New to town, I had no idea where to get a somewhat hip and quality haircut. The reviews on google and yelp for Shape were excellent. I had John cut my hair. He was patient, listened and wielded his instruments like an artist. The space was clean, and they followed covid protocols perfectly. Really happy with my haircut, and can't wait to go back! read more

I called them asking for an emergency appointment as I had a wedding to attend and my current hair stylist had to cancel due to.... You know, I dont think she gave a reason actually..... But thats beside the point. Shape Hair Design had no available hair stylist but did make suggestions on who they thought was good. Now I dont know what their hiring process is like but I assume it had to involve some kind of nunnery school and references of saint hood as no one other then the second coming of christ would just give away a competitors name just to help a client. When I offered to buy coffee for the staff for the reccommendation I got a resounding "we cant accept that, but please feel free to leave a review". Clearly I can't speak on the haircuts and hair styles done here but IF you are ever interested in getting a haircut done by a nun or a saint then this is the place for you!!! Side note* I didn't do any background checks to see if they are nuns or saints. It's just the only logical reasoning I can think of as to why they were all so amazing! read more

This salon is incredible. From the reception to the hair cut experience you will not be disappointed. Valerie the receptionist is remarkably friendly. She makes a point to warmly greet you and be very accommodating. John lee. My prayers have been answered. He took my broken grown out lob and turned it into the chic-est of bobs. It was astonishing the change I saw in my hair. I completely felt at ease with him. He took a great deal of time to ease me into the 3 inches we took off. He is a master at what he does. John, thank you so very much. I will be back with friends. For reference my hair is very curly which I flat iron straight. I have very thick hair that not everyone can shape in a stylish ready to wear haircut. read more

My hair stylist of 28 years retired and left me barren and bereft..,! What was I to do? The one constant in my life had been swept away from under my feet.! It's 'just hair 'my less informed friends would say....! How little did they understand. Well , Peeps... worry has been cast aside and I have found my new happy place for my next 28 years in the master stylist and lovely human known as John Lee.... ! once again into the fair night I go with one less worry in this world . Thank you John Lee! read more

If you could see my head you would laugh. I am 50+ and been on the verge of just shaving my head and getting through the denial of not having hair. All that said, John has given me reason to continue the fight. He is the only professional I would go to - I leave with a cut that lasts a long time, and a sense that my dome isn't as silly looking as I thought. On top of all that, Val is great, compassionate and, my goodness, this is as much of a family as I have ever seen in this niche. read more

I've lived in Portland 15 years and have tried many, many salons - probably most of the top billed on Yelp in an effort to find "the one." I am both very particular and unable to articulate what I want so as you can imagine I'm not an easy client. I want volume and length, fullness and layers, healthy and color treated hair etc etc. John, Val and Thomas are so so talented and kind. John has that sought after talent of listening to what you want while gently leading you to better results that will be perfect for your hair type and face-which in my mind is ideal. Don't get me wrong, he listens to what you want but he's an expert in his field and I trust him completely. I work on photoshoots. Last time I was in LA the barber/stylist on set could not get over how amazing my cut was. He took pictures so he could try and replicate and gave the highest words of praise "that cut is dope as sh*t." :) Parking is easy, hugs are plentiful, beer is served and the conversation is great. (John also knows all the best ramen places in town, so bonus points in my mind.) read more

John is a master hairdresser. I've never been to anyone who cut my hair while it was dry to make sure he could see and deal with its idiosyncrasies (like cow licks). It makes sense and resulted in best cut I've ever had. Also had highlights put on a week later--beautiful caramel, very natural. You won't be sorry. read more

When you walk into the salon you feel it is modern, open, and bright. I have loved every haircut and color from my visits with John. He has been doing my hair for over 10 years and I couldn't have asked for a better hair stylist! read more

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Color ok. Cut mediocre because it was a short cut done with scissors that were so dull that I could feel my hair catching in the blades and yanking my hair. I could not style it easily because it was so improvised. Short hair should be cut with a razor. But I failed to ask in advance. My fault. I am giving it such a low rating, though, mostly because it was OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. In LA I spent less for a better cut. Tonya is very sweet. But, I feel so ripped off. she needs to update her training. read more

I've been going to John for over 10 years now. A few years ago I met Anh Co Tran of the LA salon Ramirez Tran (famous for the lob). He had been teaching a class at Urbaca (the salon John used to work at) and I mentioned that John was my stylist. He marveled at my superb cut and spoke very highly of John's technique. John is a masterful hair stylist and an absolute perfectionist. He never lets me down and wouldn't possibly let me leave his salon without a perfect cut. I feel very fortunate to have found such a talented stylist in Portland. I echo all of the positive Yelp reviews that John has received. He's the best. read more

This salon is top notch! Everything about it makes you feel well cared for, smart and stylish. It is beautifully decorated, amazing music and Val makes you feel so welcomed. But the icing on the cake is Sylvia Bueno. She is a Masterful Stylist! She cut my curls like a freaking pro. And her color skills are epic. Head to Shape. You won't be disappointed! read more

I stopped a girl in my gym to ask where she got her colour done as she had the perfect blonde, which is virtually impossible to find, especially in Portland (no offense PDX). She gave me John's details and I booked online. All very easy. John was wonderful and gave me just what I was after (thankfully as Magnum Opus and Golden Arrow both destroyed my locks) so I'm over the moon. Thanks John, so pleased read more

In love with my new hair. John is AMAZING!!!! We recommended by a friend and I am hooked for life

I came to Sylvia at Shape Hair Design looking to completely transform my thick, wild, curly hair. She listened to what I was imagining and created such an amazing cut! Sylvia is so smart, creative, fun and a tremendously good person. My mom accompanied me to my appointment and decided to make am appointment with Sylvia immediately after mine because she was so inspired! It can be hard to find stylists who really understand how to work with curly hair and Sylvia is a total treasure and artist! The space at Shape is calm, light-filled and full of amazing people. While I was getting my hair done, there were people all around me getting inspiring haircuts. More than that, it's clear that the team of stylists love working together. I would recommend Sylvia and the Shape studio! read more

I am a little biased because I went to John before he had his own salon. I can't say enough good things about EVERYONE here. Valerie is super friendly and helpful...especially when you just need to be pampered. John and Tonya both do fantastic hair so you really can't go wrong with either. read more

Ahhh-MAZ-ING!! Everything about my experience here was the best! Not only was I indecisive about what I wanted, but I have a serious amount of thick long hair. This was my first visit and I was nervous! Because I never seem to know exactly what I want, I almost always leave a salon disappointed (yes, I think I'm pretty difficult when it comes to hair, but I've just wanted to find someone I trust and can stick with). From my first experience on the phone with Valerie, I was met with a warm, authentic friendliness. Then to arrive and have John work his INCREDIBLE magic on my hair...I couldn't be happier. He listened to my ideas and general thoughts for my hair, shared his opinions and then went for it. I wanted someone who could envision what would look good on me and make it happen-and what I got was exactly that...only better than I imagined! He thinned it out, the cut is gorgeous, it has a ton of movement and body and I love the color!! It's blonder and has a very natural look. I had a TON of hair, and it took longer than I had booked for, but both he and Valerie not only stayed late to finish, but I never felt like he rushed through or cut corners. He took is time and is truly an artist! Aside from the amazing hair experience, John was warm and friendly, it never felt awkward or fake (like it can with a first visit to some salons), the salon has a great energy and I'm looking forward to coming back. Beyond pleased with this visit!! read more

John was fabulous! Great vibes great job all around great! ;) He knew answers to all of my questions and was extremely honest. read more

This is a excellent space! I followed John over here from his previous salon and I couldn't be more excited for him and this new venture. John is friendly, creative, and has a great eye for hair design. I feel quite comfortable letting him take over and I always get wonderful compliments on the results. This location is convenient and in an up and coming area so it will be fun to see what blossoms in the next few months. Complimentary off street parking is another bonus. read more

John is not only an amazing, kind human being, but he is incredible at what he does. He has opened up a fabulous small business and found wonderful folks to work with him in this endeavor. He takes his craft seriously and is always improving his skills and knowledge. 1000% recommend coming here without hesitation. read more

I hadn't gotten my hair cut in 10 years because my hair was cut extremely shorter than what I had asked. I came across this place on Yelp because it was close to my work. I had been thinking about getting it cut for a couple months and on a whim called. They had an opening in an hour. My stylist was Sylvia who couldn't have been a better match. She was very nice and non-judgemental of my at home trims. She blended my awkward bangs that I'm growing out and only cut what I had asked. I wish I would've found this salon sooner. Everyone was very nice. This is my salon and I will go nowhere else. read more

John had cut and colored my hair for years and then I moved to the Beaverton area. I tried 4 different stylists in this area and not one measured up to John's talent. With a cruise on the calendar, I decided to go back and see John. I'm am so happy with my hair. The cut is so cute and the color is a pretty shade of blonde. This is just what I was hoping for. John is an awesome stylist and makes it look so easy. He was fearless and fixed my over processed, dried out mess. He has excellent instincts on how to work with blonde curly hair. read more

I come here once a year for a haircut or touch-up, but I do recommend John. He's a wonderful person and a knowledgeable stylist.

I finally found a hairstylist who gets me! And my hair! I loved everything from the greeting when I walked in, to the interaction and conversation with John and the final product. He listened, he shared his knowledge, he executed and he explained his process along the way. I trusted him and it was well worth it. He was the perfect combination of creative artist and perfectionist. I'm hooked. :) read more

John is an incredibly large-hearted and talented stylist. He is the first stylist I've ever committed to for my hair, I don't want to ever have to find anyone else. I could go on, but I've just said all there is to say. He's just wonderful. See him. You're welcome. read more

My first time seeing John and he was fabulous! I will recommend him to anyone. He goes above and beyond. I can't wait to see him again!

Had to do it. I've never left a review on yelp, ever. Period. I feel the need to say that I can be very critical of products and services in general, so I never leave reviews simply because I wouldn't want to bring down the rating of a particular establishment based on the fact that my standards can be somewhat exacting/fastidious. That said: It has been nearly five years since I left my home (and my hair stylist of 9 years) in California. I have happily flown back multiple times over that period to maintain my long, thick, somewhat coarse, ethnic hair. Lately, I've been traveling so frequently that I haven't found the time to head south, and instead, tried a few stylists locally. The results were underwhelming at best. I lost length, shape, and texture that I had never appreciated before. I hadn't realized it at the time, but a couple of sub-par cuts had really effected my self esteem. Even the way I carried myself changed. I decided to allow my strands to rest and grow a bit, while I searched for yet another stylist. I found Shape salon online, and was impressed with the images of textured/layered cuts I saw on their site, so I gave them a call. From my first interaction with Valerie (front desk) she was so helpful and accommodating. (I must have rescheduled five times, and not once did I feel like a nuisance). She even came outside to help me find the place when I arrived. She greeted me warmly, and was so genuine in her demeanor. I've been to numerous salons where employees feign interest, or force some cloying attempt at customer service by calling everyone "honey" or "sweetie", and it can come off as condescending. Valerie made me feel like a grown woman talking to another grown woman, and it was nothing short of refreshing. Her haircut and color were also flawless while still looking effortless. The best advertisement. I had my hair cut by John Lee (founder). I cannot say enough about his artistry. He not only salvaged my blunt, shapeless, mishap of a mop, but he made my hair look almost exactly the way it did before I boarded this "crazy train" that has been my hair journey for the past year. (I say almost because it's still a bit shorter that what I like, which is no fault of his). He was able to give me back my tapered ends and long sleek layers, without taking off any length, which was a relief, as I am more comfortable with longer hair. He was extremely professional and amiable, even suggesting some good restaurants and local spots in Portland. He could have been the most mean, surly, man in the entire northwest, and I would still go back for this haircut. Really. I left Shape hair salon smiling from ear to ear, and I haven't stopped since. For the past year, I had felt like I was presenting myself to the world wearing an ugly hat that I didn't choose. I feel like myself again, and that is priceless to me. When I arrived home, my husband said: "-and it only took five years" Enough said right? Upscale urban/industrial interior. Small boutique style atmosphere, with bright open floor plan. Lots of natural light and clean modern accents. Perfect. read more

John has been cutting and highlighting my hair for over 3 years. I love my hair every time!! He is such a sweet soul and I always leave feeling enlightened after talking with him. When he washes my hair it's like a mini massage - I feel it all the way down to my toes! I highly recommend him!! Also the salon has a wonderful cozy feel and Valerie will always make sure you are comfortable! read more

Highly recommend this hair boutique to anyone. The customer service is beyond friendly and helpful. I was impressed with the beautiful layout, along with free parking. Not to mention, the best hair cut and color I've ever had. Even months after my visit, I was receiving compliments on my hair. Thank you John for sharing your talents! read more

My first experience with Shape is positive and I plan to come back again. I made an appointment with Sylvia because I read she's good with curly hair. I had older layers of color to contend with, including black henna on the ends plus gray roots. My hair really didn't have a shape anymore and didn't look professional. Needed to fix the color and find a haircut that works with my hair. Sylvia helped me decide how to address all the colors and I decided to go for it and cut off the henna. Went from shoulder length to short. What a relief! Felt great. We decided on a warm Brown with gold highlights. The new color is lovely. I'll have to get used to the shorter hair but it felt so good coming off I may go even shorter next time. Anyway, now that I have the color I want I can play with the cut and see what comes next. Sylvia was fun to talk to and listened to me as well as made solid recommendations. The salon is clean and pretty and the staff welcoming and friendly. read more

I love Shape Hair! It's a beautiful salon in a great location. I especially like how it looks/feels very upscale (it's a high-level service environment) but also has a down-to-earth, easy-going atmosphere. Sylvia has been doing my hair for nearly a decade now, and I wouldn't go to anyone else. She's super savvy with my hard-to-tame curls, and incredibly heartfelt and patient with my constantly changing color requests! I always step out of her chair feeling taken care of, lighter and more like myself. Book an appointment with her, and you'll be a client for life! read more

I have been going to John for several years. His haircuts are masterful. My head so appreciates the massages I get every time he washes my hair. It is such a relaxing addition to my cut and color. The salon itself is beautiful and Val who makes my appointments is a delight. Go try out Shape. You won't be sorry. read more

I have been seeing John for the past few years, and I have always loved walking out of his salon looking hip and edgy, yet always sophisticated. I have gotten amazing compliments from strangers on my hair, and even experimenting with highlights this past winter has been a huge hit! Very natural and yet made me look years younger. He has a natural style and really listens to what his clients want. I love his new space on NE Grand - no better way to start a weekend than to make a visit to Shape Hair Design! read more

John is amazing - I wouldn't trust my hair to anyone else!

I have been a client of Johns for many years and was really happy to hear he was branching out on his own. The location is super convenient, parking is not a problem(street AND designated parking lot with ample spaces). Valerie is awesome! She is warm, friendly and engaging (both in person and over the phone). Very good choice for the first "impression" of the salon. The salon itself is clean, open, modern/industrial, just really cool! Good flow throughout. John is phenomenal! I have had many ideas for my hair. He will listen and then talk about whether they will work with my hair type, have some suggestions on how we can "modify" that particular style to fit my hair, or just plain tell me why it would not work. I have never left his chair disappointed. I value his opinion and trust what he says. He takes his time with each client. I have rarely had to wait, but don't mind as I know he gives each client his full attention and does not rush. One very happy client!!! read more

I will never ever have anyone other than Sylvia Bueno cut my hair. She knows exactly what I want even when I don't. The whole staff is friendly and laid back and the salon has a really peaceful yet cool vibe. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment immediately! read more

John's talent is beyond words. Never have the comments poured in on my style like they do since John has been cutting my hair for the last 3 months. He has tamed my uncooperative, thick locks into pure style that is easy to maintain and looks great as it grows out. I will follow him to the ends of the earth, if that is what it took to keep him cutting my hair. He is also kind, considerate, thoughtful, making the entire salon visit a pleasurable experience. read more

My hair stylist for over 10 years. I could not find anyone as amazing as john. I don't care the price. He is the only person I will allow to cut my hair and that's final. read more