Clare’s of Clayton Salon

I’m a bit finicky with my color, and was so scared to try a new place after I moved to St Louis from Chicago. (so hesitant that I kept going to my place in Chicago for about 9 months!)
I finally decided to roll the dice at Clare’s, and have been so happy! I stumbled upon it by searching first for local places that sell Aquage, then looking at online reviews. The reviews were right — Clare’s is wonderful! The space is cute, fun, and welcoming.
Most importantly, I’ve been impressed with their staff. I work with Caitlyn, and from my first appointment with her she has impressed me with her knowledge and expertise on color and styles. She just «gets it» when I explain where I’m struggling, concerns I have, or quirks my hair demonstrates. More importantly, she always offers tips and suggestions. She’s been patient with my crazy color adjustment requests, and I’m so happy with my hair EVERY TIME I leave her chair, which is important beyond measure.
So try Clare’s and try Caitlyn!

I discovered this wonderful establishment while in a state of frustration because I could not make an appointment with the other salon I tried out last month and my hair was starting to look slightly bad. I called Clare’s thinking they will turn me away and tell me the next available appointment is not for another week or two but I was truly surprised when the receptionist told me someone could fit me in the very next day! Yay! I was also nervous because I felt like I was comfortable enough with the other salon that I would have liked it to be my regular place but I went and tried out Clare’s. I got there and parked at a garage a few buildings down the road. There were plenty of parking and it was only $ 1/​hour (and no it’s not one of those permit only lots which is great!) There are some parking spaces on the side of the street as well but I was getting a color change so I didn’t know how long that will take.
When I came in, the receptionist greeted me and had me fill out some information on a sheet then I waited for a little while. My appointment was at 3 but I like to be early so I had some time to kill. The waiting area was nice and cozy. The place is well-​lit and had a nice overall feel to it. When Alysha finally came in, she took me to her station and I told her the dilemma of having really dark hair and wanting something lighter. She offered to bleach it first and then dye it the color I want. She took almost 4 hours to do my hair and I love the color! Oh my gosh, I didn’t even know it was possible. I had it done 5 weeks ago and had just accepted the fact that my hair will just be a slightly reddish color in this sunlight but never in normal lighting. Anyway, I am very happy with the change. She changed my bangs a bit and trimmed some parts of my hair a little.
While I waited for the color to develop, I enjoyed a glass of cabarnet while I surf the web on my phone (I forgot my kindle!) It was such a lovely experience, I can’t wait to go back!
UPDATE– 5÷24÷15
I don’t want to write an actual update to this review because I want people to know how I happen upon this place and how I came to know true happiness because of my stylist but I do want to add a few things. I’ve been coming to this salon regularly for about 3 months now both to do colors on my roots and get the rest of my hair freshened up since red does fade fairly quickly, and get my bangs trimmed. My stylist (Alysha) is still keeping me really happy when I come to see her: 3 – 4 weeks for bang trim and 5 – 6 weeks for my color.
Also, there was a time when schedules got messed up and my poor stylist was running around like crazy but was able to accommodate both clients which was great! Other than that, this salon is still topnotch and I don’t see myself going elsewhere.

I don’t think there is anything better than a glass of red wine, an US magazine and getting your hair done all at once. I have been going to Clare’s on Clayton for two years now. I couldn’t be happier with this place. The salon is beautifully decorated and located right in the heart of downtown Clayton. The staff is nice and they offer you a glass of wine to enjoy while you get pampered. I started seeing Gidget since my first visit and she is fabulous. She is now independent but still does appointments at the salon. She always listens to what I want and does a great job every time.
If you are new to St. Louis or just looking for a change, Clare’s is worth a visit.

I was visiting St Louis for a conference and needed just a wash and blowout. Clare’s was almost half the price of another salon down the street and I couldn’t have been happier. The stylist– Kaitlyn– was fantastic. My hair looked amazing after she worked on it and she was attentive to every detail. She taught me a trick to use for my hair to create more volume, was pleasant to talk to, and it was very clear that she knew her stuff. What is most important is the end result of your hair, which for me was 5 stars, but I would also give a high rating to the charming waiting area and the lovely receptionist.

Switching hair salons is always a terrifying experience. I recently had to find a new hair salon because my girl had a baby and decided to retire (The audacity, I know!)
My sister had been telling me for months to go to Clare. I just let my roots grow to my ears and my hair split well, more or less to my ears. Finally, I relented when one day I finally gave my hair a good long look in the mirror and realized, I was in trouble.
This, seriously, might be the best my hair has ever looked. Keep in mind, I do not have easy hair to deal with. My hair is incredibly curly, and not in that pretty Keri Russell kind of way, in that bad, Julia Roberts in My Best Friend’s Wedding kind of way. Whatever Clare did to me, it worked. My hair is shiny, my curls are bouncy and not frizzy at all, and it straightens out with little to no struggle from me and my round brush. Also my high lights… I can’t brag enough about my high lights! It has never looked so real. If you put my hair next to that of my 19 month old niece, you couldn’t tell the difference. It’s amazing!
In terms of personality, Clare is the nicest, funniest person to speak to as well. It was a completely pleasant experience having my hair done. She even squeezed me in at the end of her day knowing I was in desperate shape. Also, the price was a lot cheaper than a lot of places around Clayton. For a whole head of high lights and a massive clean up on my hair, it only cost me $ 140 bucks and that included tip!
If you are looking for a new hair salon, go here. The only draw back is finding parking in Clayton. But that’s always miserable.