I went to Salon Cielo after reading mostly positive reviews from various sites, including Judy's Book. The last time I got my hair cut was when I was in Vietnam two summers ago. So as you can imagine, my hair has grown very long since then, to my hips. I had been thinking of getting it cut when my friend suggested that we get our hair done when she was in town on Tuesday. Although it was extremely last-minute, I was able to schedule two appointments for 2 pm on Tuesday--so literally my friend and I were left from Silver Spring an hour or two after she arrived at my house!
We got there right on time because we had took the wrong exit at the Dupont Circle metro station and had to backtrack. My friend was whisked away and I had to wait a few minutes. In that time I was greeted by an older gentleman (maybe he was the manager?) and my stylist Rosa introduced herself. She had me sit in the chair and proceeded to ask me what I wanted to do with my hair.
I had found a hairstyle that I liked on a Japanese website. I had meant to print it out but forgot, but I had an idea of what I wanted. I have your typical slightly coarse, bone-straight Asian hair and I wanted to get rid of all the damaged ends I had, and I was the type of person who washed and air-dried her hair. I also had never dyed my hair asides from the use of the occasional henna shampoo. I wanted something with layers, maybe to below my shoulders, and I was open to anything new but no highlights. "Hair grows back," I said.
Rosa liked my attitude and led me to get my hair washed. The shampoo girl, while not talkative, was nice and efficient. While I love getting scalp massages, the neck rest was uncomfortable, so all the while I was thinking, "Mmm, that feels nice!" and "Ow, my neck! Is this over yet?" The salon uses Aveda products, which smell lovely.
While I was getting my hair cut, there were people to the left and right of me who also had appointments. The stylists bantered with one another and we (the clients) all chit-chatted about movies, Britney Spears, etc. It was very casual, laid back environment, and not at all awkward or felt forced. I felt very comfortable the entire time.
Rosa mainly used a razor to cut my hair. In the end, it was shorter than what I wanted (above my shoulders) but she did excellent work! My co-worker, who went to cosmology school, complimented on her work. For the first time, my hair has volume, too!
To sum it up:
1. I got what I asked for. No more damaged ends, and had layers.
2. It was shorter than what I asked, but the end result was very cute and everyone says it makes me look more older (in a good way). Thus, only four stars because due to the length and due to the uncomfortable neck rest when I got my hair shampooed.
3. The staff were very professional and friendly.
4. Rosa used three products on my hair. She explained what each product does but did not pressure me to purchase them, as she knew I was just a wash 'n dry gal. (Although I am now really tempted to go buy some Aveda products.)
5. It cost $55 for a wash/cut/blowdry excluding tip.
6. I would definitely go here again! Also, my friend was really pleased with her cut. She had brought in a picture from a magazine and got what she wanted. She looked great, too!
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