I had a bit of a hair emergency after a previous stylist completely butchered my cut--uneven layers, awkward length, just a total mess. I was in panic mode when a friend recommended Alter Ego. I decided to give it a shot and took the quick quiz on their website to see which stylist would be the best fit for my hair texture and needs. The results led me to Abby B, and thank goodness they did. I called in and booked an appointment for the very next day. From the moment I walked in, the staff was welcoming and professional. I explained my hair situation to Abby, and she immediately made me feel heard and reassured. She took the time to understand exactly what had gone wrong, and more importantly, what I wanted going forward. To say Abby worked miracles would be an understatement. She carefully assessed the damage and worked her magic to reshape and revive my hair. I walked out with a cut that not only fixed the disaster but actually looked better than what I had originally hoped for. Abby truly listened, gave thoughtful suggestions, and showed serious skill and care. I'm beyond happy with how everything turned out and can confidently say I've found my new go-to salon. If you're looking for a stylist who's talented, kind, and truly invested in making you feel good about your hair, Alter Ego, and especially Abby B, is the place to go. read more

This was a terrible experience, and I will not be coming back. The appointment felt rushed, and the stylist clearly did not listen to what I wanted, even after I explained and showed reference photos. The final result looked nothing like what we discussed. The cut was uneven, the styling was sloppy, and I left genuinely upset. When I brought up my concerns, the stylist became defensive instead of trying to fix the problem. For how much I paid, this level of service is unacceptable. To make things worse, I overheard multiple stylists talking badly about another coworker and using foul language. It created an uncomfortable, unprofessional, and negative atmosphere. This is not the kind of environment anyone wants to sit in for hours. Overall, this was a complete waste of time and money. I would not recommend this salon to anyone. read more

Og that's in second chair can not cut hair. He say he been cutting hair for 40 years, that can't be true cause he don't know how to fade up the side. All he did was cut it down and proceeded to think he was right. I repeat don't ever get a cut or a fade from that FN ever read more

..do i even need to say anything just don't book low level hair stylists also too expensive read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I have been seeing Aaron for the last 3 hair visits & he is absolutely amazing! I always enjoy his assistants as well! The staff are very friendly & easy to book with. If you're a busy parent, no worries! They have stylists that begin working at 8am! Highly recommend! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair by Aaron - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Flatly refused to provide service after finding I was a member of the LGBTQ community. Did not even offer ANY options for proceeding. This is not an establishment that holds their clientele of any value. read more

Another shout out to Meghann Holland and Alter Ego! Meghann is an absolute talent, and I am thrilled with her. My hair is coming back from an awful experience of falling out and thinning from surgery. Meghann has known precisely what to do with cut and color to preserve and promote the integrity of my hair. She has an innate fashion forward sense, unlimited talent, extreme patience, and I recommend her without qualification. If, like me, you MUST go to the BEST hair stylist, then you want to schedule with Meghann at Alter Ego. read more

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I have been going to Alter EGO for a little over a year now. I LOVE this place. From the ease to schedule, check-in, and Abby! She is the sweetest person. She understands how I like my hair, she listens and executes it perfectly. read more

If you value your hair, don't see Ari Z.I struggled on writing this but I don't anyone else to go through what I went through. The first thing is she is not skilled in time management. I arrived 10 minutes early and she came to get me 15 minutes after my appointment time. I only went to trim my layers and a blowout, so I didn't feel too stressed about timing. I did however have a meeting at noon, but given my appointment was at 9:30, I assumed it was ample time. Boy was so wrong. Ari Z. moves at a glacial pace. She sounds like he knows what she is talking about but her skill is insecure at best. After a consultation (for both a haircut and treatment), she decided to go for a dry cut and then refinish it at the end. Between the consultation and the dry cut, I finally stated the wash at 10:22. He assistant did a timid wash with very hot water. Then they both started to de tangle my hair, with no conditioner, as the put in the hair treatment. They pulled at tugged at my hair were I could feel hair being pulled out of my head. Then off to the dryer for 10 minutes. By the time I go to the wash again it was almost 11. I asked about how much longer it was because I had my meeting and I also needed to move my hair. Ali said, we will dry the hair together and that way we can finish faster. They pulled and tugged and dried my hair as if I had no cut or style, completely flat and boxy. She also added layers and layers of product. While it was wet, as she was drying it, and the end. She used oils, creams, and sprays... She turns the chair and asked how do you feel? I had to ask, is this finished? You can see the ends spreading out flat like I still need a haircut, and the layers are just mixed though with dry ends. Does it look finished to you? She then turns it on me that since I had to leave they were rushing, but for me to come back later for her to finish the cut. Call me crazy but I think 2 hours is more than enough time to properly refresh layers (I already had the desired style), and a blowout. I took pictures, a video, and I clarified what I wanted as much as what I didn't want. I said I like heavier ends so that they curve in with bounce. I don't like whispy or feathery cuts. I don't use a lot of product or heating tools. I just want to dry my hair as I do and see the defined layers. The next day I had to wash my hair a total of 6 times just to get the gunk, sticky, flowery smell off. It felt gummy and oily. Not to mention with far less volume as I am sure she pulled a solid amount off while brushing it. The salon itself is nice and there is a big team. Do yourself a favor and find another stylist. She did say for me to go back next week for her to finish the haircut. But I would have to be a special kind of stupid to go to her twice. read more

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Unfortunately we were not able to experience Alter Ego's hair services. An appointment for our daughter's first hair cut was made days in advance with a deposit. Although the appointment was set for late in the evening (8:15 PM) , we were still very excited. While driving to the appointment, at 7:58 PM, 17 minutes before the appointment time, the salon texted us cancelling the appointment due to the stylist, Liv, "having issues with her current client." Our daughter was heartbroken, but we took this as a lesson of patience. We were able to schedule an appointment with Katt at Triniti Salon in Cary, and it was well worth the wait and struggle! TLDR: Alter Ego has convenient text scheduling with speedy response times, but that appointment may or may not get cancelled the day of and/or the hour of the appointment. read more

The stylists at this place do a good job: I've been happy with my haircut the times I've been there. However, be forewarned that they will push you to buy products by telling you that you're mistreating your hair and abusing your scalp by using ordinary shampoos like Head & Shoulders and that the only way you won't cause permanent damage is if you buy their products (which cost upwards of $30). This seems like overkill and even a bit unethical. read more

This was the first and only haircut place i went to in Raleigh. I met with Hope and stayed with her for 3 years until I moved out of state! She was amazing with my hair and loved coloring! Anyone looking for balayage or coloring she is the go to girl! I have been having a hard time with my hair in Portland, so I called and the studio gave me my client notes to share what they did with my new place. What an amazing team read more

For years I enjoyed this salon. Things have slowly changed over the past 5 years. Today I had 2 services scheduled. I was 10-15 minutes late and was turned away. They wouldn't provide either service that they will still be charging me for. I understand if you are late you may not be able to complete everything that was originally planned. But there were 2+ hours left of my reservation & the hair cut would have been 30 minutes or less. If you work or are a mom I would find a place that values repeat customers more. *also* Prices get hiked up when products are added at the sink without your knowledge. This was the issue with Bree at this salon. read more

too many stylist cancellations. always on a Saturday. hmmm. i know there are a couple of great stylists there- Meghan is one. but it's touch and go with the rest. my weekends are more important than having cancellations when I could have had plans. really pissed this time as my hair really needs color and I have an event in two days. beautiful salon but can't trust your appointment. Boo. read more

Really happy with the customer service booking the appointment and leading up to my appointment. Violet was wonderful. I really appreciated their attention to detail and they took the time to make sure the color and cut was perfect. Violet took my chlorine green blonde, overgrown roots, and stringy ends and transformed it into something beautiful. I walked out with a warm, dimensional blonde cut cut to perfection. Truly thankful for and amazed by the end result. Will post again with pictures. Thanks Violet. read more

I had my first gender affirming haircut done here with Kyle, and I'm still looking in the mirror in disbelief at how amazing this cut turned out. He communicated really well with me about my needs and concerns, and his work truly went above and beyond. The atmosphere is very comfortable, the staff are all incredibly kind and helpful, and the experience as a whole felt welcoming and wholesome. I will 100% be coming back! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Outstanding salon. My wife had her hair done here and she was treated like a Queen. Kaitlyn did her hair and my wife loves it as do I.

Hair stylists = Grade A Reception = Grade A I had Jasmine for a hydrating mask, cut, and style after another salon left me janky looking. I left so happy! When I went in, my hair felt like STRAW. Jasmine took 1-1.5" like I okay'd and then deep hydrated the crap out of my hair before cutting it. A lesser stylist would have done reverse order. Jasmine was very knowledgeable in curly hair and I was DELIGHTED with her attention to detail. I will only come back to AlterEgo for my hair!! read more

Alter EGO Salon - My natural hair, then my damaged hair, then after Jasmine finished - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Dana was amazing! She helped teach me how to use hair products properly on my curly hair and gave me such a cute cut! It was really nice she took the time to make sure I was happy and help me understand how to keep my curls looking great! read more

Terrible... i was assigned to Mary to cut my hair and she's a beginner who ruined my hair, didn't do the job I asked and had an arrogant and very nasty attitude. I didn't recommend it, and I still charged $52,00 for ruining my hair. read more

Alter EGO Salon - Terrible cut hair services. dissatisfied!!!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Loved my haircut by the hairstylist, Daniel.D. He did an amazing job with my hair. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Hair Type: wavy, dry, thick. Needless to say, I am pleased with the service and will return. Thank you! read more

I went to Alter EGO twice. Once for a haircut back in the summer and once for balayage+haircut about a month ago. I waited to write this review to make sure I still felt the same way because with hair my initial reaction is often stronger than what I end up feeling a week or two later. Anyway, both my experiences at Alter Ego have just been mediocre and I probably won't go back given the hefty price tag. Regarding my 2 haircuts, I'd say that this is the only salon I've ever been to where my hair has been left longer (a lot longer) than I asked for. Especially last month when I booked the balayage+haircut combo, I made sure to ask for at least 2-4 inches off and came back with maybe 1/2-1 inch off. Not even my live in boyfriend could tell any difference. As for the balayage, I told my hairdresser that my biggest concern was that my then hair looked too brassy. So I showed her some pictures on Instagram of ash brown/chestnut colored balayage that I wanted. She ended up dying streaks of hair and then putting a glaze over my entire head to darken the brassy parts that she did not go over with new dye. I was skeptical that it would give me what I wanted but I didn't say anything because I don't really know how all these chemicals work. Anyway, when she washed it all off, my hair basically just looked entirely dark brown. It was much better than the brassy hair I walked in with, but it didn't look very balayage-y. You had to be under a bright light to really see any color (my natural hair is black). Now, after a month, I guess the glaze has come off so my brassy hair is back mixed with the dark brown parts that she put in. It was just a lot of money to spend (~$250) for basically a trim and non balayage-y brown hair that lasted a month. Now my hair basically looks more or less like it did before. read more

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I moved here and found a salon near me that was NOT Alter Ego. I cried after she cut and styled my hair to look like my grandmother. When it grew out I was determined to find a stylist that knew how to razor cut hair, that was open to different styles and that did what I asked or collaborate with me. I went online and found Alter Ego on yelp and read the reviews. I found my stylist here, Kyle Mitchell. He is great in all facets. My haircuts are FABULOUS, he listens to me about what I want to achieve. I know I'm a pain in the *** about my hair or can be a back seat driver and he is ever so patient with me. FYI...While at the doctor's office a woman who was a stylist raved about my cut and asked where I went. She even moved my head around to view the cut. It made me laugh! So that shows you it's not just me who knows this man can cut hair well! Go, you won't be disappointed! read more

I just got my haircut and color this morning with Mary and I love what she did with my hair. She took the time to find out exactly what I wanted and what my routine is before we got started. I don't get my hair done often, but she did such a great job so I might need to become a regular. I felt safe and comfortable in the salon. Everyone was wearing masks, cleaning everything a client touched and social distancing. I rarely, if ever, had to touch anything myself. Can't say enough about how great a job Mary did. Thank you Mary! COVID has been stressful and I just needed to do something nice for myself. I had a great experience. Thank you! read more

Alter EGO Salon - After - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Heading to a wedding this weekend and was in desperate need of a haircut to take off dead ends and breathe new life back into my hair. I knew I wanted to take some significant length off, but besides that, didn't really have a clue what I wanted. Abby took charge though and gave me the perfect haircut - giving me layers and texture that framed my face perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thanks Abby! (By the way, this photo is the morning after the haircut. The styling and waves still held and looked fabulous!) read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Meghan is a color expert. She makes miracles happen. From blonde to more adventurous processing and colors, it turns out healthy, shiny, and beautiful. read more

It's been 2 years since I have done anything with my hair due to the pandemic so I went in because I wanted to get a new look. I called around but because the holidays are around the corner most salons were booked but I was able to book an appointment due to a last minute cancellation. I go in a little early and received a text saying that my stylist is running behind and if I could come in half an hour later. I reply that was fine and use the time to grab something to eat with my son. Finally we go to the salon where I wait for AN HOUR! The receptionist feels bad and said this was a rarity and gives me a 10% off which is a nice gesture. The girl I had was super sweet but my hair cut doesn't look like what I showed her. When I went to pay they told me it was $60+ tax! Not including tip!!! I have never paid that much for a haircut in my life!!! read more

I am in absolute bliss with my new pixie haircut by Aaron! My whole experience with Alter Ego as a new customer was phenomenal-- from the second I called to make an appointment, to the moment I walked out of the salon with my new do. First and foremost, though it is great how you have the option of booking appointments online I called the Salon first thing in the morning to inquire. They suggested a stylist based on my desires and booked me that day. I arrived a bit earlier and Aaron was able to see me. We spent a good amount of time discussing the look, analyzing the texture of my hair and the photos that I had provided. What was especially remarkable was how he would cut a little at a time, dry, see how my hair would lay on my head, spray wet then alter as needed. That is pure artistry. Not only was the haircut exactly what I wanted, they carry the best hair products I know: Oribe and R+Co. Moving to NC after living in SF, I had been very weary in getting my haircut here altogether. I would literally only get my hair cut during my vacations to big cities. Now that I have found my stylist soulmate, Aaron, here in my hometown, I am definitely coming back for more! Looking forward to my color appointment next week! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Feelin' my pixie by Aaron :) - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I went to Alter EGO for a color correction. I scheduled an appointment with Raven and asked for brighter blonde ombré style. Raven really listened to me and took the time to look over my inspirational photos. She spent so much time on the color correction and it turned out better than my expectations. She never appeared to be rushed and I was impressed by how knowledgeable she was in knowing which techniques to use to get my hair looking how I wanted. Very professional, talented, and friendly! I will definitely be scheduling future appointments with her. Kelsi was also super accommodating while helping me schedule my appointment and following up with me. Overall exceptional customer service! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I've watched so many curly haircut videos on YouTube and thought to myself, "That looks nice, but I'm not sure my curls will pop like that." My recent appointment at Alter Ego taught me that yes, they can! I did a lot of research ahead of scheduling an appointment, searching for someone who knows curly hair. I booked a spot with Kabrina after seeing her work on Instagram. She was a great stylist to work with--she listened to what I wanted, did an awesome job with the cut, and provided at-home styling tips. Much kudos also goes to Kelsi who was so kind and helpful when I called the salon ahead of my appointment. Also, thank you, Alter Ego, for maintaining a safe and socially-distanced environment during these crazy times! read more

DONT USE THIS SALON! I'm new to Raleigh and was so excited to find my trusted go to stylist at Alter Ego. I booked and paid a deposit for my appointment to show up a week too early. I was given the option to come in the next day. I agreed and then received a text that they actually booked the wrong day and asked if I want my original appointment. I agreed to be moved back. During the next week, I received a confirmation text with the wrong date for the salon to apologize and correct the scheduling error. The salon again sent the wrong confirmation to which I overlooked (bc you think after scheduling this three times already this would be correct) and I said I would be there. I show at up what I thought was my appointment to be told that they gave my appointment away to someone else. During the exchange, the pink hair girl told me "it wasn't her fault" that the appointment never moved back to the original place. Instead of trying to make things right with me, she was to concerned with the fact that she wasn't the one that made the error. At no point did she recommend a solution or even remotely apologize to me for THEIR mistake. $400 dollars out the door of services for them, and $100 out of the stylist pocket in tips all because of a front desk person who lacks customer services skills. Hopefully they invest in some training for their staff on how to troubleshoot, resolve and escalate problems and take accountability when the TEAM makes a mistake. DO BETTER! read more

I was in Raleigh for work and with vacation coming up I wanted my hair to be the best it could be. Right when I walked in everyone was so nice and just looking around you could see everyone loves what they do. Trevor did my hair and I can easily say he is the best stylist I've ever had my hair done by. It was like I was talking with a beat friend and I was sad when my appointment was over. Additionally the keratin treatment didn't quite meet my expectations and after a week of trying to decide whether to contact the salon or not I'm so glad I did. They were so accommodating and helped by sending me shampoo and conditioner AND a treatment spray to help and it made such a difference. They were so nice about it and I will definitely plan a trip to Raleigh to go back. read more

I wanted to love Alter EGO so much! Their space is pretty awesome and since there is a garage right behind them parking is super easy for their downtown location. I worked with Shayla back in November because she specialize in balyage and that's my go to. Shayla was super nice and easy to chat with throughout the three hour appointment. Unfortunately I left without the color or cut I wanted. To her credit Shayla did realize the color was not what I wanted. She had another client coming in, but she did offer to make another appointment for me to come back free of charge. I super appreciate that gesture, but it's hard to find a three hour block to go back for color correction. To be honest at the end of the day my issue wasn't with the color, but with the cut. It was wayyy shorter than what I wanted. The way it was styled before I left the salon it was a bit hard to see the cut in all it's glory. I wanted a LOB with it dusting my colarbone and the back of my hair past my shoulders so it wouldn't flip out like it does when the cut is above your shoulders. I included the photo I showed her which is probably a touch longer in the front than what I described. As you can see from the photo the front is shorter than the back which isn't what I was looking for, the front is way too short not dusting anything, and the back is shorter than I wanted as well. I wanted it choppy and textured, but she also took too much from the front so it just looked weird as you can see from the photo. Color you can fix and I appreciate that they wanted too, but cut, you can't do anything about that besides wait for it to grow back. Overall the space was really cool, the employees are friendly, they carry great products, but I got a really bad haircut. read more

Alter EGO Salon - Cut on the left photo I showed, cut on the right what I left with. - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Do you believe in magic? If you don't, go ahead and take a trip here because there are magicians at WORK. Everyone here is friendly- no snotty front desk people making you feel like you don't belong. The girls at the desk, the stylists, EVERYONE is extremely friendly and accommodating. I've been here several times over the span of 4 years and it's the only salon I will consistently go to now. I've went here for just a trim and for a new mom 'do and I have never been disappointed. I've had my hair cut by Abby, Kabrina & Sam. I've had balayage by Kabrina & Sam as well. These ladies are the absolute best. Easy to talk to (which is a must when you're gonna be in a chair for 2+ hours), funny, and most importantly- they are all exceptional at what they do. I absolutely love this place. read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair by Sam - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I have finally found a stylist to cut my hair after trying out so many different salons. JEN is exceptional and has an eye for detail! I have yet to find anyone in the Raleigh area that layers and blends hair as well as she does! I fell into her lap by accident actually, she fixed my hair from what was a shapeless choppy cut from another stylist (I won't name any names cause to be fair my hair is incredibly hard to cut, thick coarse Asian hair!). I'm the most picky and incredibly hard person to please when it comes to my hair. Jen knows what she's doing, you won't be disappointed! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Texture and movement. Jen is the hair queeeeeen. - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I think your experience at Alter Ego ultimately depends on who you book, and I know that's quite obvious, but it's QUITE a difference in quality from one visit to the next. For coloring, I wouldn't recommend Alter Ego. They don't use Olaplex or anything comparable, so my hair was VERY dry after my balayage session. I was quite shocked that the stylist didn't even try to address the obvious dry and brittle nature of my completed, styled hair at the end of the 3-4 hours. It wasn't good.. I also noticed that the weeks following that color appt, my hair was much weaker than other times I've had it colored with other salons...:/ Haircuts really vary..I've had some good ones and I've also had bleh ones that weren't worth the money. The blowout bar? PASS. It seems like the stylists that do only blowouts are very junior level, because my blowout was very bad (no volume, the curls I could've done myself at home with my own curling iron, and didn't last through the night). Luckily I had a coupon for that because I would've been quite upset had I paid full price for the sad excuse of a blowout... Finally, the reason I doubt I'll come back is the customer service.. the associate at the front desk was so rude and extremely condescending to me. When I came to pay, I said I had a coupon and she gave me the worst attitude and said I couldn't do this, couldn't do that, had to show her proof of my license, the email time stamp, etc. She basically made it seem like I was a liar or something and didn't take my word for anything. I also wanted to purchase a travel size hairspray and asked her how much it would be after the discount and she just flippantly threw out some random price and in my head I knew that was WAY off. I later did the math and the difference she quoted was about $10. It was like she didn't want to be bothered calculating the actual price. I don't know if this person still works at Alter Ego, but the whole encounter left a bitter taste in my mouth. read more

Amazing experience! Communication about the salon itself and their COVID safety procedures was really thorough and clear. I felt like this salon really takes the time to listen and work with their to clientele to create something you'll love. While I was booking a cut+color, I filled out a few info boxes through their website about my hair, what I was looking for, and what I wanted. My stylist Elise still took the time to talk with me about my hair goals during my appointment to make sure that I was going to LOVE my hair. I'm incredibly happy with the results! read more

Alter EGO Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Waited 2 1/2 weeks to get an appointment, and believe me it was worth the wait. The salon itself has a great vibe, and the receptionist was attentive and friendly. I always get a bit anxious when I get my hair cut the first time, and I'm a notorious "back seat driver". After chatting with Dustin about what I wanted, he directed me over to get my hair washed. I loved that he did it himself, and he spent time actually massaging my scalp. Lovely! The haircut itself came out exactly how I wanted. He took his time, and after45 minutes, I booked 2 follow up appointments, and skipped all the way home. Highly recommend Dustin and this beautiful salon! read more

Huge salon with lots of good stylists. You'll find someone here that will suit your needs. They have good products and my experience there was good. Also making an appointment is easy!!! read more

First time to Alter Ego recommended by some coworkers that have been getting their hair cut and color. They didn't have anyone they recommended because they said they've been taken care of by almost everyone there. My stylist was Daniel. He listened to what I wanted, made recommendations to what I needed and he was right. The cut and style turned out better than what I wanted. Favorite part of all cuts are the wash and scalp massage. He's was very personable and I can't wait to return for my next appointment! Thank you Daniel! read more