Rain Boutique & Salon

4.0 star rating
22 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Women's Clothing, Hair Salons  [Edit]

1544 2nd Ave W
Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
Neighbourhoods: Granville Island/False Creek, Fairview Slopes
(604) 733-7246
Hours:

Mon 10 am - 5 pm

Tue-Wed 10 am - 7 pm

Thu 10 am - 8 pm

Fri 10 am - 9 pm

Sat 9 am - 6 pm

Sun 11 am - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Good for Kids:
No
By Appointment Only:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

user photo
"Love my scalp massage too to start." (in 6 reviews)
user photo
"Plus, they sell Bumble and Bumble products, always good." (in 5 reviews)
user photo
"...hair cut and highlighted by Dylan, and he did an excellent..." (in 3 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

22 reviews in English

  • Review from Sarah A.

    Kitsilano, Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I am not monogamous when it comes to my hair stylist. So, when my friend recommended Rain I decided to try it out. I had a great experience at this salon. Excellent customer service, friendly, and they know what they are doing. I had my hair cut and highlighted by Dylan, and he did an excellent job. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and the music selection (it's always important to have good music when you are sitting around with foil on your head). And I was pleasantly surprised at the price. Compared to some of the other higher-end salons I have visited in Vancouver, my bill was very reasonable.

  • Review from Carole M.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    2/10/2012

    I was very lucky to be a test client for the new amonia free hair color.  It was luxurious, no burn no toxic smell pure enhancing.  My stylish stylist Jordan has magic hands.
    The salon products not only smell incredible they left my hair scene ready.  I walked out feeling like a movie star.   The treatment I received from Jordan and Victor was barnone!!  Ill be back when I need my next color.  It covered my greys nicely and the color is one close to my natural.  A color that inhances my natural features and leaves me looking my best..,,.

  • Review from BR G.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    2.0 star rating
    6/8/2011

    I don't know what's the big deal with this salon.  The reviews on YELP looked promising, but perhaps I was expecting too much?  I usually base my expectations based on the price and opinion of others, and unfortunately this place fell short.

    1) I got a deal as a first time customer.  When I first called they told me they had availability.  Once I mentioned my voucher, they were suddenly VERY busy and full.  Fine, they have to make room, but honestly the delivery made me feel less than welcome.

    2) front reception was just as unwelcoming as the phone call.  Very aloof and haughty.  Honestly it seemed you had to come from a certain class and calibre to come here.  When did certain businesses become so elite?  I may have come here on a discount voucher, but I'm a VERY good tipper, and appreciative of good service, as I'm sure many are.  

    My stylist actually was very energetic and nice, but beyond a good scalp massage (which you get standard at most salons these days which charge more than $30), I was not wowed. I got a really quick trim, and the stylist spent 40 min selling a Bumble and Bumble hair product, which I felt pressured to buy.

    I would barely come back here on a discount, let alone full priced.  Too many great places in this city. I'm sorry.

  • Review from Alison T.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/21/2010 1 photo

    I had an appointment with Dylan at 1:00 PM and was STILL LATE even though I remembered to look up the directions (and a map!) and I also forgot my groupons! Good thing I have a great sense of direction and found parking on Fir, where as google directions lied to me and told to me to turn at some whack street.

    Anyway, onto my experience, I was greeted by the receptionist very gleefully as I entered the store, pretty much gasping for air because I had sped walked all the way there. Dylan was also already at the counter so he greeted me enthusiastically and asked me to fill out a customer form while asking if I would like some coffee, tea, or water. After I finished filling out the sheet, he led me down a few steps and I entered the salon area. There is a station where you change into a black robe and they hang up your jacket which later gets covered by the cloak (I liked this because I knew that there was no way any hair was going to get onto my clothing). He also brought my purse to the dresser where I was having my haircut so that I could keep my eyes on it at all times.

    We then discussed what I wanted to be done, I simply told him that I just wanted a trim to get rid of the split ends however I am trying to grow out my hair (I know, it sounds insane because my hair is already 20 inches long) therefore I would like to keep the length.

    The process started with a oil scalp massage which felt really great and was then followed by a shampoo and conditioning. Then I was seated once again to begin the cutting. He used about three different products on my long hair, all were by Bumble & Bumble (which the salon sells exclusively). The styling was perfect, he showed me how to add some wave into my hair while blow drying it, just for some change since I did mention that I don't often use any heat appliances on my hair. The finished look was great, he used a straightener to make lovely curls which were very Victoria Secret model-esque and I was absolutely very impressed.

    I am generally a quiet and shy person so I didn't have much to say, however Dylan is great because he is very outgoing and a great stylist!

    I also used my indulgeliving groupon which was great otherwise I don't think I would be able to afford getting my hair cut here.

    They also have a boutique section at the front of the salon where they have clothes and jewelry (by local designers I believe) which are also cute and trendy.

  • Review from Angela L.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    10/26/2010

    I'm a really difficult customer when it comes to my hair, but Rain did not let me down. I've only been here once, but given that I'm so hard to please, I think 5 stars are well deserved. I was really apprehensive about going to a new salon, but being a broke college student is not really conducive to regular haircuts, so I grabbed the opportunity to get my hair done on the cheap when a social shopping opportunity popped up at Rain.

    I booked an appointment with Chelsea, and was doubly apprehensive when I didn't see any feedback for her in any of the previous reviews. She was great! She balanced my need for something new with my desire to stay with something safe (upcoming grad photos) - it sounds difficult to achieve, but she did it. Scalp massage was heavenly, and I felt well-taken care of the whole time. Chelsea was friendly and professional without being overwhelmingly chatty like some stylists can be.

    Staff were very nice, and they plied me with all kinds of coupons and referral cards upon completion. Free bang trims, and complimentary beverages...including beer and wine! I didn't indulge, but the option was there. But the best part is, my hair feels and looks great!

  • Review from beki L.

    •  
    • 101 friends
    • 197 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    9/26/2010 1 photo

    The first time I did a drastic cut was on my sweet 16th...getting ready to head out to see my friends, I didn't like the way my hair looked. so i grabbed a pair of scissors and started trimming..my long hair ended up being a cute short thing that ended below my ears-loved it!

    so i have been cutting my own hair..save maybe 3 or 4 times when i got it professionally done...

    i have now found my official hair stylist!!  this little gem is hidden under the granville st bridge (beside a fantastic little japanese tea cafe!).
    I met up with Dylan and had such a fantastic talk with him first.  
    I told him I have a very sweaty profession and have absolute zero tolerance for high maintenance do's.  
    but at the same time-im sick of looking at my blah hair..i needed some life back!
    he washed my hair and delicately massaged my scalp and shoulders..then he started snipping...i have awesome layers that has given my real thick hair life i never knew it had!  he somehow found the natural waves in my hair and made the cut to work with it..i have a completely different look without him even shortening the length! (because i grow my hair out every 2 years or so to donate to cancer)

    he showed me a very simple way to style it so i can keep the curls without being stuck in front of the mirror for 30 mins...and i have been complemented everywhere! even after a sweaty fitness class session! i LOVE it!

    Dylan is amazing..wish i could put him in my back pocket and take him everywhere i go...well, a girl can dream!

  • Review from Emily S.

    •  
    • 54 friends
    • 395 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/30/2010

    I guess I had better write a review about this place... because it would be a shame to NOT give it 5 stars.  I can only vouch for one stylist that I've had, because I've been lucky enough to like the first one I tried.  Her name is Simona, and hopefully after I write this, I'm still able to get an appointment with her in a reasonable amount of time :)

    Scalp massage, shampoo, more scalp massage, blowout, styling tips, and the best you'll look for the next few months.  Capish?

  • Review from Tess M.

    •  
    • 26 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/10/2011 5 Check-ins Here

    I have managed salons and spas for about 12 years and know a fair bit about what makes a good salon/stylist.  
    Rain is top of its game.
    I see Simona and she is hands down one of the best stylists out there.  Not only is her colour technique amazing but her speed is unlike anyone else.  My bleach and cut on average takes 3-3.5 hrs and yet Simona can get me in and out in under 2hrs.
    Simona's cuts are great and she takes extra care to style my hair just the way I like it.
    One of the things that makes Rain such a talent pool is that the stylists are always furthering their education.  This means you can always trust that they will know exactly what is in style.
    Rain Hair salon, and especially Simona, is probably the best salon in Vancouver.

  • Review from J. P.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    7/8/2011

    I fully agree with BR G's review. I had been a client for less than a year, and stopped going bc frankly it just wasn't worth the price. If I had felt that it was worth it I would've kept going no matter what the price was, but no...
    Customer service- Like BR G, I was almost always (there is one nice girl who works at the front desk) met with haughty people on the phone and at the front desk. They usually sound impatient and bored. Everytime I went, I would spent more than $150, and I didn't like how I had to be treated like that when I was spending that kind of money. I did notice that when I guess more frequent? or familiar customers came in they would suddenly be really nice, and I'm guessing that's what most of the other reviewers are since I've seen some of them talking to Rain ppl on fb, twitter, etc.

    Hair- I've had one meh "haircut" (more like a trim) from them. The hair stylist made it sound like first-time clients get a discount on a haircut and gave me an  unnoticeable trim, so I wasn't impressed. When I'd get my hair coloured, the first week, I'd literally have grey hair due to their using too strong of a toner or something, then a "good" blonde colour that would last around 2-3 weeks tops, and that's with using their Bb line colour-depositing shampoo&conditioner, not washing too often, etc. So again, not very impressive. Also, during my long hours there, I've seen almost every stylist at work and well I wasn't impressed with the results of some, considering how much they charge.

    Stylists-They were all very nice, but looked under pressure to sell Bb products, which was unfortunate bc some of them almost looked uncomfortable pushing products, but such is the salon business and I bought around 5 or so just bc I went often and felt bad that they had to sell all the time.

    All in all, if this place were to charge around 20-30% less, I would go again, and recommend to other people, because that's around how much I think their results are worth, but I just didn't feel like they were worth my hard earned money.

  • Review from Shelley H.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Port Coquitlam, BC

    5.0 star rating
    7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    People r awesome, very friendly and helpful

  • Review from Katie F.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    4/27/2009

    I've been in search of my go-to salon since I've moved here and I tried Rain out this weekend when I needed a new spring look.

    Cute salon - there's a section at the front with some clothing and accessories and they have the Bumble and Bumble line-up to choose from.  Friendly girls at the desk although it can be awhile on the phone if you're making an appointment.

    It's a pretty small salon compared to most places, but it's a nice atmosphere.  The stylists are really friendly and I went with Toni, a senior stylist who recently came to Vancouver.  Great to work with and she made my Posh bob that I've had for the last couple of years into a funkier bob which I love!

    Great cut and out of there in an hour... perfect!  Love my scalp massage too to start.  Prices are comparable to the other high end places in town - $72/cut for mine this weekend.

  • Review from courtney j.

    •  
    • 16 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/22/2010

    Rain gets a 5 because they have Katie-Rose! A new grad, Katie is awesome, energetic, fun & all-round radical. Love the scalp massage and conversation, she gets my reccomendation every time! I also love the B&B products, and the atmosphere is terrific.

  • Review from Mika M.

    •  
    • 40 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    1/13/2011

    Wow!! Fantastic salon! I was one of the many to buy the groupon for a $29 haircut and I heard all about this wonderful place before buying... Everyone told me to book with Victor, so I did... I had my scalp massaged (and nearly fell asleep) then my hair washed (which was also another massage which almost put me to sleep again) then finally I was with Victor for the fabulous hair cut. He spent so much time with me, making my hair feel and look so healthy and shiny. After my service, I walked out with a bunch of Bumble and Bumble products (which are AWESOME!!!) I can't wait to book again for some colour this time!

  • Review from Whitney L.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    1/29/2009

    A lifestyle salon, cute jewelry and clothing, hair products, espresso, wine beer, a nice space, I'm not sure what else I could ask for ? Maybe better lighting? Otherwise this salon is about as nice as it gets.

    I do have to be honest though. The first time I ventured into Rain and experimented with a new stylist, scary, I had a horrible outcome. A mullet. Maybe a good thing if I were living in Spain....  Nightmare.

    So, I went back and asked for my mess to be fixed.  Rain salon rose to the occasion and presented me with Erin, an angel who fixed me right up and I have been going back ever since, approaching 2 yrs. I have recommended the salon and have encourages many others who are now enjoying the same services as myself.

  • Review from Luisa S.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 466 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    8/30/2008

    Located near the Waterfall building, Rain Boutique & Salon offers a variety of services. The storefront functions as a retail space with the focus being on local designers like Dace and Gentle Fawn. Delicate jewelry and unique accessories are also showcased there while the back serves as a salon.

    Considered to be at the forefront of style amongst savvy locals and globetrotters alike.

  • Review from Andrea P.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 59 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    2/24/2011

    Tried this place out because of their Groupon and the experience was so good it's become my regular salon!  Great atmosphere (somehow trendy but laid back all at the same time), B&B products, and fantastic cuts.  Also, I appreciate the complimentary beer/wine served while in the chair. I  highly recommend Jenny Lynn as a stylist - amazing cutting skills and great conversation.  So glad to have finally found a salon that I love in Vancouver!

  • Review from Pete S.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 134 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/19/2010

    i've been going to rain for about a year now. i'd say they are a great salon. they always do a fantastic job on my ugly head and all of their staff are really friendly. it's a bit pricy for a men's cut but you definitely get what you pay for. they do a great job and put a lot of time into your hair.

    my only beef with rain is that they push products on you a little hard. i'm a pretty no-fuss hair person and i'm never going to spend $30 on a styling product, nevertheless, i get the product pitch every time. but such is the salon business.

    i'd recommend this place to anyone.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Victor C. of Rain Boutique & Salon 5/20/2010   
    Thanks for the feedback Pete, we really appreciate it.  Come… More »
  • Review from Kate R.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Minneapolis, MN

    USA
    3.0 star rating
    5/11/2009

    Awesome fusion of fashion and beauty. I loved the atmosphere and location. While I am generally not one to willingly spend more than 60 bucks on a haircut, the staff was very knowledgeable and friendly, so I am willing to splurge every once in awhile. Plus, they sell Bumble and Bumble products, always good! They get a 3, however, because the person cutting my hair was not the nicest person.... a little condescending when she asked me if I noticed "I had a tail?" meaning the last person who cut my hair didn't even out the layers very well... I wouldn't see her again. But some of the people seemed nice.

  • Review from Joel C.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Vancouver, BC

    1.0 star rating
    6/4/2011

    I'd heard a lot of good things about Rain and so finally decided to give it a try. I called in to book an appointment and discussed who might be the best person for my hair. The front desk person basically told me there was really only one hairdresser for the job; she specialized in men's hair and even more so... she is "from Seattle!" - as if that offers any sort of extra credibility. She mentioned it twice. This type of Canadian self-loathing/obsession with the US was definitely a big red flag, but I had heard good things about the salon so I went ahead anyway. Nice place. The staff kindly offered me a drink. But in the end, the haircut really sucked. Honestly one of the worst I've had in years, yet so expensive. The hairdresser was lethargic, disinterested, lazy and surly. Trying to rush the job, so I had to get it cut again elsewhere. The funniest part - she's not even from Seattle.  She lived there recently, but is actually from some other Shatzville, USA town. And she couldn't wait to move back. Her attitude must have rubbed off on the front desk. Aside from a terrible cut, why support a salon that hates its own country?

  • Review from Cameron M.

    •  
    • 18 friends
    • 378 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    3.0 star rating
    11/10/2008 1 photo

    I gotta say, as a man generally distasteful towards most Vancouver salons to the point of cutting my own hair, I still kind of have a soft spot for Rain. There's definitely something nice about the friendly non-"stylists stabbing each other to be top dog" mentality there. The fact that there are tiers of stylists ranging in skill and price is great for someone like me who doesn't necessarily want to pay more than 50 bucks for a good haircut. Also, the few people I've dealt with there have been solid on the basics, which is more than I can say for some other 'high-end' salons out there.
    I do think the atmosphere is the key. Nice building, nice staff. They always have coffee or drinks around. Just a nice relaxing place to be when you're getting your haircut.
    Oh , also , they avoid the route of horrible gouging when it comes to their product sales. the fact that they have the little boutique up front is kind of cheesy but their focus on sales definitely keeps them in mind of the customer more than other places who only see big dollar signs when it comes to giving the consumer what's just been used on their hair.

  • Review from Lee N.

    •  
    • 52 friends
    • 284 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/9/2009

    I have had Erin cut my hair at all the salons she has been with over the last 10 years. When she moved to Rain I moved with her, she does exactly what I want and the surroundings at Rain make the experience very pleasant. A beer at the end of a long day goes down well while having your hair cut. I would recommend Erin at Rain to anyone male or female looking for a stylist to give you the cut you want.

  • Review from Jennifer E.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 10 reviews

    Canmore, AB

    4.0 star rating
    8/3/2010

    I decided to treat myself and go to the Rain Boutique & Salon to get a change in my hair for myself.  I got a cut & colour, and they had 50% off colour for the pride weekend.  I have to admit I was slightly shocked at the price when I left, but Jennifer was my stylist, and she did a great job.  I left loving my new hair, and it smells so great...I would go back every now & then to top up the cut/colour with someone that knows how to do their job - making someone look good!

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...