I had an appt. with Ekti himself yesterday to have my hair done for a performance while in DC. It is one of the BEST up dos I have ever had done, and I have many done in my line of work- the music business. The staff was so lovely. I also noticed when I asked for water, that they brought the bottle on a silver tray with a beautiful glass. Class, elegance and good taste. Thanks Ekti! I'll recommend you! Carol Welsman read more

Ekti Salon & Spa - Ekti and me! - Day Spas Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have to say I was very excited to try Ekti for a facial. When I called the week before the receptionist made my appointment and took my number. Since she didn't ask me what type of facial I wanted I asked if the appointment time would be long enough for dermaplanning and glycolic peel. She said the esthetician would make sure. In hindsight I wonder if she even understood the procedures/time frame it takes. Usually you ask the guest so that you can make sure you have true availability. I should have known something was wrong when I didn't get a reminder call but I figured I was set since the receptionist confirmed it. I called the day of my appointment (4/4) as I thought I might have the wrong time and wanted to make sure I was okay. When I called they said they had no record of my appointment. The receptionist placed me on hold for a few minutes and then a different person picked up. She too said she didn't see it and also that the person who did dermaplanning wasn't even there and had been out all week for personal reasons. Not a big deal but why wouldn't someone had called me to tell me (oh wait the receptionist never made my appointment)? To make matters worse it seemed like they didn't even care. No offer to make a new appointment when she returned and the most insincere sorry I have ever heard. She did say she could maybe squeeze me in for a regular facial which isn't what I wanted so why would I even say yes to that option. I worked my day around this appointment and it was such a waste of my time. Unfortunate as I get facials regularly and was hoping this would be my new home. read more

I'm totally blown away. My first time into Ekti Salon and I had an appointment scheduled with Omer, he was WONDERFUL!!! I'm very happy with the result, my hair was done exactly the way I described it. I can style my hair easily and I get compliments from strangers. I am so glad to find a great hair stylist. read more

I've been going here for almost two years so I think it's about time to make a Yelp review. Before I started waxing, I was apprehensive about the process, but now I love it because Marilena is a master at her craft. This is arguably the best place to get a wax in the DC area. Marilena really does make it as enjoyable as possible. She puts on the most ambient music to help make the process relaxing - and it works! The most important thing is that in the end, she follows the eyebrows' natural curvature and makes them look naturally beautiful instead of just thinning them out like a lot of other people do. I've never gotten a Brazilian, but Marilena is from Brazil and if she's amazing with my eyebrows, I would trust her with my nether regions. read more

My experience at Ekti started out rocky but ended in a hug with Mr. Ekti himself! I was apprehensive about going to the salon solely based off a yelp search, but they had a promotion for new customers and were one of the few salons in DC that offer balayage highlights so I thought I'd give it a try. My first experience was pleasant. Everyone was friendly and nice, they really cater to your every need. I had an appointment with Mr. Ekti and all was great, until I had the final reveal of the color. Everything was perfect except two exceptionally light streaks in my hair. I tried to get over it and left the appointment disappointed and most likely not going to return. Then the next day I thought what the heck, I paid a pretty Georgetown price tag for my color, I might as well go back. It was Easter Monday and although they were closed Mr. Ekti not only corrected my hair an hour past normal closing time, but he proceeded to give me a blow out and a Moroccan oil treatment for my scalp. Needless to say I ABSOLUTELY recommend this salon. Amazing customer service experiences like this are far and few between. Mr. Ekti has made me a loyal customer and after that experience I gave him a hug and left ecstatic about my hair. Thank you Mr. Ekti, you are awesome and I will be coming back! read more

This place was very meh. Engin did my balayage highlights, and I've got medium dark hair. I told him I wanted to highlights that blended with the rest of my hair color and an ashy tone. He ended up bleaching my hair super blonde, and then could not figure out a way to tone it back down. He had to get some help from another colorist, and even then, it was still super streaky. I give it two stars instead of one because the girl who washed my hair was super nice and really tried so hard to help me feel ok with the way the highlights turned out. Won't be returning, it's just too risky to get highlights done here again. read more

I am a baby when it comes to getting my haircut. I once tried to get some weird layered cut from instead of my usual 1 millimeter trim and ended up looking like a young boy. Another time I let the stylist tell me that shoulder length hair would be a good look for me and ended up looking like a mom. You get the point... I realized that I had to get my haircut and reluctantly bought this giltcity voucher for cut/blowdry (but how could I not, it was $39 for a usually $89 cut!). When I arrived I was offered some tea and a seat. The atmosphere was very relaxing so my anxiety wasn't through the roof anymore. I started freaking out when Mr. Ekti (yes the man himself~) walked up with scissors on scissors and asked me what I wanted. I don't speak hair. so I showed him a picture of Kim Kardashian (long swooping bangs, all around layers) and all he said was ohhh yessss. Even as I was explaining everything I wanted/asking if it would look good all he said was yes yes yes - uhm are you actually listening to what I want? I was like this is it, this is the end, I'm going to look like a boy again this summer. Turns out - he was. Or maybe he knew exactly how to fix my hair to make it look better. I cringed for probably the whole 30 minutes he cut my hair, but to my surprise it looked fabulous after the blowdry. I even posted my first selfie on instagram...who am I???? Oh yeah, just a girl who luvs her new hair!! TL;DR version: would totally go back read more

I bought a Gilt voucher for "partial highlights AND blowout." When I made the appointment, I gave them a heads up that I'd be using the Gilt voucher. All good. My appointment was with the owner, Mr. Ekti. After Mr. Ekti did my highlights and blowout, I was told I owed $50 for the blowout. I showed the voucher proof again, indicating I'd already bought a blowout. The receptionist said Gilt made a mistake/misprint and the salon has been trying to correct it. Mr. Ekti insisted that I pay the $50 charge (mind you, he didn't come to tell me this in person but walked right by me without saying anything). Not wanting to make more of a fuss with the poor receptionist, I relented and left extremely displeased and feeling very cheated. So I'm supposed to try and contact Gilt now to hopefully get a credit for being charged twice for the same service. I shouldn't have to haggle at a hair salon for a fair deal. Never going back here. read more

Eggie was a fantastic nail technician-- she took her time and made sure my nails looked great. I couldn't recommend her more highly. (This is Anna :-)) read more

Just got my hair cut here and I love it! I'm super particular about my hair cuts because my hair is super fine and blonde. The salon was really attractive, everyone was really friendly and professional. Great shampooing, I almost fell asleep in a good way. EddY took a lot of time looking at my hair and assessing the rat's nest, as he had never seen it before. And also only took of the exact, precise amount I wanted off (a millimeter??). Which I appreciate. Because I've had some butcher jobs and it ain't pretty. No one likes to be confused with their brother. He's also a really nice and interesting guy! All in all, my shopping for a great stylist in DC Is over. Thank god. read more

I came to this salon because of a Gilt coupon for partial highlights and a blowout. This review is not for the actual hair service, as that was fine. This is for the customer service. My coupon specifically said that the special was for partial highlights and blowout. I ended up getting full highlights and was charged the difference between full and partial. Fine, totally understandable. However, I was also charged for my blowout. When I explained that my coupon included the blowout, they claimed that that was a mistake on Gilt's part and that a blowout should not be included. Well,the fact that the coupon included the blowout was the only reason I bought it. Even if it was a mistake on Gilt's end, the fact that Ekti's wouldn't honor that is ridiculous. It was clear in black and white that I purchased this deal assuming that a blowout would be included. They were totally unwilling to bend. So, now I'm out $50 for a mediocre blowout that didn't even include any iron style. Ridiculous. I will never be back here and I suggest others make sure they know what they are getting before they venture here. read more

$45 for a very ordinary haircut. The guy cutting hair was very unenthusiastic about his job and was too mechanical. I even found that he missed cutting a few hairs. read more

I'm honestly some what confused about all of the raving brazilian reviews. Unless Marilena was having an off day, my experience was TERRIBLE. I normally go to Capital Waxing but decided to try Etki because of the Gilt city deal. My waxes usually take ten minutes, only require about five strips, have minimal pain and leave me completely smooth. Marilena took about 30 minutes, used at least 10-15 strips, and after all of the pain I am completely dissatisfied with the results. It was BY FAR the most painful wax I've ever had and I had to shave when I got home. She said my hair was too short but it was the length it usually is when I go in for a wax and I have never had any problems before. The waxing room was clean and relaxing and the staff was all very pleasant and nice, but I will not be going back for a brazilian at Etki. read more

Oh god I hope no one I know reads this review, but I must write it for the sake of Ekti. Marilena is friendly, sweet, and insanely amazing at Brazilians! She uses a mixture of soft and hard wax to give you the least painful experience. I am a converted loyal fan. I also love that Ekti often has deals for Brazilians on Gilt City! The receptionist is also really nice; I've never had trouble making appointments and my appointments have always run smoothly. read more

When my last hair person suddenly moved out of state, I was upset that I had to find a new place and person. So far I've been getting my hair cut here for a few months by Ekti and I'm really happy. Nice place, nice staff, good work at reasonable prices. Hopefully nobody moves on short notice:-). read more

If I get another Brazilian wax, I will DEFINITELY come here. I went to Marilena the week before my honeymoon and not only is she incredibly sweet, she makes the experience as painless as it can get. I had had a bad experience at another DC salon a couple of months prior and this was a breeze in comparison. Marilena is the best! read more

I've never written a Yelp review so that should tell you something -- this place is so good that it's actually compelled me to write one. Mehmet is AMAZING. He worked absolute wonders on some crappy extensions I brought in by coloring, cutting, and styling them -- for next to nothing, too (compared to the inflated prices you usually see in DC). I left the salon looking like a princess. Everyone working at the desk is so nice and accommodating. I showed up to my appointment over an hour late (I know) and they were still happy to take me. Oh, and they bring you really good coffee on literal silver platters. Awesome place. 10/10 (or 5/5 in this case). read more

6 letters: MEHMET. He is your go-to guy for coloring or a quick blow dry. I had never done anything to my hair before and I was super nervous about going in and getting a blonde ombre dip dye on my virgin black hair, but Mehmet was so sweet and accommodating (and dealt with my sporadic nervous breakdowns quite tactfully). The results were AMAZING, I honestly couldn't have had a better first coloring experience. Ekti, who did my friend's highlights, was also very professional and did a great job. Too bad I'm only visiting DC for the weekend, or else I'd be a loyal customer for life. read more

Not a terrible experience, but not a great one, either. I came here for a haircut after my cute pixie cut grew out into an awkward semi-mullet. I explained that I wanted to de-mullet my hair and end up with a short wavy bob. I ended up with a slightly shorter mullet. I asked my stylist (Engin) to cut off more in the back. He did that (with some grumbling) but then took up the sides and front too. Still a mullet! At that point I gave up and just fixed it myself when I got home. I also asked for ombre highlights. He attempted to do it, but the bleach was barely on my hair for five minutes. In the end the ombre was so "soft" as he put it that even my own mother couldn't tell that I'd changed my hair color. When he blew my hair out and it became apparent that the ombre wasn't noticeable, I had already been in the salon for over three hours and didn't have time for him to fix it. Sigh. Normally I would have asked him to fix it on a different day, but the experience was overall pretty lousy (see below) and I decided just to go elsewhere. Other little issues: * The stylist kept using the terms "ombre" and "balayage" interchangeably... but these are not the same thing! * Other stylists were talking about me to the shampoo girls, right in front of me, in Turkish. I could tell they were talking about me because they weren't very discreet when they pointed at me... * The receptionist attempted to under-charge me by $20. When I corrected her, wanting to do the honest thing and pay the full amount, she acted annoyed. Her manager had to remind her to thank me for doing the right thing. * The salon was messy and a little dirty. read more

I need to learn my lesson and just not buy Gilt City vouchers for delicate things like bikini waxes. Businesses are offering a discount for a reason and it's probably not because they're amazing and getting a ton of business already. Needless to say, terrible Brazilian wax. This wasn't my first rodeo so I know what a good wax is like (both hard and soft wax, both of which were used here) and what everything should look like afterwards. The hard wax was way too hot and she let it sit on far too long so pulling it off was terrible. Twenty-four hours later and I have red blotches all over and lots of straggling hairs. Spend your money elsewhere and your nether regions will thank you. read more

My experiences at Ekti have always been flawless. The salon is beautiful and clean. The white crisp decor puts me at ease. While it's not quite a full service nail salon so you couldn't come with a group of people on the fly, they can make arrangements. I enjoyed my mani pedi and thought the service was FAR FAR better than elsewhere in town. Best of all prices are very reasonable. read more

I just got a Brazilian done (for the first time ever) by Magda. She did a stellar job. Only thing I would recommend is some candles or soft music playing for relaxation purposes. When someone is near your delicate parts it's important to feel relaxed. Overall, great great experience and I highly recommend. read more

I had a 6pm appt for a pedi only but arrived very early since I got off work early. I was hoping I'd able to walk in; alas I had an hour wait! Not too pleased but that's on me not the Salon. Eggie did a marvelous job on my pedi. I rarely pamper myself with them so indulged a bit. Since I arrived early we got done early so I asked if she had time for a partial mani. Just a simple file, shape no polish. She agreed and gave me the full Monty. It was a wonderful time, and Eggie is adorable. read more

I absolutely LOVE Marilena and her expertise with Brazilians! I came in about a month ago as a newbie and appreciated her professionalism and willingness to make me comfortable throughout the entire process. Her receptionist is also top notch and friendly. I look forward to giving Ekti Salon my business for other services and it is a plus that they have experience with natural African-American hair! read more

The salon itself and the people working are all very nice. I used a gilt city voucher for highlights and then decided to get my hair cut as well ($85). It was nice that there was not an upcharge for long hair, and it was certainly the quickest cut/color I have ever gotten. However, it just wasn't exactly what I asked for on the color and I'm not thrilled with the cut. I was very specific that I didn't want it to look stripey but that's kind of how it came out. It doesn't look bad at all, it just isn't really blending in as nicely as it is growing out as other highlights. The haircut seemed fine as well, however it has been 3 weeks and it already looks like I need a trim. Not great. I don't know if it was rushed because it was the end of the day or if this is typical, but I don't think I will be going back to find out. read more

I requested a facial appt here using the Pretty Quick app (I've used it successfully many times), which the salon accepted. I received email and text reminders about my appointment. When I arrived at Ekti they told me that while they had me down for a facial, they don't have a Pretty Quick account BUT I could get a facial if wanted to pay them directly. Um no. Overall a sketchy experience. read more

This is by far the best spa and hair salon in DC. I have had my hair and makeup here last year and have been coming back ever since. I loved my wedding hair and got huge compliments from everybody. Ekti is very talented for hair cuts, hairdos for weddings and such. He is detailed and determined to make you hapoy, with the hair you want. He is also an awesome colorist. Marilene and her spa crew are very professional and use wonderful products. They have tons of experience and exactly what I was looking for since I moved to the area two years ago. Believe me... It was very difficult to find a hair salon that made me supper happy. I am so glad to have found this place. I totally recommend. I am very particular about professionals in this type if business because I like to be heard and here they do take the time to hear what you want and give their own professional advice without imposing. Two thumbs up to the whole team. read more

Being so many salons, this is for sure one of the best. I went for a hair cut plus blow dry. The hair artist Adam (whoops, I think that's his name, sorry if I heard it wrong ;p) is very professional and detailing, he didn't allow any un-pefect pieces, which is totally fine with me. He worked around my 3 cowlick and made my hair look amazing after all. Even those cowlicks seemed that they were never there! On top of the good hair cut, the blow dry was super fancy and my hair looks as good as the ones appeared in magazines. Anyway, in short, I for sure will go back next time when I need to get my hair done, even just for blow dry or styling. Must-go-place for sure! read more

Martha did a fabulous job on my hair! She is a true artist in her approach. The only reason I gave four instead of five stars is because they have the wrong prices on line. When you change your prices one would think they would tell IT FIRST! read more

Haven't tried the hair services, but I got a manicure with Helen. She is meticulous and really cares about providing a quality service. My manicure lasted well into the week and Helen trimmed my cuticles and shaped my nails perfectly! The salon could expand seating for clients that are waiting for their nails to dry. Currently there are only two large comfy chairs available. Overall, highly recommend! read more

Marilena was a brilliant Brazilian wax artist! Least painful wax I've ever had and was nice and quick as well. :)

Decided to putz around Georgetown on a gorgeous summer day and what a pleasant surprise: my little eye spied a cute chalkboard outside of Ekti advertising a pedicure deal! Intrigued? Of course you are... Upon walking in, I observed beautiful and clean décor, a friendly front desk representative who helped me decide what to have done, and an on-time appointment! Last but not least, a great manicurist Jenny: a truly nice lady who ensured I walked out with a bangin' (translation = great) gel manicure and pedicure! I'll be back, but perhaps I've now said too much! Check out this place, you won't regret it! read more

Mr. Ekti is the best for hair. His artistry always makes me feel like a model! Highly recommend this place.

This review is for facials done by Marilena as I have had no other services there. I have been having facials to control my oily and breakout-prone skin for about 15 years at this point. Marilena is by far the best esthetician I've ever met; I've been seeing her at various locations for about 6-7 years. In my experience (including at other pricey Georgetown joints) most estheticians are one of two types: those who focus on your facial being a relaxing experience, and those who actually clean your skin and properly unclog pores. While the first type is fine if that's what you're looking for, I always needed someone who could be more aggressive with my skin. However, the danger of this type is that they can easily be too aggressive. I've had a couple of experiences that just destroyed my face for at least a week due to over aggressive extractions and use of needles. What makes Marilena amazing is not just that she is great at being extremely thorough without damaging your skin, but that she manages to make it relaxing despite this thoroughness. I've seen a couple dozen estheticians over the years in DC, NC, KS and France, and only one other woman was anywhere near as good as Marilena is. She could operate out of a garage with drug store products and I would still go see her! As added bonuses to her skill, the room is very comfortable and she uses the excellent products made by Dermalogica. Obviously being a spa in Georgetown it's a bit on the pricey end, but the experience is so high quality that I can't complain about the cost. Marilena is worth every penny. read more

Amazing color job by Mehmet! I went in and left unsatisfied, so I came in the next day and they were great. It looks amazing now and they threw in a complementary blow dry! read more

I would have given 0 star if it was available; I went to Ekti for highlight and Keratin Complex treatment. Ekti, the owner, bragged to me about his 35 years experience as a hair dresser with his poor english. He needs to have a translator net to him so he could understand what you are asking. If he just agreed with what you have asked him, ask him again to make sure he understood otherwise, he will do what he likes to do and will ignore your request. During highlight, Ekti put the highlight on my hair and without setting up a time said just 15 minute without even having an assistant next to hi and disappeared in the basement. 15 minutes passed and no one came to wash my hair, I keep asking the assistant to call Ekti to come wash my hair but no avail. he came in after 10 minutes and asked a shampoo girl to wash my hair. My hair was fried and I could feel it but he kept saying no that is fine. I have done this for 35 year and I know. Then he tried to apply the Keratin Complex on my wet hair. Since I had done that several times before, I told him he needs to dry my hair in order before applying Keratin otherwise, it will not wok. Again he said no, I have done it for 35 years and this way is better. Finally, after several hours being there, I left home. At home, I noticed that my long beautiful hair was breaking as I was touching that. In a day, I lost half go my long hair due to damage that Ekti had done to my hair. I am not sure where all these brags are coming from, but based on my experience, Ekti, the owner, does not know how to manage a simple highlight without damaging your hair because he does not use a timer and leaves the customer unattended till her hair breaks down. In addition, he does not know how to do Keratin Complex treatment. I asked him if he was trained and he said yes, they have come to his Salon for training, which was not true. He did not know that he has to apply the Keratin to dry hair. I will never step back to that store. Ekti damaged my long hair and I lost my beautiful long hair due to his negligent. read more

Really professional!!! Marilena is very professional and friendly. The waxing room was clean relaxing and the staff was all very pleasant and nice . I felt comfortable. she did great care and wax was painless. This is the best place to get wax in the Dc area. I will definitely be back. read more

I love coming here. Everyone is both professional and friendly. They are always accommodating when I need a walk in appointment. They treat my wife like royalty, what more could you want.. They also do a great job. read more

Popped in for a gel manicure after skipping a questionable salon a couple blocks down. I'm reeeeely particular about my nails and was scared. But I should've had no fear because Eggy was great!! She was meticulous and my nails turned out beautifully. It's a week later and they still look perfect. And she is super sweet. I highly recommend her! read more

I have been a client of Marija for the past 3 years. She has been the most welcoming and professional esthetician I have ever been to. She is a perfectionist and her talent shines through. Marija creates sculptured and dream eyebrows. People actually always comment on how well groomed my eyebrows are. Your eyebrows will be transformed after your first appointment with Marija!! read more