Solari Salon & Spa

03/19/2008 Posted by meadowhawk

i'm a bit lazy when it comes to hair maintenance, but i've been to solari over the past few years about a half a dozen times. even though my hair needs vary--from simple trims to color advice to drastic changes in style--i have been so very pleased with the results every time. one striking occurrence has been the honest professionalism of the staff. they aren't afraid to make creative or money-saving suggestions, yet they listen and do EXACTLY what i want. i always emerge from solari feeling beautiful and refreshed. and even though i emerge only sporadically (given my own negligent hair upkeep) the staff make me feel like i belong. they even showed me how to cut my own new bangs. they are so not snooty.

07/18/2007 Posted by zbrogan

Visiting my parents on summer break and came in for a haircut not expecting to get in but they took me right away and were so nice and pleasant you can tell they all really like what they are doing there because they do it so well. I think they have special training for great shamppoos there because I felt like a new person after just the shamppoo. the lady gave me a great scalp massage and some tips on keeping my hair in good condition. all the people there were really nice and looked like they were having a good time and I got a great haircut. I only wanted a light trim, and that's what I got plus some really bouncy long layers and sidebangs that look awesome. most places take off inches but the lady ''truly'' listened to me and did only do a trim but still gave me a beautiful style I can't say enough about how great this place is and how nice the poeple are. everything smells so good and I left feeling beautiful. Thank you ladies I will be back for more and can't wait to get that new color we talked about!!! no more mall cuts for me I am hooked on the aveda cuts now!

04/30/2007 Posted by summerbride

I had the worst hair experience of my life at Solari. I went in for a trial updo for my wedding. Upon arrival I confirmed the stylist I was scheduled with was going to be available on my wedding day (I had already confirmed this once, when I made the appt). As it turns out, she was not, and was leaving the salon in the coming weeks. The stylist was standing there when I found this out, and felt terribly that the staff had not informed me, and asked another stylist to do my hair. I was perfectly fine with this----but this is where it went wrong. The stylist who was now doing my hair CLEARLY was either forced into it or did not want to be there. I explained that I wanted a simple, loose updo with a side part---and as I am describing to her what I’d like she interrupted me several times as if I weren’t even talking. After the first time of doing my hair (which was nothing like what I described), I reiterated what I wanted, and she became immediately frustrated, and stated that she “just can’t do” what I want. She was rude, condescending, and appeared to not care about what she was doing. After doing my hair four times (none of them being even close to what I described, or with a side part) I mentioned the side part again. Her response was “yes, I heard you the first 5 times”. This woman never listened to a thing I said, let alone hearing something 5 times. She had no idea what my headpiece was (it is a simple head band) and she yanked it out of my hand and said “uh…so, what are we doing with this?” looking at it like a foreign object. Never in my life have I been treated so poorly in a situation like this. She ended up putting my hair in a “bun” type style, I paid and left. I was devastated leaving the salon, and was in tears.

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03/01/2006 Posted by portslocal35

Been to a lot of Portsmouth salons over the years theres some good places but these girls "really" know hair. My sister was visiting and we both had haircuts (I had a color too) here and love love loved everything! Next time we're getting manis and pedis there too. Sam gave me the best hilights ever and a fabulous cut, Shannon gave my sister the best cut she "ever" had. They even serve their own herbal tea. We had a wonderful experience and will be coming back for more. I love this place!

Pros: outstanding service, very highly skilled, friendly / welcoming

Cons: only 1 pedi at a time, very busy

12/08/2005 Posted by jrjlonge

I wanted to share my delight in Solari Salon and Spa in downtown Portsmouth, NH. I visited with my sisters for a "girls day of beauty" and had a wonderful experience! The front desk staff was very helpful in arranging a schedule for all of us. I had a relaxing, yet theraputic massage with Jennifer, a much needed hydrating facial with Karla and my nails done by Keri. All of the staff were helpful, personable and highly skilled. The setting of the spa overlooks the bussiling Market Square - it was so much fun to sit in the relaxation area and people-watch in between our appointments. I would recommed the spa to anyone looking to pamper themselves or someone else this holiday!

Pros: Aveda Products, great location, fair prices

Cons: downtown parking

12/08/2005 Posted by bvail

Just wanted to let everyone know that the salon staff at Solari has saved my damaged, overprocessed hair. A friend had recommended the salon to me, and after a complementry consultation I returned to have the best color, cut and deep conditioning treatment of my life!!! I have gotton so many complements on my hair since visiting Solari. They have a new client for life!!! Thank you!

09/19/2005 Posted by silversana

I had my hair cut at Solari a few weeks ago and was very disappointed. I read the great review and even asked for the same person to do my hair. They acted snotty as if they were some high end Salon in Boston, took me in late rushed me out without blow drying properly and when I went home and finished the blow dry I saw the very obvious uneven strands of hair. My bangs the worst, born in the eighties dont live in them.

Cons: parking, talent

08/25/2005 Posted by regismw

I had been having a hard time finding a salon in portsmouth that i felt comfortable with. After a botched job, i booked with john and I am so impressed. He fixed my hair, listened to my ramblings about what i wanted and suggested things that would look good on me. he was so nice and we chatted the whole time. the salon itself is very clean, smells good, and is relaxing. All the attendants and employees are pleasant and kind, not snobby or pushy at all. this place is incredible.

Pros: great cut, great value, no pushy sales people

Cons: only metered parking

07/15/2005 Posted by cottoncandy13

I love this place, everything smells wonderful. Had a pedicure with kery which was awesome, a haircut and full foil with samatha which was the best hair I ever had- and a great fun conversation. I will keep going to solari and recommend it to everyone. A+++! Thanks ladies for making my day great! A little pricey, but quality was worth it and more!!!

Pros: high quality cut/colo, awesome foot massage, exc. cust service

Cons: hard to get appt, park in garage