The Upper Hand

Precision haircuts tailored to individual face shapes and lifestyles using advanced techniques from certified stylists. Our cutting specialists deliver fashionable, easy-to-maintain styles that enhance natural features and personal style. Clients consistently praise our attention to detail and ability to create flattering, trend-forward results.

Expert color treatments including balayage, ombre, and dimensional highlights using premium Goldwell products. Our color specialists provide personalized consultations to determine optimal shades that complement skin tones and lifestyles. Recognized as Houston's top color destination with multiple 'Best Hair Color' awards.

Professional keratin treatments for frizz control and hair smoothing in Houston's humid climate. Our stylists use advanced Brazilian Blowout technology to create silky, manageable hair while maintaining hair health. Ideal for clients seeking long-lasting straightening solutions that preserve hair integrity.

Premium clip-in and custom installation extensions for added volume and length. Our specialists provide personalized consultations to determine optimal extension types matching clients' natural hair texture and lifestyle. Services include application, maintenance, and removal using professional-grade products.

Custom balayage techniques for natural-looking, sun-kissed hair transformations. Our stylists create multidimensional color effects that grow out beautifully while maintaining hair health. Recognized as Houston's best balayage specialists by multiple local publications and client reviews.

Industry leader with 25+ years of hair care expertise. Founder of Houston's award-winning The Upper Hand salons, featured in Elle and Us Weekly. Five-time recipient of Elle's Top 100 Salon award. Hosts media appearances across national TV and radio platforms.

Creative hair specialist known for precise execution and personalized approach. Receives consistent praise for attention to detail and ability to translate client visions into reality. Skilled in advanced cutting and coloring techniques.

Recognized color specialist with exceptional eye for complementary shades. Provides personalized color consultations that enhance clients' natural beauty while avoiding common mistakes. Known for sun-kissed color techniques and professional expertise.

Top-rated stylist known for consistent execution of perfect cuts and colors. Maintains long-term client relationships through exceptional service and artistry. Expert in maintaining hair health during color treatments.

Tenured stylist with decade-long client relationships. Specializes in cut and color transformations with consistent results. Recognized for technical proficiency and personalized attention during multi-hour appointments.

We operate three locations in Houston's premier neighborhoods: Hyde Park, River Oaks, and Memorial areas for convenient access across the city.

Our specialties include precision haircuts, balayage techniques, keratin smoothing treatments, and hair extensions. We also provide traditional color services and Brazilian Blowouts.

Appointments can be requested through our website's service menu or by calling our main salon number at 713-520-0772 during regular business hours.

Our team includes Goldwell IQ Cutting Certified stylists with 150+ TV appearances and five Elle Top 100 Salon awards. Many stylists maintain decade-long client relationships through exceptional service.

Yes, we carry Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Goldwell, and Oribe professional hair products available at all salon locations.

Arrive with clean, dry hair for most services. Bring reference images of desired styles and allow time for consultation to determine optimal approach for your specific hair type and needs.

Long is the absolute sweetest and caring hair stylist, and I recommend her to everyone! She puts a lot of thought and care into what the client wants and does everything she can to achieve your hair goals. Long was able to transform my extremely dark black Asian hair into a beautiful brunette-blonde balayage in one session, all while maintaining my hair health! She will also recommend you the best hair products fit for your needs and budget and checks up on your hair status between appointments.

She also answers all of your questions and concerns and gives you thorough explanations on how to maintain your hair, style it, and how to use your products. If you want a personable and genuine hair stylist for life, book with Long!

My stylist, Long N, worked with me twice, and she never fails to deliver. She is attentive to what I want and does her best to prevent damage to my hair (stylists add bond builder to the bleach and toner). She did a complete color correction and silver balayage for me! Services: Haircut, Hair coloring, Hairstyling, Balayage

A great first experience in the salon, where I requested a consultation with stylist to explain my needs, discuss the possible procedures and in accordance to it the cost of it. The front desk staff is nice. The stylist Katerina Ace assisted me. In a very warmth way she understood my hair needs, about color and haircut. I wanted to get rid of an orange tone in the blond and also wanted a manageable hair style; she explained the option of adding highlights with neutralizing component using also a toner post-coloring. she was available to work on it when we talked, and I was eager to make the change: The procedure was done in a very caring, smooth and professional way, explaining at all times each step. after rapping the strains of hair for the highlights, she simultaneous worked on my roots. later, the shampoo and toner application was super relaxing with a massage. The haircut and style great! I love the hair color My next appointment will be with Katerina. I highly recommend her. She is beautiful inside and outside. Thank you Katerina

Long is such a sweetheart and absolutely passionate about what she does. She specializes in transforming dark Asian hair and knows Asian hair well along with all the struggles of coloring it. I went to her for a full balayage from virgin hair and she was able to give me a beautiful ashy blonde and silver tone. At first, my hair was too bright and yellow for me, so we went back for another round of toning to achieve exactly what I wanted.

She is so patient and so willing to work with her clients to fix anything until they're happy. She also gave great recommendations for hair products, curling tips, and color maintenance. Will definitely be going back to her and recommending her to all my friends!

Cecilia is amazing! If you have any sort of unconventional hair situation (even coarse hair that's hard to work with), I highly recommend her. She went above and beyond to make sure I was completely happy with my hair extensions and haircut, and she even squeezed me into her schedule when I wanted an earlier appointment. Super, super happy with my results :-)

Quality of service is pretty good. The experience and overall work done was sufficient. I left satisfied with my hair. However, and this is a BIG however, they will slap you with a MAJOR price that is unlike your quote/estimate. Walked in wanting to lighten my hair a bit (which I realize can be. huge task, so I thought I'd spend $250 at the most) and left with over a $500 bill. Still in shock and feeling really taken advantage of. Just because your work quality is adequate and you're in a higher income area does not justify false quotes and obscene pricing. My hair looks good- but not $500 good. Yeesh.