I can't rave about this salon enough!! I'm in Baltimore for only 2 years; just long enough to need to find a really great place to cut and color my hair. I tried Crafted a couple times and it just wasn't the place for me; it felt very rushed and overwhelming (that fast-paced vibe totally works for some people, just not me!). Smoke+Mirrors is exactly what I was wanting! It's intimate without being cramped (although they're moving to an incredible, larger space this spring!), effortlessly stylish, and full of plants, organic products, and great music. Everyone is so nice and genuine, and they're all now my style and hair idols, haha! It's also a green salon, which is great. I appreciated that you have to call to make an appointment so they can be sure to set you up with enough time so you're not rushed through the whole appointment. I was asked to send a picture of my current hair and any inspiration pics, and they asked to increase my appointment time to make sure Bryan could achieve what I wanted. I really appreciated that level of attention and care! I saw Bryan Tarka for a trim and blonde balayage and I'm now obsessed with him and his work. He put so much care and attention into my hair, listening to what I wanted and giving me his professional opinion on what would be best for my hair, features, and coloring. He truly is an artist. He's also so incredibly nice and a joy to talk with! Bryan made me feel heard and cared for, and gave me styling recommendations that met me where I'm at (busy, evening shower-er, but wanting to show off my hair now that it looks like actual heaven). I'm probably going to fly back to Baltimore just so he can do my hair forever. I legit can't rave enough about Smoke+Mirrors and Bryan!! read more

Holly B usually does a great job. Unfortunately she didn't exactly do the coloring I wanted for my wedding. Brought in pictures as examples. I went back again the next day. Still wasn't right, so I emailed. The owner got back to me saying she'd make time and fix it but when I tried to follow up (July) I got nothing back. Disappointed. Lost ~300 bucks, and I'm a teacher...wedding expenses for nothing, gotta love it. read more

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After being pregnant and not having my hair done for a while, I was excited about visiting S+M in Hampden, my favorite part of the city. The salon itself is really nicely decorated, cute copper bottles, organic products and I love the live edge wood stations. I had decided on a red/amber balayage and arrived with a picture to help show the stylist, Teena, my idea. The whole process took all afternoon and unfortunately the outcome did not meet my expectations. I started with dark brown hair with 6 mos of lighter root growth. There was color change, but it was not -nearly- as vibrant as the picture I showed her. Only in sunlight could you see there was much change. As soon as she was done blow drying I knew it wasn't what I was picturing. Do people ever say what they're thinking at that time? "No, please fix it." There was hardly any amber/copper lighter color. The overall red on my roots is really pretty but the painted on balayage is not noticeable. I wanted a change, but was very disappointed. $297 for disappointment isn't really ok, and I felt bad afterward, so I messaged Teena on social media. I got a response a week later and she didn't offer to fix it but agreed there was probably a miscommunication. Sigh. read more

Definitely go to Smoke & Mirrors and ask for Josh!!! Josh is a miracle worker when it comes to color treatments. I had never dyed my hair before and took the plunge last year when I let Josh dye my hair for the first time. It looked amazing. All my friends kept asking where I went because of how natural it was! (I also get quite a bit of instagram DMs after he colors it lol) It also grew out really well too! Josh knows I'm pretty low maintenance with hair. He's great at asking questions to figure out what you will like. Conversations with him are always great and he's so kind. The salon is really clean and the decor is pretty impressive. The place looks very high end and the quality of the work is too. They strive to sell organic products and the purple shampoo they sell works super well without stripping my hair. read more

I started going to Caitlin for haircuts about 4 years ago and I haven't looked back since. After seeing all of the gorgeous bayalage on her clients I decided to give it a try and I LOVED it. I got so many compliments too. She's highly experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. Caitlin also did hair and makeup for my wedding this past Fall. She never disappoints! read more

I really really wanted to like this salon. It's chic and relaxing. I'm just not sure this is the right place for WOC hair texture. My hair has some wave at the roots but since I get Brazilian blowout regularly, it dries pretty fast and straight. I liked the color they did for me but by the time I got my blowout -- it was bad. I could tell the moment she started blow drying it that it was going to end up being not polished at the root with tons of hair products. I wanted a bouncy look and my hair was so flat and weighed down you couldn't even see the layers I just gotten. SO again -- the place is nice, the people are nice, but they (or at least the one who did my hair) has zero clue how to manage WOC hair type. read more

Leah is so wonderful! I haven't had my hair colored in years because of a bad experience a few years ago and she was such a calming presence to have my first time back in the dye game. Also I love this place - I used to go to Sprout for cuts but I've been reluctant to go back because every time I get my hair cut by someone, they're gone before I return for my second 'do. Definitely coming back!! read more

I walked in expecting greatness as this place was referred to me by Sam from Padma. Sam has been doing my hair for ages, and has been the only person to get it right. I wanted my roots dyed, highlights touched up, and a trim. I walked out $270 later with orange and blonde hair. Not at all what I wanted. Leah (the owner,) was my stylist. She was super nice. Nice doesn't always equal competent though. While they agreed to fit me in for a fix up the next day (though they didn't mention whether it would be free), I decided I didn't trust them to be able to fix it. Fixing color is even more difficult than putting it on in the first place. Sigh. What I saw with respect to technique was questionable. Everything took a really long time and used a ton of material. I couldn't believe how long the other clients and I were there. No heat was used whatsoever. Yes, the place looks very swanky. That's not what I care about, though; I care about what *I* look like when I exit. If you are looking for some crazy color, then they can almost certainly do it. If you're looking for natural looking, long lasting color, be wary. read more

I have lived in Baltimore for 3 years now and hadn't found a salon or hairdresser that I really loved. I just recently went to Teena at Smoke and Mirrors and I finally have found the hairdresser to fill the void left by my amazing salon in Chicago! Teena gave me the perfect subtle, but not too subtle, balayage and gorgeous haircut with all the right layers to give me volume and movement even when I don't style my hair. Thanks Teena!!! read more

All of the yes's for this amazing salon. Vibe, decor, service, oh and an amazing cut and style by Marina. Cute lounge on the lower level with tea and coffee. My boyfriend and I (both really long hair) received superb cuts. I love the massaging wash as well. Organic and earth friendly products. Look no further than Smoke and Mirrors in Hampden for your hair needs! Thank you Marina, for your talents and smile. Yet again another amazing experience at this gorgeous establishment. Organic products, fair trade, eco-friendly. AMAZING!!! read more

HOLY MOLEY... MOLEY MOLEY MOLEY. .. This place... I can't even . I don't know where to begin. My stylist was AMAZING ! I've been looking for an organic, all natural salon since I've been losing my hair due to stress and breakage from damage. My BF's mother has been raving about this place, so I thought I'd try it. Just a quick reference~ I have naturally curly hair. It has been purple for a while, so chemical treating it has done its damage, not to mention the stress I've been going through. Needless to say, my hair has broken and lost some due to stress. I cut it short so that I can nurture it back to health as well as not have to use so much product during it's time of need. My stylist was SO kind and gave me tips on what to do with my hair. Blow dry tips as well as application and care in between salon visits. I want to dye my hair BACK to purple, but I need to strengthen my hair a little more until then, so she suggested the products she used. They left my hair feeling AMAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZING!!! My hair was so HAPPY.. I've NEVER seen it bounce softly in the wind while I walked. It was a new experience for me as well as my locks I'm sure :P I WILL be coming back monthly and will definitely be getting OLAPLEX done here by here as well when the time comes! LOVE LOVE LOVE read more

My wife and I are loyal fans of Josh, and followed him when he made the move from Crafted. I've never been anything less than thrilled when I leave Josh's chair. He has artistic vision for days, and is truly a delightful human. The salon is beautiful, and well run, and the staff is fantastic on the whole (once we got a last minute pre travel cut with Bryan, who is also delightfully talented!!). I constantly am asked for referrals to my stylist, and because he's so talented, sometimes his books are tight, but Josh is worth the wait. Josh is the best. I can't live without him, and you shouldn't have to either. read more

I was a client of Caitlin Helle's when I lived in the Baltimore area. She absolutely NAILED it every time I came in not to mention she became a really awesome person to connect with, living away from home that was so special to me. When I got engaged I knew I wanted to include her in my day and I'm forever grateful that I did. My hair was a DREAM and my bridesmaids looked stunning. I can't look at my wedding photos without thinking how I completely lucked out having Caitlin there! read more

Caitlin is a master stylist for curly hair! Between the grays, losing hair, and not a great previous cut (elsewhere), she turned it all around ans I couldn't be happier. She's personable and funny and gives a great head massage too! Highly recommended!! read more

I have been going to Lea and Holly for years for haircuts and coloring. They are so highly skilled and their work is very much worth the price. They are highly communicative and highly intelligent. True artists. If I ever move from Baltimore I will fly back to see them. I have lived around the US and Western Europe, and travel constantly for work. I have never found anyone as good as them. Yes they are that good. Discuss what you want with them, bring photos, write notes on care taking. If you have a problem, schedule a follow-up. I've never had to though. read more

My husband and I have been longtime clients of Holly Burnham - she's awesome! Holly always does an amazing job, never makes you feel rushed, and will work with you to get the hairstyle that you want/the hairstyle that will make you smile and walk a little taller on the way out of the salon. :) I go to get a cut and color on a regular basis, and there is never a doubt in my mind that my hair will look amazing after I see Holly! The salon itself is very well decorated. It's warm and cozy, but also a bit edgy with rough wood countertops supported by industrial style pipes. There are small details here and there that really show someone was paying attention! I hear that there is going to be a small waiting room/lounge below the main floor for patrons, but it wasn't done when I went in (the first week they were open - I couldn't wait to get in there!). I also appreciate the products they use - the stylists obviously care a lot about hair and know a lot about what's good for hair. I was there for about 2 hours during my visit (bleach, wash, color, wash, cut, dry), and never once did I smell anything chemical-y or think that I would end up with a headache. This place is definitely worth my 5 stars, and I will be a loyal patron who encourages you to visit! read more

I have been seeing Leah Taylor for cuts/styles for several years and am so happy for her new digs. The space is comfortable and cozy, modern and organic. As always, I left Leah's chair feeling recreated. I highly recommend checking out this new spot with experienced stylists. Leah really listens to her clients and it's obvious she is motivated to please. Everyone I interacted with in this newer location was friendly and professional and prices are comparable to other locations I've tried but not loved nearly as much. Try it out! read more

I absolutely love this place. My stylist, Caitlin, is probably the best hairdresser I've ever been to - and I am suuuuper picky. I've been wanting to go blonde for a while now and she has done a phenomenal job. Her painted balyage highlights are perfection. Even though I am moving to the DC area in the next few months, I will continue to drive up to Baltimore so Caitlin can keep doing my hair. Love her. read more

Such a great experience. The entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable and made me feel welcomed and appreciated! So happy with my haircut and will definitely be stopping in again read more

Started coming here last year and I hope I don't ever have to go to a different place ever again! Leah gives me a perfect cut every time and I also love that they use only organic hair products; I had to get some for the house and my hair has never felt and looked more healthy. Everyone at S+M is super friendly and also it has a really chill laid back vibe. Definitely a dude friendly salon environment! read more

Didn't think this salon could get any better than it already was, and then i saw that Caitlin Helle was working here! By far, one of the most talented stylists I've met. Super personable, professional, and a master at hair coloring/cutting. I'm not the best communicator as far as explaining how I want my hair to look like, but Caitlin is so easy to talk to, and she really works with you to achieve flawless results every time. From 15 minute bang trims, to 5 hour color corrections, Caitlin is my go-to gal for anything hair! read more

Marina simply rocks. I have been her client for 10+ years and 1,000% trust her to do what will look best and be best for my hair health. Gorgeous salon and everyone is welcoming. They carry awesome organic products too! I highly recommend Smoke & Mirrors to everyone! read more

A friend of mine recommended Leah and this salon. From the very first contact with this salon, I've been impressed! I am a hairstylist as well. What I appreciated the most about Leah was the time she took to consult with me on all aspects of my hair. It's so important to be on the same page. She was very professional, friendly, and talented! My hair is difficult because of how fine and thin it is. She really hit the nail on the head with color and cut! The atmosphere of the salon is unique, relaxing, comfortable. All around wonderful experience there. read more

Marina is amazing. I followed her from her previous salon and she has guided me through long hair, short hair, blunt bangs, and side bangs.

I am in LOVE with my hair! Teena did an INCREDIBLE job transforming my dull dirty blonde to a subtle, soft blonder balayage for the summer. If you go, I definitely recommend having her do your color. She takes her time and really makes your experience unique. Thank you Tina, if I move to Baltimore, I will definitely be back!!!! read more

Sally is the best curly hair stylist I have ever seen. She has been creating amazing styles for me for almost a year. She has also recommended the best products I have ever used! I get compliments ALL the time. I love her work. The only reason I did not put five stars is because her new salon had me wait 40 minutes to see her last time and the receptionist was rude. I hope they treat her clients better in the future because she is talented! read more

I rarely post yelp reviews - usually too lazy to write but in this case, I write with a specific purpose in mind. Today, I had my hair dyed. My stylist was a little booked up (not her fault) and after waiting over a hour between processing and hairwash, she rushed and did not clean the dye color on my neck. The patch was obvious and visible. I've been to this stylist twice before and had a good experience. It's a human error and I get it. The problem was with the salon's response. Specifically, the response of the cashier/ receptionist Lauren/Laura(?), who I assume is fairly senior in the store hierarchy, though I have no idea. I realised the extent of the issue when I got back and called. L suggested windex, body scrub and asked if I was coming back to the store to receive "assistance visualising my neck" after I told her that the issue was that I could not see all of the back of my neck and so therefore could not be sure if I could do a proper job cleaning it. I requested the they reimburse me for my return uber ride. She changed the topic and implied that I'm certainly welcome to come back but it was optional/ my choice (since they suggested these home remedies). She also asked me to describe in detail which side of the neck it was (like this really mattered?!?) And in contradiction to the suggestion of the windex on my skin, she also implied that there was only so much they could do as they didn't want to use anything toxic and also rub out my skin. When I finally got back to the salon, L asks me coolly, so how can I help you? Seriously, after our 10 minute phone conversation, you need further clarification...and no apologies. Since they were not going to reimburse me for my uber ride, I asked for my 20% tip back after my stylists fixes the issue. This does not adequately cover the uber fare but it will have to do. So why am I writing all of this? I do not want the stylist to be penalised for what is a human error on a busy shift (it is not her fault they booked her clients in the way that they did). I do not blame her for the whole thing taking over three hours inclusive of the second trip (I live only 11 minutes away), this was poor scheduling. I write this review in the hope that the owners of the salon will cover the stylist for her lost tip and take responsibility for what happened. read more

Josh Powell is the absolute best! I followed him over from Crafted salon and would never consider switching to a different stylist. First of all, Josh is the sweetest person--really fun to talk to and truly listens to what I'm asking for. I like to get a fair amount of layering and thinning out because I have thick/wavy hair and Josh is a freakin master of this. I have never had a hairstylist be able to shape my hair into such an effortless look. I can do a quick blow dry and have it look the way I used to only be able to achieve with additional heat tools. I have also had ashy blonde balayage done by Josh, which I also loved. I'm a brunette and he was able to do it in a way that lightened my look but was still very natural looking and grew out so well I'm able to wait almost a year to go again. Without a doubt the best haircut and color I have ever had. Smoke+Mirrors is also a really lovely space and all of the other people I have interacted with there were friendly and welcoming. read more

This is such a cute salon and very friendly staff! Caitlin is incredible and has been doing my hair (and my mom's hair) for the past 6 years and always does an amazing job for both of us. I've had my hair every length from super long to a short bob, I'm seemingly always in the process of growing out my bangs, and in every circumstance she's always given me a great cut that looks good even with my lazy styling efforts. She's done color correction for me (over henna!), balayage highlights, and most recently a violet color melt, and I'm always so so happy at the end. I always look forward to her super relaxing shampoo/head massage... her hands are magic! She's super sweet, talented, and very intuitive. A+ for Caitlin and smoke and mirrors. read more

Leah is the best! I used to follow her 10 years ago wherever she went, then moved to California. Now back in MD she was the first person I called once the plane landed. Got my hair cut and colored right away. She is better than anyone I could find in Los Angeles. So happy with my hair! And her salon is super cute and comfortable! Love the design! read more

I've been searching for a new stylist since my stylists keep moving away.. I hadn't had a hair cut in forever.. I was intimidated by how cool smoke+mirrors seemed but Holly B hooked me up and was so easy to talk to. Love! read more

Smoke and Mirrors stands out among the many salons in Hampden. The atmosphere is cozy but stylish. Leah has been cutting my hair for years and she is an excellent stylist. Highly recommend. They also carry nice organic products. read more