JBH Hair Studio, operated by proprietor Jason Brown-Howard, is open for business, keeping up a decades-long tradition of hair-styling in that location. The new venture has taken up residency in the spot that was home for 22 years to Lai Saelor's Hillsdale Barber Shop and to Jack Carly's barber shop before that.
After 16 years in a salon in an office building downtown, Brown-Howard decided it was time for a change. He chose Hillsdale for his new location after the arrival of COVID and the months of protests that followed changed the character of Portland's downtown. "I didn't think my clients would be chomping at the bit to come to a back a busy office building. And we were three blocks from the Federal Building," he says.
The Hillsdale space is a more intimate setting, he says, and gives him control over hygiene and safety measures, benefits he thinks will appeal to existing clients as well as new ones.
The salon opened in early November after three days of renovations to update the decor according to his own vision.
Brown-Howard had visited friends in Hillsdale before bringing his business here. "I always thought it was such a gem. It's close to the city but so quiet."
The service menu includes men's and women's cuts, Brazilian blow-outs, color for men and women including balayage, foils, highlights. His specialty is a natural look, he says.
Cuts are $29 for men, $59 for women, including neck trim in between cuts. A clean-up cut (sides and back) is $14.99. Color starts at about 100.
"I'm excited to be here! The community has already been very supportive," says Brown-Howard.
JBH Hair Studio
6323 SW Capitol Hwy
--Valeurie Friedman
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