Chameleon Salon

Business Details

18 Years

experience

Creative Hair Transformations in Portland

Chameleon Salon has been redefining hair artistry in Portland since 2008, with our Sellwood location continuing this legacy of creative excellence. Our team of master stylists specializes in bold, imaginative transformations that celebrate individuality through vibrant colors, avant-garde cuts, and innovative techniques. We combine technical expertise with a deep commitment to inclusivity, offering fat-friendly seating, gender-affirming styles, and a welcoming environment for all clients regardless of background or identity. Our stylists maintain active continuing education in the latest trends and treatments, ensuring we deliver both artistic vision and technical precision.

We prioritize client comfort through personalized consultations and transparent communication about hair health and maintenance requirements. Our salon culture emphasizes ongoing professional development, ethical business practices, and community engagement through local events and partnerships. This dedication to both craft and client experience has earned us recognition as one of Portland's premier hair destinations by Willamette Weekly and Expertise.

Services

Vivid Hair Color Japanese Thermal Relaxer Balayage Services Keratin Treatments Gender-Affirming Haircuts Pixie Cuts Shag Haircuts Color Corrections Hair Extensions Wedding Updos

Details

Year established: 2008

Highlights and features

We offer 15+ years of combined experience in creative hair artistry
Our stylists specialize in gender-affirming and body-positive hair services
We provide inclusive pricing based on services rather than gender identity
Our team maintains active continuing education in advanced hair techniques
We guarantee fat-friendly seating with 800lb weight capacity styling chairs

What people say

COMFORTABLE in a salon space Welcoming, come-as-you-are type place Talented but not pretentious Genuine, caring, and compassionate Fabulous hair transformations

Website

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Services

Vivid Hair Color

Our signature vivid hair color service transforms hair into vibrant canvases using professional-grade dyes. Our stylists specialize in creating seamless color transitions and maintaining hair health through proper toning and aftercare. This service caters to clients seeking bold self-expression through unconventional color combinations while ensuring proper hair maintenance education.

Japanese Thermal Relaxer

This advanced hair straightening treatment permanently smooths curly or wavy hair using heat and chemical solutions. Our specialists customize the process to maintain hair integrity while achieving sleek, straight results. The service includes detailed aftercare instructions to maximize longevity and minimize damage.

Balayage Services

Hand-painted highlighting technique that creates sun-kissed, graduated color effects. Our stylists tailor the application to complement each client's features and lifestyle. The low-maintenance approach requires fewer touch-ups compared to traditional foil highlights while maintaining dimensional color depth.

Keratin Treatments

Professional keratin treatments that reduce frizz and improve hair texture through protein infusion. Our stylists apply customized formulas based on hair type and condition, followed by heat activation for lasting smoothness. The service includes post-treatment care guidance to maintain results for several months.

Gender-Affirming Haircuts

Specialized hair services designed to support clients' gender expression journeys. Our trained stylists provide consultations that prioritize emotional comfort and identity affirmation through personalized cutting techniques. The service includes ongoing support for hair maintenance and styling confidence.

People

Nicole

Co-Owner

With 15 years of experience, Nicole specializes in healthy blonding techniques and Japanese thermal relaxers. She focuses on realistic expectations and hair health while maintaining Portland's creative hair scene.

Madelyn

Co-Owner

Founder with 18 years of experience in creative color applications. Specializes in balayage and vivid color transformations while maintaining a client-centered approach to hair care and maintenance.

Questions

What makes Chameleon Salon different from other Portland salons?

We combine creative hair artistry with inclusive practices, including fat-friendly seating, gender-affirming services, and body-positive environments that celebrate individuality.

Do you offer consultations before hair services?

Yes, we require consultations for color services to assess hair health and discuss realistic expectations before any chemical treatments.

Are your stylists trained in specific hair types?

Our team specializes in diverse techniques including curly hair care, thermal straightening, and color corrections for various hair textures.

What accessibility features do you provide?

We offer wheelchair accessibility, size-inclusive seating with 800lb capacity chairs, and sensory-friendly service options upon request.

How do you handle hair health concerns?

Our stylists prioritize hair integrity, offering pre-treatment assessments and recommending hair care regimens to maintain healthy hair during color processes.

Can I book multiple services in one visit?

Yes, we accommodate combined services with proper scheduling. Consultations help determine appropriate time allocations for complex hair transformations.

Reviews (5)

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Brooke S.

Jun 17, 2022 Report

SARAH SARAH SARAH Sarah Hicks is an amazing intuitive stylist who should be considering herself a wizard at this point! A literal artist, with a hell of an eye for not only color but also placement she always makes sure my hair is healthy, bouncy, and shiny when I leave. Can't recommend her enough!

M. V.

Jun 10, 2022 Report

I had an appointment with Sarah and couldn't be happier with the result. She did a fantastic job, both coloring my hair, the haircut, as well as the blowout and hairstyling at the end. I fell in love with my new look and want to recommend Sarah to anyone looking for a great hair stylist. She is not only skilled, but also a great listener and will do her best to meet all your requests in the best way possible.

Brianadonze

Jun 10, 2022 Report

Sarah Hicks is your go to girl! She has been with me through thick and thin and can make all your hair dreams come true. Sarah quickly and easily got rid of a previous bad dye job from another salon with minimal damage. She has always easily understood what I wanted for my hair, even if I wasn't the best at explaining or vocalizing it. She does amazing rainbow and fashion colors, beautiful reds and coppers and everything in between.

I'm sad she moved away to Oregon, as my hair was in the best condition and looked it's best while under her care. I honestly panicked at the thought of having to find someone to replace her! She's very friendly and pleasant and I've always felt comfortable with her and telling her if I didn't like something. You genuinely can't go wrong with her!

Cassandra Wolfe Ennista

May 22, 2022 Report

I have never had such a good experience at a salon before in my life, 100/10 I am hooked this is the only place ill be getting my hair cut from now on! Though, I went to the Lombard one which is twice as far from my home as their other location so I do plan to try the closer one next time. Sarah is amazing and I love her! So gentle with my long straight fine hair, my boyfriend was blown away with how nice I looked after she was done!

Vanesa Sanchez

Apr 16, 2022 Report

I am so happy I found this salon. I came in with my natural hair color all grown in. I wanted a complete transformation and BB was so helpful about my concerns. I feel like myself with my new transformation. I went in with my natural hair and left looking like a unicorn! Thank you so much BB see you in a few months!