Meraki Salon

Dear Ashley, Shades EQ and the rest of you (I'm a poet and don't even know it) at Meraki Salon, THANK YOU. I often walk or run by Meraki and it stuck in my memory because of the Shades EQ  bottles shelved above their back bar that you can see from outside. If you know anything about blonding hair, Shades EQ is your best friend for toning, root smudging and lowlighting. If your salon doesn't use Shades EQ, are they even a salon...?After a horrible experience with Mandy at Alter Ego (see my profile for full review), I was in my car with brassy yellow leopard print hair that did not make any distinction between my face and scalp trying not to commit myself to the psych ward and it dawned on me "OMG - YES! That place on Hillsborough I run by has Shades EQ, they'll be able to help!" I drove on over and walked in. The front desk staff: Awesome. I ranted at them for about 15 minutes (well, more like they served as my therapists for a couple of minutes) about my current situation. They were sympathetic and immediately offered me alcohol. A grapefruit mimosa to be exact. One stylist, I forget her name, seemed a little terrified of me and wasn't up to the challenge. I get it, I scare myself and therapist half the time, so no harm no foul. But, out of the corner of my eye, I could see who I would soon learn is Ashley, eyeing me up. I knew she was going to save the day. AND SAVE THE DAY SHE DID. But also saved my mental sanity and hair alike.1. She's funny so my mood lightened immediately.2. She's skilled. I used to do hair, so we talked and she was very clear and direct with what she was going to do and I liked it. She said "Shades 7N" so many times and my heart warmed. I need to write to Redken and tell them that yet again, 7N rocked the party. Really, 7N may be able to solve the conflict between the US and N Korea, it's THAT great.3. She's fast. She had my root smudge toner on me in 10 minutes. I processed for 15 and then she gave me a rinse with a conditioner based cleanser because my hair had been through so much as it was and Shades is a shampoo based product, so it doesn't need to be shampooed and Ashley gets all this. 4. I'm pretty sure Ashley stayed later than her scheduled day for me. I showed up at the end of Saturday and she was finishing up her client. Quickly cleaned her station and sat me down. 5. I left really happy. My hair looks great! Ashley's blowdries are bomb. When I checked out, I was given a welcome gift and 15% off because it was my first time. I booked my next appointment with Ashley on the spot and also found out that Becca is the braiding queen, so I'll be seeing her when I need some humidity proof braided hair. Thanks again, Meraki. I would be sitting here with leopard print brassy hair without you and I'm forever grateful. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Highly recommend Meraki Salon! Both Caroline and Jessica are so awesome at what they do and I always leave happy and love my blonde for so long! I saw Jessica today and I honestly love my hair more than ever. She's so easy to communicate with, truly listens to what you want, and works with you on getting there while keeping your hair healthy. Everyone at Meraki is so welcoming, I wouldn't go anywhere else in Raleigh! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Ashley W has done great things with my hair! The color, cut and her amazing personality is the cherry on top.  I typically don't know what I want when I walk in but since I am so comfortable with Ashley's knowledge I know she will recommend what will look good and not cost more than I need.  The location is central so recommending to others is easy to do.  If you demand professionalism and superior knowledge then this is probably the place for you too. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Okay! So! This salon had great reviews and I'm new to the area so I figured it was worth a shot! I was so right. The place is clean, well organized, so much natural light, and very comfortable. Chloee was absolutely incredible! She was thoughtful and beyond considerate with each step of my cut. She asked me if I was comfortable with various techniques (I don't think I have ever been asked this in all my years at various salons!) and made suggestions that gave me a beautiful haircut. She listened to my hair concerns and knew exactly how to address them. It was obvious she takes her profession seriously and has put in the work to continue to learn and improve her craft, including working with all hair types. Without hesitation I booked my second appointment before even leaving the salon.. that's how great she was!Overall a 5-star experience! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Love the color of my hair! Thank you Jessica!

Reviewed on Facebook

Ashley Rocks!!  Love my hair and everything about the entire experience!!  Can't wait to go back!!

Reviewed on Yelp

Jessica is the sweetest, sweetest girl ever. She did a wonderful job. I love what she did to my hair, cannot stop looking at it. She is truly phenomenal.

Reviewed on Yelp

I've had my hair done there several times now and have been very pleased with their level of professional skill, ease of communication, and professionalism of every person that works in the salon. They are all very up to date on the latest trends, or natural looks, whether you want they can achieve. They care about getting every detail right, my hair always comes out beautifully. It's a relaxing environment where they offer tea, coffee, water or hot coffee etc. I highly recommend to others!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I have been a client of this salon since they opened, and much longer than that with my stylist, Sheena. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this salon or the stylists! I have super thick, wavy hair and have had my fair share of cringe-worthy cuts in my lifetime, so I am extra cautious of who cuts my hair! Sheena not only knows how to manage my crazy hair, but also has given me the best cuts and styles that I have ever had.... to the point that I followed her to her new salon. The salon itself is so clean and well decorated. I absolutely love how much light they have. The complementary beverages make my Friday afternoon haircuts that much more relaxing as well. ;-) They definitely have my full recommendation and I will keep coming back. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Recently moved from NYC, and asked a local friend (Thanks Daniel) where I should go to get a great men's haircut since my hair is wavy and can be challenging to cut.  My first haircut was with Sheena, and I've since been back 3 times.  As my hair grows in, it continues to look really good even after a few weeks following a cut.  She's really skilled, and I've definitely found my stylist. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I'm so glad I found this salon. I just moved to the area from Southern California and was nervous to try another stylist. The atmosphere was beautiful, clean and comfortable . The receptionist was so friendly and offered me a drink. My stylist, Caroline, was great-- friendly, attentive and took her time even when my long, thick hair took longer than expected. She was able to gracefully take care of her waiting customer without rushing me. What was most impressive was her ability to cut my hair exactly how I wanted. I showed her a photo and walked out with the haircut I wanted. I haven't had a haircut I've loved this much in years. So grateful for this salon and Caroline. I did forget to mention I was a new customer and I think they give perks for that, but either way I'm happy. Highly recommend. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Love this salon. I followed a lot of the girls here from a previous salon. I've never had anything but great service here. All the hair stylists are so sweet and talk to everyone. Caroline usually cuts my hair but due to scheduling Calvin cut my hair last time. I love them both! I've recommended multiple friends to Meraki and everyone loves it! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Incredibly professional and kind individuals. They do an amazing job and are so great to work with!

Reviewed on Facebook

This place was amazing! Got me in for a last minute cut and were so cool with me bringing my child. One of the owners helped calm my little one down during a tantrum (and in such a kind, non-judgy way! ) Rachel did a fantastic cut to boot! Highly recommend! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I would give 5 out of 5, but I cant find where to do it. I am so excited with my cut and color! I am fabulous, Thank you Sheena!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

Experience is like no other. Very warm and cozy environment as well as people! Not only is the feel amazing but the education that is offered to the stylists to further their knowledge and to continue exceeding clients expectations is incredible. I will drive from ANYWHERE to continue my styling with this salon and Chloe especially. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Rachel is amazing The salon is very nice

Reviewed on Facebook

My new go-to. Came for a yelp event and was so impressed I came back for a cut and color with Beccah. The service was top notch and my hair is amazing. She took the time to show me how to get the same look at home. We worked within my budget to give me a really great style. I cannot wait to come back and use the dry style service for my next outing. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I love going to Meraki Salon; it’s an incredibly welcoming environment. The building is beautiful and the people are very welcoming. Their booking service online is insanely convenient and easy to use. I love going to see Beccah there because she always listens to my ideas while pushing me to be creative! Always a good experience with Beccah at Meraki! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Walking into Meraki is like taking a deep breath of fresh air.  The floor to ceiling windows and calming paint colors are an instant reassurance that you're about to have a fantastic couple of hours to spruce up your hair and feel like a million bucks in the end.  Having music like Florence and the Machine and Lumineers in the background keep the vibe upbeat without being overwhelming.  Where other salons may really crank up the music and then everyone else yells over the hair dryers, Meraki is able to keep a steady comfortable vibe that is refreshing and relaxing, without being a total snooze.  I also love they have fun products like scented candles and products specifically for men's facial hair.  They take careful consideration into picking out products there customers may be interested in, and they don't try to force you to buy anything.  I followed my stylist Carie here, because well, she's fantastic and worth the drive from my house in Cary.  Carie really listens to her customers and leaves them with a look that they're happy with.  She's personable and knows her stuff, a stylist like that can be hard to come by, so I'm happy I found her! If you're nervous about location or parking, don't be! There are spots across the street, around back as well as street parking.  Sidewalks a plenty, and you don't have to deal with any annoying parking garages or paid parking like you would have to at a salon downtown. Check this place out, I really don't think you'll be disappointed! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Sheena is a great stylist! She has done my hair for years. She is able to envision what I want!! It is hard finding a stylist like her. Not only do you leave with a great style, you leave feeling valued as a client. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I came to Ashely after we moved to Raleigh in 2014 and she has made me feel beautiful from the start. Incredibly gifted with color, cuts, styling, brows. ...you name it. She’s such a sweet person and I always look forward to a couple hours with her. I’d recommend her to anyone! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Lucky enough to be assigned Sheena when I was searching for a new stylist over a year ago. And now she owns her own salon. So excited for her and her team. Visited Meraki Salon today for my highlight & cut. Went more to my natural hair color and I think I like. I trust Sheena with her guidance a d decision making when it comes to the hair. Thank you. See you in 12-14 weeks. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Sheena is amazing! What a wonderful salon with great people.

Reviewed on Facebook

I love this salon. Everyone is so professional and nice. Caroline McCoy did a great job on my hair cut. I will definitely rebook with her!

Reviewed on Facebook

This salon is nothing less than amazing, which is exactly how I feel when I leave! Even for weeks after! I get so many compliments ! Everyone there has such a great attitude and you can tell they all love what they do! Thanks Meraki Salon and my stylist Ashley Walden for making feel appreciated as a customer, and confident that my hair looks AMAZING � More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Love this Salon!! Great atmosphere, the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about all the latest trends. Such a relaxing vibe and excellent service. Highly recommend!!

Reviewed on Facebook

I have followed Ashley through three salons now because she is THE BEST! I've never had anyone cut my (somewhat difficult) hair so well. Couldn't recommend her more!

Reviewed on Facebook

I had my hair colored, cut and styled here and couldn't ask for a better result! All of the staff was friendly and attentive. The salon itself is a gorgeous space - I've never felt so relaxed while getting my hair done. I have definitely found my new favorite go-to! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Meraki was so warm and welcoming! I had a fantastic experience and walked out loving my hair. Ashley did the color and Summer cut my hair, both were super friendly and did an amazing job! I will definitely be back and would be more than happy to recommend friends to Meraki! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I wouldn’t have my hair done anywhere else! My stylist is Ashley Elaine Walden and I drive from Tennessee to Raleigh just to have my hair done by her. This salon has the best of the best not only with salon equipment and top of the line products but also with the staff! If you haven’t been you need to go! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Before I came my hair hadn't been cut in a year; my mother is the only person who has ever cut or colored my hair. So I was very nervous about getting my hair done anywhere else. . However; from the time I got there everyone was SO sweet and welcoming! I enjoyed talking to summer about things while she worked her magic, and I left feeling even more sassy than when I came in. THANKS SUMMER FOR THE FABULOUS NEW DO! I'm AMAZED how good it turn out; I will be coming back as well as referring people to you guys! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Ashley is the best! She always understands my poor styling vocabulary and somehow translates it into my vision. Trust me, I'm the worst. It's not easy to cut my curly mop, but Ashley always does an excellent job. She also always pleasantly chats it up with me as I torture her with my ramblings. Front desk is always very pleasant and offers libations upon arrival. Beautiful salon with lots of natural light. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I've come here a couple times and I've loved how my hair has looked after each cut! Caroline really listens and strives to ensure you're happy with her work. I've gotten a lot of compliments on this past haircut! Can't recommend this salon enough! � More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Caroline was so awesome. She took a terrible color and haircut from someone else and turned it into something pretty! She’s so sweet and the salon is so beautiful. Would recommend to anyone!!

Reviewed on Facebook

This week was my first visit to Meraki Salon and it was fabulous. Everyone was very friendly and the refreshment options were great. It has a wonderful open layout with large windows and yet it still felt intimate! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I had such a great experience with Meraki. Chloee did an awesome job with both my color and cut. I haven't gotten my hair colored in a loonnnggg time, so I was very nervous it would look fake. My hair turned out beautiful and the cut was super cute. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Chloee did an amazing job on my mini-balayage and my first ever glaze! Highly recommend Meraki for all your hair needs, ladies (and gentlemen)! Plus all the staff are super sweet and fun. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

MS - Amazing Salon that is going to take over downtown! My appointment was with the amazing Caroline and with very little instruction she brilliantly made with happy with my hair the first time in two years. Having wavy hair you need to have a stylist that understands every-type of hair. The conversation was great with her as well she was very present and many upscale salons are unwelcoming. Five star excellence is not enough of a review. I've been to other salons downtown that have talent but made me feel uncomfortable with the "EGO". I was honestly shocked to read any negative reviews at all. The owners are wonderful and the receptionist we kind as well. The only warning is parking. Do not park in the back of the building there is free parking across the street.Very happy to have found my new hair oasis!!!!!!!!!! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Beautiful salon and outstanding staff! Thank you Ashley and Rebeccah for our amazing braids! We had such a great experience at Meraki and I will definitely be returning to get color done! All the products smelled amazing too! Looking forward to my next visit! Thanks Meraki Salon!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Summer is AMAZING! I am in love with this Salon and Summer saved my hair. For as long as I live in NC I will make the 1h20m drive to come here and have Summer take care of me. I have always kept my hair dark and close to its natural color but recently I decided that I wanted to go lighter and do a silver style balayage. The first local salon I went to treated me like a crazy person, said it was an impossible look with my hair, and I was told hairstylists don't just have some magic wand they can wave and make your hair whatever they want. I don't know why I let this woman do my hair but she did, and she put horrible highlights in it, halfway down my head, with straight lines. I was devastated and cried for days. I took to Yelp and began desperately searching for reputable salons in Raleigh. I found Meraki, and after reviewing pictures I liked Summers the best (what she had done was similar to what I wanted). After chatting on Yelp with the salon they suggested a consultation first. I scheduled my consultation and met with Summer. She was amazing!! She explained to me we could absolutely do this to my hair, walked me through the process, showed me pictures, and completely put me at ease.One week later I was sitting in her chair and began my hair change journey. She corrected the catastrophe that was previously done, and started the first coloring of what will be several in the months to come. After my first appointment I was elated! She did an amazing job and I could not be happier. As a woman, hair is so important, and Summer turned a devastating situation into a work of art! I'm so excited to have found her and cannot wait for my next appointment!!!As for the salon as a whole, it is clean, welcoming, friendly, and the other stylists seemed to be doing incredible work as well. Everyone works together and helps each other out, it's a wonderful thing. I just cannot say enough good things about Summer and the Salon as a whole. From the bottom of my heart and the roots on my head THANK YOU!!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Finally!!  I have lived in Raleigh for four years now and have been searching for a salon to call Home.  I decided to make an appointment with Caroline for a balayage and cut.  I am honestly blown away by the professionalism and comfort of the salon.  Caroline is an amazing stylist and really knows her blondes.  My hair is not easy, very course and gray.  She knew exactly how to handle my difficult mane.  Can't wait to come back! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Love the vibe of the salon and the staff are so friendly and give excellent service! Definitely recommend this salon!!

Reviewed on Facebook

Sheena is amazing!  She saved my hair after I had it botched by another salon and I have been seeing her ever since. Not only does she do amazing color/cuts, but she is also wonderful to talk to. The facility is beautiful and clean and the location is very easy to access with a lot right across the street. Love this salon! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Great haircut. Amazing service, Sheena was the best!!! From the moment I walked in I felt like I was the center of attention. Go see for yourself!

Reviewed on Facebook