Wow. I've been trying to find my "forever" stylist for quite a few years. Finally I've done so with Shockoe Salon. I had a unique request when I called and spoke with Sterling, the owner, who immediately zeroed in on my problem with a precision that I had previously only hoped would be possible. When I got to the salon, I met Brett. By the time she was finished with my hair, I was more thrilled than I could imagine. Her commitment to overcoming my particular hair issues, creativity and dedication (over hours) was astounding. Thank you, Shockoe Salon! read more

Service: My stylist was very friendly and honest with me about their ability, or lack thereof, to give me the hair color I wanted and that perhaps I could settle on an intermediate color so as not to damage my hair too much. (I have the darkest of black hair). The stylist took me through a double process to get to a blonde and followed with some toning to help keep it more attractive color. During the appointment, I noticed they didn't use foil, whereas other salons were more meticulous with application and foiling. Additionally, I was dismayed when they cut my hair considerably shorter than the photo reference. They did step out for smoke breaks while I was waiting and not too chatty. Ambiance: It's a bit of an eclectic feel on the interior with lots of plants and various furniture pieces. I was the only client during my appointment. Value: The services are fairly priced when compared to other stylists in the city. Unfortunately, they were not able to help me achieve the style I wanted as I would later get in other cities. But I imagine if I went in with a simpler request, then I would have been satisfied. read more

Shockoe Salon - We became friends - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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Your response to my initial post was a complete lie. I had an inch of natural blonde hair that needed highlights. And you have still never refunded me for what you promised. Do you not have any morals or ethics? read more

I usually hate getting my hair cut and tend to not respond well to a new hair cut for at least a couple of days. My haircut experience here was really nice and Sterling did a great job. I loved it immediately! Would definitely recommend! I am not a huge fan of their appointment booking system though. I tried to book an appointment 2 days ahead online and was told to make sure the salon confirmed it. I didn't get a confirmation until day of which was stressful. Maybe book 3+ days in advance for less stress? read more

Shockoe Salon - Love this cut! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The staff at Shockoe Salon are all consummate professional's. I consider them artists because they truly know how to craft a unique look particular to each client. read more

My stylist: Emyle 5 stars Emyle is very kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable. She helped me really figure out the cut I wanted to get considering I didn't quite know what I wanted when I went in. She let me look at it and make adjustments throughout the session without taking offense to me wanting to change things. She will 100% make you feel safe and welcome during your visit and you'll leave looking hot. The shop: 5 stars The shop itself was very very cute and comfortable. Plants everywhere, a dog that minds his business, and a bird. The hair washing chairs were quite literally the comfiest ones I've ever laid in they usually always hurt my neck but these did not. The shop is small and cozy and I enjoyed everything about the over all vibe. read more

This boutique balayage salon is an RVA gem. Sterling and Maddy are friendly, and they make sure to help each client feel pampered and at ease. For the past two years, Sterling has cut and colored my hair. He's helped me go from brunette to blonde to lilac and all around again! He really cares about giving you the vibes you're looking for in a hairstyle. My hair has been through so much, but it is still silky-soft and strong. If you're looking for a really special experience, Shockoe Salon is the way to go! read more

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SO upset with how my hair stylist-Sterling did my hair. I came in, and asked for a "warmer" blonde and showed pictures of people like Hilary Duff to showcase exactly what I wanted for my color. Somehow, I ended up with a copper/red-ish brown roots and dark blonde ends of my hair. I came in FULL BLONDE just looking for something that wasn't so harsh on my roots and I ended up leaving the salon a copper-y brunette. Extremely upset with Sterling just going off of what he deemed best and not going off of what I wanted and the 5+ detailed pictures that I showed him. I will be going to a new salon in the next week to fix my copper-y brunette hair that I did not ask for. read more

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the workers were very kind and fun to be around, but I am very disappointed with my haircut. I asked for an inch off and the same length on the back as it was on the top. I got a choppy, uneven, 2 inches off. and the back was barely touched. images attached are before and after. this was no where near worth the 70 dollars I paid. read more

Shockoe Salon - after - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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The combination of Groupon and good reviews led me here. I moved here from San Francisco and have been working up the courage to find a new salon. I have fine, thin hair and had previous bad/enthusiastic salon experiences. I was hopeful but nervous. The aesthetic of the salon was a bit confusing and customer service wasn't great. The vibe is a mix between Shockoe rustic, mid century modern (e.g., red leather chairs), Asian inspired (e.g., Hindu gods, Japanese inspired plant displays) and found object (e.g., glitter crown, fedoras???). The customer service was fair, the host was the warmest presence, and I wasn't offered anything to drink until after my color was processing. They were very helpful in helping me find what I wanted, even if took a bit of up-selling. In terms of product/work, my hair turned out great. When going blonder I don't use bleach, but that was the only option here. My fine hair was screaming in fear, but it turned out nicely. They also used a B3 treatment. Plus, when I said trim, she really listened!!! She really made sure I liked the final product and that it was exactly what I wanted. read more

I had such a great experience here! This might be the best haircut I've ever had! I've always gone to SuperCuts but I wanted to expand my horizons so I checked this place out. It's going to be my new go-to. I know nothing about hair and am not good at keeping up/doing my hair. Destiny did an amazing job with the parameters I asked her for and made my hair look so much healthier and just cuter. I tried to get some pictures of it, this is the next day. All I did was wash it and brush it. I'm seriously so thrilled to have lucked out so much finding this place! Great vibes, good music, everyone is so friendly and positive. And I'm so happy with my haircut! Thanks Destiny. One random thing but worth mentioning is that their hair sinks are amazing! They're flat so you aren't holding your head up and getting a sore neck. My only small complaint would be that it was really hot in there and the chairs kinda trap the heat in. I was sweating for sure! read more

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Best cut and color to date. Usually do not let anyone come near my hair with a pair of scissors but I'm glad I trusted him. My hair looks so much bouncier and healthier. He also did a fantastic job with balayage for curly hair, which other stylists have not been able to do well in the past. 2 added bonuses: He gives a gentle and relaxing head and neck massage while washing your hair and his super cute pomsky hangs out in the salon and keeps you company. read more

I received the refund I requested. I'm glad the salon will now offer a paper receipt if requested. read more

Came here for a haircut with the groupon special (signature haircut, deep conditioning, and blowout) with Sterling. Overall, I had a fantastic experience! It was really easy to schedule, I had an appointment the next day after I called. The experience in the salon was equally wonderful. The shampoo and deep conditioning treatment was super relaxing, it was almost like a mini massage! During my haircut, I could tell he wasn't rushing and even though I gave him relatively little direction, at the end of the appointment my hair looked amazing. Overall I would definitely return, my only qualm is the regular prices without the Groupon deal are pretty expensive (around $80 without tip). read more

Let me just say, that was the best hair experience I have ever had. Sterling is so talented and the head massage I got when he washed my hair was incredible. My blowout which I got saturday has lasted for three days now and still looks great! Highly recommend this place:) cutest dog ever read more

Shockoe Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Updating my review from a couple years ago and changing from 5 stars to 3. I've been going here since they first opened a few years ago and I've referred about 7 other people here. While Sterling does do a great job with cut and color the prices have become a bit unreasonable and a lot gets added on without you knowing. I've been getting the same thing each time and it seems every time it's more expensive for less. The first time I got my hair colored here the toner was included (as it should be). The next time I was charged $30 for it and another $30 for some conditioning treatment that I wasn't even asked about and my bill came out to about $260 (before tip) for full balayage + toner. The next time my bill was $300 for the same thing but without a toner! I thought my hair looked a little brassy and needed to be toned so two days later I called and said that and was told I would have to pay and extra $60 to have a toner put in! I paid $300 literally 2 days before and thought that was just ridiculous and unreasonable. A toner should be included in the first place and every other salon in the area includes it with the highlighting service. After being a loyal client from their beginnings and referring multiple people here I thought it was pretty poor customer service. Previous review: I've been long due for a haircut but didn't know where to go in Richmond. I found this salon and it is amazing!! Sterling cut my hair and it looks awesome. He really knows what he is doing and all of the products he used smell great. I'll definitely be back for my next cut and when I need color! I'll also be recommending it to all my friends because they even have a student discount. Highly recommend read more

Shockoe Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

My visit to Shockoe Salon was a somewhat random occurrence. I won a free haircut in a silent auction. Thus, my intro to master hair stylist, Sterling. He does that funky thing of checking out skull bone structure to determine how to cut and it makes him seem like a magician. Great cut - even I can style it! Just the other day I got the ultimate compliment: "can I take your picture so I can ask my stylist to do the same thing?" Big bonus for the shop: their shampoo bowl has a support that takes pressure of your neck to make it a lovely experience! read more

A Groupon brought me here. I asked for blonde highlights. I was never shown swatches, but the stylist, who had very blonde hair, asked "as blonde as my hair?" for the highlights and I said YES. I said I wanted my blonde highlights to be noticeable, had an upcoming wedding to attend, wanted my highlights to brighten my dull mousey brown hair. After applying and foiling, I took a photo of my foil situation as I waited and asked my friend if it looked like was even highlighting enough of my hair. Whole chunks on the sides were not foiled. Then she put on a toner, and asked me to sit for 20 min reclined at the hair washing station. I said I'd prefer sitting up for that long. Secret worries about why I needed 20 min of toner. My hair is NOT highlighted at all. It is actually MORE brown than before, with NO blonde highlights. NO highlights. I spent $130 and 3 hours of time to walk out looking just like I walked in -- even browner. They tried to charge me $30 for a "glaze" and I said "I have no highlights, which I asked for, and I didn't ask for a glaze." He said the glaze was the toner, and I refused to pay the up charge. Every time I look at my brown hair I'm furious. They need to make this right. read more

I am so happy with my experience today at Shockoe Salon! I sorely needed a haircut (not sure why but I had been procrastinating a haircut all of quarantine!), I'm relatively new to Richmond and had seen this place walking by a few times. I was looking to remove at least a couple inches of the remaining blond highlights from years ago and was open to ideas for my cut. Sterling was so welcoming and gave me some suggestions for what to do. And the final product is beautiful! A few things I really appreciated: the studio/setting has an authentic and artistic feel, very cozy; the wash in those chairs was so comfortable; and Sterling's tips for me personally with my hair, like parting it the other way- such a good idea and I like how it looks now and probably isn't something I would have done without the idea. Glad this is right around the corner, I will be a regular. read more

I just moved to Richmond and was looking for a salon and happen to drive by Shockoe salon. This place is super cute and Sterling did such a good job on my hair. I'm pretty lazy with my every day routine so he gave me a cut that was easy to maintain! I don't plan on getting my haircut anywhere else! Definitely recommend the salon! read more

I liked this little salon! It's tucked into what has to be some kind of repurposed building... I am kind of new to the area and this seems to be the case with all the downtown buildings! I received a haircut from Caitlin, who was very friendly and did a pretty good job with relatively little direction! I could tell from the questions she asked before picking up the shears that she knew what she was doing. She took her time and made pleasant conversation throughout. According to their website, a men's haircut runs from $35 - $45. Before tips, I paid $35; not sure what would cause it to be $45... maybe if you tick them off or something they work a "put up with you fee" into the cost! Solid business - give this place a try! read more

Sterling is the man. I showed him a picture of what I was going for and he knew exactly what to do. The place is conveniently located and very cool inside read more

Great salon! I got a haircut and balayage. With the student discount, it didn't break my wallet either. :) Stylist is super nice and gets the job done! We had to go from warm tone to cool tones in my hair and I was surprised to see no warm tones in my hair! Will be back again! read more

Shockoe Salon - Full balayage and cut - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Asked for a multidimensional color or balayage, and was told the original stylist I had booked with couldn't do that in the time I selected (I booked it online) so I had to change my appointment with Sterling because he had "time". He gave me a haircut and colored my hair a slightly lighter shade of brown than my natural color (said to match my eyes?). I left pretty disappointed because it wasn't what I wanted but still I booked another appointment to get my actual desired service done and purchased some dry shampoo (~$30 for a tiny bottle lol). I cancelled my follow up and I'm still looking for an honest & skilled stylist in this area. read more

I had a great experience with Shockoe Salon. I needed a color correction, the receptionist was polite and was able to get me an appointment the next day. The stylist Caitlin was great! She went over my options and what I could realistically expect from correction. The employees were actively asking if I needed anything to drink, magazine to read, and shared their phone charger since my process was several hours long. It started raining during my appointment and Caitlin even offered to take me to my car to avoid the rain. The services took my hair back to a level that I can live with, and I will be back to continue this process in the future! Overall great experience! read more

I never leave reviews, especially not negative ones for a small business, but I wanted to warn other people with textured/curly hair - do NOT come here, they're not experienced at all with curls. They sheared off 3/4 of my hair with thinning shears, telling me it was "shaping." I've talked to a couple of stylists since who said that anyone with basic knowledge of curls would truly never do that. One stylist was completely speechless, and kept referring to the cut as a "terrible mistake." Another asked "how did they possibly think this was OK?" Maisie left me with 2 WISPS of hair on the sides of my head. I had to get a buzz cut after growing my hair out for a year. It's been a week and the color has landed on green-purple after a day of painstakingly trying to dye it gray. The owner is a white man with dreads in 2021... yikes. They said they'd refund my service (in writing), but then didn't respond for a week (still haven't heard anything after contacting them multiple times). I think this shop is the epitome of the impact of racism, specifically how it plays out as the very real harm of white people working on BIPOC hair. Maisie did a horrific job on both cut and color - stay away, and consider yourself lucky. It's a real shame because Maisie did seem like a sweet person at first, but if you don't know how to *not destroy* ethnic hair, then just own up to that. Below are pics of my hair before the cut (they straightened it with a blow dryer), 2 of my hair after, and a picture of the beautiful ethnic curls this white person sheared off onto the salon floor, completely disrupting my curl pattern, so my hair couldn't curl anymore... read more

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Pros: nice salon atmosphere with cute pups Pros: lovely staff Cons: I called to setup my appointment and I was told color ran anywhere from 80-160 dollars. At the appointment I was charged 180 Cons: I went in with an idea of something I wanted, with photos shown, and I was led to believe it was achievable. I was charged +25 dollars for a bond builder and +30 dollars for a glaze color that didn't come through Pro: I went in for a re-do of the glaze and they were cordial about it To sum it up if you choose to get service at this salon, you should clarify if what you want can be realistically achieved so that you aren't bummed out. And also, prior to start of treatment, talk with Sterling (the stylist) about the charges, because I was sure as hell surprised by the bill when I got the receipt read more

Probably the most phenomenal place to have your hair taken care of! Sterling is legit!

Shockoe Salon's website clearly states that the salon does men's haircuts ($40.00) and beard trimming ($20.00), but when I showed up to schedule an appointment the owner said, "No, we don't do men's haircuts." I had called earlier and left a message to schedule an appointment, but received no response. He didn't even have the courtesy to return my call to inform me to look elsewhere. read more

Amazing amazing place. Ok so I needed my hair done and I had called the day prior and they got me an appointment. Very nice staff and my hair stylist was Sterling and he did such an amazing job with my hair. I highly recommend him and this salon. read more

Shockoe Salon - From sterling - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I had a wonderful experience here! My boyfriend comes here regularly, and after a truly awful experience at the JCPenny's Salon, he insisted I get a "real haircut" and made me an appointment. I just wanted something very simple, light layers with a V-shape in the back and a trim to get rid of my split ends, and face framing in the front. I got exactly what I wanted! Plus, because I was referred by my boyfriend I got a 20% discount and he gets 20% discount on his next appointment. I truly had no idea what to expect as I've never gotten a nice haircut before and know next to nothing about hair, but instead of making me feel lost or silly, Sterling was gracious, informative, and spoke in understandable terms (thank God!) The appointment took exactly as long as was quoted and was actually quite a bit cheaper than I expected with the discount. I walked out with a very nice, slightly curled style and my hair felt so much lighter and healthier. I will definitely be returning and I encourage others to come in and support this local Richmond small business! read more

I am SO happy with my haircut from Sterling! It's literally the best haircut I've ever gotten. I'm a bit picky and have a tad of anxiety when it comes to getting my hair cut due to so many disappointing hair experiences. I've always been the girl who salon hops, but not any more! I finally have the haircut of my dreams and won't be going anywhere else. Thank you Sterling! read more

I went in for a cut and balayage. The pricing is outrageous. I went in literally with the same color I came out with and spent over $400. It was nothing like I requested. I do not recommend this salon to anyone. read more

First time going to this little gem!! I highly recommend this salon. EVERYONE in the salon was super friendly, kind and just made you feel so welcome. Love the vibe, best shampoo bowl, trust me you have to experience it to understand. I got my hair colored and cut by the amazing, read more

I just can't say enough great things about Sterling and the rest of the team over here at Shockoe Salon. Can't wait to come back!!

Just went this past week and I absolutely LOVE my haircut. I went in with hair well past my shoulders and left with a pixie cut. I had been really nervous about it but Sterling reassured me and did such a great job. The rest of the staff were also really friendly and gave their input and encouragement as well. At the end of my session I also got great advice on styling and left with one of R+C'a products. I've got nothing but compliments on my haircut and I can't thank Sterling enough. These guys are great! Wouldn't think of going anywhere else in Richmond. read more

Shockoe Salon - Hair Stylists Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

First off, I wouldn't recommend this place to a dog. The salon has that nice expensive salon vibe to it and the people seemed nice, I saw the pictures and reviews here on yelp and I decided to check it out. I was told they could definitely get the rose gold at the ends of my brunette hair the way I wanted (SUBTLE & NOT BRIGHT PINK)... but for $200.. I was expecting like $150-160 but I still decided to treat myself and I was so excited about it, like for that price and the pictures I saw I was confident they could do it. But after trying to fix my hair twice I left the salon balling crying, still had to pay $200 dollars for something I didn't ask for and my hair was completely messed up. They gave me mahogany red roots and a brassy yellow blonde with the rest of my hair. The internet photos I'm attaching is what I talked with them about just seeing which would be best and after the first try of her balayage looking choppy and strawberry blonde the second try turned out the way it did because the man, Sterling thought there was mahogany at the roots of one of the models (he showed me later where he saw the color, but it was towards the END of her hair and also swept through the hair like highlights, NOT HER ENTIRE HEAD) which clearly was brown, the SAME color brown I had at my roots but instead he got rid of every trace of brunette I had left on my head which was not what I asked for AT ALL! The other two lady stylist Maddie and someone else just let it happen even though she told me after it happened she didn't see the red he saw but still did it anyways. SO PLEASEEE anyone who goes here be sure you're not getting anything too complicated and beware!!! read more

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Sterling just cut and styled my hair and I love it! It has been difficult for me to find someone who did it right and after living here for 10 years I cannot believe it has finally happened. He has only been open for 2 weeks, so the place is a little unfinished. Apparently it was a rushed start since his old salon had a roof collapse. He is really focused on you, takes into consideration the shape of your face, your body, all the things that matter. read more

Sterling is fantastic! I can't remember the last time I relaxed as much as I did when he washed my hair--it's worth just to go for that! He's super flexible on scheduling, listened to what I wanted, and had great suggestions! I'm really happy with my haircut and will be coming back again! read more

I had such a great experience at Shockoe Salon with Sterling. I highly recommend this salon! The products he uses smell amazing and the salon is in a more than convenient location! Oh yeah, and my hair looks fantastic! read more