Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I would visit my barber (Eddie) every 4-5 weeks. After exchanging pleasantries about how our respective families were doing and small talk about the weather, Eddie would ask how I wanted my hair cut. And my response was usually something along the lines of, "Use the number 3 setting on the clippers to take a couple of inches off the top, the number 2 to keep the sides 'high and tight', and then finish with the number 2 setting to do a skin-fade for the back." To which Eddie would normally reply, "Don't worry, I'll make it look fresh and crisp as always." I would venture to guess that 90+ percent of men have had a similar if not verbatim conversation with their barber. March 8, 2020 was the last time I visited Eddie, and I recall this vividly since we were discussing this "Coronavirus" thing that was in the news and whether it was something to be concerned about here in the U.S. I believe that our uninformed opinion was that this was probably just another "flu strain" and that it was nothing to worry about. Hmm...weren't we a bit off on this prediction? As things were shutting down, I started experiencing the dreaded "pandemic hair," which is to stay by May 2020, the hair on the top of my head was a crazy unkept mane. It got so bad that during a MS TEAMS meeting, one of my co-workers offered to send me some Scooby Snacks, since I was looking so Shaggy. Thankfully, a family member told me about May Samara Beauty Studio in the summer of 2020. I was a bit hesitant at first to see May for two reasons: 1). What type of COVID-19 protocols did she have established to ensure a safe environment? 2). I was raised with the belief that men only went to "barbers" for their haircuts. As for point number one, May has implemented excellent COVID safety and security protocols. It starts with the appointment process itself. She will usually want to talk with you first to vet you as a potential client. And once the appointment is made, upon entering her studio (in the basement of a Condo building), she only allows one (two max) people in at a time and makes sure to lock the door so as to control access to her space. All clients need to wash their hands before starting, and May provides a fresh paper face mask during their visit; I actually appreciate this gesture since it prevents my usual cloth mask from getting too filled with tiny cut hairs. May, herself, is of course masked up during the visit and takes care to clean between clients. She also has a UV air filter to sanitize and circulate the air. In the past 9 months that I've been a client, I've always felt safe visiting her studio. But how about the most important consideration...which is to say, how does May perform as a hair stylist? Simple - 5 stars! As other reviewers have noted, she definitely takes the time to not just ask how you want your hair cut, but does a CONSULTATION to factor in the shape of your face, whether you wear glasses, and what kind of look a person is trying to achieve. She will start with a thorough hair washing, and will provide feedback regarding the health of your scalp and hair, and suggest some strategies if she feels there are areas of improvement. And unlike with my former barber Eddie, who was usually done in 15 minutes since it was mostly just "buzz, buzz, buzz" with the clippers and done - May takes the time to not just cut by also style hair. She does use clippers, but also utilizes a range of various sizes of scissors to create texture; a concept which was previously lost upon me. My old haircuts may have looked "fresh and crisp," but after leaving May's studio, I am extremely happy with the cut since it looks good and more importantly, professional. Post-pandemic I'll still be patronizing May Samra's Beauty Studio because if 2020 taught me anything, it's that once you find a good hair stylist, you KEEP that person. read more

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I am so grateful that I found May's studio in Northern Virginia. I am really particular about products and used to go to an Oway salon in Fort Lauderdale, so when I moved to the DMV, I searched for an Oway salon, and May's studio popped up! Just like the Oway products she uses, May's studio and approach to color/styling are organic, clean, and blissful. For those looking for a thoughtful, high quality, organic, customer-focused long-term hair care salon, then definitely give May a call to schedule your appointment :) read more

May Samara is the professional I wished for. May listens, suggests and educates as she works on your hair, which is my case. I have low density (also known as fine) hair and I am growing out a "bad" haircut. I have been to several high-end and chain hair hair businesses, but May Samara Beauty Studio is where hair is done the way it should. I like that she uses Oway organic products as well. May knows what she's doing and I am 100% happy with the May's Magic. -Tatjana read more

May is an expert in her field and my go-to hair colorist for almost a year now. I first found May when I started looking for organic salons due to skin issues that I was starting to have. Well, switching to May's salon and using her organic products have not only solved my skin problems with a major difference noticed within the first few months but her continuance guidance and recommendations have helped improve my hair including the quality and texture and all within just a few months. For anyone not using organic hair products, I really recommend switching because over time the chemical in other products ruin your hair as well as cause skin issues. For anyone looking to switch, I highly recommend May. She is very customer-oriented, personable, and really the best in her field. She always does patch testing to make sure you are not reacting to any products which is so essential. She also makes you feel so comfortable and treats you with tea and goodies while you wait out your hair treatments. So happy to have found May and her wonderful salon! read more

I ONLY trust May with my hair and nails! Last year I ended up ruining my nails by getting a gel manicure elsewhere (don't judge, it was for a wedding and the wedding party all had them done together). And May was there to patiently fix their mistake. May strives to do whats best for your nails and hair. All the products she uses are top of the line and healthier for you than traditional products. I can't say enough good things about May!! read more

Great service, sweet girls, fair prices and very relaxing environment with a TV to watch while you get your hair did :D!

May is the best hair stylist I have ever found, I swear to you! She does the best blonde hair you could ask for! She professional, sweet, and knows hair like the back of your hand and how to take care of it! Please go see her, you won't regret it! read more

I have never written a review on Yelp before. And this one is almost 8 months in the making. I regret not having written it soon - since May Samara is nothing short of a-MAY-zing. She is an incredible artist - whether her medium be hair, nails, or brows (and her makeup is always on point!) - and she takes such pride in her work. It's obvious she loves what she does. But, more importantly, it's obvious she truly cares for her clients. Her clients' satisfaction and happiness is her happiness. I've been to May for IBX, gel/shellac, brow wax and tint, haircut, highlights, balayage. If she does it, I've probably had it. She's a perfectionist, and it totally pays off. That's why I keep going back for more! Pretty much every 2 weeks I'm in May's studio, being pampered and beautified in some way. And, to top it all off, she's so much fun to be around. What she does is MAY-gic! I assure you, you will not be disappointed. read more

May is super sweet and kept me updated on everything she was doing to my hair. She also gave me tips on natural hair upkeep. I can't wait for my next appointment with her. read more

Even before covid May has always been a clean and conscious stylist. During covid she has maintained the utmost care and professionalism while maintaining the zen nature of her studio. Whenever I've gone to May I know I'm in good hands. During my recent visit I wanted to have a totally different look and she helped me talk thru color and hair cut options and delivered amazing results for both. I know that I can sit in her chair and let her do what she wants and I'll come out of the experience loving my new look and looking amazing. She has a great knack for knowing what will suit you and I love that she genuinely cares for your hair health as well. Definitely check her out! read more

OK,I rarely yelp but I wanted to give a warm shout out to this particular genius. May is patient,,thoughtful and really does her research to use only the finest products and tailors it to the client's particular needs. She considers your skin color, face shape and personality and gets it right every time. She is efficient and makes absolutely sure the results are spot on. I have been around the block many times with hairstylists in many salons and I want to tell all you stylish ladies out there that you need look no further. This one is a gem. Also cuts my son's hair to perfection. For an 11 year old to say he will only let one particular person cut his hair tells a lot about the cut and experience. Go and try, you will not be disappointed! read more

So happy with May Samara's work with my hair, including transitioning to my natural color & styling as we go. I have found helpful tips and personal, caring service after several appointments with May. May Samara Beauty Studio is my new go-to salon! read more

May does everything with excellence. She listens to what I want, makes recommendations and always does a beautiful job without fail. She holds her work to high standards and takes customer satisfaction very seriously. She only uses the best products never cutting corners. She never recommends a product she has not tried herself and is happy with. She takes pride in my hair as though it were her own. She also never fails to make my visit an enjoyable experience. Whether it's hair, eye brows, or nails you can expect to walk out a very happy customer. I have yet to be disappointed. read more

My hair has never been more grateful! I've never seen it be this healthy and grow this fast, I've been getting tons of compliments lately thanks to May!! Thank you thank you thank you! She definitely has a green thumb and cares about her clients, I don't see my self going anywhere else. read more

I will start this review with the punch line - May does the best Brazilian Blowout, period. Mic drop. I went to May after the salon that I normally went to for Brazilian Blowouts shut down. I found her online and took a chance. Right off the bat, when I called, she asked the right questions to verify that in fact I wanted a Brazilian Blowout and not a standard keratin (every other salon I called either didn't know what I was asking for or tried to convince me I wanted the standard keratin when I knew I did not!). May was personable on the phone and went out of her way to accommodate my wacky schedule. The day of my appointment, she took her time to understand my hair and my expectations before she started - and let me just say that her salon is beautiful and thoughtfully designed. May is a perfectionist and really takes her time to do your hair right, which is EXACTLY what you want from a stylist. Make sure you allot time for your appointment (and make sure you make plans to go out afterward because your hair will look amazing). May is exacting in how she does the Brazilian Blowout treatment and people have noticed. Example: I have had my hair colored by the same stylist for 20 years and when she saw me today, she said that this is by far the best Brazilian Blowout treatment she's ever seen me get (and this is coming from someone who knows hair and used to do straightening treatments herself - it's high praise! And I have been straightening my fine, thin, frizzy hair for almost 10 years so this ain't my first rodeo.). Anyway, I almost hate to be so positive because if May gets so booked that I can't get in to see her I will be upset, but at the same time, this woman needs to be recognized for the excellent work she does. If you're looking for a new stylist and you demand perfection (and who doesn't?), May is the one for you. If you want a Brazilian Blowout, look no further. If you call and you get her voice mail, leave a message (she focuses on the client in the room and will return your call later.) If you're intimidated by the apartment building in which she has her salon, don't be. Her space is gorgeous. Give May a call and then join me in writing a well-deserved positive review when you leave. read more