Kelly is a magician and my time with her is always warm and fun and I leave feeling like a million bucks!

I can't say enough great things about Salon Central OTR. From the moment you walk in, it's clear that this is a salon built on professionalism, talent, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. The entire team reflects a high level of technical training and artistry, and that standard is no accident--it's a direct result of the leadership, mentorship, and vision of Jim Brofft. Under Jim's direction and training, the stylists operate at an elite level. Their attention to detail, precision cutting, and thoughtful consultation process consistently elevate the experience well beyond a typical salon visit. You can feel the culture of mastery and ongoing education in every appointment. Personally, I've trusted Jim with my hair for years, and the results have been consistently outstanding. His cuts are tailored, refined, and remarkably durable--they grow out beautifully and always feel intentional. That level of consistency over many years is rare, and it speaks volumes about his expert read more

So glad to have found Kelly, I wanted to try something new and was a little worried but she literally delivered. I will for sure be back as I continue to try new styles. Thank you Kelly! read more

Wow! Where have you been all my life Salon Central OTR? I made an appointment based on fellow Yelpies reviews and am so glad I did. Jim is absolutely amazing. He and his assistant Amber made me feel right at home and are so very welcoming. I am letting my silver grow out and after a great consultation Jim went to work, adding highlights and lowlights, doing all kind of magic, and gave me a fresh cut afterwards. I was super nervous of how my hair would turn out since this is not an easy transition for me going from medium brown to my now silver. My fears were unfounded and my hair turned out amazing! Jim blended the silver with my brown perfectly, and gave me a super flattering hair cut. read more

Salon Central OTR - Waxing Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Vincent is amazing! He has incredible expertise and totally rescued the natural curl in my hair that no other stylist I used before had been able to accomplish. He listens, gives great hair advice, and I always leave feeling amazing. read more

This is a great salon! Super friendly, and Amber makes my whole family feel comfortable (and well groomed). She's very talented and easy to work with, and always working to expand her knowledge. read more

I recently moved to OTR/Cinci and was looking for a new salon. I initially booked a blow out, however, after getting seated Vincent helped me decide to go ahead and get a trim. He was outstanding. The cut is perfect! Not only did I find a new salon and amazing hairstylist, I also left with recommendations for other services that I will need to get set up since I moved. Additionally he gave me book recommendations!!! And if you are in OTR - ask about the new client discount! I booked my next color/cut before leaving. That's how impressed I was. 10/10 recommend!! read more

Salon Central OTR - Waxing Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Love it!! Kelly was so amazing and she was really lovely. The vibe in there was amazing with great music and very friendly people. I got exactly what I wanted and am looking forward to my next time at salon central OTR read more

Absolutely fabulous salon. Vincent not only did a fabulous highlight and cut, but spent time analyzing my hair's health and asking me about MY thoughts on style and color, which I truly appreciated. A very warm, welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, as well. read more

I see this place every time I come downtown and decided to make an appointment. I had Amber cut my hair and she did an excellent job. She was super friendly and talkative. I've been getting so many compliments on my cut and it's only been a few days! I will definitely be back! read more

I am on the fence with this place, as the cuts are good but not over the top for the price. I love the atmosphere and the experts in this place, but it feels like it is missing some funk or maybe music. Here is how my 3 stars are broken down. 1. Easy appointment 2. Friendly staff 3. Location read more

I am thrilled I found this salon! Atmosphere is pleasant. Staff friendly. Jim has 35 years experience and is owner of the shop. Vince has lots of talent and is willing to consult and continue to learn from Jim. They make a dynamo team. I went there with a bad haircut . My hair was frizzed salt and pepper and had 3. non flattering colors in my hair; dark brown , gramma red , and silvery white. I am very happy with my new hairdo. I also thought the price was good. I will return . I am not good at selfies but here you go. I showed Jim pictures of past hair dos and one model I liked . I told Jim to have Vince do what he needed to make me look better. So thanks Guys ! I am thrilled beyond words. Linda Stevens read more

Salon Central OTR - Hair done by Salon Central OTR 30 Central Parkway, Cincinnati,OH - Waxing Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This salon is great! Vince is amazing! Cut, color, waxing . So professional. Very satisfied! I love the consultation not every salon does that. The vibe is great too. Location is convenient right on the streetcar route and across from Coffee Emporium. They're even open on Sundays! Did I mention they're an Aveeda salon? Only products I'll use now. Hurry and book an appointment and get your fresh look for Spring! read more

This is an amazing place! Everyone is so friendly and unpretentious, it's immediately inviting. Kelly does amazing work with hair. When I first visited her, my hair was dried out from a previous salon not taking care of my continually colored red hair. After the first visit, my hair was already more healthy, and continues just to get more beautiful. She truly is an artist! You can park in the Kroger on-the-Rhine garage right across the street, grab yourself a coffee from Coffee Emporium, and headed to Salon Central for an amazing experience. read more

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I was able to schedule a same day haircut with Kelly and it was great! She sat down with me before we did anything to discuss what I wanted and to talk through some decisions. She listened to my concerns and kept those in mind. The wash stations were clean and Kelly took time to make sure the cut was what I wanted. Overall great experience, especially as a first time customer! read more

I'll break this review into two parts: 1) what happened 2) what I think. 1) What happened I had scheduled an appointment for yesterday at 2 pm, but I couldn't make it because I got stuck in an important work meeting that ran long and ended at 2:45 pm. I called as soon as it ended, apologized, and asked if I could reschedule for today. My new appointment was today at 1 pm, but I got held up again because of work and left my place at 1:05 pm. I was worried this might be inconvenient for them, so I called right then, leaving my building, and told them I was on my way. Because I felt bad, I ran there even though I had sprained my ankle badly two days before. I arrived at 1:15 pm, 15 minutes late and 10 minutes after my call. When I entered, a lady was brooming the floor, and the salon was empty but for two other people: one client and the person cutting their hair. She met me at the desk upfront and told me she couldn't take me because I was 15 minutes into my appointment; I had to wait 15 minutes. I told her I couldn't do that, unfortunately, because I would be late for my next meeting if I were to start getting my hair cut at 1:30 pm. She reminded me, in front of the other people in the room, that I'd missed my prior appointment and that I was 15 minutes late this time. She explained that she can't keep asking her other clients to wait because of me. I was a bit taken aback; I said I couldn't wait and would call back. I left. 2) What I think I won't call back, not because they didn't want to use the rest of the time allotted for my appointment to cut my hair, but because of that lady's behavior. I initially assumed they'd be able to see me because there was time left on my appointment slot, and when I called 10 minutes prior, I was not told it would be too late. Additionally, I got my hair cut there once before, and it took no more than ~10 to 15 minutes; no shampoo, no styling, just a simple trim. I wouldn't have had an issue with this if the person had had a decent attitude about the situation. However, she seemed insulted that I missed the previous appointment and was now 15 minutes late, and she seemed annoyed. I told her about my ankle when I came in, and I'd called to apologize the day prior. Yet, instead of being understanding and empathetic the way I was when I ran or called, she couldn't get over her feelings. As I mentioned, she went so far as to give me a brief lecture about punctuality in front of the other two people in the room. She seemed too caught up in her feelings to show consideration for her (former) client. read more

So refreshing to find a cosmopolitan salon with zero attitude! I have been a client for 7 years--since I moved back to Cincinnati--and I find the service and techniques as up-to-date as any big-city salon. I especially like the Keratin smoothing treatment, which keep my wavy hair tamed. This is a no-pressure atmosphere where the stylists clearly love what they do. read more

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Just got a simple trim & layering cut by Jake today. Everyone in the salon was very friendly & cared to get to know me a bit! Loved my haircut too. read more

This salon has an excellent reputation for customer service according online reviews, and these raves are not misguided! I wandered into Salon Central without an appointment in hopes of finding someone who could help me on short notice. I had recently moved to town and been brought to tears by one of the worst cuts and overall styling experiences of my life at High Five Salon. The stylist at that salon had not listened to my description or photos of the color and cut I was aiming for, snapped and pouted at me when I asked if parts of the cut could be adjusted, and I was panicking at the thought of starting a new job in a few days with a cut that even horrified my typically optimistic friends. Salon Central's owner, Jim, immediately saw that I was near tears and agreed to squeeze me in to fix the layers of the cut despite no advance notice. He made every effort to put me at ease, truly listened to my input and was also honest about what could be fixed from the prior cut and what couldn't (as opposed to the other person who had suspiciously agreed to every comment but didn't seem to actually be engaging with me or paying attention). His cuts showed a much better understanding of my hair's movement and how layers would fall even though he had not worked with me before. At the end of the session, he did not even charge me for fixing the cut. I have already booked a future appointment. I will always be grateful to this salon for giving me some confidence and comfort on my first day at a new job in a new city. read more

Jim Brofft and associates are by far THE BEST in Cincinnati and beyond for cut, color, keratin, waxing and amazing service! Jim has been "my guy" for 25+ years now. He always has fresh ideas and I just leave it to him to decide what to do next. Jim has a real eye for all types of hair care and he has a knack for hiring the best staff onto his team. And don't even get me started on the service there--last time I was in, I got a flat tire. Jim made a few calls and had my tire replaced while I was in the salon. WOW! If you are looking for a new salon, you have made the right choice by calling Jim Brofft Salon Central. read more

Salon Central OTR - Hair by Jim Brofft and associates - Waxing Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

After watching a few too many episodes of "What Not to Wear," I decided I wanted to go to a professional hairstylist who would be capable of doing with my hair whatever would look best. I was tired of going to cheaper salons and hearing, "So what are we doing today?," followed by a blank stare. I would say "Uh, I don't know. Layers?" and end up with some iteration of the same boring hairstyle I've had for most of my life. Jim Brofft is just the stylist I was looking for. When I told him that I wanted him to do what he thought would look best, he was able to immediately size me up, make a suggestion, and follow through with an amazing cut. I have never gotten so many compliments on a hairstyle or any other change in my dress/appearance in my life as I have with this haircut. And I am. LOVING. IT. The cut itself is fun, sassy, and age-appropriate, and Jim was able to show me how to get my hair to do something I never thought it could do - be wavy! The first time styling it myself was little rough but after a couple days I'm completely comfortable with doing it myself. Yay! All-in-all I had a great experience. I enjoyed sitting in the salon and chatting with Jim, who is very easy to talk to, and with the other clients. And at the end of the appointment I walked away looking great. Even if this salon is out of your price range for your regular appointments, it would be well worth it to treat yourself to a haircut here! read more

It's been 6 (count 'em) 6 months since my last hair cut. My last hair cut was at the Aveda Salon (School) in Norwood, and while I really enjoy their service, I dont have the 2-4 hours it takes anymore to get my hair done. After Yelping Cincinnati Salons and reading the reviews, I decided to try Jim Brofft Salon Central. I work downtown, and it turns out that I can actually walk to their location (major plus). I was able to get an appointment on the same day I called (awesome) and I was paired with Tim F. I didnt have any clue what I wanted, and he helped me think through a couple different options. With my curly hair, he actually explained how frizz occurs, how to style for maximum curl and miniumum frizz, and didnt push any product on me. The cut he gave me works with my round face, and is great when I wear it curly or straight. I was also able to get a brow wax from Tim, which was nice since I didnt have to switch stylists to do so (complicates tipping / paying to switch people). The conslutation, shampoo, condition, cut, blow dry and eyebrow wax took all of 1 hour. ONE HOUR. I was shocked. I didnt feel rushed, and got a cut that I love. read more

Looking for a great salon conveniently located downtown? Look no further. The stylists here are all amazing, and take the time to do a proper consultation both to understand what you're looking for and to offer suggestions (if you want them) about what would look best for your hair type/ proportions/ face shape. The last time I stopped in Tim cut my hair, went with my general plan but took a few suggestions he made as well, and have never loved my hair more than I do with my current haircut. The salon offers all the typical services you'd expect, is immaculately clean, and very urban/ cool stylish. I feel very posh just walking in the doors. :) Prices are more than you'd pay at some chain place, but comparable to what you'd expect to pay at other upscale salons. read more

Just got my hair cut at Salon Central. The place was clean, the employees were friendly, and Kristen did a wonderful job with my haircut. I have rarely had haircuts that I like immediately, but this place delivered. Highly recommended!! read more

Kyle cut and colored my hair this past weekend. The color is dyn-o-mite! I have had more compliments on my hair in the past few days then I have in years. Thank you Kyle. read more

I saw Erin today for brows, wash & blow dry, and makeup application. WOW - I am ready for my close up Mr. Demille!!! Erin cleaned up my brows, gave a great wash and lovely blow out. The make up they carry goes on like a dream and works for all skin tones and types. Do yourself a favor and check these guys out!!! read more

one word. TIM. TIM was great. I took advantage of the Yelp deal to try Jim Brofft Salon for my mother-in-law. Her gray roots were in need of care. Service was great. Tim made suggestions on how to fix my mother-in-law's hair for it was damaged due to over-the-counter hair color she tried. Because I was so delighted with the service, I decided to get a hair cut myself while mother-in-law was waiting for her hair color to set in. I loved my hair cut. I had a long hair but decided to cut it short. Couldn't ask for a better hair stylist. Tim did a great job. Felt like a real make over. Can't wait to schedule another appointment for my mother-in-law's retouch of gray roots. read more

I recently moved to Cincinnati and needed to find a new salon, so I fired up Yelp and took a look at what was around. I'm glad I found Jim Brofft Salon Central. The space is clean, modern, and airy, and the staff immediately made me feel welcome. The customer service here is above and beyond any other salon I've been to. I requested an appointment with Tim F. using the salon's website, which was quick and convenient. Tim took the time to understand what I wanted out of the cut and offered a few suggestions of his own before putting his clippers to use. He also explained the reasoning behind each step of the cut, which was an unexpected and confidence-inspiring touch. Most critically, he showed me exactly how to replicate the style he made at home, which was another first for any salon I've been to. It's rare that a business can make you look and feel like a million bucks, and Jim Brofft Salon Central does both. While it may cost more for a cut here than the average salon, you definitely get your money's worth. I'll be making a return visit. read more

Abigail is fantastic. She has highlighted my hair and chopped off about 2 inches and I've received so many compliments. She's easy to talk to and understands what I'm going for when I visit her. And the entire salon staff are super kind and welcoming. read more

I just love my stylist, Dean. I have really difficult hair and it's hard for me to get a cut I like. My hair is extremely thick and wavy, so a bad cut makes it poof out. Normally, I would need to have my hair periodically straightened as well as cut, but now I realize a good cut goes a very long way in keeping my coarse hair looking good. Chemical straighteners are expensive, tedious and probably not very good for your health, so i have a lot to thank Dean for! He's fun to talk to and can get you scheduled in a timely manner. The salon is also very nice. read more

The hair cut I received was a great price -only $35 - but bad quality. My cut was crooked across the back and uneven in the front. The worst part was that it took an hour and forty minutes to complete. I don't want to go back and have it fixed because I really don't have to sit in the chair that long again. read more

I asked my Cincy friends who the BEST was in Cincy, and they all said Jim Brofft. Turns out they were right. I, like most, ask impossible things of my stylist and he did it and laughed at my jokes and made me feel like I mattered. And that I wasn't just another sad middle-aged lady looking for style. What more do you want in a stylist? read more

I have been going to Jim Brofft Salon Central off and on for several years. The last two times I went, the services were incredible, as they always are, but now I've decided that it's worth the drive from Liberty Township to downtown Cincinnati (about 40 minutes). Every time I go there, I leave with that incredible feeling that you get when you get a new hairstyle, cut, or color. What was so great about the last two visits was the amazing haircut. It lasted, sassy, swingy and cute for the entire eight weeks between my cuts. The expertise that Jim possesses far surpasses anywhere I've ever gone. My color was perfect, the haircut was the best I've ever had, and the ambience of the salon is exactly what I look for. It's spacious, beautiful, tasteful, and full of natural light. I highly recommend going here for your next hair service. I may even see you down there, because it's the only place I'll ever go again. read more

Positives: -Jim had a lot of hair to work with and overall cut a decent hairstyle. -Queer friendly environment. Negatives: -I was not greeted immediately upon entering the salon, it took about 5 min. for someone to come talk to me at the front desk. -I was booked for a 1:15 appointment but was not taken back for hair consult or shampoo until 1:45. -After my hair was shampooed & conditioned, I had to wait another 15-20 minutes for Jim to start the haircut. He would cut for 10-15 minutes at a time and then leave to work on other clients in-between. -After cutting my hair (wet), Jim put me underneath the dyer for 30 minutes to get the "water out of my hair." I've never had a stylist do this with me.... he could have picked up a hair dyer and done it himself. Instead, I watched him continue to work on his other clients while I sat under the dryer. -He told his assistant to finish drying and start straightening my hair. Another 10-15 minutes past without her addressing me. Jim eventually picked up the hair dryer and finished by straightening my hair. He then spent a little more time cutting my hair while dry. -While I was sitting in the chair, I noticed hair piled up in the corner and crevices around the salon floor. There was also a bunch of hair tangled in the brushes they were using on me. Gross! -Start to finish, it took just over two hours for me to get my hair done when there was probably less than 45 minutes of actual cutting/styling. -Not only did I feel like an inconvenience at the salon but no one every apologized for the long wait and inconsistent hair cutting flow. -Jim was juggling multiple clients and failed to execute a flawless cut. Even after I left the salon I went home to cut a CHUNK of long pieces of hair he missed toward the back of my head. -The people working in the salon did seem to be busy, I get it, but why overbook yourself! I will not be returning to Jim Brofft Salon. I really wanted to like Jim and the salon but the service fell short. I'll take my $80 and will continue to look for a stylist who knows what good customer and professional service are like! read more

Got my hair cut by Tim. He does a great fade. Everyone there is very friendly and their prices are very resonable. I will definitely go back there to get my hair cut every time. read more

Jim Broft is best colorist and hair stylist in Cincinnati!!!

I was glad to get a hair appointment upon my arrival to Cincinnati! It's been awhile since my visit but I remember my hair stylist was new to the salon which is probably why she had an opening. I initially loved my hair cut probably because she styled it. But I also remember not liking it after a few days. New salon visits are always a risk! read more

I am EXTRA picky and controlling about my (dyed) coppery-auburn, curly hair, and when I moved from New Orleans to Cincinnati for my second year pharmacy residency, my head was in a world of hurt. Long story short, I had a great stylist in NOLA and I told him to do whatever he wanted with my hair before my move to Cincy. Well, I got a little nervous when the thinning shears came out and started weaving their way through my coif of loose curls, but NOLA had loosened me up enough to roll with it. At the end of the visit, my color was perfect, and my style was straight, a little edgier, and super cute...until the next day. Unless I straightened it (which I almost never do) I looked like a sad emo poodle. So with that, I took my color formula, sought out a salon with the same color line in my new city of Cincinnati, and hoped that the stylist I found there would be able to manage the mess on my head. After reading some reviews, I booked an appointment online with Tim and, wow, am I glad I did! When I came to Salon Central for my first appointment, I handed Tim my formula and asked him to shape my then-scraggly hair if there was any way possible without cutting it short (me + short hair = being mistaken for a 10-year-old boy). What Tim did next hooked me for the rest of my year in Cincy - instead of telling me what he was going to do from there and/or being annoyed with my rigid demands, Tim had a discussion with me about what I wanted to do with my hair, how I like to style it, how much time I want to put into styling, etc. before making any recommendations. He made recommendations for my cut and also recommended a slight adjustment to my color, which I accepted with hesitation (remember my hair control issues), but was super happy I did when I left the salon with not only a great cut and color but also with hair that was incredibly shiny and looking healthier than it had in years. For the rest of my time in Cincy, Tim was my stylist, and I never once considered switching. He made new recommendations from time to time (we had a quick discussion/mini-consult about my hair at each visit before he did anything, another element I never had with another stylist outside of Tim), but was never pushy about it and I never felt bad when I didn't take him up on them...although now I wish I would have from the beginning! He also never pushed products on me, which was so refreshing. Beyond that, I'll also echo other reviewers in that Tim never forced conversation, which was especially great for me as anyone who knows me knows I don't enjoy small talk or gossip. There's no doubt in my mind I'd still be coming to Tim if I had stayed in Cincy, but I've recently moved to Chicago, so I'm on the hunt for a new stylist. I've never gotten more complements on my hair as I did during my year in Cincy, and finding someone here that can even come close to matching my Tim experience (and I've had some great stylists in Chitown) is gonna be rough! Do yourself a favor and be the girl or guy that snatches up my every 5-6 week spot! read more

I received the best haircut of my life from Erin. I also thought it was very righteous that the owner Jim stopped over and introduced himself. Btw, I found the salon on Yelp! read more

If you don't care about your hair, then this is the place to go. I decided to give this a shot because of the Yelp ratings - I was wrong. My regrets, and never shall I come to this salon again. My stylist was Tim. I spent literally less than 30 minutes in the salon. This included: - -chit chatting about the hairstyle I wanted (I was clear with what I wanted, even had a picture) -hair wash (didn't even use conditioner), didn't feel like he washed my hair -blow dry (most salons touch up after your hair is dry, for a $50 haircut in Cincinnati, it's the least he could do) -Cut (all he did was shorten my hair, no styling done.) He barely cut my hair (just shortened it), very rough without any regard to the details. By far, the worst hair cut I have ever gotten in my life. I believe these guys are better off cutting men's hair. If you're thinking of getting a decent haircut and willing to fork the $, please avoid this salon. read more