Phase 3 by Gary Manuel Salon

Gary Manual Phase 3 was recommended to me by a friend. I started seeing Dawn this past summer and loved the cuts/colors she did for me. When she left to return to school this past August she recommended I see Monica. I have now seen Monica 3 times and absolutely love her. I have had long hair since I was 16 and had seen some really cute short hair styles. I was extremely nervous to go "short" but after talking with her and going over my fears she reassured me I would not look like a boy, so I took the plunge. I love my short hair cut and have rec'd tons of compliments on it. She is willing to do some funky styles/coloring if that is what you're looking for. Right now I have some great purple highlights that I love and have rec'd great feedback from people I know and many I don't know.

Pros: reasonable prices, creative stylists, friendly staff

Cons: parking

Posted 12/08/09

Today I went to Phase 3 for the first time for a cut, color, and perm consultation. When deciding on a place to go to (I've tried out many salons in the greater Seattle area) I was encouraged by all the positive reviews on Citysearch; these great reviews turned out to be dead on. When I made the appointment, I didn't ask for any stylist in particular and was scheduled with MONICA. She did an absolutely amazing job, and was incredibly sweet. I came with some vague ideas and a couple pictures of what I was thinking about, and she gave me several options of styles and colors that would work best for me. Before she did anything she clarified what she was doing so there would be no surprises. Monica gave me one of the best (if not the best) hair cut I've had, and the color is not flat at all (she used three colors, and applied them in a way that would look even better once I had my perm done). While my color was setting she also gave me an phenomenal hand massage, and the shampoo felt amazing as well. When it was time to pay, I was shocked at how affordable two and a half hours of coloring and cutting was. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend Phase 3- friendly staff, extremely talented stylists, great products, and all at a surprisingly affordable price!

*UPDATE* Since getting my hair cut and colored by Monica, I've received countless compliments about how flattering my new hair cut is. I'm excited to see the results of my perm in just another week!

Pros: Friendly staff, knowledgeable stylists, affordable prices

Cons: Parking

Posted 09/02/09

I am THE PICKIEST person with THE MOST DIFFICULT hair on the planet, it seems! I have spent hundreds upon hundreds of dollars going to the "best salons" here and in various cities, while travelling, and having my hair cut and colored by the supposed "best" designers. Some great, some not so great.

I now have a system for evaluating designers: hair design as discussed before the cut and how it compared to the cut upon completion, same criterion for color, instructions on how to style at home, how my hair looks when I leave, how it looks when I style it, and how long the cut and color look good before the next appointment.

If you have thick hair and a lot of it, like I do, you will understand how awful it feels when the designer meets you for the first time or you return for services again later, and the designer has a look of disappointment and fear, b/c there is a lot to work with.

CONNIE enjoys working with all types of hair, even mine! As someone with a lot of hair herself that is thick, she understands that awful feeling when a stylist gets a look at and touches her hair...Oh no, here comes one that's going to take a long time and will be difficult to work with!

So....how did "evaluation" go? CONNIE gave me a design and color that exceeded what I thought was possible from anyone! My hair was previously hacked (it looked like I had 2 entirely different hair cuts on one head- sort of a modified mullet!), followed by another bad haircut to fix the previous one, then two color jobs which went from orange to bright yellow that was in terrible condition. Bottom line, she exceeds my criteria! What a priceless gift to have hair that you?re happy with!

CONNIE takes the time to listen to everything you say and to go through pictures and color samples until a design is selected that meets your needs, and you can achieve that look every day on your own! She'll tell you how different designs and colors might look.

I'm hoping to see her this week. I'll give an update after that visit. I'm sure it will be positive!

Do yourself and your hair a favor, see CONNIE at Phase 3!

Pros: CONNIE is an artist who cares about her guests and her work

Cons: Not a single one

Posted 07/04/09

Maria E. is amazing and gave me a great cut. The next time I visit my friends in Seattle, I'll definitely get my hair done again. Wish I lived closer!!!

Posted 06/07/09

I didn't know what to expect when I made an appointment at Phase 3. I am an African American
woman and I have very resistant hair and I wasn't sure if there would be a stylist at Phase 3 that
would be able to 'tackle' my hair type. Low and behold I met Nyesha and she made all of my worries
dissapear. She was very knowledgeable about my hair type and she asked a lot of questions
to ensure I would be happy with the final outcome. She was very sweet and nice. We had great
conversation and she made me feel very welcome and comfortable. I received a cut, shampoo
and curl and she did an excellent job! After my service was complete I felt so hot!
That was the first time my hair ever had shine and movement! The products she used
were great and she even taught me how I can take care of my hair at home. As a black woman it
is hard to find an upscale salon that caters to different hair types so I was very pleased
and I will definitely be back to see Nyesha! And I will recommend her to all of my friends.
Thank you Nyesha for making me look fantabulous!

Pros: Atmosphere, staff, timely service

Posted 05/07/09

I just had my first appointment at Phase 3 and it was a wonderful experience! My appointment was with Nyesha and she was wonderful! I walked out of the salon with exactly what i wanted and more!
I will definitely be returning!!

Pros: Staff, Ambience, location, value

Posted 02/26/09

I took my medicare birthday money and splurged with a Phase 3 appointment with ASHLEY. She applied her caring and skill and I left feeling ready for the high school prom. (Actually later that day an e-harmony coffee introduction led to a dazzling New Year's Eve date)!

It was just magic to see the decades disappear from my appearance under her intuitive grasp of what my original, natural look had been--curly with copper highlights. Bless you, ASHLEY

She performed the same metamorphosis on my sister visiting from Texas with a frayed bouffant. When said sister returned to her colleagues "they didn't recognize me for looking so professional"!

So glad to have made the discovery of this new talent before the word gets out!

Posted 02/02/09

My first experience at Phase 3 was wonderful. I was greeted by a very friendly receptionist, and was given a robe to change into so I wouldn't get my shirt messy during the cut. The atmosphere of the place is pretty upscale and has an edgy feel to it. Nyesha was my stylist, and she did a perfect job on trimming my long layers. I'm definitely recommending her to my friends on their next haircut. Thanks, Nyesha! :)

Posted 01/24/09

you'd imagine that new york city, with all its glitz and glamour, would have blown away a salon in seattle for highlights, but not the case when you go to connie. she made my hair look so natural and took such care in painting tiny sections of strands - it was truly impressive. i try to make it back to see her each time i return home! see her if you can.

Posted 01/21/09

My friend goes to the main Gary Manuel salon and did me a favor by asking her stylist for a stylist that really knows how to cut curly hair. Her stylist immediately referred me to Chris at Phase 3. When I called for an appointment, I was surprised and happy that Chris had immediate availability. After a very professional greeting, I was seen by Chris in just a few minutes. I should mention that I have had a terrible time finding a stylist that really did know how to cut curly hair. Most say they can and don't have a clue. But boy, did Chris live up to his reputation. He gave me the best haircut I have had, including those from NYC. I'm only in Seattle for a few months, but I'm so thrilled with Chris that I may have to commute here just to get my haircut!!!!

Pros: Very professional staff; ambience of a high-end salon; stylists really know what they're doing

Cons: Parking isnt' great since it's downtown. Product sell is a little strong.

Posted 12/03/08

To put it simply, my hair is a huge pain in the butt! Styling is an every day obstacle. I'd let my hair grow to my lower back because, we all know how easy it is to throw it back in a messy pony tail and call it a DAY! It was my first time at Phase 3 and I was lucky enough to have Christopher. I brought him a couple pictures I'd printed out of the hair styles I'd chosen from a vast array of them. He hadn't quite finished the hair cut , though, I thought he had and was quite dissapointed. Not because of his work, simply because I thought that was how my hair would do with the new "do." But, NO!! A few more snips and I saw how talented he was. It wasn't either of the pictures, no. From our conversating he actually saw the image I had portrayed and given it to me. I LOVE CHRISTOPHER. I'm hoping he can fit me in this weekend for a tune up.

-----> KATIE

Pros: Christopher

Cons: None

Posted 10/09/08

This salon is great for so many reasons - mainly because they use gorgeous Aveda products and the prices are extremely reasonable, but also because it has a really accessible location and their stylists are all very friendly. I have been to see a couple of different stylists (for a cut and blond highlights) and all have been wonderful, with Opal being the most fabulous. Once I met with her, I was sold! Her multi-colored highlights are so gorgeous - well blended and beautiful, and she gives the best head massages. I get so many compliments on my hair color, but never let my secret out. Haven't ever really gotten too crazy with a haircut (I usually just get a trim), but I am sure they would be fine too. Give them a try!

Pros: Great downtown location, extremely good prices for the quality you get

Cons: Parking

Posted 06/16/08

I have been to Gary Manuel's Phase 3 salon twice now. My first experience was amazing, but my second visit was INCREDIBLE, thanks to Christopher. I have been trying to lighten my dark brown hair for sometime now in preparation for the warmer weather that I am wishing and hoping will show up one of these days. Well I have not been having the best of luck with getting the hair color that I had pictured in my head, which I blame entirely on my inability to properly communicate to my stylists, but Christopher did it, spot on! My hair looks AMAZING, I really cannot remember the last time that I left the salon feeling this good. Not only did he do a great job on my hair he was super accommodating. You see I was only scheduled for an all over color but what I really wanted was a foil and an all over color (which I am sure is the worst thing you can do to a stylist on a busy Saturday sorry Christopher). He handled my request with absolute grace and professionalism, and now has a new client for life. Everyone should treat themselves and go in and see this guy, trust me you will thank me later :)

Pros: Christopher

Cons: None

Posted 05/23/08

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 04/03/08

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 04/03/08

for you skeptics out there like me: 1) i am not a friend of Jeff's. 2) i am not Jeff.

Great haircut for $29 at the gary manuel "student" salon. Unlike other training institutes the students here have already had at least TWO years of training and are polishing their skills with little (if any) coaching from the experienced staff on hand. I went in to have a horrible haircut fixed and Jeff, the slim bearded hipster, did the job right. The result was sleek and stylish, better than I could have hoped for with my vague directions. His creative sense and artistic eye combined with an ability to judge personality resulted in a funky-but-not-crazy bob variation that fits my face & me and has gotten lots of compliments. The best haircut I've ever had.

Posted 03/12/08

I have been going to the Gary Manuel Salons for a long time, so I totally love it!! But, I started going to Jeff in the Phase 3 Salon and I love, love, love him!!!! He has given me the best haircut I have EVER had!!!! I have never felt so confident!!! Again, everyone there is great, but JEFF is AWESOME!!!!!

Pros: Staff is great!!

Posted 02/27/08

As a Beauty Consultant and Referral consultant for best spa's and salons in Seattle-I've been to too many to count,, I'd like to say I was treated to a beautiful color of blonde.

BUT, too much money for Advanced trainig color. Trust me, she was good, but for that much money-she should have been. I'll not go again, as the expense is too much. Keep looking friends.

Posted 01/31/08

I followed Connie over from the Gary Manuel Institute on Capital Hill. I took a chance and had her color my hair over there, and I have to say it was probably one of the best, if not THE best, colors I have had. She made it look very natural, and I don't have to go in super often. She is fabulous, has great suggestions, and is very meticulus. I was so happy she kept in touch when she moved to Phase 3...will continue to go to her for years to come.

Pros: great service, great color

Cons: parking

Posted 12/17/07

I just had my hair cut by Sydney yesterday and she did an amazing job! I gave her some ideas on how I wanted my hair to be and she exceeded my expectations. In the past, I've gone to the downtown Gene Juarez salan for my haircuts, but my usual stylist got out of my price range ($70 from when I started going to her at $45 )and so I went to a different stylist (who was $55) and didn't like my hair cut. (My layers were too chunky and they didn't blend in well.) Sydney layered my hair in a way that really flatters my face shape and cut may bangs at a perfect length (that still gives it grow out room). I learned that the Phase 3 salon hair stylists have to go through 2 years of advanced training before transitioning to the actual Gary Manuel Salon, so you know you are in good hands! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a great haircut for a great deal!

Pros: Skill of hairstylists, price

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/13/07

...I would be President! Anyone that's had their hair cut or colored by Charles knows what I'm talking about. I've put my locks in his trusty hands for over 2 years now and he's always delivered exactly what I'm looking for. Before Charles, I used to have unbelievable anxiety about cutting my hair, but now I can happily say that I've found a hair dresser for life! Thanks Charles, you rock!

Posted 05/24/07

I was referred to Charles Fox at Gary Manuel Phase 3 by Wengen (see other review) and couldn't be happier. He gave me the haircut I'd been wanting and other stylists had failed to deliver. Most recently, I went from dark brown natural color to mostly blonde, and he made the transition fun and painless. Three cheers for Charles! Thank you!

Posted 02/21/07

I used to live and work in the city; now I'm an hour away. I haven't been able to find a decent place to do my hair. I decided to give Phase 3 a try because I wanted someone who was knowledgeable about the latest techniques yet still affordable. The salon was clean and basic yet modern. It didn't feel like a training center at all. Everyone in the salon were very nice & professional. I asked for a fairly simple style. Rachael knew just what to do. She was confident & very nice. I ended up with a very nice haircut. Nicest one since I left the city. However, I have to mention that not all my layers were even, but you really couldn't tell looking at it. I would definitely come back. While I was waiting, I did notice someone working there who didn't seem to know what she was doing. But she was only one out of 6 people working there that day. Everyone there really seem to know what they're doing, some more so than others. I think you just have to try it a few times until you find someone you're really comfortable with. Wish they had a directory of their students & their expertise to better match client & student. I also did NOT see any supervisor during my stay. All in all, it was worth the trip. Gives me an excuse to come to town too.

Pros: great service & value

Cons: no easy way of choosing stylist

Posted 02/20/07

Love Charles Fox at Phase 3 by G. Manuel. Admired an awesome cut and cool color on someone at the Alexis Hotel Aveda - she gave me Charles Fox's card and the rest is history. I've been with Charles the past few years and I never leave the salon disappointed. No doubt about it - Charles' cuts are awesome. And at Phase 3 the price is right. Charles, never leave me!

Posted 02/12/07

I wish I'd seen the "trainer" review before going to Phase 3. I had my hair done there about a month ago, and realize that I should've taken time to warn others about this place.

They butchered my hair. It was ala Jennifer Anniston. I asked for bangs like Nicole Ritchie, and ended up with nearly a mullet! I cried for days!

You'd think that since the stylists at Phase 3 are not paid (they actually are paying to be there) Gary would spring for a coach to be on the floor making sure his "guinnea pigs" don't get totally butchered.

The worst thing is there's nothing I can do now except wait for months while my hair grows. I've lived in hats and headbands for a month!

Never, ever will I go near this place or the actual Gary Manuel salon again.

Pros: Next to Pike Place Market

Cons: Unsupervised. Inexperienced

Posted 12/10/06

Hair salons terrify me. After years of outrageously overpriced, mediocre cuts at high end salons that generally left me feeling poor and vaguely inadequate, Phase 3 is a welcome change. Appointments are easy to get, the decor is functional and comforting, the stylists are approachable and helpful, and the prices cannot be beat. Yes, this is a training salon, but most people have worked elsewhere before coming here, and they always work with a trainer for their first year before being unleashed alone on your hair. I was lucky enough to get Audrey as my stylist, and according to my husband, it's the cutest cut and color I've had since he's met me. I'm even looking forward to going back.

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to get an appointment

Posted 12/06/06

I have been to Phase 3 3 times now, and have never once seen a "trainer." That is important, because many people may think that, like at other big-name training salons, you get the benefit at Phase 3 of having a "teacher" there to monitor what students are doing to your hair. My experience has been 0 for 3, and I am suffering the daily uglies from the most ridiculous, uneven haircut I think I have ever had.

In all fairness, I will say that the first time I went to Phase 3 I was extremely pleased with the results. Haley, who did my hair, had previously worked at another salon, and she gave me very nice color and a clean, professional cut. I was lucky she was so good, because there was never any type of coach who came by or on the floor at all.

When I returned to see Hayley again, I had to have another "student" do my cut as I arrived late. Now I have no problem with people "in training." I have been to the biggest name salons in Seattle and LA, as well as their training salons. I've often had even better results at the training centers because there is so much attention to detail and an expert (instructor) is very involved in the process. Unfortunately for me, the young lady who took scissors to my head barely knew what to do. It was so bad I asked at one point if she had done hair previously, and she said no.

My bangs ranged in length from 1 inch to 4 inches, I had stray pieces everywhere, and nothing blended. I called Phase 3 the next day, and the only help they could offer was to have me come back and see another student. I saw Haley, and she did her best, but she couldn't do much with the excessively-cut bangs and overly-short, thick globs of hair on the sides.

If this is a center for "hair models" they should advertise that way. Where are the "trainers?" The young lady who gave me this horrible haircut is not to be blamed; she is learning. I am very disappointed in the salon owners, however. I had hoped for much better.

Pros: If you are lucky to get someone who knows what they are doing, lucky you.

Cons: You could end up with a beauty-school haircut. Decide if you are willing to take the risk.

Posted 12/05/06

I received one of the best haircuts I have ever had by Audrey about a month ago and my hair still looks really great! I got solid & welcome advice about a suitable haircut for me. Years ago I visited Gary Manuel regularly--until I could no longer afford to go. My hair hadn't been the same since until I visited Phase 3. Definitely go. The people are nice. There is no pressure to buy or be anything that doesn't interest you. The price allows for regular upkeep!!

Pros: great talent and skill for a great price

Cons: i didn't see a downside--no cons to report

Posted 10/22/06

I have been going to Phase 3 and Gary Manuel for more than 10 years now. After a fantasy makeover on Rodeo Drive in L.A., I asked where in Seattle I could get the same kind of quality upkeep, and more than one of the $X00 per cut stylists there named Gary Manuel, citing its reknown training program and high standards, and they even recommended trying out the fresh new talent at Phase 3. Those high end professionals knew their stuff. I have never been disappointed with every cut and color that I've gotten here. Some of their "beginners" already have years of experience under their belt - they're confident and innovative. The only bad thing is their stylists get really good/popular, graduate and move up to Gary Manuel too quickly. But there's never a bad replacement waiting in the wings. Very highly recommended.

Pros: Prices can't be beat, innovative

Cons: Parking

Posted 08/18/06

I've been coming here for 4 years now and its AWESOME! I recommend all my friends to come here. Its definately a bargain for what your getting: trained staff, friendly atmosphere and if your worried about sales pressures, the hair stylists will tell you what products they put in your hair and in the end ask you if you need anything else and thats it. The hair color/foils are great, they put a lot of time into making it good. They do book up fast, so call atleast 4 weeks ahead of time to get the date and time you want.

Pros: Inexpensive, Quality Care, Friendly

Cons: Street Parking, Appt. Times

Posted 01/16/06

You get the luxury of a top of the line salon with fantastic staff and lower prices. Erin is a great stylist and she really took the time to explain how I can style my hair at home. It's simple enough for me to do in 30 minutes and the cut is fantastic! I'm extremely happy with my experience.

Pros: educated staff, inexpensive, fantastic cut

Cons: small waiting area

Posted 10/05/05

both my son and i get my hair cut here. my son sees lindsey, who is much less expensive and better with him (he's 2) than the places that specialize in kids. i see lisa, who calms me down and makes me feel beautiful on even the most stressful days. really worth the money. you get gary manuel experience, with lower prices.

Pros: great for kids, nice staff, quick

Posted 09/21/05

I called the salon to tell them that I was on my way before I drove over. (I live in Spokane.) But I ran into massive construction on the way, and it made me late. As soon as I could, I called them to say that I was still coming. And yet they gave away my appointment! I was furious. However, the manager of Phase 3 met me and we worked out a schedule to allow me to get my hair cut by Elle (in the Gary Manuel salon GREAT WORK!) and my color done by Erin (in Phase 3 also, GREAT WORK!) They even gave me a hand massage as I waited. I was so impressed by the service and skill of the stylists. Beautiful hair AND great service by the manager I will definitely be back!

Pros: Inexpensive, Highly skilled, Great color

Cons: Scheduling

Posted 08/21/05

This really is downtown's super little secret. Phase 3 provides REAL advanced training for the hair designers at Gary Manuel Salon. They are all talented, creative and super enthusiastic. I get fantastic haircuts and color for less than half of other downtown salons. Plus, the service is great too. I'm never disappointed.

Pros: creativity, quality, price

Posted 10/07/04