Roar Salon

After reading many reviews for salons and stylists, I decided to make an appointment with Janet St. Paul at Roar. I had been growing out an ackward, shelf-like layer in my hair for several months and decided it was time to see a stylist who could give me a great haircut. I have to say, I was impressed with the results. Even before my hair was dry, I could see the shape of my haircut was dramatically improved. No more shelf-layer! Janet was also very helpful in showing me how to style my own hair. (I actually even learned that I was drying it the wrong way in order to get volume in the back!) Needless to say, I had an excellent experience and will be back to see Janet! more

After my first visit, I swore to myself that I was going to leave a sparkly review, full of praise and what not. But then, I got to thinking- hey, it's easy for someone to put on a good show once. I mean, I'd tried out other salons downtown and they'd all done a decent job the first time around. You know, just trying to impress the new customer and get them hooked... So anyway, I decided to hold off on the reviews until I'd gone back a few more times. Well, here it is: The service is just as good. :) Kelsie has not stopped to rest on her laurels nor has she let my hair color/style stagnate. Every visit has been just as fresh and attentive as I had hoped. When I came into Roar, I was a novice in regards to hair coloring. All I knew was that I wanted to turn my blondish hair into some fire red shade. Kelsie was more than supportive of this decision and she WASN'T annoyed at all that I was being so vague. (Trust me, I've had stylists in the past get mega ticked-off when I come in with a half formed idea of what I want.) She helped me come to the correct color choice decision- it was a unique red that was perfectly suited to me. :D Another great thing is that Kelsie doesn't make me feel bad about not getting my hair cut every time I go in for a color. In fact, she doesn't try and force extra services or products onto me at all! I LOVE that about her. She's picture perfect efficiency and professionalism and shes 100% nonjudgmental. I feel like I can speak openly and honestly about my long term hair goals with her... and for a shy girl like me, that's a first. Another great thing about Kelsie is that she knows how to cut men's hair as well! That's right, she does a damn nice job cutting my husband's hair. And trust me, I know it's not easy. I've seen him return home from so many barber shops and salons with ridiculous looking hair. This had happened so frequently that I'd forgotten what he looked like with a good hair cut. Anyway, she does such a good job cutting that not only does it look great when he come home from the salon but it continues to look good as it grows. I don't know how she does it but hey, the proof's in the pudding right? In conclusion, if you want to change your looks and try something new, or if you just want to enhance what you already have, Kelsie comes highly recommended from me... and from all the people that have complimented my hair. ;) more

I have been going to Roar for a while now and have found that Kelsey Van Dusen is awesome. She just gave me the latest and greatest Brazilian Blowout. I have the curliest hair and the frizziest. Kelsey fixed all that in just 90 min. i can even air dry my hair now. Thanks Kelsey for the wonderful service and the best skills ever. Pros: Great Location more

I've been seeing Wendy Walicek at Bollacini Salon for more than 10 years and she's absolutely amazing! She's honest about what cut and color works best on you and is always full of ideas on how to change my look. She can also chat it up with the chattiest of chatter boxes or lay low and let you enjoy your quiet spa/salon time. She's an amazing stylist and I wouldn't trust anyone else to do my hair!! Pros: color, cut, and the best head massage during shampoo! more

I got my first Brazilian Blowout from Rory on Saturday and I can't even believe how fantastic my hair looks and feels! My hair is relatively straight, thick, but very fine textured. It used to take me over an hour with a round brush, a hair dryer, a flatiron and countless hair products to create a smoothe sleek look. Now within minutes of blow drying my hair hangs perfectly straight. It is UNBELIEVABLE!!! The best part is that my hair also feels healthier and tangles less than it ever has. \r \r I am telling ALL of my friends that they have to visit Rory and his super salon of stylists!!! \r \r Dare to be fabulous - do it!!\r Pros: Most Positive Professional Stylists in Austin more

I have been going to Kelsie for about 5 months now and couldn't be happier with how my hair looks. After going to several different stylists/colorists over the years it is so nice to go to someone and KNOW that your hair will turn out exactly how you want it every time.\r \r I was tempted to cut off several inches of my long hair simply because I was bored. Instead,Kelsie gave me a trim and showed me several different/easy ways to style my hair and I am so glad I didn't get it cut. I get many, many compliments on my hair since Kelsie has been doing it.\r \r Kelsie is super sweet, funny, and easy to talk to. She offers knowledge of lots of products but I've never felt pressure to purchase any of them. I never question anything she suggests because I know I am in good hands. Her color is always EXACTLY what I want. I have been to several ""highly recommended"" salons in the Austin area and this is by far the best. Pros: atmosphere, talent, friendly staff more

Last Tuesday I experienced a life changing event....THE BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT done by WENDY WALICEK. She did an absolutely amazing job and my hair looks freakin awesome! My hair has always been frizzy and unmanageable. It normally took me 40 minutes to blowdry and flat iron my hair.....but NOW, it only takes 10 minutes!!!! Having time added to my day is priceless! Even when I let my hair air dry it looks fantastic! The best part of it is that it lasts up to 3 months. I'm additcted.... \r \r AND not only do I LOVE MY HAIR, but Wendy and the staff are wonderful and very friendly! ROAR SALON ROCKS!!!!! Pros: Frizz is completely gone, hair looks and feels amazing Cons: NONE!!!!!! more

Kelsie Van Dusen has been doing my hair for over a year now and has always delivered excellent results. I tend to change my hair with the seasons and Kelsie always has great ideas for color. She helps me with products and styling tips. She is sweet, fun to talk to, and most important she is always on time!! ROAR uses Kerastase products, which are amazing if you haven't tried them! The salon is so relaxing and its unique urban decor is amazing. The staff is so kind every time I'm there making my experience even more enjoyable. I LOVE ROAR. Pros: Atmosphere, Friendly Staff more

I went to Roar and had my hair cut and styled by Janet St. Paul. My hair never looked so amazing. I had had a few great cuts, before, but what sets Janet apart from other stylists is that she shows you how to style your hair in a way that makes sense and is actually doable. So many times I have gone to get my hair cut, and though the stylist has tried to show me how to style my hair, I have never been able to make it look as good. Janet knows how to teach you to style your own hair and shows you the tools you need so that you can actually do it. I would absolutely recommend Janet and Roar Salon. The salon is also fabulous with a great, friendly staff. Pros: great salon & atmosphere, friendly staff, lots of attention more

I recently was recommended to Roar by a friend. What a great salon. The staff is friendly and professional all while being in a great environment!\r \r The best part of my experience was my haircut and styling by Janet St. Paul. What was wonderful was the personal attention Janet took in asking me what I wanted to do with my style, how did I like to wear it, etc. Then she had wonderful ideas which we discussed. After all that she cut my hair beautifully. Even after the cut, she took the time to go over with me some ideas about styling as my hair grows out. I haven't seen great service and personal attention like this in a long time.\r \r I can recommend Roar & Janet St Paul wholheartedly!!!! Pros: Expert Professionals, Personal Service & Great Environment Cons: NONE! more

Wonderful, wonderful place to be. The atmosphere is so calming and warm. And the service/people are the best you can ask for. I love ROAR - wish I lived in Austin so I could go more often. Pros: awesome atmosphere, design more

I walked in this salon with totally dead hair and no expectations. I was met by Janet St. Paul who changed everything for me. She is fantastic! She brought so much life back to my hair. It is much healthier and the cut is better. She really worked with me to come up with a hairstyle and regimen that would work for me. My hair looks great now and I will never go to another salon again. I strongly, STRONGLY suggest that everyone go here. Everyone is so nice and so good at what they do! Pros: Professional and creative more

I have long wavy / curly hair that can be quite challenging. Janet has been cutting my hair since her New York City days working in two of the city's top salons - Frederic Fekkai and Butterfly Studio. Her ability to shape and style my hair is incredible! She will look at the shape of your face and the texture of your hair and help you create something beautiful. I feel incredibly safe with Janet. She truly understands curly hair!! Every product she's ever recommended has been fantastic!! She is tops!! Pros: Janet St.Paul more

I've been a client of Janet's in NYC for almost 12 years and in that time my hair has never looked better!!! She always does an amazing job and I won't let anyone else cut my hair!!! Go to Janet if you want to look AMAZING!!! Pros: Best Stylist!!! Cons: None!!! more

My husband showed me an article about Janet StPaul in Austin Women's Magazine and suggested I try getting my hair cut short by a real professional. Boy do I love it when he is right! I left the cut and highlight up to her expertice. She nailed it, for the first time in 40+ years I LOVE my hair short! The highlights were so perfectly matched to my natural color that they still look great after five months. I still have people repeatedly comment on what a great hair cut it is even after this long. We are very fortunate to have such a Class A stylist here in Austin. Also impressive was how well everyone in the salon, from the owner ,Rory, to the shampoo girls, genuinely work together as a team. They are all quality professionals and it shows! Keep up the great work. PS My teenage daughter won't let anyone else touch her hair now either! Pros: High quality staff that works great together Cons: parking more

I feel like I've finally found hair utopia with top professional and talented colorists and haircutters. I've had great and I've had horrible hair experiences, but Roar is just perfect. It's like visiting laid-back friends who make you look awesome while you hang out and visit. My biggest concern is that now that I've finally found Wendy and Jenny, other people with discover Roar and it'll change into one of those loud, rush in rush out, hair salons. Please don't change! PS Janet is a perfect stylist, too -- 100% the best.. Pros: My hair is now perfect Cons: I wish the rest of me looked as great as my new hair more

Kelsie did an amazing job taking my summer hilighted lifeless hair and giving it some fall style. Not only does my hair look beautiful and feel so soft, but I felt so pampered while I was there. The shampooing felt great and the deep conditioner did wonders for my hair. What was even better, is that it didn't end up costing me a fortune - although I did feel like royalty :). Can't wait to show it off! Pros: Super shiny fall hair Cons: None! more

KELSIE VAN DUSEN and ROAR SALON made my dreams come true! I am extremely picky about my hair and have only really been pleased with it at one point in time after having it done in a top salon in NYC. But after visiting ROAR, I am so happy with my hair and the whole experience at the salon. I am now absolutely in love with ROAR and am so relieved and excited to find the perfect salon for me right here in Austin! I first loved the environment at ROAR with the fresh and luxurious feel. There was a sense of intimacy and the stylists made me feel that I was their top priority and that I was among an elite few in the salon, not just another client in a busy store. KELSIE VAN DUSEN did my color and is the most amazing stylist who really worked with what I was wanting. She listened very intently and gave her suggestions around what I was saying. Time is not of the essence for Kelsie, she made sure that I was happy with the process along the way and if we saw anything else that could be done she would jump on it, even if that meant it would take a little longer. Her color was spot-on perfect and knows just how to blend it perfectly! I loved talking with her and will definitely continue to go back to Kelsie! I referred some of my friends to Kelsie as well and I have heard nothing but absolutely incredible remarks from them about her! Another great perk is that ROAR uses Kerastase products and sells them at the salon. This is great because the stylists can help me choose exactly which products are best for my hair. Going to ROAR is such an enjoyable experience and really fulfill many dreams by being the ultimate salon! Pros: The amazing stylists, the relaxing and luxurious environment Cons: none! more

I had the BEST experience at Roar!! Kelsie Van Dusen did an amazing job on my cut and blowout - she asked my opinion throughout so I received the hair cut I was wanting! The salon is gorgeous and spa-like, giving out a great, relaxing vibe. I strongly recommend Roar!! more

Janet St. Paul was suggested to me by a relative over and over for about a year.. ""Just go to Janet, she'll fix it, it'll be the best haircut you've ever had, she's amazing, so good that you won't have to get it cut again for a long while!"" Yeah,yeah ... whatever. So, I finally went to see her when I just couldn't deal with how bad my hair looked anymore. It took me so long because had been trying to stick close to home and felt somehow obligated to keep going to the same person who had been doing such a bad job on my hair forever. Thank goodness I saw the light and Oh My Gosh!! It's the best haircut I've ever had! She fixed it! She's amazing! She patiently showed me how to dry and style so that I could easily keep up my new look. Janet is the most professional stylist I've ever been to and I'm lucky to have found her. Also, everyone else there was SO friendly which is a lot different from other experiences I've had getting my haircut downtown. It was a Friday afternoon and I had no trouble finding a parking spot. Don't forget to bring change! The meters hold up to 3 hours at one time. more