i went here for about a year and a half. i stopped once hiwot was on maternity leave, and planned on going back, but i never went back (see below). i'm with my old hairdresser again. hiwot: never double books, always on time, nice conversation and v sweet, decent hair styles, standard prices (until recently?!) old hairdresser: always double books, always running late, gossiping about nonsense but sweet, amazing hair styles, insane prices. as i got busier and my time got more precious, it's easy to see why i initially found my way to hiwot. as a black chick, it's ESPECIALLY hard to find a decent place that does a good job with hair. hiwot does a pretty good wash and set. the thing is, she recently raised her prices, whch is a real bummer. for those prices, i might as well go back to my old hairdresser - which i have. note that she does ALL kinds of hair (black, white, asian - i've seen all "types" in there - it's great!). she used to work for aveda as well as phytospecific, so she really knows hair. i say try it out. the atmosphere is gorgeous, serene, clean, fresh, new. see how the prices are for what you usually get and see how it is. at least just once. read more

Soooo, I've been getting a "press n curl", "flat iron", or whatever you want to call it since I was a little girl for about 30 years now. I am originally from Oklahoma, so I'm used to having an African American press my hair with a comb literally heated on the front burner of the stove. I live in California now and continue to have that expectation when I go to SF and Oakland salons (they use urns now instead of ovens, but other than that, I still get the same smoky experience, and that's what I've come to expect.) So, I must say that while I was visiting DC for work and I searched on yelp for "press" and "flat iron" over in the U street area, where I knew I'd be shopping and hanging out for the day, I figured I would be going to a traditional smoky Black salon with urns and marcel irons and people trying to sell me things. I must say I was deeply surprised to walk in and see that this was a small Aveda salon. There was no smoke, no ovens or urns, no gossip and no dudes selling bootlegged DVDs. Just a bunch of quiet pretty Ethiopian ladies in a modest low-key, not fancy, but clean salon. The receptionist was very pleasant, and a very sweet lady took my coat and proceeded to wash my hair. The Hair Wash. Unfortunately, I have an extremely dry scalp, it's hereditary and I've had it all my life. The nice assistant lady tried to wash my hair, but I almost never can have an assistant wash my hair b/c I need heavy duty action. She was incredibly sweet but she did not use enough pressure on my scalp and did not use the right products. Enter Meron. I was surprised that there are not a lot of reviews of her on this Yelp page since she is the owner and she is very good. Meron is a very pretty Ethiopian lady with a big smile who has a lot of opinions, but is very likable and competent. I give her huge points b/c as she started to blow dry my hair, she saw it wasn't clean, and rather than ignoring it, she took me back to the bowl and gave me a fantastic re-wash. She also used an astringent which is always really great for my scalp. The Blowdry. Meron brushed out and blowdried my hair without a lot of drama, which is impressive b/c I have tons and tons of long mixed grade hair which is very kinky at the roots and then looser curls on the ends. Like many people, Meron asked me if I was growing a relaxer out, and when I told her I wasn't, she said "Really?" and acted like she didn't believe me. My natural hair is just very strange and has different textures, some parts tight kinks, some parts wavy, some parts loose curls, plus after pressing my hair for so many years, the ends are just less curly than the roots, but I hate having to explain all that to new hair dressers. The other awkward part was that she kept insisting on trimming my hair, which I kept declining. She disapproved of this, but ultimately did stick with my decision, which was nice. The Flat Iron. As I mentioned, I am used to ovens, so I was incredibly skeptical about allowing someone to use an electric ceramic flat iron on me, I was worried that it just wouldn't get straight. My hair is soft and medium-fine, a bunch of grease really just messes it up, so I usually have my hair flat ironed with almost no oil and it comes out silky and shiny and weightless. Meron had this mix of hair oil that she put in my hair, and normally I decline that, but since I was already skeptical about the use of the electric iron I let her go for it. She effortlessly flat ironed my hair in about 15 minutes and boy was it straight! She did not style my hair but just let it hang straight, but it looked really good. Sometimes I do like a little curl, at least in my bangs, but I had gone on so much about wanting it straight I can see why she didn't go there. Anyway, my hair was oilier and a little more weighted down than I normally like it, but absolutely beautiful and absolutely straight. Cost and Time. The icing on the cake was when the receptionist told me it was only $50. Cheap African American salons often cost about $45 for a press n curl and then you are there all day. More upscale salons in SF charge $70 plus. So, I was totally excited about the $50 charge, plus I arrived at 4:30 and was out by 6! Fantastic! The next day after wrapping my hair over night it was still nice and straight but even more oily. Whenever I come back to DC I would totally go back to Meron again, and just ask her to use less oil. The whole experience was pretty no- nonsense and I have to say she did a great job. I also learned that the ceramic flat iron can be very effective if used by a good stylist. I also noticed that several of them had very cute natural styles, so I would totally go back to try to switch it up with a natural look, too. If I lived here, I would go to this salon and see Meron regularly, and I am even looking for something similar in my hometown in SF. read more

I big chopped my own hair on a whim one night and was reeling from the drastic loss in length and styling options. I also noticed that I still had some relaxed ends that i was too scared to cut, I didnt want my hair any shorter and i wasn't sure if things were uneven. I booked the last (super early in the morning) appointment Hiwot (pronouced hewit) had that weekend, but leave it to Metro to make me late. I called ahead to let them know I'd be late, and the receptionist seemed understanding. I arrived and was greeted by friendly staff. Hiwot was already taking on another client (which i did not mind, I was the one who was late) so I waited until she was done and then she sat me down in a chair to ask about what I was in for. I told her that i didnt want to lose any length, I just wanted to make sure all of my relaxed hair was gone and that i didnt have a strange shape going on. She seemed to understand and off i went to the shampoo bowl with an assistant. Afterwards, she made some snips and small talk congratulating me on my new head of natural hair and other hair chit chat. Not too much or too little. Thank goodness, she was NOT scissor happy and I did not notice a real reduction in the length of my hair, but i did see the straight ends disappearing. She was very transparent about what she was doing as well, and even once asked, "can i cut this piece off?" which i was surprised by to say the least. She went on to style my hair with some product, but neither she nor i liked the results, so she said, "i'm going to try another product" and proceeded to wash the product out of my hair and try something new. I REALLY appreciated this, that she didn't try to make a busted look work on me. I honestly did not love the way my hair looked in the end because it was so shrunken and short, but I'm very particular about these things and having only experienced my natural texture for about 48 hours before, didn't know what to expect or ask for as far as styling goes. So I say if you are transitioning or natural (or relaxed), definitely check this salon out. Pretty much every African American woman I saw come into the salon had natural hair, though most were getting their hair flat ironed or colored. I didn't see anyone else getting a natural style while i was there. The salon is clean, not ghetto at all, and the staff are nice. Can't give 5 stars because i still HATE the way shampoo assistants treat my hair (ugh, don't use a damn brush on my hair while you're shampooing it!) and I did end up restyling my hair once I got home. However, when I need my first natural hair trim or if I decide to get color, I will be back in Hiwot's chair. read more

If you have natural hair please stay away. They do not know how to take care of it. They don't know how to properly brush it or give you tips on how to take care of it. I went in a few times thinking they need to just get used to my hair but no. First time I had a guy and he didn't know how to straighten or style. The next time I went to see a woman who put black color in my hair which was fine but she forgot to clip of the ends that still had some brown color on them so when the sun hit it you could clearly see the brown still on the ends. There is a shampoo girl who tried to blow dry my hair and I demanded her to stop because she had an attitude and was pulling my hair out. This place is horrible for natural hair and I will never return. read more

Get my hair done all the time here and never leave disappointed. Heran is especially great! Friendly and attentive

This place is so amazing for natural hair. From what I hear, everyone is educated and extremely knowledgeable about all types of hair, but Galya blows my mind every time I come. She can tell what I have and haven't been doing with my hair from one look. Anything she suggests, I'm automatically like " Yes, ma'am!" I've never had anyone so confidently tackle my full head of coarse hair and I'll never go anywhere else in D.C. read more

I'll like to write my reviews like I would want to read them. So here goes. About me: 1. I am an African American female with slightly above shoulder length type 4B-ish textured hair 2. I am about 10 months into my transition from relaxed to natural hair 3. I'm originally from New Orleans but I'm in DC for school-I am used to bouncy roller wraps (for $40 incl tip mind you, but i digress) the first time I got my hair done I wont name the shop but they tried to put grease in my hair...GREASE! I walked out of the shop feeling like i needed to run home and wash my hair 4. I was in search of a stylist that could give me a trim without cutting all my hair off Who I saw: 1. My first visit was with Hiwot 2. My second visit was with Vonetta My (FIRST) experience from setting appointment to "the morning after": 1. I used the online appointment setter; I found it a bit confusing because I wanted a shampoo, trim and flat iron but there was no option for that so I selected my stylist (Hiwot) and a Saturday afternoon appointment. 2. Almost immediately I received an email confirmation of my appointment "REQUEST" but noted that it was not a confirmation. 3. A few days later Hiwot called to ask me to reschedule for that same day, which was no problem. 4. Got to appointment she was very friendly and took me right away 5.**I asked for a trim and she wanted to cut all my relaxed hair off?? Just so you know I am natural now (not bc of her) but thats someones personal choice and i felt bullied...she basically didnt even do what i asked because i didnt want to make a life decision right then and there. 6. She did a less than stellar job on my blow out and flat iron..far less. and she also tried to get me to pay for a deep condition service that I didnt even ask for nor did i know i would be charged **All in all, I wouldnt go to her again (4 out of 10)..her flat iron skills arent even up to par with my freshman year roommate** Vonetta. AMAZING! thats it. she listened to what i wanted and showed me exactly how much hair she would be cutting for my trim. (9/10) read more

I went to Ayesha last Thursday. I was impressed with the consultation. She discussed the plan for my hair. The washing was okay, a but rough with my hair I think but the assistant washed it not her. Then under the hair steamer I went for my deep protein treatment, I love hair steamers! Afterward she blow dryer and cut my hair. And when I say cut, I mean cut! My hair had some damage and hadn't been trimmed in a while but she cut too much off. I wasn't looking for a cut either. Only a trim to a healthy length. I believe she should have told me how short she felt she had to cut it or whatever. Hair is an emotional thing. So after the cut she flat ironed it. She went over each piece around 4 times. Anyone who is passionate about hair care should know that that is way too many times to be passing the hair with a flat iron. The end result was just okay, nothing to write home about. I kept thinking about the length that was cut and how much heat she used when she kept talking about the health of hair. Hair can't be healthy if it gets heat damage! Just saying... read more

I went in this past Friday to get my hair done. I checked on the reviews for natural hair salons and made my appointment. I arrived promptly 3 mins before my appointment. I checked in, sat down and then Hiwot came out. Hiwot and I did the formal introductions and then I waited about 5 mins before her shampoo girl came out to get me. These following points are either hits or misses: Shampoo: Great, the woman shampooing my hair was gracious, asked me if I was alright and gave me a great massage. My hair/scalp also felt clean. I did not have to ask her to re-wash my hair. Deep conditioner/Steam: I told the woman shampooing my hair that I wanted a deep conditioner. She said OK, proceeded to put some deep conditioner in my hair and sat me under the dryer for 30 mins. ***THIS WAS A MISS, Please READ the entire review to understand why****** Blow -dry- The shampoo woman blew my hair dry but missed a few spots. So I had to ask her to dry my hair again because everyone knows frizzies are not cute. Styling: Hiwot actually styled my hair and it was fine. She told me that I had some split ends that I need to take care of. I told I know but since this was my first time seeing her I was not about to trust anyone trimming anything on me!!! Anyway she did my hair and it looked okay. Definitely nothing to write home about and while my hair was straight, it lacked body. Pricing: I was checked out and when I got my bill it was $95 !!!! $55 for the shampoo, styling and blow out -----Totally understandable $40 ---- For what they deemed as " Damaged hair treatment*** Why the hell did someone not say, hey we're going to put XYZ in your hair because I think it is really damaged? This is highway robbery!!!! I mean yes I had a few split ends but it is winter, who doesn't get split ends during this time?? And $40 for deep conditioner hell NO! While the atmosphere of the salon was pleasant, professional and relaxing. I do not expect to be ripped off. Sorry if you have money for $40 conditioners then be my guest but I'll pass. read more

I am an existing client of Salon Revive however, I had not been in a year or so as it is somewhat far from where I live. Recently I received a promotional email from the salon to the tune of: "you haven't been back in a while, make an appointment and take $20 off selected salon services of $60 or more." Since it sounded like a good deal and I needed my hair cut for an event anyway, I made an online appointment and specified in the request that I received the coupon and wanted to ensure it could be used for a cut. I received an email confirming the appointment at my desired time, but no mention of using the coupon. I called the salon the day before to ask whether I could use it, and was told by the receptionist I would receive a call back because she wasn't sure. The day goes by and I receive no call, so I call them back again and am told it's fine, but to print out the coupon I was emailed. While my usual stylist cancelled on the day of the appointment, Meron was able to accommodate me anyway, and did a great job on my cut/blow out. However, when I went to pay the receptionist looked baffled by my coupon despite giving an explanation of what had transpired, and then got up and whispered something to another stylist. I was then told this other stylist would be checking me out and even she seemed hesitant to process the coupon to the point where I started feeling uncomfortable standing there. Then when I paid, she did not like the fact that I paid with $100 bill and asked for $40 back, which seems crazy as it is a salon and people tip in cash, so there should be ample change. Bottom line, the service could use some improvement! If you don't want to honor a coupon, or are attempting to discourage people from using it by giving the run around, don't email them to your clients. read more

My stylist is Yodit, and its taken me about 15 years to find someone who could do something with my hair. I have crazy curly hair and I've always had trouble finding someone who could cut it so that I didn't walk around with a pyramid on my head. I've been going to her for about 2 years. The first thing she said to me was "Tell me about your hair." She's really big on knowing what you want out of your hair and seeing how it falls. She'll be honest if she thinks you are going to short and isn't scissor happy. She asked me if I was sure about going short since I was cutting off about 3 inches or more and said not to do it if I wasn't comfortable. She doesn't use alot of product that weighs your hair down and again is good about listening to what you want your hair to do. And the salon only uses Aveda products!! Great for your hair and the environment. I've never had to wait and the atmosphere and vibe are fantastic. She recently moved next door for a much wider space that is gorgeously lit. A must for curly girls in the D.C. area or those willing to travel. The cost is around 50 dollars for a shampoo, cut, and blowdry. Great blowout by the way! P.S. I recently had made a pretty huge color change. Highlights and the works. She's not just amazing with cutting but with color as well! Perfect new shade to compliment my skin tone. So much so I had one friend who said, "Why weren't you born with that hair color?" when she saw the new look! read more

I came to this salon one birthday because of all good reviews for natural hair. Vonetta was my stylist who also cut and colored my hair. I have to be honest, I did not leave in love with it. I was especially taken back once I got to the counter to check out. I had spent over 200 bucks for just OK hair. I also didn't care for my color until it grew out into a two-tone. Even though I had a picture of the color I wanted for reference, I still had to pick it out on the palette. A little direction choosing the right color for me would have been nice. read more

Let's start with the good: Israel cut my hair, and she did a *great* job. Haircuts are usually mostly upsetting experiences for me since I have very thick wavy/curly hair that seems to leave most stylists at a loss. Not so with Israel. She listened to what I wanted, explained the what + why of my cut, and checked with me a couple of times to make sure I was ok with the length and style. Now for the bad: I used a Gilt City coupon, which the SR folks are definitely *not* happy about accommodating. On the coupon, it says that if you make a reservation online you should mention the coupon in the comments section. I did this, reserving both a hair cut and eyebrow wax. Someone from the salon called me the day before my appt to rebook my eyebrow wax with a different staff person- I mentioned that this was fine, esp. since it was my first time at SR due to the Gilt City deal. When I got to the salon, the receptionist told me that the person I booked to do my hair (Lilly) "didn't do" the coupon deals. This is fair, but I mentioned that I followed the directions on my coupon, and had even spoken with an employee previously (so someone clearly saw my reservation and should have mentioned the issue then). The receptionist said she would see what she could do, but that I might have to rebook for another day. This was definitely an annoyance (not to mention a bad business practice if you want to attract new customers!), but props to Israel for jumping in, agreeing to take my appt, and doing a great job. read more

THE most AMAZING haircut I've ever had. And I hate getting my hair cut! I was also afraid to have my natural curls blown out as I usually end up wincing in pain while my hair pops off but I have never had a gentler experience! Yodit is truly a master my hair was beautiful, shiny, and very healthy looking when I left! read more

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The worst haircut ever at a price of $120.00. I was hoping my hair would look beautiful like the other customers in the shop. Everyone else's hair looked beautiful while my hair looked ugly. If your hair is many different textures like my hair is, it may not be the shop for you. The stylist I had yesterday kept asking me if I had a perm even though I kept telling her no. She said my hair would last two weeks but the style is out now and I was there on 6/2/2019. My hair looks like a troll doll's hair. WORST HAIRCUT EVER. The worst part about it is that the stylist gave me her card like I would ever go back to her. If this is one of the best natural hair salons in DC, I would hate to see what the worst natural hair salon would be. This one is up as the worst to me. read more

I went to salon revive after seeing it pop up on my search of natural hair salons. BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER! I went to the salon to get a big chop (cut off my relaxed ends) and there was a hispanic women that did my hair. She knew NOTHING about natural hair, let alone how to cut off my relaxed ends. The products that were used made my hair hard & after spending 4 hrs in there, I ended up paying $200. Salon Revive will never see another dime from me. read more

I LOVE Yodit. The Woman is just skilled in her craft and she aims to take care of your hair! She even educates me on how to maintain between visits. I've recommended many people who all sing her praises! She is always professional and kind. I just need to be in another tax bracket to go as often as I'd like:) but you get what you pay for! read more

So I came to salon revive for a number of years because I just really wanted it to be my salon. I moved from nyc where I loved my Aveda salon and went because I was hoping to find something similar in the DC area. While I knew that this salon was somewhat pricey, I am not one to skimp on my hair. All I ask is that the results justify the cost. Bottom-line: If you are somewhat skilled at doing your own hair, you can do anything they are going to do to your hair yourself. While I can't speak to all of the stylists, I wil offer a greatest hits to the ones I saw: Yodit- Very sweet and concerned with the health of your hair but SHE CANNOT STYLE. If you are under 65, steer clear. Hiwot- Her greatest strength is that she is very competent. However, if you are looking for a stylist who will listen to your input, look elsewhere. Additionally, I once waited for OVER AN HOUR for her to show up for an appointment. Ridiculous. Vonetta- Vonetta was probably my favorite stylist at this salon and is miles ahead the other stylists in terms of creating a current style. BUT DO NOT LET HER CUT YOUR HAIR. I got a 'trim' from her and she took of a good inch of my hair. The last time I went to that salon, I watched Vonetta cut a girls hair a good 2 inches shorter than they discussed. She left the salon with her hood pulled over her hair crying. Save yourself some time and stress and just get the products without letting anyone at Salon Revive do your hair. read more

4B/C ladies...stay away!!! Went here about awhile ago to do get straw curls in my hair. I needed my hair done on a Sunday and they were all I could find. Can't remember which of the ladies I had but she pretty much tells me she will curl my hair without the rollers. She blow dries it and then flat irons it...my entire hair is heat damaged!!! They do not know what to do with tightly curled hair so my recommendation is don't go!! read more

I LOVE YODIT! PERIOD! My hair always comes out slayed when I come to her. She really believes in hair care and not just styling for the moment. TRUST HER read more

My girls and I came here for a "Scandal" watch party and natural hair and make up party. I got some good compliments and tips on my natural hair and skin care while enjoying some wine a cupcakes. It was a great girls night! read more

If you're looking for a place that offers same-day services for natural hair and has an easy online scheduling process, this place is for you. Mind you though they are very pricey for the most basic services; they will recommend that you get a deep-conditioning. Depending on the person they have to shampoo and condition your hair, it can be a very pleasant experience or not so much. Overall, the seasoned stylists know how to take care of all natural hair types. read more

My main man and future hubby DOUG is amazing. He clearly grew up without legos watching and learning when his mother or sisters did their hair. He knows what he's doing and is confident in it. I went in to get my curls blown out for Inauguration and was washed and straight within 30 minutes. It was a miracle! Every other blow out for the rest of my life will be measured against Doug's. Merci! read more

Salon Revive - The final results of spiral curls to straight hair as well as make-up. - Hair Salons Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Meron is ammaaaaazing!!!! She literally just saved my hair's life from relapsing to it's creamy crack habit. I've been natural for almost a year, doing my hair all by myself while I was stuck in Ohio for school without a stylist. I don't have that "bohemian silky" type of hair either so you can imagine my struggle. I went in to get my hair deep conditioned, straightened, and I definitely needed a trim. My shampoo felt great and they use a steamer for the deep conditioning which is great! Meron was so gentle when she blow-dried and detangled my hair and I was pretty shocked at how straight it was....seeing as I never get these results at home. She then only trimmed about half an inch off my hair which was all I needed. Stylists have trimmed much greater lengths.... After the flat ironing my hair was soft and bouncy and it was actually styled! So cute, like I had a relaxer again! Moral of the story: I would definitely recommend Meron and salon revive if ur a struggling naturalista like me. Prices were a little steep--$100 for deep conditioner, style, and trim. But its worth it for quality hair care. Meron also said she does other styles besides flat ironing, think I'm going to get spiral curls next time. Meron is knowledgeable and gentle and Salon Revive is a great salon! read more

Galya is amazing!! I only go to her for my luscious curls. I highly recommend the moisturizing treatment. My natural curls last for a month straightened with Galya. YES, a month and some change. Ive been going to her for 2 years now. Traveling into the city is always worth it. read more

I love this salon and, in particular, Tizeta. I've been going here for close to a year now. I first discovered the salon on Yelp and after having paid too much money for mediocre results at other area Aveda salons or getting what I paid for at cheaper places (I'm looking at you, Aveda training school), I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. I have thick, curly Latin hair. Most places have no problem cutting it but cannot blow dry it right even though I can leave it looking sleek and straight myself in 20 mins with no styling products. It's disappointing when you get a good cut but don't leave with a salon do but rather looking like the Lion King. My first time at Revive, I went in for a standard trim. Tizeta examined my hair, let me know what she'd do and how much she'd take off. She first blow dryed it with a paddle brush which made me nervous since I use a round brush myself. My nervousness was unfounded as she then whipped out the flat iron and left my hair looking great. I was so impressed that I went back three weeks later and chopped off about 8 inches of my hair for a new, short style. Tizeta let me know how she'd be cutting it to look best and then gave me styling pointers to adjust to the new cut. I'm growing it back out now and she's been really good at letting me know what "we" need to do to make sure it grows in healthy. Feels like teamwork! She's also very friendly but doesn't keep up a barrage of chatter which is nice, because sometimes I like to just lean back and enjoy being doted on. The place is reasonably priced (about $50 for a wash, cut and style), I've never waited too long and I am usually in and out in under an hour. UPDATE 11/14/2010: If you're looking for Tizeta, she's opened up her own place, Salon Solace! It's right on the same block as Revive. The number is 202-232-1337. read more

After reading through the comments about this place, I decided to give it try! I went in today and the salon was empty. It was perfect since I did not have to wait like usually would at other salons. Galya was my stylist and spoke to me about my hair history. She's very informative and was gentle with my hair. I wanted my hair bone straight and she delivered! The best part is I was in and out in 1 hour! This included washing, blow dry and flat iron. Amazing! I usually expect to be at a salon for 3-4 hours. The salon was clean and organized. The Aveda products smell amazing and left my hair soft to the touch. The receptionist was attentive and really nice. Great experience and will definitely return to check out more natural styles. read more

I'm really on the fence with this review. But I have to be very candid and honest. I HATED my experience there. I look at my hair now and get boiling mad. On one hand, the promptness of Yodit was great. I didn't have to wait. On the other hand.....I grew out my hair for the past 7 months and literally used no heat during that time. There was no damage, breakage, or split ends. I asked Yodit to lightly TRIM/DUST the back. She CUT 2+ inches. I asked Yodit to cut and layer the top and bangs. She replied, "NO" (twice) and proceeded to tell me why I didn't want that. Excuse me, but I've had my hair like that before and I LOVED it. Bottom line, it is MY HAIR and I'm PAYING for it, so it should be MY decision on how I want MY hair (now, I have to pay someone else to do what she refused to do). As for the styling, my hair was washed, colored (semi-perm), blow-dried and styled. When I left, my hair was a puffy, greasy mess, much shorter in the back than I wanted, much longer on the top & front than I wanted. The color was awful (it looked burgundy.....lol). My hair looked much, much, much better before I walked in there. I don't know if bossy is a word I'd use to describe Yodit, but she seemed to disagree with everything I'd previously been doing with my hair while stressing that her suggestions were much more wonderful and right. Even though she said that my hair was nice & healthy, but I needed to do (and use) what she wanted. I THINK NOT. Here's to another 6-7 months to grow out this monstrosity to where it was before Yodit butchered it. Thankfully, the dreadful color (semi-perm) will wash out in a couple more weeks. I wanted so much for this to work out, but it didn't. I won't be going there again. read more

Got hair and highlights here yesterday with Yodit. Fabulous! This Aveda salon has a very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of good mags to look at while waiting. It's also very conveniently located at 9th & U. My appt. was at 2:00, I was seen very promptly and was out of there by 4:00, which is awesome for a cut & highlights, compared to some other places. Yodit was very professional, quick and thorough. She understood exactly what I wanted done and did it very well. She wasn't chatty, though I'm sure she is a great conversationalist, but I had a headache and just wanted to relax and read and she was totally cool with that. Price very reasonable also. And you can put tip on the card, an added bonus. Highly recommend this spot! read more

The stylist Akesha(sp.) was sweet but very inexperienced and timid. I'm low-maintenance client. Natural AA curly hair worn in a 'fro or pulled back slightly. Shoulder length when straight, but I wasn't wedded to the length. Really I just needed a trim(it's been a couple of months) and some layers in top to help the 'fro to be more round. My hair on top is thick and heavy. I wanted to try a new salon just to see if the grass might be greener. Stylist was really timid and didn't seem to know what she was doing. Not that I do, as I'm not really a salon type of girl. But it was pretty obvious when she started trembling a bit and I had to show her where it was uneven. She cut it WET and brushed it (huh) way too much. Then cut way too much in the wrong places. OK, so I asked for Angela Davis and got it for a day. But I really don't have kinky enough hair for the big 'fro style. I should have figured that something was up when other stylists looked at me with sympathy and in silence. I found out she's only 20 years old. Granted, some people are great with hair at early ages. But she should stick to shampooing for a few years. Back to Bill Lawrence (hopefully Taio is still there). When my hair grows back. read more

UPDATE: OK. So having lived with this hair cut for two weeks, I can definitely say that this is the worst haircut I've had in years. It may even be worse than the hair cut my "friend" gave me in college after she convinced me that because her sister had dropped out of cosmetology school, she knew how to cut hair. I'm pretty angry about this and I am planning on calling the salon manager to complain, although at this point, there isn't much that can be done. The haircut is completely unbalanced, i.e.: one side is about an inch longer than the other. This is after Vonetta told me that she would cut my hair evenly so that I could wear it parted on either side. There are also patches where it looks like she just cut a chunk down to about two inches, but then left the hair below it longer. It's truly terrible. I'm especially frustrated because I was very clear with her about what I wanted. I don't know if I should take it personally that when I sat down in her chair, Vonetta decided to completely ignore what I wanted and instead decided to just make mincemeat out of my hair and my look, or if everyone else who has given her 5 stars is not being entirely truthful about their experience and Vonetta's abilities. I know that in 6 months or so when my hair grows back to where it was before my visit to Salon Revive, you couldn't pay me to go back. read more

Before I go into my story; all the stylists here are great, with particular reference to Vonetta who is nothing short of a miracle worker. Over the past 5 months I have watched women and men, of every color and age, with a huge variety in hair types, come into this salon. Everyone leaves looking fabulous, and all the stylists are friendly and professional, but importantly not OVERfriendly! If you love Aveda products, go to this salon! If you are white, black, hispanic or anything else for that matter, you can go here.. every type of person does. If you have mixed or black hair, processed or natural, be brave and go and try aveda products and Salon revive out. You will be so glad that you did. There is a stylist there for every kind of hair type, and the salon is friendly, open and clean. This place is like my second home.... I have had a struggle with my hair since the day I was born. I have mixed hair (black and white) and have spent lots of time all over the world, where many different things have been done to my hair. I had my scalp burned with relaxer and my hair ruined by an incompetent stylist when I was 9, i then wore my hair in braids for many years, and through the request of my boyfriend decided it was time to attempt going natural now at the age of 24! After the glowing yelp reviews I decided to go to Salon revive and book an appointment with the highly coveted 'Vonetta' in the hope she could turn my dry, fuzzy afro into something bareable to look at. I called, and got an appointment for the next day (which was a miracle, it has never happened since, she is highly sought after). Being British and not used to American salons or customs, I was somewhat nervous about the area and also how to tip, as well as how vocal I needed to be about my hair. Let me just say that Vonetta sat with me for a little while, talked through my hair and convinced me to leave myself in her hands. AMAZINGLY CAPABLE hands. In the 5 months I have been going there, i have never been disappointed once. I was SO enamored with the results that I began going every week, until my bank balance was almost negative. I explained the situation to Vonetta who proceded to educate me on what my hair needs and how best to look after it myself. I now am able to wash, blowdry and style it myself. I am a bundle of confidence and cant believe I kept this hair under braides for so many years. The Aveda products are all natural and smell lovely (although are certainly on the expensive side). I now only go back once a month for treatments, or hair colour, as Vonetta is an absolute pro with the foils. At 24 i got my first colour ever from her, and will never go to anyone else! I love what they have done for me so much that im bringing my mum and Aunt to the salon for appointments when they get here for Christmas! Vonetta has helped my hair to grow and look gorgeous. She kept it natural and now I can wear it straight, curly, or anything in between and get sooo many compliments. A few things I must mention: I have never parked across from the Salon, there is free and easy street parking just a block away on Tst. The area seems a little dodgy, especially after dark, but i have never once had any problems. I feel that I always look fabulous, but often feel the pinch on my wallet. A wash and dry is $45 (plus tip) but when I had a cut and blowdry ($65), highlights ($130) and a treatment, my totaly came to $230 which definitely surprised me! Be sure to ask about costs, and discuss it openly with your stylist! THANK YOU VONETTA!!!! read more

I had an amazing experience at salon revive. The receptionists are very friendly and accommodating. My first time I had a blow out/flat iron with Galya. She is amazing!!! She is very nice, knows what she's doing, and genuinely cares about the health of her client's hair. I've been coming back ever since. 10/10 would recommend this salon. The quality, hospitality, and diversity is the best I've experienced in a DC salon. read more

I requested Hiwot for my haircut and blow-out, based on reviews here...she was lovely. I was out in about an hour with straight and shiny hair. It is refreshing when a stylist does not insist that I need a extra cost of the flat iron after the blow-dry (a good one will be able to get my hair straight with just a roll brush). Sure, it would have been a bit smoother with a flat iron, especially at the roots, but I really like that Hiwot did not push that service on me. I was happy with the cut and the cost and will return, for sure! read more

I couldn't wait to get online to post this review about the great experience I had at Salon Revive with Vonetta Dumas. How I found Vonetta truly speaks to the benefits of Facebook. I have been living in the D.C. area for about 2 1/2 years with little success in finding a stylist that promotes healthly hair and that I trusted with coloring/cutting my hair. After finding Vonetta's page on FB, I knew she was the stylist I've been looking for. The before and after shots on her FB showed me that she is stylist that knows what she's doing when it comes to color and cutting. I had my first appt with Vonetta yesterday and I was seen right away (loved that!). The salon was very clean and everyone was very professionaI. I enjoyed how Vonetta took the time to discuss what she was going to do with my hair and made sure that I was onboard with the decisions made. We agreed that a color makeover would help the year overdue highlights that I had. Again, Vonetta talked me through each step of the coloring process so that I, too, was educated about what was being done. After blowdrying my hair, Vonetta cut my hair into layers in the back and gave me the bangs I've been wanting. Overall, it was the best experience I've had since moving to this area. I have naturally curly hair (no relaxer) and Vonetta was able to get my hair bone straight and give my hair the body I've craved. I look forward to my next visit. If you're looking for a hair care professional that promotes healthy hair and knows the appropriate hair color for you, then Vonetta is your stylist. read more

As a first time client, I must say that salon revive is an excellent establishment that provides the upmost professional services. I came there for a corrective haircut, since my hair was uneven due to a previously shaved side. As such, my stylist, Yodit told me exactly what was needed to even my hair out. I got my hair washed, treated, blow dried, and straightened for the preparation of the haircut. Yodit shaped my hair EXACTLY the way I wanted it. Yodit is very knowledgeable on natural hair, and I definitely would recommend her for any hair service. Thanks again Salon Revive!!! read more

I rarely post Yelp reviews, but I've had excellent experiences at this salon! I'm biracial and have very thick hair with tiny ringlets. I've gone to Yodit the past few times I've visited, and now she's my regular go-to at the salon. She's done cuts, color, and straightening/styling on me, and my hair always looks & feels smooth and beautiful afterward. The only downside is that it can be pricey depending on what services you get, so just be sure to check/verify prices beforehand so you aren't surprised at the register. I spend $250-$300 per appointment, not including tip(s). But keep in mind that's for always for a wash, cut, color treatment, and styling. Plus, they use Aveda products! read more

Based on reviews from Yelpers I decided to give Salon Revive a try, and I am elated that I took the leap! I have had a very trying time with my hair for the last year or so, and was desperate to find a stylist that would help get my hair situation together! My hair was a hot mess before I sat in Hiwot's chair, but by the time I left I felt like a new woman!! She transformed my dry, brittle, multi-color, multi-length tresses into a nourished, well-cut, well-colored head of hair. It was all around a very wonderful, professional experience, and trust me I have been through it all with hair salons. Hiwot made a ton of great suggestions from color to cut and never made me feel embarrassed about the sad state of my hair before I sat down in her chair. Not only was Hiwot great, but so were all of the other stylists. I was very impressed by the professionalism and the care that was taken with each client. When I go to a salon, I not only want a great style but I want to be treated like a person. Too often at salons, stylists do whatever they want, w/o your input, or have you hanging around all day trying to get your hair done. Not so at Salon Revive. I was in and out in a few hours, and I had extensive treatments done. Thanks to all the Yelpers before me for the recommendation!! Not only do I highly recommend this salon, but I am a definite repeat customer. read more

I love this salon, I lived in Brooklyn NY and was pleased to get a cheap wash and set in the neighborhood for $25.Moving to DC it was difficult to find a good salon.I heard great things about Salon Revive and decided to try it. And i was not disappointed.The stylists are great and treated my hair with love.They convinced me to stop relaxing my hair and I'm very happy with the results.They can be a bit pricey at times but well worth having your hair taken care of. However, I was not happy with the service with the receptionist there.I find her very cold and rude.She made a mistake with a transaction I had, and overcharged me for a service. After straightening it out with my stylist, the receptionist gave me a cold look and asked me back for my card, without even apologizing.It was as though she was doing me a favor. Then blankly said here is your refund.Mind you this is a Saturday, and I had to wait 2 business days for my refund which would be on a Tuesday.Principle is principle, she did not even consider whether this was an inconvenience or not. I definitely think she should work on her people skills, and I advise clients to work out prices with their stylists before finalizing with that receptionist. read more

OMG!!! The reviews on this site are so on point regarding Salon Revive. I went today after reviewing posts here on yelp. Hiwot looked at my hair asked what I wanted and I showed her a picture. Her first question to me was how do I like to wear my hair day to day. I am african american and have natural unrelaxed hair that I like to switch back and forth between curly and straight. Hiwot knew instantly that if she cut my hair as short as the picture it would not be the most suitable for curly styling. She advised me and the result is wonderful. Hiwot is the FIRST stylist I have been to since I went natural who understands how to cut a style suitable to either curly/straight. All I can say is don't hesitate to go this salon. Hiwot was extremely patient and took her time to give me the best hair cut I've ever had and the color is great too!! read more