The good: the location is in Del Ray, and I love Del Ray. There is one parking space in the rear. The interior and decor are appealing. I love the scent of the hair oil she makes in-house. The downsides: You have to pay for whatever you order in full or you wont get booked. I was more than willing to overlook the glaring spelling errors on her website and hoped that the lack of attention to detail there did not extend to her service. I have natural hair, and Joi gave me a blowout and style. It left a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, I am not so gracious to overlook unwanted impositions on customers. The owner, Joi, never disclosed that she has a dog (an adorable poodle) on premises and that it has a full free range while clients are present, including jumping on their laps. This is very inconsiderate to some customers. Those of us who have allergies, fear of dogs, or a simple preference not to be around any animal that isn't their pet, our desires are clearly disregarded by Joi not asking our permission or informing us before booking. I was also dismayed watching her style clients who have relaxed hair and also having to smell the burnt hair and burnt product. She had people waiting and waiting under the dryers and kept me waiting almost 45 minutes because she was not ready for me. While I go out of my way to support my fellow African American business owners, I will not recommend or return, but I will say to anyone reading this far down, to make your own choice and judge the results yourself should you go to Joi. read more

Joi Dreams Salon - Cute pocket poodle. He runs the joint. :-) - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I have been going to Joi for years. She has been there every step of the way during my hair journey. I went from relaxed to natural, had an illness which caused significant hair loss and Joi was there every step of the way. She will not just go along with what you say if she doesn't believe it's in your best interest (thankfully) without giving you an alternative and why. all of my kids have been to her when they wanted to try something new or just needed to get the hair out of their eyes. I highly recommend her to everyone for themselves and their family. read more

Joi Dreams Salon - My daughter loves her new highlights! - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This review is wildly overdue. For the first 40+ years of my life, I flitted about from one stylist/salon to the next. Occasionally, someone would impress me and I'd stick around for a couple months. But, without fail, even those with whom I was initially enamored would disappoint ... and I'd hunt for the next Groupon or new customer special to find someone new. In 2014, I stumbled upon Joi--just a few blocks from my home in awesome Del Ray. I haven't let anyone else touch my hair since. Joi has taken me through various shades of blonde highlights and balayage. I've had bobs, super short cuts, and everything in between. She has seen me through a couple years of significant hair loss. My hair is now red with highlights in an awesome asymmetrical cut. She does it all--with aplomb. Joi cuts my teen sons' hair and we have also begun getting facials there. In the salon hangs a sign that says, "I'm a beautician, not a magician." It fits Joi to a T. She was raised in the Bronx and will give it to you straight. If you need a glass of champagne and a sycophant to do your hair, I suggest you keep looking. But if you need someone you can trust, go to JoiDreams.com and book an appointment. read more

My teenagers and I love getting our haircuts from Joi! She does a beautiful job and her salon is cozy and friendly. I always look forward to time at her place. read more

Normally I would have to drive to DC/MD to search for a stylist that actually cares and promotes hair health...she also offers great suggestions on style if you're open, which to me is a sign that she enjoys her craft...she offers her creativity. I have natural hair and honestly rarely let anyone trim or touch it because of bad experiences in the past. Joi trimmed my hair and did an avocado treatment....that she made herself I'm skeptical about homemade products but hers....wow...my hair felt so healthy...others commented about it Her salon is clean, she knows what she's doing...definitely worth exploring her services! read more

When you find an amazing hair stylist you travel to get to her. We live about 40 minutes away and she's worth every mile. I have been going to Joi for over 10 years and now my two girls who are multi-racial go as well. Professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Highly recommend Miss Joi! read more

Joi is simply fabulous! She has such a gift and can match colors/cuts perfectly to fit faces and personalities. I have been going to Joi for years and have had long hair, short hair, medium length hair, light hair, dark hair.....she has great recommendations if you are looking for something new; she makes everything look so natural and stunning (and she makes sure the styles are easy to maintain, woohoo)! She's introduced me to some great products as well. I used to use random drug store shampoo, but now I use this organic shampoo that makes my hair so much healthier (I didn't even realize it wasn't healthy before, but have noticed such an improvement). And I know I just raved about Joi's talents, but Joi's personality is just as beautiful as her craft! It's always an enjoyable visit to her salon! Highly recommend! read more

After reading the response from the owner, I checked the appointment time in my email (very useful and appreciated feature) and I stand corrected. The appointment was indeed at 4:15 pm (not at 4 pm as I indicated in my original review). I also confirmed that we checked out at 5:11. Given that a boy's haircut takes about 15 minutes plus a 5 minute conversation before, we must have sat on the chair no earlier than 4:50. Since the appointment was at 4:15, we waited 35 (not 45) minutes past the appointment time. I apologize if my mistake mislead any readers. I am keeping my rating at "Meh. I've experienced better." (which on Yelp is equivalent to 2 stars). read more

Joi is just hilarious and so sweet. I recently had my extensions put in via the beaded sew process by a friend of mine at home in Pittsburgh when visiting, and she didn't quite tighten them well enough. Since I have Caucasian hair, I didn't want to risk them falling out right away, so I yelp'ed "extensions" in my area and Joi fit me in the same afternoon! She sews "button holes" as she puts it, and she's not kidding!! These things aren't going anywhere anytime soon. I'll definitely back for sew in tracks from time to time and definitely any time I need a little tighten. I love the intimacy of her little salon and how she manages to multi-task like I've never seen and keep her work quality! Definitely recommend to anyone. read more

I love this salon! It's a hidden gem in the heart of Del Ray. Joi is a one-woman dynamo originally from NYC, like I am. She's high energy and is the first stylist to "get me" in NOVA. Now I trust her with my style and color and I actually get compliments on my hair from random people on the streets. Joi specializes in all types of hair and styles - including ethnic hair of all types. She's super friendly and you will probably share her with friends and babies, so if you are looking for a generic, impersonal establishment, go somewhere else. This small salon is personal and fun! Most importantly, when I look in the mirror I actually love my hair! read more

Joi is an incredible stylist!! I started going to Joi Dreams salon about 10 years ago and it's one of the best decisions I've made. I appreciate that not only is Joi a naturally gifted hair stylist, but she also puts a high priority on the health of each client's hair. Her clientele is very diverse which speaks to her versatility as a stylist and business professional. She's one of the cleanest people I know both personally and professionally so cleanliness is always maintained in the shop. Joi is also a student of her craft, consistently researching and studying ways to maintain healthy hair and learning new style techniques. I always leave the salon looking and feeling great! I get tons of compliments on my hair and I'm always referring people to Joi. I HIGHLY recommend Joi Dreams Salon!! read more

When I moved to Arlington from North Carolina three years ago, I was concerned I wasn't going to be able to find someone I like to cut my hair. Lucky for me, someone I work with suggested I try Joi, and she's been cutting my hair ever since! One of the best parts about Joi is that she listens! When I want to change things up, she gives me her professional opinion and I always walk out with exactly what I want. Sometimes, she suggests things that I didn't think of, and I always have a great haircut at the end of the appointment. read more

You know, I really wanted to like this salon but between the 45 minute wait with an appointment, unsolicited "natural hair don't wear a weave" advice, & overcharge for a haircut (no wash, no color, no blowdry or style = $70) I will not be returning. read more

I've been going to Joi's for almost three years and I haven't been to anyone else. My hair has been chemical free for almost six years and it wasn't in the best shape because I couldn't find anyone who was interested in growing healthy hair; that was until I found Joi. Since coming to Joi, my hair has grown and looks healthy. I have no desire to return to relaxers (well sometimes I do because I exercise a lot) because Joi has shown me how to take care of my hair in its natural state. Also, I like the fact I'm not "worked in" with other clients. My appointment is MY appointment. I have walked out of many salons in this area for working me in after I made my appointment one month in advance. That simply isn't good business and I refuse to spend my time and $ at those unprofessional salons. Thank you Joi for being professional and for being a blessing to my hair. read more

Joi has been my stylist for over a year and I'm so glad that I found her! I can't say enough good things about her.  She is pleasant, professional and consistent with providing excellent service quickly and efficiently.  She truly cares about her clients. My hair is always healthy and I get a lot of compliments. She always gives honest options on hair styles and colors which I love. In addition to taking such great care of my hair, Joi has become my unofficial therapist. She has given a lot of good advice on issues involving my family and work. She's also dedicated to health and wellness and always has good ideas and tips for healthy living. I would recommend Joi to anyone looking for a good stylist. She is professional, stylish, warm, compassionate and full of best life tit-bits and wisdom. read more

I never write reviews but I just had the best facial ever! Naomi is amazing. I can't believe had good my skin looks. I will definitely go back. read more

I absolutely love my hair since Joi started cutting it! She is wonderful, her shop is so cute, and it's walking distance from my house. Love! read more

My Hair is absolutely the healthiest that it has ever been! Joi Dreams provides service with a smile! I love going to Joi Dreams....just makes my day! read more

Took me a decade to find a salon I like in the DC area. Not only can I rely on Joi to give me a great cut, she is able to work with me to try new styles that fit my face. Always happy, never traumatized. read more