My wife discovered the Rats Nest shortly after we moved into the West 7th neighborhood, and she politely requested (or told me I had to) give it a shot. I fell in love with the place right away. It's a neighborhood salon in a classic building, and the type of place where people learn your name quickly and treat you well. We've since moved a few miles away, but I go back and see Jen every 4 weeks and never want to go anywhere else. It's more expensive than going to Great Clips, but working with someone who knows my hair and how I want it cut and who always does an awesome job is worth the premium. I'd write them a review every four weeks, but that'd be cheating. If you live in St. Paul, definitely check this place out! read more

I followed Megs over here from her previous salon and would follow her again if I needed to. I hope I don't have to, though. The Rat's Nest Salon seems to be filled with friendly people and good products. Actually, I found my new favorite paste here and I couldn't be happier. A small complaint, but not enough to dock it a star, would be that there isn't a parking lot. I haven't had any trouble finding parking, but that might change in the winter when it is covered in snow. I like that there is online booking and pricing. Once booked, they send you reminder emails a few days before the appointment. Never had a bad experience with Megs or Aaron and enjoy their company while I'm there. Highly recommended. read more

This is a great little salon in a gorgeous historic building. I followed my hair stylist, Peter, here when he moved from another salon in St. Paul. Although I live in Texas, I am in St. Paul often on business. If I expect to be here within a month of when my hair is in need of a cut, I'll wait to come here. You may think that says as much about my fashion sense as it does about Peter's skill (and be right), but trust me-- he's that good. The Rats Nest is a great shop. Parking is no problem. The waiting lounge is comfortable and tastefully decorated. I particularly enjoyed the nostalgic photographs. I was early and was served hot tea while waiting. The stylists and receptionist were all very friendly and seemed to want to be there. Next time my hair is getting out of control, so will I. As I get older I find that I value my time more and more. It's not that I want to rush -- quite the opposite. I want to enjoy what I do, where I am, and who I spend time with. Peter and The Rats Nest help turn the "chore" of staying nicely groomed into an enjoyable experience. read more

Great cut w Allison. She was very friendly and the salon was warm with a down to earth urban feel. I thought the environment was upbeat and I was pleased with my cut and felt it was done w care and precision. The rumor is the restaurant next door is kickin w tasty tacos-if you want to hit two birds w one stone. read more

Love this place because it's so fun, cozy, and friendly. Aaron is the best and always makes me feel prettier than when I walked in. If you are looking for a new place to get your hair done, I highly recommend trying Rats Nest. read more

Not impressed with the front desk help. They didn't offer me any type of beverage or to take my coat. Instead they went out and smoked. When I go to a salon I want to have some pampering. read more

Abby Johnson is, in my opinion, the best in hair styling. I have been the beneficiary of her skills for nearly 10 years. I recommend her without reservation. And I'm happy to say that more than one Soucheray finds the services at The Rat's Nest to be worthy of consistent patronage. read more

Thank you, Yelp, for pointing me to The Rats Nest! I came in for a haircut with Jen after reading all the wonderful reviews. They were right! I love finding Sconnies in Minnesota, and meeting Jen was no exception. She's friendly, funny, and made sure to assess what I wanted before getting started. I've been getting compliments on my hair all week! I'll be going back to Jen in the future. read more

The rats salon is awesome. I wish I had gone here sooner! Peter cut and colored my hair exactly as I asked and the only suggestions he made were to make what I wanted work better. I felt welcomed as soon as I walked in the door by a genuinely smiling receptionist. I did not once feel judged like I sometimes do when I go to an upscale salon. The Rats Nest is the perfect salon for down to earth people to get top quality services and I will definitely recommend this place to all my friends. read more

After several weeks of needing a healing touch I received it today from Kristin Lambert at The Rats Nest. An hour massage was just what I needed! The amount of care and consideration that Kristin put into my massage was amazing! Check her out, you won't be disappointed! read more

You must check out the great hands of Kristin Lambert.. You will walk out of there feeling great. Her massage and Facial care is the best. The quiet time getting pampered was just what I needed. You will not be disappointed. Joy read more

I love this newly remodeled salon on West 7th. My colorist Jenna is fantastic and keeps my hair looking healthy and exactly the color I want it. I followed Jenna from Juut, along with most of her clients, and not only is it a far better price at the Rat's Nest, it's a warmer friendlier environment as well. The owner Tanya runs an excellent business and Sean, the front desk manager, is always on-hand with a fresh cup of coffee and happy to get the flavored creamer from the back (thanks, Sean!!). Jenna has recommended several products that I have loved, including the Moroccan oil conditioner as well as the oil itself. The Rat's Nest is the only place in St Paul I've been able to find it and you get 10% off your first purchase of product -- such a deal. My one wish would be for some bright overhead lighting. There isn't any right now and the table lamps make for a slightly dim picture of your hair in the mirror. All in all a fabulous comfortable salon that I enjoy going back to every month. Thanks, Jenna and Tanya and Sean and staff!! read more

Alright, well I moved to MN from TX two and a half years ago, and I would travel back home every three to four months so I would get my hair done with a girl I've been going to for nine years. Well with my boyfriend and I getting a place together and with the day to day bills etc my trips to TX have sadly been less. I had come to the point of needing to find a salon here in MN. Going by my mom's advice of "If you see someone's hair that looks good, ask them where they go", I asked a friend of mine and she recommend juut. If was a nice experience and I was pleased with my hair , BUT I left broke. Juut was very SPENDY for the amount of time and service (just a wash/haircut/style) I received. I feel as if I paid for the atmosphere and head massage, more so than the actual service. My visit to JUUT was four months ago. I had some settle highlights that I was able to maintain with my trips to TX, but terrified of trying someone new to color my hair in MN and scared of the price I was quoted at JUUT (almost a car payment after the cost of tip). In MAJOR need of a hair cut and wanting my settle highlight/low lights back , I asked a ex co-worker (whose hair always looked AWESOME with her cut and highlights) where she goes. She told gets her hair done by a girl name MEGAN PRICE at the RATS NEST. I looked at the site and did a little bit of research here on YELP. Very pleased with reviews and pricing I saw online (which the pricing is very similar to what I paid in TX for partial highlights and cut) I booked a appointment online. (Booking online is a very nice feature.) The ex co-worker that recommended the salon also had an appointment the same day I booked. Our appointments were back to back and my friend and I were able to sit and chat while getting our hair done by MEGAN PRICE. MEGAN was VERY informative and I felt so comfortable and confident in the plan she had for my hair. MEGAN picked out some amazing lowlight colors that complemented my natural hair color, and was very eager to please and wanted to make sure I was satisfied .... AND I WAS! My hair cut was awesome and it feels WAY BETTER, and looks AWESOME with the low lights. She really took her time in getting my color right and upon paying she made sure that I was satisfied. MEGAN also gave me her cell phone number and wanted me to let her know if after a few days, if there was anything that I wanted fixed to just let her know and she would fix it. ( SIDE NOTE: Something I noticed about the atmosphere at the RATS NEST and NOT at juut was the friendliness of conversing between the stylists. They were funny and nice to one another, and at juut I didn't see any of that, at jut it felt like everyone was competing, or didn't get along. ) This is absolutely the BEST customer service I've received at a salon, I'm absolutely IN LOVE with my hair (the color and cut). I would HIGHLY recommend MEGAN PRICE at RATS NEST! She's amazing and really KNOWS what she's doing! As a matter of fact I'm going to recommend MEGAN PRICE and RATS NEST to my friend that recommended juut. :) Sorry for the lengthy review, but MEGAN PRICE and the RATS NEST needed the recognition they both deserve! If I ever move back to TX I'm going to have to travel to MN to get my hair done! read more

I followed my previous provider, Abby Tickle Johnson, over from Ficocello's and I am very happy I made the move. The Rat's Nest has an awesomely chill and relaxing vibe. Abby is everything you'd want in a stylist; creative, receptive, caring and very conversationally therapeutic! Every time I leave the Rats Nest after visiting Abby, I look better and feel better. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

I love this place. Convenient online booking, great atmosphere, and awesome stylists. I highly recommend Jen - she's fun to chat with, listens to what you want, and does amazing color. Hands down, the best cut and color I've ever had. read more

Seriously the WORST cut I've EVER had-I cried when I got home :( I should have known when Kathy was 30 min late, then asked 2 min into my session when her next appointment was and who it was with....I have wavy/curly hair and was getting several inches cut off-I NEEDED her full attention and talent, and got neither....Thankfully, my hair grows fast.... read more

ALLISON TIGHE (formally of Ficocello's) NOW AT RATS NEST! She is amazing with my very-not-easy hair and the salon is delightful. Welcoming and simple in a classic St Paul brick-and tin ceiling building in a newly up and coming area. ON LINE Scheduling 24/7 - love that! ALLISON TIGHE has won numerous regional and national design awards - but specializes in making you look good with cuts that you can care for at home. Down to earth and friendly- this is what you've been looking for. Check out the donuts next door (Mojo Monkey Donuts and Coffee 1169 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102); New gym, new restaurants. FRIENDLY expert stylists. Spectacular service, I love the TEXT reminders! Easy, free, on street parking. The stuff they sell is well chosen and nicely priced- check out the men's gift box with the shampoo that looks like a nice bottle of bourbon - Upgrade your Man without him feeling metro'd! read more