Salon Borealis

I can’t thank Michael enough for his amazing service! I just moved back to the area and need a new stylist. I came in with *orange* hair, trying to lift from years of boxed black (I know, I know) after having been told by more than one stylist that I had to settle. My experience with Michael confirmed that sometimes other stylists don’t have the interest or investment in their craft to actually be the creative artist that they signed up to be. Michael gave my hair the time and attention it has desperately needed for a long time, with a set of amazingly bright, light highlights, the kind my other stylists could not deliver. I also requested a challenging cut, going from kind of long blah to an «a line» bob which is also amazing. I am *really* happy with the outstanding, attentive service that I received and I am happy to have a stylist whose work I really love!

Michaels attention to detail is fantastic. He blended color over four shades on my hair, it was an overall pleasurable experience I highly recommend him. His artistic flair is unmatched. — Michele Bufton

My first visit with Michael was exactly what I was hoping for! Very thorough consultation — we understood what I was hoping for and what Michael could create. He didn’t begin the process until we were «on the same page». This is incredibly important when it comes to hair color. I was completely at ease with his talent and I’m over the moon with the outcome! Hopefully this won’t come across as vain however… I LOVE my hair!
A bonus was Marvin with his wonderful shampooing technique, very relaxing and the products smelled SO good.
Between the out come of my hair color and cut, along with the terrific conversation, this was an experience I will cherish. Honestly. Oh! And his price range is great! What a gem!

Pricey but good service and you leave with AMAZING HAIR!

10/​31/​2015
****see below for rebuttal to Michaels response:
⁸⁄₂₀₁₅
I’ve been hesitant to write this review because after all, this is Michael’s livelihood. But I’m so frustrated and a little overwhelmed by how much it’s taken to fix his mistake.
What I’m writing, he received a version already and then he proceeded to leave me 3 3 minute voicemails pleading for me to come back in and he’d fix. Why would I allow you to further eff my hair up?
I came in for a root bleach touch up and a pink tone.
I appreciated him getting me in so quickly and he were very thorough with the consult. It was a last minute book (never again!).
When he was finished processing, my roots were gold (which is crazy cuz I lift really easy); further, he didn’t round brush or style. I was very clear I needed a style for an interview the next day and I shattered my elbow so I couldn’t do it myself. Nor should I have to ask for that on a $ 120 service! Instead he used his hand to smash and swirl my hair on my crown to «add volume». When he was finished, I went to the bathroom and stared at my hair for a few minutes. I decided that wouldn’t do. I came back out and asked him to round brush it. He looked at me like I asked for the world. He said, «what I just did, people bow at my feet for!!» Um, no.
I was disheartened by his reaction to my request (which I didn’t want to ask for in front of his clients). He was just sitting there anyway. So after Michael had a mini melt down, he used a «used» brush that had obvious hair from a previous customer in it.
Beyond that, there was some behavior which was completely inappropriate. I wont elaborate but I think he understands what I mean.
I also appreciate he’s been in the industry for as long as he has but i dont need to be put down because I lack the same amount of years experience (I.E-He’s been doing this for as long as you’ve been in pampers which is what I was told when were consulting).
He charged me $ 120 for this mess that I had to drop another 100 to fix elsewhere.
I do not wish to return.
***update:
Really Michael? That’s not what we discussed at all. I expressed scalp sensitivities and was hoping for a low ammonia formula, not my concern over breakage. I was actually trying to reassure you that I have tough hair and it can withstand a lot. I’ve been blonde for at least four years, and processing at least every 8 weeks. at that point I have about a good inch & a ½ of root. It’s not like you’re pulling the bleach through all my hair.

I LOVE my hair! This is the third time I have visited Salon Borealis and walk away incredibly happy each time. My mom lives in Seattle and now only has her hair done by Michael when she is visiting Portland because he does such an amazing job coloring her difficult hair. While I was in the salon, two women were there who drive all the way from Yamhill just to get their hair done. Highly recommended, fun atmosphere, fabulous color and cut!

Best haircut ever and really fabulous color. While I was waiting, Michael did a cut and color on another woman that was so terrific that I would have chased her down on the street to find out where she gets her hair done. The atmosphere is so warm and relaxing that getting my hair done feels like being at a spa. Thanks, Michael, I’ll be back and back

I LOVE my hair since Michael Ferrel began coloring and cutting it for me two years ago! I have long hair with plenty of gray. Michael is able to cover the gray with very natural looking color and highlights. The haircuts are perfect– always just what I want or better. He does a great job with my bangs and everything is easy for me to style myself afterward.
Going in to see Michael and Marvin is a delight! Thanks, guys!

Michael Ferrel is a fabulous hairstylist! He is an amazing and beyond confident colorist. I’ve been to Michael twice for color, and on both visits, very pleased with the results.
Enjoy this sparkling spot on North Lombard!

I love Micheal! I used to work with him years ago out in North Plains, such a talented hairstylist. I always enjoyed working with him, we always had a great time. Take care my friend, DeDe.

Reading everyone review and I am happy to go ahead and call the salon and have one if them do some magic on my hair. Thanks y’all.

I have been Michael’s client & interior designer for 20 years… four Salons, plus his home. Michael’s talent runs rampant… a creative & colorful genius. I have a very nasty hair dye allergy, & he has worked with me to perfect my color w/​out using harmful chemicals. On my last visit, Michael applied KeraTherapy straightening process to my naturally curly hair… it is AMAZING! I can let my hair dry naturally, or quickly blow dry & it looks soft, full & fab, saving me hours of time using a flat iron. Such a time saver, esp. during these hot summer days. BTW, Marvin gives THE BEST shampoos ever:-)! Syb

I have been a willing subject to Michael’s stylings for many years and as long as I have been seeing him I have NEVER had bad hair unless I cheated on him or went after it myself!

I was able to walk in and get a great cut. It was exactly as I described. Great atmosphere. I will be back!

Be warned that Michael does way too much talking and not enough listening. He will yell at you if you dare contradict him. I couldn’t take being yelled at by someone who is not listening to what I have to say. I won’t be back.

I am a brand new customer, I received a color, cut & highlight from Michael. I gave him an open canvas to do whatever he would like to do. Since I realize I was stuck in the 70’s I needed to bring myself back to 2014 lol! My only stipulation was «just make me gorgeous» well he did that & more! I just love my new style & color! I feel he is so talented! I have found my new stylist! Yea his prices are a tiny bit high but hey you get what you pay for! If you want a awesome hair style & most fantastic hair design cut & he also tells you how to maintain it! I have curly hair it’s not easy to find someone who knows color like he does, & who is so talented in hair cutting!

THESE GUYS BLEW. MY. MIND. Their knowledge of hair and hair coloring… I wish I had discovered this place years ago.

Went in for cut/​color and highlights and was very pleased with the results. I haven’t had a cut this nice in a long time. 5 stars for the cut. The color is very nice and I’m pleased with it. 4 stars for the color. If you have a sensitive scalp, make sure to let your stylist know. Both my daughter and I noted that the brush/​blowdry was a little more aggressive than we are used to. 3 stars for that. The prices are on the high end, especially for the neighborhood. My cut/​color/​highlights ran me $ 150 + tip and took about 1:45 from start to finish.
I’m planning to go back because the guys that run the shop are highly entertaining and seem to know their business.

I always look for hair stylists who know enough to take my generalities and make something good! I’m growing my hair out, and that is so hard to do without making it look awkward. Michael does such a good job, and it’s a cut that not only looks good out of the chair, but months after.

For color in NoPo, the place to go.