Japa Salon

I've been getting my hair cut and colored at Japa for years now and have had a great experience every time. I usually see Steph, but have seen other stylists as well. ( If pushed I can tell you one ""horror story""... a stylist (not Steph) cut one side of my hair a little longer than the other. Shocking! That was once in over 5 years and she fixed it quickly when I went back the next day. One slightly inaccurate cut in 5 years. I don't think that's bad.) In general, I feel like I'm coming home when I get to Japa; no exaggeration. Many of the staff say hi to me (by name) when I come in, not just the receptionist. Are they super fast with the cut and color? No. The stylists spend time talking about what I want each month. They ask how the last cut/color was and if I want the usual or if I'm in the mood for something new. They offer products (again, all but one have I loved) but I never feel any pressure to buy. Some of the reviewers seem to blame Japa for Stillwater traffic. Seriously? Stillwater traffic is always awful, you just build that into your time. That's the client's deal, not Japa's. If you want a cut or color you will love, done by professionals who take time to work and chat with you (all of the stylists are fun to talk with) Japa is the salon you want. more

I went to Japa based on a friends recommendation. I was extremely disappointed. I called and asked for the stylist my friend had gone to. Her name was Julie. I went on a Tuesday afternoon and got stuck in traffic. To top it off I could hardly find parking. When I got to Japa my stylist was running late. After I got seated, I waited at least another 15 minutes for her to mix colors as she consulted another stylist. I asked for highlights that were ashy and a bit chunkier because my hair is very fine and pulls a lot of gold even though I have very mousy hair. I ended up getting blended golden highlights that had a few very brassy ones throughout my head of hair. All it did was make me look like I had a bad water softener in my house. It took her almost three hours to foil and cut my hair! I was to scared to call back because I didn't want to damage my hair anymore than it already was. Plus I didn't want to spend another few hours getting my hair fixed. I'm sorry, but I don't have that much time in my schedule to take that long for someone to do my hair. I guess I am not use to someone being that slow. I was then sold a shampoo and conditioner that I was told would help me with the condition of my hair to help strengthen it. She also told me that in a few days it would tone itself down and not be as golden. It didn't do anything that she said to say the least. Not to mention I spent way to much money for something that I didn't get the results I wanted in the first place. I am unhappy with my experience and would not recommend this salon to anyone who is looking to get what they paid for. The services and products are way to expensive for the quality of service that was given. more

I, also, have been going to another salon for ~15 years. That salon recently changed its color brand and I have not been happy with my color since then. I was looking for something new when my bff had me accompany her to an appointment at Japa. While the parking can be a problem, I liked the ambiance right away. They were professional, courteous and accommodating. While the first stylist I tried didn't seem to 'get' me, I tried another (Rachel) and she has been the best!!! I love that she understands my needs as a middle-age (!!!) woman and doesn't try to steer me towards blonder or too-young styles. She also has been instrumental in getting my hair to a healthy state again. Yes, at $25 per treatment, its a bit pricey, but incredibly worth it. The only negatives I have encountered at the salon: 1. not open until noon most days 2. parking/traffic can be difficult in Stillwater 3. my stylist is in such demand that it can be difficult to get an appointment 4. prices are a bit high, but worth it. All of these items can be worked around, in my opinion. The reason that I am only giving Japa 4 of 5 stars is the parking issues and their prices. Otherwise, it is a realy 'find'. more

Has to be the best the salon in the area. After years of going to another salon I decide to try a new one and at first I was amazed by the atmosphere and the staff. I was greeted right away when I entered the door and was offered a beverage and sat down in there comfortable chairs. My stylist was perfect. Listen to everything I said and offered suggestions. I had a color put on that was new and it made my hair feel silky and smooth. I was amazed that my hair felt the way it did. I found out that my hair was damage and was offered products to help my hair. I have paid more money in the cities with worst results. This salon is the best salon I have been too. more

I had been going to Sarah at Japa salon whom I ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! But the last time I called I found out she no longer worked there. I had asked where she currently was, and instead got asked if I would like to see one of the stylist at Japa. So I decided to not argue with the male worker who answered the phone and try another stylist at Japa. To start off my experience, I waited 45 minutes just to enter the town of Stillwater because of the traffic. Then, I could not find a place to park except for the paid parking lot which I found out did not give change back to me. I was already upset because it was extremely stressful trying to arrive to my appointment on time, let alone feeling like I was in distress because of the traffic and parking. I entered the salon only to arrive to an empty reception area. I expected to be greeted at the front with a ""Hello, welcome to Japa Salon what would you like to drink?"" Like I use to be greeted. NOTHING! Instead I sat down on a couch, looking at dust in the corner. Hearing a man and the receptionist talking in the room next to the reception area about their weekend, facebook, and cars. I was NOT happy. My stylist was very nice to greet me 25 minutes PAST my appointment time! Then, I got my hair done. She PUSHED EVERY product to me! I noticed when I was sitting at the shampoo bowl I over heard a few stylist talking about the retail contest they were trying to win AS my stylist was trying to push me to buy their Kerastase products and make me feel bad about what I was using currently on my own hair. I knew that right then and there I was being pressured to purchase product based on a contest that they had to achieve to win. The stylist then did my hair, which when I got home I checked it out myself... And asked my friend to double check it, (who is a former stylist), and the left side was quite a bit longer! And the right side was WAY to thinned out that it looked fried. Not to mention when I had walked to the desk before I had even left Japa Salon, the man and CRABBY recptionist with extremely short hair never asked me how my experience was, or said I looked good. Not a thank you or anything!! I was charged for a FULL color, FULL foil, hair cut, and I didn't realize I was getting a $25.00 treatment on my bill. I spent almost $300.00. NOT worth it! I even had to go to the ATM which is at least 10 years old! It took at least 5 minutes to get money to leave a tip because you can't tip off of a charge card. I spent and extra $7.00 just to go get my hair done on top of the charges. I use to work at a bank so I know that for every transaction they are making money off of the ATM. For the price you pay at Japa... I would NEVER go back to AGAIN! Not worth the pain, hassle, traffic, parking, price, or stylist. AND my mother in law went there and said the same thing. more

If you are looking for a great cut from a stylist who knows, truly, how to cut hair, go see Jillian at Japa. She is also great with color and when you leave the salon you won't feel like you need to run home and re-style your hair. They carry all the great product brands here too, so stock up. Beautiful surroundings, and close to all the fun Stillwater shops. more

I have been going to Japa Salon for a while now and have seen a few different stylists and everyone has been great! I was recently in to see Betsy for color and a cut and it turned out amazing! I am so happy with the result and I also such a great time! I highly recommend this salon to everyone and recommend my friends to see Betsy! more

I have been going to Japa Salon for many years now and I would never, ever go anywhere else! I love the environment and quality of service, and I trust my stylist, Steph, completely! She always makes my hair look spectacular, no matter what crazy idea I have that month; even if she weren't around (God forbid that ever happen!), all the other stylists are extremely friendly and always seem to be creating lovely hairstyles on their clients every time I am in the salon. I highly recommend this place! more

First visit was very rewarding. Great atmosphere - friendly and attentive staff. My stylist, Lacey, listened to my concerns and provided me with a very, very good haircut. I'm returning later this week for a change in color. I think I've found my new ""home"" for hair styling. more

Knowing that I was going to be moving to Stillwater, I was checking out the downtown area. One of my first ""finds"" was Japa Salon. The great location and character of the place drew me in at first. Then, after my first hair cut with Julie, I knew this would be my new salon. My daughter and I are regular customers, Julie and Steph were my first choice as stylists for my destination wedding and I've recommeded Japa Salon to many friends and family. My aunt drives from Chanhassen to Stillwater to get her hair cut and colored now . .. that should tell you something! Great stylists, great atmosphere, great products. more

I have been going to Steph for quite a few years and I LOVE her! She is always very upbeat and sweet! I look forward to getting my hair done for weeks before hand:) I always love the way she colors my hair and I usually give her free rein! I also love the way she cuts and styles it too! I get tons of complements. more

I have been seeing Sarah for almost 6 years now. She is by far the best hair stylist I have ever been to! Sarah did my hair for my wedding in December and it looked AMZAING...everyone said I looked like Cinderella! more

My first experience with Japa Salon was very pleasant, friendly staff and an enjoyable ambiance. I was pleased with the service and my stylist so I scheduled to do a pre-wedding trial styling. The date of my wedding (a sunday) was discussed prior to my appointment and there were no qualms with this, even though the stylists at Japa Salon do not work Sundays. My stylist told me she would call me to confirm my styling for my wedding within the next few days. I ended up having to call her because I never received her confirmation call and she then told me she wasn't able to do my wedding and didn't offer any compensation but offered that I talk to Joe, the manager about getting a refund/store credit. I talked with Joe who said he would figure things out and give me a call back that day, sans an apology. He never called me back that day, nor the following and still hasn't called me back and because of this, it is unfortunate but I feel necessary to write this review. Although my initial impressions of Japa salon were positive, I can no longer recommend this salon to anyone nor will I be returning myself. more

This salon draws you in it is so beautiful inside, that's the first thing you notice. Then someone comes to help you, its relaxed its fun, all thegirls are so good at doing hair!! They use the best products ever, they really work and do what you want them too!!! I love this place Pros: ambience parking and service!! woo hoo! more

Pam Black has over 22 years experience doing nails by hand. No electric files! She is a Creative Nail Design Grand Master specializing in pink & white acrylics, a Senior Educator for Fiberglass system Elegant Glass & CEU certified in the state of MN. Her Spa Pedicures are 1 1/2 hrs long in a Shiatsu massage chair with a great view of the St. Croix river! Come and experience the difference @ Japa Salon with any nail service from Pam! Pros: Unique Salon ambience with fireplace, Great Staff, comfortable atmosphere! Cons: summertime parking on weekends during events in Stillwater can be challenging more

I was looking for a great hair stylist for a long time. I lived all around the world so I visited many different salons over the years. Plenty of bad hair jobs. I have very demanding hair, fine and hard to deal with. I wanted to have bangs for a long time but all of the hair stylist I went to, strongly advised me not to cut them. Finally I found Japa Salon in Stillwater and I got the best haircut in a long, long time. I got the appointment with Steph and she was absolutely wonderful. She cut and styled my hair in a way I always wanted but nobody could do it. Beautiful layers, great movement and modern shape. I will be coming back there every time I need a haircut or blowdry. And now I'm thinking of a new hair color...something I was afraid to do for years. Pros: skilled and experienced hair stylists, great service, relaxing atmosphere more