Pura Vida Color Studio

I don’t write many reviews, and haven’t in years, however I feel compelled to write a review today. I can not stress enough what a rare experience it is to be a client at Pura Vida. I have found the salon itself to be immaculately clean and decorated beautifully with plants and lights. I appreciate how each stylist that works there is down-to-earth, friendly and approachable. I love that they all get along, and respect each other. That’s rare in an upscale salon. No competition between each other and no tension. I see Courtney who is unusually gifted as a colorist. I truly leave each visit with the most beautiful and shiny, healthy hair. Her hair cuts are always on point. Courtney will always explain why a cut or color would or wouldn’t work for me. I trust her implicitly as her professional skills are second-to-none. Courtney treats me (and all her clients) so respectfully and with kindness. I drive 2 hours to see her and it’s worth the trip every time. I also admire her and the other stylists continuing professional development, attending training in Europe and throughout the USA to always hone their skills. The pricing of their services and products are fair and competitive and they never push you to buy from them. The salon and Courtney have won many awards as the best salon and stylist in their county! I highly recommend them. It’s a great experience!!

I have been a client of Courtney / Pura Vida just shy 10 years. My typical services are highlights, lowlights, and haircuts, and I will find just about any excuse I can to keep seeing her. Courtney is an expert in evaluating your hair and recommending services based on what you want and what your hair will allow, and I have always been very pleased with the result. My hair has a unique quirk with how easily color can be lifted, and my color has always turned out beautifully when colorists at other salons have over processed it. The first couple of years I was a client I was actually commuting from California (my partner had moved to Michigan), and then not long after that I was booking appointments with Courtney during my school breaks after I temporarily relocated to Atlanta for a couple years to attend grad school. The salon has become an oasis where I can take a break from the daily grind, gossip, and be pampered. As long as I can reasonably make my way to Pura Vida, I’ll be asking Courtney to do my hair!

I have seen Courtney at Pura Vida Color Studio for 12 years, despite living out of state in Washington DC for 10 of those years. The quality and care at Pura Vida is unmatched. Raine has truly created such a special place in the heart of Ann Arbor. Courtney was the first colorist to ever color my hair and I'm consistently blown away by how good she is. She takes time to really consult you on your color, making sure to achieve your exact goals while considering your lifestyle, upcoming travel etc. For years I've had balayage once per year by Courtney and toned at my local studio in between. The balayage grows out and melts perfectly to create a beautiful year long color. If you're looking for quality, you truly can't get better than Courtney. She's a pro through and through.

I have been a very happy client at Pura Vida for 13 years. The staff is so welcoming and knowledgeable and they really take time to listen to my goals so I know I am cared for. They use an excellent product line and my hair is healthy and looking great.

It's always stressful going to a salon in a new city. Pura Vida did NOT disappoint! My visit included a consultation and discussion of options for touching up my roots and making my hair look shiny and healthy. I came away with an amazing hair color (SO flattering!) and beautifully cut and styled hair. Plus, I have some samples to play with at home! I've already set my follow-up appointment so everyone will wonder, "That HAS to be the color she was born with!"

Absolutely top-notch work. I literally cannot believe how natural and fabulous the color is. Pura Vida are absolute masters of their craft. Abby painted my hair like it was gonna go in the Louvre. Then she did this crazy thing to make my curls fall in ringlets instead of my usual frizzy mop. Mind blown. Plus we had such fun conversations (giving bonus points for her excellent taste in TV). Zero regrets. Don't bother with anyone else.

Courtney is my favorite hair stylist I've ever worked with! I started getting my hair done by her while I was in college at UMich, and even after I graduated, I consistently drove an hour from Detroit back up to Ann Arbor to get my hair done by her. She is a master at color (especially reds!) and knows her way around a curly cut like no other. I also really loved how conversational she is - Courtney clearly cares about her customer experience and I felt like I really got to know her even during our first session together. I also really appreciate how thoroughly she explains her color theory and approach before going forward with a new color/style. Highly, highly recommend her and wish I still lived in Michigan so I could keep booking her! 🙂