VAIN

I’ve received two haircuts at VAIN and really liked them both. I have curly hair that is thin and damaged, so it’s a difficult texture to work with and I’ve had a lot of trouble finding a stylist that I love. Tiffany has always done a great job of listening to what I want (for both cut and color) and also showing me how to style it. I’m very happy! The only reason I can’t give it 5 stars is because it’s a little expensive for me, but it’s worth it.

I’ve been searching around for a good stylist for a while, since I moved to Seattle two years ago and I feel like I’ve finally found my place. My stylist is amazing and always works with me to attain my perfect look. They’re so amazing that I’ve referred several people to both my stylist and the salon as a whole. They always try to make you feel comfortable and check in with you throughout your styling process.

The salon called me back for a redo. I came back today and Melissa did my hair. She’s great. She listened to what I wanted, gave me grear advice and did a very nice job. I’m definitely coming back to see Melissa

I got good reviews of this place from my friend so i went in for a haircut. All i wanted to do with my hair was get more layers and give them some volume. MISA who did my haircut did an extremely horrible job.

There is a reason there are 22+ pages of «bad reviews» for this salon not to mention the pages and pages of 1-​star «Hidden Reviews» you have to click on at the bottom to read.
Let’s start with the first impression. When I walked in for my appointment there was an African-​American girl at the register who just stared at me with a snotty face and I felt very unwelcome. I wanted to walk out because the vibe in this place sucks and it’s a very unfriendly environment. I get it. we’re in Seattle. but seriously, if we’re giving you our money for a service the least you can do is greet the customer when they walk up to the desk.
Adam did my highlight «touch-​up» and where he was a friendly person, he did a really bad job on my highlights. I just don’t understand what happened here. I get it, we’re all human and all stylists have a bad day but I paid over $ 300 for highlights that I later on had to have «fixed» at another salon for even more money so this is why I am so upset and felt it necessary to leave this review! The proof is in the 3 pictures I posted and it just looks horrible. It looks like when highlights are growing out — not when they’ve just been retouched.
I drove home in tears after looking through my hair in my car mirror and was about to turn around to see if I could talk to the manager but I didn’t. I really regret that decision. I didn’t turn back mainly because I originally had to park blocks away in some random garage since they do not have a parking lot anywhere nearby and since I was crying I didn’t want to go back there like that. I felt embarrassed and I just wanted to go home.
I don’t recommend this salon for highlights and definitely not if you want to go somewhere where there’s a pleasant/​friendly, chill vibe. Good luck to you if you choose this salon and hopefully you have a better experience than me.

I went here to get blonde balayage.
I already had balayage with a bit contrast with my natural hair color which is darkest brown. I liked the contrast but i just wanted to pull more balayage highlight and make the previous balayage highlight lighter. I told Color specialist to pull some balayage highlight to the roots since i wanted to keep my balayage longer.
But i got from this salon is orangy solid foiled looking hair. Not balayage.
It definitely didn’t look like balayage and i was really unhappy.
I called salon and told them i’m not happy with my hair and they said they can fix my hair for free if i’m unhappy.
When i came back to salon, she didn’t do my hair. Other person fixed my hair. She told me my hair is too damaged so she can’t pull the orange out (which involves the bleaching). So i came back 2 times which was 2 months after and she said my hair is still so damaged. So second time i went here to get my hair fixed, i couldn’t wait to get rid of orangy color so she toned littled bit down to get rid of brassiness temporarily. And arranged my appointment 1month after. I couldn’t wait and my hair was so orangy even tho they toned little bit so i went to other salon.
They said my hair is «very» doable for blonde balayage. I don’t understand the reason vain rejected to bleach my hair. I’m not coming back to this salon ever.
I spent over $ 200 with tips for balayage at this salon. I really didn’t wanted to pay the tips tho.

I found Vain shortly after I moved to Seattle, mostly because I had heard that Carissa specializes in red hair. First, let me say that Carissa deserves 5 stars in my book! She’s not only an exceptionally talented colorist, but she’s an outstanding listener and really makes sure her clients are satisfied and love their hair! She took the time to really understand what I was looking for and she gave me the shade of red I haven’t had since I was a child. Carissa has high standards – and I do, too – so we were a good fit. When I decided to move from Seattle, I really was bummed that I couldn’t take her with me – she’s that fantastic! She has set the bar very, very high…
Some other things about Vain – the staff was always friendly, the place was clean and stylish plus they have a really cute shop with unique jewelry, hats/​scarfs, gifts and high-​quality beauty products. I enjoyed shopping there after my color.
They only lose a star because I had two different hair cuts there by two different stylists (NOT Carissa – she specializes in color) and I thought they ranged from average to not great, both in the cut and personality of the stylist. Neither stylist was asked me more than a question or two about me or my hair, so they didn’t seem like they cared to earn my repeat business. I’m sorry I can’t remember their names… I gave up on getting my hair cut here after the second experience.

I’ve been seeing Dylan for years and she’s AMAZING — highly recommend for not only good hairs but good laughs. Anything I’ve brought to her she’s been into and gone above and beyond with her recommendations as well. Just such a treat to see her!

Today is 3÷2÷2016.
I’m still seeing Kelly for my cut and color. Since 2008.
That is all.

I’ve been going to VAIN for years. I have curly hair and VAIN always has stylists who really know how to cut curly hair. For ages, I have had long hair, so my haircuts have been various renditions of long layers.
This time, I wanted it short. I showed the stylist several pictures and asked if she could cut my hair into a stacked bob/​disconnected undercut/​mohawk convertible.
She said «That looks so fun!» and then she did it.
Seriously. My new haircut can be cute, feminine A-​line bob or wild, asymmetrical, almost-​shaved-​sided magic. It is exactly what I wanted and I didn’t think it was even possible when I asked for it.
So, if you ever feel the need to trust someone with your curly hair and your wishful thinking, I recommend you introduce yourself Luanne at VAIN.

I have accepted that I have some of the most difficult hair to cut. If I had a penny for every time someone has said to me «Oh my God, what happened to your hair?!» I would be retired and living on an island in the South Pacific.
Yes, I have fine hair with some weird wave in it. If it get cuts at the wrong angle, it looks like rats gnawed on it in my sleep. Also, if it is cut with too many blunt layers, it also looks like rats gnawed on it. If the bob (which I usually do) does not fall in line with how my hair naturally falls, yep, rats. It’s amazing how often my hair turns out this way.
I’ve now had three hair cuts here, and not once has anyone said to me «Maybe you should stop going to the beauty school for haircuts.» This is amazing.
I do have fine hair, so I have my own personal battles with volume. A good cut is essential to get some oomf. And I’ve been getting ok oomf, so I recommend a good cut here for sure.

I absolutely love Vain. I’ve had a couple different stylists (all of them amazing) but have been working solely with Carly for about 1.5−2 years. She is my favorite stylist I have ever had — a true artist. I always appreciate how inquisitive she is and that she truly listens to me. Most importantly, she puts a lot of effort into making sure that we are on the same page and that my ideas become reality. Every time she does my hair I leave the salon feeling refreshed and sporting the exact cut and color I had imagined. In fact, I receive so many compliments about my hair that I even carry her business cards around to give out. She is that incredible.

Got my eyebrows waxed by the lovely Sarah Friday afternoon and… I’m hooked. What a wonderful genuine personality she had & put a lot of thought & consideration into what she was doing. Normally when I get my eyebrows waxed, no one asks specifically what I like or don’t like so her thoughtfulness was much appreciated. Definitely made me feel like I was getting my money’s worth. I will definitely have to come back & check out their other services.
Not pretentious & the price is right.
Thank you Sarah! See you soon

Came in for an eyebrow wax on Friday afternoon and had a wonderful experience with Belinda. She was so genuine and had a wonderful personality. I never got my eyebrows waxed where the esthetician was so thoughtful in what I liked/​disliked so it definitely felt like I got my moneys worth.
Thank you Belinda, I will be coming back!

I suspect HEIKE might be a wizard.
I came in with a sort of idea, a need for a change, and a random assemblage of photos that I want sure what I felt about. She suggested something that was related to what I wanted, but also completely different to what I had visualized… Giving me something that looked better than my plans. An asymmetrical haircut I had kinda dreamed about, but never figured out the right words to ask for.
She picked a cut that really suited my face and while short disguised/​made pretty my ears (I can get a little self conscious about how they stick out, but not with this cut).
WIZZAAARD!

My stylist, Rebekah gave me a haircut and color but unfortunately I am not too happy with the hair color. I wanted balayage but I ended up with unnatural looking streaks. I am so disappointed because it was my first time ever getting my virgin hair colored and now I feel terrible about it. The haircut seemed okay when I left the salon but after a few hours it just looked wonky and I am so scared to wash it! I called the salon but the manager was not available! I paid around $ 311 including a tip.
I will have to find another salon to fix it. I won’t be back to vain.

I hate to write a bad review, but I was super disappointed when I came here. I don’t want to mention the gal who dyed my hair just because I was so unhappy with it. I asked for a gradual, soft ombré, but what I ended up with was blotchy bleached ends, with most of my hair still left black! Thankfully I was able to find a different salon to fix my hair the week after… Still. I can’t believe I paid over $ 200 for this which is way overpriced to being with. I was going to call to ask for a refund but didn’t even bother assuming they wouldn’t. Was so excited at first to come to VAIN, but unfortunately I will definitely not come back.
UPDATE: The manager at VAIN kindly messaged me and offered to give me a refund. They were very nice about it and apologized.

I have followed my hair stylist here. I see Adam! He’s done red head melts, given me a pixy and seen me through growing my hair out long for my wedding.

I saw Lydia to have my roots done and my color refreshed — she was fantastic and completely understood what I was going for: platinum blonde, but with a subtle warm, natural tone (as opposed to the cool-​toned bright white platinum that’s really popular right now). She lightened my growout and balayaged my ends lighter for a beautiful and very subtle ombré effect. It looks amazing! I explained how I usually style it, which is very low-​fuss — no heat styling and just a few products — she took that into account when styling my hair and also showed me how to do some easy 5-​minute curls for a more finished look.
She’s a senior stylist, so she’s not cheap, but well worth it! As an added bonus, she’s moving to the Ballard location soon — so no more stressing over downtown parking when I go back to see her!

For now I think I’ll leave this at a 4 or 4.5. I’m definitely coming back in a few weeks or a month to get my hair lighter. I made an appointment a week in advance and they made a spot for me right away with Lydia.
I came in on time, but waited about half an hour to be called back. I wasn’t too bothered by that, but I saw another woman who was there before I arrived, and she was still sitting there even after I got called back! The poor girl!
Lydia was easy going and talked me through color options. Usually at other salons, they ask about you the whole time but I think I learned more about her than she did about me LOL. I’m not complaining though, because it was hard to hold a conversation there. The place was loud! I have a soft voice so half the time I’d say something, she’d ask me to repeat hahaha. Oh well.
During consultations, she let me know that what I wanted to do was not feasible in one session, but we can work towards that in the long run. She still made sure my hair was nice and cool (not warm) and lifted it as much as she could without damaging it! She toned it to give me an ashy/​beigey cool color. The back of my head isn’t as lifted as the front but I’m not too bothered by it; I have a lot of hair so I understand the issue with timing chemicals accurately, but it would have been better if it was all even.
I still really like the outcome even though it wasn’t the exact color I initially wanted. I’m definitely coming back to Lydia to go lighter and actually make my hair goals and I’m glad we got a great lift for my first session; it makes the process more enjoyable. In the meantime I definitely love my hair now. She’s a great person to go to if you want a change in color. Definitely pricey (well… I also have a lot of hair.), but it’s worth her hard work and beautiful outcome.
Also… This place is right across the street from pike place!

As someone with SUPER curly hair (like insane curls) going to get my hair cut has always been a stressful experience. I’ve left many a salon holding back tears because they stylist doesn’t understand the «shrink» factor of super curly hair and ends up taking off an inch… which looks like 5 inches was taken off. Cue the tears and wearing my hair up for weeks.
Well, my curly haired friends, not the case with Jeanne. She is a magical unicorn stylist. Not only is Jeanne a great stylist (I’ve probably taken one too many post cut selfies because god forbid, I actually like the cut) and great to talk to, she is VERY knowledgeable about curls and hair care. She taught me so many great tips that I will hopefully use in my daily hair care routine. Curly girls (and guys for that matter), Jeanne is a godsend. Go see her!

I’ve been to Vain 3 times in the last 3 years. The first time I saw Danielle and she did an ombré and I loved it. She is very busy (since she is so good) and the second time I ended up going with Rebecca. She did a great ombré too and I loved the light color addition to my black hair. This year I wanted to go more drastic. I wanted to be almost blond… with the ombré starting a few inches from my scalp and very blond tips. I also needed a hair cut.
I showed Rebecca photos of the color I wanted and told her I wasn’t too picky about the cut but wanted more layers around my face with the shortest around my chin.
My appointment was at 11:15 and I got there at 11am. She was running late so by the time I got in the chair is was more like 11:40. I was told the who things would be around 3 hours and I was there for 5 and my hair was still wet. I had to go since I wasn’t expecting it to be this long so sadly I couldn’t judge my hair till after I got home.
The color isn’t what I wanted but it still looks good. The color was added first so when I got my hair cut all the blond was cut off the ends. My hair is still very much dark and not really the big change I wanted. Still it looks good so I’m ok with it. Sad I spent all this time and money on something I didn’t really want. (I went out with my friends and no one even noticed a difference in my hair color till I said something)
The part I am really not happy about is the cut. The first layer is well past my chin (longer) and it looks like a big chuck at that layer, like my bangs grew out. The very end is a straight cut and it looks like someone right out of school did it.
In the end I’m not happy with what $ 300 and 5 hours got me :(

I was looking at where i should get my hair done and saw a lot of positive reviews for VAIN. It definitely is a great place and everyone was nice.
I wanted to get balayage with ash blonde, but with my hair condition– it wasnt doable. Carissa was nice enough to still give me a balayage with a lighter tone than my current brown died hair. I like it a lot!!! Not too orange and lighter.

I am so sad that I just now found Danielle! I’m moving to NYC and wanted a change before I left. I haven’t had a haircut in over a year! A former co-​worker of my mine suggested VAIN in Ballard but I live in Tacoma and Ballad was just way too far, so I was glad to see that there was a location in downtown Seattle.
I’m really attached to my hair and have had some awful experiences with salons in Seattle before, so I made sure to THROUGHLY read the reviews and found DANIELLE! She had some great reviews on asian hair which can be really hard to color. I didn’t want orange or even blonde hair.
I was pretty scared about the coloring but Danielle made me feel super comfortable about what kind of color she could give me. Definitely not blonde or orange. She was the best to talk to and me me feel super comfortable in telling her, «hey, whatever you think works best.» Because she did the BEST! I am super happy with my cut and color. She made me feel comfortable and cared for.
Which I appreciate in any customer service. :)

If your like me, you understand the struggles of finding a salon that knows how to work with Asian hair, lucky for me I found Carissa at Vain. She took my dark chocolate brown hair into beautiful light ashy blonde ombré balayage in ONE sitting. The results came out better than what i was expected. I was so happy I gave her a hug at the end!
Oh best part is she very knowledge so at the end it left little to no damage to my hair! Carissa is really great and super friendly i highly recommend her to anyone that needs a great color.

Got a haircut by LuAnn so that I could grow my hair out about 3 months ago. I was told to return in 3 months or so to get another cut to keep the ends healthy so that my hair would keep growing out (in order to donate :) so I went in just the other day. Really easy to make an appointment — called half a week ahead of time and scheduled without a hassle.
So I showed up for my haircut. We chatted about how I’m still interested in growing it out (she remembered… from 3 months ago!) and she said that we’d do a trim today, return in 3 months just like last time. …She gave me a free trim. She said because I didn’t make it in for my bang trim (free within 1 month of your haircut) she’d just write it off like that this time. Can’t beat that! Nicest hairstylist I’ve had in a while: D

I booked an appointment with Danielle after seeing other reviews about her and after looking at her profile on the website, I thought she would be a great person to do my hair!
I came in not sure what I wanted, I wanted something dramatic, yet natural (I started off as a dark copper brown), blonde but not too blonde… Something that would be suitable and low maintenance so that I could grow out my hair without making my roots look weird as it grow out.
I am totally in love with my hair! I was so scared to dye my Asian hair ombré, but it turned out wonderful and I love the dimensions and natural gradient she gave me! perfect for the summer months and a great change (: I totally recommend her — she REALLY knows what she’s doing!

Great place with great stylist and very convenient hours. I am always able to find an appointment that suits my time.
I usually go to Titi and she is great. She really takes the time to listen and suggest solutions to any hair issues you may have. I have also had a couple of other stylists and they were all very good as well. Never had a bad experience.
One star off since their bang-​trim service is not quite as good as other places. You can only get a bang-​trim for the 1^st month after your cut and from the same stylist. That can be very hard to schedule sometimes

I take my hair «persona» pretty seriously. It has to be long, undyed, shiny, cut correctly for bounce and volume, and it can never be treated as if it were just straight or just curly. I’m so picky and dramatic about it, that I sometimes will go for a year without a trim, for fear it will be misunderstood and ruined by overzealous or unimaginative hands. I’m fairly open about my quirks; most of them are unreasonable. Needless to say, I value a good listener in a hair dresser and salon.
The front desk staff at Vain are always friendly, helpful, and committed to making things work in terms of customer service. The hair dresser I had was Rebekah. She was not a big chatter but she was a terrific listener (with long flowy hair herself; so she gets it). She followed my instructions to the last detail, to the point where I did not get enough length off because I over-​emphasized my attachment to length.
A few days later it dawned on me that I’d insisted on not getting a haircut, basically. I quickly scheduled the customary free touch-​up trim, feeling like I actually needed more than a touch-​up. I called and talked to Derek (?) at front desk and explained my situation and that I felt it unfair of me to request a do-​over beyond a free trim, but that I realistically did need something in-​between. My hair was kind of the exact same because I made such a fuss about it. I was assured that Rebekah would be empathetic, and that she values her customer’s retention and happiness enough to help me out. I emphasized that this was not something «wrong» to be «fixed»; the whole outcome was as expected, based on everything I myself said.
When Rebekah saw me again for this intermediate «trim», she was open to feedback and was literally just trying to help. She was really professional, and I will definitely see her again. I left that day with my ideal hair; it is great till this day (3 weeks later).
Side note, when settling up and chit-​chatting on my way out, I was told by front desk that a lot of people take for granted the touch-​ups and don’t tip anything. (If you can afford a $ 80+ haircut you can afford to tip on your free trim. Vain is so accommodating to customers that it’s too bad about this attitude that they apparently see a lot.)