I moved up to Bellingham recently and took considerable time to find a salon that had good reviews and find a beautician that was a colorist with at least 10 years experience. I don't know that many people in the area yet, so I went primarily on reviews. I made an appointment with Emilly Thompson with Grotto Hair Salon. My appointment started at 12:45pm and it went until 6:15pm. First of all, I have NEVER sat in a chair for 5 1/2 hours getting my hair fully foiled/highlighted and cut! Normally that is a 3 hour appointment. I had a sinking feeling that she was having difficulty getting my color right. Before you go into the salon, they give you an opportunity to share pictures of what you want and to write out what you are looking for at the appointment. I actually loved that. It tells me they will do their homework before you go in, make sure they have the right products on hand and have a good idea of what you want. If Emilly didn't think she could do what I was asking, she could have told me instead of wasting my time. The outcome of what I received after 5.5 hours in the chair was nothing close to what I was asking for - I showed her pictures again of what I wanted before we even started. She gave me a platinum blond, fully blended. Not remotely close to what I was asking for. I attached a picture of what I wanted to this review along with what I received the first and second time. I was exhausted after all that time and was late for a meeting. Paid my $250 plus a tip and left. I sent a message to the owner the next day and Emilly reached back out and she was able to get me in a day later. My appointment started at 6pm and ended at 9pm. Another 3 hours to correct my hair and it still wasn't right or even close to being right. First of all, you don't tell you client right off the bat that you think their hair looks gorgeous when you're in there to get it corrected. This is not what I wanted. You also don't tell you client that if "I had more time, I could have had better products available" for the second appointment. Unprofessional and clear she didn't know what she was doing. My head was back in the washbowl for almost an hour while she tried different toners to get the color right. Unbelievable. At the end of the appointment she literally had nothing to say to me. I told her this still wasn't what I asked for and disarmingly I asked her what she thought and she really had nothing to say. My hair is brassy blonde and I just dropped a lot of money on almost 9 hours of the result I received. So incredibly disappointing. I honestly don't like writing negative reviews but decided people need to be warned. I wrote the owner (Karly) two emails sharing my experience and never heard back from her. Again, how unprofessional and non customer oriented. If anything, she should have called me and asked me what she could do to make it right. I don't believe I'm super fussy about things - definitely a type B personality and go with the flow...but when you're spending $250 on highlight and cut, you should be getting a pretty darn good result. I WOULD NOT recommend The Grotto hair studio in Fairhaven. There may be other good stylists in there but how the owner handled my situation is unacceptable in my book. All in all, it's just such a bummer and very disappointing. read more

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Karly was very sweet! She listened carefully what I was looking to achieve during my appointment. She took her time giving me a haircut, evaluated the condition of my hair and explained with great detail how to treat it. Thank you!! read more

I rarely write reviews but my experience was so awesome I just wanted to thank Valentine for fixing my ruined hair after a bad hair extension situation- she not only educated me but took time and care the entire time. She was super professional and edgey all in one! I love what she did and already prebooked my next appointment. Valentine thank you so much - I love the color and cute new cut!! Go see her she is amazing!!! read more

The Grotto Hair Studio - Hair Salons Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This is such a cute hair studio and they offer you coffee water or tea right away which is really nice customer service right off the bat! I went to see Valentine! She was so kind and personable and very knowledgeable about hair and she got an idea of what I wanted very quickly. My hair turned out great and just how I was hoping for a fall change. First time I have been happy with my hair in a while. Highly recommend her! Thank you Valentine! read more

The Grotto Hair Studio - Here is the after. Before it was a washed out blonde but I am so happy with my new hair! - Hair Salons Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I had an appointment with Michelle and I had a great experience! The salon was pretty inside, without being stuffy or uppity. Michelle was super friendly, easy to talk to, and completely open to what I wanted. I got a pretty dramatic cut (probably 12" cut off) and she was excited about it, while also gently making sure I was prepared for it! I didn't feel shy about sharing my thoughts with her, or asking questions. That's a big deal for this introvert. And my cut turned out great! The price was reasonable for a cut, shampoo, and styling. I'll definitely be going back there for my haircuts! Worth adding: I originally tried twice to make an appointment with a different salon, but after feeling like they couldn't be bothered to have my business, I made a same-day (online) appointment at The Grotto. Score! Also... the appt before mine was running late, and Michelle took the time to call me beforehand. I really appreciated the effort of communication! read more

Love this Salon! People are so friendly and always on time. Coffee, tea, water and chocolate I go to Karly, the owner, for my color. She's great with blonde hair. Gives a good cut, and will thin with scissors,not the thinning shears, if you ask. It seems like there wouldn't be great parking as it's in Fairhaven, but I always manage to find a spot. It can be hard to find since it's in the basement, but it's well marked and easy stairs to go down. Not sure if it's wheelchair accessible so you might want to call and ask. read more

Had one appointment cancelled the day before, understandable. Second appointment was cancelled and I was never notified, went all the way downtown and the studio was locked and all the lights were off. read more

Karly is hands down one of the best stylists I've ever had! I've had so many great hair colors with her and she's always so great to talk to and not like other stylists I've had where the conversation feels very forced or routine. I recently tried out a different color that I ended up being slightly apprehensive about and when I mentioned that she took me back in and completely transformed my hair. I felt awful for not being a fan of the color once it was on my hair but she made me feel so comfortable and at ease that it was not a problem and she'd get it fixed! She even gave me some silver shampoo and conditioner to take home to keep it fresh and ashy. I would recommend her to absolutely everybody as she's truly such an amazing stylist, as well as she is the owner of the salon! read more

Not what I expected. I walked out of there with ORANGE hair!!! I know getting to blonde is a process but my hair wasn't toned right. My hair was also supposed to be faded but never finished after I told her I didn't like the hair color. At the end I ended up paying $50 more then expected. read more

Claire was FANTASTIC. Did a wonderful job on my hair, highlights and a trim. 100% will be going back here!

I've been here for spray tans, hair cuts, and a balayage coloring service. The ladies at The Grotto are professional and fabulous and I'm always happy with their work! I've had three spray tans from Shannon and she's an expert! She knows exactly what color to use, has tips for aftercare, and makes the experience fun and relaxing. It can be awkward getting a spray tan at other places, but Shannon is a kind professional that lightens the mood and gets the color right every time! I also had a hair cut and balayage service here last March. I wanted my blonde to pop a little more and they did an outstanding job. After my appointment, I felt like my hair was perfectly sun kissed and I had no issues with color fading. This place is my favorite hair and beauty salon in Bellingham and I highly recommend giving them a try! read more

I've been seeing Abigail Martin for three years and she's hands down the best hair stylist in Bellingham. It's rare to find someone so talented and attentive and I send everyone I know her way. I have never been disappointed with her work. She's up front, honest, hardworking and worth every penny. She will make sure you leave happy. Thank you so much Abby!! read more

I just moved to Bellingham and was in need of a good stylist. Last summer my hair was ruined by a terrible perm and i have been trying to fix it ever since. I found The Grotto on Yelp and decided to give it a try. Karly was my stylist/owner of the salon. As soon as I walked in I was cheerfully welcomed by Karly. She asked me all the right questions, made me feel very welcome in this super cute and stylish salon. She gave me the BEST haircut and style I have ever had! This was the first time in years that I've left a salon loving my hair and feeling beautiful. Karly is so fantastic that I will never go to anyone else. I'm thrilled with the service and expertise that I found here. Do yourself a solid and book an appointment with Karly :) read more

I came in with old balayage, fried ends and in need of a new vision. Jamie worked with me to help create it. From there she took my old ratted mane and made it fresh and new. She is knowledgeable and has great technique. read more

Jamie is RAD! My hair style is AMAZING! I'm in the process of going from long black hair to my natural dark ash and Jamie helped me cut off the icky ends and has helped me immensely along the process. Can't wait to have her cut off some more and keep rocking this cute bob that embraces the current state of my hair! read more

I should have been a "before and after" client on their website. The transformation was THAT amazing. Courtney is a consummate professional. She turned my boring "mad librarian" hair (my 9-year-old daughter's words) into an amazing, sexy, care-free look. Easy-to-care-for hair during the week that looks fabulous and come weekend, a flat-iron makes it go va-va-va-VOOM! All of the staff were courteous and friendly. Courtney asked me many pertinent questions about my hair--what I liked about it, didn't like about it, what I wanted it to do, etc. It was a simply amazing experience. My hair cut was 2 days ago and I'm still wowing over it! Can you tell I highly recommend The Grotto Hair Studio? read more

A joke! My fiancé just got back off of a 6 month deployment and I get lied too. I called to set up an appointment because of the reviews a month early. 3 days before the appointment I get a call asking if I would like to reschedule, I explained we were in town for 2 days and it had to be that day. Ok cool. See you then was Stephanie's reply. Awesome, good to go then..... 3 hours before the appointment time she is conveniently "sick" and can't do it now. Hmmm. I can't reschedule but now she is sick... Ok... Way to support the troops and help a guy out. Never again will I book here. read more

ANA did a super job! She took my hair that was hacked at another salon and somehow made it look good! Seriously, it was bad and now I can go out in public again -really- so bad and Now Cute! Also, everyone was friendly, kind, and helpful. Ana truly understood what I was aiming for and what needed to be done. She alleviated my fears and we were laughing in the chair... THANK YOU ANA. read more

I've had my hair done by Stephanie twice now. She's been great. I was ready for a change when I went in this last time. I told her to go wild with the color and she did a fabulous job. read more

I have been a client of Ana Yorkston's for 6+ years and simply cannot sing her praises enough! From a chin-length bob to past-my-bra-clasp tresses she has kept my locks healthy and gorgeous! Thank you Ana for Always bringing your A-game and for being the coolest gal around, to boot! read more

TERRIBLE place!!!...I will never be back ...I walked out of there worse than when I came in...The "stylist" (using that word loosely) did not time my appt right causing other employees to help her with my hair. IT WAS A MESS! It does get worse, once she finished the highlights and keratin treatment ($300.00 later) she started blow drying, I couldn't believe when she said she was finished ..My hair was still wet and puffy IT DID NOT LOOK LIKE I LEFT A SALON even less look like I just paid $300.00 for my hair. I went up to the owner and asked her if it looked like I just left the salon and she even answered "NO" but I can fix it ...I had been there for 8 hours already.. UGH worse experience ever...NEVER, EVER going back. read more

This is the best hair salon I have ever been to! I go to Karly Lane and every time I see her she nails it! She always knows exactly what I want my hair to look like (even when I don't entirely know) and surpasses my expectations. Karly is easy to talk to and does not force conversation topics the way some hairstylists do. Overall I feel relaxed every time she does my hair because I always know she will do something awesome. I have been in three times for a cut. The last time I was in I had her do a partial balyage and it looked incredible. Would highly recommend this cute hair studio and especially this stylist, the owner. read more

I booked a hair and makeup appointment at the Grotto for my wedding day. The appointment time was from 1:00-3:00, and we had to go directly to take prep photos with the photographer afterward. I arrived at 12:45, and the airbrush artist started her work early. Her work was fantastic. Then, they let a younger girl practice her skills on me. I appreciate giving someone a learning opportunity, but it became clear quickly that she was unsure and I didn't feel confident in my hair as a bride while she was working. It took her over an hour just to curl my hair, and because she took so long, my appointment ran until 3:45. She then tried to get me to take photos for their Instagram feed afterward. I had no time to take photos of the dress and getting ready with my sister, and missed out on a once in a lifetime chance at those keepsakes for my family because the Grotto staff let someone practice during a bridal appointment. read more

Have had my hair cut by Anna twice now and eyebrows done once. She's super friendly and gives a great haircut/style. It was a good 9 months or so between my two haircuts and she remembered a lot about the small talk from the first appointment which may seem insignificant but really makes you feel like an important customer not just another few dollars. Great location in Fairhaven. read more

The best hair studio around, great service always - professional and friendly. Beautiful studio and awesome location!

Michelle took the time to listen and understand exactly what I wanted and took the time to make it happen. I'll be there again soon.

I needed a hair cut and color very badly. I made an appointment with Kymi who was willing to see me first thing. She asked enough questions that I felt confident she knew my hair and the way I style it (blow-dry and go!). I wanted an all over color very close to my natural color but a little more golden and she delivered! I get so many compliments on my hair color! The haircut was even more awesome! Because Kymi understood my fine hair she cut the ends and did a perfect razor job that they are naturally wispy and curl without much work. The result is great hair all day with minimal effort. She also knows product well and taught me how to use this weird powdery stuff for volume. The only reason why not four stars is because I need to go back a few more times for a five star. But, considering how I don't let just anyone touch my hair and I'm finicky, she did an impressively good job. Also, before I forget, Kymi is also mindful about people's time and schedule. I had a major presentation to give and she made sure I was out the door with plenty of time. read more

I've been going to Karly for a couple years now and LOVE what she does. I usually get a cut and foils and she listens and asks great questions and has interesting ideas. My hair is super tricky, and I'm super picky, but she's great. They have a lot of other services, and while I haven't tried them, judging from the great customer service I'm sure they're also fantastic. I obviously keep going back, so it's worth it, but my only hesitation is it's a little steep. read more

My best friend was having a destination wedding in Washington and in all the craziness, she still hadn't found someone to do her hair and makeup three days before the wedding. The Grotto said they could do it. I was a little nervous since we didn't have time to do a consultation. I sent Susan and Karly some visual references, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. Susan and Karly greatly exceeded my expectations. They were so kind and attentive to the stressed out bride and did a WONDERFUL job! Susan showed up wearing the make-up look we had sent so that the bride could get a sense of what it looked like on someone. And Karly somehow perfectly nailed what we were imagining, even though we couldn't find a photo that was similar. The bride looked and, most importantly, felt gorgeous after her appointment. We could not have been happier. Also, the hair and makeup held up VERY well through the entire wedding and reception. Thank you Susan and Karly!! read more

I'm somewhat of a salon hopper, moving on every couple years -- just because I can! So when I knew I'd be in Fairhaven on assignment for a magazine article (I'm a travel writer), I decided it was time for a new do. After viewing The Grotto's website, I decided Kymi was the stylist for me. And she is! For my first appointment, I booked a haircut, and was pleased that she used both scissors and a razor on my thick hair (which has a tendency to look boxy if cut solely with scissors). It looked great! And although Fairhaven is 90 minutes from my home, I booked a second appointment six weeks later for a haircut and partial foil. I was shocked at the price of $110 for both -- it's what I was paying for each service in Seattle. The salon is cozy, music is mellow and Kymi is a talented stylist. Whether you want an edgier cut or something more traditional, she's a good listener, and wants you to be happy when you look in the mirror. I'll be returning in November before taking the Alaska Marine Highway ferry up to Haines. It will be a great start to my Alaska adventure. Thank you, Kymi and The Grotto! read more

Henry cut my hair and it was not great. He took a very long time (1.5 hours). The cut I ended up with was not terrible. But it looked absolutely nothing like the picture I brought in which is a doable cut for my hair. Sadly, given how short he cut it I seriously doubt it can be fixed anytime soon. Everyone was friendly and polite to me. read more

I think the address is different than the one listed above. I went to The Grotto in Fairhaven and got a partial foil and hair cut there. The ladies were very friendly but the way in which they set up their pricing is confusing. There are differing types of stylists and each one charges different amounts based on their experience. Being a college student, I asked for one of the less expensive ones. She did a good job, but not a great job on the coloring. She listened to what I wanted highlight wise, but probably only gave me 10 foils... something I felt was a couple too few. As for the haircut, she did a great job. I am always hesitant to get my haircut as I'm trying to grow it out but she listened and gave me a trim and style (more layering, trim bangs, etc) without chopping off the length. The pricing was a little expensive for the overall package but I would likely return due to their friendly disposition. read more

I am always slightly and pleasantly surprised how well Anna remembers our past conversations and haircut/styling preferences. I have been coming to Anna Anderson for hair cuts as long as I have been in Bellingham at WWU. She is the sweetest person and really listens to you as a customer on your hair needs. These are also the best haircuts I've experienced. My hair is so much healthier than when I went to great clips that I only need to go in every 6 months for a healthy maintenance trim. When you first walk in you can enjoy some tea, relax while getting your hair washed with a mini head massage, chat while getting your hair trimmed, and as you leave you can always find truffle chocolates in a dish. I have realized that the price is more expensive than places like great clips, but I find myself not needing to get a hair cut as often (since it seems to keep healthier longer at the Grotto) and the experience is much more pleasurable. I always leave happy. read more