Red the Salon in Columbia, MO

Ustena was very kind and certainly knowledgeable about her craft. Hilarious to boot. I knew going in that it was going to be unconventional as others had put it, so I came in prepared. Pictures upon pictures. I have extremely curly hair and it looks wildly different when wet than dry. I had pictures of what I wanted, and what I didn't want, how it shrinks when dry, and so forth. I appreciated her tips and tricks, however, when it came to the actual cut I feel like I did not get what I wanted. I specifically asked for a stacked, inverted bob. I don't have that and I feel like at this point I am going to have to grow my hair back out to get what I wanted. The cut is even, looks nice and I have received compliments, the problem is it isn't what I wanted, so I feel let down.

Ustena is fantastic! She's not just a stylist, she's a hair artist.
I wish I'd discovered her sooner!

After several bad experiences with stylists here I gave up and only got my hair done when I flew back "home" to Los Angeles. Meeting Ustena changed all that. She's just as good (maybe even better, especially with doing color) than my L.A. stylist who I'd loyally gone to for 7yrs.

Ustena knows hair better than anyone I've ever met... she's so passionate about it.  She's also full of great advice and won't fry your hair just because your heart is set on a certain color (I find this commendable). Ustena genuinely cares about her clients and while her methods may be a tad unconventional, all appointments involve lots of talking so be prepared to spend some time here, she takes a personal interest in her clients and really gets to know you.  While I like her approach and love spending time here, it's the few moments/hours of "me" time I get I can see how this may not be for everyone. (However even if you want something fast, I highly recommend you give her process a chance and then make a decision based on your haircare results, it'll be worth it!)

Your first appointment you actually discuss your hair type/needs/desires/etc...you're definitely going to spend the better part of a day here but it's well worth it.... besides how many people can say their stylist cares enough to teach them about their own hair care?  It's not just hair care either, Ustena showed me how to use bobby pins correctly... this may not sound super exciting, but I have silky/baby fine hair so bobby pins have always slipped right out. Ustena showed me how to use them the "right" way and it's transformed my daily styling options.

Since I've met Ustena I won't go to anyone else for hair color. No one else could do it as well. When I wanted to transition from highlights, to a more blondish color, I brought in a bunch of photos to show her. She looked at the photos with me, asked questions and then came up with a color that was better than anything I'd brought in.

Ustena is brilliant. A master of her craft.
And I don't say that lightly. I'm so picky that I used to fly to Los Angeles to get my hair done and I'm thrilled that not only do I have a stylist I love here but I didn't settle either - she's awesome :)

I thought long and hard about whether to post this after having my hair cut by Ustena a few weeks ago, but I have to be honest: This was easily the weirdest experience I have ever had in a salon. First of all, I rushed over from work to be exactly on time because I didn't want to inconvenience her, and then I had to wait 45 minutes because she'd decided to "squeeze in" some guy who "never makes an appointment". Then she talked and talked and talked and talked before finally cutting my hair. The ratio of talk to hair-cutting was about 10-to-1. I wanted to scream. After all, I was already 45 minutes behind schedule. I get that she reaaaaaaaally wants to get to know her clients, but after keeping me waiting that long, she should have realized I might be irritated, tired and dying to get home for dinner at the end of a long work day. A simple apology for making me wait so long would have helped, but I still am not sure I would ever return. Too much talking.

Ustena is absolutely amazing! If you haven't done so already, go see her ASAP.

Her initial appointment is unconventional, but in a super awesome way. She spends a ton of time getting to know you and your hair to help give you the best cut/color/product recommendations to fit your lifestyle.

Not only does she care about your happiness and the health of your hair, but she is truly talented. Her color is beautiful and her cuts are perfect. I can honestly say she is the best hair stylist I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know.

Ustena is a bubbly, talented, and truly fantastic hair expert! I met her through a friend nearly 3 years ago, and I've never wanted to go anywhere else since (although I tried a few other Columbia salons prior). Expect to spend longer than usual at appointments, because Ustena provides lots of hair-care education and works hard to provide the exact style you're looking for. And be prepared to try out the Redken products!!

If you need a great haircut--Ustena is the best in the area. If you're looking to learn how to take care of damaged hair or master an up-do--Ustena will teach you. You won't regret trying Red the Salon!