Salon Zoma

I have always had my haircut at an Aveda salon due to the expertise of the staff and the quality of the products. Scheduled an appointment. The salon was really quite lovely. I met who I thought was going to cut my hair . There was a very young woman with her who looked about 12 they discussed my hair in their language and the young girl started to cut my hair . I was really surprised by this. I will not return to this Aveda salon. The haircut was inferior which is a disappointment. I’ve always had good experiences at Aveda salons. But not this time.

Unfortunately I don’t remember the name of my stylist, but she gave me the worst haircut I’ve ever had. First of all, she cut it lopsided. I would have said something that day, obviously, so that it could be corrected, but she had somehow blowdried it in a way that the lopsidedness wasn’t obvious until the next day after I showered. It was really obvious, too.
Secondly, she didn’t listen to me at all. I told her exactly what I wanted and it was like she didn’t even hear me. She cut it the way she wanted to cut it.
I gave them two stars instead of one because the reception area was clean, and the receptionist and stylist were friendly. But I will not be returning.

I really thought I would like this salon. I really wanted to love this salon. I hate that I have to leave such a negative review, but my experience truly warrants it. I visited this salon about a month ago for a trim & blowout/​flat iron. In the weeks following this appointment, my hair has been hard, doesn’t retain moisture, and in less than two weeks after the appointment, I was already noticing split ends. Without question, I feel this is due to the strengthening treatment (suggested by the stylist) and poor handling of my hair.
I am no stranger to Aveda salons & products; my sister is an Aveda-​trained stylist in another state. She also confirmed that Aveda trains their stylists on the basics with all hair types so I don’t understand how my experience ended up so different from other patrons.
I could already tell something was wrong once I arrived. The stylist who checked me in did a double take when she realized who I had been booked with and immediately went to get the owner. I was booked with Jane, who apparently, has little experience with natural, African American hair. The owner – who also took my appointment over the phone – came out and explained this to me, although I’m not sure how I sounded over the phone, but it seems I should’ve been asked about my hair type beforehand if the stylist had limitations. She continued to motion me to the chair and didn’t suggest I book with someone else, so I proceeded with Jane. I probably should’ve left at that moment. But I figured something as simple as a trim and blow dry couldn’t go that awry.
I was wrong. After a wash & strengthening treatment, Jane began detangling my wet hair with a bristle brush from root to tip – a big no no with natural hair. I looked over and noticed the owner doing the same exact thing on another client with similar hair as mine so I kept quiet bc maybe they knew something I didn’t. Jane completed the rest of my services without complication so I figured I was in the clear. Although I left with straight hair, there was no movement and the ends had become frizzy by the next day (even after wrapping it that night).
It is going to take another trim & lots of TLC to restore my hair back to the way it was. Needless to say, I will not be returning.
In merit to the salon, they accept same day appointments, the salon is clean, and service was timely.

I went to this salon twice to see Latoya. I had a short hair cut that I wanted trimmed. The first time the trim was good, nothing great but not bad. The second time I asked for «only a little bit of length off, with a little bit of the high/​low style that’s trendy now, and not a lot of layers.» She cut my hair up to my chin with massive stacking in the back! The top layers were only a couple of inches long! And to top it off, the length was lopsided (not in the cute trendy way). I had to go back to have that fixed. I asked very politely if she could fix it, but she acted like I was crazy and didn’t even put the cape over me. There was hair everywhere when I got home! I have been visiting other salons to help fix it as it grows out, but that has been quite a long process!

The salon is nice enough looking, and it was easy to make an appointment. I was seated promptly with no waiting, which was much appreciated. Christina cut my hair. I’m not much one for talking during a cut, but she was so quiet and uncommunicative it felt awkward and a little uncomfortable. The cut wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t great and I found the layers to be rather lopsided. I tried to even it out at home later, but ended up going somewhere else to fix it. My encounter with the stylist was so cold that I did not feel comfortable returning there. Other people seem to have had a good experience, so maybe it was just an off day.

Jane is really good. I have had a great experience with her and plan to continue going to her while in the Silver Spring area.

I moved to the neighborhood last year and had to bid farewell to my previous stylist of many years. I was really lucky to discover Latoya. I’ve got pretty particular ideas about how I like my hairstyle — and she figured it out fast. And when I decided to venture into trying color, she listened carefully and gave me exactly what I was looking for — didn’t push me into anything I wasn’t comfortable with. I’ve also appreciated how accommodating she is with my crazy schedule.
Prices are very reasonable, especially compared to other Aveda salons; I like that the place is comfortable without being pretentious. Just what I was hoping to find in my new neighborhood!

Christina, my dear, you have hands of magic.
My only complaint is the tipping situation, you have to tip in cash (which just sucks).

I just had a really horrible experience here. I can admit that my hair is not the easiest. I have thick, wavy, dark hair that was really long at the time. I went in wanting to do color and style. Unfortunately, whoever did my hair obviously could not do it properly. I wanted a more caramel color and it somehow came out as a grey/​light brown that was too heavily ashed out. There were also streaks of orange in my hair where she did not apply the color after the bleaching. My hair was constantly getting tangled and pulled that left my scalp so soar. She cut my hair incredibly unevenly and did not know how to do proper layering. I ended up with a short strands in the front she cut on accident. I felt guilty so I payed her $ 200 after almost 3 hours in the chair and nothing remotely what i asked for. I had a flight the next day and had to beg my normal salon to fix it. They were pretty appalled when they saw it and couldn’t believe I had it done that day. I tried asking for my money back but no matter how many times I would call the manager never called me back to provide a refund.

I come to see Latoya. She is always so accommodating with my schedule. The shop is also open on Sundays! She uses all Aveda products so my hair always smells great!
Latoya washes and styles my weave, and often times it’s hard to wash I between the braids when I try to wash by myself, but Latoya is able to wash my hair do it feels squeaky clean.
She’s very nice, and prices are reasonable. I pay $ 50 for a wash and style.
Tip: you may pay with card, but you have to tip in cash so bring some cash when you go.

I went to Salon Zoma for the first time to see Jane. I showed her a photo of a honey blonde hair style. I selected a blonde color from the hair palette that was almost identical to what I wanted. Jane pretty much did her own thing. My hair is naturally dark blonde, and I have always had it highlighted so it is lighter blonde. In the Summer, the ends get washed out and turn an extremely light blonde color. So I have pretty much ALWAYS been blonde. Jane created a highlighted auburn color in to a brunette color that I NEVER wanted or asked for. I *never* asked for darker hair, or brunette, or even lowlights. None of those words were mentioned. My skin tone is not suitable for dark hair. It makes me look washed out and gothic.
So, I called the next day to have her fix the color. She highlighted it and used toner. Essentially frying my already fragile hair, without making it the blonde I wanted. My hair is now damaged, and remains essentially brunette with highlights.
I will not be back to Salon Zoma.

Got my hair done here on Sunday with Jane (haircut and full highlights). I’ve been getting my hair done every 4 months for about 10 years now, and this was definitely one of the best-​if not the best-​highlight jobs that I’ve had. I have very thick hair, so it usually takes a long time for me to get my hair done, but Jane didn’t rush at all. In fact, the salon closed at 4 on Sunday, but she kept working on me for an hour after that (and she didn’t try to make me feel bad about it).
It wasn’t super cheap or anything ($ 120 for highlights and $ 50 for the haircut… or maybe that is cheap for down here, I’m originally from Western MD, where everything is cheaper!) but it was totally worth it! I’ve already gotten tons of compliments on my new look-​Jane is highly recommended!

GREAT GREAT GREAT haircuts from stylists with zeroooo personality. So if you’re okay sitting in awkward silence the whole time you’re getting your hair done, it’s fine. I guess you can’t have everything…
The other thing I always found to be a bit sketchy was lack of clarity on charges. Every time I went to pay my bill, it had suddenly jumped $ 10 – 30 — huh?
To be clear: I’m fine paying $ 60 for a haircut… but don’t say $ 45 at the start and then run my card for $ 60, $ 70 at the end of it! I’d suggest trying to push up front to ask about pricing and then don’t let them charge you any more than that.
I recently moved from the area, but I went to Zoma the whole time I lived nearby because they really are VERY skilled stylists, I just always sort of dreaded going in. BEST haircuts I’ve ever had but least personable stylists I’ve ever encountered. Meh.

I’ve been going to Jane for over a year now for cuts and treatments. The first time I went I didn’t really know what I wanted. I asked for something medium length, low maintenance, without lots of layers. She gave me one of the best cuts of my life and I’ve been going ever since.
She is extremely meticulous and always double and triple checks her work. I’ve paid a lot more for haircuts in my life to only feel somewhat satisfied and pressured to buy lots of products. I’ve also gone to the Aveda institute (can’t beat $ 12) but had a few bad cuts. Salon Zoma is my happy medium!
Clean, pleasant salon without feeling pretentious, it’s aveda so everything smells good, they get you in quickly, the cuts are great, and the price is right!

Recently moved to D.C. area. First time visit to Salon Zoma for a haircut and style by Jane. I could not be more pleased. Probably the best haircut I have had in my life. I have short, very straight hair with a difficult hairline in the back. Mary took the time to figure out my hair and did fabulous job. I will be a regular at Salon Zoma.

Cristina has been doing my highlights since I moved here two years ago, and she is a very good colorist. My cutters (I have my hair cut at different salons) are always commenting on how good the highlights are; praise from another professional is the ultimate praise. Also Cristina is a very nice person and very professional.

I’ve been trying to find a stylist in MD for over a year. I think I’ve finally found one! I have short hair, somewhere between a pixie cut and something a little softer. I wanted to keep a little length, but get rid of the wispy ends and weight that had grow into my hair since my last cut. Jane at Salon Zoma did a WONDERFUL job. Plus, the prices at the salon are so reasonable. I think it’s ridiculous to have to pay an arm and a leg to get a good cut. My cut was $ 45 and was worth every penny!

I love Salon Zoma and Fasika, the salon’s owner. She is totally amazing and inspired me to chop my long hair to a pixie cut. She’s my go-​to stylist and I’ve recommend three other people to the salon who have all LOVED their hair cuts — including my neighbor who took one look at my hair and left the stylist she had been seeing for the last ten years and my 65 year old father who was visiting from out of town. The stylists take their time, care about your hair, give amazing head massages and totally rock!

I’m really shocked to see some of the poor reviews about Salon Zoma, so I’m going to add my experience after going there exclusively for over three years.
I’ll first start off by saying I am a man who cares about having good hair. Mine is thick and unmanageable unless a stylist really knows what they’re doing. Barber shops and «speedy cut» places haven’t worked for me in the past; I am fortunate to have the means to be picky about my hair. When I moved to Maryland a little over three years ago, I was nervous about finding a salon that could accommodate my needs without spending the usual $ 60+ common in the DC area. I’ve always gone to Aveda salons, so after searching their website and finding Salon Zoma, I figured I’d stop in to see if they were any good. They were new at the time, so reviews were few. Looking back, I can’t believe how lucky I was.
The salon is clean and well-​decorated, in a great location, and consistently has kept a friendly and professional staff over the years, without the overly pretentious attitude found at other businesses. I’ve been seeing Jane throughout my time there, and I’ve never had anything less than great hair every time I leave. She is exceptional, and I look forward to seeing her every month. The salon is usually very busy on weekends, and they manage to accommodate everyone on-​time for their appointments.
To some of the people who wrote poor reviews, I question if they would simply be better served going to a much more pretentious salon in the heart of DC to experience the gratification of spending well over three figures on one appointment. For those like me who want a great haircut by talented people at a fair price, Salon Zoma is a dream come true.
If you live in the area, give them a chance to earn your business. You’ll be glad you did!

I“m torn. Salon Zoma is the first DC metro salon I’ve found that didn’t seem overdone or pretentious. The convenient location and friendly staff had me thinking I’d finally found a place I’d return to, but the two process color seemed to be too much for them to handle.
I watched as my stylist nervously exchanged glances with colleagues as my brown hair turned an awful shade of orange. After two bleachings and two toners, she welcomed me to come back in a few days to fix it rather than burn my scalp.
I did go back a week later (weekend hours are a plus). Since they couldn’t get me to platinum, we went with an ash blond dye to cover up the original effort. Only charging me for the original (albeit failed) service, the team deserves credit for customer service.
There’s pent up demand in DC’s conservative metro area of consumers looking for contemporary, edgy cuts and color. I’m still traveling to bigger cities to get my hair done and hope Salon Zoma’s stylists will take note. I’d like to give them another chance.

I have long hair with a little bit of a wave to it. I don’t like to do anything to it, so it just air dries after I brush it a few times. It is hard for me to be really happy with a cut because I don’t alter with a straightener or anything. (Guess that makes me lazy!)
Cristina cut my hair with little direction, yet taking into consideration what I said. The cut lays nicely and it has good new volume! And she didn’t talk to me the whole time, she was very professional! I would highly recommend her!
Only complaint would be how the salon looks from the outside. Maybe a new sign or something?!?