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Good Salons to Try in DC

Looking for a new stylist? Here are colorists and hairdressers in Washington 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 DC —leave your thoughts in the comments here.

Great Hair | Salons in Virginia | Salons in Maryland

Salon for Blondes

Hair Lounge, 2201 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-337-0951; hairloungesalon.com. Owners Daniel Levy and Serkan Sut—Levy used to work at Okyo; Sut counts Larry King as a client—run a salon specializing in color. From highlights to color correction, Levy says they can give a woman the same color as “when she was a little girl”—as in blond. Also recommended for updos and “event hair.” There’s even a frequent-client program: Spend more than $500 and get 10 percent off products and services; spend $1,500 and it’s 15 percent. Cut: $40 and up for men, $60 and up for women. Color: $70 and up. Highlights: $110 and up.

Right for Redheads

One80 Salon, 1275 K St., NW, Suite 101; 202-842-9113; one80salon.com. Heather Finkel, a redhead herself, is the person to see for reddish hues, while blondes and others swear by owner/colorist Jeremy Buchanan. Need a cut? Owner Rémi Metsu is a whiz with scissors. Cyrille Turpin is best for blowouts and updos. Cut: $50 and up for men, $80 and up for women. Color: $75 and up. Highlights: $120 and up.

Another Great Choice for Color

Urban Style Lab, 1341 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-223-2066; lab-dc.com. As the name implies, this is not the place for stiff helmet hair. The colorists all earn raves—especially Claudia Torrico, for natural-looking blond highlights, and Sertac Ozturk. Cut: $45 and up for men, $75 and up for women. Color: $65 and up. Highlights: $110 and up.

Longtime Favorites

Bill Lawrence Salon, 2120 18th St., NW; 202-387-8310. Located in Adams Morgan, this is the go-to salon for African-Americans in Washington. Bill Lawrence and Samantha Banks are the stylists most recommended. Cut: $65 and up. Color: $65 and up. Highlights: $150 and up.

George Salon at the Four Seasons, 2828 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; 202-342-1942. Many well-known heads swear by this beauty mainstay in Georgetown. Timo Nguyen and Ismail Tekin are talented with scissors. A great place for blowouts, too. Cut: $45 and up for men, $110 and up for women. Color: $100 and up. Highlights: $150 and up.

Ilo Salon & Day Spa, 1637 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-342-0350; ilosalonspa.com. This Georgetown salon continues to turn out high-quality, consistent work. Jack Howard is a top choice for color and highlights; Gary Walker is popular for cuts; Claire Burnham is recommended for curly hair. Cut: $60 and up for men, $90 and up women. Color: $120 and up. Highlights: $111 and up.

Okyo Salon, 2903 M St., NW; 202-342-2675; okyosalon.com. Over its 23 years, this Georgetown salon has styled such celebrities as Eva Longoria Parker and Sandra Bullock and won praise in Elle and Vogue. Owner Bernard Portelli (he takes new clients by referral only) is such an institution that his stylists have gone on to start other good salons, including Hair Lounge. A good stylist to see here: Nadine Amiri. Cuts: $50 for men, $80 for women. Color: $95 and up. Highlights: $130 and up.

Salon Jean-Paul, 4820 Yuma St., NW; 202-966-4600. Jean-Paul Amsellem was Jackie Kennedy’s hairdresser in the 1960s, and the salon he started 35 years ago—although he’s now retired—is still going strong. The decor and some of the older clientele give it an old-fashioned, beauty-parlor feel. Don’t be surprised to see well-coiffed celebrities such as NBC’s Andrea Mitchell. Mustafa Corumlu is often recommended—he gives WAMU personality Diane Rehm her distinctive ’do. Jean-Paul’s nephew, William Robert, is a stylist and the new co-owner there, carrying on the family tradition. Cut: $45 and up for men, $75 and up for women. Color: $70 and up. Highlights: $155 and up.

On the Cutting Edge

Easel Hair Studio, 1616 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-342-3999; easelhair.com. A modern space set in a brick townhouse, this Georgetown salon features easel-shaped haircutting stations and local art on the walls. The styles, especially by owner Shawn Leonard, can be artistic, too. Cuts: $35 for men, $65 for women. Color: $50 and up. Highlights: $100 and up.

Trim, A Salon, 2700 Ontario Rd., NW; 202-462-6080. A small, edgy salon where the music is as loud as the green, orange, and silver walls. The salon can get packed with a young clientele—could it be the free beer? Claibourne Reppert and Heather Hogan are especially popular. Women’s cuts are $70, men’s $38. Color: $85 and up. Highlights: $110 and up.

New and Noteworthy

Parlour, 1522 U St., NW; 202-986-0080; parlourdc.com. Rebecca Haehnle and Chris Keller, who previously worked at Axis, opened this pretty and unpretentious salon in May. Cut: $40 and up for men, $65 and up for women. Color: $65 and up. Highlights: $65 and up.

Loyal Followings

Bogart, 1063 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-333-6550; bogartsalon.com. This Georgetown salon, more than 30 years old, continues to turn out good work on everyone from adults to kids to brides to prom-going teens. All the stylists—who rarely leave—have devoted fans, especially Dragan Jakovljev and co-owner Fernando Ferre. Cut: $35 and up for men, $55 and up for women. Color: $60 and up. Highlights: $90 and up.

Paul Bosserman, 3214 N St., NW; 202-337-0020. This unassuming four-chair Georgetown salon isn’t easy to find. But many who do—especially women in their forties and fifties—come back. Cuts: $65 and up for men, $85 and up for women. Color: $85 and up. Highlights: $125 and up.

Comments

After reading in Washingtonian about St Germain’s Teri and her skills with fine hair, I set up an appointment with her for a new hair do. The appointment was setup with Teri for the cut and Ricky for the highlights (apparently Teri doesn’t do color, unless she has to). When I arrived I was told that my appointment was with Teri’s husband. When I called for the appt and discovered that someone else would be highlighting my hair, I clearly communicated to the scheduler that I wanted Teri to work out a plan for my hair do before any color process had started. When I insisted that my appt was with Teri the staff appeared to make an attempt to call her. While I was waiting for the staff to find Teri, Ricky asked me several times if I wanted to start my highlights. I kept responding, how do we know what we want to do with my color when we don’t know have a plan for the hair do. When Teri could not be found, I left before I wasted my money and any more of my time. I concluded that the appt was intentionally scheduled with someone other than Teri. My guess is that Teri has all of the business she needs and her husband could use some more. When I made the appt the scheduler knew I was a new client and that I was referred to Teri from Washingtonian.... You can come to your own conclusion.

Posted by: Donna, Oct 30, 2009 03:36:06 PM

Dina Busacco is now working at Aveda in Bethesda

Posted by: Mimi, Sep 14, 2009 07:41:26 AM

To the "unhappy girl":
Just so you know I got a call from Erwin Gomez Salon yesterday saying that Luigi Parasmo as of Tuesday September 8 will be starting to work there and not at Watergate anymore.

Posted by: MaryAnn, Aug 26, 2009 06:11:13 AM

I am a guy, and I think Nadia is the very best. I was recommended to her by one of many prominent Washington figures who rely on her skills and judgment, in the media, in Government, and visiting artists and movie stars. Since meeting Nadia, I have never gone to anyone else. A consummate professional with style, she makes miracles efficiently, and everything she does is done with a touch of class. I fully understand why she commands such an enviable clientele.

Posted by: Joe Reeder, Aug 19, 2009 11:07:18 AM

Totally agree with Patricia on the 1201 Salon -- "darling boutique salon" fits perfectly. I would add that it takes you back in time from the minute you step in you totally forget you are in modern D.C.! My favorite stylist there is Nadia Zarkeshian, the Salon’s owner, who truly "gets it!" I have never been more happy with my hair, whether we cut or color, or do anything dramatic it ALWAYS looks great. Nadia always knows just what to do, how much to add or take away to make you look great -- you know that just got off the runway look! 1201 Salon, 2526 L St. NW (202) 652-0847. Your readers are in for a real treat.

Posted by: Evonne Mobley, Aug 19, 2009 11:04:28 AM

Luigi is indeed a GREAT hairstylist!
I used to go to him and unfortunately no longer do
because of that horrible Manager/Owner he works for..She is awful and I quit going because of her..
I just wish he went to work somewhere else so I can have my beautiful color and highlights back!

Posted by: unhappy girl, Aug 13, 2009 05:59:37 AM

So happy that I read your article! I’m new to DC and decided to try Samantha Banks based on the many reviews of her work online, and in your article. What a talent!!! The lady really is a makeover queen! My color and cut are fa-bu-lous! Three weeks later, I’m still being stopped and complimented by strangers. Just so you know Samantha masters ALL types of hair. Formerly at the Bill Lawrence Salon, she is now located at a darling boutique salon in the West End of Georgetown: 1201 Salon, 2526 L St. NW (202)652-0847. Hope this helps your readers

Posted by: Patricia Wright, Jul 24, 2009 07:34:41 AM

New and Noteworthy!! Ultimate Beauty Lounge in Rockville Md on The Pike!!!
Ultimate Service,unbelievable Prices Check it out!!! WWW.ULTIMATEBEAUTYLOUNGE.COM

Posted by: Syndee, Jun 24, 2009 02:00:19 PM

Does anyone know whether or not Dina, recently of de la Ines Salon, is still in the DC area? I had just discovered her and would love to find her again.

Posted by: eleanor, Jun 09, 2009 12:58:07 PM

I heard so much about this guy, Luigi at the Watergate Salon..I recently e-mail Alison Starling
at ABC Good Morning Washington to find out who does her beautiful color and cut and she graciously e-mailed back saying that Luigi at Watergate has been for several years now.

Posted by: Kendra T., Jun 08, 2009 03:14:31 PM

I agree with Paige - Samantha Banks is AMAZING at color correction and maintaining healthy hair of ALL HAIR TYPES - she certainly has a fan club here in NYC!!! Sam has recently relocated to DC’s uber-fabulous, SALON L’EAU in Georgetown: www.salonleau.com (202) 625-2220. They also carry Kerastase products.

Posted by: Jessica, Jun 03, 2009 07:37:41 AM

Got curly and frizzy hair like mine? Put it into
Luigi’s hands at Watergate Salon. He knows curly, unruly and frizzy hair and actually saved mine ruined in the past by so many incompetent people.
I just got the Keratine Treatment done by Luigi 2 weeks ago and my hair is absolutely healthy, shiny and I just love him for suggesting it.
I’m telling you he’s the BEST.

Posted by: Jennifer S., May 31, 2009 03:50:22 PM

Curly/Coarse hair like myself,go to the Watergate Salon! I have gone to Kate for two years and she knows how to handle my crazy hair! She also uses this magic called Moroccan oil in my hair to keep it manageable and less frizzy. This is the only salon ever gone to that uses this stuff.Kate rules!

Posted by: fatima, May 30, 2009 09:52:06 AM

Luigi Parasmo at the Watergate Salon is absolutely the BEST. I’ve been going to him for 10 years and never been happier with my highlights and cut. Tough to make an appointment
I have to say but worth the wait.He was recently voted by Washington City Paper readers as 2nd best hairstylist in DC. I highly recommend him.

Posted by: Linda C., May 02, 2009 03:40:22 PM

In summer, my hair is wavy and frizzy and in the winter, with almost no humidity, it blows out sleek and straight. I need a makeover with new color and style and a stylist that understands how my hair responds to the climate - and won’t scare my dog with a "cutting-edge" style! And who is Samantha Banks and what salon is she associated with?

Posted by: Deborah, Mar 16, 2009 01:40:23 PM

OKYO SALON GOOD--ARE YOU KIDDING? This site is BOGUS if if recommending OKYO. They are terrible colorists. Where are you getting such outdated and bogus info? AVOID OKYO. You’ll regret the experience!!!

Posted by: Rebecca, Feb 27, 2009 01:58:41 PM

I found Leila Color Salon in Arlington, VA eight months ago. Leila does the best color I’ve ever seen. She’s also widely known as being the "eyebrow goddess." Her prices are fair. The salon is small, but fun.

Her website is: www.LeilaColorSalon.com

Posted by: Kay, Feb 15, 2009 09:53:39 PM

Todd at Paul Bosserman is THE BEST for curly hair.
Hands down!

Posted by: Loretta, Jan 23, 2009 02:19:16 PM

I had a horrible experience with Ola at PR partners. I strongly disagree with the previous poster. After turning my blonde hair brassy she proceded to dump more brassy gold onto it rather then bleaching out the brassiness.

I recommend George at the Four Seasons salon. They did my wedding updo and it was gorgeous!

Posted by: DCgal, Jan 20, 2009 12:02:03 PM

Michael Awad left Gaston’s and is back at the Watergate as of January 10th 2009.

Posted by: anonymous, Jan 19, 2009 01:05:13 PM

Michael is at Gaston Hair Design in DC. I love Michael too!

Posted by: anonymous, Jan 19, 2009 12:17:16 AM

Though some lucky ones might come out of Georges satisfied, I cannot say the same for a bunch of people who have experience otherwise. Recently I had a friend who after the loss of two family members decided to make the effort to get her hair colored at Georges and she came out looking like a parrot. Her hair was over processed by a hair dresser called Teresa who let her hair fry. We do not have the heart to tell our friend how awful she looks. And on two previous occasions when she has requested for a single hair process, she has been talked into getting highlights by the same women. Totally unethical.

I would recommend Vidal Sasson at Tysons Galeria anyday.

Posted by: Anna, Dec 26, 2008 04:54:45 PM

help! my stylist left the salon he’s been with for 8 years and I can’t find an email he sent me relatively recently... does anyone know where Michael Awad (formerly with Watergate Salon) is?

Posted by: Rebecca, Dec 01, 2008 01:25:13 PM

I have heard friends rave about a place in D.C. where only beauty school students and apprentices cut hair, but supposed the place is really edgy and the kids have true talent. Is any one familiar with the name??

Posted by: Ashley , Oct 06, 2008 11:05:29 AM

It’s about time your editors discovered Samantha Banks -the woman is a MAKEOVER QUEEN!!!(Hello? "Sheer Genius")? An extraordinary Colorist, and an amazing Cutter, Samantha masters MULTI-CULTURAL HAIR: European, Asian, African American, and everything in between (she’s great with curly hair too).I first met Sam on a photo-shoot here in NYC, and most recently witnessed her wizadry in Fashion Week Chicago. Trusting my unruly,(now gorgeous)blonde locks to her, was one of one of the best image moves I ever made. This lady is a genius!

Posted by: Paige Van der Kamp , Sep 21, 2008 02:30:28 AM

To answer the previous poster’s question, we did ask many men and women with curly hair to recommend salons and stylists, but there was no consensus--some curly-haired Washingtonians raved about salons that others had had bad experiences with. Although there is currently not a separate section for curly hair, if you look through the list you will find that we point out when a stylist at a listed salon is recommended for curly hair. We will be updating this hair list, and welcome salon and stylist suggestions, including those good with curly hair.

Also, to answer another poster’s question, salons do not have to advertise to be on this list of best salons--there is never any connection in our magazine between editorial listings and advertising.

Posted by: Sherri Dalphonse, Senior Editor, Sep 17, 2008 07:20:19 AM

You guys forgot about best for curly hair??

Posted by: Anon, Sep 11, 2008 06:49:02 PM

I can’t say enough great things about Ola, at PR@Partners K Street salon. Ola has been taking care of my hair for years, and I’m convinced there is no style she can’t provide. Her cuts have always been great and wearable, whether my hair was longer or shorter. She does perfect color and can achieve just the right kind of style to suit the individual--from the hippest of younger Washington women to those of us who are working in more traditional areas where we don’t want to look too interesting. Ola has great style of her own and is the best all around stylist I have found since moving to DC twelve years ago--and that counts a wide variety of salon experiences, from the biggest names in DC salons to the mall-oriented chains. Count on her for excellent customer service and for going above and beyond to make sure you are happy with your cut and color. I keep telling her she should be on "Shear Genius" but I’m secretly glad she’s not because if she became that famous I might not be able to get an appointment with her every three weeks! She is simply the best!

Posted by: Judi, Sep 06, 2008 10:12:02 AM

I’ve been client at Saint Germain Salon since it opened and have never been disappointed!

www.saintgermainsalon.com

Posted by: Paik Young, Sep 03, 2008 03:47:01 PM

I agree with Theresa’s comment. Bonita at Bill Lawrence is GREAT!!! I was in dire need of a hair stylist that not only knew how to style and cut hair but also keep the hair healthy. I’ve been going to Bonita for about a year and half and in that time she has been able to reestablish my hair’s health and growth. I would highly recommend her!

Posted by: Roh, Sep 03, 2008 03:43:36 PM

I guess there are no salons specializing in coarse hair that are worthy of making these lists. Interesting.

Posted by: Taryn, Sep 03, 2008 11:40:39 AM

i am very surprise O salon did not appears anywhere on this article ,do you have to advertise to be in this issues?

Posted by: sandy errico, Aug 30, 2008 04:59:29 AM

At Bill Lawrence Salon in Washington, DC, one of the best hair stylists is Bonita. She has worked there for 2 years and prior to this she owned her own hair salon. She is one of the best hair cutters in the area. She is an artist, not just someone who cuts hair. I would highly recommend her next time you ask for an appointment.

Theresa

Posted by: Theresa Gooden, Aug 29, 2008 09:28:43 AM

I have been going to De La Ines Salon located at 5520 Connecticut Ave NW
- I love the hairstylist Dina - I have been going since the day it has opened because I use to go to Aveda where Dina was. She does a great job really knows how to cut hair - very up to date styles. Keeps up with what is new and very nice.

Posted by: Regina White, Aug 27, 2008 11:48:50 AM

De La Ines- is the BEST thanks for including it in your article!

Posted by: Kristin, Aug 27, 2008 11:01:09 AM

why do so many of these salons have dead links?!

Posted by: anon, Aug 26, 2008 02:51:33 PM

Good Salons to Try in DC

Salon for Blondes

Right for Redheads

Another Great Choice for Color

Longtime Favorites

On the Cutting Edge

New and Noteworthy

Loyal Followings

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