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Good Salons to Try in Virginia

Looking for a new stylist? Here are colorists and hairdressers in Virginia doing very good work.

By Sherri Dalphonse Published Monday, September 01, 2008

The best way to find a hairdresser is to ask someone with hair that you like: Who does your hair?

So we asked men and women we spotted on the street, in the Metro, at parties, in malls. We asked fashionable Washingtonians we know to tell us about their stylists. In all, we heard from several hundred men and women.

What follows is not a list of the area’s best salons—there are many more good stylists about town—but the names we heard repeatedly from happy clients with nice hair. We also looked at the portfolios of many area stylists, to see their other work.

Want to nominate your stylist or colorist? Send an e-mail to hair@washingtonian.com.

Let us know what you think are the best salons in Virginia—leave your thoughts in the comments here.

Great Hair | Salons in DC | Salons in Maryland

Great Choices for Color

Jolie Laide Salon,12705 Braemar Village Plaza, Bristow; 703-330-8111; jolielaidesalon.com. One client who moved but travels back from New York tells us she won’t let anyone but Jolie owner Kate Herzig cut and color her hair. Jason Holloway wins raves, too. Women’s cut: $55. Men’s cut: $30. Color: $50 and up. Highlights: $95 and up.

Salon Bleu, Tysons Galleria; 703-448-1300; bleu.com. This big, stylish salon has four American Board of Certified Hair Colorists on staff. Cut: $55 and up for men, $75 and up for women. Color: $105 and up. Highlights. $145 and up.

Tangerine Dream Beauty Bar, 1137 Walker Rd., Great Falls; 703-759-4014; tangerinedreamsalon.com. “No one thinks I color my hair,” says a fan of stylist Lisa Duryea. “Need I say more?” Owner Robin Lee Harmon is also a pro with dye. The salon’s Web site shows each stylist’s work. Cut: $39 and up for men, $54 and up for women. Color: $64 and up for women, $55 for men. Highlights: $100 and up.

Longtime Favorites

Ronnie Elias Salon, 2952-I Chain Bridge Rd., Oakton; 703-255-1114; ronnieeliassalon.com (under construction). Owner Ronnie Hier does consistently good work and keeps his stylists on top of new techniques. Cut: $45 and up for men, $65 and up for women. Color: $70 and up. Highlights: $105 and up.

Sugar House Day Spa & Salon, 111 N. Alfred St., Alexandria; 703-549-9940; sugarhousedayspa.com. Sugar House, which is set in a 200-year-old townhouse, is known more for spa services than for hair, but we’ve seen some good work come from some of its stylists. Cut: $40 and up for men, $65 and up for women. Color: $65 and up. Highlights: $100 and up.

Tranquility Day Spa & Salon, 10360 Portsmouth Rd., Manassas, 703-257-7200; 15125 Washington St., Suite 304, Haymarket, 571-248-4150; tranquilitydayspa.com. This well-run salon keeps abreast of trends—the owners also run a styling academy. Also a good choice if you like a salon that gives back: It has donated services to everything from Locks of Love to local teachers. Cut: $32 and up for men, $45 and up for women. Color: $35 and up. Highlights: $83 and up.

Why Drive to Georgetown?

Noufal Haircolor Studio, 8605 Westwood Center Dr., Suite 160, Vienna; 703-893-7711; noufalhairstudio.com. Joey Noufal has handled celebrity heads from HGTV’s Vern Yip and Foo Fighters frontman David Grohl to politicians and foreign royalty. His prices may be a bit high for the ’burbs—cuts with him start at $78—but if time is valuable to you, he and his staff offer a simultaneous color- and-highlighting technique, saving up to 90 minutes a session. Cut: $35 and up for men, $55 and up for women. Color: $60 and up. Foil highlights: $85 and up.

Loyal Followings

Dolce Vita Salon, 6829 Elm St., McLean; 703-821-3166; dolcevitasalon.com. Clients travel to this salon from as far away as Annapolis and Florida. Besides cuts and corrective color, Jean Paul Achour is an expert at extensions, while his brother Sam handles curly heads. Cut: $55 and up for women, $40 and up for men. Color: $75 and up. Highlights: $110 and up.

Salon Cielo, Tysons Galleria, 703-821-8136; Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 703-415-0406; Lansdowne Town Center, 571-333-4590; saloncielo.com. For the money—$40 to $55—you can get a very good cut here. Color: $55 and up. Highlights: $95 and up.

Salon Daniel, 6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean; 703-893-5000; salondaniel.net. This pleasant salon has been in business more than 20 years, earning a loyal clientele. Many of Dila Gayed’s male and female clients, for example, have been with her for ten or more years—one flies back from Germany for appointments. Cut: $40 and up for men, $65 and up for women. Color: $65 and up. Highlights: $95 and up.

Beautiful Blowouts

Hair Gallery, 1800 N. Oak St., Arlington; 703-243-6886; hairgalleryweb.com. This friendly, relaxing salon in Rosslyn does blowouts starting at $30—cheaper than many Georgetown spots just over the Key Bridge. Owner Fatima Amir and her team do great cuts, too—and every service comes with a heavenly vitamin-E-oil scalp massage. Cuts: $28 for men, $55 and up for women. Color: $70 and up. Highlights: $80 and up.

Good Bets at the Chains

You can get a good hair cut at a chain—if you know who to ask for. Here are stylists who earned multiple raves.

Hair Cuttery, haircuttery.com. In Arlington (3307 Lee Hwy.; 703-527-9669), Dee Bui has a way with men, women, and kids alike—and gives great shampoos. Cut: $16 and up. Color: $49 and up. Foil highlights: $70 and up.

PR at Partners, pratpartners.com. In Shirlington (2900 S. Quincy St., Arlington; 703-998-6500), Neat Sothy-Sullivan is said to stay up on trends and be a joy. Cut: $35 and up for men, $45 and up for women. Color: $55 and up. Highlights: $95 and up.

Comments

You guys need to go see Paul at Paul Michaels Hair Salon, he does great work, prices are reasonable, he is off the beaten path but well worth the drive, I live in arlington, but I still make the drive:)

Posted by: Hillary, Nov 14, 2009 06:44:31 PM

I went to Sam at Kavenchy spa salon and he was very rude to his assistants. Very demanding and was in a bad mood the whole time he colored my hair!. He did an OKAY job with my hair. Deff. not what everyone else is saying. If I was his assistant that day--- I would have quit!.

Posted by: Jessica, Nov 09, 2009 08:16:22 AM

I’m so excited to find Ron Blush @ Violet salon in gtown , he is truly an amazing talent , he knows colors best and great hair cut plus he is a make up artist the combination that is so rare and hard to find ...above all he cares about the client and give you a personal touch and connect with you but the best part is he is a lot of fun, you will leave being happy and positive!!!!

Posted by: Alexa, Oct 31, 2009 11:21:59 AM

Salon Daniel is really good!; it is the best I have been. However, it is veryyyyy expensiveeee!

Posted by: Ceci, Oct 26, 2009 08:25:36 AM

I read all the great reviews above for SAM at KAVENCHY SALON, and I have to strongly disagree. I went to SAM because of is reviews and since his salon was in front of my house, and he RUINED MY HAIR. All he did was talk and never delieverd on what he said. After 2 days and 11 hours in his chair he made my hair ORANGE! REALLY ORANGE! and his excuse was he wasn’t felling well, granted he gave me my money back but now my hair is fried and I have to cover the orange every 4 weeks for next few months!! he also bleached my clothes......even his assistant was in shock when she saw my hair!!!! FOR YOUR HAIR’S SAKE DON’T GO TO HIM!!!!

Posted by: Arousha, Sep 24, 2009 08:18:16 AM

My husband and I have been going to Sam Kavenchy for several years, first at Bubbles Pentagon City and now at his own Kavenchy Spa at 1021 N. Fillmore Street near Clarendon. Sam and his shop are amazing. He is an artist with both color and cut and we have referred several friends to him. He’d been talking about his own place for a while and I’m happy he’s achieved his dream! In addition to hair services, he offers massage, mani/pedi, facial, etc....in lovely surroundings, with complimentary beverages and internet while you process. The shampoo chairs are massaging ones...heaven. Check him out, you won’t be disappointed. Gabrielle

Posted by: Gabrielle S., Sep 05, 2009 10:23:33 AM

Sam Kavenchy is by far the best stylist to ever highlight and cut my hair. He listens to me and what my expectations are. I get complimented on my hair and people always say the color of my highlights are amazing. I highly recommend Kavenchy Salon to anyone who wants beautiful hair.

Posted by: Anita Warner, Aug 28, 2009 04:37:05 PM

No one cuts hair like Amir, no one. Amir Salon- Vienna Va.

Posted by: Renee , Aug 22, 2009 04:39:04 PM

I am looking for a hairdresser who UNDERSTANDS stick-straight hair. I got what may be considered a decent cut at Uri&Associates but it is not for my hair type (I just can’t blow dry it now, I have to put rollers!). I am a mature woman who likes precise and modern cuts. If anyone knows a hairdresser they can recommend, I will appreciate it. Thanks

Posted by: Andrea, Aug 05, 2009 10:10:17 AM

I wanted to point out that the Sam at Bubbles Salon in Pentagin City Mall is the same Sam at Kavenchy Spa Salon in Clarendon. He has started his new place, and it’s better because he really goets to do his "art" they way he wants it done. Please visit him and make the new place a hit!

Posted by: Sumi, Aug 03, 2009 09:23:55 AM

I had to attend my 10 year HS reunion and decided to splurge a little on getting a fabulous haircut. I normally go to PR @ Partners and decided to give the upscale Andre Cherky salon in DC a try. This was a huge mistake. First the stylist was over 30 min’s late. It was obvious the salon had over booked him. Then the shampoo assistant, washed and conditioned my hair so fast, it was over within about 3 mins. When the stylist finally came over, he didn’t offer me anything to drink (as I salivated over everyone else’s), and cut my hair so fast he was done in 15 mins. This was not the luxurious experience I had hoped for. Not by a mile. When I complained about my experience the salon manager acted as if they could’ve cared less. They didn’t offer to discount, didn’t offer to make it up to me, in fact they didn’t even apologize at all. The haircut I received was mediocre at best, and most definitely not worth the 100 bucks I paid for it. I could’ve gotten a better experience a whole lot cheaper elsewhere. This was a huge disappointment and I will never be going back there again. This goes to show, one doesn’t need to spend a fortune to get a good haircut!!!!!

Posted by: Jade, Jul 30, 2009 01:51:05 PM

Sam at Kavenchy Spa Salon (Clarendon) does absolutely amazing work and his staff is professional and curteous and was there throughout the experience to offer me water, coffee, or anything else I wanted. Sam listened attentively to exactly what I wanted and gave me the absolute perfect shade of blonde highlights and a cut I was completely satisfied with. he also has an amazing space, complete with a computer bar where you can check your email and work while your color processes, and the shampoo chairs recline and actually massage while you are getting shampooed.. the prices are comparable to other salons in the DC area, but the service in my opinion was much, much better than anywhere else I’ve been in DC. I encourage everyone to check it out. www.kavenchy.com

Posted by: Kathleen, Jul 20, 2009 08:47:05 AM

Folks: Those of you lauding your stylists would be doing the rest of us a favor if you’d mention their names. Knowing the name of the salon is a start, but it’s the person I want to know about.

Posted by: JRG, Jun 05, 2009 03:42:56 AM

I have been going to PR & Partners at Tysons for over 10 years and loved the stylist - always received compliments on my haircut. However, too many times, despite my making my appts in advance to ensure I have an appt, they have been cancelled (only once for an emergency situation) and then I have to re-arrange everything. To treat a customer who has been loyal for nearly eleven years, without a workaround, is unexcusable, and while I’m hesitant to try someone new, I’m tired of the lack of consideration of my schedule. I do not recommend PR@Partners at Tysons for service

Posted by: Alice, May 22, 2009 09:40:08 AM

Don’t spend a dime at Dolce Vita in Mclean, VA. Sloppy work, owner is unprofessional. Plus, my friend had identity theft with them.

Posted by: SusieQ, May 20, 2009 06:07:02 PM

Salon Joseph deserves A million stars! I have had the same haircut for about ten years. I was thinking of going a little bit shorter, but I have no vision for these things. So, I totally lucked out meeting Joseph In no time at all I got an adorable, spunky, sexy cut. I love it beyond words! I have never been so excited about a haircut before. Thank you, Joe! You better know I’ll be back! great experience over all

Posted by: lisa, May 12, 2009 09:01:22 PM

Dee Bui at the Hair Cuttery in Arlington doesn’t really "have a way with men, women...." While Ms. Bui is a lovely woman, she isn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, a hair stylist. I tried her cut and it was the worst cut I could ever have imagined. And she tried to "up-sell" me with hair care products. Don’t forget that this is the Hair Cuttery, where cuts are $16 and that is just about the level of skill you’ll receive. Whoever endorsed Ms. Bui must have been a friend, because she doesn’t deserve any kudos for her skills and talent. Just a warming for those who might want to try Ms. Bui’s hair cutting services. My recommendation would be: DON’T!

Posted by: SM Anderson, May 06, 2009 11:07:32 AM

I have heard so many positive things about Salon Daniel. It has a great reputation and I now I know why. When I called to make my first appointment the receptionist was beyond helpful. She took her time to chat with me and make sure that I was placed with the correct stylist and for the money I wanted to spend. I walked in, was impressed with the atmosphere and was asked right away if I wanted anything to drink. Diet Coke in hand I sat down with Daniel and he did exactly what I asked, and our banter was fun and friendly. Beyond that, without question the best cut I have ever had...ever. Very Very pleased with my entire experience and worth every penny!

Posted by: Deborah, Apr 24, 2009 11:28:15 PM

Eclips salons! You forgot Eclips. I followed my stylist from the Ashburn Salon to the McLean salon and now I like them both! Prices a little high but you get what you pay for! excelent hair. i have tried several salon over the past years and I keep coming back to Eclips.

Posted by: Debbie Cole, Apr 24, 2009 08:13:43 AM

Circe salon and Spa is an awful place with a serious lack of talent or customer service. My hair was butchered and the color I wanted was never achieved even after I went back a 2nd time for them to fix it. The owner tried to make me feel shallow for being upset by sending me a hateful email about how I should tour a cancer ward, how I should be thankful to have hair at all. Not appropriate behavior by any means! I would stay away!

Posted by: Circe sucks!, Mar 24, 2009 08:39:57 PM

I tried Dolce Vita after reading everything online. I even had Jean Paul but I really wasn’t impressed. He barely spoke to me. He was working on another person at the same time. The place was a mess. And he didn’t even end up blowing drying my hair. He had someone else do it. For the price, the service just wasn’t very good.

Posted by: KarenS, Feb 16, 2009 03:47:04 PM

i had to write a review about Salon joseph,arlington va. I get my hair cut by joseph and I have to say he is friendly, professional and really very detailed oriented. He listens to what you want and gets the job done. I have very difficult hair to deal with, after having a bunch of other people screw up my hair, I am glad someone recommended this place, and I am glad I got joseph since he is just a pleasure to deal with and best of all he really knows what he is doing. Highly Recommended

Posted by: judith, Feb 15, 2009 07:32:39 PM

Just moved from Seattle to Alexandria last month. Have short cut with ashe blonde color (partial foiled)every eight weeks, cut every four. Tried an expensive spa/salon in NJ while visiting family. Terrible cut and yellowish blonde color. Yuk! Job hunting in a hat isn’t working.
Help!
Sleepless from Seattle!

Posted by: Sharon, Feb 14, 2009 08:50:45 AM

I was referred to Neat by a co-worker and am always so excited to get my hair cut by her. My co-worker and I have completely different hair, but Neat has such fresh and beautiful ideas for both of us.

Posted by: Calista, Feb 02, 2009 08:10:34 AM

I love my stylist Ashley at Pink Karma Salon in Sterling, she takes the time to listen and always does a great job not to mention her blow drys are the best!

Posted by: Lauri, Jan 19, 2009 08:04:28 PM

Jessica at Salon Cielo did a fantastic job cutting my shoulder-length hair into a Katie Holmes-esque bob. I was ready for a big change and thanks to her I love the new ’do!

Posted by: Nicole, Jan 14, 2009 12:57:59 PM

I was going to PR at Partners in Old Town Alexandria for 2 years. Loved their work. But they rescheduled me twice at the last minute which I found totally rude and disrespectful of my time. I didn’t get an apology or a discount on my next cut/color. I won’t be going there again!!

Posted by: Sarah, Nov 29, 2008 08:07:12 AM

it sounds like that you have a nice shop.

Posted by: shayonna, Nov 26, 2008 09:08:36 AM

I have been living in DC for a while now and since I need my hair to look fantastic and need to change my look every season I have been spending a lot of money for cut and highlights at expensive salons like red door, andre chreky etc. just to name a few. But I never really got what I wanted. Then one day I met a woman at a fundraiser dinner party who had amazing highlight and haircut. She told me to go to Sam at Bubbles. After I googled Sam I decided to give it a try. I wasn’t thrilled to go to Bubbles but in the end I thought that my hair is more important than the name or location of the salon. Sam was very attentive and asked me how I liked my hair and how I needed it to look and be styled. No other hairstylist had asked me that before. Usually they do whatever they want and how they want you to look like. This time I got the exact haircut and highlights that I wanted and it looks younger, sexier and just FANTASTIC. Go to Sam!

Posted by: Emma, Nov 03, 2008 05:54:20 PM

I moved here 3 years ago and have never been able to find a stylist I liked. I went to a stylist at PR Partners in Tysons, she was so sweet and attentive and actually gave me EXACTLY what I wanted in the picture...finally!

Posted by: Ashley, Oct 02, 2008 07:36:02 AM

PR at Partners in Shirlington (Xancy) gave me an awful haircut and left my hair limper than a noodle. Definitely not for the cutting edge girl.

Posted by: Marthea, Sep 27, 2008 06:34:03 AM

i followed my stylist from vidal sassoon in tysons to georgette klinger in chevy chase and now--hallelujah--he’s finally landed back in virginia at saks fifth avenue in tysons galleria. the whole team is awesome!

Posted by: angela, Sep 25, 2008 11:53:22 AM

PR & Partners Tysons gave me the worst haircut and color I’ve ever had. I left there with 2" bangs ... in the back of my head.

Posted by: Gretchen, Sep 21, 2008 04:33:03 AM

PR PARTNERS IN TYSONS IS AMAAAAAAAZING!!!!!

Posted by: Lisa, Sep 16, 2008 11:26:53 AM

The original group from Vidal Sassoon in Tyson’s Galleria has re-appeared at the salon in Saks 5th Ave. They are as great as ever! Beautiful haircuts and amazing color. Check them out at http://www.hairdc.com/

Posted by: Kelly, Sep 16, 2008 06:48:26 AM

Jolie Laide Salon in Bristow is the best salon in the world!
If you haven’t been there, you haven’t LIVED!!!!!

Posted by: Hazel, Sep 13, 2008 02:49:00 PM

Love, Love, LOVE Jolie Laide Salon in Bristow!

Posted by: melissa, Aug 22, 2008 09:49:22 AM

Good Salons to Try in Virginia

Great Choices for Color

Longtime Favorites

Why Drive to Georgetown?

Loyal Followings

Beautiful Blowouts

Good Bets at the Chains

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