Vain

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2018 1st Ave (at Virginia Street)
Seattle, WA 98121

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(206) 441-3441
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Vain - Seattle, WA
Vain - Seattle, WA
Vain - Seattle, WA
Vain - Seattle, WA
Reviews
( 212 )
( 21 )
( 7 )
( 6 )
( 9 )

Best

Had my hair cut and colored by Carinn , she pulled off what I thought would be impossible , she really knows what she is doing, she gave me perfect burgundy highlights and a cut I...

Worst

I have been her twice and was never very impressed considering the staff's attitude. Just because they are in an art studio doesn't mean they are all that. I didn't go there for t...

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Great salon. Not snooty. 5/1/2009

I love Vain! They're really nice, interested in their clients and the atmosphere is great. It's not stuffy at all, and the prices are good. more
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totally made the cut 7/20/2007

My stylist just moved to Vain and since she's fabulous I followed her. Needless to say I love my gal Shannon since I followed her, her cuts and color are awesome! The salon itself is fun and funky, cool make-up and hair stuff. Trendy but not overwhelming. The only bummer is the parking which is limited and not cheap but do-able and totally worth it. more
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If you want awesome hair, you will make an appt. with Alexis. 11/6/2006

So..I just moved back from New York a couple of months ago and my fear of having to find a new hair stylist was not small. I had been going to the same person for god knows how long and trusted her with, as every woman knows, the most important thing, my hair. Needless to say, my roots were growing out and my hair, looking less than sassy, needed some help. Someone told me to call Vain because they did, oh so hot hair, and I picked Alexis, from some word of mouth. Not only did she listen and understand my fear but she gave me the most kickass color and cut I have had in so long. She knocked my ex-favorite hairstylist out of the park. And, she was funny and really sweet. I have no more fear about my hair in Seattle anymore and I get compliments ALL the time on the awesome job she did. If you are smart, you will call and make an appointment with her NOW. You will not be sorry and the compliments you get will pay off anything you have to pay, which is not that much, either. Run to her. She rocks and so will your hair. more
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Carly at Vain 10/27/2006

I've been getting my hair cut and colored by Carly at Vain for several years. She's always done a phenomenal job with my hair (straight, chin length). Her prices have crept up -- at one point, I got several cuts elsewhere (Rudy's, Spins), because I could hardly bear the thought of spending over $40 for a cut. I noticed a huge difference in the quality of the cuts I got elsewhere, and soon was back at Vain. For what it's worth, Carly's cuts grow out so well that I can typically go up to 8 weeks between haircuts. Color has been hit-or-miss, not so much because of the product or Carly's skills as it is because of miscommunication, I think. I usually have really good luck if I bring in photos showing the color I'd like. The "scene" at Vain can be off-putting, if you're not a 20-something hipster, but I've seen all ages/types of people getting their hair cut there, and Carly and the people at the receptionist desk have been polite to me. more
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Vain salon fantastic! 9/18/2006

I just visited Seattle's Vain salon for the first time & got a completely fresh update on my cut & colour. I now have these brilliant burgundy highlights where I just had blah plus my cut has more volume & lift then it's had in ages. I'm fairly new here, from the UK where this level of service would have cost a week's wages & they would have been much less friendly with it. Also- I recommend the Vain art gallery alongside the salon. Excellent artwork. more
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Liza Rocks! Amazing stylist for curly/wavy hair. 6/23/2006

So glad I found Liza. Best haircut of my life! Looks like I styled it even if it's just dried. more
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Awesome Color and cut 5/19/2006

I recently found David at Vain after asking some people at an executive luncheon where they got their hair done. He is great! He's been doing hair for many years and took the time to consult with me to see what I was after, and what effort I was willing to put in on daily basis then worked with me to formulate a plan. My boring brown hair became vibrant and fun but was still wearable in my professional work setting. It was great to have someone listen, work with me AND deliver results!! I'll now will only go to David at Vain. more
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I love my hair 5/8/2006

This is the best hair salon for fun fresh styles. It is hard for me to plan ahead so I tend to call into make my appointments at the last minute. That said I have seen several different stylists at Vain and have never been dissapointed. My hair changes with the seasons and they always keep it fresh. Lot's to look at - rotating art shows, sexy people and fun gift items and beauty products. They are involved in the community and sponsor organizations I support. It is more than just a beauty shop. Check it out. more
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Not that great 4/4/2006

I read all the great reviews here and decided to check this place out. Unfortunately I was very disappointed. The hair cut I got was not at all what I had wanted. I'm not sure how I could have so poorly communicated my wishes to the stylist to end up with the hair cut I got. I'm still trying to grow out the damage months and months later. The staff wasn't very helpful either - I felt like I was getting a cheap hair cut somewhere, and believe me this wasn't a cheap hair cut. more
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Totally overrated, if you ask me. 3/25/2006

I got a haircut and color at Vain a few years ago, at the advice of a co-worker. I was really disappointed, especially after reading all the hype this salon gets. My partial-foil ended up looking way more like a single color all over. It definitely wasn't the look I was going for, and I felt I was very clear. The haircut was also not what I had requested and I was very taken aback when I requested bangs and the stylist told me no, stating that it wouldn't flatter my face. I have had bangs many times in the past and believe it's my choice what I do with my hair. My experience wasn't worth the money, but it was a few years ago and I have no idea whether or not that stylist is even employed there any longer. more
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I love Vain 3/9/2006

Last year I quit my corporate job and wanted COLOR. It's hard for someone with mediterranean hair (long, dark and curly) and who is 46 (10% grey) to achieve that look but Vain did it. No, I'm not walking around with glowing neon head. Instead, Liza Gilbert spent hours with me perfecting the right color-combo of purply brown dye (for the grey) and pink veggie dye. In daylight, especially at the right angle, my head glows pink. Plus the dye doesn't thrash my delicate hair at all. Her suggestion of extensions to achieve bright color were right on. Kristen put in about thirty braids of dark pink hair that now poke out from under my natural hair. I get compliments everyday. I love going to see Liza at Vain because I feel well taken care of and, although the employees are way more hip than I, I never have felt any attitude at all. Plus the price isn't bad. Go Vain! more
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Sharon is great 10/28/2005

Any salon is only as good as its stylists. Even the best salons have a few duds. The first stylist I went to at Vain (she's no longer there) never seemed present. Now I see Sharon and the experience is so different. Sharon focuses on my hair and not what is going on around us in the salon. She a complete professional with a delightful British accent! She, and I believe most of the stylists, offer free trims in between cuts. After boucing around from salon to salon I have finally found a stylist and salon that work for me. more
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Totally not worth it 10/22/2005

I got one of the worst and most overpriced hair cuts of my life here. It cost my $46 plus tip for a hair cut that I could have got at Super Cuts at the mall. I'm not sure what happened. The reason I went in the first place is because of all the good reviews on this site. Maybe I got a stylist having a bad day or something. The atmosphere was pretty cool, but the receptionist was not friendly or helpful either, which really put me off. Overall I will never go back there - not even for the free 3-week trim! more
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funky belltown salon 10/21/2005

years ago, when i first moved to seattle, i wanted my hair dyed bright, neon red, and this is where i went. i swear to god, everyone who was in there walked out looking 100% different, and one hundred percent better.prices are a round average, maybe a little higher now, but very much worth it. they take their time and do an excellent job! one of the other stylist's even got me a latte when she ran out for lunch!!! more
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Cool, but not the best. 9/21/2005

I agree with everyone, for the most part. My friend always gets her hair done here, and it always looks very kick ass. I was so psyched, I made an appointment and I came out looking the exact same as when I walked in. Kind of disappointing because I wanted something really funky and even told the stylist so. My experience was so-so but while I was there I saw alot of other folks getting some great cuts. more
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Do a search on it. 9/17/2005

There are about 8 reviews already out there. more
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Fun atmosphere, funky staff 9/9/2005

If you are looking for a kicky hairstyle, this is the palce for you. I have short, textured hair and Lancer really knew how to work with it to give me even more style. There are many stylists there and they all have different skills and specialties--if you're not sure who to go for, just call in and describe your hair and needs and the knowledgable front desk staff will be able to reccommend someone for you. more
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Savvy! 9/9/2005

These stylists rock - so nice, so talented, and are lucky enough to work in the salon's spectacular atmosphere. Always some great tunes to listen to, as well as every possible magazine to take a gander at while you wait for that new cool dye to set. I admire their do-it-yourself attitude - I always get great ideas for what to do next time. Love this place! more
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Pricey but Great 8/20/2005

The stylists at this upscale Belltown-neighborhood salon do great work. It's easy for me to get an appointment, but if you are late, you may have to reschedule. You can come back two weeks after your initial cut to get a trim for free. The stylists really care about their work and try hard to keep me happy. Expensive, but worth it. more
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The Savvy Spot for all your beauty needs 7/26/2005

This place is much more than a Salon. You can get an inexpensive $15 cut from a skilled apprentice, a complete new look with color and style from one of their knowledgeable staff while browsing the web on your blackberry. A neighborhood business in Belltown, Vain also provides space for Do-It-Yourself beauty products, and locally made clothes, handbags, jewelery and cards....its a boutique plus an art gallery. Yep, there's even more to rave about: the upstairs to this place is rented out as art studios. You'll find the latest creations during their first Thursday shows, which are free, 21+! more
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Summer SALE!!!:
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This Belltown salon boasts a defiant, DIY haircare ethos with supplies for creating looks Mother Nature never intended.

Owner Message

  • VAIN is a hair salon, a boutique, an art gallery and a community space in downtown Seattle committed to supporting individual style and self-expression in a creative and dynamic environment.

    At VAIN, we recognize and accept our responsibility for influencing people's perceptions about themselves and their bodies. VAIN works to disrupt unrealistic and harmful beauty standards within the industry by expanding the definitions of beauty and style.

    We deliver cutting edge style in a comfortable, fun and empowering way that remains focused on the individual. Fueled by our founder Victoria's interest in social causes and a drive to promote conscientious capitalism, VAIN began and has continued building connections with communities of people who are working for social change, making VAIN more than just a salon.

Editorial

  • The Scene
    Since 1996, Victoria Gentry and her crew have guided Seattleites in dyeing, color correction and deep conditioning, along with bohemian-chic cuts, unique hair extensions and creative updos. The Belltown store and salon carries edgy clothing and accessories designed by local artists and stocks a smorgasbord of professional products, from high-end Sebastian goop to down-and-dirty developer in a plain brown bottle. Staff members are delighted to enlighten customers regarding the perfect chemical cocktail for super-styley hair and warn about potentially hair-frying concoctions.

    The Services
    Everything hair-related--cuts and a literal rainbow of color options. Patch tests are recommended for more daring dye adventures, so make arrangements to stop by for a test-drive before your official appointment. Vain also now offers a variety of spa-type services, including waxing and massage.

  • 10/24/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sun-Tue 11am-8pm Wed 11am-9pm Thu 9am-10pm Fri-Sat 9am-9pm
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, Cash
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, Pike Place Market
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