I've been going to Akari for 14 years with a 6 year break when I moved to LA. Akari has a beautiful space on the second floor in downtown Portland. Front desk staff is always very warm and welcoming. This review, though, is about Zira, a Senior Colorist at Akari. I've known her for 8 years or so through Akari, initially when she was an apprentice. As a colorist Zira is warm, upbeat and patient, she is open to feedback, and in fact asks for it, and she's always fun to talk with! read more

I love Portland and was coming there for a week to celebrate my 60th birthday. I wanted to treat myself to a spa day not a mishmash of services that the salon would like you to buy but a genuine spa day. One that included a massage, a facial, a manicure and pedicure and a wash and blow dryer so that I could enjoy my evening out. That is exactly what Akari had in store for me. I was a little hesitant because the reviews were kind of a mixed bag. But my spa day was 100% amazing. From the moment I walked in to my massage and the manicure may have been the best manicure I've ever had. The lunch was not served to me in a bag, but put on a beautiful tray with real utensils and served to me like I was a valued customer. Everyone was so kind and I'm hoping to return with my daughter for a special day before she gets married. Thanks for making my birthday very memorable. read more

Ceili is the best. She completely changed my color from gray to a really awesome blond and I'm loving it so much. If you know exactly what you want or you have no idea at all, she can oblige. I was asking for a huge change but I had no idea how to go about it; she guided me through the process and made me look and feel beautiful. As well as being exceptionally talented, she's also really kind, really smart, really wise, and really generous. For amazing color and amazing conversation, I highly recommend Ceili. read more

Akari - My gorgeous new hair color - Nail Salons Near Me - Portland, Maine

I usually don't ever give yelp reviews, but I couldn't not review based on my experience. I've had my hair and makeup done plenty of times in my life and this was by far the best experience I've ever had. I got more compliments on my makeup throughout the night. Annie was amazing a true artist with makeup. She also touched up my hair at the end and did such a great job. I only wish that I lived in Portland full-time so I could get this service done again. Highly recommend for anyone traveling to Portland for a wedding!! Don't go anywhere else. I promise you won't regret it. read more

Akari - Nail Salons Near Me - Portland, Maine

I've been working with Lesley for my facials for quite a while now and she is as gifted as an aesthetician as she is lovely as a human being. I leave her room feeling like my whole soul had a treatment, not just my face. She's also utterly current with new treatments available. Love her, and I've found everyone at Akari to be very helpful and kind. Beautiful space too. read more

I usually don't give Yelp reviews but I had such a poor experience here and I'm really disappointed. The first appointment I had was with a colorist who I booked for a full blonde balayage. She only gave me partial highlights and I left feeling like my hair looked the same as it did when I got there. I contacted Akari for a re-do appointment, which is a part of their policy. Booking was super difficult and the customer service at the front desk wasn't great. I went back to get in redone and now my hair is fried and almost a yellow color. Both times, I feel like neither stylist listened to what I wanted or even gave me a full consultation. They each seemed to be in a rush to get it done and neither stylist tried to ask me questions during my appointment (not about my hair or even trying to chat while I was in the chair). Just left a sour taste and I paid a lot of money to end up with a color I don't like and didn't ask for. Sorry but I won't be back. read more

I have booked two appointments at this salon for a hair cut and both were cancelled the morning of because of stylist unavailability.

I got my hair done by Jonathan and he was great, my hair turned out amazing and exactly what I asked for. Highly recommend!!

An amazing team always a pleasure to connect with the Akari team. The vibe is always inviting and connection between the providers has been pleasant. Amanda has been always extremely passionate about the service she has given always eager to please. I appreciate the time and dedication of this location. Beautiful in Portland read more

Went to Akari 30+ years ago before I left for California. Now back in Maine, I have searched high and low for a new salon and stylist. I should have just immediately called Akari! Needed an emergency fix to my haircut this week and they got me right in. Kelsey listened carefully and gave me exactly what I needed. Search over! read more

Always my go-to for a quick restock of Oribe goldlust dry shampoo - shopping is always easy and I love how helpful and personable their staff are, from front desk to the stylists, always take the time to discuss hair products styles and other helpful suggestions read more

They market themselves as a high end spa but they are everything but high end. This is an overpriced spa with mediocre services. They are dishonest and refuse to admit mistakes. Their costumer service is atrocious. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else!!! read more

This is long overdue. Justina's given me a long bob, some curtain bangs, and we recently started my blonde journey. I landed in Justina's chair after my old hairstylist left Akari. Reception suggested her, so I did what any normal person would do - stalked her work Instagram. I felt like my hair was safe in her hands and the first appointment I had with her was to chop off about 8" for a summer lob. She's since switched to the color team at Akari and helped move my color in the direction I wanted. Your hair decisions don't need to be drastic for her to do an amazing job. If you're ready for a change or a little something to refresh your hair, I highly recommend her. read more

See all

I wanted to love this place- really I did. It's close to where I work, and came highly recommended. I wanted something very simple- a trim and a blowout. The trim was nothing special and not really what I asked for and the blow dry was horrible. Any stylist who has to take a straight iron to my hair is lazy in my book. She was also extremely anti social to the point of rudeness. I felt very self conscious about a 6pm appointment on a weekday. I left here putting my hair in a ponytail and rushing home to fix it with my own products and tools, and generally feeling not great. I won't be back. read more

I've been going to Akari for years for Laser Hair Removal which has been one of my best decisions. Recently I went in for a Microdermabrasion and eye brow wax. I see Megan for all of my services and she is an absolute doll, extremely knowledge, and very professional. I highly recommend Akari and Megan! read more

Akari - Thank you to Megan at Akari! I'm feeling absolutely radiant after my Microdermabrasion session with you. It was so relaxing! - Nail Salons Near Me - Portland, Maine

I went to Akari to get my hair and makeup done for my engagement pictures. I brought in pictures of what I wanted and showed the stylist. Well I ended up getting nothing like I wanted and it really felt like my stylist put in the least amount of effort she could. My makeup was the bare minimum and my curls didn't last longer than an hour. My stylist seemed very lazy and really did not care about what I wanted. It was a really horrible experience and not worth the money. read more

Very accommodating to me upon a last minute request. I was traveling in from NYC and Justina helped fix a haircut from another stylist that left it frayed and unhealthy looking. Her stylist skills are superb, she listened, didn't dismiss my request for bangs... but gave me a modified sexy French looking bang and I love my hair. All other stylist previously have told me no but she thankfully understood my vision. I also mentioned I was on a time constraint and was bummed bc I had wanted a tinted glaze treatment to brighten my dull hair. She offered to add in a special gloss bomb (probably saying it wrong) which took no time but left my hair looking so beautiful. I'm so happy to have met her and will 100% see her again on my my next visit in a few weeks for a trim/cut and blow dry. 5+ Stars. Ps. my Boyfriend also keeps telling me it looks stunning. So that's a bonus :-) read more

I will pledge my allegiance to Zira (color) and Peter John (cut) forever! Every time I see them I feel like I'm visiting friends and it turns a boring chore (highlights and balayage take a long time) into a fun afternoon with friends. They are SO talented, Zira does my hair so that it grows out naturally and I only have to get it done a couple times a year. Peter John is a wizard, he consistently gives me the best haircuts I've ever had and does it in like 15 minutes. I wish I could give 6 out of 5 stars! read more

I have been going to Akari for many years for a number of services: hair cut and color, nails, waxing and more. Every experience I have had with Akari has been beyond pleasant- the staff are always courteous, kind and professional. The setting is gorgeous. The services are top notch. And now, with Covid, Akari continues to provide the best services in an incredibly clean and safe space. The protocols are top notch- all stylists wear masks and face shields and disposable aprons, all clients must wash hands and answer questions about Covid before entering, and, as always , the salon is spotless. It is not inexpensive, but if you want top notch services, a fantastic staff, a beautiful setting and a sparkling clean space, then go to Akari. You won't regret it! read more

Akari is a fantastic hair salon! Jonathan is by far the best colorist I have ever had. His eye for what is the best color processing for an individual is so right on. The time he takes to know his clients is far beyond what anyone expects yet Jonathan gives it with a smile On his face & a so sweet demeanor besides. I recommend Jonathan to everyone who wants the Perfect colorist. You will not be disappointed. read more

I was a client of Akari for a long time. However, over the years I've felt the business has been unraveling at the seams. First off, I never liked that they were always trying SO hard to get attention by parading young women around for their "shows", which included "models" and staff hanging out in the median outside the salon (or in the windows) in cutesy, revealing outfits. I think it's an inappropriate and TACKY way to get attention. That said, the staff are constantly revolving. People who work there come and go and I've not been able to have to same stylists I've grown to like. What's even more frustrating is, the front desk stopped informing me when my stylist quit. They just stuck me with a new girl without even telling me! It made for a very awkward appointment. Because there are ALWAYS new stylists, I felt like I was not receiving the highest level of color and cutting skills that Akari prides themselves on offering. The hair stylists are separated from the colorists. This made it a challenge trying to get an appointment for BOTH cut and color. Not to mention that Akari doesn't work WITH you; they tell YOU when a colorist will see you and when a stylist will see you. I've had to wait around in their store "shopping", wasting precious time in my day. They didn't seem to care if that was inconvenient for me or not. They call the salon a place for "Wellness and beauty", but I have to disagree! Sure they do Botox and massages, but what really set the tone for the environment there was stressed out, unhappy faces. I think, because I had been going there for years, that I thought that must be normal- But it's not. After a while, Akari's heavy mood, pretentious attitude, and cold atmosphere was just too much to take.There are SO many other places in the greater Porltand area with people who are pleasant, value your business, AND give good customer service; Akari is not one of them. read more

I am a massage therapist so I give and receive many massages. The massage I had at Akari yesterday was THE BEST I have ever had. Highly recommend! read more

I'm a late 30s androgynous lesbian who came of age in the punk scene and I've now sold out and have a professional career that doesn't let me have the awesome hair I used to sport, which puts me in the position of wanting a haircut that doesn't get me into trouble but also isn't boring. At Akari I have found a stylist who is amazing at experimental haircuts and always has ideas that are comfortable for my performance of gender. Folks here generally are super nice and professional, the space is lovely, and I cannot say enough nice things. Go here, you will leave looking fabulous. read more

I am from Massachusetts visiting relatives in Saco. I had not cut my hair significantly in many years, however decided to make an appointment with Akari whole I was here. Read the reviews prior and said to myself...what the heck. WOW! Not only is this place gorgeous and chic, but Bonnie my hairstylist was incredible. She is an artist literally and figuratively ( she creates art on the side!) I had a slight idea of what I wanted and she nailed it x10. It came out better than I could have ever imagined. Akari is truly fortunate to have such a professional, fun and talented stylist like Bonnie on their staff. read more

Julie is absolutely amazing! I was in town for a girls weekend and wanted to get my nails done. She did such a great job on my gel manicure that I brought my friend back later that day to have her nails done! Everyone at the salon was so nice and helpful. I cannot recommend Akari enough. Please don't miss an opportunity to get your nails done with Julie! read more

Last minute decision to get makeup done for wedding. Michelle accommodated me. Not only is she super nice and professional, her artistic ability is amazing. - so happy with final outcome! As I was paying, people behind me whispered I looked beautiful. I'm 63 years old and loved all the compliments. Wished I lived closer. Michelle, you rock read more

Rude, bigoted owner. I do NOT recommend this salon! Until last night, I was an occasional client at Akari. I went to their annual party in 2011, brought family members as guests, met my friend and her boyfriend there, and a good time was had by all. I met a very nice stylist and returned to the salon for a haircut (ok, the styling was better than the cut). I have also paid for other services there, and recommended the salon to friends in the past. However, I had a very different experience at their 2012 seasonal event. I RSVP'd weeks in advance and noted I would bring guests (I invited my mother, my boyfriend, and his roommate). At this point, I should say that my boyfriend is an athletic, outgoing, African American man, about 5'11", clean cut. I thought if he liked the place, I might get him a massage certificate for Christmas. I arrived before my guests. When my boyfriend and his roommate arrived, the owner, Alan Labos, would not let them into the salon! Mr. Labos first claimed there were "no boys allowed" although there were several other men in attendance. Mr. Labos then questioned my boyfriend in an aggressive manner about who he was here with. My boyfriend was completely taken aback, but managed to say my name. Mr. Labos then stated that the two guys needed to leave or else they would be escorted out by the police staffing the event. When I learned that my boyfriend had left, I asked Mr. Labos why he had told my guests to leave. He asked "Are you Amber?" and then claimed that the two guys were not on the guest list, and hurried away, completely brushing me off. (When I RSVP'd the employee never asked for guest names, and nobody was taking names at the door. I did not see anyone else turned away.) Despite my past experiences with Akari, I will never recommend this salon to anyone again! There are plenty of other salons in Portland with a kind, welcoming atmosphere. Please do not give this place your business. *Note: I am posting this review on multiple websites, as I think it is important to be an informed, conscientious, consumer. read more

12/29 - spa day with Logan (signature facial for me, 90-minute couples massage together, lunch at the bistro, signature pedicures together) Recommended by our hotel (The Press Hotel), I ignored all huge range of reviews here on Yelp and I'm glad I did. Today was one of the best spa experienced I've ever had. Also, it was my husband's first "spa day" experience and he was very delighted. I started with a facial with Sondra. She was very friendly, delighted to chat with, and open to answering questions the whole time. Afterward, my skin was clearer and brighter than even during my childhood. My husband wasn't interested in a facial, so he lounged, read magazines, and enjoyed hot tea. After my facial, we had a couples massage. I was with Alexandra and my husband was with Lisa. Both ladies were wonderful, friendly, intelligent - the best massage experience I've ever had. After that, we moved to the bistro for lunch, which we ordered before our massage so that it would be ready when we were done. The meal was fresh, tasty, and hit the spot. After that, we moved in for the final part of our day - pedicures. Both of the ladies who worked on our feet were friendly and talented (their names are escaping me right now). Overall, our experience was friendly, supportive, welcoming, and wonderful. The only thing that I wish was different was that prices for products were more clearly labeled and their receipts were itemized. I ended up buying a few products that I knew were expensive (I checked out the company's website afterward), but it would be nice to know how much we spent on everything item by item. The most important thing is that we both had a wonderful time and will definitely be coming back. read more

My sister and I have gone to Akari for a long time because we love their hair stylist Peter John. He always does great work. I recently got married in Ogunquit, Maine and had to have him do my bridal hair and makeup. He was so laid back and easy to work with throughout the whole process. He came to our location and was super professional and efficient. He created a look that was so natural and exactly what I wanted pretty much without me telling him anything. Plus he was very patient with all of my flinching as I am not used to having someone else do my makeup. His positive attitude and great sense of humor are exactly what every bride needs as she is getting ready for her big day. The final product was so perfect. Thank you Peter John!! read more

See all

I am exceedingly pleased with the haircut I received from Ashley! She spent a good amount of time evaluating the vagaries of my particular mane (on the short side to begin with) and engaged me in the process, asking many questions. The end result is like a "voila"! - I couldn't have hoped for more! read more

So where do I begin? I recently moved to Wells Maine from Mass. After being here in Maine and going to a few different high end Hair salons in Portland, I was actually thinking of driving the 3 hours back home to get my hair done! It seemed impossible that I might find talented Hair Stylist that were able to cut and color my hair! After once again searching high and low , looking at reviews , I decided to take another chance ! I booked a Hair cut apt with Peter John . I have only one word, and that this place is EVERYTHING! From the moment I entered through the doors at Akari I was greeted by a very friendly and down to earth gentleman! He greeted me guided me to the receptionist who checked me in , while the guest service gentleman asked me if I would like coffee, tea, water, wine or LUNCH!! Did I hear wine and lunch? Ok , well let's not get to excited I told myself! I was shown around ,and seated in a beautiful waiting area. I didn't wait long and was greeted on time by my stylist Peter John. He was very friendly , warm and in no way pretentious! Just down to earth and made me feel so comfortable! I just loved him immediately! The consultation was everything a consultation with your Hair stylist should be!!! We spoke of designing a cut that would best flatter my face shape and features, he also discussed a style that would best flatter me going forward while I grow my hair out more. You know how after you leave the Salon , you look like a movie star only to go back home and when you wash and try to do it yourself and are left with a version that looks nothing like what you left the salon with ? Well ...a couple days after I washed and took 10 min if that to dry my hair and it looked just as good as when I left Akari! To sum this whole experience up, IT WAS EVERYTHING!!!! I have found my new Stylist and I'm beyond excited and happy!!! Thank you Peter John and Akari Salon ! read more

First time I came here the front desk was a mess and the massage therapist talked my ear off for 90 minutes straight. The second time I came here, I had a mani pedi that took 3+ hours including drying time and not in a good way. I paid approximately $130 for this mani pedi, and it got destroyed. Their excuse was that the nail polish was bad. However, that is no reason to waste your clients time. The whole thing took 3+ hours and was very expensive. I never had such a horrible experience. Not coming back again. I don't recommend. read more

Wow what an amazing place. Walked in and thought it was going to be a little bit snobby but I was so wrong. It's very chic and and the staff are so welcoming. Booked a couples massage and the therapists were incredible. A little expensive but definitely worth the cost. You won't be sorry. Will definitely be back when I'm in Portland again. read more

I have been a patron of Akari for 7 years, getting my hair cut by the same person, as well as chi - hair straightening by others. Akari has a plastic card which you can accumulate "Akari Miles." After so many "miles" of services paid for, a patron can earn a monied reward to spend in the Akari boutique. Recently, I walked from my home to get a haircut, and after the haircut, I asked that the value of the service be put on my card. I was told I needed the card with me, at the time of service, to do that. I said, I can walk home, and phone Akari my card number. I was told that I would not be remembered. Stymied, as my previous chi-hair-straightening had accumulated plenty of Akari miles on its own, I asked for my tip envelope back, took out my tip, and put in its place an Akari business card, with the writing on the back to my stylist, that "I am not a card caring member, and my tip is, that I will not be back." There were around 5 receptionists behind the horseshoe counter as I had this conversation with one of them, while some of the others noticeably pulled faces, with nicely fluffed, curled, or coifed hair and too-perfect makeup suitable to strike a pose, (and only a pose). As I was exiting, the receptionist further offered the unfulfilled plastic opportunity to vapidly waste my time with rhetoric on how to sit and spin properly on the Akari Mileage card. (Seriously!? As if my time were not, in deed, important to me!) It seems to me, -as I have spoken with others who have stalled at the same place at Akari, with the same impotent plastic-mileage-potential, with simultaneous questions running thru their mind (Akari's computer can track my appointments, items purchased, but not a figment of the emperor's clothing card? without the extraneous and deceitful card in hand?) -- that Akari does not identify the real source of value in their business, ie the person, and that Plastic does not make the Person. Or maybe this is the art of pretense, and illusion, and I am just not blind enough to buy-in, and trade my in situ value for plastic (where I am also found unmemorable, unless I am carrying it on my person in certain mindless Akari circles). read more

Overpriced, and the staff more focused on up selling than listening to and making their customer happy. I have been going to Akari on and off for 15 years. I am done. If you go in for a massage, they push a lifestyle coach on you. If you go in for a facial, they try to get you to get a aging assessment. I wind up trying it, and then you are in a situation where you are getting sold on something you are not interested in. It is ingratiating, uncomfortable, and annoying. Very few of the staff are down to earth. Many have a "perfume" of fakeness and arrogance. I go to Boston and NYC regularly and I am amazed by the "airs" at Akari compared to what you get for the $. One girl at Akari seems to spring up everywhere repeating, "you are going to LOVE your results"!!! You might have to have been there - but trust me, she was kinda creepy and insincere. I will miss the space. The architect/interior designer(s) did an amazing job on this space. The people and business philosophy that are in it are slippery and arrogant. Hair isn't a bad deal at Akari, and I haven't had a bad experience with the stylists, but I am done with the atmosphere of the whole place. You can get great cut at several other salons in downtown Portland or near the shopping SoPO and Scarborough. I just got an amazing cut at Bei Capelli. They were down to earth (no fakeness here), no weird pushy upselling, and parking right outside the building. read more

Above and beyond in every single way. My husband booked a spa day for me to celebrate a quick weekend getaway. From the moment we stepped into Akari, the service we received could not have been any better. Mark greeted us and checked us in, and was there throughout the day to make sure everything went well for us. I started with a manicure and pedicure. Lauren was amazing and is very skilled at what she does. My husband had a facial with Amanda and raved it was one of the best he's ever received. We then had great massages with Delia and Anna and I finished with a blowout from Kelsey. The quality of service was excellent and it truly felt like we were able to unwind thanks the the beautiful facilities and the overall service from Mark and his team, thank you! read more

Very expensive manicure especially since there was no hand massage. I noticed the color was streaky after I left and the tips were not painted. Nice staff but not worth all that money. read more

I had an average pedicure that was grossly overpriced ($78 for a basic pedicure). Additionally a $15 tip was added to my bill without my authorization. I wanted to tip but wanted to choose the amount myself. What should have been a nice, relaxing pedicure was ruined by "sticker shock" when I was given a receipt for $93. I do not recommend read more

I have been coming to Akari for five years, mostly for color and occasionally for cuts. I get compliments on my hair often, it looks very natural, and beachy with long loose waves, I've been told several times since I've been going to Akari that I have 'mermaid hair'. Everyone at Akari is super friendly, it's a fantastic salon with a spa like atmosphere, without the attitude that sometimes comes with that kind of environment. Having said that Jeffrey is THE BEST, funny, warm, cute and fun to talk with, plus his balayage is amazing! Akari is so worth the hour it takes me to get there. If you book with Jeffrey tell him you read this review :) read more

Its a nice salon, and the staff is friendly. The location is nice, it just may be a tad pricey for what I am use to paying.