Loverboy

Loverboy is on the second floor of the Ford Building on SE 11th Avenue in Portland. The entry is secured, so visitors use the callbox and select Loverboy to be buzzed in. Richard opened the salon and works there as a stylist alongside Bethany and Hannah. The salon describes itself as a design-forward boutique, and says it aims for an experience that feels thoughtful and unhurried.

Visits are by appointment only, with no walk-ins. Each stylist books their own services and lists their own pricing on their own page. Clients are offered coffee, tea, sparkling water or spring water. Restrooms for men and women are in the second-floor hallway near the salon, and an all-gender restroom is at the top of the stairs. The space is small, so guests bringing food are asked to choose something unscented. Children are welcome only when they are receiving a service or have an adult with them for the full appointment. Pets are not allowed, except service animals.

Free street parking is available nearby, though SE Division has a weekday restricted zone from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Two pay lots sit on the corner where SE 10th meets SE Division, charging $1.25 an hour that can be settled through an app or a meter. The salon recommends steering clear of the SE 11th Avenue block between SE Division and the rail tracks, since trains can stall there and obstruct vehicles.

Policies are set partly by the salon and partly by each stylist. Unopened or very lightly used product may be exchanged at cost or for salon credit, but hair products are not refunded in cash. Each stylist sets their own cancellation and late-arrival timelines, fees and hair adjustment policy. The salon does not offer chemical straightening, waving or smoothing, including perms, relaxers and keratin. New clients who want to be matched with a stylist submit the contact form with their goals and current photos, and color clients add their hair color history for the past three years.

A design-forward boutique approach with an unhurried pace, where each stylist works from their own timelines, policies and specialties.

A small second-floor salon with a calm, unhurried pace.