I'm writing this review without ever having had any hair services performed at Black the Salon. This is simply a review of their character, particularly from the manager Mary. Last night my friend and I went to dinner at Iron Horse before going to the Royal Oak theater. Having purchased online tickets in the past, I did not pay attention to the email that said in bold letters "must print tickets to attend". With 15 minutes before showtime, we were in downtown Royal Oak without a printer and had no idea what to do. Black the Salon shares a corridor with Iron Horse, so just on a whim I went next door and explained my predicament to a staff member who promptly referred me to Mary. Without hesitation and with several customers in the salon, Mary took time out of her evening to print my tickets and save the day. She is a rockstar and her staff was equally as welcoming. I'm not sure how well they cut, color, or style hair, but I will definitely be booking my next appointment for salon services with Black because if their talents behind the chair are half as good as their talents in front of it... I know I'll look and feel amazing when I walk out. read more

They say it's either a great review or a bad review that finally gets you to sign up for Yelp. In this case, a bad one, unfortunately. I've given Black three shots now because my husband liked it. My first haircut was pretty good, no complaints. The next visit...I decided to get some color done and made an appointment with a different stylist just based on available times. I got a call an hour before my appointment letting me know the stylist was running behind about 10 minutes. No problem. I thought that was very courteous. So I arrived a few minutes late as told, only the stylist wasn't even at work yet. I waited another half an hour for her to show up. I was worried about the appointment going over, but received no apologies when she arrived. The icing on the cake was that the color didn't even take. The stylist didn't charge me for the appointment, which was the one grace of the day. But I wasted 3 hours and still had to make another appointment. And right now, I am sitting at the salon AGAIN waiting for a third stylist, who is also now over half an hour late to work. Now, there's bad luck and there's bad service, but I'm pretty sure I'm getting equal doses at this salon. Customer service just doesn't seem high priority. I'll think about revisiting my star rating after she redoes my color today, but I already feel stupid for even sitting here. read more

Lynn is a hair genius. I am happily sporting bangs for the first time since the 90's to add some flair to my ho hum work pony tail. She also added brilliant highlights and some perfectly blended layers to give new life to my fine limp hair. The salon is chic, unpretentious and friendly. I'm definitely going back to Lynn the next time I need a hair style too. The client before me walked out with a flawless classic updo. And I walked out smiling with fun beach waves that lasted all day, even though my hair never usually holds curl. read more

I previously had highlights put in at a different salon. I wasn't too happy with them so I went home immediately and used a Clairol kit to try to remedy the situation. Unfortunately, my hair turned pink. Then I made one last attempt to fix the mess by using Just For Men, which turned it even more red. Black the Salon to the rescue. I went to see Jeph, the owner, at the Corktown location. He understands color and has a ton of experience with it. He knew exactly what to do with my carrot top. First he gave me a great haircut, eliminating some of my problem right away. Then, he put his color skills to work to get me that ash blonde with highlights, that I was originally going for. It turned out perfectly. No pink/red hue was to be found, and it looked very natural and stylish. I couldn't be happier with my decision to go to Black the Salon. I will definitely return to see Jeph for my next color and cut. The salon is ultra cool and comfortable too. They offer pretty much anything you want to drink too when you arrive, which is an added bonus. read more

I adore my stylist Lauren and I think she might be a mind-reader. I happened upon Black the Salon out of convenience. I was working in the Washington Square Building at the time and one of the employees came around with free samples and discounts as a promotion. At a new job I was stretched a bit thin financially and happy to try a new salon. It was luck. Lauren has whipped my locks into shape. She is a master at color and at translating whatever style I dream up into an something I can replicate at home. She's not a sales person. No one pushes products at me. But she's happy to answer any questions I have and even teaches me tricks on drying and styling when I ask (I kind of love this stuff). The staff is friendly and I can always get an appointment when I need one, just like Alex D mentioned. I'm a fan of Black the Salon. I'm also a fan of the soundtrack that's typically playing somewhere between my highlights and blow-dry. It's a great, upbeat environment that leaves me feeling relaxed, revived and looking so much better walking out than when I walked in. read more

I don't like reviewing hair salons. I've been burnt many times after I give a good review. It's like a yelp curse or something with them. So, I took it easy on Black for months...but I love them soooo much, I can't keep it a secret anymore. I've had three stylists at Black b/c I generally wait until the last minute to make an appointment. They all are amazing!! Each one has taken so much time and care with me. They listen to what you want, offer suggestions, and execute exactly how they say they will. Black is also the coolest. The girls' hair is all awesome, fun colors and styles. They make me wish I were edgier, but alas, I'm not. I couldn't even handle my eyelash extensions from the evil place whose name I no longer mention. On Saturdays they have a live musician playing cover bands. They definitely have a great hostess who will feed you delightful cups of coffee. I'm sticking with my favorite stylist now. I'm not telling you her name b/c I love her and don't want to share. She is beyond wonderful, and did a great job on color and my cut. I like suggestions, and she gave them after spending a few minutes with me thumbing through books. Anyway, appointments are generally easy to get, prices are on par with a decent salon, and you have super cool people all around you. I really don't think you can ask for more! read more

I normally get my hair cut at Trim in Clawson but I haven't had a really good cut in months so it's time for a change. First, anyone can a cut a young man's hair that is full. My trouble is that I'm 48 and have thinning hair. Second, I just wanted to go to a place that wasn't a "salon" or chicks place but I really didn't know where else to go....I certainly wasn't going to the salon my wife goes too or go to one of those places that may as well be strip joints that cut hair. Well leaving things for the last minute I was out of options...so I checked out yelp and then made an appointment for Black the Salon based on a few guys recommendations with Stephanie Bobryk. Okay, my first impression as I walked by the window to check the place out was that it's a chicks place. I thought about not going but I really was out of options and so I walked in....... This is by my account a nice place but it really has that "salon" feel to it. The receptionist station was in back and although its not a big place, I stood in the entrance waiting for someone to take pity on me and guide me through the cutting stations to the reception desk. This didn't happen and I actually walked back outside to leave.,..when I walked back in (I was out of options and needed a haircut) I walked directly back to the receptionist. I told her that I had an appointment with Stephanie. She checked me in and asked me if I wanted a bottle of water. Then said for me to wait in the waiting area by the front door. The waiting area is up front when you walk in and it consists of a smaller leather couch and a few delicate chairs. Sitting on the couch I felt a little like a display piece for the salon to other men saying, "It's okay for you to be here too" after About 5 minutes it was my turn to get a haircut, Stephanie Bobryk introduced herself and we went to wash my hair. Once done she walked me back up front and again put me at the first chair close to the window...(I'm sure the reader will now have gleamed that I don't like to be in the window) She asked me what I needed and after some chit chat she got right down to business. . . I told her my concern about thinning hair and she understood. After a few minutes I told her that I'm not much for chatting and without blinking an eye, she said "that's Okay, You just play with your phone and I'll just cut your hair" She did a bang up job too. Stephanie is professional and talented and did her best to understand how I felt about being there. I may not have enjoyed the "Salon" experience but the cut was excellent and the price of $30 made me very happy. Don't believe that this is anything other than a "Salon". That being said, if you need a haircut and wait for the last second like me you would be fortunate to get Stephanie Bobryk to cut your hair. Thank you. Marcos read more

The owner Jeph did not once put a mask on the whole time I was getting my hair cut. He also had two clients come in not wearing masks either and did not blink twice. With so many salons working so hard to keep their customers safe, I can't rationalize supporting a salon that clearly doesn't care about my health. Can't help but wonder what other cleanliness standards they aren't living up to... read more

I'm very particular with my hair and you will understand why in the next couple of sentences. I have long, bone straight, thick, natural black, Asian hair and I work in the beauty industry as a hair extension whole sale rep. So I've personally seen many hair snafus in my lifetime of work (over 20+ years of working in the industry). The downfall of being born with great hair is that I can visually see if it's not cut or layered properly. I haven't found a great stylist that understood my cursed blessing until now. From word of mouth I was suggested to go to Black the Salon from a friend. I was greeted by the friendly receptionist and offered a drink. I was then greeted by Pamela who was my stylist for the day. As she washing me up and realize the large mass of hair that's on my head and got really excited. She then asked how much I would like to cut off and etc, and I told her, "Do what you think is best." She went to town. She gave me be a baby trim, fine layering, face framing and thinned out the middle section of my hair to make sure I would have more movement. She gave me a full roller blow out and essentially gave me the best haircut I ever had. For someone that rocks long hair, I usually wait out 2 months between trims. She cut she gave me maintained it's layering for about 4 months. And I was still receiving compliments when I was overdue for a trim. Seriously Pamela rocks and she's making me into a long time client. She's super sweet and friendly, and obviously very talented at hair cutting and styling. And I think she has attachment to my hair because she makes excuses to play with it until her next client comes in. read more

Very nice salon atmosphere and talented staff all for a very reasonable price. Men's cut read more

Jordan is amazing. The results are consistent and perfect. What a place to come to for a transformation of your appearance and boost of self esteem. Yes, a woman & man have confidence enhanced by their heads! It's about time the right group of professionals got together and developed an approach that makes people look and feel beautiful. I cannot thank Jordan and the staff enough. We have had bad cuts, FIXED. We have had pink highlights applied and adored. We have had blond highlights others envy and we just had an ombré that is spectacular. Thank you and please just go Black. I drive 2 hours and YES it is so worth it! read more

I used to be a regular at Black several years ago, but then I moved out of state. I came home for the holidays and scheduled an appointment online. An hour before my appointment, the stylist called and asked me to move the appointment to next week because she was behind. Trust me, I totally understand that feeling, but it felt frustrating. Regretfully, I won't be going back or recommending Black in the future. read more

I don't spend a ton of time in salons. A slowly but surely receding hairline has a lot to do with this. I do, however, enjoy passing on places like Fantastic Sams or Lady Jane's where they fail to realize clippers are not an acceptable replacement for scissors. Needless to say, I've really liked going to Black in recent months. Sara has been cutting my hair for a couple years now and I've made it a point to follow her to any new locations. I have to say this is by far my favorite. Everyone in the salon has been nice and really friendly. I haven't met the owner but I've watched his interactions with his clientele as well as the staff and he seems to have a great grasp on everything. Aside from the great service, the place is always clean and inviting. Highly recommended. read more

I recently had my haircut by Alyse at the Corktown location, but I could only find this page to review, so hopefully that isn't confusing. Alyse did an amazing job. My hair hadn't been highlighted in a year, so it looked a bit ombre, but was unintentional, so she fixed it all up with toner and highlights. I came in with vague ideas, so she pulled up Pinterest and we talked about what I was looking for, with me basically trusting that she'd make it look good. She totally delivered. And I have long, thick hair so it took forever but she never rushed and did everything perfectly. After quite a few hours and a beautiful blowout, I regretted that I only had cash to tip 20% (their boss was sick and wasn't able to bring in any cash that day so I couldn't make change)(PS. They can put it on your card, but they had already run mine) so I wanted to be sure to review, because she did a really beautiful job. Thank you, Alyse, I'll be back next time I'm in Detroit! read more

Very nice salon with a fun, friendly environment. If you're looking for a perfect cut/color, ask for TAI!! she's amazing. She works really hard to get my highlights perfect. I have medium brown hair and I like subtle blonde highlights, more on the ashy side. My hair tends to pull warm but She knows just how to tone them. My hair is thick and wavy and she does an amazing job of cutting it. She's able to keep the volume I want while helping to thin it out enough so it's more manageable. She has a wide array of talents and can work with ANY style or type of hair. I absolutely love her and most importantly my HAIR loves her! read more

PLEASE do not support this business. The owner treats his stylist horribly. He calls the females "c..ts. I had booked an appt with him and he cancelled 2 times. Finally when getting in he gave me the worst hi-lites ever. I was outraged how he talked to his staff. I want my $200 back! read more

I hired Black the Salon for my wedding hair and makeup. I was very impressed with their professionalism and their attention to detail. Everything was a smooth process and they worked hard to accommodate my schedule on the day of and for trials. All my bridesmaids were very pleased with the services and prices. The makeup products were high quality as expected. read more

Since moving to Michigan 2 years ago I've struggled to find a good salon similar to the caliber I was used to in Los Angeles. I've been to several and have never been quite satisfied with my cut, color or service. After making an appointment with Jeph based on a recommendation from my friend - I think I've finally found my place! I was warmly greeted by the staff, and both Jeff and his assistant were very knowledgeable and took time with me to talk about what I wanted. I decided to go a bit darker than usual, and was nervous about having black/purple hair. I am so thrilled with the color and Jeph's expertise. I'll definitely be back and highly recommend this salon to others. read more

NOTE!!!! 1. STAY AWAY from the so called "stylist" AMIRA FRANKLIN!! 2. DON'T U DARE FALL SICK & CANCEL APPOINTMENT - they will make your life a living hell! 3. FORGET ABOUT ever getting a REFUND, especially if they promise to refund your amount - it's all a SCAM! I had been to 'Black the Salon' about 4-5 times, always for a blow dry, and the results were great (well, coz how hard can a regular blow dry be?). Thinking they really knew what they were doing, I went in to get a handful of my greys covered on a Friday (again, supposed to be a piece of cake!). They picked out the stylist 'AMIRA' to get the job done and that was when the - WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE really began!! She seemed to have done a decent job, but when I went to a party later that night, my girlfriends pointed out that they could literally see a bunch of grey hair at the back of my head. I called the salon the first thing Saturday morning to come in for a fix, but they said they didn't have anything available on Saturday and that they were closed Sunday and Monday. So they gave me a time slot on Tuesday. Unfortunately, I fell sick and had to cancel on tuesday so I rescheduled for thursday. When I called in to confirm my appointment on thursday, the lady on the phone messed up and call it a misunderstanding or not, they gave away my time slot to somebody else. When I patiently asked for the next available time slot, out of the blue AMIRA grabs the phone and tells me I messed up her schedule the last time I cancelled (how dare I fell sick!?!). After giving me a hard time about my ONE and ONLY Cancellation, she went on the defensive saying that it wasn't her fault that the the color didn't penetrate my greys (Yes it's her fault and no I never blamed her in the first place). My husband standing right in front of me was shocked how rude she was and how patient I was being with her bullshit attitude. When I told her to give me an appointment to get it fixed, she straight away refused and told me that if I complained to her boss, the owner, would be even more rude than she was - literally telling me to back off (again, all her words, I never even mentioned escalating it to her boss). Worst of all - in the end she herself offered to refund the charges for my completely ineffective hair color appointment, and I gladly said yes - but guess what happens when I check my account 2 months after the episode - STILL NO REFUND!!! It's not about the petty amount, god has blessed me with plenty - it's about the fact that this hot shot salon had to stoop so low as to literally STEAL MY MONEY after all that they made me go through. A NOTE to the Owner - I'm not even sure if you were ever aware of this incident happening somewhere in January, 2015, but if you did - the least you could have done was to call up an apologize and refund my money when your staff promised they would. Unless ethics and decency is not something that's required to work at BLACK. I was a loyal customer until AMIRA (literally the RUDEST person I have EVER encountered in my life) showed her true colors of people working behind BLACK's closed doors. I'm obviously never returning, and I will truly continue to ask all my friends and colleagues to stay away from your doors. read more

I went here for my hair and makeup trial for my wedding. I chose it based upon its high Yelp reviews and had never been there before. I met with a woman that did both my hair & makeup and explained what i wanted: for the makeup, a natural look (so I still looked like "me") that played up my eyes. For my hair, I asked that it have natural waves, much like the stylist's own hair. Like other places I've been to, you can't see your makeup being done until it's finished. She asked me about false eyelashes, and I told her to use her discretion, as I'd never worn them before. After she put them on, I couldn't see clearly out of both of my eyes (my vision was partially blocked). I told this to the makeup artist, and she said that it was normal & that they would settle after a while. When it was finally time to look, I was speechless. I looked nothing like I thought I would--I certainly did not look natural. I thought that maybe I just had to get used to the look, and we proceeded to do my hair. She curled my entire head into ringlets and said that it would settle into waves after some time. By the time it was over and I was paying the $130.00, I felt so self-conscious and embarrassed I raced out of there and went home. When I walked in the door and my fiancé saw me, I burst into tears. I felt like I had just thrown money out of the window and ended up scrubbing my face within minutes. I'm not sure if my experience would have been better if I had brought pictures with me or not, but I had another hair and makeup trial done a week later at another salon in Royal Oak giving that stylist the exact same information, and the results were completely different--the results actually reflected what I told the stylist I wanted. Everyone I spoke with at Black the Salon was very nice and friendly, but I can't say that the stylist really listened to me and my description of what I wanted. I feel like I wasted a lot of money and would not return to this business. read more

This review is all about Sarah. I came here as a referral from a friend because I liked her color. I have dark brown hair and wanted to go blonde. I also wanted to get a new hair cut. I have really difficult hair. Its really thick, course wavy hair. Not a lot of people know how to work with this type of hair. Sarah is the best stylist I have ever had. She gave me the hair I always wanted. I am so freaking happy I found her and I go to her from now on. She listens to what you want, tells you if its possible and then works her magic. love her! love this place. I am 40 years old and this is the fist person who actually did a perfect job! read more

I moved to the area a couple of months ago and was in desperate need of a coloring. I scheduled an appointment with Natasha and hoped for the best. I was NOT disappointed! Natasha did a great job and got a great color out of it. She was really nice and fun and so was her assistant. I will definitely be back! It was moderately priced for a regular full service salon, neither on the low nor the high side. The salon was pretty packed that day but everything was done within a really reasonable time frame. The only drawbacks in my opinion, are that there is only metered parking (not the salons fault, but it sucks if you don't normally carry change) and that the salon doesn't let you put the tip on a card so I had to use the atm. Either way, I loved my hair and I will definitely be back. read more

I've been going here for quite a while now, and even though I've always had the same stylist (Lauren) and can't speak for everyone else, from what I've seen, I would say that everyone working here is very friendly, very talented, and certainly some of the best in the area. I would definitely suggest giving them a try if you're at all remotely unhappy about your current salon - or even just itching for a change, now that spring is in the air. read more

I really like the environment... And because of that I kept giving it a chance... But not so good experiences there... Not the best salon.

I am in michigan visiting for a couple months (well recovering from surgery) and well it was time to get my roots done and I felt like a little change. I love my hairdresser in IL, however I wanted someone else to take a look and give their opinion as well. I Facebooked a note to friends and Black came up as a recommendation from a friend who knows Jeph (owner/stylist), so I made an appointment. The staff is friendly and extremely accommodating to my 'visit'. Jeph did a thorough consultation with me and made me very comfortable with what we decided to do. I was so happy with my cut color and Blow dry, I will be seeing him again! The staff and clientele were all smiles and professional. Go check out this place for yourself, you will be happy! read more

I am sad to be leaving my hairstylist, Bri Firsten. She is the ONLY person I've ever trusted to dye my hair! I am brunette and other stylists in the past have told me f i wanted balayage highlights they'd have to use bleach. This is not true! Bri has an art background and is very knowledgable when it comes to color. She taught me that bleach is not needed if you have minimal damage to your hair. She used a product called "Highlift" on me which is very low maintenance and lasts months because it's permanent color. She knows her products well and already has a plan of what she's going to do before you come in (if she's seen you before ). Color is appropriately priced at Black unlike other salons. Only costed me $75 for my bayalage. Other salons in the area charge you a base of $100 for bayalage. Black only charges you on the products used. Bri will also not chop all your hair off if you are trying to grow your hair long! Hair cuts are a little pricey here but comparable to the area. I love Black because it's easy to make appointments and the salon isn't chaotic. I never have to wait! All of the staff are very polite! Overall I highly recommend Black for their talented stylists and reasonable pricing! I've only been to Bri so I can't speak behalf on everyone, but she is amazing! Easy to talk to and very intelligent! She works at the Cork town location earlier in the week, and RO in the later half of the week. Check out her Instagram page @ bbybrita1n to see her work! One last tip, be sure to check in on Yelp for a $5 off coupon! read more

BlacktheSalon - Royal Oak - Highlift carmel balayage - Hair Salons Near Me - Royal Oak, Michigan

See all

Best haircut I've ever had! Jeph skills are unbelievable! Will definitely keep coming back for my trendy haircut

Unfortunately had to leave this place and immediately get my color fixed. Most people may have complained and got it fixed there, but I think spending another $150 to get it fixed elsewhere was the better choice. Will not be back. read more

I was just looking through my wedding photos from 2011 and decided I should write a review about this fabulous place! Myself, my 5 bridesmaids and my mother and mother in law all got their hair and makeup done at this salon before my wedding next door at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. It was a perfect location since the wedding was right next door, but they were also an amazing salon to work with. They made room for all 8 of us and we could bring in snacks and champagne and anything else we wanted for a little pre-party! They stylists were all super modern and edgy so there were no frumpy looks going on in my wedding. All the looks turned out perfectly and we had a great time hanging out there for a few hours! Great way to start out a wedding day! read more

Bri and Gabby are some of the best in the biz. Set up an appointment with either, you won't be disappointed!

I went to Black the Salon for the first time recently. Jeph was my stylist and I was so disappointed. He did not listen to what I wanted and was cutting 5 other individuals hair at the same time. Jeph also colored my hair and I told him I did not want any red or highlights - and I left with bright red highlights. Would only recommend this salon to my enemies. read more

Loved the salon! Erica was my stylist and she did a great job! I got balayage highlights. she was focused the entire time and knew what she was doing. Cant wait to go back to the salon for my next visit :) read more

The experience I had at this salon was really positive. I'm based in NYC and decided to take advantage of my summer trip to Michigan to score a deal on a new do. My interactions with salons are pretty limited...this is only the second time I've ever had foil highlighting done. With that said, Stephanie worked on my hair. She was experienced, confident and open to hearing the ideas that I had for my look. Afterwards, and what I probably appreciated the most, was her willingness to discuss products fit for my hair (curly, a bit coarse) without pushing any of it on me. It was nice to be comfortable discussing products without feeling like the other person is trying to make a sale. I'd recommend her, and probably everyone else at this salon. They were professional and super nice. read more

Recently had an awesome experience at Black the Salon. Natasha completely changed my style (chopped off probably almost 10 inches of hair) and I love it. Not only that, she was professional and quick. The salon is very well-kept and everyone else being serviced on the same night as me seemed to be leaving satisfied as well. The only con is that the location involves you finding a place to park (and then paying to park) in downtown RO. I would definitely recommend the salon and Natasha, in particular. read more

I have gotten my hair cut and styled from Janine the past three years on and off. The reason for the off is because I currently live in Virginia and visit back home to Michigan every now and then. This is my go to place for getting my haircut when I come back home. Every time I have gone to Black, my hair has consistently looked amazing. In the past, before Janine, my hair always got extremely poofy at the bottom due to many previous haircuts with layers. Now, my hair grows out and still looks beautiful. I have never received so many compliments before Black. Janine is wonderful and sweet. It's always great speaking with her and she takes a genuine interest in what you have to say as well. I will keep coming back when I'm home! :) read more

LOVE IT! Come and see the hot manager Kady and have Sarah cut your wigg! She is the best! Jeph has done an amazing job with this joint! Great experience EVERY time! It helps that they booze me up too! read more

I have been coming to black for years now. I heard of Tash from a family member. When I first decided I wanted Bettie bangs, i knew she was my girl. She is hands down the most talented hair stylist out there. She listens to what you want, but also throws in her expertise. She slays my hair EVERY time. I've gotten blow outs from other stylists in the salon. Sarah, Paige and Trish are also amazing! Paige is the queen of eye brows. I love all of the assistants there as well. Jessica and Ciara are my favorites! It seems they have hired quite a few new front desk staff. I overall haven't been super happy with them. Every time I check out it takes them 15 minutes to figure out how to either split credit card payments or use my reward points. Kind of annoying since I go there multiple times a month. The newest girl Tiesha(unsure of name) was very rude and unprofessional. When I told her I was there for an appointment she just stared at me like I was an idiot. She didn't offer to take my coat or anything. My only suggestion is to train the front staff better. I feel like I always have to grab Jessica or Bri to show them what to do. read more

Just got my hair cut here a few days ago. It is a very welcoming atmosphere, not pretentious, good prices, and nice people. Janine cut my hair and it is honestly the best haircut I have had in a very long while! She sat down with me and talked to me about what she was going to do for about 10 minutes before we actually started the cut. She clearly loves her job and has a gift! Definitely check her out! read more

What a great place!! I was a little nervous about trying out a new stylist, but she made me look beautiful. Super cool place with a cool vibe and the staff was friendly. Best haircut, color and style...thanks Natasha! read more

Great service by Katie and she was very helpful with tips and styling ideas. Will go back for a trim of my new pixie cut.