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Akari
193 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
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Akari

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Al
Review №1

My husband gifted me a spa day for Mother’s Day and I really felt like it was SO seamless I don’t even know how they pulled it off! Everyone was super accommodating! The only constructive feedback I had was that they should add makeup application or remind you to bring your makeup because after you get your hair blown out you want your makeup on to go out but you just had a facial prior to it!!

De
Review №2

Great color experts, Kristen is a miracle worker. Best cut I have had in years as well.Best in Maine by far!

Ki
Review №3

Exceptional business. All staff were professional and accommodating. Beautiful space. The massage I received from Delia was incredible. Will definitely return.

Ch
Review №4

The most fabulous deep tissue massage I’ve ever received. What makes this place special is the staff. The girls and gents who work here are very eclectic and great at understanding the customers need. I didn’t feel like l was stuck in a beauty lounge designed for 50 yo house wives. Instead, we had engaging and positive conservations about being a young female and body positivity.

Al
Review №5

So professional! Such a great experience!

Ki
Review №6

Akari is a fantastic salon. I’d say the best in the Portland area! I highly recommend seeing Peter John. He did a wonderful job and really took his time which I appreciate. Mark the salon manager is the sweetest salon manager I’ve ever encountered in my 15+ years of going to salons and he really made me feel welcome. All around a great salon!

Je
Review №7

Anna did a phenomenal job for me and my husband! The massage was the best Ive ever had! She was super friendly and down to earth, and we both left feeling so much better than we arrived. Great at what she does. I would recommend her to everyone!!

Ka
Review №8

Just treated myself to a full spa day and what can I say? IT WAS WONDERFUL. The entire experience was overall great. The entire staff was friendly and attentive. The massage was great, facial was fantastic, manicure and pedicure with nail art is amazing and my ending hair style looked great! I cant wait until I have my next one! Five stars, hands down.

Ca
Review №9

Peter John is a true artist with hair with a delightful-- and I must admit, a radiant personality. After my first experience with him at Akari, I was actually stopped at the grocery store with compliments on my hair and people at work could not believe the difference in my look. Peter John is also a good listener, a skill which seems to have become requisite for hair stylists who are often part therapist. He is dedicated to making sure people are happy with their experience at Akari which I also appreciate. Thanks PJ! Best, CF

Ka
Review №10

This is the worst salon I’ve ever been to my entire life. Caitlin messed my hair up so bad, that I had to spent $1000 to fix it over 3 appointments.

Ch
Review №11

We scheduled a massage for a colleagues retirement. She is a dear woman and we wanted to make her feel special. The staff at Akari went out of their way to ensure that she was treasured the entire time. She has thanked us at least 20 times in the past 24 hours! Thank you so much for sensing exactly what was needed and for all the time invested in making her feel so special!

Mi
Review №12

Taylor and my facial were wonderful! The massage, the products, the relaxing room, all were great. My skin is radiant and feeling very hydrated. I loved the warm steam machine as well. I could immediately feel all of my pores open. Definitely recommend and will be back again.

Sh
Review №13

Akari is the ultimate spa in every way. Not only is everyone there the best in what they do, equally important is their incredible customer service whichno one does any better.Akari is an extension of my family . I adore each and everyone there for the myriad of talents they possess and translate into client care.Bravo!!!

Ma
Review №14

A couple weeks ago I got an amazing cut and color here with Jonathan and Ashley!!!The most recent visit was for a manicure with Lauren. Absolutely the best, most pain free cuticle trim manicure and gel polish I’ve had. Worth every penny, will be requesting her in the future!!!

Am
Review №15

Kelsey did an amazing job! I havent had this good of a haircut in almost 3 years! She took the time to make sure everything was perfect and payed attention to every detail! Love my hair!

Az
Review №16

I had Taylor do my bridal makeup this weekend, and it was incredible! She listens to to my vision and made me look better than I ever thought possible! Would highly recommend!

Ar
Review №17

Natasha and Justina came out to the island I was getting married on and did all of the bridal parties hair. They were the best--both were so kind, accommodating, and professional. Akari by far was one of our favorite vendors to work with on our wedding day!

Ai
Review №18

Great experience beginning to end. Color and cut came out perfect, and were exactly what I was asking for.Staff was friendly, everyone was prompt, atmosphere was relaxing, I will definitely be back.

Ni
Review №19

Peter John has been cutting my hair for a couple years now and I have loved every haircut! He is very knowledgeable, personable and easy to be around. The facility is beautiful and always very clean. The owner, Jeff is always there and personally greats me every time. I have and will continue to refer people to Akari and Peter John. I love it there!

Ra
Review №20

I first entered Akari in 2012, and I have never been anything but ecstatic about the services I have received there - excellent hairstyling, coloring, manicures, facials, massage and more. Akari is my monthly escape - the peaceful ambiance, delicious beverages, and doting staff are a wonderful oasis from a busy life - and I return from Akari better equipped to embark upon a life well lived. And I shouldn’t forget to mention the excellent product lines that they make available: My hair has never been healthier!

Je
Review №21

Ive been seeing Franki at Akari for 20 years. Hes a masterful stylist and always does his best to incorporate whatever wishes i have expressed during the initial consult in the final cut. Hes become a dear friend, too!

Am
Review №22

Akari is a modern and welcoming salon & spa. I recently had a massage with Anna and she is incredible! Im from Boston (transplanted from Maine) and I will continue to recommend Akari to my friends who visit Portland....I will also regularly make trips to Akari in Portland to have my massage with Anna!

Ca
Review №23

Had a great experience getting ready for a friends wedding. There were 5 of us getting hair and makeup. Peter J was FANTASTIC. he made me look so beautiful and laugh so hard. Thank you!

De
Review №24

I have been a client at Akari for over many years. I am always confident in my color/styling team! They both know me and how my hair responds very well. I leave Akari feeling happy about my refreshed look!

St
Review №25

Akari is hands down the best in Portland. I dont just mean this in terms of a spa experience, but their customer service surpasses that of any business Ive ever been to. Their team is so accommodating, friendly, and educated in their field. Since I began coming here, my skin has DRAMATICALLY changed for the best. Theyve helped boost my confidence completely and Im grateful! Thank you so much!

Ta
Review №26

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my haircut! Also Jennie is WONDERFUL: a gifted stylist/artist, a generous listener, a fascinating human, and a deeply affirming presence. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to look their best and feel even better during the process of getting there.

Am
Review №27

I get massages often, but hands down, the best massage I have ever had, in my life, was by Delia Perkins. She is amazing and is truly gifted. I just wished she was based in Seattle, not Portland Maine.

Me
Review №28

I highly recommend a hair color/hair cut combo service with Zira and Bonnie. They are truly professionals who take the time to assess your hair and find something perfect for you. Even my boyfriend noticed that my hair looks good.

Li
Review №29

Lauren was very friendly and attentive, and gave me an amazing pedicure! She made sure we had a great experience. Thanks again Lauren!

Ch
Review №30

From the moment you check in, you begin to relax! Last week, I went from message, to color, to cut, and staff, atmosphere, & services, as always, were first class! Best in Maine!Thank you!

El
Review №31

Akari is the perfect place to either get efficient services during a busy week day or to relax if you have more time. From the colorists to the estheticians, you cant go wrong. When management changed a few years ago, Akari became exceptional.

ca
Review №32

I had an amazing pedicure here. I would dare to go as far as to say my favorite ever. And everyone was very nice. I will be back!

Mi
Review №33

Always great service and the salon is gorgeous. I have had massages, facials. laser hair removal, manicures, pedicures and blow-outs and have been so thrilled with all the services and the results

Vi
Review №34

I just sit down and Peter John makes it happen...every time! I dont know what I would do without him! The desk staff is wonderful! Jeff has created a fabulous oasis that makes me feel special!

Mo
Review №35

Ive been going to Akari since 2009, and I love it there. Consistently great cuts, lovely stylists, and on-point color. Id give it more stars if I could.

Na
Review №36

Lauren gave me an amazing manicure, with sweet nail art! And Anna was so wonderful with my massage. I will be back again!

Va
Review №37

Jenny McEdward was recommended by a friend of friend and was THE most exciting and attentive stylist I have ever had. Her creative approach to my individual style and actual hair type made a breakthrough result for me. VERY satisfied.

Ca
Review №38

I had a facial with Megan and it was a first rate experience. I give her top marks, she was professional, competent, thoughtful and delightful. I will certainly book another one with her and recommend her to others.

Ru
Review №39

What a beautiful setting, and gracious staff. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Great service, as usual, and scheduling was easy.Thanks!

Cy
Review №40

Jen was delightful and I am very happy with the cut. Akari is always a refreshing experience.

De
Review №41

The total experience was wonderful!!! Making and confirming the appointment for a manicure/pedicure with Abby Paul was a pleasure ! Upon arrival I was warmly greeted by both Abby Paul and Mark. Both cucumber or citrus water were offered as Mark escorted me to the nail area . Although the atmosphere very nice it is surpassed by the service which was truly special. I appreciated that they offer 9-free nail polish which apparently limits the most harmful nail polish chemicals. Julie Garrison was my nail specialist whose skill and personal demeanor are exceptional!!! Well Done... Thank-you!!!!

Ni
Review №42

I spend time in Maine during the summers and first found Akari in July 2017. I had such a lovely experience last year that I returned only to have my previous experience surpassed by the skill and friendliness of the staff. I had color and a facial; Jeffrey and Taylor were phenomenal. I cannot recommend Akari highly enough!

Me
Review №43

Consistently the best massage Ive ever had, and Ive had a lot. The therapists truly care about improving the condition on the body and not just about a relaxing, tranquil experience though you will get all that too.

Ro
Review №44

Amazing experience as always! I needed a darker shade of Jane Iredale powder for the summer and the makeup artist went above and beyond to help me find the perfect shade. I highly recommend Akari!

Ap
Review №45

I have been a client of Akari for several years now and have always experienced exceptional service from every member of the staff. From the making of the appoint thru the payment of my bill I am always treated like a welcome friend and my complete satisfaction is always their priority.Kari is an exceptional color specialists. She listens to not just what I want to look like when I’m finished but also to who I am and what I do and how to execute the right color for my lifestyle.Stacy’s cuts are always beyond my expectation, she listens and offers her expertise in a similar manner. Knowing who I am, what my day to day is like and how to help me present my best self to the world. I feel very fortunate to have such a self care beauty team.

Ka
Review №46

Thanks to all of the Akari team for making our social event special! As always you are more than generous with your professional staff, services & goodie bags. All our guests were above pleased! What a beautiful place to get pampered.

Re
Review №47

Kirsten and Jenny are an amazing pair. Their energy and expertise inspire me and are a factor in my leaving Akari feeling amazing!

Cl
Review №48

Peter John is always amazing. I wouldnt trust anyone else with my hair

Le
Review №49

As always, Julie Garrison did a fantastic job with my nails! I never hesitate to call her when I need a quick fix or a full refreshing nail makeover.

Sa
Review №50

I changed my hairstyle and highlighting in one appointment thanks to the skilled stylists here.

An
Review №51

Thank you, Jeffrey, for my fabulous shiny, lively hair!! The color is perfection.

ke
Review №52

Always amazing, the crew is top notch. Best cut + color + beauty in Maine, hands down.

Pa
Review №53

A visit to Akari is always a great experience and mood lifter. Ashley listened to my concerns and carefully cut my hair to my complete satisfaction.

Ja
Review №54

Peter John is just the best. Fantastic technique and totally about giving you the best look!

Hi
Review №55

Great cut! Franki is a really great stylist with a fantastic knowledge of how hair will react- and knows what kind of hair will do what and what works for various face shapes- excellent

La
Review №56

True professionals that know what they are doing, I would come back time and again!!

Ra
Review №57

Akari is my favorite escape - the service providers are excellent (Ive only had good experiences over the past 8 years), the ambiance is peaceful and plush, and the staff is warm, friendly and courteous. You can enjoy a yummy lunch, a complimentary beverage, and a great chick flick while you have a pedicure! Or sip cool waters following a wonderful massage. Namaste!

sa
Review №58

Love, love my hair stylist ! She is helpful with connecting me with other technicians that I would like.

Al
Review №59

I had a facial with Abby and a hair cut with Kara. Both were wonderful especially the hair cut! When I left, I felt like a queen/new woman! Ill be back!

Ji
Review №60

As always, my time at Akari was excellent. I have been a loyal client of Frankie Moss for almost 20 years; even drive to Portland from Boston now.

Mo
Review №61

Jeffrey and his team are the best in Portland - I would not go anywhere else.The space is beautiful and the staff so professional. I have been going to Akari for 10 years and each and every time I have an appointment, I look forward to a wonderful experience.

Br
Review №62

Such a wonderful experience. Beautiful salon, great staff, love my Nail Tech, Julie... (and the coffee was great!) Thanks, Jeffrey and team!

Co
Review №63

We love getting services at Akari! The team is always professional and the space is gorgeous!

As
Review №64

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Stacy Macpherson a few times now and I’ve never been more pleased with my overall salon experience. After seeing multiple hairdressers at other salons and being unhappy with the results, I’ve finally found someone with true talent who makes me look and feel amazing. I can’t remember ever leaving a salon feeling like my cut and style were 100% perfect until seeing her. Not only is she a real-life hair magician, she is sweet, smart, funny, and a pleasure to interact with while getting wonderful service and treatment. I wish I’d found her sooner and would highly recommend her services. Thank you, Stacy, for being so great at what you do!

CH
Review №65

Very accommodating to me upon a last minute request. I was traveling in from NYC and Justina helped fix a haircut from another stylist that left it frayed and unhealthy looking. Her stylist skills are superb, she listened, didnt dismiss my request for bangs... but gave me a modified sexy French looking bang and I love my hair. All other stylist previously have told me no but she thankfully understood my vision. I also mentioned I was on a time constraint and was bummed bc I had wanted a tinted glaze treatment to brighten my dull hair. She offered to add in a special gloss bomb (probably saying it wrong) which took no time but left my hair looking so beautiful. Im so happy to have met her and will 100% see her again on my next visit in a few weeks for a trim/cut and blow dry. 5+ Stars.Ps. my Boyfriend also keeps telling me it looks stunning. So thats a bonus :-)

Br
Review №66

Ive had multiple bad experiences with my hair from running bleach, hair turned green (no I did not go in a chlorine pool), and total breakage, which I am still recovering from years later. I saw Kari for the first time and explained my background and what Im looking for. She mixed up color, painted it on my hair like a pro and boom, my hair looks incredible. Looks like I have been kissed by the sun. Kari is talented and my hair is the proof. I could not be happier and so happy I found her. After seeing Kari, I got a hair trim and again was very impressed. She knew exactly what my hair needed now and moving forward. I wont be going anywhere else and will be recommending them to everyone I know!

Th
Review №67

The staff at Akari are professional, friendly, and great at what they do! They really do care about helping you look and feel your best.

Jo
Review №68

The staff who checked me out were professional and helpful in getting my purchase done the way I had anticipated it would be done.

Ma
Review №69

I scheduled an appointment for prom hair and makeup on May 11th, they were very welcoming and friendly. I’ve heard about this place being very good with their services (should be especially for the prices). My appointment was wonderful and at the beginning everything seemed fine. The stylist finished my hair and it looked a little messy even tho she spent close to and hour and a half on it, I’m not one to complain so I just went with it. After my hair I moved chairs to get my makeup done, she kept checking in to make sure I liked it and I did, she did my eyes first and they came out beautiful but after she did foundation it ruined it all, my face was three shades darker then my body and I looked orange all over my face. I didn’t see it until after I had left and my friends all commented on the the color of the foundation and the fact that it didn’t match. My prom pictures show it all and I can see it clearly that my makeup didn’t match my body. In the end I spent 185$ for makeup that was far too dark for my skin and my hair fell out before I even got to prom (which was 1 hour after my appointment) I was very insecure the entire night.

Ol
Review №70

They market themselves as a high end spa but they are everything but high end. This is an overpriced spa with mediocre services. They are dishonest and refuse to admit mistakes. Their costumer service is atrocious.Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.

Jo
Review №71

Always good from Mark and others at the counter to Franki!

Me
Review №72

I ended up with the haircut I desired but the customer service I received was horrible.The situation I was put in made me feel extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome and towards the end of my appointment I just wanted to leave before finishing my haircut. The hairstylist I had, Stacy, was very impatient and cold and refused to finish my haircut. She stopped the appointment before she had finished my cut due to time even though she assured me she would cut it the way I wanted after she blow dried it, but once she dried it she said she didnt have time to cut it and wanted me to re-schedule or come back later. She handled the situation very poorly and made me feel very uncomfortable. The rest of the staff was very accommodating and they were able to find another stylist to finish my haircut, but my overall experience was negative.

Ca
Review №73

I have been through about 10 stylists at other salons over the last couple of years. I have complicated hair that has to be cut a certain way to style well. Im about 90% silver-ish growing out my color. My colorist and my cut-stylist listened to my situation. The end result was GORGEOUS! My roots are now about 4 long and totally blend. The cut is perfect. Couldnt be happier!

Vi
Review №74

Always a great experience! Jenny is the best!

Ma
Review №75

Delia is the real ‘deal’ - absolutely the best massage ever!

El
Review №76

My massage with Delia Perkins was GREAT! The whole staff was WONDERFULLY SUPPORTIVE AND HELPFUL!

Ba
Review №77

Peter John is a magician!

Na
Review №78

Fabulous service every visit! Peter John is amazing!

La
Review №79

Ive been going to Akari for years and always receive great service!

St
Review №80

First Class! They know how to color and style hair. Great spa too!!

El
Review №81

Great cut but it goes beyond technique. The space and experience is relaxing and rejuvenating, the staff is attentive and friendly.

Ro
Review №82

Franki has cut my hair for years, and he is amazing!

Jo
Review №83

This is one of the best spas in Portland. Customer service is always above and beyond. The color and cut departments are very well trained and professional. The added bonus of having other spa services such as mani/pedis and body treatments far more exciting then your average massage ( Try the Turkish body mask and steam room treatment) makes Akari a one stop shop for all things beauty. Would highly recommend!!

Ga
Review №84

I always have an excellent experience at Akari.

Ca
Review №85

I just had my best haircut ever!!

Ka
Review №86

Always a pleasure. Kathleen

Na
Review №87

Such a beautiful place and great vibes

Jo
Review №88

Jenny is the best. Highly recommended.

He
Review №89

Kiersten and Stephanie are the absolute best!

Be
Review №90

Delia did an excellent job!

Jo
Review №91

Wonderful service every time!

Di
Review №92

Jonathan is an excellent, creative, and experienced hair stylist and colorist! Ask for him!

SC
Review №93

Jonathan is one of the best colorists!

S
Review №94

I got revitalise peel done at Akari. It was my first time ever peel. The esthetician Shauda was incredibly knowledgeable and made me comfortable. She did her job expertly and two weeks later Im enjoying the results:). However I would like to share my notes with future customers who choose to get this peel done 1. I got my peel done on a Saturday afternoon and I started peeling Tuesday afternoon onwards.i.e after 72 hours with major peeling happening on day 5 and day 6 which for me happened to me an entire workweek. Wish I had been told about this earlier and not during my appointment then I could have scheduled my appointment for Tuesday/ wed so that I could be at home sat/sun completely moisturised and not scaring people at work ;)2. use aquaphor generously entire week to aid the heeling. 3. They do have series of peels in 3 to 6 sessions but I feel just one peel had brought huge difference in my skin and dont think I need any until next year but of course time will tell!! overall do take a chance to get the peel, you will not be disappointed.

Ju
Review №95

Always a great cut and Great experience!!!!

Ki
Review №96

Jenny is great!

Je
Review №97

Great manicure experience.

Lo
Review №98

Wonderful as usual!

An
Review №99

Facial wasn’t exactly what I expected. Put on a lot of product and then the up sell. After having professional facials for years this paled in comparison. Sorry Askari!

Je
Review №100

Akari is the best in Portland.

Information
27 Photos
100 Comments
4.9 Rating
  • Address:193 Middle St, Portland, ME 04101, United States
  • Site:https://akaribeauty.com/
  • Phone:+1 207-772-9060
Categories
  • Nail salon
  • Day spa
  • Beauty salon
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:9am–7pm
  • Thursday:9am–8pm
  • Friday:9am–8pm
  • Saturday:10am–7pm
  • Sunday:9am–5pm
Health and safety
  • Appointment required:Yes
Planning
  • Appointments recommended:Yes
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