Shawn Paul Salon — Attraction in Cleveland Heights

I never write reviews (I'm usually just a lurker) but I HAD to write a review for this salon.

I'm only in Cleveland for the summer, so this was a fresh experience for me. The first time I went in I got my hair cut by Vivian. For the first time, a hairdresser cut EXACTLY what I wanted - just enough to trim the damaged hair, and the face-framing layers I dreamed of. I looked and felt incredible, and Vivian was so reassuring and communicative.

I decided to go back for a manicure with Katie, who was new but nonetheless incredibly kind, accommodating, and excellent in her work. I never get my nails done (like once a year) and I was looking forward to French manicure and gel polish. When I walked in the appointment was a bit late, delayed by the previous customer, and she said she didn't have enough time for French tips since they take longer. I was disappointed, but then she made a call and shifted her schedule back just for me so we could have time for it, and the nails came out perfectly.

I then had a consultation with Vivian for a full hair bleach and dye (from brown to blue) which was free, and settled on a Saturday to do it. I'd been dreaming about blue hair for months, and I was so nervous about damage to my hair or a bad dye job, as I had a bad experience with the only other coloring I've gotten (auburn red balayage, which looked more scary Halloween highlights).

I was nervous, but Vivian explained everything she was doing thoroughly to ease my nerves and constant questions (I'm a very curious person and I like to know what everything being put in my hair does). It doesn't hurt that she's also a very interesting person to talk to! Time flew by and those 8 hours were so worth it. I have MERMAID HAIR!!! I've never felt this beautiful and confident in my life. She also gave me detailed instructions on how to care for my hair with minimal damage, and how to affordably perform upkeep on my coloring at home. She even gave me her number in case I need any advice regarding my hair.

Every time I've gone to this salon the service has been incredible - everyone in the entire place is so kind and helpful, there's jars and jars of unlimited free candy, and they offer you free tea and coffee as soon as you sit down. The interior design is wonderful, the hair products smell incredible and are sustainable, ethically-sourced, and top quality, but most of all their work is incredible.

Thanks so much Shawn Paul Salon! Watch out, next time I'm in Cleveland, I'll be coming back. (I might even come back...

Update, since it's been a minute: I slacked for a while with haircuts. Basically a couple of years. I decided that this year was going to be one where I practiced a bit more self-care. I went online a couple of months ago to book with my previous stylist, but she had left, so I looked around a bit and thought that Karrington sounded like she'd know how to help me get out of a rut.

I was not disappointed. She took the time to listen to what I was looking for and where I felt I was lacking with the day-to-day hair care. She gave me a haircut that I absolutely adored and some great pointers about how to keep my baby fine hair happy and healthy. I went back again today and was even happier with what she was able to do. She is an absolute godsend to the point where I'm booking my next appointment before I leave the salon, which I've never done in my couple of decades as an adult.

Also, the whole team here is lovely. Walking in and being offered a variety of beverages and a comfy seat on a big plush couch is the perfect start to any sort of treatment.

Original Review: I've been looking for a new salon for a little while now, since my old one closed after over a decade of going there. It had been a little over a year since my last cut and I was getting pretty desperate. A neighbor mentioned Shawn Paul Salon and I called to make an appointment. I really appreciated that the Micaela asked a bit about my hair and what I was hoping to do at that point. The salon uses that information to make sure you're seeing a stylist that's a good fit for what you want. Definitely an awesome little touch.

I had my appointment with Alyssa yesterday. The salon is gorgeous and so welcoming. Everyone was so friendly and cheerful. Alyssa was absolutely wonderful. She had lots of questions about what I wanted to do with my hair and took her time to listen to what I was saying and what I was hoping for. I usually feel awkward seeing a new stylist for the first time, since conversation doesn't always flow, but my appointment flew by. I could not be happier with how my hair turned out. Alyssa also gave me some easy styling tips since I'm pretty clueless when it comes to doing anything beyond a quick blow dry.

I'll definitely be back to see Alyssa when I'm ready for a trim and will be recommending Shawn Paul Salon to everyone looking...

Was contacted by the owner re: the interaction that happened almost 3 weeks ago.

True to his belief and professional philosophy, Shawn Paul emailed and texted me regarding the incident I described below. He apologized for the miscommunication that happened and how the incident was handled by the front desk person.

To correct the situation, he offer to cut my hair free of charge next time.

My initial was a five-star; however the review below pertains to my most recent interaction with the front desk:

I was quite disappointed on how the front desk handled my appointment. I was scheduled for a 10am appointment on a Friday morning. When I showed up, I was informed that my appointment was for 5pm, and that the client scheduled for the 10am was booked far in advanced versus mine.

A salon who is willing to work with their clients would have checked with any free stylists at that time, but no. Not this woman. She insisted that I was scheduled at 5pm. I cancelled and left feeling it was my fault.

After 30 minutes, I got a phone call from Laura informing me that they can reschedule me on the next Friday, at 10am. Hmmmm.

If Shawn was there, he would have known how to handle this situation and make the client feel better- this is an expensive place to get a haircut in the first place. The way I was treated today made me feel I was not a valued client.

The stylists there are awesome! However incidents like this can leave a sour taste.

Previous 5-star rating review:

I love this place. I decided to switch stylists since this place is so convenient for me (near my work) AND drum roll please...Vivian is the bomb! She takes time to listen to your needs and will give suggestions that are manageable for a wash-and-wear type of gal like me.

I am really picky with people who work with my hair (any woman would be picky too!), especially I have asian hair--this type of hair shows ALL mistakes! That is why it is such a relief to find someone who has the skills to understand the challenges of this type of hair.

Based on the smiles and happy looks of other clients, you can't go wrong with the other stylists as well. Bring your little ones too! My 7-yr. old got a haircut while waiting for me :)

Go ahead and schedule your appointment at this beautiful and relaxing salon. You will...