Refuge Salon

Sooo happy to have found Sydney… she has a kick-*ss personality and is a total sweetheart… but that’s just how much I loved talking to her. I love my hair, I have long layers and it always ends up too short or just looking exactly like it did when I showed up. It’s lighter and has awesome shape now. Finally I’ve found a stylist I like in L.A. after two years of trying different places.

Just go! Everyone is good. Is professional. Is fun and sweet and you’ll have a good time. Music, drinks, etc. Andy is my favorite. He can tackle any hair type. Piece of cake.

Rebekah! Awesome, funny and does amazing hair. I will post before and after pictures. Go see her if you want your hair done :)

I am referring to the hairstylist Leah. Leah has been cutting my hair for three years, and she is the best! She takes appointments only, but she knows how to cut hair, especially short hair. She also has a barber license, so she cuts both women’s and men’s hair.
The first time she cut my hair, I felt adventurous and decided to cut my hair from a bob to a fohawk. She took her time with the cut. She is so talented with scissors it amazes me! My hair has grown out since then and she knows how to trim my hair and still keep it trendy. I love receiving complements every day, because of her. Leah never disappoints.

Best salon I’ve gone to so far!!! Went in as a walk in and was attended right away! Andy was amazing, gave me the exact haircut I was looking for! Definitely coming back!

Leah Shields cuts my hair. She’s an epic barber. Refuge is super conveniently located and everyone is great. Leah is irreplaceable.

I’ve been seeing Leah now for nearly two years, and she’s the only barber I’ll allow touch my hair. She has this «vision» and this vision is killing it. I’ve never been happier leaving a barbershop/​salon, and she’s the ultimate reason. She knows my look, has taken the time to get to know me, and honestly time and practice is experience, which she has both of. I refuse to go to anyone else for my hair, and I don’t ever regret a haircut when I walk out. I just feel like a whole new, better person, every time. I’d recommend her to everyone, if I didn’t already. She truly creates magic every time she picks up a pair of scissors.

Dang these stylists are fierce… in the best sort of way! Top notch, highly skilled and yet still open, kind and excellent listeners. I kinda knew what I wanted in a cut and color but needed some expert interpretation to make it a reality, and I’m just so impressed with the results. I have long wavy hair but wanted to go for a more interesting style such as a bob (but edgy). I’ve had my hair cut into a bob before and it ends up looking like a triangle Christmas tree shape. But not this time! Sydney made me feel like a movie star ;o) She even did a cool treatment to my hair that added shine and a bit of golden glow. It’s so nice to have a pro that I can count on in the neighborhood. I’m a bit cheap usually, but I have to say that the stylists here are worth every penny. Don’t risk your hair, just go to Refuge!

BEST SALON in HIGHLAND PARK. This spot is my favorite new salon on the East Side. With a variety of talented stylists, there’s no shortage of amazing hair here. From funky to fresh this salon always hits the mark. Dora is my go-​to stylist here, she is THE sweetest, gives the best shampoo/​blowouts, and always takes time to chat beforehand to best meet your hair goals. She’s also full of helpful knowledge on hair products + maintenance between visits.
The owner is Stephanie– you’ll catch her gliding around with impeccable hair and makeup. A great stylist who is also bomb at braiding. Emily is another fav– pro with bobs and men’s hair — When you sit in her chair you’ll forget you’re at a salon and feel like you’re at happy hour with your best friend.
All around I give this salon two big thumbs up. Exposed brick, bright cheery space, plus they have free events with live music, comedians, and FREE BEER (yes kiddos, they check IDs). Great service, great staff, and a business that supports local arts. Welcome to the neighborhood Refuge Salon! We hope you’re here to stay.

Love this place! The stylists are all incredible! Emily has been doing a brilliant job with my hair for 5 years now. I met her through a co worker whose hair always looked amazing and finally asked her where she got it done. Been going to her ever since and now my boyfriend even goes to her now. She is Awesome! Would give her 10 stars if Unilocal would let me!

Great vibes, nice interior, solid people. Sydney @thebeautygirlla is the loveliest, I’m happy to have followed here

When I first came to Sydney my hair was in bad shape. I was nervous to try a new hair stylist but she made me feel instantly comfortable. The color correction she performed on me was nothing short of a miracle — the girl works wonders! This is honestly the best my hair has ever looked and felt. She was also very knowledgeable about how to keep my hair healthy and what products to use. She is friendly, warm, welcoming and I actually enjoy going to the hair salon now.
She also does makeup! I am a musician and have to go to events often and Sydney is my go to girl to help me get ready. I don’t trust anyone else with my hair and makeup. She really listens to what I want and has great ideas. I recently had a photo shoot and she was the hair and make up artist on set… I was blown away at how she was able to transform me into looking like the best version of myself. She didn’t layer the makeup on and make me feel uncomfortable at all which I have felt before with other make up artists. I looked natural and felt great.
I cannot recommend Sydney enough!!! She is one of a kind!

Love my girl Sydney to the moon and back… She always does an amazing job and what’s even better is that I have fun and love chatting with her. Worth the drive every time!
She did my hair and make up for my maternity shoot and made me feel absolutely beautiful! Thank u xoxox

New location, new management, still populated by talented stylists. *This review is specifically for Sydney Clark* I have baby fine hair, and not a lot of it, and When Sydney cuts & styles my hair she works her magic and my hair appears chic and full. She’s a master of color, too! And she’s an amazing makeup artist. She’s a great listener, so you can talk it out when you’re making new choices with your cut/​color, and she won’t steer you wrong. Highly recommended!

I love this place!!! I finally found someone who can color Asian hair!!! I first came here when they were located in echo park and I wanted something fun and crazy colors. Stephanie totally made my wish came true without damaging my hair! This time, I wanted blonde and she did it again with her magic touch! I will definitely continue to come here. Not only is Stephanie awesome, seeing her co-​workers transform their clients hair while I was there was amazing! They all come out looking like models!!! I would totally recommend this place to all my friends!

Ramona is amazing. She can cut my very curly hair dry which is amazing in itself. I love this woman. I have had so many bad experiences so trust is big. She takes care to make me feel comfortable. I love love my new color, she takes so much care and you can really see her put her all in her work, I want to give her 15 stars

Mona. Mona. Mona. She gives the BEST EVER haircuts. I had the most amazing hair cut of my life from Ramona (Mona) when she was at This or Die Salon. I got so many compliments about it. She is now here, and I recommend her highly.
Mona knows how to tailor make your cut for what will work for you. She also works wonders on really, really thick hair like mine. If you have a LOT of thick hair and have dreamed of a lighter feel and thinner hair, she will work magic on your hair and you will love it!!!
She is truly an artist and will give you your own masterpiece.
See MONA! :) You won’t regret it!

I love getting my hair done at Refuge! Fun hair stylists, great music and decent prices.
I followed my friend Rebekah to Refuge from their old location in Echo Park. Clearly this new space is MUCH smaller than the old one. The old space was a warehouse with high ceilings and it also had a spa. The new space seats about ten salon chairs, a few wash sinks in the back, washer & dryer and a lovely restroom. It’s cute! I believe they have AC now (before they didn’t) so that’s a plus. Especially since summer is right around the corner. The salon is located on York Blvd, right across the street from The Highland Café and The York. YAY! Lots to do before or after your hair appointment. ;)
Rebekah has been doing my hair for a while now so I trust her. I’ve been her loyal client since I first met her at Carlton Hair. Actually, I met both her AND Mario at Carlton. (Mario works at another salon but he will be at Refuge once a month.) They are both fabulous people and I adore them. Trust me, you will be in good hands!
Refuge doesn’t have a sign on their building just yet but they do have a chalkboard stand out front. The exterior of the salon is made up of bricks (so cool!) so look out for that. Street parking is available but York Blvd is very busy, so try side streets as well.