The Upper Hand River Oaks

(713) 581-8412

1905 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX | Directions   77098

29.742758 -95.407410 View Website
  • Hours

    Tue-Wed 9am-7pm Thu-Fri 9am-8pm Sat 9am-7pm
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Recommend this business?
?
100% 100 399
392 Votes

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Neighborhoods:
Neartown/ Montrose, Central

Categories:
Manicures & Pedicures

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At a Glance ?
100% ambiance
“like the salon atmosphere and the friendliness of the personnel but I love Jennifer.”
100% drinks
“Every time I get my hair done, I have pleasant and stimulating conversation, a little psychological therapy, a few laughs, a glass of wine - oh, yeah and a great haircut.”
50% food quality
“Needless to say, I was really anxious (I was worried that at the other salon I had done a poor job of describing what I wanted and that was the reason I got the worst mushroom/shelf /'80s skater cut ever) so I printed out a bunch of photos and brought in ”
100% menu variety
“great variety, consistent performance, and listens to your personal needs.”
100% overall
“Not only does she always deliver a great hair cut - and a perfect blowout - she is infinitely cheerful and makes the salon a fun place to visit.”
0% return potential
“will never ever go there again, and I will say I will never recommend the upper hand to anyone.”
98% service
“From the time that Elizabeth takes your call to schedule, to the time you walk out with fabulous hair , you are treated well and with a friendly respect.”
66% value
“Mikey suggested alternating full highlights with a less expensive lightening technique, so that the $200+ look is maintained much less expensively.”
75% wait time
“It was a wonderful experience, great atmosphere, and I plan on being a loyal customer for a very long time.”

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The Upper Hand River Oaks

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From The Owner of The Upper Hand River Oaks

Houston hair salon that features expert care for hair, skin and body and has been voted one of Houston's best hair salons.


About The Upper Hand River Oaks

  • Kerastase Products/Treatments
  • Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics
  • Jan Marini Skin Care

The Upper Hand is one of Houston's most respected hair salons. In addition to being one of Kerastase's Houston treatment centers, The Upper Hand has also been selected as one Shu Uemura's ultra elite Art of Hair salons. The Upper Hand features numerous New York trained hair stylists and has been showcased in national publications, news segments and on the radio. Most recently, you may have seen some of our hair stylists performing magical make overs on the CBS morning show Great Day Houston. So whether you are looking for a blow out to die for....or simply looking to experience world class products like Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Jane Iredale or Jan Marini....give us a call today...and see for yourself what everybody in Houston is talking about!

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Tips for The Upper Hand River Oaks

5.0
May 24, 2011

Lives up to their name; ask for Mikey!. I've always been a bit skittish about going to salons; from uppity receptionists to pushy stylists, my original intentions get lost in the mix! Upon my sister's insistence, I figured I'd give this place a try. I called, and the man on the phone asked me some pretty in depth questions, because he "wants to send me to the best stylist for me".

Once I FINALLY got a parking spot, I went in and was greeted, offered drink, etc. Mikey, the stylist, consulted with me, and did a full head of foils, then cut. It looked amazing! My blonde looks so natural, and Mikey was such a sweetheart! Everyone I spoke with was nice, and the salon had a cool vibe that made me feel relaxed. Now I know why they're called The Upper Hand, cause they've got it!

0
1.0
May 07, 2011

Bad receptionist. I got yelled at when I called to make an appointment. Perhaps my accent was too foreign pissed the person off. Do note I am a professor at a top 10 US university with teaching awards from undergraduates so clearly my accent is not a problem.

There is no excuse to bark at people when they call to make an appointment. It was not the end of the day. It was a nice weekend morning. So likely either this person had a bad night or was simply annoyed with a non-US accent. I will never go to this place because I know if they treat me this way on the phone when it cannot be any better in person. Clearly they need a new, more pleasant person, to pick up the phone or they will lose all clientele.

1
5.0
December 03, 2010

Favorite Salon by far!. Since the very first time Ashley cut and colored my hair two years ago, I have never had my hair touched by anyone but her. I just let her do her thing, whatever she thinks will look best, and trust that it looks good. Every time has always been an excellent result, my hair always looks flattering and healthy. I love getting my hair done, I get to relax and feel pampered with a glass of wine and leave the salon feeling new and confident. Trust her, she'll take good care of you, I promise!

0
5.0
November 30, 2010

Best hair color. I dediced to try a new stylist so I went to one I had seen on a "Mirror, Mirror" segment. I found a colorist that colors my hair exactly like I want it. Ashley at the Upper Hand does a real good job and is very thorough. She took into account my skin tone and put lots of hilights to bring lots of dimension to my hair. I get lots of compliments about my hair. I am picky about my hair so I am tickled to have found this styist at this salon.

Next time I go to Ashley, I am getting a cut as well as color. Can't wait.

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5.0
November 30, 2010

Ashley is my hair Guru!!!!!. I have gone to the Upper Hand-River Oaks a few months ago and needed color and a cut. I went to Ashley because a co-worker recommended her, and she gave me the best high lights (and Low lights) I have ever seen. My haircut was so pretty and easy to maintain. (I love that). Any way I have been back to her several times since that first day. If I don't know what I want she will suggest something. She does great color.

At least once a week I have someone stop to look at my hair and ask where I go. I guess I need to get cards from Ashley to pass out to people.

Anyway, she is my Guru.....

0
5.0
November 29, 2010

Love Love LOVE Laura Harris at Upper Hand River Oaks. I first went to Laura about 3 years ago when I was recommended to her old salon by a friend. I got an appointment with Laura by chance since I didn't know any of the stylists and I'm so happy that I did. She was so patient and helpful when I had no idea what I wanted done with my hair. All I knew when I went into the salon was that I wanted my hair lighter. I was pretty nervous because I have very curly hair and I've had the worst experience with getting my hair done, but I left so so happy. Laura started me off with very little color change just so I could get used to the lighter color and see what I thought of it. I think she could tell I was nervous! I've gradually gone blonder and I've always been more than happy with Laura's work.

She really knows what she is doing and I recommend everyone I know to her. When she moved to The Upper Hand, I of course followed her there. I hope she never stops doing hair, because I don't want to see anyone else. She is always so nice and patient when I can't decide if I want to change my hair color and she gives me her opinion on whether it would suit me.

I brought my sister to one appointment a couple months ago so she could meet Laura. Laura was so nice and helpful. She sat my sister down after she finished my color and gave her some ideas for short haircuts. My sister scheduled an appointment with Laura that day.

I cannot say enough good things about Laura Harris and The Upper Hand. The salon staff is always friendly and the atmosphere is great. Laura is fantastic. She really knows what fits a person best and she is great about letting me know if I want something that wouldn't necessarily work. I wouldn't go to anyone else and I recommend everyone go to Laura!

0
1.0
November 29, 2010

Disasterous highlights. Went to Ashley because she was recommended by my good friend. Asked for no red in my blonde highlights and she used toner during shampoo...toner is not what I expected. The color is totally not what I wanted. Too blonde and solid looking. The lowlights do not look like my hair color and are on the red side. I would not recommend or use this salon again. Now I have dark roots showing and look like I color my hair instead of the natural look I was used to. Do not go here.

1
5.0
November 24, 2010

Thank you Laura for 10 years of great hair!. I have been going to Laura Harris for 10 years and I love her!! I have had nothing but great hair over the years and even commute from Katy just to see her! I get compliments on my hair the day I get it cut and the week BEFORE I get it cut again. Many of my friends have started to go to her as well. She cuts it in a way that it always grows out well and she is a master colorist. She is always "in the know" with the current trends. She is very honest with me about what will look good with my face. Most of the time, I just sit in her chair and let her do her thing (I mean, she is the expert)! I whole-heartedly recommend her and The Upper Hand.

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5.0
November 24, 2010

Laura Harris - A Great Stylist. I love Laura and her work. She has been my stylist for 5 years and has always done a super job. I always get a perfect cut and a nice conversation. I won't let anyone else touch my hair.

0
5.0
November 24, 2010

A Cut Above the Rest - Laura and the Upper Hand Salon. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, however, sometimes I believe they can be somewhat misguided. Being afforded the liberty and freedom of speech, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the Upper Hand Salon (River Oaks), in Houston, Texas. I specifically would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Laura Harris who has been my stylist for over 18 years. I was among her clientele when she was just 22 years old. She has done everything from coloring (including high-lighting and low-lighting) to cutting and in 18 years I have never been anything less than very satisfied. Even other master stylists comment to me that whoever cut my hair knew what they were doing! Laura is a very conscientious stylist who takes the time to learn my likes and dislikes. She has been courteous and honest enough to inform me if my requested style is either flattering or unflattering to my features, as opposed to just taking my money and sending me on my way. Her hair styles have always been a blend of trendy and appropriate – no ‘old lady’ styles for me! I appreciate her so much in a society that has become so self-seeking and self absorbed. I respect and appreciate her talent and the experience she has in her field. There are always two forces at work in the world: good and evil, positive and negative. I have selected to be the positive voice on behalf of not only a wonderful salon, but a wonderful array of dedicated people who have the best interests of their clients in mind. I want them all to know that I appreciate them very much and I am honored to have been Laura’s client for so many years. Thank you for your service. Keep up the good work, and I will see you guys in a couple of weeks to shape up my wonderful new style that makes this 56 year old look like I am 36. God Bless.

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