Spruce

Where do I start? How about the beginning? Back when Spruce was called Blu, CitySearch dominated the business review scene in Portland (gasp, there was something before Unilocal?!) and Tricia’s last name was still Snedden.
A few photos from my hair history with Tricia Gray. She is AMAZING! She’s been cutting/​coloring/​perming my hair since 2008. Love her!
I’ve been trusting Tricia *Gray* with cuts, the occasional color, a perm (!) and my wedding hair since 2008. Time certainly flies when you are having fun and loving your hair.
Prior to seeing Tricia, it was a big deal if I went to a stylist more than a couple of times. Not to brag (totally bragging!), but my cousin is a celebrity stylist in NYC and basically ruined me for other stylists. Seriously. I never went to the same stylist more than 2 times.
That is, until Tricia.
Tricia is an expert stylists and colorist who knows exactly what you need — probably before you do. Not that I know anything about hair, but I feel like there is only so much that can be taught to someone and the rest is pure talent and instinct. Tricia embodies that. You can be as vague or specific with her and walk out feeling like the most beautiful version of yourself.
I’m very bossy (er, helpful!) and can be pretty picky. Tricia always asks me if there is anything bugging me about my new hair before I leave. Usually there isn’t and I’m in love with my new look, but if there is, she fixes it on the spot. Tricia is the kind of person who can handle feedback and wants you to leave happy and loving your hair. So speak up!
Tricia has a great sense of humor, is easy to talk to and truly an expert in this business. If you are looking for your next long term stylist — look no further. Tricia is your gal.
A handful of important side notes…
1.) If you’d like some proof of our hair history, I’ve posted a collage of Tricia’s handiwork on me over the past few years. The most recent cut and color is the photo in the middle (and I *love* it!!). She totally gets reds!
2.) For any dudes reading this, my hubby has been going to Tricia for cuts since our wedding in 2009 and loves her. He never has to tell her what to do. He just shows up and she works her magic.
3.) Not only did Tricia do my hair and my hubby’s hair for our wedding (2009), she also styled all of my bridesmaids. That meant she had to travel to Astoria, OR. It was an honor to have her there with us and we looked stunning!
4.) You might be wondering why I’m just now posting a review for Tricia to Unilocal.I actually had posted a review for her years ago, but it was on CitySearch. I figured it was high time to write a new review here on Unilocal,since I’m still loving her work!
5.) Last but not least… if you go to Spruce there is a high probability of you becoming addicted to Bumble & Bumble products. Consider yourself warned. :-D

I went in to go from decently long hair a pixie cut so I was very nervous! However, when I got there they started to talk me through it weighing the pros and cons of short hair and really making sure that this is what I wanted. I made an appointment and then when I went back to them to get my hair cut Sara B. was so nice and social. I’m very happy with my hair cut she did an excellent job!!!

Spruce is a great hair salon that is convenient if you live in the SE area. I have gotten my hair done with the owner Jill a few times and she does a great job with color and cut. They also carry bumble and bumble here which is a nice plus. The prices are reasonable and they are very laid back while still delivering great results. I feel like you have to choose between good customer service for quality at so many salons – but at Spruce this is not the case. This salon is a hidden gem ^.^ I highly recommend it.

I’m new to Portland and spent some time researching local salons and ended up making an appointment at Spruce based on the wonderful reviews I had read. I have spent almost 15 years getting my hair done by hair stylist friends in their homes, and never really spent to much time in an actual salon. After researching a bit, I was set up with Colette Potter. She did an amazing job and I am extremely picky with my hair. I received a cut & color and I am very happy with the results! Colette was attentive and easy to talk to, offered me a glass of wine and my favorite, US Weekly while I waited.
I have been growing my hair out for awhile now and didn’t want to take too much off the length, just clean it up a bit. I also went from black to a dark brown. Overall, Colette did a really great job and the salon was super chill! I’ll definitely be a regular from now on.

New to Portland and needed a highlight, found this little gem right off Hawthorne. Super cute and intimate. Sara did my hair and I told her how hard it was for me to sit still and get my hair done. She was fast, efficient and did a killer job. Conversation was wonderful as well. Go here

I have been getting my hair done all over town and the results were terrible. It has been a very long time since a stylist got it right, I had forgotten how much a great haircut makes me feel. My partner, who has been getting her hair done from Jill for the last 3 years, has been relentlessly begging me to go see Jill, and it was a perfect match. Once again, I have my favorite haircut back, and it was done perfectly.
Thanks for getting me in Jill, you are stuck with me now! ;)

I just moved into the neighborhood and had read some good reviews about Spruce, so I made an appointment with Sara and I couldn’t be happier! She was such a sweetheart and listened to exactly what I wanted, while also giving me suggestions and recommendations. She also styled my hair and showed me how to do it myself. I absolutely LOVE how it came out! I literally exclaimed, «oh my god!» when she turned the chair around. The price was very reasonable and I also went home with some sample products, AND I got a complimentary glass of wine! Icing on the cake, if you ask me. Will definitely be going back!

I’ve been seeing Isabel for years and she is the only one I will let touch these locks. She’s a great listener and always works with me to give me honest and perfect advice about what new ideas I want to try. She is smart and knows which cut and style will look good based on the structure of my face. I really love that she’s available on Sundays because most places are closed. The central location and convenient hours are a big bonus for me. I’ll follow her wherever she is!

Isabel has been cutting my hair for a few years, she always brings welcoming creative ideas to help jazz up my style. She is professional, stylish, funny, listens to my hair concerns, and works with me to help me fix any hairy problems. I highly recommend going to see her.

Isabel is a fantastic stylist! I’ve been cutting my own hair for years in fear of bad hair stylists, but I completely trust Isabel! She always gives me the haircut (& color) I’m hoping to leave with, she asks all the right questions, and she gives great suggestions without letting her own ideas get in the way of yours. Whether you’re looking for the baddest queercut on the block, or something chic and classic, Isabel is your girl! Not only is she a talented stylist, but she’s extremely friendly and caring. Isabel is a truly lovely person who will be sure you leave looking your best.

I decided on a whim to return from the boxed red I’d been rocking for 3+ years to blonde. I was able to make an appointment at Spruce for VERY soon after I started thinking of doing this – every other salon I called wanted me to come for a 15-​minute consultation before even scheduling the color, which I understand, but because I was coming from Corvallis, this was not ideal. Luckily I found Spruce and booked online just a couple days out – there were even next-​day slots available, but that didn’t work for me.
I wound up with Sarah Ann. I brought in a picture and said I know this is a stretch, but here’s what I’m hoping for. I’ve gone from red to blonde before and it’s always wound up brassy – I told her I was really hoping to avoid that and was a little nervous.
She ultimately spent SEVEN HOURS on my hair (I’d told her I was free for the rest of the day and would stay as long as necessary for the best results). She went through so many different processes, each adding to the beauty of the color. And then finally an awesome cut, just what I wanted. She was so apologetic for keeping me there for so long, but it was her I felt bad for – by the time I left it was 9 p.m. and the salon had been closed for hours. She was so intent on getting the best results possible that she kept at it until it looked amazing. I’m SO happy.

I recently moved to Portland and was nervous to find a new hair place. Sara B did not disappoint! She was great! I love the cut… she listened to what I was asking for and gave helpful feedback. Once we decided the route to take, she did a wonderful job!!! I highly recommend her and will be going back!!!

After trims for the last few years I decided I needed a haircut. Amber Rae had a sweet profile and I was happy when I called and could get in the follow ing day.
She was a really cool gal with colored locks and that always puts me at ease. Anyway she listened to what I wanted and gave me a killer layered cut. We also did a color consult and after my old color fades a bit more I’m going back for color. I can hardly wait!

I was referred to Spruce by a friend. Sara Bartlemay is amazing! I almost hesitated writing this review because I want to still be able to get an appointment with her. She is a pro, speedy, understands challenging hair and is very nice.

I am so happy to find this place. I just moved to Portland two weeks ago and was itching for a cut. I’m a spur of the moment type and almost always make my appointment the day of. I called a few places and Spruce was able to get me in With Sarah Ann.
I love my hair cut, it’s exactly what I wanted and Sarah Ann took serious attention to making sure my hair fell the way I wanted! She even styled it two ways so I could see the versatility and products that will keep my cut styled the way I like.
I rarely ever book another appointment while I’m at a salon even if I liked them but with Sarah Ann I did! I’d trust her and her scissors to my hair any time.

I like getting my hair changed regularly and I used to cut it all the time and then regret how permanent a change it had to be. Then my friend recommended Amber Rae and I have been going hog-​wild with hair colors. Everything from chocolaty-​rich brunettes, to kick-​ass superhero-​red. So far they have each been amazing, uniquely different and relentlessly flattering. I have also loved how much healthier my hair seems (despite constant dyings). If you want something less avant-​garde she has also done some beautiful, chic traditional hairdos for me as well. She is the best hairdresser I have ever had and if I ever get rich and famous and travel the world I am hiring her on full-​time to be my private hair-​mage. I think she’ amazing.

I absolutely HATE letting anyone do my hair, but my friend Amber Rae, always has AMAZING color on hers. I decided to grow a pair and begin my transition to Blonde… I am Black so I knew it was either going to turn out Great or be the Worst decision I have ever made.
Luckily I picked the right girl for the job! Amber Rae did a fantastic job and I will be sure to recommend her to everyone I know…
Go Amber!

Sarah Ann is a great stylist. She asked all the right questions to understand what I was wanting to achieve and how my hair is naturally. She worked for over three hours to perfect my style. The entire appointment she was constantly reassessing the process to make sure it was going how she/​I intended.
She was so lovely to chat with and as a plus was super adorable. She was really knowledgeable about styling and products and she even gave me several samples for my husband.
My hair was a natural light brown/​dark blonde that she took bleach blond from about ear down blended up towards the crown. It looks just how I wanted and the cut is shaped really well. I was receiving compliments within minutes of walking out salon door.
After trying several salons in Portland I think I have finally found my go to stylist!
See you in a few months Sarah Ann!

Spruce is in my neighborhood, a short walk for me. I’ve been there 3 times and have had quality hair styling by Charlotte. :) She is super nice and capable.
I just moved here from Los Angeles, and kinda thought Portland hair prices would be cheaper than LA… that’s my only negative. Otherwise, happy to be there. :)

Jill Gott has purchased the lovely salon formerly known as Blu and renamed it Spruce. This continues to be my go to place for hair and eyebrow waxing.
I went in there this evening and I could see some of the changes that had already been made. New paint and changes in some of the fixtures. The same smiling faces are there to greet and work with you which is comforting to me, who doesn’t like change.
The staff is now independent contractors so you pay your stylist rather than the front desk. Still plenty of Bumble and Bumble products.
I’ll be back again.