User Reviews
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- One side of my head is actually shorter than the other. Kateri has given me the worst haircut I have ever received. I guess I'm going to have to straighten my hair for the next few months until it's long enough to get it fixed. Bye Bye curls.
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Reviewed
by bella25 (Wavy Whirly - 2c) on Dec 13, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- A friend had recommended Kateri for cutting curly hair. When I saw her beautiful hair in a picture, I knew that I had to have her cut my hair. I was not disappointed.
Kateri has cut my hair two times now. I so relieved to have finally found someone who can cut curly hair, probably the only one in my entire life. I leave her salon so pleased with my haircut. I have fairly long hair and she is one of the few stylists who hasn't ended up taking off significant length during my haircuts. She shapes my hair beautifully and I am quite happy with the Curl Solutions products she uses. I leave with the feeling that she styles my hair based upon what she feels will look best and not based upon a desire for profit.
Both times I have had no trouble getting an appointment with her and I just love the on-line appointment request system.
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Reviewed
by LorriAnn (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Oct 25, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri (salon owner)
- Rating:

- Review:
- My daughter and I have had our hair cut by Kateri twice now and we are amazed by our curly hair. We both have curly hair and for the first time ever we are able to say we like our hair, people look at my daughter's hair and ask what we did, so we tell them about Kateri. Love the curly hair solutions she introduced us to also.
Love Kateri and how she knows curly hair, have recommended her to all my curly haired friends. We drive from Holland to go to her.
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Reviewed
by Lbraun70 (Wavy Whirly - 2c) on Oct 03, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- Best haircut I have ever gotten! How did I not hear about Kateri Sooner? I decided to give her a try after I read all the great reviews on here, and I'm so glad I did! I LOVE my haircut. This is the first time I have ever left a salon happy about how my hair looked. Usually when I leave, my hair is frizzy because they didn't put enough product in it. Something else that Kateri does that you don't always see, is that she cuts your hair when its dry. If you have never had your hair cut that way, then you are going to the wrong place! Whenever I get my haircut wet, it ends up uneven because my curl pattern varies, which is hard to tell when its wet. I can honestly say, this is the first time my hair is even on both sides.
She also introduced me to a new hair product line, Curly Hair Solutions. I now only have to put ONE thing in my hair to get it to look good. I was using 3-4 products before, which can get quite costly. AND the best part about my new haircut.... it looks BETTER the next day. I slept on it last night and woke up to perfect spiral curls. AMAZING!
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Reviewed
by XoX-Tina (Curly Kinky - 3c) on Sep 25, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri (salon owner)
- Rating:

- Review:
- If you make an appoinment at the Cortexx salon expect Kateri to be at least 20 minutes late. I would stay away from the weekends altogether. She once forgot about an appointment I had set up 6 weeks earlier. Also, BEWARE of the long surface layers haircut Kateri touts. My very last haircut from her took me 6 months to grow it out. I never thought a long surface layer would be two inches short at the top of your head while the remaining hair is shoulder length. Worst haircut ever. I'm convinced the favorable reviews are from employees or family members.
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- Stylist:
- Kateri (salon owner)
- Rating:

- Review:
- Kateri was the first stylist I've had who actually knows how to cut curly hair, and one of the only ones in the area who cuts curly hair dry (the best way to cut it!). My very deflated, sad looking 3b-ish hair looked great when she was done, not to mention the excellent products she used on my hair! I will never let anyone else touch my hair! Thanks Kateri!
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Reviewed
by kendra.j (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Aug 05, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- Kateri was amazing. It was the first good cut I've had in years. She took so much time with me explaining how to manage my hair. She also has a great line of products. And FYI I had NO trouble getting an appointment. I called Tuesday and was in by Friday.
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Reviewed
by Danivesco (Curly Spirally - 3b) on May 26, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- I must say ~ I was very excited to see Kateri walk around the corner and have curly hair too!! I have had some major haircut disasters, and I was very comfortable with Kateri from the start. She offered great advice and we even compared our hair stories! I am definetly going back to Cortexx for my curly hair experiences!! Thanks Kateri!
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Reviewed
by srp001 (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Apr 09, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- I had an appointment with Kateri a few weeks ago and it took me a while to get here to write a review. My family does not have curly hair, so there was never much belief that curly hair was so different from straight hair. As a result, I never really had an understanding of my hair, or had someone who cut my hair properly. I was getting tired of getting bad haircuts, so when it came time to get my hair cut again I looked at the reviews on this site. I saw all the good reviews for Kateri, and I was really happy that she knew curly hair (and had it herself). When she was cutting my hair, I was a little suspicious of how it would turn out because it was a dry cut and my hair looked huge. She knew what she was doing though, and afterwards it looked great.
If you have curly hair, you need to go to Kateri. She fully explains what she is doing and can answer any of your questions (as well as tell some interesting (bad hair) stories when she was learning). She also introduced me to the Curly Hair Solutions, and I am so glad I went to Kateri. I've been recommending her to my friends that also have curly hair.
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Reviewed
by lizjdj (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Mar 12, 2011
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- Stylist:
- everyone who has sent in a review for Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- I would like to thank everyone that has sent in a review, since I cant message back in this forum I thought I would send a BIG THANK YOU here, where you come to send me your thoughts. I so appreciate your time and trust and enjoy meeting and establishing what I hope will be long time relationships with you and many more to come. Please call any time and I will always find time to fit you in.
Thank you again , Kateri.
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- Stylist:
- Kateri (salon owner)
- Rating:

- Review:
- I am clueless about hair and how to make mine look nice.
Kateri helped solve that problem for me.
Because of the cut and the product she taught me how to use my hair now looks...perfect.
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Reviewed
by moneek (Wavy Curvy - 2b) on Feb 17, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri (salon owner)
- Rating:

- Review:
- I found this salon through naturallycurly.com and it was the best thing I ever did! I finally found a stylist that truly understands curly hair. I've had great cuts and great color but noone has understood the styling challenges I have had with curly hair.
She walked me through the whole process of using the styling products she recommended (based on her own experience!). What a difference it made! I had tried these products before but didn't know any of the tricks about how to use them successfully. Kateri showed me how - what a difference. I am a product queen - have tried everything and I think I've finally hit upon the right product. AMAZING! Kateri was so kind and patient and I would recommend her to anyone!!
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Reviewed
by vltaliaferro (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Feb 14, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri (salon owner)
- Rating:

- Review:
- Unfortunately, I can't recommend this salon or stylist due to inaccessibility. I had my first cut in December just before the holidays. The cut was good and I was recommended by Kateri to follow up every 2 months. However, therein lies the problem. When you call to get a follow-up appointment, good luck.
Today was my last attempt. I spoke with Megan. The salon is closed Sunday and Monday and according to Megan, Kateri does paperwork and "special" clients only on Tuesday and Wednesday leaving only 3 days that you might be able to get an appointment. My days off of the week are Monday and Tuesday so that leaves a hit or miss on the limited availability for curly hairs.
I don't rate a haircut on the first visit because it is not accurate of the consistency of the stylist. Considering I can't even get a second appointment I don't recommend this salon.
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Reviewed
by Kalie1 (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Feb 08, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- Kateri, owner of the Cortexx Salon, is an amazing stylist and owner.
1. Setting the Appointment: I made the appointment with Kateri personally. She was friendly, asked a few questions (more than just what services I needed). She recommended some online reading for the products she would use on my hair and was genuinely enthusiastic about working with me… (wow, that never happens).
2. The First Impression: I was greeted immediately. The receptionist introduced me to Kateri, who was working with another client (I arrived a little early). I was offered a seat in the waiting area and a beverage. This would’ve been a basic expectation; however, each staff person that noticed me, graciously ask if I’d been helped, offered to make me more comfortable, or asked if I’d care for something to drink. Nice touch Cortexx.
3. The Environment (This is one of my biggest pet peeves): There weren’t soap operas or music being blared at top volume to drowned out every dryer, sink or conversation in the establishment. At Cortexx you could actually relax and begin to unwind.
The salon’s tagline: "Cortexx: Salon, Body and Mind" can be seen and felt the moment you walk in.
4. The Challenge: Recently I’ve gone from relaxed hair (one length down the middle of my back, to my naturally curly hair. Honestly, I brought Kateri a mess. 3 or 4 random lengths (some still relaxed) and half a bottle of conditioner in it to try an keep it under control.
When I sat in Kateri's chair I was at ease (mostly because she was at ease). I believed that I'd be in good hands, partially because she understands curly hair from personal experience and partly because she listened intently. She evaluated my hair, we discussed short and long styling options and then she made recommendations.
5. The Style: She washed and conditioned my hair with products that suited my natural hair type.
Next, she shaped my curls. This is where talent really took over. She could see and create a style / cut that was flattering, easy to care for and took advantage of my hair.
6. I WAS AMAZED! I left the shop feeling great about the experience and my new hairstyle.
7. The Real Test: The next day. Again, I was AMAZED! I could care for my hair with little effort and achieve results like I had at the salon for a week. I can’t wait to go back!
Thank you very much Kateri for your skill and talent!
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Reviewed
by newcurls12 (Kinky Coily - 4a) on Jan 20, 2011
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- Kateri and the staff at Cortexx were amazing! Like a lot of other people with curly hair, I have tried numerous different products and types of haircuts, including the Ouidad cut. This was by far the best cut I have ever had! Not only was it a great cut, but the entire appointment was very informative about everything from products to styling. An added bonus was the affordability and diversity you find at the salon. I highly recommend Kateri and Cortexx. I know that I definitely will be returning!
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Rating:

- Review:
- Finally I found someone who knows about curly hair!!!!! Also a full service salon!!!! Priceless!
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Reviewed
by martee2010 (Kinky Ziggly - 4c) on Dec 22, 2010
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Review:
- I found Cortexx Salon online and requested an appointment with the owner Kateri.I have never had a stylist take the time to explain exactly what they were doing and be so informative about the products! I have finally found some "magic" in a bottle.I was amazed with the curly hair solutions products.I have to admit I was skeptical after trying hundreds of products throughout the h years.I am so happy I found Kateri and her salon! I will be back for sure and would highly recommend her and promise you will be very happy with your results! Sorry Herbal Essence I am quite certain your sales will drop dramatically now that I have been converted to the curly hair solutions!
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Reviewed
by zengirltk (Curly Kinky - 3c) on Oct 31, 2010
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Review:
- I was in town visiting family and desperately needed an emergency color fix. I found Kateri listed on this website and the salon was able to accommodate me at the last minute. (btw, Amanda was very helpful over the phone -- she listened closely to my issue and made a thoughtful suggestion. She's also an extraordinary product expert!) Kateri gave me what is probably the best color job of my life -- my red looks rich and subtly variegated. I love it. She also gave my 3B curls a beautiful blow-out (I confess, I love to be straight-haired every now and then just for fun). I would definitely go back.
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Reviewed
by saintpeg (Curly Spirally - 3b) on Aug 19, 2010
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- Stylist:
- Kateri
- Review:
- Since I found this site I was looking for someone who could cut my curly 3C hair that was reasonably close to where I live. I looked at the salons in my area and wasn't sure which of the 6 listed I should choose. Then I read about Kateri (owner) of Cortexx Salon in Grand Rapids, MI. The review stated that Kateri herself has wild and crazy curly hair and was an expert in the care, color and maintenance of curls. That basically SEALED the deal for me! I had called another salon about their curly "expert" but when I asked if she was curly herself they told me no. Ok, so if I want someone who I know, KNOWS curls, for me it's gonna be someone who is walking in my shoes. I called Cortexx and spoke to Kateri and she was soooo helpful and kind and so knowledgeable about curly hair (seriously girls, she was talkin' the curly talk that I've learned on this site!) and to top it all off, she cuts curls dry. I went in this week and couldn't be more happy :). I walked in and Kateri has my very 3c'ish hair more than half way down her back~she and her hair are gorgeous!! It was so strange for me to walk into a place and see someone with MY hair. She took loads of time talking with me and answering all my questions. I also got a trim and a color retouch, both which are FAB!! I will definately be going back there and I would highly recommend Kateri and her salon to anyone willing to make the drive to West Michigan!!!
~Anita
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Reviewed
by curlycookie (Curly Kinky - 3c) on Jun 17, 2010
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- Stylist:
- Kateri (salon owner)
- Review:
- Not only does she have a tremendous amount of curly hair herself, she is the leader in curly hair in the city if not further. Cutting, coloring, maintaining natural hair is her specialty and her mission is to help people of curl to understand , love and easily maintain all forms of curly locks. Check her out!!!!!!
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