Jacob Neal Salon

After my recent appointment at Jacob Neal Salon, I'm convinced that money spent on a great haircut is a necessary indulgence. I've never been a Supercuts person myself, I've always traveled safely in the middle of the road. Relating my recent haircut at Jacob Neal to a purchase of a middle of the road camera I bought a few years back, I wish I would have purchased a high end camera. An appointment at Jacob Neal is a high end purchase, and it stands up better over time.

The Jacob Neal Salon is located in the Short North and is framed nicely with white wooden windows, billowy white curtains and artfully shaped topiary. Yes, this place is rich, classy and tasteful. The elegance from the outside is mirrored on the inside as well. Nothing is over the top, and I felt comfortable inside.

My stylist was Drew, and we talked at length before my appointment regarding my needs. He understood the difficulty dealing with long wavy hair, and provided me with a cut that I could wear straight or wavy depending on my mood. Drew compared my hair to "a forest of saplings" which I thought was very fitting and funny. I've always found it difficult to converse with hairstylists, but Drew was easy going and made me feel relaxed. He suggested lightening up my look a little, and I was apprehensive at first, but gave him creative control. The result was something very natural that I'm very pleased with.

The real personal touch came when Drew taught me how to keep my new haircut looking good after my visit. He gave me tips on blow drying, applications of conditioner, and how to keep volume in my hair even as I sleep. I generally need all the help I can get in the beauty department.

I personally feel that a trip to Jacob Neal Salon is really worth the price tag. It's upscale, but not pretentious. And that's something I can really appreciate.

I struggled to figure out how many stars to give the Jacob Neal salon. I used to love going here, but unless some changes are made, I will not be returning. Allow me to explain.

The first three years I lived in Columbus, I did not have a single satisfactory haircut. And then I found Marc at the Jacob Neal salon, and oh my goodness, I was head over heels! Every single haircut he's given me has made me feel like a movie star. Each has been beautiful, styled with consideration, and shaped to suit my face perfectly. I established what I like to think was a good rapport with Marc. I even know some of his hobbies, and the names of his dog and spouse. He is the reason I was a loyal patron of this salon for almost three years.

On my second to last visit to the salon, I saw that Mr. Jacob Neal had acquired the adjacent parcel, and was expanding his salon with the "Jacob Neal Home Collection", a selection of home furnishings and decor. I thought this was a bit odd, and that such an addition would detract from the salon, but it was no skin off my teeth.

It was however, the skin off someone else. On my most recent visit to the salon, upon walking in to the completed home collection, I beheld a site that made my stomach flip. I could not turn my head without seeing dead animal pelts. Chairs upholstered in fur, even fur key chains on the front desk. I would have turned around and walked back out right then and there if it would not have been terribly rude to my stylist. Sitting there for an hour knowing I was going to pay a business to support animal cruelty was extremely uncomfortable for me.

I cannot believe that a man (that claims to be) of such discerning tastes would include such products in his collection. Fur is outdated, tacky, and most importantly, a product of unnecessary death and violence.

Before leaving, I briefly voiced my concerns to the receptionist, who said she would forward my number to Mr. Neal. I later received a voicemail from his manager, but I've called her several times to follow up, and have received no response from her since. I consider this terrible disregard for a client that has been patronizing the business for years.

His receptionist told me that he would probably not be swayed because "those items do very well". Well then, I have a challenge for you Mr. Neal: Find alternatives that do equally well, minus the dead animals. Do something bold and original. Fur fell out of fashion in the 1980s, let it stay there where it belongs.

I would have never come to this salon if they sold these products when I first encountered it, and I am certain other clients will walk out for the same reason. How many of them will speak up about it, though?

Im going to start off by saying I LOVE coming here! I see Kaitlyn and she is INCREDIBLE. The entire staff does everything in their power to make sure you feel welcomed, happy, and comfortable. I've been there two times prior to this visit and they know my name as soon as I walk in the door, offer to take my coat, and ask if I would like anything. They don't ask just to ask, they are genuinely interested in your (and your hair's) well-being.

My appointments with Kaitlyn feel less like appointments and more like chatting with a friend. She works so hard to achieve the goals I'm striving for and this woman doesn't stop until you're happy. I have very difficult hair, which can take an entire day at times. Kaitlyn makes the time go bye so quickly and she wants her clients to be happy with their results. She toned me twice today without another thought to make sure I achieved the look I was going for.

When Jacob Neal says "A woman should have three things; a good pair of shoes, a great handbag, and a fabulous hair dresser." He wasn't wrong.

Love this place and would recommend to everyone!

My girlfriend and I just got our haircuts this week..what an amazing experience!!!!!!..Jacob is a true master at his craft and he did an awesome job on my girl...her cut is sexy and stylish and the coloring is fantastic...she looks and feels like a movie star and I think that its her best haircut yet..forever greatful to you Jacob.

Also dont forget to check out their new line of accessories and jewelry...they are awesome too

Smax and Pizza

I've consistently had wonderful experiences with both my colorist, Lindsey, and stylist, Marc. Both have been immensely helpful and professional with their recommendations and executions of their respective coloring and cuts. Lindsey did an amazing job of fixing a botched color that I'd previously gotten at Phia and worked wonders on repairing the sloppy work that Phia attempted twice to correct.
Also, the owner, Jacob personally introduced himself and welcomed me to the salon as a new guest. Truly wonderful customer service all around!

Best blow out ever. I'm obsessed with Marc...he is sooooooooo amazing. A nice plus is that is he stunning and the best conversationalist...someone get him a show!!!
Im here for work and needed a quick..perfect looking blowout and he did NOT disappoint.
Will be back for sure.

Eve always gives me exactly what I want, even if I don't know how to describe it! Great place with even greater people.

I just happened to walk into this place to pick up some hair product. Jacob was so kind, and helpful. I can not express how helpful he was, and knowledgeable about the product I need for my hair. I would definitely come back to buy product from him.

So first, I'll be honest and say that it has been awhile since I've been here.

I got an appointment with the girl that had cut my hair previously to do a cut and a dye. I have light brown hair and she was just going to a darker brown. After applying the dye, she leaves me in the wash bin for at least a half hour. I was almost in tears because it was the most uncomfortable experience I've ever had. After nearly crying and having other hair stylists stare at me as they just walked by me, she finishes my hair and then I go out to pay.

When I looked in the mirror there was dye ALL over me. I'm glad that I didn't care much for the shirt I was wearing but really? There were giant black stains all over my back. On top of that, the price wasn't what they had told me.

Paid $65 + tip for a haircut that was in no way extraordinary. Standard positive salon experience, but I expect to be wowed when a simple haircut costs that much.

You can purchase Kerastase products at the salon, which is an excellent line.

Conveniently located on High Street in the Short North. If you drive, bring cards or cash for the metered spaces.