about red chair salon

MEET THE TEAM🎨

The Story Behind the Style

The Leap of Faith

In 2008, we decided to bet on ourselves. Amy managed a salon on Capitol Hill, and Howie left a career at Tableau to build something of their own. We were ready to launch our dream, but we had no idea that a global financial crisis was looming— the worst time in recent history to open a small business.

History in every seat

Our name followed a similar path of accidental perfect timing. While scouting for the shop, we found a set of ten original red theater seats from the Seattle Cinerama at a local ReStore. They were a piece of Seattle history that happened to be in the right place at the right time—much like the car, and much like the salon itself.


Exterior of a hair salon called 'Red Chair Salon' with red and black signage, large front window displaying salon services, and a mural of a woman with blue hair on the building's corner.

The Car & The Miracle

To make matters more "interesting," just as Howie left his job, he came across a 1969 Mustang Fastback that had been sitting in a garage for 30 years. It was a steal, but the timing was questionable. Amy’s reaction said it all: “So you’re going to quit your job and buy a muscle car right before we go into business?” Then, the economy collapsed.

Our original funding vanished overnight, and we went from bank to bank hearing "no" at every turn. At our very last stop, a lender told us the only way they could approve a loan in that climate was if we had a physical asset of value to use as collateral. When we asked what kind of asset, they replied, "...like an old car." The grin Howie gave Amy was priceless. That "insane" purchase became the key to our funding and the only way we were able to open our doors on March 9th, 2009.


our heart & craft

We didn’t build Red Chair through a corporate manual; we built it through intuition, grit, and a lot of heart. We aren't here for the fluff—we’re here for the craft, the community, and the people who sit in our chairs.

Located in the heart of Capitol Hill, we’ve designed a space that feels like a true neighborhood spot. It’s a place where the music is curated, the conversation is easy, and every client is celebrated. Whether you’re here for a bold precision haircut or a vivid color transformation, our goal is to make sure you leave feeling like the best version of yourself.

We’ve come a long way since 2009, but we still have the chairs (and the car) to remind us where we started.


Salon & Cancelation Policies

Health & Safety

  • We ask that you call us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

    • Within 24 Hours: We charge 50% of the appointment cost to the card on file.

    • Same Day (10 AM or later) / No-Shows: We charge 100% of the appointment cost.

    To cancel or reschedule:

    • Call/Voicemail: (206) 922-2427

    • Text: (206) 234-3721 We use the timestamp of your voicemail or text as the official time of cancellation.

    • Card on File: All clients are required to keep a secure card on file. This information is stored securely and will not be charged unless the cancellation policy is violated.

    • Retaining Bookings: Appointments without a card on file may be cancelled with 48 hours' notice.

    • Pricing: Prices are subject to change. If your appointment extends beyond its planned schedule due to hair health, thickness, or slow processing, additional charges will be applied based on your stylist's hourly rate.

    • Satisfaction: We want you to be happy! If you are not in love with your hair, please contact us within 7 days of your appointment for a complimentary adjustment.

    • Retail: All product sales are final.

    • Masking: Masks are optional. If you choose to mask, your stylist will gladly do the same.

    • Illness: If you are displaying symptoms of illness, please reschedule immediately. Clients arriving with visible symptoms may be asked to leave and/or subject to a fee.

    • Clean Air: We are a health-conscious salon. Hand sanitizer is always available and air purifiers run from open to close.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • Yes, we offer walk-ins based on availability. However, we highly recommend booking an appointment in advance. You can also join our waitlist by calling the shop or adding yourself online via Vagaro.

    • Street Parking: Most spots on 15th Ave E are paid (2-hour limit). You can find 1–2 hour unpaid spots on nearby side streets.

    • Long Services: If you are here for a long color service, we suggest looking for non-timed/non-zoned parking north of the shop toward Volunteer Park and walking a few blocks.

    • Warning: Do not park in the KeyBank lot across the street; they are very vigilant with ticketing!

    • We accept cash, all major credit/debit cards (including Discover and AmEx), Apple Pay, CashApp, and most digital wallets.

    • Haircuts: All cuts include a shampoo, head massage, and style, so no need to wash beforehand!

    • Color Services: We recommend NOT washing your hair for 24–48 hours before your appointment. Your scalp's natural oils help protect it during the chemical process.

    • Color: We use Keune and Danger Jones.

    • Retail: We carry Amika, Eleven Australia, K-18, Keune, LOMA, and MoroccanOil.

    • Donations: We provide transformational cuts for donations (standard rates apply), but we do not process the donation for you. Most organizations require 10–12" of virgin hair.

    • Wigs/Extensions: We do not currently offer wig styling, extensions, perms, or chemical straightening. Feel free to ask us for neighborhood recommendations!