Vanity Junkie

I've had my fair share of unfavorable waxing and facial experiences, until I visited Jenny at Vanity Junkie. Not only was it clear that Jenny knows her stuff, but she also understands the importance of listening to her clients, educating them on best practices and providing excellent product knowledge. I was also pleased to see that she understands how personal (and painful)waxing can be and that each individual handles it their own way. I can't wait until my next VJ visit!

Pros: Well educated, listens to what I want, timely and accurate!

Cons: I can't get in more often!

Posted 11/16/09

As a middle aged woman about to be a grandmother, it is wonderful to be called a hot mama. I give credit to Vanity Junkie. I have fine hair and am very picky about my cut and style. I have been going to VJ for three years and have never been disappointed. They keep me fresh and youthful. I get my brows done by Jenny, they look better than ever. My daughter and my friends also get their hair styled and brows waxed at VJ's. I highly recommend them for all services. I also appreciated that they give back to their community in many ways.

Pros: Attention to detail, competent professionals and kind hearts

Cons: None, completly trust VJ's

Posted 11/15/09

Vanity Junkie is an awesome place where you truly fit in whether it is your 1st visit or your 50th! Great location fun,funky, and professional atmosphere! Love it!

Posted 11/12/09

I live in Arkansas and whenever I visit Portland I have to get spruced up at Vanity Junkie. Sara is the best hair colorist, will advise you on what is best for your hair so as no damage. All the hair products for sale are the best highest quality also. Glass of wine and all the people that make up Vanity Junity make it a fabulous experience. If you have to wait theres a great pub next door. Can't wait til my next trip.

Sue King
Springdale, AR

Pros: Reasonably priced, easy parking

Cons: Wish I lived in Portland

Posted 11/12/09

Great place to go for a mens haircut! Great owners, staff, atmosphere, and BAR! Highly recommended!

Pros: Great people!

Cons: None.

Posted 11/12/09

From the ecclectic decor and relaxed atmosphere to the amazing professionals who work there, Vanity Junkie is hands down the best salon I've ever been to! You owe it to yourself to check it out.

Posted 11/12/09

I just had the most soothing, relaxing facial with Jenny. She uses Eminence products, which are all natural and feel wonderful. Jenny is a total professional and adapts the facial to the condition of your skin. You can be ready for the harsh winter weather and have a great experience too.

Posted 11/12/09

The girls at the Junkie are more like a family than just co-workers; they provide a welcoming atmosphere to all clients and friends. Services are done with the highest standards of excellence and results are always fashion forward. They also use the best products around and are always striving to learn about the latest and greatest things in their industry.

Pros: knowledgable professionals

Posted 11/12/09

I LOVE Vanity Junkie. Everyone who works here is friendly and nice. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, and I especially love that I can sit and sip a coffee or tea while I get my hair done. But most importantly, never before in my life have I had a hairstylist that I trust as completely as Sara. I usually can't decide what I want when I walk in, but Sara will talk with me and get bright-eyed with ideas. I feel completely comfortable just sitting down with my coffee and letting her do her thing, because I always, always leave happy. Her knowledge and skill has made me a devoted and loyal customer.

Pros: knowledgable and skilled staff, fun atmosphere

Cons: what cons?

Posted 11/12/09

The atmosphere is funky, fun and exciting. The whole staff is very pleasent, professional and knowledegable about your needs and wants.
I have been going to Sara since they opened 3 years ago and have never had anything but amazing results with my color and cuts. Her attention to detail has always made me look amazing and got me so many compliments from both men and women. Sara "ROCKS".
I wouldn't go anywhere else!

Pros: Staff, Location and Atmosphere

Cons: Can't think of a one!

Posted 11/12/09

As a male it's hard to go into a "salon" and not your local Great Clips. Yeah the Cost Cutters of the world are on every street corner and maybe you're lazy? Maybe it's the intimidation of not knowing what to ask for? Maybe you don't want to hear all the female gossip? Maybe you don't care about your appearance? Well, it's time to change all that.The girls at VJ are very understading, helpful, laidback, and fun. You'll get a great cut and a feeling of confidence. It's the kind of place you can kick back, have a beer and let them work thier magic.

Pros: Great place!

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/12/09

I love this salon!, i get my hair done by Tesla she is amazing and very sweet she always listens to what i want.
I do recommend vanity junkie to anyone they give good service.

Pros: great place to get your hair done!!!

Posted 10/04/09

I've been going to Vanity Junkie for about six months now, and I've never left dissatisfied. The salon itself is clean and nicely decorated (one of my favorite parts about the interior is that they rotate a series of art from local artists around the salon). Parking is easy, too--there are always spots right on Hawthorne.
I can see that Tesla has gotten some well-earned reviews! I've known her since junior high school, and I must say that her sweet, creative, hardworking nature is most definitely reflected in her work. Tesla is incredibly meticulous, versatile, and will work until you leave with exactly what you want. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to switch stylists--or simply to anyone looking to try something new!

Posted 09/24/09

Remember those girls days when you and friends would do one each others hair? Well now you can have that experience all over again without being overly crimped, dye marks on your favorite shirt and where they actually listen to your beauty needs.

I never considered myself a total girly girl. Kind of rough around the edges and perhaps a bit curt. But these gals had me singing a different tune. I was amazed how Tesla curled my hair with a straight iron and how she took the time on me! My hair still looks great after a month. Though I will need to get a touch up soon.

Thanks to all the girls at Vanity Junkie (especially Tesla) I now get asked out on dates!

Pros: The crew, location, atmosphere.

Cons: I could not stay all day.

Posted 05/27/09

Went to Vanity Junkie for the first time last Saturday and I have gotten so many compliments on my new hairdo. Tesla did my hair and she was super sweet and really listened to what I wanted and she listened! She styled it and even put in a complimentary hair relaxant in. The products used are amazing, the shop is funky but clean. I felt welcomed. Do recommend Vanity Junkie to anyone!

Posted 05/18/09

I have been going to vanity junkie for over a year and Ive never been happier with a salon! Amanda Tangeman is my hairdresser and shes awesome! Im ALWAYS happy with my hair and she is totally affordable! All the stylists have up to date information about the current hair styles and colors and always produce quality results! I highly reccomend Vanity Junkie!

Posted 05/07/09

Sara is great! When I come in for my appointments, she sizes me up to see if I want the same or do I want change. If I want change in color or styling she is ready with ideas. But it's always my decision which way we go. I get compliments on my color (various shades of red) all of the time. When I had an event to attend, Sara and Tesla both worked on my hair to get the look just right and Jenny did my makeup. I felt like royalty. The atmosphere is welcoming and fun. What else can I say...I trust them to take care of my vanity!

Pros: creativity, color, and cuts

Posted 05/05/09

I moved to Portland 3 years ago and have tried NUMEROUS salons found through citysearch. Every place I went gave me cheap hair cuts an d color at crazy prices!!! Finally I tried Vanity Junkie and I will NEVER go anywhere else! I would drive for hours to get to this place if I had to move. Sara is so great with color and shaping haircuts just the way you want them! She really takes the time to listen to what you are trying to achieve... she doesnt just do your hair the way she thinks it should be. She offers suggestions and backs them up with reasons why but never makes you feel pressured or stupid for requesting something different. I just had a major style change...went blonde with dark underneath and dark tips...I have gotten SO MANY compliments! My hair is very fine and has always been difficult to work with - the style she gave me works perfectly with my hair type! I would highly reccomend Sara - she is a little pricier than the others but is the owner and has years of experience - IT IS WORTH IT!!!

Pros: Funky atmosphere, trendy hairstyles and stylists

Cons: NONE

Posted 04/29/09

Tesla did an amazing job with my cut and color. I came in with only reading the amazing reviews before me. I was really nervous to go somewhere new but Tesla was very professional and knew exactly what to do with my hair. She put me at ease the moment I walked through the door. She took the time to talk with me about my color and cut.
I also noticed that all of the other stylists did great cut and color on their clients as well. I don't think that you can go wrong with who ever you choose as your stylist here. I will be back and recommending Vanity Junkie to my friends. I have been living in Portland for almost five years and I only wish that I found this salon sooner.

Pros: friendly and warm salon

Cons: can't think of any

Posted 04/15/09

I get my hair done by Liz at Vanity Junkie and I absolutely love her! She's so fun, nice and personable. She's awesome at what she does so just tell her what you want and she will exceed your expectations... or ask her for some ideas because she has some great ones and a lot of talent up her sleeves. : )
All of the stylists at Vanity Junkie are AMAZING and I will only refer people here from now on. AND there's also an exceptional esthetician so not only can I get my hair done but I can get facials and waxing done as well. Like I said, Vanity Junkie is the best salon in town! Check it out!!! : )

Pros: all the stylists are trendy and awesome

Cons: none!!!

Posted 04/09/09

Wow! I am amazed. I came in for a cut and color and feel as if a true artist did my hair. Liz has great skills and is a wonderful person as well. She talks about updating trends and styles she has seen on runways in Vegas! If you want a fun cut and up to date color,check her out! You can tell she has a passion for what she does.

Pros: Great Salon, a must see..

Posted 03/11/09

Sara has always done outstanding work on my hair! I have been going to Vanity Junkie since they opened about three years ago. She does my cut and color. I like my color bright and vibrant and her product takes it there. I am a firey red head and recieve more compliments now that I'm going to Sara, because she kicked it up a notch with my hair:)
This salon also thinks outside the box, keeping there clients coming! They have a referral program going where if you recommend three of your friends, and they see said stylist you recieve your next cut free! They are also always mailing me coupons telling me how much they love me and then giving me a percent off my next service! I'm telling you, you cannot get this any where else!

Pros: I didn't mention how adorable the salon is!

Cons: would I be writing this if there were any?

Posted 02/23/09

There's quite a few of reviews about Tesla on here but i had to add one more! I love her she is great at hair, you can tell she has an artistic eye which is really reflected in her work. I will definately see her again and you should too!

Pros: the salon itself is gorgeous! i love all the local art. very close in SE. PJ'S at VJ party.

Cons: redken color

Posted 02/08/09

This was my first visit to Vanity Junkie and I was not disappointed. After reading the reviews in search of a new place to go, I hoped it would live up to it's reputation. I am very picky about my hair and Telsa did a wonderful job of delivering a cut that fit with my needs and goal of growing my hair out. She's professional, but very personable to chat with and her recommendations were smart.

The atmosphere is loads of fun and the staff are very down to earth and friendly. Going back for color in a couple weeks and I can't wait!

Pros: Space has oodles of charm and character, great service, skilled staff

Cons: None

Posted 01/31/09

Rich color, updated cut, neatest lil' salon I ever did see. Liz took it to the next level. Need I say more?

Posted 01/25/09

I highly recommend vanity junkie to anyone and everyone! my experience at vanity junkie has been amazing not only did i get treated like a princess but the customer service was amazing. i have been to many salons in the portland area and by far got the best cut and color of my life. i've never gotten so many compliments on my hair from women and men!!! i had longer hair and just could not keep it under control so tesla cut it shorter and it has been so easy to manage. i have recommended 6 of my friends to her and they have all loved what she has done with their hair. so don't miss out on the vanity junkie experience! And ask for tesla she's the best in portland!

Pros: beer? wine? scalp massage? heck yes!

Cons: none

Posted 01/17/09

Vanity Junkie rocks it is a great place to go if you need couple of hours of me time. As a mom of 3 children there is alot of me time needed. Tesla took me from a frumpy brunette to fun loving blonde it is the best color I have gotten. She has great personality and is eager to listen. My cut always looks fresh and non-mom like.

Posted 01/15/09

I have been to upscale hair salons in NW Portland and in Tigard and by far Tesla and Vanity Junkie has exceeded my expectation. Tesla has constantly given me the hair cut that I love and the color to match. She knows how to help you choose the best colors that compliments your skin and the cut to fit your face. Plus the way she cuts your hair, it always grows out wonderfully. I went from shoulder length hair to just below my chin on many occasions with different stylists and by far Tesla?s cuts has been the best. I get complemented on my hair from two days after and up to eight weeks after that the cut and color all because of how Tesla cuts it. She is the best hairstylist I have had and will not go anywhere else. So ask for Tesla Shippers the next time you need a cut and color or just a cut, she gives the best scalp massage when she shampoos your hair too (my favorite part).

Pros: Street parking, beverages, upbeat music, great location

Cons: None

Posted 01/13/09

I have followed Tesla out of Beauty School and into the real world - she's a true natural; she loves what she does, has natural talent, and it shows!

With Tesla's guidance, I have ventured out of strict "all-over" bleaching, into the world of foil and multi-layer coloring, and I can't tell you how happy I am with the results!

In addition to the great coloring service, she does a very good job with the scissors. She's confident and follows your lead. I have never received a hair cut that I was disappointed in.

Great color - Great hair cut = what more does a girl (or boy) need?

Plus, she gives the best scalp massage at the shampoo bowl!

Call Tesla for an appointment today - you won't be disappointed!

Pros: Great location, always street parking available. Great choice of color to enhance the creative environment. Discounts for vanity auto plates - nice touch!

Posted 01/07/09

A couple of weeks ago I called Vanity Junkie to have my highlights and cut done because my old stylist has been taking so much time off. I wasn't going to cheat on her....but a girls still gotta look good! They set me up with Liz! I gave her some good tips about how my blonde always has a liitle red that I cannot stand. She really listened and is so personable. I have never loved my hair more, and I am still in shock as to how she got it this color. Something my other stylist has been trying to get for a while. I can tell that Liz is in the right industry, and really cares for her clients, again, something I am not used too.
anyways, check her out.

Posted 11/16/08

VJ is off the hook, plain and simple. They have it all. Environment, ambiance, a helpful and energetic staff and a bar! Their products are excellent and they can cut any style with precision and confidence. Sarah is the best! (I'm a bit biased) but even if she wasn't a friend, she is absolutely great at what she does and fun to be around. However, the rest of the staff rocks, as well. My only recommendation is that you need to schedule early because those gals are busy. Prices are competitive, too.

Oh, and guys, don't let the name fool you, the environment isn't too girly and neither are the girls.

Pros: Staff, ambiance, expertise, product line (Redken Work Hard is the best!)

Cons: Can be tough to get in with short notice (because they are so good!)

Posted 10/10/08

I recently visited the salon and received a haircut from Amanda. She did a wonderful job and I am so pleased with the way it turned out! All in all, it was a great experience and I will be returning shortly! If you are looking for a new stylist, I would definitely schedule an appointment with her!

Posted 09/26/08

Sara Gray is an artist. Give her free reign and you will be completely satisfied and receive frequent compliments.

Posted 09/12/08

First of all the this salon is so great! It is so nice to be able to go after work to get my hair done by an awesome stylist (sara!!!) and be able to relax and unwind...the glass of wine doesn't hurt either! Saras been doing my hair for a while and i get nothing but compliments on it! She always makes sure that my hair is not only extremely stylish and fun but that it works well with my daily routine. ive been to many other salons and this one is the best by far

Pros: beverages, movies, mags, killer cuts, awesome color....

Cons: none

Posted 09/03/08

Definetly am going to tell all of my friends about this experience!
Amazing and talented stylists, who you can tell all love what they do. I had Amanda cut and color my hair, off of a recommendation. Why was I going somewhere else? What a sweetheart, who listened to my every concern and gave me the most beautiful color, with highlights in between and fashionable cut! Something new, and I sure needed it. Check it out for yourself!

Pros: beautfiul relaxing salon, talentented stylists, margarita friday, made me chuckle.

Cons: did I say Margarita Friday? There obviously were none.

Posted 09/03/08

I had a great experience at Vanity Junkie. Liz did a wonderful job on my hair. I had medium hair and never had it real short then I decided I will take a chance so I went to Vanity Junkie and went from medium hair to a bob and it looks great. She took her time and styled it just right. It was a very relaxing environment. I will definitely be going back :)

Posted 08/28/08

Manuela Petz at Vanity Junkie cut and styled my hair a month ago and it still looks like I just had it done! She was very attentive to my styling habits (blow-dry vs. air-dry, products vs. natural, etc.) and made sure that she gave me a cut that fit my needs. I highly recommend her. I actually had a lot of fun with her too. The salon itself was pleasant and professional. The only tricky part was finding parking. I heard it's fine though if you avoid going there around lunchtime when all the restaurants nearby fill up.

Pros: professional stylists

Cons: no lunchtime parking

Posted 06/09/08

I'm absolutely in love with this charming salon. I have tried a few salons having lived in Portland for four years. None of them "had me at hello" except for Vanity Junkie. I read reviews on this site and was sold! First of all you walk in with a lovely greeting and recieve your drink of choice. Then I had the best consultation ever. You can tell that the staff loves what they do, and is excited about doing your hair. They ask lots of questions. Me being a new client they really wanted to know my personality and figure out what color and style would best suit me. And boy, were they right on! I love my highlights and cut, and have never been complimented more.

Posted 05/08/08

I just loved the atmosphere and salon experience at Vanity Junkie. After waiting 6 long months for a hair cut, I ventured from Salem to Portland after receiving glowing recommendations from a friend. Liz didn't disappoint! The cut I received is perfect for my lifestyle...didn't get pushed into something the stylist envisioned. Liz did such a great job with my cut that I decided to let her color my roots. Good choice! My color turned out to be a perfect match and the process left my hair feeling healthy and looking shiny. Bonus: a scalp massage during hair conditioning. I left Vanity Junkie feeling so relaxed and very pleased with the results. What a great experience that I plan to repeat. Thanks again, Liz!

Pros: 2 thumbs up

Cons: none

Posted 05/08/08

First of all I'm a guy, and Liz was the first stylist I ever went to. She is amazing! I found Liz and a previous salon, and followed her over to Vanity Junkie and am very very happy I did. She takes the time to be very meticulous and she really does enjoy what she does, which makes the atmosphere so relaxing. I do have to say that my most favorite part of the hair cut is when she massages my scalp with the conditioner - so relaxing. I highly recommend Vanity Junkie, and if you can get Liz to cut your hair do it, but I am sure everyone there is just as great. My wife also had Liz color and style her hair and she absolutely loved it.

Posted 04/20/08

...all thanks to Sara, who did an amazing job on my color. I'd been waiting for some time to go as platinum blond as possible, searching for the right place - after all, it's hard to color over red. I took a chance on this one and I'm certainly not disappointed. At Sara's suggestion, the process was done in two sessions (and at very reasonable prices), saving my hair from a world of bleach damage. The unconventional decor, complete with purple textured walls, fuchsia drapes, and enormous "tarnished-silver" (looking) framed mirrors, and mirrored dressers and drawers comes together smashingly. The lighting at Vanity Junkie is soft, bright, and doesn't make you look inhuman like those ill-placed or horrendous fluorescent lights at some salons. I will definitely go back to Sara for my hair care, and I highly recommend you check out Vanity Junkie for yourself.

Posted 04/16/08

Liz has been doing my color for a while and just recently moved to Vanity Junkie. I followed her and am so happy I did! She's always done such a great job on my hair. She keeps it looking healthy and shiney, and takes care of my pesky greys. She really listens to what you want and is sweet to boot.
Vanity Junkie is the most adorable salon in possibly all of Portland. I probobly never would have found it if Liz hadn't sent me her card. I am writing this review with five stars in complete confidence that you will love it!

Pros: really relaxing

Cons: leave a little earlier. might have come at a busy time but still found parking.

Posted 04/09/08

Sara and Jen, the owners, are the most talented and creative people in the business. Vanity Junkie is hip, fun and lively. All the staff is awesome. You can get everything done there... facials( love the Eminance organic products that Jen uses), waxing, pedicures, eyelash extensions, make up applications, hair cut, color weave, the works. Great hours too! Close in SE location is awesome. Truely, the best service I have received in all of my years in PDX. Plus, these guys are into giving back to the community. For the last two years they have collected Teddy Bears for the local fire station to give to needy children in the area.

Pros: Location, ambiance, service, skill

Cons: none

Posted 03/31/08

Wow! I am impressed! I cannot wait and already booked my next appointment for cut and color. The receptionist was very helpful and set me up with the perfect stylist to satisfy my needs. my hair cut is absolutely stunning and just like the picture I brought in. My color is even better than expected. I just might say...."I look Hot". You will love the look and feel of this salon. sincerely, Miss satisfied!

Pros: my hair makes people turn heads!

Cons: I'm with the others on this one.

Posted 03/28/08

I've been going to Vanity Junkie for a little over a year now. I highly recommend it. Not only do I recommend it for the stunning highlights and cut that I receive but I recommend it for the relaxing feel the salon creates. I relax by reading up on the latest magazines while drinking my glass of wine. ahhh, what a nice get away!
I have always asked for natural looking highlights, I get two different shades of blonde weaved in. I have never been happier. You will love this place.

Pros: always satisfied.

Cons: no answer

Posted 03/24/08

.....After going to the same salon for a while and getting the same "mom bob" I came across a lady in the super market that had fabulous hair! I had to ask her where she got it done and she said "Vanity Junkie".....and raved about how she loves it there! I knew I had to give it a try....and am so glad I did! I Love my hair cut!! I have never had a razor cut and did not realize that that was the one thing in life that I had been missing. The cut was meant for my face shape and I cannot believe the compliments I have been getting. I am just thrilled! I found my new spot and am happy to say.......No more searching for me!

Pros: a fabulous glass of wine

Cons: can't think of one!

Posted 03/21/08

The Emminence products used in the facial i recieved where awsome! I acutally wanted to eat the stuff it smells so good! Their ingredients are organic and hand harvested. The salon is very hip and relaxing. The service was excellent. Waxing was quick and ultra smooth with a soy based product. Can't wait to return for customized mineral makeup. Thanks Jenny.

Pros: atmosphere,products and customer care

Cons: didnt find this salon sooner

Posted 03/12/08

My wife talked me into going into her salon for a cut and while i usually feel a bit out of place in a salon,Vanity Junkie blew me away.It was very relaxing to have a complimentory beverage(i had a Mirror Pond) at the bar and during the short wait i had there was a movie on the 42' plazma which i thought was a very nice touch.On the warmer days there is garage door they open so you can check out the hawthorne activity.also very cool.Being a guy,it's nice to know i can get a great cut for a reasonable price and not feel uncomfortable in a salon.I will definitely be going back.

Posted 03/02/08