Being a guy that is hooked on the Aveda culture, I was not disappointed in my visit. Whenever I travel, I find a local Aveda salon and in Anchorage there are three choices. After looking online at all three salons, being able to easily book online was the deciding factor to go to Darae's and I am glad I did. The Aveda Experience began the moment I drove into the parking lot. There where guest parking signs everywhere, the sidewalks perfectly shoveled, when I walked through the door I was hit with the scents of pure Aveda and immediately greeted and given an Aveda mint hot tea. Having been a fan of Tabitha's Salon Takeover and being a culture consultant, as I viewed the room and the different areas, they were hair free, dusted, the shelves look well maintained, and all the staff presented themselves as professionals. My personal stylist, Loraine, was great host to the experience. She was attentive to my exactness in what I wanted (yes I am that guy...), did not rush the massage, and spent a lot of time on my hair allowing me to give my thoughts throughout the journey. She was going to do a hot towel facial (by request) but we ran out of time. Not knowing when I'll be back to Anchorage I did not book my next appointment but my next appointment will be here. If you have never had the Aveda Experience, this is the place to come. read more

See all

Didn't listen to what I requested for my hair cut and cut it way too short Charged me 25; dollars to remove gel polish Would not recommend read more

made an appointment while at last cut. Was given a card with date and time ( still have the card ) Showed up today. They had no idea why I was there. Wouldn't get me in Insisted I come an other day. In this traffic? Asked me....did you cancel ...?( how insulting ) After years and years here. It's taken a s#it since it's no longer Darae's I'm looking for another place. This doesn't deserve my business or generous tips. read more

Went in for eyebrow wax. Laura was clearly inexperienced and didn't know how to work with a brow's natural arch. Lovely building interior, but that's about it. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. read more

I have gone here for years and have always experienced quality service and great Aveda products. Additionally, it's clean, they have nice music and tea, the stations are spread out well, and there is space to park (not every salon has parking). I appreciate this business. read more

I will say this was more like a 3.5 score, but I don't have that option. I am on the hunt for a new salon after my stylist of 5 years no longer just does hair cuts without a color treatment as well. That being said I took to Yelp and found Darae's and saw the great reviews. It being close to home with late hours was a plus. I had gone here the night before for a wax, but the esthetician was gone for the day so I booked for a cut and wax the following day. No problem! The girl at reception was very friendly. The day of my appointment I was still greeted by a friendly gentleman at reception. I took a seat and waited. My brow wax was first and when she came to collect me I honestly felt I was being judged by the looks she was giving me. I do work in a warehouse and I'm not stylish following work as I'm comfortable in a T-shirt and jeans at work. I don't know if that was the case or not. She didn't ask me how I liked my brows at all, just set to work. I will say the wax was fairly painless as some I've had in the past feel like my face was being ripped off. She was meticulous and did them pretty well. A little thin for my plus sized face, but I can fix them with a pencil. My stylist then collected me and she was okay. She kind of looked at me oddly as well in the same judgmental manner. She didn't talk, except to ask me what I wanted, which is fine because I hate painful small talk. I asked for 2" cut off, cleaning up my layers and in a V shape. She took off a lot of hair. A bit more than 2" if you look at my before and after. Yes she curled it, but even straightened it's still shorter than my original request (my hair used to cover my chest). A lot of people rave about the Aveda products and how great they smell. They're not for me, personally. The products used were a bit too "natural" or "organic" smelling for me. I'm more for fruity and floral smells. But that's just a personal preference. It was $78 for the wax and cut. I did a cash tip and was kind of looked at funny, but $20 was all I had. I don't know if it was because it was too little or not. Either way the whole trip felt awkward for me and I don't know if I'd return. read more

I got my hair cut here a long time ago and let it grow since. Been feeling kinda down in the dumps lately so I decided to try and set an appointment for a haircut. I called two weeks in a row and couldn't get in on the day I could manage with work during the week, but finally I called super early first thing when they opened during the week and set an appointment for Saturday at 2:30pm. I even confirmed it via text a day in advance. Well the day comes, I get a nice outfit on, go drive over to the side of town that the salon is on, grab a coffee and am waiting for my appointment time. They call me about an hour before I'm supposed to be there and tell me they scheduled over me, can't get me in until Tuesday the following week, which I can't do because of work. Such a disappointment, it was so hard even trying to book with them and the day of to be canceled on was a real bummer and a waste of gas. I will not be trying to get services from them again in the future. The only saving grace was the worker on the phone was polite to me and very apologetic. read more

Called for a last minute appointment and was able to get in with Maddy. She gave me a great cut and the scalp massage was so relaxing.

Wonderful environment and happy, busy people! Good products. Lots of light, online booking. I see Aimee and she is fantastic and does a wonderful head massage. Aveda products are really good. read more

Brilliance Salon and Spa - Hair Salons Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I have to admit my first time coming here was not a huge success, but my second time was great with requested results! My stylist changed to Nina and I was so thankful I gave this salon a second shot. She guided me through the process of what I wanted and it came out just as I wanted, with a correction of my previous colorings. Thank you thank you, will definitely be back! read more

Danae's was fantastic. I wanted to do a certain color with my hair and the stylist was concerned that it would be much too damaging. She brought over two other stylists so we could talk through what could and couldn't be done and get to something else I would like. I also wanted a new cut and my stylist Laura did such a great job making it look exactly like the cut I wanted. I haven't been this happy with my hair both from a new color and cut perspective in a long time. And, I was even able to re-create the style on my new cut the next day on my own. Thanks you guys, I am so happy. read more

This day spa / salon is very eclectic. The aroma of Aveda products in the air immediately relaxes you. They serve you a small cup of hot tea and a hot towel when you sit down to wait for your appt. The employees are friendly, and the services they provide are A+! Decent priced, and if you aren't satisfied with your service, they will do whatever it takes to make sure you are satisfied. I had a wax service and realized it wasn't done correctly. When I called Darae's, they brought me back in and fixed it free of charge with NO attitude. Very pleased overall. read more

Ok, my updated score is solely based on Darae, the owner of Darae's, calling me to explain and apologize for what happened when I went for the pedicure and massage. As explained above, I left Daraea's with a bad taste in my mouth given the receptionists failure to explain or apologize for why my appointment was skipped. A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from the owner who was apologetic, explained what happened, and sent me a gift certificate for a spa pedicure. Before using said gift card, and in full disclosure to any readers, I wanted to update and say that the phone call alone gave me reason to pause and reconsider Daraes as a viable option for spa services. So, now that the explanation is out of the way, I feel happy giving them another try. I'll keep you posted. read more

I went to Darae's only once, over two years ago, but it still is a sore memory. I shake my head every time I drive by the salon, and wondered why I wasted the money there. I found them online, and perused their website for prices. I had never been waxed before, and wanted to get a full leg wax. When I spoke with the girl on the phone, I repeated the price I saw online and it was confirmed. I show up to the salon, and the receptionist was dismissive and haughty. My appointment started late. The girl who I saw was nice, but completely missed entire areas of my leg -- something I did not notice until well after I got home. Spending well over $100 for a leg wax, and realizing there was still sections of hair left -- that really ticked me off. Then, when I went to pay, the price was at least $20 more than what was published on the website, and the receptionist (who was still giving me attitude), brashly asked how much tip I wanted to leave. I've worked in customer service over ten years, and I have far more sense than to snarkily vocalize a tip request to a customer. What the hell? Needless to say, I've since found a much better salon to patronize, and always mention my bad experience at Darae's to friends who are considering spa treatments. read more

I recently moved back to Anchorage & visited Darae's & it was outstanding! Just as it was three years ago when I lived here. From the moment you walk in the smell is so fantastic & calming! The receptionist was helpful & friendly. The stylist Pachee was equally wonderful! She listened & went above and beyond in her consultation & gave me her honest professional opinion in moving forward. I definitely recommend this Salon & couldn't be happier with the excellence in customer service I received. Such a terrific thing that after a few years you can come back to a salon that still has exceptional service and gives attention to detail. That isn't an easy thing to do in this day & especially given all the changes with Covid. Thanks Darae's staff! read more

If you have short hair or are ready to take the plunge and take off your long locks you MUST see Amy here. She is amazing with short cuts, I recently moved to TN and had a trim by someone down here and I ended up crying in the chair because she totally butchered it! If I could afford it, I'd fly Amy down to me just to cut my hair! I've had long hair for a very long time and it's one of my best features so I had serious anxiety about cutting it short. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the front desk staff truely understanding my aprehension and setting me up with someone who would be the best for what I wanted and not just whomever was available (unlike the un-named butcher shop I went to here in TN). The atmosphere is fantastic too, super clean and relaxing. read more

I've continued to be happy with my stylist, and when she had to take a leave from work for several weeks, the stylist she referred me to was very nice and did a great job on my cut and color. In fact, I loved the cut! I've noticed, too, that a short head massage was added to the hair wash at each appointment. Finally, when a product I needed was out of stock, I actually received the call I requested informing me when the new shipment had arrived. For those reasons, I'm adding a star to my rating. read more

Aimee does great cuts & color. I used to go to her at a salon in wasilla & I followed her here when she moved to anchorage. The salon is very warm & welcoming. Everyone's friendly & all the employees seem to get along really well, which is nice. I look forward to my visits here. read more

Brilliance Salon and Spa - Hair Salons Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I've been going to Janelle since 2012. I've been summer blonde, honey blonde, strawberry blonde. Bangs no bangs. Giselle layered hair long super short hair. Whatever it is I want Janelle can do it. She has also made every look even better. Love her and I love the salon. read more

GREAT SALON. Is more expensive than most but is well worth it. I got my nails done last week and the experience was so great that I'm getting a hair cut tomorrow. The employees were really what made the salon so awesome, all SO very friendly, and I've seen a ton of good reviews on hair cuts so I know I'm in good hands!!! :) It is obvious that you must know your stuff to work there! read more

Darae's Salon has great colorist and hair stylist. I had been looking for a new Stylist after my gal left after 10 years. Laura or Kristen are awesome (take their time). I would highly recommend making your next appointment with Darae's - I also love their customer service - very professional. read more

I didn't have such a great experience. I "won" a massage in a drawing but when I arrived the massage had tuned into a skin care consult and a percentage off any product I bought. The "consult" was lame and I could have picked out product on my own. Then my hair cut....not a disaster but not great. I'm used to aveda salons that give great cuts and awesome style afterward. I got neither. I put my hair in a ponytail as soon as I left and got my hair cut again 4 weeks later. While the salon was clean and carried lots of products I love, it's a far cry from the aveda salons in the lower 48. read more

Showed up for the 9am appt I booked online only to be told they had no record of the appt. They offered to fit me in at 2:15 that afternoon for highlights and "maybe" they'd have time for there haircut. No thanks. Receptionist never offered to call if they had a cancellation, etc. Last time having anything to do with this place. read more

Great haircuts and a variety of other services. Employees are super helpful and friendly. It's a bit more expensive than what I'd normally pay, but I've had a hard time finding what I want in Anchorage and Darae's delivers. Kristin is great for hair and Laura did an outstanding job waxing. One note: While I have had no issues with the online booking system, I've heard that sometimes it doesn't work. Luckily they are great to work with on the phone as well. read more

I have been visiting Darae's every month for the last four or five years to get my hair cut. I have had nothing but excellent service here. I am always greeted and offered a warm towel and tea when you come in for my appointment. Excellent haircuts for men! read more

I was in Anchorage for the weekend with my kids while my husband was attending a conference. I wanted to do a spa date with my 4 year old daughter but we didn't plan far enough ahead to book somewhere that I could research better. Darea's was able to book us on short notice and they were patient when I got lost and was late for our appointment, which was a relief. However, my daughter was whisked away to a seperate room before I could even tell them what I wanted for her haircut (she has the most beautiful long hair) and I was anxious during my haircut because I was afraid they might cut off all her hair at her request without consulting me. They didn't, thank goodness! But, she did get a crooked, sub-par hair trim that I paid a hefty price for and could have done better myself. Which I will have to, because I have to fix it now. We've had better cuts from the SmartStyle at WalMart. As for my haircut, I was unimpressed with the products and the cut. If I am going to pay $100 for two kids haircuts and a women's haircut, I sure as heck expect the stylist to know how to evaluate, cut and style my hair! While the ladies were pretty good with my kids, it was not the shared experience I was looking forward to. read more

Two experiences over 2 months: 1. $50 haircut, took 15 minutes including wash and style. I left the salon feeling like a wet mop (hair still soaked and pathetically styled) and appalled that I paid $50 for a Supercuts cut. 2. Lash extensions, I have been getting them for 18 months and I am new to the area so have been trying to find the right place. Took 2 hours, I literally had the sensitive skin below my eye torn off with glue attached to the sticker. My lashes look like they were rolled in cotton after the procedure and a week later still look that way. The skin under my eye was red and inflamed and burned for weeks and my lashes are already pathetically thin again after 9 days. $170 to be tortured and have terrible looking lashes? NEVER AGAIN! read more

Getting lots of compliments on my hair. Janelle does a great blonde. Just a heads up though be prepared for the cost. Ombré highlights on shoulder length hair and a cut......$302.00!! read more

I took my grandson for his first haircut here. The gals were super sweet and patient with him. I wish I remembered our beautician's name - she had a tattoo on her forearm - something about be wild? She was awesome. I was hesitant about bringing a not-quite-two-year-old to an adult salon, but it worked out perfectly. Thanks, ladies!! read more

Nice to have found a great place to get a basic manicure. Ena is wonderful - pleasant and attentive and I am amazed how long the manicure lasts -almost two weeks. I would highly recommend this salon. As a side note I referred my man friend for a hair cut and he is very pleased and will go back for a 2nd cut. read more

I love this place - I was a customer of J Baxter's Salon in Anchorage for over 15 years always had the best service and my hair done by Karen - owner was the best. When Karen became ill I started to use Janelle - What gift I was given she is the best of the best and now she has moved to Daraes since Karen past away. Janelle has the sweetest personality but her experience in hair is outstanding. If you go to Daraes ask for her. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Janelle for careing and knowing how to provide the best service- and my husband and work always tell me after I see how pretty and helaty my looks. Val read more

I was new in anchorage and was looking for a place to get my hair done I found this place while driving. Worst mistake I every made!!!! Me and my sister made appointments, I wanted my blonde bangs touched up and she turned them orange and my sister wanted her hair cut and they took off about 7 inchs more than she wanted and it looked so choppy like a 2 year old cut it. I went back the next day to fix my bangs and I wasn't even sent back to the same stylist it was a different girl and she also didn't know what she was doing and on top of it they all had horrible attitudes. I mean come on people how hard is it to bleach bangs. That whole salon sucks they should be shut down nobody in that salon have any skills or talent for cutting hair. read more

I was looking for a salon that had the shellac extended nail polish. I called this salon and yeah they told me they had it! As they are an Aveda salon I had high expectations. When I arrived the place is very nice, welcoming me with hot tea and a warm towel, unfortunately that's where it ended. I had also specified an express pedicure and manicure as I had limited time to make my company holiday party. The pedicure was fine nothing special which I assumed was because it was the express service, no problem it looked good. Then when it was time for the shellac manicure...uhhh. After two hours and three attempts having to scrape my nails and repeatedly soak them in acetone the girl did not know how to apply the shellac. I finally gave up and had regular polish applied. Though very disappointed and worried about the health of my nails after the repeated soaking in acetone I was relieved to be done after nearly three hours and now late for my party. I went to pay and get out if there when the owner said I wouldn't be charged for the manicure...good I thought. So I paid for my pedicure and remindef them that I had requested the express pedicure. I paid and left....finally. However after all that I wasn't done. Thirty minutes later the salon called and said that there was confusion and the nail girl said I'd received the full pedicure. I was shocked!! Not only was this pedicure not anywhere near what I'd received previously at an Aveda salon (some $25 places have longer pedicures) but after the hassles with the manicure and not being able to provide a service they stated they offer, I was appalled to be asked to pay an additional charge! One thing is for sure, I will not ne going back to this salon. This is the first review I have ever written, but this experience warranted a response! read more

I have never had a bad experience here. In fact, after I discovered it for it's great waxing services (well priced and very professional) I booked appointments for my hair, pedicures, and even massages. I also recommend it to everyone i know, the staff is incredibly nice, the services are great, and they use Aveda products. I absolutely love Daraes. read more

The salon is clean and fresh feeling and the staff were all very friendly. I like that you are greeted with a warm cup of tea or coffee to enjoy while you wait for your appointment. I only had to wait about two minutes so service was prompt. Happy with both my haircut and brow wax. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was because the price was a bit higher than I thought it should be but other than that everything was wonderful. read more

Decided to give this place a try after reading good reviews. I went for a full brazillian. My general experience there was good, and I left happy. Until about 2 days after my wax that I noticed stubble. This is not normal (for me at least). It had been about 2 months since my last wax, so I know my hair was not in different stages of growth. Being an esthetician myself, I know it was because the pulls were not correct or the wax was bad. I chalked up the experience as oh well, Ill get over it. About 6 days after, I am covered in ingrown hairs! Itchy and painful, and I am not one to experience ingrowns. This was by far the worst wax I have ever had that has left me discomfort days after the service was provided. I usually do not write reviews, but I am not happy with the result at all. Not only am I extremely uncomfortable, it is also just a horrible, ugly sight to see. A brazillian wax is supposed to produce a clean look, not leaving you with hair and bumps just a week after. read more

Their hours are posted as 10-8. I showed up to purchase some product befor 7pm and the door was locked even though all of the lights were on. No one answered when I knocked on the door. If they're going to close early, the least they could do is post a sign or something. I'll have to purchase my Aveda products elsewhere. read more

I have been growning my hair out for the past two years with the intention of donating it to Wigs For Kids again. I met Kirsten and told her exactly what I wanted her to do - make multiple small pony tails and cut them off close to my scalp and give me a short hair, haircut with what was left. She pulled my hair back in a small 4-5" pony tail and began to cut it (it takes pony tails of 10" to donate). I pulled away and kindly corrected her twice as what to do and what was required by the company. She ignored what I said and cut my hair the way she had set out. She then gave me another two smaller pony tails apx 3-4" to donate with 70% of my hair still on my head but now also too short to donate. If she had just given me a bad haircut I wouldn't complain. But, I explecitly told her (3x in total) what to do and what I needed for donation and she did the opposite leaving me unable to donate my hair. After the haircut she asked me how it was and I again explained that this was not what I had told her I needed and she nonchalantly said, sorry for the misunderstanding, quickly followed by a "would you like some product." I have had good experiences & haircuts at Darae's in the past but was completely blown away with this afternoon. read more

I always look over reviews before choosing an establishment. When I saw great reviews for Daraes I was excited to try it, and I was not disappointed. Walking through the door automatically relaxed me and boosted my mood. The aroma wafting through the place was fantastic. The Aveda tea they hand out is absolutely delicious. My massage therapist, Cassandra, came to great me before proceeding to the room. The room smelled great, was cozy, and had soft relaxing music playing in it. Cassandra gave me the best professional massage I've ever received! She was very attentive to my body and found problem spots that I wasn't even aware of. She took her time and I never felt like she was trying to rush through areas (unlike some massages I've had before). When the massage was over and I was dressed she was waiting on the landing for me to go over the massage. Cassandra walked me down to the receptionist and wished me a good day. Such excellent service here! read more