Gain Hair Salon in Beaverton, OR

One day, I decided to look up the reviews for my favorite hair place, and the only place that I allow to cut my hair for the last 2 years. I was surprised by the reviews below, but I can see where these ladies come from and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So here's mine (which quite differs).

Yes, her clientele is mostly Korean only because she is Korean. But I am not Korean. I will say I am Asian, however, this should not stop ANYONE from coming here because she really is as good as it gets (at least for people with straight to wavy hair, any length).

I can basically tell you how one visit goes in a nutshell:

1) Yes, she is appointment only. That is because she takes an hour-ish to cut hair, and personally, I think this is how all haircuts should be. You will be living with this cut for the next couple months so... it better be done meticulously.

2) Her salon is in a small corner off 2nd and Angel. Angel is the street parallel to Watson. Random, tiny building -- so maybe have a GPS ready to find this little jewel.

3) It's good to arrive 10-15 minutes early because she basically starts as soon as you walk in. The place is quirky, with its mirrored walls, black leather couches, hanging chandelier -- it seems like any place you'd go to in Asia.

4) You'll find right off the bat that she (as in the owner Lucia, who cuts my hair) and her assistant speak little English. Which I think is GREAT because I don't particularly like conversing when getting my hair done. It's a nice quiet. I also don't know much about hair or how I want it to exactly look, I only know when it's cut beautifully or poorly. Lucia doesn't need much direction because she cuts your hair as to how it best flatters your face. You can chirp in layers/bangs/whatever, be rest assured that she knows what she's doing. But if you are the direction-giver... I am sure she'll comply.

5) You'll get your hair shampooed/conditioned.

6) She will cut off the length and do the major "cutting". Then blow dry/straighten.

7) She will do the fine tweaking, such a layering and bangs. Layering is the best part because she doesn't use anything but her regular scissors and comb the whole time. Yet the layers are so well done and perfectly angled. It takes a long time, but beats those "layering scissors" or shortcuts other salons use.

8) Then she'll be finish and give you a mirror. Done!

So all I can say is, Lucia is very good with hair. Yes, there are minor cons like appointment-only, cash-only, and few conversations unless you speak Korean. But the silence is usually broken by her K-drama that's playing in the background on her cute little laptop.

I can also add that my hair is Hawaiian-y, where it's pretty long and waves/poofs once it hits water. Super thick, and she charges me $35. Which gives me wiggle room for a nice tip.

I hope this review gives further insight to Gain. I just want people to know there are other opinions, like positive ones, for this place!

Maybe the first couple times I've gone there was just a fluke or the style I asked for was an easy one. The last time I went, however, have been rather different experiences even with the same stylist. She gave me such a terrible cut and then straightened the hell out of it to hide the poor cut job. My hair become difficult to manage or style and all I could do with it was straighten it the way she did. Keep that up for long enough and, of course, the damage is inevitable. Her time management also seems lacking. Even though I was there on time, not too early or too late, she seemed surprised to see me there.

Thankfully, I've found a wonderful stylist right here in Portland, close to home. So, I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I no longer have to drive all the way to Beaverton to find a stylist who can cut Asian hair.

In one word...RUDE.  I arrived at 5pm (salon hours indicate open until 7pm).  I walked in to a very quiet salon where there was one customer in the chair getting a perm, one stylist working on her hair, and the other stylist sitting reading a magazine.  No one greeted me when I walked in.  I politely asked if they had time for a hair cut.  Without asking details, and barely looking up from her work...she tersely said "NO - I have no time".  They obviously don't want business.  And I certainly won't  be back.  They are obviously catering to Korean clientele.  And I guess I didn't fit the bill.