I came here because I had purchased a 50% off deal also from Capitol Dish. The whole process was excellent for me. I had used the coupon for my haircut and also had added on color to my appointment before coming in. Gina did an excellent job with my hair and was very personal. She sat down with me and discussed my hair types, styles that would look good with my hair type and facial features, etc. Pros: Treated nicely by all of the staff Offered a beverage Offered products or services but was not pushy Gina trained in some of the best treatments and wants your hair to be healthy The lady who washed my hair and my protein treatment did an excellent job Cons: Small no frills salon but Gina has made it work Parking lot was limited in space but didn't have a problem with parking Tips: Book in advance Bring cash for tipping read more

I found Gina ... guess where!?? yeah, you guessed it, on YELP! And she is a find indeed. I really had a fabulous experience from the first phone call to the very end. I needed my hair straightened (in a hurry) and that is usually about 3 hours of work. My schedule limited me to "after work only" and she went out of her way to fit me in. Not only she stayed open late to accommodate me, but also she called another client and had her come in a bit earlier and also made sure her assistant would stay later that day. My hair is absolutely fabulous. It's healthy and soft beyond any expectation. I have used Yuko system and Brazilian straightening. The latter is not permanent and is just a really great way to condition your hair to the point that it's soft and easy to manage. Yuko system, while permanent, left my hair a bit on the dry side. I'm very happy with the result and will definitely be going back for touch ups. Just keep in mind that the procedure is pretty pricey. If you plan on going twice a year, put away $120 every month to pay for it. read more

I recently decided to re-start Japanese straightening/thermal reconditioning my hair to manage my extremely frizzy waves. I found Matisse Salon on Yelp after reading all the great reviews and I was not disappointed! Farah and her assistant Aurelia were amazing and very attentive. They took their time making sure each step of the process was done perfectly and they continually checked-in with me throughout to ensure I was comfortable. The fact that both of them were working on my hair at the same time made this by far the quickest straightening I've ever had. I HIGHLY recommend this salon! read more

purchased a Capitol Deal for a shampoo/ cut/ blow dry with Gina and it was honestly the best hair cut I've ever had. Gina and I discussed my options and my timid-ness to try new salons as I have a lot of thick, long hair and haven't had a good hair cut in forever. She was extremely personable, knowledgeable and seemed driven to give me a great hair cut. Even though I was her last appointment of the day, and ran a little late, Gina and her staff stayed attentive and professional throughout the entire appointment (even when I had to run to 7-11 across the street to take cash out for a tip). She recommended products/ treatments but I didn't feel like I was being up-sold or pressured. The only con is the salon is small and parking is limited but at least there IS parking? read more

I also went here with a 50% off Capitol Dish deal, and I'm so glad I did! Gina was so knowledgeable and helpful, providing a small consultation before the haircut began. After discussing my hair length and type and what I wanted, Gina expertly cut my hair, and it looked great! The shortest layers were shorter than I wanted, but they are growing out now, and I love them. The place is small, but it's clean and modern. The woman who washed my hair did a great job. I love when they massage your head as they wash, rather than simply swirl the shampoo around. I would definitely come back, although the regular prices are a little high for a basic cut for me. My hair doesn't require that much work, so $80 seems a little pricey. However, Gina is wonderful, and I love that she does charity work for women in Afghanistan (her home country). read more

I've been a client for over 3 years, and Gina cut my very curly hair well and was the first to do color on me..always looks good and natural..... While at first, I was apprehensive about doing the Japanese straightening, i knew i wanted to have more options for my hair and now I have done it 3 times and it is wonderful, easy to care for and Gina makes sure your hair is healthy and well! You get her full attention, your appointment is your appointment, no waiting and no high pressure. My hair is easy to manage and requires very little daily maintenance thanks to Gina. The salon is totally relaxing! read more

I went here b/c of a 50% off deal from Capitol Dish. Thank god I didn't spend the full $80 b/c it was definitely not worth it! Gina is not exactly the most personable stylist I had ever met. She made me feel like I was a more of a burden than an important client, as evidence by the way she made me wait in the chair while she talked on the phone. I wanted a very basic cut which she did but when it came time to blow dry/style my hair... she did practically nothing. She put no product in my hair (stylists usually put moose, gel, volumizing spray, etc) and just gave me a basic blow dry that I could have done myself. When she finished and saw my perplexed look, she finally asked me if I wanted hair spray. Hair spray for what? You didn't do anything! For me one of the best parts of a haircut is the blow dry/style they do but this one was horrible. I have gotten better, cheaper haircuts with much better customer service at chain places like Hair Cuttery and Bubbles. Again, thank god I didn't pay full price! The tip I did leave should have gone to the shampoo girl... she was the most attentive and personable one there! I thought that the Groupon and Living Social deals were supposed attract new customers. All Gina did was get a one time haircut from me. read more

It was definitely not worth it! I had the Japanese TR process done several months ago and I am still unhappy with Gina. Gina is not personable at all. She made me feel like I was a more of a burden than an important client, as evidence by the way she made me wait outside the salon for her to show up (TWICE) for scheduled appointments!!!. I had the Japanese hair straightening done (not cheap) When she finished I went home a washed it three days later. There were multiple places she did not properly straighten. She kept saying it was because of the poor condition of my hair (how could she do 85% of my hair and not the rest if it was in such poor condition). She re-did my bangs, but said she was unable to re-do the other problem areas. I paid a lot of money for a terrible job!! I will never go here again. Don't waste your money like I did to be so unhappy with a non-professional job and person.. read more

Gina is a genius. Her work is unsurpassed she has an eye for color and knows how to do the Japanese straightening better than any stylist I have tried over the past 12 years. The salon is unpretentious, fairly small but never crowded. Her assistant is fantastic and provides a wonderful head massage. Highly recommend. read more

I had an excellent time with Gina! I got the Japanese Straightening thermal recondition treatment and at first I was so nervous! She was very comforting and did the job perfectly! In addition, the salon is very casual and welcoming. My hair is absolutely beautiful and I am so happy with the outcome and the service by Gina and her workers! I would definitely recommend everyone going there! read more

This salon was sold to a new owner last year, Farah McElroy. She also has a salon (Matisse) in Springfield and I have been a customer of hers for 20+ years. I have now visited Serenity twice, including today, and give it a 5 star rating. It is an relaxed, initimate salon and Farah and her staff are simply the best. Farah is truly an artist with hair including selecting color to complement your skin tone and your age. She also has a knack for selecting excellent employees. As with her other salon, I find Serenity to be well-run, clean and ..well...serene! You will leave looking AND feeling better! read more

I have been a client of Gina's for several years and followed her from different salons until she got her own salon. I have done so because she has done a good style sense and does a wonderful job with her cuts, color, and other treatments. I can trust her when she suggests a change and have received many compliments over the years. Her own salon is a peaceful place that is welcoming and well run. read more

I came across this place while googling for a good japanese straightening around the area one weekend. I desperately needed a good hair straightening that would not damage my hair. I have a typical Asian hair that has thick strands and at times poofy that it takes at least an hour every morning to fix my hair. After reading the reviews, I decided to give the place a shot. I called and spoke with Gina. I was immediately impressed just by speaking with her on the phone so I came in the same day just for a consultation. First of all, my hair was a bit damaged from previous "Japanese hair straightening" and that was my fault because I decided to go to salons for which I paid half the price of what this place charge. Big mistake. The leftover hair from previous cheap straightening got so dry and coarse. So anyway, when I came in for a consultation, Gina took the time to listen to what I need, checked the condition of my hair, and explain the process and the product that she will be using for my hair. I was so impressed that I asked her if I can get it done that same day. She was about to leave that day but she went ahead agreed to do it for me. Talking about good customer service! This process took about 3 hours. It's been 2 weeks and I really love my hair!! Life is so much easier especially in the mornings before going to work. My hair is manageable, healthy, and really soft! Even my co workers tell me that my hair look fabulous and healthy. Thanks to Gina! Although the place is a bit small and doesn't have the typical salon atmosphere, it is not pretentious. The people are very friendly and they really make you feel at home. And yes, this place is a little pricey but it is definitely WORTH it. From now on, I will just set aside some $ every month and never go to any other cheap pretentious salon for japanese hair straightening because this is the only place for me! read more

It was such a treat to find this welcoming oasis in the midst of McLean. Mrs. Hamrah and her staff were all friendly, extremely helpful, and genuinely interested in each individual. She gave great advice, listened to my concerns, and approached my cut and style based upon those unique recommendations. I was very pleased and will definitely be back. read more

I bought a groupon and used Gina the week before my daughter's wedding. I did not want to look like a middle aged mother of the bride. Gina was the first one to see me as I saw myself. I was totally transformed. Since moving to Arlington in 2006 I had been looking for a stylist to give me the cut and color I wanted. Finally I found it. Plus, Gina does not fill me with mindless dribble. She is an intelligent female business owner and as one to another I have a great deal of respect for her education and hard work. read more

Gina performs Hair Magic. Seems like my whole life I have been looking for the right hair dresser! Gina found and cut perfectly the waves in the back of my hair, which I never knew I had! I just wash and air-dry, or lightly hair-dry, and go. Gina keeps me blonde too. She also cut a great longer-length style on my 12-year-old daughter, so it makes a beautful ponytail or floats perfectly on her shoulder. read more

Small salon but very attentive owner that cares about your style and what you have to say about your hair. I like the way Gina listened to the fact that I don't have a lot of time to spend on styling my hair each morning and I like my natural wave. She did not try to change my style and gave me minimal product on my hair and a good cut. But, she did talk me in to highlights which I, in fact, love and complement my natural style. Who knew? Well, Gina did. The other clients I saw in there had a different style (more 'done' and sleek) so obviously Gina has many different looks she can do per her client's needs. I also like the focus on quiet and serene. Some salons feel so hectic, this was peaceful. Great shampoo girl too, very nice and good scalp massage. read more

Gina is amazing! She really cares about her clients and puts effort into every aspect of her work, unlike most hairdressers who only do the necessary styling without giving clients further guidance on taking care of their hair. Upon first meeting her, she analyzed my hair type and pointed out breakage and what I could do to fix it. She gave me more information about my hair and how to manage it to make it healthier more than any other hairdresser has told me. I got a Japanese Straightening done by her and it turned out exactly how I wanted. I already have damaged hair but she was able to skillfully customize how she put the treatment on my hair so that it wouldn't damage it even more too much. She is so knowledgable about hair and you can tell she knows exactly what she's doing. Ask her anything about hair and she'll be able to explain it to you. read more