Southern Styles & Barber

I am new to PDX and was looking for a stylist. Most salons didn’t even answer the phone for scheduling so I was happy when I was scheduled to come in for services. Secret is very professional and saw me at the last minute which was totally appreciated, as I was getting a chemical process done. My hair looked great afterwards too! I look forward to going back later on this week, and will update my review after that appointment as well.

In response to the comment left in my compliments box from this salon:
First of all, my budget is NOT the issue. I have the money to spend on salon services and although I booked the appointment, your husband changed what I booked! The services originally equalled around $ 100.00! NOT ONLY DID I PAY THE ADDITIONAL HUNDRED DOLLARS, I LEFT A $ 20.00 tip because of your personality prior! WHICH I WAS ASKED TO PAY PRIOR TO SERVICES BEING COMPLETED! THEY WEREN’T EVEN HALFWAY THROUGH! This is my fault given that I trusted everything would turn out ok, based on the conversation and treatment up until that point, I didn’t argue but PAID!
Second, I told you that I loved my eldest daughter’s hair, and it was similar to my previous style. I did NOT make that comment regarding my youngest! I stated that her hair was «different than expected and NOT what we discussed». Our consultation was to TRIM her hair so it was even, not taking off too much length while removing some of her split ends. When I told you it was different than expected and she would not be able to style it herself, you acted confrontational and responded with «kids will surprise you with what they can figure out»! At that remark, what is left to be said? I’m not going to argue when the damage is already done and your response was confrontational… did you not remember asking me AFTER you had already starting cutting «this is not the one that wears glasses is it?»
By the way, did you think I didn’t see your own employee… stop and correct you more than once regarding how you were cutting my ELDEST daughter’s hair?! He looked at me SEVERAL TIMES, shaking his head and SMIRKING, PRIOR to showing you how to cut her hair correctly. You had already finished my youngest daughter’s hair by this time. You also only took pictures of my older daughter’s style, which was further proof you were not as proud of the work you did on my youngest daughter’s hair yourself!
As a consumer, I expressed my feelings regarding my service. I also stated in my review that I enjoyed your personality and «hated» leaving a bad review for that reason. Your response was insulting and rather than using my review as an opportunity to provide a better experience to future new clients, request pictures, or even express any kind of accountability or sense of care, your response was personally attacking and disrespectful, providing further reason for not only my family (who CAN AFFORD FULL SALON SERVICES) but any of our friends, relatives, co-​workers, and etc… to never step foot in your business, as well as pushing us away from a possible new church home which you spoke about so highly and frequently while offering us an invitation multiple times. My complaint regarding the cost was based on the VALUE VS THE PRICE! NOT the cost of services alone!
I am posting pictures of my daughter’s hair which was supposed to be cut evenly and just above the shoulders… Even though you showed NO interest or concern regarding your work. I was not trying to be malicious or nasty with my previous review, you said you wished I had been honest… I was, but I was not about to deal with such an attitude after HOURS of waiting, the mistakes already been made and your display of attitude which proved you were not concerned anyway, even though yousaw how upset my husband had become and asked several times if we had plans after! I was also professional and not personal with my review however, you were NOT in your response and I am beyond livid now, even though I was only disappointed originally!

The fact that Secret is about the care and health of hair is no secret (pun intended) :-). When I called her explaining that I was recovering from a bad chemical exposure and still wanted to maintain my journey as a naturalists, and that I wanted to know my options, she was patient, she asked questions, and she LISTENED. In the end, we came up with a protective style that I never thought I would consider but I must say that I am pleasantly amazed and impressed. I’m loving the results. I got tons of compliments at work and I am so happy to have a knowledgeable expert at natural hair care management to assist me in recovering and co ringing my journey. Thank you, Secret!

I personally highly recommend getting a hair services done at the Southern Styles and Barber:
My sister and I both received​two different kinds of​hair​services at SSB and we LOVE our​new​hair​-​do’s! We enjoyed the family​style atmosphere​and how friendly the staff and owners are!​I so appreciate being greeted​by friendly staff members the moment you arrive.​I​LOVE​my hair, Desiree and we love​the Southern Styles & Bar​b​er​! WE will be back!!!

I recently moved from Pasadena to Portland and didn’t have a person that I trusted to cut or style my hair. Unfortunately, finding a black hair stylist was a little more difficult then I thought but I was grateful that customers posted comments on Unilocal and since I was in need I figured I work add to it and pay it forward.
First off, booking an appointment was easy. Secret answered the phone and my appointment was set.
Once I arrived, it was non-​stop laughter! Secret really knows how to make you feel like family. She did a great job of helping me figure out the cut that would fit me and made my experience amazing!!!
Overall, this place is friendly, open to all lifestyles, and do great work. I will make them my primary place for haircuts moving forward. Thank you so much Secret for being AWESOME!

Just moved to PDX from hair capital ATL ;). Praying to find a stylist who is just as passionate for healthy African American hair as my stylist in ATL. Southern Style is PDX Secret! Thank you Secret for showing that southern hospitality and charm.

This was more than what I was after! I have wanted to have a beauty parlor that I could call ‘home’, if you will. I had recently cut off my dreadlocks after two decades and had no idea what I was going to do with my hair. I made an appointment with Secret and got much more than I bargained for! I hadn’t planned on getting my hair straightened but I wound up doing that and a curl set! The conversation was fantastic and I am honestly looking forward to going back! I walked in a customer I felt I walked out as someone with a new friendship. My hair looks better than I could have imagined. I put my hair in Secret’s capable hands and was more than pleased with h I he results!

I came from out of town and didn’t have time to get my hair done before I left. I look up a few places that did ethnic hair and SSB popped up. I called the salon and spoke with Secret. She told me she could take me now, which is what I was hoping for. I have a lot of hair, and she knew how to handle it. I must say I’m in love with this salon. My next trip to Portland, I will surly be back!

love my son’s hair cut and the welcoming

Made an appointment with 2 hours advanced notice, and got great conversation, not to mention a killer wash, dry, and style for a super great price. I’ll be back.

Came in for a simple taper and Sam seemed to have no idea what he was doing. He brushed my hair forward when it was visible I brush it back, asked me a million questions about how to cut my hair (aren’t you the OWNER of a barbershop?), when it was time to brush off the cut hair from my neck and my shoulders, he used a comb… that’s right… a comb to brush off hair??, started lining up my face when I never asked him to (this costs extra, by the way), and didn’t use a razor to line up my head so my line up now looks horrible. I am 31 and look like it is 1982. These other ratings must be from family.

I went in for box braids and was so pleased. Secret took her time and made sure everything was perfect. I’m currently in the navy so I had her go overboard with the length of my braids but she came back in the next day and fixed them so I could go to work and look professional. I will return there once my braids get old. But the main thing I took away from her shop is God makes everything and anything possible she is an awesome person and made me feel like family.

My husband and I were passing through Portland on a road trip and needed a black barbershop. These people were friendly and professional! The owner/​barber Sam cut hair and shaved my husband wonderfully. He also used a straight razor his beard which was hard to find. I absolutely recommend this place to every one.

Cool little barbershop. Sam is a friendly and professional gentleman and did a great job on my boyfriend’s hair. Nice neighborhood feel. I didn’t get any services here myself but my boyfriend will be back for his next fade.
I did use the bathroom which was small but super clean. Very important to me and my happiness.

A family owned barber shop and hair salon specializing in color, cuts, weaves, braids, infusions and extensions. Upon arrival the family greets you in unison. If you are looking for a shop specializing in African American hair this shop will meet all of your needs.
Sam and his wife Secret run a professional shop. A wash by Sam lasts 15 – 25 minutes. The wash includes a scalp massage so good you may ask for his number. His motto is if the wash is good the customer will be back and I’d definitely agree with that statement.
Secret not only does hair but waxes and performs pedicures. She is an expert in beautification. She’s been doing hair for over 20 years and her work is indicative of that.
The salon has an uplifting spirit coursing through it. Leave negativity energy at the door.
For my LGBTQ identifying folks looking for a barber this salon is welcoming of everyone. Sam hooked my partner up with the best haircut she’s had since leaving NYC. We will definitely be back.

As a NYC transplant I’ve been looking for a multicultural salon and barbershop in Portland, OR. As a naturalista and QPOC something that general/​Anglicized salons do not get is I am not quick to over-​feminized myself with a hair style not true to my gender identity and I will not comprise my hair’s «naturality» by getting chemical straightening/​perm. I love that this salon and barbershop offers a multitude of services from braids, weaves, infusions, beauty & spa treatments, and is LGBTQ-​friendly.
All the staff are friendly and the salon reminds me of modern-​day «ma & pop» salons back in New York– getting cozy with all patrons who walk in, getting great advice from stylists, smell of flat irons, and a soundtrack of R & B/​Gospel. The place is very clean, peeps are beyond professional, and the customer service is on point. While waiting staff offered us refreshments and again, the place is beyond friendly.