Sola Salon Studios

If you are in search of a stylist, go see Elicia Valdez. With over 16 years of experience, she is by FAR, one of Denver’s most elite stylists.
I have had the pleasure of calling Elica my hair stylist for over 5 years now & not only is the woman EXTREMELY skilled at her craft, she is also very flexible with her scheduling and treats each of her clients with an unmatched level respect.
From simple cuts to modern trends, if you’re seeking a salon to call your own, or just want to try something new, Elicia Valdez at Sola Salon in Cherry Creek, is where it’s at!

Ok, first off– I REALLY hate having to post this review regarding Elicia Valdez at Sola (AKA «Master Color Designer» as it states on her sign. I try to see the good in everything but I was so gravely disappointed by my experience that I must post this warning. I was referred to Elicia when she was at another salon from a friend who used her services under Groupon. I had barely touched my hair in years aside from the color glaze months back and i had made special care to keep it in perfect condition. When I showed up with dozens of pictures and back length thick and well taken care of hair, it should have been any stylists’ dream. All I wanted was a very natural and subtle balayage and color glaze to richen up my color. I showed her numerous pictures and tried to discuss as much as possible the look I was going for, but she quickly shut me down and snapped «I don’t need more pictures, this is a piece of cake.» I should mention that during this time, we chatted more and she expressed to me some issues she was having with her move to the new salon. I had just gotten done moving and had a little chandelier that would be perfect in her studio. I offered it to her because I am a generous person with the expectation only that my hair would turn out the way I hoped. Instead, she offered me Rx Xanax in exchange for the chandelier and completely destroyed my hair. Very professional. Before I knew that the roots of my hair were dark merlot colored and the bottom 5 inches of my hair were dip dyed a shineless straw color, I didn’t know how to respond on the spot to that offer so I simply said, «No thanks, but keep the chandelier anyway.» As she blew out my hair, I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Still in a delusional state, I cashed out with her, still leaving a 30% plus tip (I work in the service industry as well so I constantly overtip even when undeserving.) After seeing my hair in the light the next day, I was inconsolable. I texted her hysterically and she had me come in, assuring me that it was a «VERY easy fix» and to «chill out.» While she had another customer in her chair and mid– blow dry, she had the other customer get up and wait outside with wet hair while she slapped another toner on my hair and sent me on my way, telling me to «just keep checking it, and when it seems right rinse it out.» When it seems right!!! was my next question, and she said about 10 minutes. Oh, by the way, she asked me to pay her for product, and for some reason I obliged to that, too. So far that means $ 160 for the service, 40 $ for the tip, and another $ 20 when I came in for correction, also minus a darn cute chandelier! It was really starting to add up in more horrifying ways than one. So, 10 minutes later, I get home and wash my hair out vigorously. Well, that turned my hair the darkest and deepest shade of greenish black that could exist.
I will fast forward the drama involving numerous bottles of clarifying shampoo, but after living with that shade for a week and a half I consulted two other well known salons in Denver. One priced my correction at a «minimum of $ 800 to start, with touch-​ups around 250 $ every 2 months.» I wanted to faint. The next salon was more reasonable and was able to get it back to a decent shade and look for around 450, but the damage to my hair ended up requiring 4 inches to be cut off, with noticeable damage throughout.
Meanwhile, I am a 24-​year old recent college graduate who simply cannot afford all of this. I began by calling Elicia& leaving a voice mail. After more calls and numerous texts that had gone unreturned, I was so disappointed. In the texts I was very professional, even NICE, simply imploring her to do the right thing and at least help me out by refunding the $ 160 service. I had spend nearly $ 100 more than that in cash at her salon in tips and misc!!! I told her I didn’t want to have to contact the owner of Sola or dispute this charge on my credit card, OR have to write a bad review, but I will if necessary. No answer. I contacted the owner of Sola, who was extremely lovely and apologetic, but unfortunately she could not do much about my situation because each stylist is an independent contractor in her building.
I am writing this review now because I just got word from my bank that they were unable to approve this disputed charge because things like this are so hard to prove. I have essentially paid hundreds to have my hair destroyed, and It has been an absolute nightmare. I am so disappointed in both Elicia’s business and moral integrity as well as her capability as a colorist/​stylist. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
PS I WILL BE UPLOADING PICTURES ASAP FOR ANYONE WHO IS CURIOUS ABOUT HOW BAD IT WAS.

Convenient garage parking, though not free and intended for smaller vehicles. Don’t even attempt if you have Escalade or the like. Clean, simple décor that they update seasonally. I go to the Hair Bar with Brent and Urban Renewal for waxing… highly recommend!