I have been going to RPS for over 3 years and have seen quite a few stylists over that time. They're all great and everyone's super friendly. I was so stoked when Skyler came back since she's the stylist I like to go to the most. RPS isn't cheap but I treat myself to it and every cut I get is well worth it. I always get compliments from people after I go. I also like reading the vintage comics in their waiting area. Just a nice place all around !! read more

UPDATED 8/13/26: the salon called me after this review and refunded me the overcharged hour plus 20% of the hour since I tipped on the four hour amount. I appreciate them making it right. Be sure to double check the amount before check out. ### I unfortunately left disappointed after a decent first experience in the salon. They quoted me initially during a consultation for 3 hours from 1-4pm. When I arrived for my appointment, my stylist took me 20min after my appointment time started as she was busy with another customer. We ended the appointment at 4:22 and I assumed it would still be 3 hours given the delayed start. The receptionist pulled the price up to have the stylist confirm. The stylist shrugged and said "we started a bit late but that's fine." Then I saw the price and they added a full hour to the total price. After tip, it was over $460. Given it was my first time I felt overwhelmed and didn't say anything and cause a scene. I regret not speaking up in the moment. However I don't recommend people go here as they may do the same to you. I won't be returning. read more

Rock Paper Scissors is amazing!! I've gotten my haircut by Allie and Mal, they were both great! I highly recommend this salon, especially lgbtq+ folks :) read more

A returning but disappointing experience. My appointment was canceled 15 minutes before it was scheduled to start because my stylist was sick. I was already on my way when I received the notice. I understand that illness happens, but a 15-minute heads-up is not acceptable. They offered to reschedule, which I appreciate, but made no attempt to compensate for the wasted trip and time. Better communication and some goodwill -- even a small discount on a future visit -- would have gone a long way. read more

If you want a great short cut with texture, Sage is your person! Love how beautiful and aesthetically pleasing this salon is too. And very affordable for a short cut! read more

I'll preface this by saying the person who did my hair no longer works here. But the response from the manager was what made it really awful. First, it took *over 6 hours* for a balayage on my medium-length, thin hair (my natural hair color is a level 6). My stylist had her coworker come over and look at what she had done to my hair, to which she blurted out "um... that's beige." My stylist awkwardly laughed and deflected. Feeling defeated and exhausted, I paid her and just went back home. A year later, I came back to give my stylist a second chance, ...it cost almost $600 for them to touch up my roots on a small section on my hair and add a vivid color to it (it was on half of my bangs area ONLY). When I brought this up to the manager, as to her response was "I dunno what you looked like when you came in, I didn't have my hands in your hair." Uh... yeaaahh... so.. never went back, never recommended. Like I said in the beginning, the stylist no longer works there, but the "oh well too bad" attitude of the manager is what ultimately made me leave. read more

I was stuck in the dreaded "I guess I'm just growing it out until I figure out what to do with it" phase until Michael was recommended to me as a stylist who can help bring life back into straight, straight hair. I booked my appointment through a super easy online process and received plenty of friendly reminders leading up to it. Upon arriving, I was greeted with a smile and got to relax in the super sunny and warm welcoming waiting area. I didn't leave as the same person who walked in. My formerly blah hair has volume, body, and bounce! My hair is that annoying girl who studied abroad one semester and now can't stop talking about it. She judges everyone who doesn't pronounce it as "cwahssoint." Michael is so funny, kind, and talented. Despite meeting only moments prior, I felt like I was conversing with a longtime friend on topics from pets to trash tv to recommendations on how to care for my hair. I was honestly bummed when my appointment ended, but only because I was having such a great time. So freaking happy with my new haircut and I can't wait to come back again in a couple months! read more

My wife loved her experience at Rock Paper Scissors Salon in City Center, Durham. She described Rock Paper Scissors as "the whole package." She got a full balayage and haircut by stylist Nikko. It looks amazing. My wife looks even more beautiful than she looked before! [Insert heart eyes emoji here.] She can't stop looking at her hair. She admires Nikko's work everyday. The entire process was A+, start to finish. My wife found Rock Paper Scissors thanks to Yelp. She called to book her appointment. About two weeks before her appointment, my wife had a Zoom video meeting with Nikko. It was a full consultation so both my wife and Nikko knew what to expect. I thought that was neat, to have such a thorough pre-appointment consultation. My wife said it was a first for her. Normally, you just show up to your appointment, sit down, and tell the stylist what you want. Here, I think they take more time and effort so both the customer and stylist are better prepared. Something my wife loved about Nikko was she got Nikko's full attention for the duration of her visit which was roughly 2.5 hours. At my wife's go-to salon in Georgia (Atlanta/Duluth), the stylist there is so popular that she bounces between multiple customers. At Rock Paper Scissors, my wife got Nikko's full, undivided attention. We don't know if that's normally the case, but it does seem that way. The cut was $50, full balayage $150, and "color eco" fee $2. After tip, the total cost was $246. Rock Paper Scissors practices sustainable haircare, using Davines and Hairstory products that are zero-impact, biodegradable, vegan, and organic. My wife said the products smelled "SO good" and she was tempted to buy some. Rock Paper Scissors doesn't have dedicated parking. My wife parked around the corner on N Mangum St for free. Since it was a Saturday (weekend), parking was free. Two-hour paid parking is enforced, Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm. Rock Paper Scissors' standard and COVID-19 safety policies were made very clear on their website as well as in emails. My wife is cautious when it comes to COVID and she felt very safe here. Check 'em out on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/rpssalon.durham/ read more

Rock Paper Scissors Salon - Service menu as of October 9, 2021. - Hair Stylists Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

A great salon that caters to lots of styles. I opt for a shorter Pixie cut, which they did well. I've seen two of the stylists and they are equally skilled. They both listened to what I was looking for and made it happen! read more

Terrific experience at this salon. Gavin is an artist! My cut is EXACTLY what I was hoping for. Ten out of ten and then some! Thank you!! read more

I went in for a curly cut and Sage did an amazing job. I walked in with a grown-out mess and walked out with the curly shag of my dreams. In addition the vibe was great. Very inclusive and welcoming. The salon appears to do an excellent job of offering accommodations for all clients. read more

This is the greatest place On earth! Alex is the Best!!! They care tons about their clients!! read more

Como siempre, una experiencia maravillosa. Gracias Laurita por tu trabajo, paciencia y bella energía.

I've been here a ton in the last few months because I was getting married and wanted to do several hair treatments leading up to that. The whole staff is great and I've been super happy with all my services. Some services I enjoy chatting during, while for others I put my earbuds in and just close my eyes and relax. I first got a cut and balayage. Followed by another cut and balayage a week before my wedding. After the wedding I wanted to get rid of my long, high-maintenance locks and so got a shoulder-length cut (pictured) and super fun peekaboo rainbow color underneath (pictured). This is the shortest my hair has ever been, but I love it and totally trusted the RPS team to do the chop. I've gotten hair services from Suzanne, Liz, and Kales, as well as brow and eyebrow tinting (which I am obsessed with as it provides a zero effort, no-makeup makeup look). Liked each of the ladies I worked with and would go back to any of them happily. read more

Rock Paper Scissors Salon - Peekaboo rainbow - Hair Stylists Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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I have found the (salon) love of my life. Seriously, I will be coming to this salon for forever. I had the first appointment of the day, and when I entered into the space, it was so peaceful, inviting, clean, and appealing. The space is both modern and vintage and the ambience is airy and light. The receptionist was welcoming and professional. My stylist was incredible. She listened to my wants and made her own suggestions, and gave me a haircut that I loved immediately. In addition to being a great salon, I absolutely love that, when booking the appointment, you can opt for two different (and free) add-ons: you can request that your stylist wear a mask, and you can request a "silent" appointment where there is no expectation to make chit chat the whole time. I opted for the silent appointment, and it felt so freeing to sit and read and not feel bad about taking a moment for myself. It was a comfortable silence; my stylist commented that it was a relaxing way for her to start her day. I 10/10 recommend this salon! read more

Rock Paper Scissors Salon - Indoor shot from the waiting area - Hair Stylists Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Amazing. Mal was fantastic- I rarely write reviews but they did such a great job listening to what I was looking for and providing a fabulous haircut. I was going from straight long hair to a shag with bangs. The whole experience from start to finish was great. read more

I've been looking for a stylist who knows how to give me a great pixie cut since I moved to NC in 2019. Finally, I have found her . . . Skyler is great. The salon is lovely and inviting and the staff welcoming and warm. I'm so thrilled! read more

I'm actually.... still in shock. I paid $45+tip for a blowout and curls (listed online for 60 min) and it lasted 35 minutes and i have close to no volume (in previous blowouts, I've had them tease my hair/go over it more) and that didn't happen. I'm not a hairdresser, and I've only had 2 blowouts before, so I didn't want to say anything. But when she started curling my hair ALL the same direction (see pics) and it was literally falling out in the studio. She basically blow dried my hair curled it. Did I misunderstand blowout in this context?? Maybe they should call it something else because I assumed it was for volume/special events. I really wish I said something in person... but it's too late! The worst part is my event is tonight and I don't have the time or money to want to fix it. My hair dresser as a person was great, but I would never go back. I hope the haircuts are better than styling! Just go to drybar for blowouts! I'm so sad! read more

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The owner reached out to me and scheduled me for a makeup haircut since I was not satisfied with my last trim. I was hesitant at first but did not regret. Night and day. My hair cut was clean and even. Kara did an amazing job with my fade, neckline, and texturing. She has great attention to detail and was a pleasure to talk to. read more

Skylar is absolutely fantastic and so very talented. I had gone to a different salon for a big cut (took off about 8-10 inches) and the person did a very sloppy job. My neighbor recommended Rock Paper Scissors and I set an appointment with Skylar. She listened carefully to my concerns and she walked me through her ideas for how we could fix my haircut. My hair was already so short...I was running out of hair to fix :) She took her time with the cut and did an outstanding job. As for the salon, I struggle with social anxiety and sometimes struggle in social settings. I felt very at home and welcomed from the moment I stepped through the door (which is also across the street from easy public parking). read more

Always a great experience visiting Abbie. Great atmosphere, laid back vibe, clean space, and kind staff.

I am now six months post haircut waiting to get back to Durham so that I can return to the salon. The stylist rescued me from an absolute hatchet job that I received in Southern California. hello she also did beautiful color. read more

My haircut was done ok, but charging 100+ for a trim is not affordable. Also, products recommended for me during the session were not the products being used in the salon. I get there may be special training for curly hair but that shouldn't mean curly haired people have to pay more to receive a haircut by someone who can cut their hair type. For anyone with curly curly hair, I recommend you just ask for layers and ask for someone who is comfortable cutting curly hair wherever you end up going. Using proper products and ensuring you have healthy hair is far more important in making your curls look good. Also curly patterns do turn out differently after each wash so really there is not perfect way to do cut it. :) EDIT: Bumped this down to a 1 star, because owner reply suggests that I was actually overcharged and they are making it seem like it's my fault when I'm a new client. Prior to the haircut I asked my stylist what the difference between a curly hair cut is and she said it's when you want your hair out 80% of the time naturally whereas the other hair cut would be for when you plan on styling your hair and not meant for people who want their hair curly. I came in 6:30 pm and in my car by 7:40pm meaning it took only 1hr to cut and dry my hair for a "curly hair cut". There really wasn't much of a difference between this appointment to a normal hair cut I'd go to elsewhere except here I did get layers. It is a bad sign whenever a place puts the blame on the client. As for booking, the person said she could do regular or curly hair cut so that is something that can change during the appointment! read more

This was my first time at Rock Paper Scissors and it was the best haircut experience I have ever had. The receptionist was so kind, and the space was cute, bright, and fun. I got my curly hair cut by Sage and it was the best hair cut of my life. I didn't know exactly what I wanted, but explained that my hair was frustrating me and felt to floppy and unmanageable. Sage knew just what to do and gave my the best haircut! I can't wait to go back. read more

Allie is the best hairdresser I've ever had! She knows how to build a genuine relationship with her clients that makes you feel so taken care of and at ease. The first time I had her, she challenged me to not get life crisis bangs and chop all my hair off- because she cared and could sense I was going through something- I took her advice- thank the stars! Every time I've had color and a cut, and most recently had my hair styled, I've left feeling like she nailed exactly what I was going for!! read more

The space is so inviting, peaceful and beautiful. I requested a curly cut with Laurie and she by far exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend! read more

Suzanne can seriously work magic with fine hair. I haven't received so many compliments on my hair in a long time. Last time I returned home from seeing her my kids told me I looked like a cool 30 year old mom (I'm in my 40's) :) The front desk staff is very nice as well. read more

Wonderful Durham salon that my stylist Skyler started working for. Easy lot parking with validation, friendly staff, funky cool decor. And Skyler is amazing!! read more

I don't understand how hard can be to book an appointment, whoever answer the phone was so inefficient I was on the phone for 14 min ! and after I got my haircut months ago all I have to say if you are a person of color or have Hispanic hair like mine don't go there, those girls don't even know what's a type of hair besides thin hair. I asked for soft layers and she chopped my hair until was flat. She thinks every type of hair should be flat and straight. Can't remember the name of my stylist what I do remember asking for a person that knows how to cut Hispanic thick hair. I am surprised about the good reviews. read more

I went in a blonde asking for a darker dirty blonde (example photo inlcd) more dimension and left a brunette with blonde highlights. They have a 7 day guarantee so I asked for them to fix it. They set a "tweak" appointment for Thursday and when I went I expected that I would have more highlights put on to break up the DARK BROWN low light that is now the base color. But no, Michael simply washed my hair twice with clarifying shampoo and said that the highlights would pop out in a few days. So I left feeling hopeful. Monday I called to say that it is still too dark, as I have polled my neighborhood to make sure I am not seeing something darker than it is. The receptionist said to email the owner. I did that and never heard. So today I called the salon back and Michael answered and said he was Just going to call me, and proceeded to gaslight me about our initial consult having talked about wanting my hair to be darker. Darker doesn't mean BRUNETTE. He offered nothing but arguing making it my saying I wanted my hair darker even when I provided photo examples. They say there is 7 day guarantee but don't stand by it. Now after spending over $250 on my hair, I still have to go spend more money. When I mentioned this to him, he even said that was your choice to tip me even using that against me. It was their choice to not fix my hair and it was their choice that I am posting this then. read more

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Gavin was great! Salon is laid back and comfortable with great music. So happy we finally found this place after trying others for a few years and never quite getting it right. Now we got it right and we will be back! read more

Okay, I super love RPS and their atmosphere, but my review is specifically for one of the stylists that works there, Sara! She's my official Hairy Godmother and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my hair. I'm not sure why she's listed as an apprentice, and maybe it's because she's newer to the shop, but she's been doing hair for years and is so damn good at it. Don't let the "apprentice" part deter you from booking with her! So I first booked with Sara because I was feeling adventurous and wanted to go from dark brown to platinum blonde hair. Not only was she totally game for it, but we also bonded immediately and I had the best time hanging out with her (and have for all the appointments that have followed)! She pays close attention to detail and genuinely wants to make all of your hair dreams come true. I can not recommend her enough. I anticipated that taking my hair from brown to blonde would take several steps, but she achieved the greatest shade of blonde in the very first appointment! We've lightened it a bit since, but I was in love with how it turned out from the beginning. (See pics for before and after!) Basically, Sara is phenomenal and a blast to hang out with while you're getting your hair done. She's, by far, the best hair stylist I've ever been to and wouldn't trust anyone else with these locks. read more

Rock Paper Scissors Salon - Before: - Hair Stylists Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Kales at Rock Paper Scissors is a gem of a stylist. I am so grateful for her attention to detail and steady process. She took her time to be sure I received exactly the haircut I wanted. I will absolutely be returning in the future! read more

I woke up this morning, listened to Taylor Swift's new album and decided I needed to change everything about myself. My bank account quickly told me that that wouldn't be possible, but one change we can do. I looked up a lot of places on yelp, but all we're booked out and I needed the change today. This salon had pretty good reviews and Kara was available at 3:30. I was a little weary that she had availability, not sure if it meant anything or perhaps she just had a cancellation (I didn't ask). Anyway, I met with both receptionists (there's two buildings, and the first receptionist walked me to the other building which I thought was so kind rather just pointing where to go - which would've been okay too). The second receptionist was sweet, checking me in quickly. Kara was really sweet and conversation flowed easily (thanks to her) I'm really shy and a little awkward with small talk, but it was really easy to talk to Kara! I also would like to note that when you book online there's an option to make your appointment silent, where your stylist won't force you into small talk, and/or an option to ask your stylist to wear a mask. Super cool! Haven't seen that before (I didn't pick either of those options). I showed Kara a picture of what I was thinking, cut some inches, trim the curtain bangs, layers. Super easy! The cut took about an hour, cost $70 (plus tip because I liked her and her work). I had asked her about color, showed a picture, and asked cost. She answered all of my questions easily and I really appreciated getting an estimated cost and not a "we'll have to see". I'll definitely be scheduling again with her! Thank you! read more

Rock Paper Scissors Salon - Before - Hair Stylists Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Excellent stylists and service I highly recommend recommend!The service was warm and inviting and my Kales really listened to what I wanted and delivered! read more

**The owner responded to CYA, but LIED in her review - I was never informed of the said policy in my consultation nor in the 3 hour service appointment. The salon has continued to try and place the blame on me despite having NEVER mentioned this policy. It's so disappointing and a disgrace to small businesses who genuinely care about their clients as this salon is trying to save face when they have continued to put me down. I was also never offered a "discounted" service and I told my stylist (who represents the salon) 48 hours after my service was completed ... even though the owner tried to say it wasn't brought to their attention until 2 weeks later. ** I enjoyed going to Rock Paper Scissors Salon for haircuts and decided to try out color with them for my first time ever - when it didn't come out how I expected it to my stylist said I could come back for free for a touch up, which was so kind of her, but to my disappointment the salon wouldn't allow her to do this because of a policy I wasn't told about. Great customer service would be gracious and choose to not lose a loyal customer (especially because this was my first time doing color and I wasn't made aware earlier), but because of their unwillingness and attitude towards the situation they've lost my business! The policy was that I had to come back within a particular timeframe, I was not made aware of this and was also physically not in the area to come to the salon in that mandated timeframe; it's very frustrating when people care more about a policy than a person and their business read more

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Liz. Liz. LIZ! If you are endowed with curly hair, do yourself a favor and get yourself into her chair! I've never had a better haircut. I've never had anyone take the time to understand MY hair. She is so kind and clearly loves and is a pro at her work! I can't speak highly enough of her!!! read more

Rock Paper Scissors Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is has been my place to get my haircut for the past 5. I can't recommend this place enough. The front desk staff is friendly and easy to work with. My original stylist left and came back, and I have been fortunate enough to be able to have two great stylists that I see. KC and Kales both know how to cut my curly, short hair. They do an awesome job fading the sides and keeping the top manageable. Having very short hair means that I have frequent visits. I feel like both stylists know me well and I love chatting with them and hearing about their lives. The shop is very queer friendly with a pride flag hanging in the window and a sign asking about pronouns. I always feel very welcome there. My only complaint is that the prices keep going up. I know that the stylists are worth it, but it is hard for me to afford a $50 haircut for the very short hair that I have. I will keep going here for as long as I can swing it because Kales and KC are worth it! read more

I have been going to RPS for years and the stylists always do a fantastic job. I recently decided to try out "oil slick" color and Kales did an amazing job! It looks fantastic and I love it so much. She was also very clear about care and expectations for fading of the color. read more

Rock Paper Scissors Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Kales does my hair with her perfect balayage technique. She spends a lot of time cutting my hair to make sure it looks it's best and is great about making suggestions on how I can improve the health of my hair. I have never been happier and just love her. Highly recommend!!! read more