Finding a perfect hair stylist is like finding your one true love.
You’ve got to get out there and meet people, figure out what you like and don’t like, tolerate some really bad small talk, and make mistakes that leave you looking at yourself in the mirror thinking, what the hell was I thinking?
And even when you do find the one, she might mention over a blowout that she’s moving to San Fransisco. True story, people. (Amber, from Art + Science, I still think about you.)
For years after Amber, I slutted around Chicago’s salon scene until I met Julie at Salon Blonde.
Julie took me on a hair journey unlike any other. She introduced me to the power of hair color. Julie made me a blonde, a brunette, a redhead–all within the span of a year. But then I left her for L.A.
And I’ve been in a dry spell ever since. I’d gotten one, yes, one hair cut since leaving her. It was a fairly good haircut, but my heart just wasn’t in it. I was still grieving for Julie and our hair color dalliance. But what was I to do? Fly to O’Hare every time I needed a bang trim?
But then I discovered Refuge. Well, to be fair, my boyfriend did. After repeatedly getting the best haircuts of his life at Refuge (from Jessica. Boys, take note!) I finally followed suit and booked an appointment with Refuge’s owner, Miriam.
Maybe I’m ready to love again? With Miriam, I barely had to explain what I wanted. She just kinda understood. Sigh. That’s exactly what I need in a stylist. She was super cool, laid back, and gave me a great haircut. Plus, Refuge is very reasonably priced. Bonus!
Miriam also recently opened a beauty school across the street from the salon called Goldbear Academy, a state-of-the-art beauty school that offers cosmetology, esthetician, makeup, massage, cosmetology and continuing-ed programs. This school seems like such a cool, lower-priced alternative to the other cosmo schools in L.A.
Oh and get this: Refuge is going to be featured on Tabatha’s Salon Takeover Season Two on Bravo! It should air later this summer. Miriam says to expect fireworks between her and Tabatha. I’m setting my DVR now.
Refuge is open 10-8 Tuesday through Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday
Oh!! Thank you for this! I’m in the LA area..I’ve been here for almost 3 years now..and still have not found “the one” haha! I just keep my hair super long, straight and blunt out of fear, lol but I will definitely check this place out!
Awesome, Jen! Check it out & let me know what you think.
I stumbled on this page looking for the webwite for Refuge. I couldn’t agree more!
I used to have a steady stylist who I followed from Rudy’s to Rudolph’s. When he moved to SF to open his own salon I was devasted. I finally found the one and he left me. I felt vulnerable and it took some to get back on my feet and start the search all over. 🙂
I did end up with a few crazy cuts and then finally landed in Jessica’s chair back at Rudy’s. I figured I’d found Steve there, maybe there was someone else just as good. When she switched to Refuge I had to follow. I’ve been going to her for 1 1/2 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else.
This salon not only has a comfortable atmosphere, but I know my hair will turn out how I want every time.
Awesome, Marie. That makes me happy… I know Refuge has a lot of people following stylists over from Rudy’s. I’m glad you found Jessica at Refuge. I love that place. 🙂
It’s really funny that you speak highly of this salon. On the show, especially the finale which just had a rerun on Bravo a few minutes ago, this salon sounded like crap. Like seriously. Especially Miriam. She just seemed really… not smart.
Hi Irees. She does comes across really… not so great on the show! But she was very nice in person, which was as long as it takes to get one haircut. Who knows.