I haven't lived in the Portland area in about 10 years so when I moved back I had to find a new place to get my haircut. A friend recommended I try Dathan Hunter Salon so I stopped by and checked it out, it's in a great spot in the downtown area, there is parking nearby and some of my favorite shops too. The salon was modern and clean and they had adorable dogs so I made an appointment with Ilyana. I ran a little late for my appointment but they forgave me, I enjoyed the experience and Ilyana did a fantastic job picking up where my previous stylist left off and my hair looks better than ever. I made my next appointment before I left and am delighted to have found a new spot for getting all prettied up. read more

I stay part-time in Maine during the year. I needed to find a salon that I felt comfortable with. I found it. I'm so happy with my first cut from Dathan Hunter Salon. Ilyana is a natural. She told me exactly what she was doing as she cut my hair. How considerate of her. She took her time and nailed the style. She gave me great instructions on using a diffuser with curl-defining cream. (It's a great product, it was not a hard sell) I would have never thought to try it on my very straight hair. The scalp massage with shampoo felt amazing! There were other women in the salon, I was very impressed by their color and cuts. I have several acquaintances who use this salon. Their hair always looks great. The salon has a nice vibe, it's clean and stylish. Dathan and Ilyana are warm and friendly. It was a pleasure to get a cut. The shop is very convenient to the ferry if you live on the islands. A big plus for me! The price was reasonable. read more

I have been on the fence about writing this, but I am so genuinely unhappy and I don't want other people to lose a lot of money on a hair style they didn't ask for. I'm torn because Dathan and his daughter are very nice, and genuinely creative people. Also, the hair doesn't *look* bad. It's just simply not what I asked for - at all. So here's what happened: Dathan's daughter worked on my head and her dad popped in to help, here and there. I wanted to go from my virgin dark brown to a balayaged honey blonde. I gave a price that I was not willing to go over, and I was charged over $200 beyond that pre-discussed limit. I was told it was impossible to do what I wanted in the time I wanted it, but wasn't given any possible solutions as a follow up to that "impossible". I own a business, and if I am presented with a challenge, I will voice the challenge... AND the possible solutions. I wasn't given possible solutions. I said multiple times I know my hair, and know that it pulls light quickly. But I was told that my hair can change in the 7 years since I last had it done. Okay, fine. I went in twice. Once for the initial bleach, and again the next day to tone it. When I went in for toning, I asked for the money pieces to frame my face, because there was dark brown framing my face to my chin, and as my photos showed, I wanted blonde in front of my face. When Dathan's daughter put in that bleach, it gave the EXACT tone and quality I wanted in 2 hours (which I was told was "impossible".) She had a lot of good ideas that she would voice she wanted to do with me, but then she second guessed herself, and often asked her dad's opinion- which he would often tell her to something else, veering from what I actually wanted. His daughter doesn't trust her own instincts, in my opinion. I think I would have actually got the look I wanted if she had done my hair without her dad's input. I wasn't asked to come back for a root touch up ... I think they knew I was unhappy, and I was also a pain in their butt because I wouldn't stop voicing what I want (but always very respectfully... I would never tell someone how to run their business or do something technically that I don't know how to do ... it's just that I KNOW my hair. I've had it for 39 years. And I was told "No you don't" know your hair, and we'll also charge you $200+ more than the pre-agreed price to prove ourselves wrong.) Hair is a huge part of a woman's identity. And when we don't get what we want, it can be depressing. :o/ Anyway, I LOVED the balayage hair treatment I received in Los Angeles and just can't find a good fit for my head here since 2018. read more

Dathan Hunter Salon - What I wanted... - Hair Salons Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Dathan has been cutting my hair for 13+ years and I can't imagine going anywhere else. Through every single cut and style transition, I've been 100% pleased. Even though he's been cutting my hair for over a decade, every visit starts with a thorough consultation where he listens to my ideas and provides thoughtful feedback. When I'm in the mood for a change, I can trust him with artistic freedom, knowing he understands and respects my styling and maintenance preferences. I wholeheartedly recommend his services! read more

Dathan gave me the best haircut of my life and Ilyana is a whiz with color. I've lived in LA, Chicago and NY and this salon rivals any I've ever been to. Additionally, they are fun and friendly and kind! read more

Elizabeth is great! My was was super happy about her haircut! She was struggling find a good hair salon and finally she found it! Great service and very stylish haircut read more

I moved to the area in December, and on my quest to find the BEST stylist possible in every city I move to, I found Laura. She is amazing. Talented, friendly and willing to take the time needed to the get the right cut and color for me. Three visits and I'm sold. Honestly, I don't recall a better experience or cut, and that includes famous NY and Boston salons. Laura was able to correct a horrific color mistake by a salon in NH. There is a new person at the desk that made it difficult to book an appointment a few weeks back. After two telephone calls and lots of frustration, I finally decided to leave my new favorite stylist and find another spot for a cut/color and highlights (Headgames..see my review). Needless to say, 6 weeks later I was back in Laura's chair. She expertly fixed the Headgames travesty and I quietly let them know about the problem booking a cut & color last month. I stand by the talent and professionalism of this salon! They continue to educate themselves, are super friendly and everyone seems to walk out with a beautiful cut and color. read more

Before we get started, I want to say right off the bat that the most important thing: the haircut itself is a solid 5 stars... And if I could give it more than 5, I would! The only reason I'm rating 4 is that I had to wait loooong past my scheduled appointment time; however, I understand that things happen sometimes and they were all very nice about it, so I'm only taking off one star because I will definitely go back despite the wait. And if I don't have to wait next time, or they start serving champagne or wine while you wait, the 5th star will be an automatic :). I also have to say that the waiting area was very comfortable. Anyway, as a new resident to Portland, I went to Laura at the recommendation of a friend of a friend who was reputed to have insanely cute short-short hair. I am a recovering victim of a horrible pixie cut incident that occurred in Chicago last Fall. I went to Laura with the instruction that I was trying to grow this baby back out, and wanted to minimize length loss, while still whipping the growing puffball atop my head into some sort of sleeker shape. She was a magician. In the 6 months I have had this short short cut, I have never been so happy with it as I am right now. I mean I like it so much I almost don't even feel the need to grow it out anymore. Laura, you have serious talent & I will be back! read more

I came to Maine from Seattle to spend the summer working, and stupidly stopped by a chain hair salon to get the back of my hair trimmed and some bangs cut. I had just had my hair cut by my own stylist in Seattle, but I decided I wanted it a little shorter in the back. The girl at the chain salon did NOT do a good job- the cute baby bangs I had envisioned were a big chunk of hair that she just hacked off- to the side not the front- argh! I wanted to cry. So, I called Dathan Hunter Salon and was lucky enough to be scheduled with Marie. She fixed the back, turned my whacked-off bangs into the cutest, trendiest baby bangs EVER, and now I absolutely LOVE my hair style! Marie, if you read this, THANK YOU! You were amazing. I love my hair. read more

I had been to a few salons in the Portland area searching for a pre-wedding day hair stylist before finding this salon in the Old Port. The salon is very small, but cute. I really wanted a classic French twist. The first appointment, my hair looked great, but it slipped out a little later that afternoon. The day of my wedding however, the stylist used EXTRA hairspray and pins and did such a nice job! My hair looked really sleek and smooth and stayed up the entire night! The only thing I will say was they were running late for my scheduled appointment on the day of the wedding, which I was a little nervous about, but I understand these things happen and everything worked out fine. My hair looked great in photos! If you are looking for a good stylist that can handle a lot of hair for a wedding day hairdo, this is a great place to go! read more

I switched to Elizabeth for my haircuts and color after working with the same stylist for over a decade. I am SO happy that I did! Elizabeth takes time to really 'read the hair' and decide what's best versus doing a standard haircut and color like most other stylists I've worked with. I have thin hair and my blonde was a little orangey when I came to her and she fixed it all. My new haircut makes my hair look much fuller and the color is natural and beautiful. Elizabeth is also awesome and she has the cutest puppies. Highly recommend!!! read more

Elizabeth is a magician and an absolute dream to chat while you're in her chair. I had choppy layers and she knew exactly what to do to even them up and give me my bouncy swing back. She is a true master at her craft. The salon is also absolutely gorgeous and has a great, friendly vibe. I miss the team here terribly since move move to Austin. read more

Update- While I stand by my review of Dathan and his salon I do feel it is important to note that he did personally contact me and offered to work with me to fix the color. I won't go back but do appreciate the gesture and feel it speaks to his integrity. read more

I had my haircut with Tony. He rules. He fixed what was a "professional" haircut from another salon. Not to mention my hair is like black seaweed and he managed to give me a great cut. read more

I have been a client at Salon Burke, Akari, and Head Games, but I think I have found the perfect fit for me. Dathan Hunter Salon, located on Milk Street, possesses an atmosphere that is inviting, friendly, and comfortable. My stylist, Rhea, a very pleasant talented person, worked with my hair texture and face shape. Her suggestions and skilled styling, resulted in an excellent haircut and color that has brought me many complements from family and friends. And...... the price was more than reasonable, when compared to the other salons I have done business with! read more

I was in Portland on vacation and came in to freshen up. Natasha cleaned up my style with a great cut and finished with a beautiful blowout. Elise did my eyebrow tint and wax perfectly. The salon decor was pretty and comfortable. It was a nice morning hanging out with the ladies. I felt very refreshed! read more

I was traveling through town with a Broadway show and was in desperate need of a color refreshening. Dathan squeezed me in first thing in the morning and did an amazing job getting my hair to look very natural. I have recommended this salon to all of my traveling show friends who are going to Portland, Maine. read more

I moved to Portland last April and hadn't had my hair formally "did" for way-too-long when i came into Dathan Hunter 'round about Christmas. I felt excited about getting cut and styled by the owner, and the results exceeded even my Pollyanna-ish hopes and dreams. My sister's comment was "It's the best cut I've ever seen on you," and she's not one to lay it on with a trowel. It's wonderful to have someone you can really trust with your tresses. I love him! read more

After an extremely disappointing experience and cut at a trendy salon in Portland, I decided to give Dathan Hunter a try. I was very pleased with my conversation with the receptionist, and thrilled with my experience with Kristina. I could tell from our initial conversation that she had good training and plenty of experience. She could tell what had been done badly in my last cut, and clearly explained how she would go about fixing it. She understood the complexities of my hair type, and ultimately created a fantastic cut. I was very pleased with the result. And she was lovely to boot. I will definitely go back here. I will definitely recommend Kristina and Dathan Hunter to others. read more

I've been getting haircuts here for 2 years now and they've been great every time. The only downside is that one stylist, Natasha's obsession with Bieber. read more

I was having a hair crisis after a salon in Boston RUINED my hair two days before an important wedding weekend. I thought I was screwed but a local salon recommended Elizabeth at Dathan's as the salon knew it was over their expertise level. Little did I know, they were sending me not only to a magician, but to an angel as well. "Biz" didn't hesitate when I called in a frantic. She offered to stay late after her last scheduled appointment ON A FRIDAY NIGHT. She spent 5 hours fixing the mess that was my muddy-colored hair. Honestly, I have no idea how she was able to pull it off without completely frying my hair. She is beyond skilled and talented. She is incredibly knowledgeable. I walked out of the salon over the moon and in disbelief that she was able to make me blonde again. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Because of her, I felt confident at the wedding and didn't want to hide from the photographers. She's as sweet as can be, to top it all off. Forget the Boston salons, she'll be worth the drive to Portland to have my hair done in the future. Thanks so much, Biz!!! read more

Rheea Stuart has been doing my hair now for almost a year and recently moved to Dathan Hunter Salon in the Old Port and I couldn't be happier. She is the first stylist I've had that listens and does my hair the way I want it - seriously! My hair is the healthiest it has been in years and I finally have the highlight color I've wanted. I highly recommend Rheea for her extensive knowledge in haircare and the sincere dedication she has to her clients and the profession. The convenience of being intown and offering very reasonable prices are just added bonuses! read more

The only reason this is getting 4 stars instead of 5 is parking. It's "hit or miss" in the Old Port-and that's not their fault. However, regarding the quality of styling and the pricing...You can't go wrong! Tony is amazing!!! So skilled and so optimistic (more than I am!!!) about my hair. He is gifted and truly an asset to the team at DHS. The salon itself is great for visitor's to the nearby hotels-really great!!! And it's décor is a blend of soothing chic. Lots of well placed bamboo, but still an open concept. Just a great place to go to have your hair and spirit renewed! read more

I was married on Great Diamond Island on July 9th. Being from California, I needed a hairstylist for my wedding day. After a terrible experience at Fabu, I called Dathan Hunter and Dathan gave me Marie as a hairstylist. I knew the moment I met her, my hair was in great hands! We had a practice updo appointment where Marie played with my hair and got a sense of what I was looking for. On my wedding day, Marie met me with a calm and composed attitude. Given my wedding planner had fallen sick and I was seriously frazzled. I couldn't have asked for a better person to do my hair. She kept me talking about the day and how special it would be while she worked her magic. I was completely AMAZED at my hair when it was finished. I looked great and she had secured everything so a boat ride back to the island and nuptuals over the water with the wind blowing did not move a hair on my head!!! Marie loves what she does and it comes through in her personality and demeanor with her clients. Marie..... You are the best hairdresser I have ever met. My wedding was perfect because of your art and skill! I will be back everytime I come to Portland to vacation so you can do your magic! read more

Service was terrible, and employees were rude to my aunt when she went in to get a simple haircut. They rushed the haircut and asked for a tip... Very unprofessional. read more

We love Dathan Hunter! My husband and I had back to back appointments with him (he had a cut and color, I had a cut) and they were the best haircuts we had gotten all year! We will go back whenever we're in town. read more

Have had a couple cuts from Dathan and he does a great job. Very personable and accommodating. I am picky but he is too. You are in good hands here. read more

I made an appointment after reading local reviews and was scheduled with Rhea for a cut and color. She did and excellent job and put her all into her planning, education, and execution of a new hairstyle even though we made it clear we were from out of town and realistically would not be able to follow with her regularly. Now I just might have to come back!!! I told every local I saw about the salon. read more

I've had my hair cut and foiled by Dathan for as long as he has been in business. Back in May 2012, my hair needed attention badly and Dathan was booked for weeks. I took the risk and sat down with Rhea and I can't tell you how pleased I was with the colour and cut. It lasted until this week when I got in with Rhea, short notice mind you, and she cut my hair so beautifully. And the colour she did in May? It still looks great. No need to touch up until I'm reading for another change. Rhea is sweet, funny, a talented/skilled stylist and slightly more affordable than Dathan that I am sticking with her. All the stylists at this salon are highly skilled and I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

Dathan Hunter Salon is one of the best hair salons, in Portland, that I've ever been to. Today was my first time at the salon and Anthony was awesome! He listened to what I wanted and executed exactly what I envisioned. I was impressed with his experience and knowledge. Thanks so much for the awesome cut. I'll definitely be back. read more

I am only giving the salon four stars because I now have to go two different places. Tony is my stylist and he's at Studio One, but Elise does my eyebrows and did my make up for my wedding. She did an amazing job on my special day. I guess I will continue to go them both. But wish they were still in the same spot. read more

I was visiting Portland for the first time when it hit me... you know, that moment when you're lucky there aren't scissors within reach because you'd hack all your hair off yourself if there were? I needed to see someone that day. Period. I did a little bit of research and came across Dathan Hunter and crossed my fingers as I dialed. They were able to get me in with Sophie for her only opening of the day. Upon entering the salon I was immediately greeted with smiling faces and welcomed into the unpretentious yet hip waiting area. I was 30 minutes early but Sophie came right over and whisked me back to her chair. I had no clear vision of what I wanted, I just wanted change. After talking over my wants and needs in a hairstyle, she made some suggestions and we settled on a new look. It was a pretty substantial cut (6-8 inches) and she did such an incredible job. She gave me lots of pointers on styling and products but I never felt like anything was pushed on me. I left the salon that day genuinely disappointed that I would likely never see Sophie again (as I am from out of town...) She was so incredible friendly, down-to-earth, and knowledgeable. I'll definitely be scheduling with her again should life ever bring back to Portland. read more