it!!

Pros: Love love love it!!!!

Posted 05/19/08

Very talented stylists who listen to what you want but at the same time offer opinions of their own. The staff is extraordinarily friendly.

Posted 05/19/08

I would reccomend Gary Manuel to anyone. My stylist, Parker, is very kind, conversational and energetic. She followed my directions carefully, and my hair color turned out perfectly!

Posted 05/19/08

This was my first time to the Phase 3 Salon, a stepping off point for seasoned third-year Gary Manuel students. I had paid too much at other trendy salons and had very average haircuts. Here, at Phase 3 I got wonderful customer service and the best haircut I've had in years from Christopher. He took a departure from what I had expected him to do, and gave me the greatest short haircut so that I could grow out the ravages of the last two haircuts. What a great cut and style!!!! Here it is two months later (maybe a little more - I had a family emergency in Canada and I"m still here trying to deal with it)....and I'm still getting beaucoups de compliments about the cut. Christopher is gentle, witty and very intuitive about what suits you. I can't wait to return!

Pros: fresh talent and reasonable prices

Cons: well, I have to mention the Seattle parking......

Posted 05/19/08

I've been to every top salon in Seattle -- paying over $100 for a haircut since 1988 -- and never, not once, has anyone come close to what Gary Manuel Salon delivers. Color so natural it looks like it grew out of my head. A cut so balanced I can shake my head and go. A look so good I don't care what it costs -- and I'm a Scot. Time in the chair here is an indulgence. They don't just pretend to be attentive, they really do pay attention to you. AND, most important thing, they are really good people. Genuinely good. Part of that is how careful they to protect you from harmful chemicals. Go there. You deserve it. Best tip: try a $20 shampoo/blow out at Phase 3. Look good for a bargain.

Pros: Genuine concern for clients AND for the environment.

Cons: Parking is a pain, so take the bus if you can.

Posted 05/19/08

I've been going to Gary Manual for about 15 years. They are professional, curteous, and give great service. My stylist is Steven and he is great about listening to what I want in a hair style. He takes my input and always produces a great look.

Pros: Great stylists, good atmosphere

Cons: price

Posted 05/19/08

I started at Gary Manuel in their Phase 3 salon. This is the step between their beauty school and the main salon. At the time, I couldn't afford to go to the main salon. So, I started with Audrey at Phase 3 and when she graduated I followed her to the main salon. And she is great! I have never had a steady stylist, because I have never been very excited about my hair, but she makes me excited about my hair. I have curly hair and I just get bored with it. I love how she cuts it every time and she always does something a little different each time (difficult to do with curly hair). She is also super nice and fun. I truly enjoy the experience! The atmosphere is great and everyone seems to be very nice, but Audrey keeps me going back. The price is a bit of a stretch for me ($50), but so far it has been worth it for me. On a side note, consider "Phase 3" if you can't afford the main salon. That worked really well for me and cuts are under $35! They are also really friendly and have a great atmosphere.

Pros: I really like Audrey!

Cons: Parking is just street parking, can be a challenge

Posted 04/07/08

Part # 1: Tsofia is a very busy professional, but made me feel like I am the only one she is working with! I felt like a Princess. She was very attentive to my ?hair story? and what I was looking for this time. She must have spent at least 30 minutes helping me to create the look I am looking for. She seemed very patient and relaxed.
I came in with super damaged long and blond/yellow hair, after heavily foiling it for 9 years over and over again!
I just turned 31 and decided that it?s time for a change!
I wanted to have a fun, soft and voluminous cut and go back to my brunette color. She so diligently and gently cut about 9 inches of my damaged and dead hair and made a new, just above the shoulder cut, that now looks modern and healthy.
Even though I was so nervous about not knowing what to expect, her calm demeanor eventually made me feel relaxed and confident in that she is a great professional. She was working with an assistant who washed my hair and massaged my head, and later, hands while styling!!! It felt truly relaxing and luxurious.
I totally agreed with the suggestion of cutting the damaged hair before the color, so I don?t waist so much more $$ on all the color that will be absorbed in bigger quantity by all that dry hair and which will be cut off in the end anyway.
Continue to read Prat # 2 in the next review, due to character limit here. Thanks~

Pros: Tsofia

Cons: Cost

Posted 04/04/08

Part# 2: Then, the hard part came: going from blonde of 9 years back to my natural brunette. It was a long process, but done the right way and in several steps. Tsofia made the best brunette color I EVER had (even when it was natural)! She created a multidimensional look with reach brown all over color and super dark pieces for dimension. Plus, golden, naturally blended highlights all over (just like I wanted) so that it?s not boring. I continued to feel relaxed and confident in her skill since the hair cut and her overall professional approach. The final result immediately looked great to me, I didn?t have to ?get used to the look?. My hair looks and feels healthy and thick. My husband, on the other hand, is ?growing into? this change, but says that he likes it. ?it?s just different, that?s all,? he says. He is not into ?change?, just so you know. I feel so eternally thankful to Tsofia for being so kind and patient with me; for making this transition easy on me, and for being such a great artist. She really knows her stuff! I left feeling light and beautiful. The only thing that kind of kicked me off my balance is the price I had to pay, I actually felt a little fuzzy in the head. Tsofia put in her 100% of skill, love and concentration into my new hair for which I am so grateful and would want to return again and again to see her and only her! She is a great professional and has the longest years of experience in GM and a great wealth of knowledge in what she does; however, the cost was more than what I initially anticipated and was not mentally prepared for it. It's a great idea to see a stylist in "training" under supervision and get the same great result for less money. I realized that this salon offers a wide range of price structure to fit different budgets. My plan would be to go see someone else for my color maintenance there and visit Tsofia for a "boosted look". Aveda is a good product; I really liked the rich color and great scent of products Bellevue WA

Pros: Tsofia

Cons: Cost

Posted 04/04/08

I started seeing Gary Manuel Salon about 20+ months ago. My expectations were well communicated, and I feel they are realistic (which is important). GM Salon has far exceeded my expectation with excellent caring customer service, professional innovative cuts/foils.

On my first visit I was welcomed and greeted by name, the staff came up and welcomed me personally, the staff actually listened to my needs. I left feeling valued and appreciated. I assumed this is the protocol for "new clients"... this would not last. The caring service has continued. 20+ months later I have continued to get to know Gary and many of the staff personally . The service continues to remain very consistent and I know this is a culture at Gary Manuel.

I have had long conversations with Gary and assistants about there service goals (mine not being any more unique than most people), they do strive for perfection and they care about my feedback.

I would like to recommend Gary Manuel Salon to others, and I would also like to encourage anyone who didn?t get the service they expected to share there comments with the salon, constructive feedback is the only way they can grow in a positive direction and I know they care.

Sincerely,

Ginger in Seattle

Posted 03/21/08

I just got home to write about how great I feel after Kami worked miracles on my hair. The salon in general was very impressive. Staff greeted me right away and took care of anything I needed with friendly smiles. The atmosphere was completely comfortable with great music and plenty of space. Kami, especially, is what will bring me back time after time. I was relaxed the entire time, with interesting conversation and plenty of laughter. She helped me realize why my hair is difficult to cut and it has never looked better. She has an amazing talent and I look forward to making the drive from Leavenworth to see her each time from here on out. Thanks for the great experience.

Pros: The entire staff treated me wonderfully

Cons: None at all

Posted 03/12/08

I moved to Seattle 4 months a go and tried a few places and then walked into an apptointment with Kami at the Gary Manuel Salon in Bell town and I do not need to look around any more.

The support staff is the most professional and friendly and the environment is relaxing end enjoyble. It is the best part of my day when I can go in , chat with down to earth and friendly people and walk out looking great.

I love the salon so much that I go in 3 times a week !

How great is it to be able to always look your best and at a reasonable price.

Kami, at the salon is a rising star ! But everyone in the salon has great talent to offer.

You won't be dis-appointed !

Pros: The incredible talent is joined with their awesome Aveda product line

Cons: I wish I had time in my schedule to go 7 days a week

Posted 02/09/08

I walked into Gary Manuel about 15 months ago needing a hair cut right then. I was placed with Sarah and have stuck with her ever since. Not only does she always make me feel welcome and remember what was going on from the last time I sat in her chair (and made her listen to my stories for an hour) never have I been disappointed.

Always when complimented on my new cut/color I let them know who cut it (Sarah) and recommend going to her. When I ask for her advice on change she is upfront and will provide other suggestions if needed- rather than wussing out and asking "well, what do you think." Go to her. She'll make you look good.

Pros: Hospitality, Sarah

Posted 02/06/08

And she ruined my hair. I told her what I wanted exactly! And she freestyled on my hair with lowlights. Bad decision, and afterwards she knew it was NOT what I wanted, even her face showed disappointment.

I paid an incredible amount of $$$, and as a certified Beauty Consultant with my own business, I will NOT recommend this salon.

Pros: Easy parking.

Cons: Consultations are ignored, they freestyle at Gary Manuel.

Posted 02/01/08

I have been getting my hair done here for years by Sarah. She listens to what I want and always leaves me feeling beautiful! She always shows me different ways to style my hair and only recommends products that really work....She is efficient and fun, and I cannot imagine getting my hair done anywhere else, by anyone else.

Posted 01/25/08

I have been seeing Rebecca at Gary Manuel for over two years now. She is smart, sophisticated, and a phenomenal stylist. She has done wonders with my long hair and I would recommend her to anyone. When I called this past week to make an appointment I learned that she would be out of town for a month, so the salon set me up with Sarah. I told them I was nervous to see anyone different after having been so lucky with Rebecca. They reassured me that Sarah was great and I went to my appointment this morning. It all went downhill from there. Sarah butchered my hair - literally. She gave me the equivalent of what looked like mullet layers. I specifically told her that I only wanted to trim my hair 1/2 inch and did not want her to touch the back. I asked her to focus on the angles and layers around the front of my face and to keep my hair long. First, she took off over 4 inches from the overall length. Then she proceeded to cut dramatic layers in the back of my head 5 inches shorter than the rest of my hair. When I realized what she had done I asked her what she was doing. I repeated that I had not wanted layers in the back and she told me that she "thought I needed them." I told her to stop cutting my hair and that I was extremely upset. She said she could stop and dry my hair. Then she disappeared for over 10 minutes. I got up and asked to see the manager, saw from a different angle what Sarah had done to my hair and started to bawl. She had literally ruined my chest length hair and turned it into a just-below the shoulder disaster. If the manager Kristi hadn't been so nice I would have walked out. She saw what Sarah had done to my hair, apologized profusely, and sent me to their senior stylist to try and salvage the damage. They didn't charge me for the cut but it will take me at least 6 months to grow it out. The manager Kristi was the only saving grace today. I will never see anyone other than Rebecca. I had to learn the hard way.

Pros: Great atmosphere, Aveda products, Manager Kristi is phenomenal, Rebecca is amazing

Cons: Sarah almost ruined my hair

Posted 01/19/08

For the past 5 years I have had Thermal Relaxers done at Gary Manual with refreshes every 8 months. I have to say getting a thermal relaxer on my hair has changed my life - my hair has never never looked better, shinier, and more polished. I constantly get comments from strangers about how nice my hair looks. I have very fine hair and prior to thermal relaxing it was very curly and difficult to manage; I always wore it in a pony tail because my hair never looked polished. Now I look like I get my hair done in a salon every day. Today, my hair takes 5-10 min max to do (and actually I really don't have to do anything if I don't want to), whereas previously it would take 45 min and still not look great. I am very sorry to hear that another client did not seem to have the same result as me. I will continue to go to Gary Manual to get my thermal relaxer's done regularly - there is no way I would trust anyone else with my hair - and will highly recommend the salon to anyone and everyone. My stylist is so deligent on every detail during my treatment. I also see another top designer in the salon for color and they work together on the over all result of my hair.

Pros: Consistent, high quality service every time. The staff is amazing. I'll never go any where else

Cons: none

Posted 01/05/08

Theresa has transformed my hair. She listens to what I ask for and helped me find the best colour. I have highlights, lowlights...the works. And my hair is beautiful.

Posted 12/15/07

10/17/2007-Had thermal reconditioning done at Gary Manuel. It was really bad and did not turn out.
11/07/2007-Went back to Gary Manuel for a redo of the TR. Seemed fine when I left the salon, but it is not. Hair is in bad shape and TR looks really bad. I still have waves in my hair and it takes me longer to style my hair because of the shape that it has been left in from the TR. Hair is puffy, fried and very tangled.
Based on the outcome of my TR I will not be going back to Gary Manuel for any type of salon service and I will not recommend them to anyone. THIS review is based on the outcome of MY hair. I had EXCELLENT customer service while there and the staff were all friendly, but that is not what I paid $600 for, I paid for straight, shiny hair and that is not what I recieved. If there was a way for me to post pictures on this site I would so that others can see that what is promised is not how it turns out; at least not for me.
UPDATE: 12/20/2007-Most of the curl has come back to my hair, but the curls are a weird "crunchy-rough" texture, very kinked hair. Several professional deep conditionings later and a lot of money spent on purchasing products to fix my hair, and I am told that I am just going to have to wait for my hair to grow out and trim it as I can. I can't wear headbands anymore because of the significant breakage, some of the hairs around the crown of my head stick straight up. I actually have to use hairspray when I straighten my hair to keep the breakage from sticking straight up. That is something I never had to do before the TR. My biggest issue was my hair being too fluffy. Well, now it is both and then some. It still takes me in excess of 45 minutes to blowdry my hair and then straighten it with the hot iron. Something that I had hoped to get completely away from. I did get my $600.00 back since the service did not turn out as promised and advertised by the salon and staff. My parking fee for the re-do was reimbursed.

Pros: management was willing to work me regarding past bad experience, stylist and assistant were very friendly

Cons: poor outcome of service I requested-THERMAL RECONDITION AT GARY MANUEL. I will go somewhere else to have this fixed.

Posted 10/22/07

Belltown has come a long way, so has Gary Manuel Salon. Try to have a bad experience here, I haven't been able to in years. I'm always impressed with how professional the staff is, the cleanliness of the facility and the smiles! Talent is abounded among several stylists

Posted 10/16/07

I've been a loyal client of Gary Manuel for the past year due to Haley's consistent and truly talented styling. She listens and internalizes your preferences to create stunning looks time after time. I've been to many a top-rated stylist in Seattle and she is by far the most attentive and personable, to date. I absolutely trust her with my color and I'm going to be honest, I'm pretty high-maintenance. So, if you want to have an exceptional experience, book an appointment with her and take a look in the mirror afterward; because you're gonna look good...! P.s. she's funny, to boot. Thanks Haley, see you before New Year's!

Pros: Great highlights, friendly service

Cons: None to date

Posted 10/06/07

I am completely baffled by some of the comments below ("pretentious" "snotty" etc). I've been going to GM for about 9 years now (my stylist is Sunny), since I moved to Seattle from the East coast, and I have always been 100% completely satisfied on every level (obviously, I keep going back). I have worked in customer service my entire (working) life and I can tell you they are top-notch. I come in on my days off in jeans, a tshirt, flip-flops, barely any make-up and often wet hair or looking like a tornado went through it, and I have only and always been received in a friendly and sincere manner, always treated wonderfully. I have *never* heard any inappropriate conversations or anything resembling such. As for the "magazine editor" below, maybe when you learn proper English grammar, someone might buy into your story, but for now, please just go back to your little doll house.:)

My experience has been fabulous cuts and color, great recommendations for products (and I have never felt pressured to buy anything--ever!). They are very reasonably priced IMO, however for the budget conscious, you can always go to their training salon(Phase 3) on the lower level, where your cut/color is done by a student under the watchful eye of instructors. What I really like about this salon is their pride in quality. All stylists, no matter how much experience they've had in the past, must go through THEIR training before being on the floor on their own (which I believe can take 1-2 years). If you want a fabulous cut and/or color with professional, first-rate customer service, then GM is the salon for you.

(PS Gary--if you are reading this, the only suggestion I would add is please don't change your product line to *all* Aveda!:) I really liked when there was a bit more variety in product lines!:) )

Pros: Plenty of street parking all around, fabulous stylists, comfortable atmosphere, great customer service, great value for what you get

Posted 07/19/07

Stephen is a phenominal stylist. I moved to Seattle about 10 years ago and wanted to find a great stylist. He was recommended by a lady I worked with who had an awesome cut. So I made an appointment and have never looked back.
He consistently does an exceptional cut. When ever I've fancied a change over the years I've gone in without pictures and said I'd like to do something different and I've ALWAYS come out happy. I LOVE HIS WORK!! And as the grey has sprouted he's gently prodded me into trying some color to hid it. With some goldie red tones on my brown hair it looks great.
I highly recommend Stephen.
A little convenience thing I like too is you can "dump" your car in the lot over the road even when it's full and give the attendent your keys and come back an hour later. I'm driving from the Eastside and it makes it so much easier to know at least I can drop the car off and run in.

Pros: great cut consistently, great color

Cons: have to drive in from east side

Posted 06/12/07

My sister introduced me to Michelle ten years ago, and even though I currently live in Portland, I still make the always worth it drive up to have her do my hair. I have been to several salons in Portland, New York, and Washington, D.C., and I always walked out wishing I had just waited to see Michelle. She knows what works as well as the confines of her clients' comfort levels with respect to change. And she has mastered the Japanese Thermal Straightening technique! She will get it perfectly straight while still maintaining body. I receive compliments all the time, and those compliments need to be redirected to Michelle. Although I have never had her color my hair, I have referred several people to her over the years, and all have raved about her. Whatever the wait, Michelle is worth it!

Posted 06/09/07

Let me start off by saying that I love Gary Manuel and all it has to offer. The staff is friendly and it is obvious that they all get along, stylist included. It boggles my mind how someone can say they were "mine-raped" I am not sure what that means...perhaps "MIND" was what was meant to be said, but that is not the point...and the roaming hands remark is just crazy. The salon's main purpose from my experience has been making their clients feel welcome and comfortable. If there was really a problem, and it was brought to their attention, please believe it would have been fixed. Gary Manuel is filled with talented stylists, and nice staff. And yeah, there are times when they may not get it right the first time, but they are more than happy to have you come back in, and they will work with you until they get it right. They don't just say..well too bad. They want to make you feel better about things. I am sad that so many have had a bad experience, but I have to disagree with them. Yes, it is expensive but it is worth it, and you are worth it as a person to have so much spent on you. It's not like you are going everyday. If you can spare, give it a try...and if you can't try their phase 3 salon which is excellent. [And cheaper]

Pros: Fun, Nice Staff, Great Cuts, Good places to eat

Cons: Parking

Posted 05/26/07

I have been going to Stephen at Gary Manuel for many, many years and he always amazes me with his profressionalism, knowlege of MY hair and style, his sense of creativity which is understated when I only want the same as always and supportively "new" when I need a lift, and his sweet and helpful attitude. In less sane moments, I have gone to other salons and felt so much like a "head", with no real recognition of the individuality of both my hair and my personality that I have come running back to Gary Manuel and Stephen as soon as I possibly could I rarely indulge myself in personal treats, but for me, being treated like a cherished friend by Stephen and the whole salon is something I look forward to for the whole 6 weeks between visits! It is just a cut and color but the way I am always treated and the lift I get from the care that is lavished on me, I feel as if I have had a full spa treatment every time. Another compliment I need to pay to the salon but especially to Stephen is the way the "shampoo and support" styling interns are treated. So much of their training is obviously devoted to shaping their attiutude of service, courtesy and professionalism that the fact that they all are already quite skilled in their craft comes as a bonus within a consistently lovely experience. I cannot imagine a better sylist or salon experience and if Stephen were suddenly no longer available to me I would feel as if a big hole had opened up in my life! I have no higher recommendation than Stephen Pace to anyone who wants the very best.

Posted 05/25/07