When my previous stylist moved to North Carolina, I spent years looking for someone to take her place. I wanted a stylist who could give me something beyond the boring D.C. bob and who I could also chat with, but I kept hitting dead ends. Finally, I found the great reviews of SanDee's Hair Studio here, so I thought I'd give her a try. And I'm glad I did! SanDee's is a one-woman show, which in general that means that you're her only client while you're there. Her salon isn't intimidating the way the "big name" salons can be. It's small and full of quirky and fun retro-50s touches, but you feel at home right away, right down to having the TV on, which, believe it or not, doesn't detract from the experience at all. And because she doesn't have the overhead of those big salons, she can charge lower prices for her work without sacrificing quality - a BIG plus in these tighter times. Close-by parking has the potential to be a little tight if your appointment is later in the day, but there are plenty of options in the downtown Fairfax area if you don't mind a little walking. I just make sure my appointment is in the morning before the restaurant in her building opens for the day. Also, because she's the only person there, she may have to interrupt your session to answer the phone once in a while. This didn't bother me, given the circumstances, but it might be disconcerting at first if you're not used to it. As far as styling goes, if you're like me and have looked through those hair magazines and have no idea what would look good on you, then you should check out SanDee. She talks with you beforehand about what you like and don't like about your current cut and the kind of look you're going for, then she offers ideas without any pressure. In my case, I just let her do pretty much whatever she wanted. First she warmed my overall color so it wasn't just a boring chocolate brown. Then she gave me a rocker-chick style that could be restyled to look more conservative or more punk, depending on what I wanted to do. As another reviewer mentioned, it's like rocker-chick for the non-rocker-chick, if that makes sense. While she was working on me and while my color was processing, we chatted about our backgrounds and interests, and I always felt like she was genuinely interested in me not just as a client, but as a person, too. That rapport is definitely important to me when a stylist has a pair of scissors in her hands, LOL! It took me a little while to get used to styling my new cut afterwards, since I'd had a plain bob for so long, but once I got the hang of it, it was easy. The color had red in it, which naturally fades some, but it did so in a natural, pleasing way; it didn't go all brassy or anything. I went back for a second appointment today, explained what I did and didn't like about the first cut (which had to do with my stupid bangs wanting to curl every which way, which neither SanDee nor I could have foreseen), and she not only fixed it, she gave me an even better cut than before! I'm so excited about my hair now, which I haven't been in a long time. My husband loves it, too. :-) So yes, I definitely plan on remaining a long-term customer, and I can't recommend SanDee's Hair Studio enough. In short, if you're looking for a personal touch with someone you can chat with like your best friend, all within a more home-like, informal setting, then SanDee's your woman. Thanks, SanDee, for my great hair and my newfound friendship - I'm looking forward to many more fantastic styles to come! read more

Thanks to Yelp I was lucky enough to find Sandee and her studio a little over a month ago. I have been gushing about this find to any friends who will listen ever since. The salon is ADORABLE completely decked out in retro decor all the way down to the cute 50's style pink hairdryer. Sandee knows her antiques, you won't believe the quality and condition of the pieces she's collected. Sandee is the most attentive stylist I have ever gone to. She works on an appointment only schedule, which means you don't feel rushed to leave. I felt like she really took the time to get to know me before cutting my hair- a big relief for someone like me. All too often I find myself sitting in the chair asking a stylist to do "what they think is best".. which means I usually walk out satisfied but with a predictable, safe hairstyle. I think Sandee really hit the nail on the head, giving me a cut and style that fit my personality. There is just no substitution for that kind of attention! And of course, the most important part.. the cut. I have had more complements on this haircut from people who have known me through many lengths and styles than anything else I have ever done with my hair. This is probably one of the best Northern Virginia finds I've made in the past year. Consider this, for all the wonderful-ness that was my first visit to SanDee's Hair Studio, I once paid the same price to have my hair cut by the manager at a Bubbles. He walked away three times during my cut to attend to salon business, gave me a passable trim and the most conversation I could get out of him was a lecture on not sticking consistantly to a stylist. That must have been because I hadn't found Sandee yet! read more

Searching for a new hair stylist is more difficult than finding a new lover. If the stars are aligned, no geographic job re-locations, the stylist-client relationship usually last much longer than any lovers'. I found SanDee's around this time last year on "yelp." I walked in (actually by appointment) without my hair color formula (base color plus high and low lights), in need of a trim and needing a plan for growning a short cut to shoulder length. SanDee matched the color perfectly, shaped-up my hair, discussed various styles based on my naturally hair, shape of my face, etc. and we planned the best way to get to my desired shoulder length hair. She really knows what she is doing - an extremely talented, seasoned professional! Consistent! She is FANTASTIC! SanDee gives new meaning to "personal service." You are the only client in her salon - her only focus, no distractions. And as for the salon, it is just too cute! The retro style, the pink hair dryer, the "ruby slippers", a glass of wine, engaging conversation, and SanDee''s beautiful personality - how ADORABLE and ENJOYABLE! After my very long, long stressful days SanDee's is a relaxing, perfect, beautifying experience! Well, now that I have the BEST stylist in the WMA (based on a year of consistent, high quality service), perhaps it is time to start the second less difficult search: the search for a new lover...hmmmm... read more

I went to Sandee initially because of her overwhelmingly favorable reviews on yelp. She works by appointment only, which is nice because I wasn't rushed or juggled with another client. Her salon is really kitchy, which I really liked. Some first-timers might be a little apprehensive thinking the service will be too trendy, but after hearing what I wanted, she gave me a solidly conservative cut that I loved. This is saying a lot because in this initial visit, I asked her to take me from very long to shoulder length. Don't be put off, apparently she can cover trendy AND conservative easily. I also had my roots touched up which came out fantastic. The only issue I had was my gps told me she was across the street from where she's actually located. There wasn't a sign visible from the road, so I drove around a bit to find her (she's tucked behind a nice wooden house, rear basement entrance). Parking seems like it could be kind of tight at peak times, but when I went it was ok. Now that I know where she is located, there's no problem! I believe I've finally found my hairdresser after living here and trying several over the past 18 months. :) read more

I Loove SanDee! My hair has never looked better! I came to her (after reading yelp reviews) a few years ago right before a big girls' weekend with uninspired hair - badly in need of de-graying - and left with a gorgeous new 'do and having had a blast in the meantime! SanDee is fun and quirky (don't let the occasional pink and blue highlights in her own platinum mane throw you - she's a professional through and through!) and a Goddess with hair - she always has great ideas of new things to do when I get bored with my hair and I always have fun going to see her! Beware - apparently there is a new asian stylist nearby that has changed her name to sandy and has been trying to rustle new and unsuspecting clients away - Soo not cool! Make sure that you've got the right one - here is SanDee's contact page: http://www.sandeeshairstudio.com/contacts.htm (Oh and if you're a Wizard of Oz fan - or Hollywood in general - you'll love her salon even more ;) read more

I love the time, attention, and dedication Sandee provides to each of her clients. In the three years I have been going to Sandee, she has ensured that throughout each appointment, the focus is on me and we are never rushed. I have thick, coarse, dark hair that runs almost to my waist. She has done a fantastic job throughout the years of highlighting, coloring, styling, glossing, conditioning, and taming all my different hairstyles. She also styled my hair for my wedding, along with bringing two of her associates to style my bridesmaids' hair. She really takes the time to understand each client's unique hair type and personal style. She is a wonderful local find with extremely fair pricing and product recommendations. *Update: Sandee has been my sole hair stylist for over five years now and I still love her! She spoils me with her great attention to detail and her understanding of what I want/need/like. I am so glad I found her! read more

I have been going to SanDee's since I moved to Fairfax County in 2009. Even when she broke her wrist and my hair REALLY needed some TLC, I preferred to wait for her to heal rather than go anywhere else. I get cuts and colors every time I go. Sometimes we experiment. For several years, I would have SanDee dye a chunk of my hair a different color. It started with pink every October in honor of my aunt, who died of breast cancer. Once I decided I had to hit the job market again, we went with more conservative styles and colors. SanDee can do them all! Her salon is in the heart of historic Old Town Fairfax and she has made strong connections with many of the local businesses, that I now visit, thanks to her. She is also a great "therapist"! Some folks use bartenders for that purpose. I have my SanDee! As long as I am in Northern Virginia, SanDee will be the only one to work on my hair! read more

Sandy is awesome. I walked into Sandee's studio with summery overgrown blonde highlights over light brown hair. I was unsure of what I wanted next, but Sandee walzed around my hair for three hours, worked her magic and I came out with a gorgeous deep chocolate brown color with birch - not blonde - highlights that give it such dimension. I am only 20, so I like to have dynamic hair that is still work-appropriate and it is absolutely PERFECT, not to mention gorgeous, if i do say so myself. Not only that, Sandee is completely adorable and so much fun to chat with. Her light pink hair brushes and hair dryer complement her peppy personality. She also takes her time doing hair. I am used to nice salons rolling through customers as if they were a notch on an assembly line. Sandee takes time to consider your hair dreams. She's fabulous. I could not imagine a better hair stylist. read more

A great haircut experience. That's what I have to call it. (And how often does THAT happen, seriously?) I have never been one to particularly enjoy getting my hair cut...and because of that, I basically have gotten the same cut each time for years. I decided that it was time for a change and thank goodness for Yelp, because I was able to find SanDee on it! Because of the great reviews and her overall sweet personality, I completely trusted her to work wonders for my hair...and she didn't let me down! She gave me a wholly different style. I have been receiving compliments every day, even from male co-workers (how often do MEN notice, seriously?). SanDee is so cute and fun to talk to as well. She's not full of empty conversation like so many stylists. Now I almost can't wait to get another haircut! read more

SanDee just happens to be the nicest hairdresser I've ever had, she listens to every concern and answers questions like a knowledgeable pro, she is very articulate and I admire that she is a business owner and such a hard worker. Her dedication and years of work has definitely paid off. Her business is by appointment only and very private, never interruptions or feeling like you are being rushed in order for her to get another client in the chair, on top of that her prices are great! Especially for the quality of her craftsmanship. Once you see this stunning salon in a historic building 200 years old you will know that you are in for a real treat. I've been referring all of my friends and everyone is grateful. read more

I found SanDee through Craigslist a few years ago, and haven't considered going anywhere else since. My fiance gets his hair cut here too! I have had her do an all-over colour, which I loved, as well as major change haircuts and simple trims. She made us feel welcome from the moment we stepped through the door, and I have always been thrilled with my haircut. SanDee really takes the time for personal service. The boutique next door is full of some really cute jewelry and accessories, which are offered at a small discount to clients of the salon. SanDee also offers a student discount. I am so happy with SanDee that I am having her do my hair for my upcoming wedding as well :) read more

"I think the most important thing a woman can have - next to talent, of course - is her hairdresser." Dear SanDee, I've been getting so many compliments since my appointment just yesterday, with you that I thought I should stop taking all the credit and pass on some appreciation to the person who's actually responsible for my new fabulous look - you! My hair looks and feels fantastic, and I'm so grateful to be in your capable hands. Your advice, as always, was perfect. You really are worth your weight in gold! I'm recommending you to all my friends. Thanks again for everything, Karen read more

I learned about Sandee through a friend about a year ago and have been amazingly pleased with her great work. She is the nicest hair stylist I've ever been to. Her prices are also the same, and even better than places like Bubbles, and the quality of work, the atmosphere of the salon, and the customer service is way better. You can even watch TV while she works and she never is trying to push you out the door. While you are there, you are her #1 priority, and I think that's cool. Definitely a great experience for anyone from punk rocker to soccer mom. read more

SanDee is still for me! She consistently gives me great highlights, and seems to be the only person that knows how to cut my hair the way I like it. She's really great at using just the right colors so that I can actually go longer in between hair appointments. Even 4-6 weeks after i get them I still regularly get compliments on my highlights. I really can't imagine anyone wanting to pay more money for the typical impersonal service you get at other salons, especially when the results aren't likely to be as good as what you get at SanDee's. read more

While no hairdresser can be all things to all people, SanDee is pretty good at trying her best to fit her styling to what you want. You might look at her and think she only does hair for the hip youngsters (since she rarely has the same hairstyle!) but I see a whole range of clients walk through her door. That reflects the skill that SanDee has in making her clients happy. I don't have a complicated cut, but my hair is very fine. SanDee is one of the few stylists that I trust to always make me look my best. I highly recommend her. read more

I just had my hair cut and colored by SanDee and she did a fantastic job!! I have been traveling "home" to TX for the last several years and having my hair done there. No trips planned any time soon though - and needed a cut/color bad!! After a little research, I made an appointment with SanDee. She was very flexibl in scheduling the appointment. Her salon is adorable - decorated really cute! The atmosphere is very relaxing! Got a terrific cut and so happy with the color. I'll definitely be back to see her again. read more

I love SanDee! I've been going to her for years now - the first time was right before an out of town girls' weekend - needless to say my hair looked Fabulous! I go to her every 4 weeks for a cut and color - I love how creative she is - we're constantly experimenting with color combos :) My hair is the healthiest that it's ever been (and I'm in my 40's!). She's a wonderful person, has lots of interests and I've met some great people at her salon and I'll continue going to see her for as long as I'm living in VA! read more

Sandee has an incredible, personal little place. I get my hair cut by her, and I love it. What's really important to me is that the hair grows back well too, and the way she cuts it, I can do anything with my hair. She also has a little boutique next door, and everything is under $30.00. She has such a unique taste, and trust me when I say you will find SOMETHING to fall in love with in there. Sandee is adorable, professional, yet personal, and makes you feel right at home. I would recommend her to anyone. read more

I took my 4yr old to SanDee for a new style and she gave her such a cute style that I get compliments on my daughters hair everywhere I go! SanDee was so nice & patient with my daughter. She made sure that she got the hair style perfect even though my daughter was a bit wiggly. Also, my teenage son has gotten complements on the style she gave him. She is great with both adults and children. SanDee's been my stylist since I moved here almost 2 years ago and I recommend her to everyone I know. read more