Risa is the nicest and really takes her time to give you a great outcome. I value this so much and have only been to her once, at the recommendation of a friend, but I'm so happy I did. I hadn't had my hair colored at a salon in 2 years, so was a little nervous about how this would go. I came in primarily for hair coloring to an ashy blonde/brown on my straight black hair. Risa took her time and was able to tone down the redness that was already there. For my cut, she did a nice job with layering and blunt ends, but also took off some heaviness towards the end when we decided that might be better. The hair wash felt so good on my scalp. The other ladies in the shop were also quite kind and friendly, so my experience overall was welcoming and pleasant. A dog came in to visit halfway during my hair coloring processing! read more

I love coming here. Heather is the first hair stylist I've had in at least 10 years who actually gets my hair (fine, wavy, mid-length) and style (not soccer mom-y, want a different cut each time, and sometimes a nontraditional color situation). And she's one of the best stylists I've ever had, if not the best! Heather does an amazing job on cut and color every single appointment, and is also a lovely, kind, fun person. The salon is a funky old house -- it's very comfortable, chill, and about as far from the typical unz-unz-unz superficial salon vibe as you can get. There's lots of cool vintage stuff, art, and plants to look at and enjoy, I never feel rushed, no one pushes weird products on me that I don't want, and I always feel much better when I leave than when I arrive. It's also not a million dollars! read more

Love this salon! The vibe is eclectic, artsy, and fun -- and the stylists are all seasoned and skilled. I had a shampoo and haircut with Risa, who did a fabulous job! I wish I had taken a before/after picture! She listened to what I wanted, and made it happen! I love the look she gave me, and would highl recommend her! read more

Funky Monkey Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Mother of 15 year old daughter! I brought my daughter to see Andrea at Funky Monkey. (@Brondehairgypsy). She did the most beautiful balayage for her! I didn't even know what this was when my daughter asked for it! Andrea spent so much time talking to her to discuss everything before diving in. The salon itself is adorable. Fun vibe in an old house. Very unique! We love Andrea and funky monkey!!! read more

Followed my girl, Risa, when she started doing hair here in the beginning of 2020. absolutely loved the studio, the vibe, the private parking lot, and the people! everyone was so nice and everyone who got their hair done looked fabulous. I've been going to Risa for over 6 months. I've done tones of color (mostly ashy blond/grey) and haircuts from her throughout my time here. She does such a good job of listening to what I want, checking in with me, and giving me suggestions when I'm indecisive/know nothing about caring for my hair. An Asian friend (with thin and colored hair) who's gone to Risa before went to another stylist here and loved the care she got too. Can't recommend this place enough! Now I just have to stop in when the owner's dog is there :) read more

Risa is amazing! I haven't had a professional cut since way before the pandemic so my long, curly, fine hair was a mess!! I really needed a change and she helped me get the cut I was praying for. I got a long pixie and I love it! Risa is kind and very skilled in cutting curly hair. I will definitely go back to her. Thank you, Risa!!!! read more

An extremely reasonably priced salon in the heart of Durham. They use Bumble & Bumble products which always smell soooo lovely. They'll do all sorts of treatments and as far as I know they were the first to do "feathering" in Durham. The parking lot is easy to park in and get into the building. It's probably not the most handicap-accessible place, but it's not bad at all. I actually really love the decor of this place. The waiting room books are always interesting, they have a movie playing, you can get water/soda/tea while you wait, and the furniture is comfortable! It's not as loud as many salons, but I attribute that to the small space and lots of furnishings. Sometimes it may seem like the stylists are on top of each other to get stuff done, but it's never been a problem to me. Unique Anecdote: This one time some guy a few chairs away from me was discussing what he'd let the stylist do to his hair. After some odd comments about "shaving it all off" I full-out stared at him. It was super entertaining. read more

If you want consistent hair color, entertainment and good conversation you should definitely book appts with Andrea. She'll be your best friend after first visit and you'll look forward to having your hair done every time!! read more

Risa is an exceptional stylist. I find it extremely hard to find a hair stylist who knows how to cut Asian hair in RDU area; but I am so glad that my friend introduced Risa to me. Risa is current, gentle, friendly, commendable and welcoming. I can clearly tell that my hair is in good hands by observing how she clipped my hair, handled the scissors, etc. It was a smooth process (no dropping things here and there like some amateur hair stylists). I felt very secure and completely at ease as all health precautions have been addressed at Funky Monkey Hair Studio. I will definitely go back . Follow Risa on Instagram to see her work: https://www.instagram.com/risa_hair1/ read more

If you're looking for a talented stylist with NYC cred, I highly recommend Sandi. She's particularly good with curly hair but does it all. Very experienced and passionate about making you look beautiful. read more

Jennifer is awesome. Her bio nails it, she can do anything! Wish I was still close! Miss her.

Risa is wonderful and she really knows Asian hair! I felt comfortable the entire time and she did a great job! I would highly recommend her to anyone needing a great haircut! read more

I found Funky Monkey by googling my hair stylist's name - Risa. I have long straight Asian hair and have had 2 cuts, one blowout with Risa. It's such a pleasure every single time and I have complete confidence that I would walk out of the studio feeling fabulous. Parking is right nextdoor, shared with the Car wash place, just look for the red metal signs. The place gives out a very zen vibe. 10/10 would comeback. read more

I showed up for my appointment on time. She kept calling me by my last name and said she couldn't find the appointment. When we finally broke through the communication barrier she told me she was running five minutes behind and asked me to wait outside. Twenty minutes later, when she didn't return, I left. So unprofessional and disappointing. I'd waited weeks and was very excited to pamper myself today. read more

I've hesitated to write this review for months because I wanted to like it here so badly. My experience also may be limited to one stylist, so just take this as a word of warning rather than gospel. So, with that disclaimer, this is what happened. I went to get highlights because my usual salon was booked, and they turned out fine. However, in the process, I told the stylist that there was a little piece of hair bugging me in the back of my *very recent* haircut. I asked if she would trim it if she had time at the end of the cut. Well, she did have time and when she did it, she took a few minutes, cutting more than I'd expected. Ok, here it is - When we got to the register, I prepared to pay for the expensive highlights (and a product), and she said, "I'm going to go ahead and charge you for a full cut. I'm really sorry, but I had to really get in there." I was stunned and in a hurry, so I paid the extra $50 (yes, my fault...one star for me). As evidenced by her apology about charging me, she was very clear that I just wanted a very minor trim, for which I would have gladly paid a few dollars. She also made the back of my hair worse - I would have examined it and been picky if I'd known I was paying A LOT for it! I still can't believe it. read more

If I'm arrested for abduction, it will be because I cased Funky Monkey and made off with Rocky (see here: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/XuGxCmZ65j_PMROwK-OYcA?select=PR9Z2bB-qEvB6xGOeLnO0A ). His fuzzy self will greet you with a fierce 'do (do you SEE that feathered weave he has on his ear??!) and want to sit on your lap while you kick back on the couch before your appointment. This salon is in an adorable restored bungalow-type house in Watts-Hillandale. I love the bold colors they've painted -- greens and reds with black framework -- the original hardwoods and the appropriate furnishings, like ornate gilt mirrors, shabby cabinetry, and clever Craftsman tool chests. They use hip products like Phytology and Bumble & Bumble. I had to stop my stylist mid-chat during the shampoo to ask, "What just happened?!" in response to the Hydrate conditioner, which has spearmint that leaves your scalp all tingly and cool. After our appointment, she even scored me a sample to take home! When I'd called for an appointment as a new client, the receptionist asked me if I had anyone in mind. Sadly, Funky Monkey has minimal web presence, so I really didn't know their stylists' background or reputations, or even their names! I think I said something to the effect of: Uh... I have straight hair. Does anyone like cutting really straight hair? And so I was placed with Alexis -- for that reason, or for some other! She quickly put me at ease, quick to ask questions and make conversation. She scores big bonus points for the mini scalp massage that came with my shampoo/rinse. And I was impressed with her precision. My appointment, consisting of color, highlights, and cut, took a little over two hours. Alexis carefully blew it dry, made additional adjustments, and then styled with a flat-iron (which really makes all the difference in showing off the new layers!). She nailed my color on her first try. And I have to say, it's the happiest I've been with a cut in quite a while. She even told me she's happy to do bang trim upkeep (which is awesome, because when I do them myself, it often looks like the work of a kindergartner with safety scissors). My only nit was when I went to put on my smock. They keep them in the bathroom, which is secured with a hook-and-eye latch. I popped the hook in place. But as I was reaching for my smock, a stylist walked in! I guess I hadn't properly secured the hook. We were both embarrassed; although, it shouldn't have been a big deal. I mean, it wasn't like I was peeing or naked. Just pulling a smock over my regular outfit. She muttered that there's a lock on the door. And that made me feel worse. (I mean, not like I should necessarily have to lock the door when I'm simply pulling on a smock -- but dangit, I did at least ATTEMPT locking it.) Anyway, the exchange just made me feel really awkward and self-conscious -- which is not how you want to feel when you're preparing to relax and get pampered. Like I said -- minor nit. Otherwise, I really enjoyed my experience here, and I think I'll be making it my new regular salon! read more

Funky Monkey Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Worth the price. I moved to Durham in 2006 and was directed to Paul and Funky Monkey salon (Red's back then). He was good, but I'm cheap, so I tried out a number of groupons and cheaper alternatives. Big mistake. Posh messed my hair up, as did an independent stylist, etc. Confessing to my friends that I hated my hair cut they chimed in: it's the one ACCESSORY THAT YOU WEAR EVERYDAY! insinuating that I should splurge on something great rather than suffer with a wild do. Another confession: I'm not faithful to hair stylists. That means I've had my hair cut and colored by just about everyone at Funky Monkey (among others around Durham). But today I am a new woman. For the last year I've only gone to Alexis who has yet to botch my cut or color. She is warm, yet authentic. I love her head massages and conversation. She charges me with the square on her cell phone and I'm out the door in no time. Rocky, Paul's cute doggie, has packed on some lbs and is just as cute as ever. The chocolates at the door always get me. I miss their broader drink selection, but overall it is a wonderful salon experience! read more

I have a thick head of hair. Very thick. Seriously, there's a lot of hair on my head. Cousin It thinks there might be a little bit much to my mane. Since I started caring about the job that was done on that huge mess, I've found three people who consistently got the job done. Two of them were found at the former Redz (the current Funkey Monkey). Boasting an array of tattooed hair stylists, the Monkey probably has someone that can get the job done for you and didn't mind me jumping from chair-to-chair to pick who I liked best. Once you've been there twice, they treat you like an old regular. While sometimes appointments can be hard to get a hold of, they're normally very willing to work you into the schedule. With the name change from Redz to Funkey Monkey came my favorite addition: a coffee table book of apes and monkeys posing for studio portraits. I've yet to find a better way to kill time while I wait for my turn, even after following my favorite Funkey Monkey stylist to a different haircutlery. read more

I just got my hair cut by Erica Daniels at this salon and it was definitely a very positive experience! She listened to me carefully and explained what she was doing while she was cutting my hair. She definitely heard my wishes. I was very glad to walk out of there with the haircut I had envisioned when I walked in. I also appreciated Erica's manner - she is friendly and conversational but not overbearing. The salon itself is pleasant with interesting decor. I will be going back and would definitely recommend Funky Monkey to my friends. read more

I had been going to another salon in the area, and their hair color products had damaged my hair. I have to have my hair colored every 6-7 weeks to cover up some... shall we say... grey hair. Juliana took a look at my hair, agreed that it was totally damaged, and came up with a plan to rectify the situation. I've gone to her three times now and my hair is well on it's way to recovery! On top of the color, she has given me a phenomenal cut! I don't even have to blowdry my hair anymore and it looks so great. I'm really happy with the work that Juliana has done. The salon itself is in a great location, steps from Duke's east campus and Whole Foods. It's located in a renovated house. The building itself is a bit run-down and the decor is a bit odd. It has a lot of asian-inspired (circa 1995) elements, but then also a lot of NYC references. So odd. But... I don't come here to look around, I come here to get a great haircut! read more

My entire being has been transformed in the most beautiful way. I have been needing a change and WOW! I won't stop getting compliments and looking in the mirror. I am so excited that I do not have to find another stylist. Danielle is the best!!!! The cut and color I just had done to my hair is phenomenal. I went from dark brown to red and she did it in a few hours (previously I had this done and it took 8 hours!?) I will be driving all the way from Richmond to have Danielle take care of me. She's so worth it! read more

Funky Monkey Hair Studio - Danielle has transformed me in the best way possible! - Hair Salons Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Angela Goldman rocks the hair world. I have been going to see her the last three years and couldn't imagine anyone else near my hair. She is so good, I just let her play with my color and style because I know whatever she comes up with I will be happy. I'm not talking crazy hair, just subtle changes that compliment the shape and style of your personality. I now take the whole family to Funky Monkey. My fiance always comes out looking "hot" and the kids feel like they are styling, as high school students should. Angela takes her time to hear what you want and is great at suggesting something you may not have thought of. She takes great care to make sure every customer is treated kindly and with respect. It's hard to find that person to let mess with your hair and believe me I had some hideous cuts before landing in her chair. If this sounds like you, I suggest making an appointment with Ang. THIS JUST IN: Angela is now at Hot Headz on Broad St. Call today to make an appointment. (919) 286-2102 read more

Curly haired ladies, it's your time. Alexis has got you covered. She always manages to give me a great cut, even when it's been awhile. She remembers you, your love life, and as a bonus, gives great concert recommendations. Funky Monkey also has a great selection of drinks and snacks to tide you over when you're getting your hair did. Last time I had amazing cider, the time before that, baby bottles of Coke. read more

Great studio, great location, and assigned parking right next to the building is a bonus! Andrea is the best stylist I've ever had and I'm still coming to Durham to get my hair done with her even though I now live out of state. But every stylist there is clearly doing great work. Zen environment and very friendly! read more

This salon has a really nice relaxed but quirky vibe. The stylists are very friendly, and having three cute dogs greeting clients doesn't hurt the experience either! I saw Jennifer for my haircut and she really listened to what I wanted and gave me a fantastic, interesting, and flattering cut that works really well for my hair type. Great salon that I highly recommend! read more

Danielle has done my color for several years now. Until her my pinks and blues would fade so quickly. Now my hair grows out more quickly than my color fading! My faux hawk updo was so freaking fabulous I wish I could have it done permanently. Definitely worth seeing her for any of your hair styling needs. read more

Possibly the shadiest business I've ever patronized. I've gotten my hair cut there and liked the cut, and Erica, the stylist, but the owner, Paul, is a bad business owner, a bad hair stylist, and a bad person. I have heard stories from friends about his horrible business practices and customer service, and now I have one for myself. I got a keratin treatment done by Paul, and I'm pretty convinced he just sprayed some water on my hair and charged me $400. I'm a student - I don't have $400 lying around. It was a splurge and a present to reward myself for getting an internship and to ensure that I had professional looking hair all summer. After aggressively combing my hair (raving about how easily comb-able my hair was while breaking every strand), he pulled a spray bottle of clear liquid (water?) out of his cart and started spraying. I was surprised, because I thought keratin treatments - like dyes - are chemicals mixed on the spot. When he was done, he told me to wait 24 hours before washing my hair (I've always had to wait four days, but it may be differences in treatments) and didn't mention that I should use special shampoo in order to not wash the treatment right out. When I asked, he said yes, I would need it, but they were out of stock. He promised me that they'd order some for me and it would be in by Wednesday (I was surprised they didn't order some for me in advance, considering I had made the appointment several weeks before). This was a Sunday, I was leaving town Friday for the summer, and I asked whether I should just pick some up while in Chapel Hill that Tuesday - he assured me that no, they would have the shampoo for me by Wednesday. The shampoo, of course, was still not there by Thursday, and I hadn't washed my hair in all this time - so I guess even if I could have washed it before four days, that didn't matter. Finally Thursday night I got the shampoo elsewhere, and was able to wash my hair Friday morning. Two hours before I left town. After washing my hair, I finally saw my long-awaited result: absolutely no change, if not a change for the worse -- with all the broken strands from his aggressive combing. I've gotten a keratin treatment before that was nearly life-changing in how manageable and beautiful it made my hair, so I can say that this was truly not a keratin treatment. I immediately went to Funky Monkey to show them the frizzball on my head and ask for a refund, but they were closed, and I had to leave town. I called several times to ask for a refund, and every time was told I would have to have Paul call me back, he was the owner and he was conveniently never able to take my call. Of course I never called back. I truly believe Funky Monkey's keratin treatments are a scam. I have already told many of my friends to stop getting haircuts from Funky Monkey, and I hope they lose far more than the $400 they stole from me in loss of business. Again, I've heard other stories of Funky Monkey's complete lack of customer service, and I encourage any potential customers - keratin treatment or just a regular haircut - to instead patronize an establishment run by good, honest people. read more

Jennifer has been cutting my hair for about a year and a half, and she's always awesome. I'll admit that I used to be a Supercuts sort of person, so it was hard for me to justify spending more on a haircut at first, but Jenn does such a great job. I have had trouble finding stylists who would cut my hair as short as I wanted it, but Jenn listens and takes the time to make sure it's just right. There's so much I hate about my hair--it's thin, the ends refuse to stay straight, and I have a couple of cowlicks--but now I'm actually happy with it, and I've gotten so many compliments on my new style. read more

Danielle is amazing. It was our first time there and she understood exactly what I wanted my hair to look like. It was my first time there and she made me feel very comfortable and I had no doubt in her by the time she was done. You have a new client for life. thank you Danielle read more

I was desperate for a quick trim and made a same day appointment here because they had availability. Thus, I can't even remember the name of my hair dresser. She scared me a bit because she seemed a bit rushed and harried but she was very willing to listen to my concerns and try to address them. Everything went just fine. I got a wash, a quick trim, and drying/styling. It wasn't the best or the worst experience I've had at a hair salon. I can't say I would recommend this place over enthusiastically but I can't say I would ever dissuade someone from going to this place. They had a 20% coupon for the first time check-in at Yelp and I needed it! My haircut was a bit more pricey than I had expected since I had asked for a quick trim. Overall, if I am in a time crunch like I was then, I'd come back to this place. read more

I love my haircut from the Funky Monkey. I was referred by my sister to give them a try and I am glad I did. The staff at this cute, NYC and Asian inspired salon greeted me with a warm, hospitable feeling, offering me coffee, hot chocolate or tea. (I gladly chose hot chocolate, which was delicious!) Jennifer was my stylist and made me feel at home, taking care of all my needs, including letting me periodically check on my dog in my car to see she was okay. She truly listened to what I wanted in my haircut (I brought in photos of what I was going for, one of the pictures being Marilyn Monroe) and she happily surprised me with an awesome Marilyn Monroe style cut and style. They are a very accommodating, talented and fun team of stylists and I will definitely be going back soon. Thanks so much! read more

Lovely people, cute shop. My only gripe honestly is with the online booking system. Not the actual salon. When you book online it's pretty basic and asked what kind of cut you want. The options are men's, women's, kids. You have to select one of those. Then it asks which stylist you want to see or if you have no specific preference. I selected men's cut but no preference for the stylist. I assumed that it would book me which a stylist who does men's hair. It did not. Which I discovered when I arrived for my cut. Kinda sucked, but the lady was very nice and honest about not doing men's hair usually. I ended up just doing the simplest cut possible that she felt comfortable doing. But as I had planned for a very different cut it was somewhat disappointing. Not the biggest deal, and I'd still recommend this place to anyone needing a "woman's cut" or the typical longer hair styles. Don't blame the stylist at all for that not being her area of expertise, I just learned sometimes the convenience of online booking isn't worth the possible mix ups and I'll call any salon to book from now on. read more

Went here for the first time last night. I have long EXTREMELY thick hair that didnt seem to do much other than poof up and frizz out. Also after some extensive dye escapades the ends of my hair were severely damaged/dry. I looked at the reviews on Yelp.com for this place and everyone seemed to enjoy it so i called and made an appointment, not knowing any of the stylists she picked a lady named Erica for me. I walked in and told Erica that i needed me hair to be managable, less thick, and if at all possible cut with some sort of style that wouldnt look horrid if i didnt spend hours styling it. boy did she deliver! she thined my hair in a fashion ive never had done (all sorts of things have been tried to "tame" this mane) and then cut it with layers but she left as much length as she could(as i requested). holy cow it was awesome. I actually have "normal" amount of hair, when i showered this am i brushed it out and then let it air dry and it looks great with minimal ado. i totally recommend Funky Monkey and espcially Erica for any and all hair styling needs! not to mention they were resonably priced! read more

I've been going to Funky Monkey for about 3 years. I've had several stylists during that time. Currently I'm getting my hair cut by Jessica. I'm not real particular so I usually let her get creative. Both the short styles she's done on me were really well done. I received a lot of compliments. She did a great job layering it. I also like the decor and atmosphere - very eclectic and modern. read more

Absolutely loved Danielle... Great experience all around. She's fantastic... All the staff is as well. Very friendly, totally accommodating, so much talent. Definitely recommending Funky Monkey to all. read more

Jessica Wesley cut my hair. I was VERY clear when she asked me what I wanted - just a trim, and to lose as little length as possible. She ignored my instructions, cut my bangs crooked, and took off 3 inches in the front. WAY more than a trim. I also have angles on one side of my hair that I didn't have before, and that I didn't ask for. On top of that, she behaved in an unprofessional manner, using profanity and dissing my hairstyle, which I liked very much, as well as my previous hairstylist, who has a 5 star rating on Yelp and teaches instructors at the Vidal Sassoon academy. So, now I have a messed up hair cut, am annoyed by this woman's bad attitude and bad behavior, and am out $50. The salon seems nice, but I'd get another stylist if I were you. read more

My first time going there I wanted drastic change and Jessica was the perfect stylist to provide this. She saw my vision and helped me build on it and gave me one of the best haircuts of my life. She was extremely kind as well which is a plus. read more

I'm a really bad client when it comes to getting my hair done, I like to call last minute and just hope there is a spot available. Danielle was able to get me in and it looked great! I'm really happy with the cut! read more

I had my hair colored today by Maggie. I had a great experience. The salon is comfortable and welcoming. I travel full time and finding new salons is not always easy. I would definitely go here again. read more

Loved it! Very nice people working there. My haircut was great. Try Yumi - she is amazing. Always cuts your hair the way you want it.