I've gotten my haircut from Luis since I was 12. I followed him from his 1st salon to Arlington. I'm 31 and still coming back. He keeps up with the fashion, and he understands hair. I've gotten everything form super short boy cuts to shag cuts to very long Hollywood hair with highlights and all the right layering and lifting to keep my hair from being heavy. He's also worked through disasters of self dye/bleach jobs, punk rock hair colors, and has brought any of my styles back to normal when needing the professional look. He's a great listener and can work off pictures or will do whatever you want, and whatever works best with your hair. Love the ambiance, the sherry, sangria or hot tea depending on my mood or the seasonal offerings. read more

I used to like this place. In fact, I'm having bittersweet feelings just writing this review. I used to be a regular here, and for a while, Phantacee could do no wrong. It has a hip, swank decor (bare brick walls and exposed, painted pipes on the ceiling) like you'd see at someone's swinging urban condo. Latin music is usually playing via their XM connection (the staff was almost entirely Latin). It felt like a cool urban hangout. But it never felt like it was putting on airs or trying too hard. It was what it was. At one point, I had the best manicurist I've ever had. She was incredible. First off, imagine a vivacious fortysomething woman with leather pants, bleached blonde poofy hair, leopardskin top, and big, dangly jewelry. I called her "hot momma" (but never to her face!). She took real pride in her work, and it was always a real treat to have a Saturday appointment with her. "You always do a great job," I'd say. "Thank you!" she'd beam. "I'm really, how do you say... profesionalismo? Professional!" So naturally I was pissed one day when I called to confirm an appointment, and they happened to casually mention that she's no longer there. I'm sorry, but as a loyal customer, I think I've earned enough brownie points for you to let me know about this before saddling me with someone else out of the blue (I tried several of her replacements, and they all sucked big-time). It was like getting a phone call one day: "Hello, this is the IRS. We've been secretly auditing you for the past two years. And when you're away on travel, we've been coming over, drinking your last beer, having buttsex with your wife, and missing the can completely when we go pee." But hey, that's okay. I can come in here and get my hair done instead. Now parts of their haircuts are really nice. You get a shampoo included with your cut, and they massage your scalp during your shampoo. And you also get a real scalp massage with oils too. Very nice. But the actual cut I got was nothing special... in fact, it's just like the regular hair butcheries in Arlington (after specifically telling them I only want a little bit taken off because my hair will spike up otherwise, what do I get? Yeah, spiky hair.) The verdict: When making my last appointment, I ended up getting the manager. I was on speaking terms with him. He didn't remember who I was, and was very brusque with me. I'm disappointed in Phantacee because they have real potential. Halfassed salons like Andre Chreky seem to thrive for no good reason other than that they're expensive, so they've got to be good, right? Yet a place like this, that has real potential, takes a golden opportunity to stand out from the pack, and totally squanders it. Phantacee's like your old friend from high school that you just met up with after being apart for years. You went to college and moved on. He's still talking about making the game-winning touchdown during homecoming and is still pumping gas down at the local Exxon. Sad... very sad. read more

Me: *walks in* *no one at desk* *waits* *looks for bell* *waits* *calls out* no response *walks around* *finds someone* do you do eyebrow waxing? Yes but the person is not in. What time does she come in? Around 10, usually. It's 1030. There's someone else in an appointment. She only takes appointments. Do you want to wait for the girl? Since you don't know when she's coming in, no. Can you recommend someone else? No. If you want to feel welcome in your neighborhood salon, this is not the place for you. read more

Why does this place have such a low rating? I've had two fantastic haircuts here - even by different stylists. My boyfriend gets his haircut here as well. Gentlemen, it is worth paying at least $30 for a haircut. Stop going to super cuts. If nothing else, they offer you a glass of wine or soda when you come in. I've seen this place come up a lot on the deal sites. If you need a haircut, keep your eyes peeled for a couple of weeks and you'll probably luck into a 50% off coupon. read more

It is my first time coming in for a facial that I purchased through Groupon. The Groupon was for a signature facial which is the basic however because I didn't specify when I called and made my appointment the esthetician kindly advised me to go w their deep cleanse and clay mask facial which I did. She went ahead and only charged me the difference which wasn't much. The deep cleanse was amazing I am happy with my results and will be back for another one in 6 weeks. She took her time which exceeded the typical 1 hr time frame most places have and really went above and beyond to give me the best service possible. I didn't give 5 stars because there is always room for growth but I am pretty satisfied with my results. read more

Let's see some higher ratings here. Years ago, I needed to find a new place to get a hair cut. I used to meet friends across the street at Mexicali Blues on a regular basis. So I thought what the heck, and gave them a shot, and ever since, I've been a regular customer. You can go, get a nice green tea or glass of wine if you have to wait, and then get a great hair cut. I'll admit that I do get a very short cut, but they make it work. For years I had visited other shops that couldn't make things look clean and natural like these guys do. Sure it's more than Hair Cuttery, but come on, support a local business. read more

I got a GREAT cut and color from Jennifer here. She is brand new to the salon (as of Feb 2009). She is young and I wasn't sure if she was going to know what I meant when I wanted a haircut that was cute but would work professionally too. The greatest thing about Jennifer was that she actually listened to what I wanted and cut my hair exactly the way I asked. This was a big deal since I was there to chop off a lot of my hair. I cut off about 12" and changed my color. Both came out great. I have hair that curls a lot when it dries. Most people cut it way too short because they forget this 20 min after I explain it. When she was doing the cut, I started off giving a conservative version of what I wanted, but she did exactly what I asked, so we ended up going even shorter. It came out great and I get compliments on it all the time. Jenn is great and I reccommend her to anyone! read more

TERRIBLE! i went in for an appointment today since i purchased a groupon for a bayalage. when i came in it took the lady (asian woman i believe her name is Mimi) 45 minutes to start my hair......i was the only customer there. when she began she started foiling my hair insisting she is the stylist and this is "her technique"....bayalage does not use foils. when she finished my hair 6 HOURS LATER my hair was bleach blonde with heavy tones of orange all the way up to my brunette roots! she want full of smiles and said how great it looked. i left the salon in tears and now am spending $200 tomorrow morning to fix what she ruined. this lady should not be allowed to work on people's hair DO NOT GO HERE read more

Terrible management! I made an appointment to get my hair done with my roommate, and they called multiple times changing the time of the appointment. We finally agreed on 4pm, and then they called at 3:30 accusing me of missing my appointment at 2 (a time we'd never discussed) and refused to see us that day, saying they had "other clients" and I'd have to call again in a week. I didn't even make it to the salon, so I can't comment on the services there--but I don't want to get my hair done at a place that can't even keep track of my appointment time and is rude to customers. read more

I got the worst haircut of my life here at Phantacee. And it cost $60.00. I guess that is the going rate for an inverted mullet (longer on the sides and short and choppy in the back). ummmm, HIDEOUS. I had to go get my hair fixed the next day. Thank god for Nola's is all I have to say. And I'm definitely thinking there are some happy endings involved in these massages. Something about the place downright creeps me out. I don't think anyone there is trained or licensed. read more

I loved this place, they made me a balayage and it looks great. I love it, they were really nice and helpful with everything.

I give this place one star only because they took me as a walk-in. Zuzi is awful. I had a manicure and my nails look like crap. She massaged my hand so hard that it's still red. I declined the massage on my second hand after the first was turning the color of a fire engine. On top of all that, and the overpriced $20 cost, she told me I stink! I wear Chanel for goodness sake! I do not stink! And the whole ordeal took almost an hour. Save yourself the time, money and ridicule and go somewhere else! Anywhere else! read more

My hair stylist is very cute and nice and she gives me free sherry. This is the only place where I've been happy with my haircut ... possibly ever. I've only been twice so far. read more

Who runs a hair salon where the blowdryers aren't plugged in, they have no idea what a diffuser is, where there are inadequate hair clips for sectioning your hair, where the steel roller brushers are smaller than the ones I have at home, and where they leave the ends frayed and litterally butchered? With something as personal and important as hair, ladies, I would advise anyone NOT to go here. I wanted to have my hair blow dried before going out to party on Friday night. When you go to a hair salon on a Friday afternoon and there is no other customer that should give you a hint that something is wrong. The lady proceeded to wash my hair (okay), but then started blow drying my hair in a very destructive way. I was really appalled by her obvious inexperience in handling sections, in dexterity with the hair dryers and she even asked me for my personal hair clip to manage my hair. I asked her to diffuse dry my hair before styling to prevent damage from yanking at wet hair. She didn't understand this concept. I should have left right then. This was a terrible experience. I walked out after she took a hot iron to the hair and started yanking at it, which would only have resulted in more shredding and damage. In fact I felt my hair was shredded. I have never had a more destructive blow dry anywhere. I repeat, avoid this wierd place like the plague. Sooo wierd. read more

I went her to get my eyebrows waxed, and came out with no eyebrows! I have been getting my eyebrows waxed for years, and this had never happpend to me. I went in just for a clean up, my shape is already well defined, and I left with about 2 cm of pencil thin eyebrows. I was mortified. I am in front of clients all day long for my job, and I cancelled appointments based on the way I looked. DO NOT GO HERE! read more

I got a pedicure here and it was right near closing and I loved it. I got wine and was pampered, which is what I want and need when I get a pedicure. The lady who did my nails was so sweet, helped me pick my color, and made room for me, even though the store was closing. It was a little more expensive than my regular pedicure, but I did get two glasses of wine, a spa pedicure, and a wonderful massage. read more

Great place! I came here for a Brazilian waxing and the lady was very nice and she took her time to make sure I am happy with the end result. I will be back read more

RITCHIE IS THE BEST!!! I LOVE MY CUT & COLOR! A dear friend of mine referred me to Ritchie when I expressed to him how frustrated I was with going from one salon to another. I always left saying to myself, "gosh, this isn't the look/color I asked for," and on several occasions drove straight to the nearest CVS, and bought a box of color to try to fix it. What a nightmare, and waste of money with both efforts. This time, I wanted a totally different look, and was ready to just sit in the chair and trust someone, and I am so glad I did. I brought several pictures, and Ritchie examined it carefully and was confident he could achieve the same style for me. He was completely professional and patient, and kept me informed every step of the way. The staff is extremely pleasant, and as soon as you are seated, offer you a beverage (of course, I chose wine as I was a nervous wreck). I walked out feeling fabulous and have received more compliments than ever before. Thank you, Ritchie!!! read more

i have not had any services other than eyelash extensions done here, so i cant speak to hair, nails, etc. however, claire, one of their estheticians, is DC's underrated eyelash star. i have gone to numerous different lash studios, and claire's services beat even the most high end ones. i always come back to her and she goes out of her way to squeeze me in her schedule. also, she is a FABULOUS waxer and i have never loved my brows more!! read more

Alison and I clearly had the same experience. I came in with the request for an above the shoulder cut that gradually transitioned to neck length in the back. I instead left with hair that was short in front and layered in the back -- and not the good layers. It looked like my hair was thrown in a pony tail and chopped off. HORRIBLE. It took almost 5 months to get the shortest layer to grow out -- and the back of my hair only needs to go to the nape of my neck. I, too, now go to Nola's and love it. I will say that I had my eyebrows done here the same day and the women who did them did a really good job. They looked fabulous --- thankfully, because my hair looked horrific. read more

I don't know if I want to know what their specialty is but it certainly isn't women's hair! Great atmosphere- very hip with Latin music and friendly staff. I was sold when I found out they would serve me wine while I handed over my head to the owner. I sat there feeling great and relaxed certain I was in good hands until he held up my long, freshly grown out hair and just cut it off! Ok, not to panic, keep drinking. Oh my God, dare I say the words that were so obvious...mullet...ahhhhhhhh! No kidding, my hair was actually shorter on the top and longer on the bottom- like a mullet! I seriously cried for weeks. When it finally grew out enough for me to brave another cut my new stylist at a different place asked me if the guy who cut my hair the last time was drinking too! Looking back I should have picked up on some clues- - I was the only female there the entire time for a hair appt. - The only other female customers there that I saw were there for nails - Lot's of "massage" business who were ALL men - NO English speaking stylists - bottomless wine - "Phantacee" is the name of the place read more

I live in miami, and after only getting trims at a few different mediocre salons, I decided to go to one while I was visiting my family. By then my hair was flat brittle and dead, I was really unsure about what to do, but as soon as I spoke to Luis he made me feel better about all the possibilities. I couldn't decide and put my hair's furute in his hands. As I watched him work he had this energy that was traquil and captivating, so much so I didnt even realize how much he had cut. It is so short, but the BEST HAIRCUT EVER! I am so happy, since visiting with the family, and coming back to school, I constantly get compliments about my hair, and overall look. I feel like this haircut made me stand out more and MADE ME. I love it, I LOVE this salon, Luis was great! read more

Elizabeth and Roxy at Phantacee Salon and Spa are phenomenal! I have been there twice now, and each time I felt like a million dollars after they were done with me. They treat clients like family and make delivering an unbelievably relaxing and fun experience look easy and enjoyable. Phantacee Salon and Spa is THE spot in Arlington to go for a spa day. read more

Have had 3 haircuts now and all have been fantastic! First by Luis and the last 2 by Yanet. Fantastic job every time. Very professional. They take there time and make it an enjoyable experience. Will definitely keep coming back! read more

Ritchie is a new hair dresser and he does an amazing job! Try him out!!!!

I went in for a haircut and balayage, showed a picture of what I was going for and I came out with bleach blonde hair and streaks up to my roots. The haircut I received was decent. Spent a total of four hours there and left so disappointed with the color. I now have to go to a new salon to get it completely fixed. Don't waste your time or money. read more

I rarely write reviews but Yulie at Phantacee Salon deserves one. I see her for eyebrow waxing and recently for a facial to celebrate my wedding. Yulie is always a pro -- she takes her time, uses little techniques to make tweezing less painful, and always checks in during treatments to make sure you're pleased. My eyebrows always look great and her customer service is fab. After having to reschedule an appointment, she stayed after her quitting time to make sure I got seen. She even gave me a little gift for my wedding -- so thoughtful. I can't speak to other services at the salon but Yulie is the best, for sure! read more

This salon does not even deserve one star. I had a horrible experience on what should have been a special day. I made an appointment with Thuy to get my hair styled for my engagement photo shoot later that afternoon. It was suggested that I come with the hair washed to save time. Thuy proceeded to pull all the hair from my head as she blowdried my hair. I simply wanted my hair styled to be very wavy. Thuy attempted to curl my hair with a curling iron that was cold. She couldn't get one strand to curl which I found quite puzzling. After showing her pictures of how my hair is naturally wavy and I just wanted a better version of my normal hairdo, I just gave up and told her to put curlers in my hair to give me volume. My mess of a hairdo cost $50--a hairdo I could have done 100x better at home. I also got a polish change on my hands and feet that cost $37. This salon is outrageously expensive and from my experience employs incompetent hair dressers. I called for a partial refund, but was denied. read more

I spent an entire year growing my hair so that I would have some style options for my daughter's wedding. I brought a picture and discussed what I wanted with the stylist. She never looked at the picture and proceded to snip snip snip to something that didn't resemble the picture at all. She was distracted the entire time. Now I have to find someone to do a repair job before the wedding so I don't look like sh*%t. I don't know why some hair stylists just decide to ignore the customer's request. If they don't want to cut your hair the way you ask they should discuss it before cutting. Yes, hair grows but sometimes not soon enough for an important event. read more

Everyone here is very nice. I recommend this salon if you live in the clarendon area.

Went there today and even though I'm not in possession of much hair to speak of they treated me like the king of hairyland. The staff are very friendly and did a great job on trimming my edges. The massage was nice and the hot towel heaven. Say Rob sent you and the nice Cuban lady (tell Yanet I said hi) might even give you my 20% referral reduction! read more

A really good haircut at a really fair price (~$40 w/tip). You can't get a better haircut for the price, and going to a more expensive salon is diminishing returns. read more

Great place to go.! The staff are very talented and personable. Thumbs up!!! Stop by this salon!

I came here for a full hi-light and cut with a Groupon. Given the cost of my purchase, the overall experience was pretty good. Scheduling was easy- at one point they asked if I could go an hour earlier, which was no problem. The woman, Mimi, who did my hair was very friendly and did a great job with the actual cut and style. There was a language barrier so that made things a little tough- because I just needed a basic cut, it was easy, but this could be challenging if I wanted something more complex. The salon was relatively quiet and clean. One of the major setbacks was that she wore rubber gloves when washing my hair. The rubber pulling on wet hair hurt pretty bad. Overall it was a good experience. read more

This is a long overdue review for pedicure services by Zuzi (I'm assuming she's still there). It's been more than 2 years since I last visited, but I always intended to leave a review because she was SO good. In fact, the BEST pedicures I ever had were in her hands (and I haven't found anyone to top her technique since then). On top of that, she was EXCELLENT with designs and suggesting nail polish colors that complimented my skin--sometimes colors that I never would've selected for myself. Her designs were nothing like the boring flowers, etc. you normally get in nail shops--Zuzi took creativity to a whole other level. I would go during my lunch break, which was unfortunate for me because I was always in a rush. She really takes her time and truly seems as if she were born to do nails. No rush job 30-minute pedicures here...which I really appreciated. I like to savor the experience, and hers was close to an hour. I had never had someone be so into her craft...very meticulous...detail oriented...and I LOVED, LOVED it. But I couldn't deal with the roaches.... I had services there 3-4 times. I stopped going because on one of my visits (pedicure), I looked down and there were roaches crawling everywhere...baby roaches, big roaches, etc). I was sort of embarrased to say something, although I did point them out to her. I gave it one more shot after that, and lo and behold, more roaches. She continued working as if she didn't see these things crawling all around. I knew that would be the end of our relationship (unfortunately) because I could no longer pay money in a place of business in which I was afraid to put my purse down in fear of bringing the critters home. 3 stars would've been 4 stars were it not for the bug problem. read more

Zuzi is great for massage. I got a little cold during, and the lights were in my eyes, but all in all, a very relaxing session.

I've been going to the same hair salon in my hometown for 15+ years so when I moved to DC I was nervous about trying somewhere new. They did an AMAZING job at Phantacee. They listened to what I wanted and exceeded all my expectations. They took their time and didn't rush and made sure I was happy with the highlight color and cut style multiple times and gave great suggestions. Will definitely be making this my new salon!! read more

This is a convenient spot to get pedicures and eyebrow waxing done at a great value. I've had both services and have no complaints - I would recommend this spa to anyone looking for great service at an affordable price. read more

This review is primarily for the esthetician Yulie. I've been going to Yulie for years. She has been one of the only estheticians to provide me with waxing services that don't completely rip apart my skin for days due to my super sensitive skin. Because I do have sensitive skin I always expect to be red after waxing. Yulie is always concerned with how the services will affect my skin and attempts to find ways to help it to be less red post-waxing. The prices are reasonable and she does a great job. I've only been to this particular salon twice and everyone was very nice, the place was clean there was no wait for my appointment. read more

I had a WONDERFUL experience at Phantacee. The owner, an adorable Cuban man who used to live on the UWS, fixed a horrible haircut I had received at a DC-area chain. He walked me through exactly how he was going to cut my hair, while leaving me with enough length to still put it up for the gym (my only request). I am officially a loyal customer!! read more