Azarra Salon & Wine

Fun and Lively!!

by trixie03 at Citysearch

You will never have a lack of conversation when going into this salon! All the stylist are fun and invite you to chime in with anything you want. The talent is above and beyond what I have seen in a lot of salons in the area - (including Seattle). AVEDA is a great product and Azarra sells it well!!

I would definitely reccommend anyone (well like they say "if you take your self to seriously or do not like having fun - probably not the place for you) to make an appointment to have get a great style, color or makeover!

Indulge yourself in FUN!! I LOVE IT! Dawn, Aura, Carrie and Jonathan totally win!

• Pros: Fun and Artsy - cool part of town.

Christeen Is Wonderful

by SJenkins at Citysearch

I have been with Christeen for 6 years. She has never made me unhappy! I am constantly complimented on my hair color even by strangers. I would never go to anyone else, EVER! I love my hair and have made friends with my hair, yes I know that sounds corny! I would recommend Christeen to anyone, she bends over backward for you and does not stop until you and she are satified. She takes her time and does not rush, she is perfect! I love having my hair done, I look forward to it! Thank you Christeen for all your hard work!

• Pros: Best Colorist in Tacoma

Christeen is fabulous!

by EileenH at Citysearch

I started having Christeen cut my hair a few years ago - mostly I chose her because she was close to my house. Right away I was impressed with the amount of time she took with my hair. She really looked at it, played around with it and gave honest feedback on what style would work best for my hair. She's very friendly and really cares about her clients.

My hair is relatively thin and I've struggled with finding a hairstyle to give it a lift - without a lot of hair products. With Christeen's hair cutting skills, I don't have to spend a lot of time on my hair. It looks good even if I just blow dry it without any styling aids.

Recently she started coloring my hair and I honestly have never received so many compliments on my hair. I just put myself in her hands and let her do what she thinks best - I trust her that much and she's never disappointed me. I always leave thrilled with my look.

Christeen recently moved to the downtown Azarra location. I've only been there a couple of times, but so far I like what I've seen. It's a very casual and fun atmosphere.

I highly recommend Christeen Cho - you won't be disappointed.

• Pros: casual, yet professional & fun atmosphere
• Cons: parking can be difficult downtown

Way overpriced for what you get.

by FernLilly at Citysearch

I usually don't write bad reviews just because I'm unhappy with service but I'm making an exception. I thought Aura was nice but rude and even insulting - perhaps unintentionally. But nonetheless I really regret going there. Probably one of the most expensive salons in town but definitely nowhere near the best for services or results.

• Pros: Nice location
• Cons: Overpriced

Response from this business

hairapy– October 24, 2008 at 03:34:42 PDT

We are truly sorry this client had a lousy experience. We certainly don't want to be rude or insulting (even unintentionally!)

Going to a new salon is intimidating enough for some people, to feel that you didn't get your money's worth must add injury to the insult!

Aura is often brash and is known for her sarcasm. She understands that not everyone finds that appealing and apologizes for any offense. If you would like a preview of Aura's attitude, you can check out her book (Get Some Hairapy) or the salon's blog (http://getsomehairapy.wordpress.com).

As to the issue of price, Azarra Salon is in the upper 25% of price in Tacoma and Aura is the highest priced stylist in the salon (cuts are $50). Many people feel that they get their money's worth but we understand that this fact doesn't have any impact on the person who felt differently.

Talented hairstylist Jonathan rocks this eclectic salon in downtown Tacoma!

by jillsj at Citysearch

For the past year and a half, after moving away from my hairstylist who I had relied on for years to cut my short hair, I have tried to find someone local who could follow a few simple instructions and to put it bluntly: CUT MY HAIR RIGHT! After many failed attempts, I made an appointment online to see Jonathan at Azarra Salon. I couldn't have left a happier person :) At last I found someone who listened to what I wanted to have done and clearly had the skills and technique to carry it out! I will definitely be going back--thanks!!

makeup star

by urbanXchange at Citysearch

Hey Jonathon! thanks so much for doing the makeup at the TacomaOpolis Fashion show! It's always a pleasure to have such top notch style at our events. You do a great job with getting those dramatic stage looks and all your efforts are greatly appreciated! Sorry for the delay of this note. <3 j

• Pros: hip urban setting and some of the area's best colorists and makeup artists
• Cons: parking can be tough...they do have 2 spaces in the back though.

See Jonathan for the cut of a lifetime! =D

by JeffKiilsgaard at Citysearch

So the first time I went to see Jonathan I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted to do to my hair. I was never satisfied with whatever happened to it. Low and behold Jonathan came into a coffee shop I worked for at the time and we became friends and he told me to come up to the Azarra shop right above the Harmon restaurant. I went and saw him and at first he had me scared because he told me that he wanted to try a faux-hawk and get on some foiling. It was the best hair cut I have ever had, and since that day I have never even thought of going anywhere else. If you don't mind spending a little bit of cash, Azarra Salon is the place to go! You won't regret it. And remember, Jonathan is the guy to ask for...chances are he'll approach you first, though =)

• Pros: The cut and color.
• Cons: The price...as they say , if you go to a thrift store you're going to get a thrift store price. If you don't have the money, go to Great Clips where Rainesha can butcher your hair.

My favorite salon ever, only because Jonathan works there and he is amazing!!!

by suzye44 at Citysearch

Whenever I go to Azarra salon to get my hair done by Jonathan it is always a good time. He never holds back so each time I leave with my hair looking like this beautiful colorful creation that I always always LOVE! He is super fun and friendly. I would never go anywhere else. I have followed him from his old salon because I have never met a hair stylist before that I can be so comfortable with. He always comes up with some adorabale new style that has everyone complimenting me the next day.

• Pros: He is flexible with schedules and is very fun and talented.
• Cons: Nada

Salon -

by AngelicaMarie1 at Citysearch

I have seen Jonathon Wells, and he has provided me with good, cute, styles.

My time is just as valuable to me, as I expect others are. I was crushed when Jonathon and I had an appointment- which I confirmed 1 hours prior to our appointment and when I arrived HE had left. I could have understood if he were sick but that wasn't the case- I felt blown off and that's not ok. I had always tipped Jonathon very well, and he of course told me how sorry he was.

I did feel like a relationship had ended- it showed me just how important, or in this case non important I was. I don't believe that the other stylists in this salon do this to their clients. However I would have felt awkward going to another stylist in the same salon- maybe it's me.

I now drive to North Seattle to have my hair done, and will continue too. It may be a longer drive, BUT I have never been stood up, blown off, or felt taken advantage of, or not appreciated. It's about looking fantastic, and knowing that your stylist really cares.

I did not get that feeling from Jonathon. I did not appreciate him having to cut my hair fast because he had been out partying the night before and had dia* and didn't know when his next bowel movement would occur. YES it really happen! I had actually followed him from a salon that he worked at in University Place.

I wouldn't have been comfortable with Jonathon doing my make up, his signature style tends to be a little more "over the top & in full drag" than I would chose to look.

I realize that this salon has perfect reviews, I just wanted to share my opinion & experience- for a little more balanced look and having been customer. Just saying things aren't always as rosie as they seem.

• Pros: Evening appointments- heck you can even bring wine and drink if that's your thing- is this a plus. Colorful conversation, this might not be a place for all- but it's a niche
• Cons: Parking & Access to the building. Will the stylist that you have an appointment with BE there? Or will he stand you up....... one never knows.

Response from this business

hairapy– August 06, 2008 at 11:22:36 PDT

The relationship of client and hairdresser is many-faceted. How fabulous your hair turns out is only part of the equation. Much of what we do at work is a bit of performance art. We all have our persona, our ?shtick,? if you will, that we play up or down. Jonathan is bold and brash and colorful. The same traits that frustrate and annoy some clients are the very things others adore about him. It is a shame that this relationship has come to an end and some break ups are messier and more public than others. We are glad this client has found a place where she is getting her needs met and we wish her the best. We are sorry that there wasn?t someone else in the salon that she felt comfortable enough to see. As individual businesses within the salon, we are like snowflakes; each offering a unique experience for their clients. Of course we want our customers to be happy, and sometimes the hairdresser they started seeing is not the best fit for their personality, so we are always happ

Great haircuts, color and fun atmosphere, Dawn Koste is Great!

by amandaohalloran at Citysearch

I highly recommend the Azarra Salon to anyone. The salon has a great atmosphere and everyone who works there is so welcoming and nice. Dawn Koste is my stylist and I love her hair cuts. She cuts and colors my hair better than anyone has in years. She has great technical skills and works really well with clients to fit their haircut to their look, personality and lifestyle. I haven't had this many compliments on my hair in years. She's wonderful!!!!

Beautiful people beautiful hair

by kimintacoma39 at Citysearch

I have lived in Tacoma all my life and I have been to just about every high end salon in town. That being said, I have been going to Azarra for about 2 years and Carrie is my stylist and she is dynamic. She has worked miracles and corrected my color a few times after I screwed it up. She is always spot on, truthful and talented. This weekend Jonathan did my daughters makeup and hair, and my makeup. He did such a fantastic job, he is such a talented artist. This is my take on salon experience; as I stated earlier I have been to many salons in the Tacoma area and while any person can be trained to do hair and makeup there is something to be said about atmosphere and social skills that sets Azarra apart from the other salons around here. Unpretentious, real and fun are words that I would describe about the salon. You can be yourself, relax and talk about anything without feeling awkward or belittled. Laughter is a requirement. Jonathan went out of his way and put forth the extra effort with my daughter as if she was a family member and he had a personal investment in her day. Top that Brassfields, Gene Juarez or Mendi.