Mode Organic Salon

I initially went to Mode as a matter of convenience and curiosity; it's super close to where I live and, as a former MSFT contractor, I'd always wondered if it was any good.

I have fine, curly hair that can get bulky at the bottom and frizzy, so I was given Ana as a recommendation. She does a fantastic job with curls, taking out bulk in all the right areas so that the curls twirl and lay on top of each other perfectly. I also wear my hair blown out with waves added in via curling iron or flat iron, and the cut looks amazing either way. The ends taper really nicely, and my hair feels light and smooth instead of heavy. Having such great results both naturally curly and heat styles is like having two haircuts in one. Ana also talks through what she's doing if you engage her; the first visit she discussed technique as she cut, and the second visit she was explaining a few things to her assistant, which I found interesting, and taught me a better way of using a flat iron to add flips.

I just got back from my second visit, and I think this stylist may be a keeper. It's worth the visit to Microsoft and going through a layer of added security; I go around 6pm so I skip the busier hours.

The haircut is $66, add in a tip and it's not cheap, but can you really put a price on consistently great hair days? Ok yes you can, but this seems to be the going rate, if not a little better than some salons around (tell me if I'm wrong). Plus, did I mention, it really is a crazy good haircut.

Yes the way this company did this was insanely rude. I'd like to find Hillary as well. Seeing how the products were left at Microsoft with just a curtain over the entrance I assume this was fast for the stylists as well.

Pretty shameful and I'm sad I gave this business money for as long as I did considering their behavior.

I'm not sure how to go about this. If anyone is looking for Ana (Soto) I am now in Bellevue at Jerome Charles Salon. Online booking can be done with me at vagaro.com/thefrenchstylist

I am looking for Brenna/Brenda? Sadly I can't remember her exact name but she had been doing my hair cut and coloring and I miss her. Anyone know where she is now?

To get to this salon, it is a bit tricky as a non-MS employee. You do have to register at the reception desk, which actually closes at 5pm, in the Mixer, and then ask someone to come escort you into the Submixer where the salon is actually located.

Once you reach the destination and change into a nice smock and get your complimentary drink (tea/coffee/water), things become more normal and relaxing. My hairstylist was super cute and friendly Lindsay. She washed my hair, massaged my scalp (ahhhhhh...), gave me a nice haircut, and blow-dried my hair thoroughly. Ta-da! Now I look awesome.

I did have a Groupon, which made the whole experience a lot more affordable and much sweeter. I do wonder if I'd pay the full price next time I need a haircut...

I pre-paid for a haircut and balayage package (~$200), and now they're closed. They didn't contact me to let me know that they're closed, and they haven't returned my calls asking for a refund for services I never received. Pretty upsetting.

UPDATE: +1 star (from 2 stars to 3) because the owner sincerely and professionally apologized. I LOVE owners who take feedback constructively as it's a good indication they care about their customers. I still prefer the Seattle location by far, but I believe it's the same owner and hope that she'll be able to whip the Redmond location into shape and bring some of that Seattle magic to the east side.

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As a NON-Microsoft patron...

Overall should have been a 4 star review, buuuttttttttt...

Ok haircut. Worth $50+? Not really. -1 (Retail value of haircut: $30.)

Perils of unlocking the gates and crossing the crocodile pits of the Mircrosoft campus? -1

Ok, I'm exaggerating, slightly. As a non-Microsoft patron, you may park in the roundabout in the blue visitor parking spots. Proceed into one of the shorter middle buildings whose name involves the word "Mixer." Give the lady at the reception desk information about your car and she will call a Mode person to come out and escort you into Mode. No joke. A bit ridiculous and time consuming? You bet! I arrived 15 min early, only to be confused about parking and nervous at the "you will be towed if you don't have the right permit" type signs and waited awkwardly for someone to pick me up from the Mixer room for another good 10 min.

The haircut was ok. Best part was the mini scalp massage. I understand for a Salon you pay for the experience as well, but the experience wasn't really great either. Not relaxing, actually pretty loud, and I didn't feel like I was given proper time/attention.

This makes me sad. No eloquent way to phrase that statement. I LOVEEEEDDD my haircut from Mode Seattle and having just moved to Kirkland, I thought I found a great substitute. Nope, I'd rather take public transportation to Seattle. *sobs*

May 2013

I came here for a haircut this time and Natasha was awesome and I am really happy with the haircut. I have been looking for a nice place to get my hair done for a long time and looks like I found it. She was very understanding to what I needed and it's great to find someone who listens to you for the type of haircut you need.

I also opted for the 30 min facial - it was nice assuming 30 mins is not really a lot of time for a facial. Friendly people.

The only problem I had was during scheduling an appointment. I sent them a couple of emails and also called them , but did not get a response for a week and a half - I hope this was a one time issue.


Dec 2012

Great experience with the staff - very friendly. I came here for a manicure and pedicure and I was impressed with the service and awesome collection of OPI colors and products that were used.

Really liked Mode salon and Hillary (She's awesome). Received an email yesterday stating that they are closed (assuming immediately) for good and my appointment in two days was canceled.

I go to Mode once a month to get a haircut and maintain my eyebrows. I've always left satisfied.

The real star at the Mode salon at the Commons is Diana, the lady that does the waxing. Wow wow wow. She does a great job keeping my brows in check without going too far. (Which has happened to me at the Bellevue Pro Club, where I ended up with hooker eyebrows!!!).

If you go between 1-4 pm they have a happy hour special for eyebrow waxing that is a terrific deal.