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Guide to Hair Salons in Washington DC

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Article by City Lifestyle

Photography by City Lifestyle

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and clearly, most people who look in the mirror have determined that their hair plays a significant role in their outward beauty.

Hence the proliferation of beauty salons in every corner of most cities. The country's capital, Washington DC, is no different. For years, people have always said the hair, no matter which style you choose, is your beauty. So why not get it right?

At least fifty percent of women acknowledged in a nationwide survey that it is necessary to visit a salon every month for hair sustenance. Men go just as often, sometimes more than the women. 

In Washington, DC, where politicians are seen daily and millions of tourists pass through to visit the Whitehouse and museums, it's always abuzz, and beauty salons are in high demand.  

People have to keep up appearances in this highly televised side of the country, and professional hairstylists are available to help them maintain or achieve their desired look.

Here's a comprehensive guide to hair salons in DC.

Capitalize on your Style: Find a Hair Salon in DC

One hundred and ten licensed hair salons attend to a population of over 684 thousand people in Washington, DC.

Most of DC is urban, so you'll find that the salons are mainly located in the downtown region of the country's capital. 

You can find a few affordable hair salons but keep in mind that this is DC and affordable is relative. Many upscale hair salons can be found at any angle of the city overlooking the Potomac River. Competent hairstylists are accessible for every category of hair. 

The diversity is one of the best yet in any city. Regardless of what culture you are part of or hair type you may have, every salon can accommodate you. 

The majority of the hair salons in DC have great ratings due to excellent service. There is a noticeable trend in DC and many other cities that most hair salons are also beauty salons, which means they offer spa benefits and occasionally skin health regimen.

Please take a peek at the various hair salon offerings in DC.

There is a contrast between a beauty salon and a hair salon, and even though all hair salons have now taken on the beauty aspect.

You can safely say that hair salons in DC are beauty salons as they offer both sets of procedures. Beauty salons deliver extensive services connected to healthy skin, facial aesthetics, foot health, manicures, aromatherapy, and even introspection/meditation, and more.

Hair salons in DC have been known to maintain a high standard and they all deliver beauty services to men, women, and children, but the benefits vary from salon to salon. Make sure to ask rather than assume that they all offer a service that you want to utilize.

Their efficiency and diversity are some of the reasons listed in reviews, for their very high ratings.

Cavalry Salon & Nails Spa has one of the highest ratings in the city. They are located less than a block from the National Geographic Museum and offer 3D Microblading, Permanent Makeup Tattoo, Hair Style, Hair Color and Hair Cut.

They have a day spa and nail care section, too, that comes with complimentary wine service.

You can make your trip to some DC salons a full-day experience that even your children* can relish. Once you have the time, the skilled hair stylists and therapists will work wonders on your body. It's important to note that not all salons have the same services.

*Not every salon has services for children; therefore, please call ahead to find out.

Downtown

One hundred and ten of the hair salons in DC are in the downtown area of the city. Whether you have an afro, curly or straight hair, permed or natural, you have skilled hairstylists that thoroughly examine your hair for breakage, and any other damage then offer you a set of treatments if needed.

Beauty treatments are abundant, such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and skin therapy.

Diego's Hair Salon has been a staple in the country's capital for 60 years. This hairdressing shop sits in the Dupont Circle community of Washington, D.C., with some of the most skilled hair stylists you'll come across this side of town.

Established in the '60s by Italian American Diego D'Ambrosio, the hair salon has evolved into a neighborhood institution often visited by politicians, spiritual leaders, ambassadors, and even Supreme Justices.

In tribute to Diego's exceptional treatment of the regional business community, an area street has been renamed in his merit. The salon is still frequented by many officials and locals alike. 

Meanwhile, the other professional and talented hairstylists do a wide range of hairstyles and treatments. They get you ready for weddings and other official functions. Think Whitehouse or Capitol building, and you know that they have the experience and wherewithal to handle your hair needs.

Got Natural Hair? Salons with Experience

Nearly 100 salons in the city have stylists who can handle your natural hair, whether light, thick, short, long, curly, afro, or straight. In every section of the city, you'll find a natural hairstylist. 

Natural hair is not the easiest to handle; however, these DC stylists utilize the proper products to conform to your hair fiber. They also enlighten you on how to restrain your curls and avoid kinks.

Since the temperature can get very hot at times and wickedly cold in the winters, stylists help keep your hair from looking unprofessional after it becomes sweaty in the summer or dry in the frigid winter.

They have the correct products to combat each weather situation the city faces. 

Black and African American Hair Salons

Every hair salon in Washington DC is a black hair salon, meaning all the salons cater to all hair types. However, not all of them may deliver the same quality, which is why some reviews say a particular stylist doesn't know to handle black/white hair. 

The onus is on you to check the ratings and reviews. 

For those who focus more on black hair care, they do coloring, perms, braids, afro, cornrows, hair extensions, and so much more. 

Stylists are so versatile that all hair salons in DC treat and style African American hair types. They do natural hair, comprising afro hair, braids, curly hair, and hair extensions.

It's essential to let the stylist know what product you recently used in your hair so they can make a knowledgeable determination about the perfect products for you.

Sometimes you may need an intense treatment before they put any healthy products in your hair, so speak up and be candid about getting the best results.

Many salons offer care for Afro hair, which has been trending in current years. Numerous black women seem to be adopting the natural look, particularly afro styling.

The hair salons which give care for afro hair are all over the city. If you're trying this look, pay attention to what you're told because this hairstyle is high maintenance. It looks easy but has to be trimmed and properly maintained.

Another set of stylists, the Dominicans have been creating waves with their skills. Arguably, the Dominicans are some of the best, and most consistent hairstylists across the globe, hence the reason they do so well in many cities and right here in DC. 

There are eighty-six Dominican hair salons in the city. The Dominican salons are mainly north of the downtown area starting in Lanier City up to Takoma in the vicinity of Fort Stevens Recreation Center.

Many stylists in DC want you to not wash your hair before visiting them for styling. This is because they know the categories of products they use and how they complement each other and fear it may clash with what you used at home.

Hairdressers can only be held accountable if they handle your hair from start to finish.

Redo the Curls: The Right Salon for Your Hair

If you find that your hair shrinks or gets super curly whenever it's washed, then you have curly hair, and like thousands of women in DC with curly hair, most salons are prepared with experts who are trained to handle your hair type.

These salons use quality products to enrich, instead of changing your curls. A lot more women have been embracing their natural curls! 

Once you let the stylist show you the various ways to maintain your curls, you'll be even more comfortable with your hair.  

The types of curly hair are wavy, curly, and coily. Whatever your curl category is, they can deal with it.

The Braiding Challenge: Hair Salon Stylists with Braiding Expertise

More than sixty stylists are available to give you any braiding style that you wish to wear. Whether you want long braids, short braids, micro braids, or rope twists, there's a stylist who can do it neatly for you.

You can trust the stylist to unleash their creativity on your hair or tell them precisely what you'd like to have done. Many of the hair braiding salons are east or mainly north of the metropolis in Columbia Heights to Petworth.

Braids can be very tight when installed, so be ready to deal with some disquiet the first two days until it relaxes. If you've worn braids before, then you know what to expect. 

You can ask the stylist to put the braids in a bit more relaxed, but they will notify you that they will not be accountable if the hairstyle doesn't last very long as they are meant to be done tightly for the best results.

Finally, if you don't know precisely what hairstyle you want, do some exploration or trust that your skilled hairstylists can inform you of what will emphasize your face or fit your everyday lifestyle.

There's a reason that many of the salons have very good to excellent ratings; they understand their profession adequately.

Even if you're having a horrible hair day, they'll be delighted to take care of your hair as it enables them to prove their value. Enjoy your new look!