In the past year, a number of last-minute salon service apps have launched in DC. There’s PrettyQuick, which connects users with salons with open appointments; there’s Veluxe, which brings a vetted service provider to the homes of Washington’s elite; and there’s Soothe, which supplies masseuses to the homes of DC’s stressed inhabitants 9 AM to midnight, seven days a week.
On Thursday, September 3, Washingtonians can add The Glam App to the list. The Glam App celebrated with a day-long beauty retreat at The Fairmont. While this app is another “beauty on demand” tool, similar to Veluxe, which can make a manicurist appear at you residence at “the push of a button,” the app is intended to benefit the stylists as much as it is for the users.
The app was founded by actress and blogger Cara Santana and celebrity hair and makeup artist Joey Maalouf–who has Rachel Zoe on his client and friend list–and together, they say they understand both the needs of the users and the stylists.
“We double as a virtual agency for our stylists, who are all independent contractors, not employees. Therefore we are able to fill a high volume of appointments and take a smaller commission,” says Santana. “Being as I’m and actress and Joey is a celebrity hair and make up artists, we really understand both sides, which enables us to really create a concept whole and complete.”
Through the app, stylists are able to build a repeat client base and grow their own brand, along with the app’s ratings. On the flip side, this also means that users have the ability request specific stylists with whom they’ve had a good experience, rather than just selecting a service and waiting to see who arrives at their door.
There are currently 60 DC stylists offering their services through the app, and the founders say that number is continuing to grow. Similar to Uber, the app allows anyone to submit a form through their website to become an available stylist–setting their own schedule during the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM. Based on the stylist’s credentials and their number of repeat requests from clients, they are ranked as either a “BSG,” “JRS,” or “VIP” so that users can pick a stylist with an experience level that fits their budget.
Washington is the twelfth city The Glam App has begun serving since its launch in Los Angeles in February, and the founders are confident it will resonate well among DC’s on-the-go women.
“The women of DC are ambitious and driven and need convenient luxury,” says Santana. “DC is the epitome of sophisticated on the go women who are glamorous and independent, so this was a natural addition to our activation schedule.”
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
