I originally booked an appointment online for a highlight/balayage and cut. After filling out the color consult form, I then get a call informing me that if you want "fashion colors" (anything other than blonde) that you have to do a consult and then get a custom appointment time. Fair enough, but it was never mentioned anywhere on their site in the description of the appointment despite it being a pretty important side note. Now I'm screwed in terms of getting an appointment before my trip. I've never had issues getting colors added with regular balayage appointments elsewhere and going in weeks ahead of time for a consult just adds to the time they've already made me waste with their poor organization. I'll be spending my money at a different salon. read more

Huge salon with lots of good stylists. You'll find someone here that will suit your needs. They have good products and my experience there was good. Also making an appointment is easy!!! read more

Hi everyone, just want to share my experience with y'all about this amazing place! I've tried all major salons in Raleigh: Junction, Salon Blu, Samuel Cole, Douglas Carrol. Nothing like this one! Aaron is THE greatest "scissor hand"! I've been searching for someone like him since I moved to Raleigh from NYC five years ago! He's so patient and thorough! Please pay a visit! Especially if you're Asian, Aaron knows our hair! Also, I want to tell you about Stephanie! She worked wonder on my hair color! I've experimented a lot of colors since last year, and completely destroyed my hair and made it look like a rainbow fest (not in a good way). It took Stephanie four hours to help correct and restore my hair. She came in to save me on a snow day, since that's the only day I have off. She's so talented and caring, which made the whole process nothing but fun. I now have my healthy chic color because of her! Sorry this is so long. But please check this place out, especially those two!!! You won't regret! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I'm here visiting by myself from AZ so when I decided to pamper myself and get my hair done (which I haven't in years because I'm so picky) for my birthday I had to do some research of where to go. Who had the most reviews/pictures/etc. I found Alter EGO on here and thought it was my best bet. I couldn't have found a better place. I was staying in Durham, so GPS said it was about 30-40 minutes away with traffic. It wasn't a bad drive and North Carolina is beautiful, so there's that. I made my appointment with Aspen and I am SO glad I had her. She was so attentive and so nice. I chose to do Balayage (which I've never done) and was kinda unsure of how bright or drastic I wanted it. Right when I sat down she said "so tell me about your hair." I thought it was neat, I've never had a stylist ask me. I told her my concerns and how I had a bump on my head and she made sure she was extra careful.She would explain to me what she was doing and why she was doing it. She explained why she went with the color she did. And it looks AMAZING! It was overall a very pleasant experience and I'm glad I went with Alter EGO. They serve drinks while you're getting your hair done which I thought was awesome! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Balayage done by Aspen - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Not sure how I feel about being a customer for the long run, but after my first visit, I believe that I was somewhat pleased, given the circumstances of being a newcomer to the Raleigh area. As many other women are, I'm very picky about hair stylists when it comes to my hair. I used to have hair so long, that I was forced to do a long bob when I donated 11 inches about two years ago. Now that that terrible cut has grown out some, I worry about cutting too much off again. And coming from Fort Bragg, the land of Korean beauty salons/barber shops, I am used to the standard trims for $25. However, Alter EGO charged me approximately $60 for a standard trim (it included a hair wash), and the work was only O-K. Granted the location was different and interesting, and there are plenty of stylists to choose from (if you're a newcomer), but I honestly expected a lot more talent when it came to a higher end beauty salon rather than a small barber shop in Fayetteville. I do not want to point any fingers on my simple hair trim, but I may be changing stylists or go to a different location next time. I just hope they plan to lower their prices some. Especially for the simple hair TRIM. read more

Finally found a salon I like! Kevin is awesome, ya'll. Just lovely conversation - I love his philosophy of hair. He wants to understand who you are first and then create a cut and style that works for you. For me, he did a balayage and contemporary bob cut. I love it so much. I'll try to add a picture later. I have very fine brunette hair, and it's been nearly impossible to find someone who can make it look cute. The color really adds dimension to make it look fuller, and he taught me how to style it so it has volume. Everyone is really nice and relaxed here, and they take great care of their customers. They serve wine and beer and other drinks. I had a sore throat, so they brought me hot tea. The thing I really liked, besides the final product I walked out with, was that Kevin gave me a detailed tutorial of how to style my hair so it would look pretty on my own. He didn't try to sell me on products but gave his true opinion of what I was already using and what he suggested for me. Literally, he put one product in my hair (besides hairspray) and I went and bought it on my own later. Five out of five because it's several weeks later and I still love my hair. Edit: Here's a picture of my cut and color. read more

Alter EGO Salon - Balayage and cut by Kevin - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

First time to Alter Ego recommended by some coworkers that have been getting their hair cut and color. They didn't have anyone they recommended because they said they've been taken care of by almost everyone there. My stylist was Daniel. He listened to what I wanted, made recommendations to what I needed and he was right. The cut and style turned out better than what I wanted. Favorite part of all cuts are the wash and scalp massage. He's was very personable and I can't wait to return for my next appointment! Thank you Daniel! read more

Went for the first time yesterday. Couldn't be happier with the service. Kabrina was fantastic and really understands curly hair.

Man, what a relief. I had a wonderful stylist in New York that I was tearful to part with after moving down to Raleigh. Hesitantly, I visited a stylist who wasn't Dana H. at a different salon and he destroyed my long wavy cut. This deterred me from trying again for several months, until I decided to risk it and trust the amazing Yelp reviews I'd been reading about this salon downtown. And boy am I glad I did. The online booking system was a breeze, and although I had to wait a few weeks to book an appointment with Dana H., something told me it would be worth it. On the day of my appointment, I got off the elevator and was immediately pleased with the space and the smiling people waiting to greet me; it was a beautifully spacious and bright salon with popping colors and art hanging everywhere. Dana didn't leave me waiting for long, and soon she was listening to my previous horror story. She responded with pointed questions and was nothing but a professional. She listened to everything I had to say, adding suggestions of her own, and the cut and color was spectacular. She made me feel 100% comfortable and executed it beautifully. I've found my stylist for life. read more

Alter EGO Salon - Dana H. getting serious. - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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This place has a really cool vibe! I was in search of a new hair salon because I had not gotten a hair cut in Raleigh before and this place did not disappoint! I booked an appointment with Samantha and really enjoyed my hair cut experience. She was easy to talk to and was listened to my hair goals/regime so my haircut would be what I wanted. Overall, I had a great time here and will return. P.S. They have WiFi and validate parking read more

I have been seeing Abby R. for a couple years now and I always leave feeling and looking great! I show her an inspiration picture and she gets super close to it every time. If it's not perfect, she touches up certain pieces and it's spot on. She's also hilarious and always has great conversation. You won't be disappointed visiting her! read more

Alter EGO Salon - After my visit and feeling great! - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I recommend Elsie for all your coloring needs. I've had bad experiences in the past and was nervous to get another balayage but she did a fantastic job! read more

Strangely enough, I started going to Alter Ego after my boyfriend went there. I'd tried several other Raleigh and Durham hair salons, and was a bit disenfranchised with the area. Luckily, I found Alter Ego, because now I won't go anywhere else. Shawna Causey is easily the best hairstylist I've ever encountered. She listens to what you want, she works extremely hard, and she even took SIX HOURS to get my red hair to dark brown and BLUE. There's no one else I'd rather do it with - Shawna was patient, smart and none of it was overpriced. Aspen Johnson is also fantastic for a blowout. She's extremely fashion-forward and a blast to sit in a chair for. Can't rave about this place enough! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair by Shawna Causey, with help from Aspen Johnson! - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Trevor did an amazing job listening and executing what I wanted. My hair is curly snd thick and hard to deal with. I took off a ton of length and he made my hair look better than it's been in years. Can't wait to come back for my next cut. read more

I recently moved to the area and decided to search on Yelp for great salons that specialize in Balayage and after seeing all the great reviews I decided to give Alter EGO a try. I called and scheduled a price consultation with Kevin and had a really nice experience. He took his time to explain everything and get my inputs and ideas on what I wanted and then worked with that to give me the Balayage look I wanted. He was very friendly and took the time to get to know me and couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome. I would recommend Kevin to anyone who is looking for a great look and professionalism to make your hair look beautiful. He's by far the best at Balayage and I will be going back to him for a re-touch. I ain't gonna lie this has been the most expensive haircut and Balayage I've ever had in my life, but you definitely pay for what you get. read more

Alter EGO Salon - My beautiful Balayage by Kevin! - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Kyle absolutely KILLED IT!!! He gave me a shag cut and honestly I'm so happy that I plan on going back to him specifically every time. Y'all rock!!!! read more

Kyle is THE Haircut Whisperer. He's not just an expert at knowing how best to cut your hair, but he's a delight to chat with. Oh...and there's a parking lot a few doors down that always has spots for extremely low cost. read more

I got my hair cut there on this past Friday, and left feeling like the cut was acceptable enough. The hair dresser I saw cut it a full1-2 inches shorter than I wanted, while I was already planning to get 8 inches off. This difference completely changed how the cut turned out, and left me with a messy chin length cut at best. The hair dresser did not look at the pictures I had sent in ahead of time, and my hair leaving there looked nothing like the pictures I had shown. On top of this when I washed and tried my hair at home it was clear that the back was actually longer than the front of my hair. This was after I discussed having a slightly angled bob, with the front being a good amount longer than the back. For the dye side of things, I asked for an all over glaze and left with brown dye all along one side of my forehead. The assistant also sprayed me in the face twice while rinsing out the glaze, to the point that I needed a towel to dry my face. The appointment itself also started a good 20 minutes late. read more

After my first haircut here. I can say that the stylist was very precise. While I did not love my haircut, I did love how she did scissors and made sure I was neat and even and tidy. Next time, I think I will be able to review and hopefully add more stars. It is a bit of a bummer to have short hair and be charged so much more for a haircut just because I have boobs. Men pay less. read more

The worst thing about moving to a new town for me is finding a hair stylist. I got so lucky when a friend suggested Alter Ego. I looked at the website and other sites for reviews of the stylists and based on the profiles and feedback I decided to try Kegan Rushing. He has given me the absolute best hair cut I have ever had. It's so easy to take care of and looks good even when I don't do anything to it! I can just blow dry and go if I want to. Definitely the place to go if you want a younger, edgier feel and look. This is the first time that I have kept up an every six week appointment at a salon because not only do I love how my hair looks, but being in Kegan's chair is so relaxing, it's almost like a therapy session! I mean it when I say I would not go anywhere else and I don't know what I'll do if I move away from Raleigh or Kegan does! read more

Was really nervous since I had been going to my hairdresser for over a decade. Stephen put me at ease. So did the wine they offered when I came in. Nice touch. Great open space. Very urban. Personalized service from head to toe (no pun intended) I will be back! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I had an amazing experience at Alter Ego and highly recommend it! I woke up deciding it was definitely time for a haircut, and they luckily had an opening that same day. My stylist Violet did a phenomenal job. They spent well over an hour with my very thick and unruly hair giving me a fantastic cut and extra time on styling it perfectly, which was such a treat! I also had a question about a styling tip and they took the time to show me how to do it at home! I will definitely be back. read more

I requested Aaron for my undercut because he's the KING based on his Instagram. But... not only was he rude and not paying attention to my cut, he blatantly ignored the photo I showed him and he cut a design that wasn't even similar to what I showed him. He was focused on a different client during my cut and didn't say more than a few simple words to me. He was so distracted by this other client that he cut my undercut CROOKED so the point is off center. (I was so upset I had my boyfriend shave it when I got home to hide the design he put in it). I went to a new salon a few weeks later to try to fix the crooked center, but the point is so high that we can't cut any shorter without thinning my hair completely in the back. DO NOT RECOMMEND. So now I have to let my undercut grow out before I can shave again. I'm very, very upset with his work. read more

Alter EGO Salon - Crooked and off center. - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I've been getting my hair done by Celeste since she was a student at Paul Mitchell, rinsing my bleach outs in her kitchen sink. She has been passionate about her career long before she got started at Alter Ego, and it shows through her hands with every service she provides. She's a talented, honest, thoughtful stylist who will make sure your goals are met, as long as your hair is healthy and beautiful. She takes her time with her consultations, is warm and welcoming to clients, and cares just as much about the integrity of your hair as she does your wildest color dreams. She's phenomenal at haircuts, a wizard with a color brush, a magician with some lightener, and works hard to make sure you meet your hair goals in the safest and most fun way possible. Please go see her!!!!! read more

The best Blonde of my life. Maggie, my stylist, who I'm absolutely in love with, is a hair oasis for me in Raleigh. Alter ego has a really cool consultation that you complete on their website prior to your visit. Maggy really listened to me and created the perfect shade of blonde. She is a very skilled (recently promoted - congratulations!) stylist yet she is really personable and doesn't act like she knows what's better for your hair than you do! She has an amazing passion for life and there is no shortage of exciting stories with her. I usually feel like I spend literally forever at a salon but she made the time pass and I did not have anxiety at all throughout the visit which is a huge plus if you care about your hair! Maggie also cut and blew out my hair. If you're one of those people who wants a literal trim, Maggie is your girl! Sometimes stylist can be quick w their wrists and cut all the length we patiently grew out, not Maggie she will listen to you exactly. That kind of stylist is amazing because once you build trust with someone you can experiment with them and still feel safe. I usually like to leave the salon with a deep conditioning treatment in my hair, testing only a section for color... since she was so easy-going I committed to that extra 20 minutes of chair time. I was so pleased with my blowout, I had great hair for a week, I was shocked and amazed that I could go that long, I usually do three days max and I am a hair powder/dry shampoo addict starting day two. Borderline gross but my hair felt clean and looked perfect. Maggie is an A+ stylist and my next appointment is already scheduled. I have never before this time instantly liked my color, when my stylist washes my hair after application, I'm usually underwhelmed. I could see the blonde right away. Just perfection! So grateful that I found her through Yelp! If you are blonde and you want to keep your hair brass free in between visits I use and recommend orbe purple shampoo (they carry it here) however I don't like their conditioner. I feel like it does nothing for my hair. This was my second time using it and I'm still not impressed. Definitely asking for a different conditioner next time. The salon itself is gorgeous. It's on a really pretty Street downtown, parking was easy and so many food options in the area. I ended up ordering from a nearby vegetarian restaurant and eating it while I processed my color in their gorgeous waiting area. If you're into it, the selfie lighting is amazing and they also have a light ring if you want to go a really nice picture of your new hair taken. Everyone at the front desk was really nice and it was really easy to set up the appointment. read more

They only care about a transaction. First visit with the stylist Meghan and when she mentioned that it would take 3 visits to get me to a desired look. I understood that. Thinking we would we would start the process of that. She only put toner calling it a "glaze," blow dry and put no products in my hair for $84.00. Knowing that it wouldn't change it at all. But she wanted to make money for the salon and herself. She said it was because of time but my original appointment was for what they thought was going to be a color and cut. So that would have given plenty of time since I wasn't having a cut as well. Unless they double booked because they like to fit in more clients because their only concern is taking money from their clients vs being honest. And for someone that works hard in service it's disheartening that I wouldn't be left with the results I asked for. If I was going to put money towards change I wanted it to be for color not just a toner. I have NEVER left a review in my life. read more

My favorite salon in Raleigh! The staff is so amazing , especially Nadine. I have gone back to her twice and she has added the most beautiful dimension to my blonde hair and toned it to the color I have been trying to beg for years. Everyone do yourself a favor and let Nadine do your hair! read more

This was my first time going to Alter Ego- I chose them based on their Yelp review and the fact they had a promotion going on at the time. Once I arrived and stepped out of the elevator, I was warmly greeted, offered a myriad of beverages (one of them being a local brew on tap!) while waiting in the eclectic lounging area, for my stylist/colorist, Ashley. I love the loft space this salon occupies. Ashley not only has a great personality, she listened to what I was looking for and when asked, offered her professional opinion. She did a great job, took her time and never made me feel rushed at all (which I've found at some salons). I would highly recommend the salon and Ashley but do be prepared- the great staff, customer service and ambiance comes at a price (just look to see if they're doing a promotion).... but if budget isn't an issue for you, then I would recommend a visit. read more

This was my second time visiting Alter EGO with Nadine. I will absolutely keep coming back. I lived in Southern California for 3 years and had a stylist that was my go-to. I thought I would never be able to get the same look anywhere else. I am a natural brunette but consistently want a dirty blonde look that looks very natural and not streaky. Nadine has blown me away each time. I have had more compliments on my hair now than ever before and I am absolutely obsessed. She really listens to exactly what you want, makes me feel comfortable and confident, and is just a joy to speak with. Thank you Nadine and Alter Ego for a kickass color and cut. read more

Aaron Kim was great. Took the time to really listen and strategize about color. I had a lot done. Very skilled. Great results. Very skilled on the cut as well. Over the years I've truly realized that to cut Asian hair well (completely different technique) it really has to be a stylist who was trained in Japan or Korea. Huge difference. I'd recommend him to anyone (Asian or not). read more

I came here recently to get my hair colored and I'm very pleased with my new hair style. I felt very comfortable during my 4 hour stay there and all the staff were welcoming. Now I want to talk about my stylist which was Kevin. Kevin did a great job highlighting my hair, he went above and beyond my expectation. I can tell he is very passionate about his job and he went out his way to make sure that I was happy with the end result. Very knowledgable stylist, definitely coming back here again. read more

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If you're a new client hoping to make an appointment, you're out of luck. They don't have a reception.

The woman who did my hair was so so nice, but I spent 3 hours there for blonde highlights and I left with my hair looking exactly the same. Just disappointed! read more

I'd been thinking of going blonde for years - so when I was finally ready to take the plunge, I knew I wanted to go somewhere I could trust to do it right. Claire had told me during my color consultation that it would take two or three appointments to take me from dark brown to light blonde, and she did a great job of asking questions about how I style my hair, how I take care of it, and what products I use on it. My first appointment took six hours!! Claire was so patient and wonderful to work with - she wasn't about to cut corners on me. Even though she was there late, she really committed to getting the job done right so my "in-between" dye job was the best it could be. She lifted the color the rest of the way at my follow-up appointment, and I'm looking forward to going back to her to keep it blonde for awhile. (She's easy to talk to, but also comfortable with a little bit of silence - which I appreciate as someone who runs out of small talk after a few hours in the chair.) They weren't pushy about products or additional services, and I really got the impression that their number 1 concern was giving me the hair I wanted without damaging it. It IS pricey - but I firmly believe that you get what you pay for, and I was willing to shell out a little more to put my drastic hair transformation in the right hands. My only complaint is that the chairs aren't very comfortable - they match the trendy decor in the salon, but when you're there for a long appointment, the station chairs and the metal rinse bench can take a toll on you. (But hey - beauty is pain, isn't that what they say? Haha) read more

This is one place to go if you want to have someone do it right. It took me sometime to find a hairstylist who understands what i want and whose hands are skillful. Aaron kim. He is exceptional. I had a korean hairstylist in LA who knows my style and was sad i had to move west coast. I am glad i found one to replace her in the east coast! Look for Aaron Kim. You can tell him details and he gets it ! Very talented! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I moved to NC 5 years ago and have been looking for a hairstylist that I trust. Well I found that at alter ego and I'm so happy. Elise is fantastic! She listens, she's intuitive and she really takes her time to do a fantastic job. Also the entire process of booking at alter ego and going during a pandemic was so smooth and I felt so safe. Way to go alter ego for being a wonderful business all around. I can't wait to go back! read more

I always know I'm going to get a great cut from Dana. She's one of the best hairstylists I've ever been to. She pays attention to detail. I love my new cut! read more

Maggie Leonhart is a brilliant colorist. I was desperate to find an artist to replace a beloved one (who no long has a salon, and I need to have my hair attended to in an environment that is a relaxing as as fun as his was). The salon itself is spacious, full of light (and stylists with their numerous customers), and has gorgeous facilities. The emphasis here is not just on a "hairstyle" but on having a color and styling that enhances and reflects one's lifestyle. Maggie sat down with me first for a consultation, developed a plan, and provided the basis for all future appointments with her. She has lived and traveled abroad extensively, and her approach is one I will be happy with whether I am with family in California or at my other residence in Northern Italy. read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I am a new client at Alter Ego Salon and scheduled my first appointment with Maggie. I really appreciated the time she took at the start of our appointment to discuss my hair type and the appropriate styling and treatment options for keratin, cuts, and color! The salon staff made me feel welcome while being professional. I'm excited to make this my salon in Raleigh read more

My stylist Taylor was very knowledgeable and gave advice specific to my hair type. I'm very pleased with my color service! The environment was safe and the staff were very helpful, warm and welcoming! I would definitely recommend this salon! read more