Obsessed with my hair Rissel Thank you for always doing your thing and leaving me feeling confident every time. Highly recommend!

My haircut was fine, but Suelene made several negative comments about my hair (which is often complimented as my best feature). It was kind of weird and not the experience you expect from a stylist, whose job it is to make you feel beautiful! read more

Kayla is amazing! She listened to what I wanted and asked questions. Then she gave me the best haircut of my life. She took the time and effort to give me an absolutely meticulous haircut. I can't recommend her highly enough. read more

The owner of this salon GORKEM is extremely rude and unprofessional and cold in his demeanor to customers of a certain skin tone: BLACK people. If you only want white people showing up to your salon, please let it be known. Gorkem, you have ONE biracial hair stylist. How many of your stylists would be able to do 4C hair? How many of your stylist can do braids? Gorkem- the owner of the salon also cannot seem to handle constructive criticism coming from black people. Very sad. We find him to be weak in his professionalism and conduct. He apparently needs a re-education. read more

Mr. Gorkem Emir (Owner), I am a husband wanting to ensure my wife has a wonderful time finding and connecting with a new stylist in the Washington, DC metropolitan area after previous experiences that did not go well. I believe we found that. I saw with my own eyes how Candace (my spouse) glowed during interactions with her stylist. This makes me happy. There was a downside to our visit, however. This "hiccup" is why I'm writing a review. I am disappointed with the unsatisfactory response to Candace's concerns about our customer experience on arrival in the parking lot. I presume someone from your team wrote the response, but since you are the owner and the person I interacted with on first contact, I am addressing this to you (and I expect a response from you). I see plenty of responses on other Google reviews where customers voice their concerns and for the most part, it looks like there is an attempt to make amends or correct whatever may have gone wrong. I had a wonderful experience inside the salon; however, my introduction was nowhere close to that. For context, I need you to understand that I am a Black man in America. Given who we have in the Oval Office, it is of extreme importance that we take seriously people's concerns when they are voiced, especially regarding the customer service experience and potential instances of racism/prejudice. I have often visited and patronized businesses where, before I can get a warm greeting and asked how I am doing, I am questioned if I can be helped. I get that not everyone understands why this might be troubling. Asking if I need to be helped (without first acknowledging my humanity with a greeting such as "Hi" or "Hello"), presumes I need help because I am either lost, somewhere I might not need to be, or incapable of doing whatever I am focused on at the moment. Historically, in America, these are some of the undertones when a Black person is asked at the first introduction, "Can I help you?" Not, "How can I help you?" But "Can I help you?" I understand that you are not responsible for this Nation's history. You are, however, responsible/accountable for your customer's experience. If the first interaction I have in the parking lot of an establishment with the OWNER is, "Can I help you?" and my back is turned to you while I'm actively putting something away in my car, we are starting off on the wrong foot. I then must make the choice of how to respond to this lack of warmth and disrespect. Amazingly when I said, "I'm here for Illusions, we have an appointment", you understood that we were customers and proceeded to walk off. That was the entire conversation. I was not pointed in the direction of the front door. I was not thanked for coming to patronize the business. I was left in the parking lot with my wife, having just met the owner of an establishment, and all I received was, "Can I help you?" I think it is reasonable to expect the same level of warmth and courtesy, whether I'm in the parking lot or inside the salon. If what I can expect next time is a "Can I help you?" I would suggest hiring a parking lot monitor or security, because it would make sense for them to speak to a first-time customer in that manner without any warmth. In that moment, when the question was asked, I did not feel welcome. This was my first impression of Illusions. Exceptional customer service starts on first contact. I believe there are some ways to improve customer interactions such as Candace and I have experienced given the unchanging policy. 1) Greet people properly with a smile and say, "Hi", "Hello", "Good ___ (morning / afternoon)". Introduce yourself, "I am _____ (name) with Illusions of Georgetown. How may I help you?" 2) Allow people the opportunity to step away from their vehicle OR greet them at a comfortable distance (think: social distancing during COVID-19). You could even wave, if that's your thing. When we return, given Candace's love of the experience with her stylist, I expect some warmth and a hello/introduction before asking if I can be helped. Marcus read more

If you are looking for perfect haircut or impeccable balayage, Gorkem/Jon is the person you are looking for! He is very professional, attentive and details oriented. He will make your dream hairstyle to come true and consult you on last trends, helping to find the perfect look ( if you are not sure) read more

Illusions Of Georgetown - Final result of Gorkan's magic - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Went in for partial highlights- only wanting bright blond highlights with NO warmth- was extremely clear about this, and Suelene gave me some of the streakiest highlights that look orange. They are some of the worst highlights I've ever gotten, especially for the price. I would highly recommend you do not go here for hair coloring. read more

LOVE Illusions! I've been going here for almost a year now and have always left more than happy! The last salon I used before coming to Illusions fried my hair, but thanks to the help of Gorkem, I've been able to heal my hair while keeping it long and blonde (which was a relief- I have never cut my hair short and was nervous I would have to). I even recommended my roommate here for her haircut as well, and she felt as happy with her hair as I did! Could not recommend this place more, everyone is so nice and welcoming. If you need a new hair stylist, absolutely go to Illusions read more

Yoooo Gorkem hooked me up! I gotta go back but wanting to share my high school dream to have colored hair as a 30 year old woman haha. Reasonably priced, quality service, and just nice people! Come to Illusions of Georgetown to fulfill your hair dreams and goals. read more

See all

I recently moved here and came across Illusions via Yelp. All the good reviews really live up to the hype! I was trying to get a haircut last minute before the holidays and thankfully was able to get squeezed in with Graham due to a cancellation. Started off with him understanding what I was looking for and Graham executed amazingly well! He cleaned up my layers and framed them really well for my face. Probably one of the top haircuts I've ever had - sectioned my hair really well to dry and style it, as we all as helped me lighten the weight of my hair. Graham is a perfectionist and did a great job - definitely will be coming back again! read more

My 1st visit was back in April for a full foil/balayage; my appointment was for 3pm. I arrived on time & was told that my stylist, Gorkem, wasn't finished yet, & that it would be about 30 minutes until he was ready for me. Kind of frustrating but I waited patiently. About 35 minutes later, we got started, & everything went fine, but I think they underestimated how long my hair takes for color, so we were there for almost 4 hours (no cut & minimal blow dry so I could see the color). It was obvious the receptionist who was waiting with us was getting antsy because it was Easter Sunday, but there was nothing I could do about that. The color was nicely done, & overall, I thought it was a good experience. I booked an 8 week follow appt for a partial foil & trim (recommended by Gorkem). He told the receptionist to book the appt for 3 hours because of how long my hair takes, & I even marked this down in my phone. So, now to address my appt this past Saturday at 2pm. I arrived on time, & luckily Gorkem finished his previous client on time too. I was seated right away to get started & things were fine. Foils took about an hour or so to go in, & then I waited while they processed. I went back to the hair washing sink around 345pm, where the foils were removed, a wash done, & toner put on. While I was waiting with the toner on, Gorkem came up to me & says, "My next appointment is here for a haircut at 4pm, so if you still want the trim & style, then I would need you to wait until around 445pm so I can finish the haircut appt for the other client." I was a little dumbfounded since we were right in the middle of my appointment, so I asked if there was any way he could just do the trim & I could forgo the styling, since I didn't want to wait until 445pm to resume our appointment (which probably would've ended up taking another hour or so after that for the trim & style). He didn't really give an answer, & said that I could decide but that he had to take his appt. I said I wasn't sure but I also said I was confused because my appt was supposed to be booked til 5pm, based on his rec. & what he told the receptionist the last time I was in. He said something about scheduling and overlapping appointments, & I said that I really didn't want to wait that long. So he told the lady shampooing my hair to wash the toner out after 8 minutes & then do the conditioner but that it didn't need to sit. I started to get upset, because it was very clear that he thought I was causing an issue. All I wanted was to get my hair done, and here I was, feeling like a burden. I heard him say to the woman shampooing me that when the other client comes back that they would put a masque on her hair related to the timing. But it was bad vibes, at least for me. (As a sidenote, the 4pm haircut client was an attractive young woman with a backless dress who came in with her friend, so I started to get the sense that Gorkem felt he had to desert me to make time for this other client for *reasons*) After a brief conditioner rinse, I went over to the chair, & again, it was clear Gorkem didn't want to be doing the trim but he was doing it anyway. I should've just left without the trim. Earlier he was very nice & asked about my summer/made small talk, but no longer. He asked how much I wanted cut. I reiterated we had discussed a trim, & he said "Well, do you want a trim or do you want it to be healthy." I was seriously annoyed. I said "just a half inch I guess," to which he replied, "that won't do anything. Do you want layers." So I then said "Okay, an inch. And no, I don't like layers on myself." So he proceeds to cut my hair. I said 2 times that he didn't have my part right, & he replied, "It doesn't matter, it will all be the same anyway." My hair is long & straight, with no layers, & I have a side part. So if you don't cut it with the correct part, it will NOT be the same length/the length it is supposed to be for each side. Because this disgruntled person was actively cutting my hair, I just kept quiet & let him finish, while holding back tears & counting the seconds til I could leave. He blow dried my hair for about 2 minutes, & it looked horrible being mostly wet & not styled, so I put it up in my hair clip & went to pay. I have no idea what they charged me for totaling about $400, but I paid right away so I could get out of there. When asked if I wanted to book my next appt, I obviously said no. I really have zero interest in returning to a place that doesn't treat all clients as if their time is valuable or that they deserve to be there. (Also, pretty ironic since at the 1st visit, I had to wait to get started, & this time, he wanted me to wait to finish) I haven't felt this disappointed about a business in a while, so all I would say is go to this salon at your own risk. Maybe you will be the client that gets prioritized, or maybe you will be the one who is treated like you don't matter. Either way, not worth it for me. read more

I cannot put into words how much I absolutely adore this salon. To say I am indecisive when it comes to my hair would be an understatement. But the staff at Illusions work magic time and time again, and are true artists. They can make any vision into a reality. No matter what the style, cut, or color, Illusions remains the most versatile salon I've ever experienced. I've gotten any style from a classic bob to an edgy faux hawk. And despite my hair traveling through all the colors of the rainbow, it has never felt healthier or shinier! read more

See all

Hey! I just had the most amazing hair cut at this salon. The stylist, Josh totally nailed it! The atmosphere was so chill and the staff were super friendly. Highly recommend! I will always come here from now on! read more

Illusions Of Georgetown - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had the most amazing haircut by Gorkem. I wanted lots of layers and face framing. I showed him pictures for reference and he blew it out of the park. My hair never looked better, was so happy with it!! 10/10 recommend he was excellent! read more

Illusions Of Georgetown - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Graham was such an artist i was eager to hit this haircut for almost a year and he was the only one who got it right and perfect

I have only good things to say about my experience. From start to finish it exceeded my expectations. Jon, my stylist took his time to listen to what I wanted and work with me to achieve the look I was going for. The staff is friendly and courteous & the shampoo massage was heavenly!! If you're looking for a salon in Georgetown definitely check them out. read more

See all

The best salon ever!! The best artist!! Gorkem and Irma are extremely talented and listen to all you have to say. They are experts and do nothing but the best work!!! FAVORITE SALON ever!!! Beth A read more

Irma Wheeler is by and large the most talented stylist, colorist and pleasant salon owner I have ever worked with... she literally can look at any picture and replicate it to an exact match. She has an eye for creativity but also precision. 2022 marks my 8th year coming to her and I can't fathom going anywhere else! read more

See all

I've been seeing William Brown for 15 years and the last 8 at Illusions. He hits it out of the ballpark every time. Edgy and fun but always with great skill and class. People have said to me " it looks like you had pink roots your whole life." Can't recommend him or the salon more. Here's the most recent read more

Wonderful neighborhood spot if you're looking for an easy find. The staff is competent.

This is one the best hair color salons in DC. Ask for Ciera! She is truly amazing. She turned my brassy hair which faded into a deep dark parting line into a beautiful blonde balayage - with a nice haircut and blow dry - all under 2.5 hrs of time. She really is talented and cares about how you feel with your hair. I ran a half hour late to this appointment I made 2 weeks prior because I have 0 time off work and she saw what mess I was in and decided to work on me anyway. Eva at the front desk is a charm too! She was able to accommodate my appointment with my hectic schedule. Really you are in good hands if you visit Illusions, and in the absolute best hands with Ciera. read more

See all

10,000% RECOMMEND GORKEM FOR BALAYAGE!!! Gorkem is incredible working with color. He fixed my brassy and orange/red dye and gave me the perfect color correction and full balayage. Asian hair can be very stubborn, but he clearly knows what he's doing. He also gave me great curtain bangs and a layered haircut. I'm so glad I found such a great hairdresser in the DC area. read more

See all

I can't speak highly enough of Illusions! I'm relatively new to Georgetown and was lucky to have made an appointment quickly due to a cancellation. The staff was friendly, accommodating and had several COVID precautions in place. I enjoyed a nice wash with a head massage, and I was so happy with my cut and style by Karen! I will absolutely be returning to this salon and can't recommend it enough. read more

Lovely staff friendly atmosphere very professional care and concern for each client to be satisfied with your service

If you want a stylist who is patient, kind and just "gets you," look no further than Kayla!!! She is immensely trained and excellent at what she does-- working with blondes, all hair textures, highlights, balayage, etc. Truly, all my cut and color visions have become reality when I get in Kayla's professional chair. I will continue to recommend her to all my friends and family! :)) read more

After I had to cancel my original Spring wedding plans, we decided to do a small ceremony in D.C. and I'm so glad I found this place. John did a great job with my hair -- I came in with only a vague notion of what I wanted and he helped me through the process. I also got my makeup done here and I think she did a great job. I would definitely recommend this salon to anyone getting married in the area, and if I lived in D.C. I would certainly make them my go-to place. read more

Illusions Of Georgetown - The stylist supplied the baby's-breath which was such a romantic touch! - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Gorkem is a terrific stylist. He is versatile in the type of cuts he does, intuitive in his work, and talked me through his suggestions for both color and cut. Have been looking for a stylist for months. Found the one. read more

I was in Washington, D.C. for two months on a working trip. (I am a nanny). I needed to find a salon here because I would be in need of a root touch up while in DC. After looking online to find the right place, I chose Illusions of Georgetown. I was not at all disappointed!! I had a lovely man, Graham, do my touch up not once, but twice! I walked in a little anxious, but walked out like a diva!!! Thank you, Illusions, for being the best substitute hair salon ever!!! read more

I've been going to Illusions for years now and couldn't be happier with the service. My stylist, William Brown, always listens and does a great job with cut and color. My husband and son are clients, too. Highly recommend! read more

I came in to redo my roots as a natural blonde and was charged 1.5x the amount for partial highlights and ended up leaving with brown and PURPLE tinted hair. When I asked for a refund they refused and only stripped the brown from my hair, leaving it the exact way it was before I came in. Don't come here. read more

I've been getting my hair cut for forty years at top salons from LA to London. William has given me some of the best cuts I've ever had. I'm pretty particular about the style I want and I know exactly what my hair will and won't do, but it's a rare stylist that actually listens to you (or they listen and then give you the same cookie cutter haircut they give everyone else.) William listened, studied the pictures I brought of what I liked and did not like. As he was cutting he suggested a few techniques that would help achieve the look I wanted. I know the first cut with a stylist is often not great as they have to learn how your hair behaves, so I agreed and figured we could tweak it in subsequent cuts (though often the first cut is so bad or so far from what I asked that I don't go back for number two.) No tweaking needed - he gave me a fabulous cut the first time. More than that, he gave me a touch of great color but only where needed, which is not easy with my hair. I have ashy brown/black hair with two big gray streaks at my temples, which I like just as they are. I have a sprinkling of gray in back which I don't like. He managed to match my own hair color exactly and weave in a bit ONLY in back without touching the front. I've been back twice and William's cuts and color only get better, I could not be more pleased. I should add that when I stopped in for a bang trim with no appointment, they not only squeezed me in but didn't charge. Yvette at the front desk, as well as everyone else at the salon, are very warm and accommodating. I get comments almost every single day on my hair. Thank you, William! read more

Illusions Of Georgetown - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My experience at Illusions salon of Georgetown is the best I've had in the DC area! Everyone at Illusions was very friendly and professional! From the moment I was welcomed into the salon, I knew that I was walking into a genuine setting. Conversation was easy going and real! My other experiences at salons in the area usually consist of staff members that appear to not have the time of day to even welcome you inside. The receptionist took the time to ask what I wanted to have done that afternoon, if I wanted something to drink, and just about how my day was going. Very friendly environment I'm sure anyone would appreciate. In addition to the friendly environment at Illusions, my hair was dyed PERFECTLY! I asked for a subtle ombre that had a more natural look. That's exactly what I received. Perfect. Bottom line: Good hair, good vibes. read more

Illusions Of Georgetown - Beautiful highlights by Megan! I LOVE it!!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Amazing people service you the best. They know what they are doing in this business. Highly recommended. They are real artists. Thanks, everyone, especially John ( Gorkem ) read more

Jon gave me a fabulous cut today! The salon is charming, clean, has Covid dividers, and everyone is so nice. I'm sad that Illusions in Shirlington closed but I'll be making the trip to Georgetown! read more

I don't even know what to say! I'm so happy about my hair! I never thought my hair could go this light in one go! Everyone here was so sweet. They took their time and made sure I felt confident. The place was also very clean and sanitized. I will definitely go back! read more

See all

By far the best salon I've been to! Jon did above and beyond on what I wanted my hair to look like, and I'm more then pleased with how it turned out! My hair looks so healthy again! Plus due to covid, i felt the salon was very safe and clean. Everyone's wearing masks and there's only about 2 customers in at a time to maintain social distancing. They only take appointments right now rather then walk ins which makes me feel more comfortable. I will definitely come back and i recommend this place to everyone! read more

I have found my new hair salon! I chose Gorkem to cut my hair based on reviews. Perfection! Going back soon for a color job. He is a very well trained and experienced hair dresser/stylist. In addition, he and the other staff at th salon are delightful. read more

I decided to start growing my hair out since going to the barber in Arlington every 2 weeks was too costly and a hassle. I made an appointment with Josh, hoping for the best since cutting my type of hair is difficult. My hair style is pretty specific but Josh was excellent. He went all scissors and took some of my input and executed the rest. It is probably the best haircut I've gotten in the DMV after being here 2 years. Highly recommend Josh. Definitely coming again since I live in Georgetown. read more

Ciera is the best. She listens to what you want, and she's incredibly talented. Amelia also gives an incredible scalp massage with your shampoo - forever grateful! read more

Illusions Of Georgetown - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Came in looking for a totally different look. Wanted something that is classy, elegant yet artsy too. I am a swimmer and my hair was yellow from chlorine - not only did I get a cut that exceeded all my expectations but my color now is natural and sexy! Love my new look. read more

See all