I've gone to Salon Ilo four times since moving to the DC area a little over a year ago. Kim has done my color and Robert has done my cuts. I chose Salon Ilo out of the countless options on Wisconsin Avenue alone because it is a Kerastase salon and the previous salons in all the other locations I have lived were Kerastase salons. For the past year I have been having my hair darkened. Following the death of my father in January, I decided abruptly to make a change and go lighter. I scheduled with Kim and she did an all-over color correction, followed by a full balayage, and a finish for $395 plus tips. The resulting color was a bright orange that made me feel awful. I know Kim did the best she could to get from my dark auburn to ash blonde, but it was obvious when I left the salon that I was not happy with the result. I'm not a confrontational person so I didn't say how displeased I was. I scheduled a follow-up appointment last week for another round of full balayage and finish. At 3:00 PM I was Kim's last appointment. Around 4:45 Robert came to the coloring area to find out when I'd be ready for my finish. He and Kim sniped at each other and I felt like a child caught in between divorcing parents. He made it abundantly clear how inconvenient it was that Kim was taking so long, which in turn made me feel guilty for having hair that took a long time to treat. Kim then started complaining about Robert. After another 30 minutes or so I was ready to get my blow dry. I think Robert sensed I was upset because he asked if I realized he was just screwing with Kim and it was fun to screw with her because she gets so angry. In the middle of Robert blow drying my hair, someone from the front desk came up to me with a portable payment device and asked if she could collect payment from me because they were closing soon (it was 5:30 and the salon closes at 6:00). Robert would've been finished with my hair in another ten minutes, but he stopped his blow dry and I fished my credit card out of my wallet and gave it to the secretary. She told me the charge was $295, the payment device said $295, and I swiped my card for $295 and signed. I was not given a receipt either printed or by email. Robert finished my blow dry and again I couldn't have been more disappointed with my color if I tried. I had casually mentioned rose gold hair to Kim, not as anything I wanted but as something I'd been looking at, and she said, "Well you were talking about rose gold hair and now that's basically what you have." It didn't look any different from the hair I came in with, except just fractionally lighter. I went downstairs and explained I needed to run to the ATM at the end of the block to get cash for the tip. The same secretary who charged me mid-blow dry said she'd still be there when I got back, ten minutes before the salon was closing. I got back at five minutes to 6:00 PM and nobody was there. Another stylist who had just closed up shop opened the door back up. He told me to put my money for Kim in an envelope and he'd deliver the tip for Robert, who was next door drinking wine. Fast forward to this week when I checked my bank statement to see that I had been charged $395 instead of the $295 I was told and that displayed on the payment pad. Because Salon Ilo did not issue me a receipt, I have no way of proving this. I called the salon and the secretary could not have been ruder. She said Kim gave me a fantastic price like I should bend over and be grateful for that, she didn't apologize for not issuing a receipt, and when I explained that I was so upset with how my hair turned out, she did not once ask if I wanted to come back for a correction, which is standard procedure for salons when someone is dissatisfied with their service. She was combative and kept talking over me, offering lame platitudes about referring these concerns to her supervisor. After realizing it was fruitless and Salon Ilo has absolutely no ethics whatsoever, I said that I would be disputing the charge with my bank and never coming back. I'm also sharing my story here for other people who see these good reviews. Do not trust them. This is one of the worst service experiences I have ever had and I doubt I am alone. In every experience I have had at Salon Ilo, I have been made to feel like a burden or an annoyance, whether it's with the secretaries, the people who are actually working with my hair, or random stylists like the guy who reopened the salon five minutes to closing so I could deposit my tips. The only people who have never made me feel small are the staff who clean around the salon and work at the wash stations. I find it unconscionable that a salon will deceitfully issue a charge other than the stated amount, then make sure the customer is not given a receipt to disprove this. It's incredibly shady. It's also reprehensible that they will not stand behind their services and offer a correction or refund for dissatisfied service. My hair looks terrible. read more

Long time listener, first time caller... Ok. I never do this, but, duty calls. Another vote for Chevonne and the gals at Ilo. I went on Yelp to find a good color person, and after reading the reviews about Chevonne, I called to make an appointment. Now I'm back to confirm what's been written previously. Chevonne truely is an "ar-teest". At least when it comes to this white girl's long brown locks. She gave me three colors worth of painted on highlights (what's that technique called again?). It felt like she painted every strand of hair on my head. Wow. As she is now a full-fledged colorist, gone are the days of the $20 highlights. No matter-- her availability more than makes up for it. Monday is her only official day at Ilo, (Wed. is her day off). But since she doesn't have many clients yet, all you have to do is call and tell them what day you want and she'll come in. Love that. Let's face it, a good secret is hard to keep in this city.Not like there are a wealth spring of good color people around here. It'll only be a matter of time before she's booked solid. (not like posting this on Yelp helps that cause!) One last note: when you do call hopefully you'll get Karen or Jo.... They know all about "Chevonne the Phenomenon" and can help you get in to see her. read more

I started going to ILO when I was a full-time student at Georgetown University...and I found a way to afford them two decades ago! I am now a Foreign Service Officer and I still go every chance I have because they are the best in the world! My colorist has always been ADO because she is talented, down to earth and extremely responsible. I trust her judgement. ILO's owner is Gary, and he is not only a great conversationalist and a superb professional, but he is on top of every single detail at the spa and I can visit him with my two doggies! A very loving and welcoming environment. Patricia also cuts my hair wonderfully. I recommend them both. Evelyn gives the best manicures/pedicures in town and I love talking to her! Rosa and the rest of her team wash your hair, are always smiling and give you a soothing massage to help you relax. They are always looking for ways to make you comfortable. A week ago I was so hungry that Minerva went out of her way and bought me food and even a delicious dessert from a chic restaurant nearby! ILO spa is THE place to relax and get ready for that special date. read more

Well, because Yelp decided to mark my review as 'not recommended' probably at the behest of the salon, I guess I'll just have to keep posting until one sticks. Salon Ilo deceitfully charged me $100 higher than what they stated. They forced me to pay in the middle of my service and did not issue me a receipt. My hair color is splotchy, bright orange in places and almost white in others, and it looks ridiculous. When I called to point out the mistake on the charge, the salon never ONCE apologized for the incorrect charge and the lack of receipt, nor did they did not offer to fix my hair, which looks horrendous. I literally look like the bastard child of our new president. The staff are rude and snippy, they complain about each other and get into arguments while working with clients. They will make you feel like your presence in their chair is an annoyance and burden. This salon is deceitful and unethical, and on top of that their service is terrible. read more

I have been a client of Salon Ilo for many years and Kristjun was suggested as a replacement when my regular stylist left the salon. I was a bit skeptical at first but trusted the recommendation as it came from someone internal who used Kristjun to style his own hair. Kristjun has proved to be revelation for me as, frankly, my hair has never looked better and maintains it shape far better than it has in the past. KJ has a real organic relationship to hair in that he really understands it and understands how best to use the hair's natural qualities (mine is very straight and peppered with cowlicks) to achieve a beautiful cut. After years of short hair, I now have quite long hair, which I am happy to wear straight! If KJ leaves, I would hunt him down as he is truly the best stylist I have worked with in ages. read more

It has been a few years since I've been, but I had to let people know what an amazing place Ilo is. I went to Ilo for a hair cut and color. I looked up numerous salons w/in Nova/DC/MD area - and the Washingtonian gave a huge thumbs up to Jack Howard of Ilo. So that is who I went to. He was nothing short of amazing. My hair has never been a more beautiful blonde. I love it. Then Patricia Melegres cut my hair. She was wonderful. I didn't ask for anything "trendy" - all I asked for was someone to listen to me. I wanted a certain length. She listened and I was elated. The bad point: $400 (my hair was at my bra line - so it cost more). Due to that price - I haven't went back. But if I wanted (or could) spend that kind of money every 6 weeks - then that is where I would do it. read more

This was my first trip to ILO Salon & Day Spa. I'd seen an article in the Washingtonian that recommended them as an excellent spa for waxing. When I called, the woman who answered the phone was delightful. Same was true when I arrived for my appointment. Very friendly and helpful front desk staff. My appointment was for a Rio (their Brazilian isn't everything off - the Rio is what most people think of as a Brazilian wax). And the appointment was with Evelyn, who has been waxing for 40 years. She was fast but thorough. She went back to find spots she missed and she does everything in her power to make you as comfortable as possible. She also made suggestions/gave tips for next time. I was very pleased with the service from beginning to end. read more

I had the hardest time finding someone who could highlight my hair as well as the hairstylist I had for 15 years while I lived in Vancouver, Canada until I met Kim (I think her last name is Lawson) who works at Salon Ilo. I met her initially when she worked at the Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Salon. Kim is worth the trek from Great Falls into Georgetown - even in rush hour and I am an extremely particular person! Kim is pleasant and her attention to detail is incredible and my highlights look very natural, plus she keeps my hair really healthy. She is a color specialist and everyone I have referred to her love her as much as I do. I don't know what I would do if Kim ever moved away - except for follow her! Kim is worth every penny. read more

I have very difficult hair, thin and no body :( and when I get my hair cut there, I hardly recognize that it's my hair, they do such an amazing job! Ilo also has a terrific color expert who is trained in Balayage ( a special highlighting technique) and when I walk out of there I feel like a million $$$$$$$$. Everyone in the salon is sooooo friendly from the moment you walk in, they cater to you like you are a star! The owner of the salon is a great guy and not only does he make me feel special when he cuts my hair but I watch the way he interacts with all the Customers and it's no wonder they keep coming back. I look forward to my visits and recommend Ilo to all my friends. Call them to "make your day"! read more

As a customer for over 18 years Ilo has remained consistently excellent.The stylists, colorists and staff are of the highest caliber. At each appointment there is a consultation regarding the color, and cut. I have had all of the colorists and stylists and without hesitation recommend them all. The ambiance is professional, relaxed and welcoming. I have curly hair and each time been very happy with men outcome. Over the last two years I have gotten the Keratin treatments with atstinish results that lasted. For manicures,eyebrows etc, they are the best.Owners lGary and Terry always paticapate on new consultations and available. I never hesitate to recommend Ilo! Barbara F read more

I would highly recommend ADO (for Adoracion) to be the best hair colorist ! She has a European background and understands "nuances", so her work (let's even talk ! about an "Art of work") is just what I would get in Paris. She corrected a coloring which had not been done properly by another hairdresser in DC and her name was given to me by a friend who told me she was THE ONLY COLORIST in the area who could correct a bad coloring! Saved my day! Adoracion is also very kind and have a great sense of humor not to mention her professional skills: and if you are not the talkative type she will respect your silence which is ....PRICELESS!!! read more

I've been going to Salon Ilo for about a year and a half. Kim Lawson was recommended to me and I have found her to be an amazing colorist. I have never had my hair look so healthy. She knows what she's doing and isn't afraid to recommend a change or two if she thinks you need it. She also understands what look I'm going for even if I can't put it into words. I trust her implicitly with my hair and have recommended her to many people! Robert is a fantastic stylist and I finally have the haircut I've always dreamed of but could never acheive without his skill. It's worth the trek from Woodbridge! read more

Katharina gives the best waxes I have ever received, hands down. She is quite the perfectionist and makes the experience so much less painful than it could be. If you go to ILO for your waxes, only use Katharina. I also recently went back for a haircut with Patricia and was absolutely thrilled with the outcome. After disappointing haircuts at the Aveda in Georgetown, the Ann Welsh salon in Del Ray (Alexandria, VA), and Best Kept Secrets in Occoquon, VA, her talent & service were a welcome change! The extra money I spend here on haircuts is totally worth it, and now I won't go anywhere else. read more

I love Ilo Salon. I have been going there for years...and I love my colorist Kim. I get very bored with my hair and change it up a lot and she is always game for anything. Most recently, I begged her to take me platinum blond (which most colorists shy away from). She told me it would be a process (about 6 to 8 months) so that we could do it right and keep my hair on my head. Although it was hard (i am a bit impatient)..she got me there with a healthy head of hair and I love it now...I get compliments all the time. Yes, it is pricey, but I think it is worth every penny. read more

ILO delivers in every aspect: great style, amazing service, and professionalism all the way. Every time I leave, I feel refreshed after the way they treat and pamper you. Marcella is the absolute best - she always knows just what you need, even when you don't have any ideas entering the salon. Her style, kind demeanor and hilariously fun personality is really what keeps me going back for more. She listens to you and helps make suggestions, while really knowing her stuff and always somehow working in style that you didn't even know you had. The best there is around! read more

Everything a day spa should be and more. Warm greeting, taken right away for shampoo/head and neck massage, followed by your beverage of choice. Greeted by Terry while in the shampoo chair, who actually listens to and give choices as to what to do with your hair. Cut is like hanging with your best buddies with conversation never forced. And when you leave, you are invited to the Bacchus wine shop next door for a sample and more great conversation. Who knew that getting a hair cut in a top tier shop could make a guy feel so much at home....and look good to boot. read more

Terry Bell, a master at cutting hair at Salon Ilo, has been styling my hair for over 10 years. Today Gary did my color for the first time. His artful re-shaping and blending of my contrasting white accent over my forehead, combined with an additional contrasting darker shade around the lowest layer has added more depth to my color. He also paid a lot of attention to the condition of my hair and ensured it had shifting tones and shine. Evelyn did a great manicure as well. I am over the moon. read more

I found ILO by referral when I moved to DC from Los Angeles, and Marcella is absolutely the best. She knows more about what I want from my hairstyle than I do sometimes. Even the women who wash the hair are sweet and professional, and I won't go anywhere else. (Marcella does my boyfriend's hair as well) The salon is also good with scheduling so I barely spend any time waiting for my appointments, which is very important to me. read more

Really wanted to change things up and go blue! I knew from reviews I had to go to Wesley Dews, and I have no regrets. He did an GORGEOUS full balayage on the first visit, and a fantastic color job on the second. All of the stylists were incredible and made me feel so excited about my new cut and color. I cannot recommend this salon enough. The owner and stylists are committed to making sure their clients are happy. read more