Perhaps no other salon in Washington stirs up passions like Andre Chreky.
Many women love the downtown DC salon–and wouldn't let anyone else but Andre touch their hair. They consider him one of the best stylists–if not the best–in Washington. Until recently, Chreky cut Laura Bush's hair.
Other women can't stand the place. They e-mail us–we get more complaints about this salon than any other–to say it is "overpriced," "a cattle call," and that "they rush you through." They complain about being kept waiting, both in the salon and on the phone. Recently we've heard more complaints about coloring.
Like any salon, how you're treated can depend on who you are, who you see, and when you go. The salon seems to treat established customers very well. But a surprising number of women, especially newer clients, feel that for the price they deserve better treatment.
For this reason, although many customers remain faithful to Andre Chreky, it is not on our 2005 Top Salons list.
Sherri Dalphonse joined Washingtonian in 1986 as an editorial intern, and worked her way to the top of the masthead when she was named editor-in-chief in 2022. She oversees the magazine’s editorial staff, and guides the magazine’s stories and direction. She lives in DC.
