I've been going to the Laboratory for a few years now, and the overall vibe has been consistently warm, welcoming, and fun. I followed one of the stylists, Sofia, here from another salon and have absolutely loved every visit. The salon specializes in color, but the quality of haircuts I get here has really surpassed anywhere else I've been. All the other stylists I've interacted with here have been delightful and kind, and although I'm super loyal to Sofia, from watching their work I wouldn't hesitate to book one of them if needed. Also, the Halloween and Christmas decor here is not to be missed, seriously a real selling point and something I look forward to seeing every year. read more

The reason for my negative feedback is that I place a high value on accountability. My appointment was scheduled for 10:45am, I arrived at exactly 10:45 and parked at 10:48 (see attached photos) the 3 extra minutes was because there was no parking available. After I checked in at the front desk, I sat and waited for almost 40 minutes without any update. Eventually, got up to say something and the receptionist told me I could come back at 12:30 because there was an opening then. When I mentioned that my appointment was at 10:45, she acknowledged that but added that the stylist was running late -- and then tried to place partial blame on me for being "late" as well. I explained that I was only five minutes MAX behind schedule due to the parking situation, but what concerned me most was the lack of accountability here. No one informed me that the stylist was behind schedule when I checked in, and no updates were given to me while I waited. But the most disappointing, and concerning part was the attempt to shift responsibility onto me rather than simply acknowledging the delay. As a business owner myself, I believe accountability and transparency are essential. When a business can't take responsibility for its own scheduling issues and instead blames the customer, it raises serious concerns and makes me question the ethics and how this business might handle more serious issues, and for this reason, I hope to encourage their management team and any potential clients to reflect on how important accountability and honest communication is! read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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there is no one else I've trusted for over a decade! Ruby is incredible- with hair and with picking and training her employees. they'll always keep it real with setting expectations for the results and the upkeep. Plus, as a holiday lover, the salon is always decorated perfectly you'll always feel welcome, taken care of, and excited to see your new look! read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - *Cherry blossom hair* - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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So I've given this salon 3 times to style my hair and have spent over $1,000 since November with color and cuts. I've been disappointed every single time and will NEVER go back. I had been growing my hair out for a bit and wanted a mullet, they gave me the most horrible haircut I've ever had and literally had to go home and shave my hair off. This was supposedly done by a "master" stylist. Don't waste your money on this place and overpriced services. read more

I have been a client for years and honestly would never think of going anywhere else. The skill and knowledge of Ruby and her staff is unsurpassed; literally, I have family members that have moved out of state and will fly back for an appointment. Yea - they're that good. I have done everything from balayage, baby lights, fashion color and even gone from virgin dark hair to a platinum blonde with Ruby and she's killed it every time. This is a salon where you can trust that you're going to love your result and most importantly, they're going to be real with you on what that process is going to look like and how long it will take to get there depending on your hair. I've seen so many people come to The Lab to correct the mess that a different salon made of their hair - so just go to the right place the first time :) read more

Great service all around. I get really nervous about my hair and they exceeded my expectations. My hair dresser was Ms. Aniya. If you have curly hair. She's awesome! read more

I won't name any names but the assistant (that should have been a red flag) who works for Ruby will know who she is and who I am. I asked for her because she mentioned she did undercuts. So, I booked with her and asked for an undercut. My hair was not an undercut, it looked horrible after I washed and did the blow out. I've been doing the blow out the same way for years and have never had a problem until now. Well, the stylist who is styling my hair right now told me I did not get an undercut, that the assistant cut my hair in layers in the back and one side of my hair was longer than the other. Beware. read more

I'm new to the area and a friend recommended this salon, and shared she's been following Ruby in her career for some time. I had a haircut with Josselyn who was extremely kind and professional. I loved the results and she also provided extremely helpful styling and product information for my hair. It's such a relief to find a great person to do my hair in my new area I call home! read more

I had Sarah F. cut and style my hair and she was amazing! She could tell I was freaking out because it was my first time getting layers, and she walked me through every step she was doing to my hair. Very reassuring and did an awesome layered haircut on my curly textured hair. Would 10/10 recommend!! read more

Ruby's salon is a warm, inviting environment with so many talented, positive hair artists/ stylists. Sofia is an actual hair wizard and nails my blonde look each time! She is so caring and knowledgeable, and also takes her time to make the vision come to life. Ruby, the owner, is very involved in each client's hair journey making everyone feel so seen and heard in the salon. I thank God I found this place! Could not recommend The LABoratory a ruby devine salon more. read more

I walked in with a hair color gone wrong (home color snafu) and Sofia Alzerreca made it so I walked out feeling confident and lovely. My hair looks gorgeous. She spent the time looking over the pictures of what I wanted to look like, talked with Ruby and the other stylists for inspiration on how to fix my disaster hair, walked me through my options, showed me what I would expect, and then exceeded my expectations. I plan on coming back for many many more appointments. read more

I actually found this salon from a Facebook group recommendation. I was totally drawn in by the creative works they did. I wanted a big change (who doesn't after this pandemic) to my hair and decided this would be the perfect place for that. Before this, I've only really gotten highlights, balayages, or natural colors done. Josselyn was super accommodating and knowledgeable about everything. As a first timer with fashion color, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I initially wanted to go for a pastel pink, but after consulting with her, we ended up going for a brighter pink so it would last longer. I was obsessed and it turned out way better than I expected! I got so many compliments on my hair. She gave me really good aftercare tips and product recommendations as well. The salon was also really cute and well-kept. The other girls were so nice and easy to talk to too. I highly recommend this place, whether you're going for a fun look or something natural! read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

The owner is an idiot. She insisted that I listen to her diatribe before I could speak with my stylist. They also require that you sign a release before they will cut your hair. Apparently, they have had a lot of issues with unhappy customers. I have NEVER had to sign a release to get my hair cut. The stylist simply cut 1/3 of an inch off of my previous haircut. She was proficient. I do NOT recommend that you go to this Salon. It's ghetto. read more

Welp! What can I say? I did Major damage to my hair during covid....i kept dying it different colors. As you can see, it was BAD! Lol! I looked up a good salon to go where they can actually help me and I found this place on Yelp. Went in for my FREE consultation. Let me tell you, these ladies know they're stuff! My appointment was with Josslynn, and she figured out what would be best for me, but they also all work together as a team to come up with what would be best for you. I really liked that and thought it was really cool they do that. I am still AMAZED at what they were able to accomplish in one day on this mess! My one and only negative thing I can say is: I wish they had TV's to watch, especially when you're laying in the hair wash station because your arms get tired holding your phone up, it'd be cool if they have like a dentist office thing where they can either have the tv in the ceiling if one that is mobile. Everyone here here is soooo friendly and they literally work magic here. I'm not kidding! Thank you all for what you've done for me! Already set my appointments for going back. read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - BEFORE - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I absolutely love going to the LABoratory. Everyone is always so nice, the customer service is top notch. At every appointment I've had they do a consult with you before starting to work on your hair. I got fashion color for the first time and absolutely love it. I asked for it to be a little bit hidden since I cant do too much fashion color because of work and they nailed it. I also, took my mom to get her hair cut and they spent a little bit of time with her asking her questions to make sure she got what she was looking for. My mom left super happy with her hair and with the service. I will recommend this salon to anyone that asks. read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - Fashion color underneath blonde colored hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Alexis is fantastic and does an amazing job with my hair! I love my hair cuts. The staff is welcoming and professional too. Highly recommend! read more

Maybe if I "edit my review" it'll become a recommended one instead of a hidden one? Yelp, I will never understand your algorithm ‍ *******see my previous review!******* read more

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I will follow ALEXIS to the end of the world when it comes to my hair! I highly recommend this salon. I should have taken a before picture so you can see the mess she was working with. If you want the vibrant new colors this is the place to go BUT wait if your like me and like the basic color scheme this is also the place the go. I've recommended family members and co-workers. I have always found it amazing how fast they can squeeze me in with their busy schedule. They have all the amenities and make you feel welcomed. Give this salon a try you won't regret it! Thank you Alexis and Ruby! read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - :::::These girls are miracle workers::::: - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I will follow Ruby anywhere. I live almost an hour and a half away but I don't care. She's that good. She's smart, generous and best of all knows what she's doing. I usually have an idea of what I think I want but ultimately I leave it up to her creativity and knowledge as what's best for me. Color, cut, products. If Ruby wears camo pants then I'm buying camo pants. (Mean girls reference if you're not hip). My hair has never looked better than since I found Ruby almost 4 years ago. She's taken me to an unnatural white blonde, to an ashy brown, back to something more natural for my wedding, chopped off my hair and brought back the blonde all over again with no damage in between. Supplied with her expertise on products to use to maintain the hair I leave her salon with, I literally have zero complaints. In such a small space lives her huge talent and wonderful team. Guests are always chatting, laughing and engaging with one another. Ruby's vibe is the core of it all and I would recommend her to my mother, my sister or a stranger on the street. read more

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Today was my first appointment here I am incredibly happy with the experience and outcome. The salon environment was comfortable and inviting, and every person I interacted with was so kind and professional. My stylist, Alexis, was beyond; she really listened and asked questions to ensure we were on the same page about what I wanted. I could not be happier with how she colored my hair. Also, the chairs at each station were so thoughtfully chosen, I was never uncomfortable over the course of a few hours. Really glad I chose to try this salon and will definitely be going back. read more

Love The Laboratory a Ruby Devine Salon! Ruby is an absolute miracle worker. She was able to turn my hair from a dry, brittle and over processed to silky, shiny and natural looking. I received so many compliments on how great my hair looks. Everyone in the salon makes you feel welcomed. If you are looking for a salon that will do wonders for your hair and make you look and feel fabulous, I highly recommend The Laboratory! read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - Hair color and cut by Ruby Devine - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Fantastic experience from the time you walk in the door. Ruby has taught and mentored every stylist in the salon and you know you are getting an amazing cut and color no matter who you choose! read more

Wonderful! I love seeing Alexis Hall I feel like even before I get into her chair for a haircut or hair colored she knows exactly what I want and Alexis and everyone is very, very friendly and talkative and talented thank you! read more

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The Laboratory is absolutely amazing. I'm new to the area, and new to short hair. I needed help making my grown out buzz cut look like something more magical than the bowl cut it was starting to look like. I brought in an inspiration picture of the look I wanted to have my hair head in once it got a little longer, and Josselyn made magic happen. Super cute cut, and great styling tips since I'm a short hair novice. The whole team really works together at this salon. I can see why every customer is a die hard fan of Ruby and her team. I hit the jackpot selecting this salon via yelp reviews. It really is as awesome as everyone makes it sound. I already scheduled my next appointment, and you should too. read more

Such an amazing hair designer, stylist, and person. She did an amazing job on my hair and it looked incredibly fabulous! Also there is NO ONE BETTER for color! Her coloring styles are beautiful and I recommend her to anyone who wants to put a little color in their lives. Would highly recommend! read more

Ruby is a rockstar! She's wonderful and always aims to make you happy while being honest about what will or won't work for your hair or at least the expectations versus reality and I appreciate that. I've been going to ruby for about 2.5 years. What I love is that she's down to earth and so talented with any color; her ability to bring dimension to life is amazing. Another big plus is that I can go 3-4 months between visits and my hair color still looks amazing. The fact that it can grow and fade out over time and still looks good is a true testament to her skill. Highly recommend her and the rest of her team too. read more

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I have never had my hair done by Ruby only because her business is across the country, but I have been to her classes, her work is phenomenal & let me tell you she is the real deal. If you are looking to to go mermaid, unicorn, balayage or even want to enhance your natural color, she's your gal. Call or text her & schedule your appt (she books up quickly). read more

I followed Ruby from her chair at another salon at her new owner-run salon, and I like the vibe here so much more! Unpretentious, relaxed, but still buzzing with creativity and style. Ruby has always done an amazing job with my hair, and when I told her i wanted something more exciting and different, she did not disappoint. I'm not into the "fashion" colors Ruby is so well-known for (love them but wouldn't fly in my job) , but she still got my desire for something a bit more edgy but still acceptable in a buttoned-up office. Love Ruby and her staff! They take credit cards (for everything, including tip!!)! Free parking!! Text appointment reminders! (Sometimes it's the small stuff. Fortunately Ruby does the big stuff amazingly well, too.) Ruby is so talented, and her staff is also super nice and talented to boot. read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - Forgive the bathroom shot, but so many dimensions! Balayage highlights by Ruby. - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I found The Lab on Yelp! and thought I'd give it a try. I was so pleased with my first appt and booked my next appt as well. Gretchen is very sweet and does a super nice job. The price is right, the location is convenient and the parking is free and easy. read more

I got a cut and color with Heather and really liked the color. I scheduled a touch up for several weeks later before I left the salon. When my next appointment was coming up, I was surprised to see it said "no blow dry", so I called to ask about it. I was told that blowouts are an extra price on top of the color, so I'd need to pay an additional cost to get a blowout. That's fine! I don't need a full blow out with styling, but the salon informed me that otherwise they'll just "shock" the hair so it's not dripping wet before you leave the salon. That was a BIG surprise to me. I understand charging extra for styling above and beyond a blow dry, but the fact that I would leave the salon with damp/wet hair and not get to see the color I had just paid for unless I paid an additional price was shocking to me. If you make my hair wet, you should make it dry before I leave. I have never seen a salon let you leave with wet hair. I understand this is an "a la carte" salon and they are totally entitled to do pricing that way and I know plenty of people will like that. I personally feel that a blow dry should be included when I pay so much money to get my hair colored, and I won't be back. read more

Ruby has been my hair magician for 2 years. She fixed my atrocious box black to box brown hair... and gave me healthy, blonde locks. Since I love fashion colors, but I work somewhere with a very conservative dress code, she places her notorious underlights under the top layer of my hair... the color stays hidden 9-5 and I get to show it off after hours! read more

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These ladies are truly artists and really wonderful stylists. I worked with Alexis for my first appointment and she was absolutely lovely. Super knowledgeable and my hair turned out amazing. She really took the extra time and effort to make sure she got exactly what I was looking for and gave me great aftercare instructions. I will definitely be back. They take great pride in making sure their work is done well and right and that's something I can trust when it comes to my hair! read more

Alexis did such a lovely job with my hair cut! My hair feels so much lighter and flowier after getting it cut and i love how she curled and styled my hair as well. She was so great and great energy from everyone. The place is small but has everything you need! Loved my experience here:) read more

The LABoratory a Ruby Devine Salon - Long hair cut and curled - Hair Salons Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

OMG, hair geniuses! Hair integrity is first and foremost, Joselyn is wonderful! I have been in the area 3.5 years and have tried countless hairdressers, but I have finally found "my person" in Joselyn, whether it is color or cut. Overall salon feeling is welcoming and lovely atmosphere. Highly recommended! read more

The Laboratory is the only place I will get my hair colored! While ALL the staff are very talented I go to see Josselyn and she knocks it out the park every time! They have changed numerous things to make it safe not only for them but the customers during this trying time and it's much appreciated! I only recommend this place for your hair color because you'll always leave with what you want. read more

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I started going to Ruby this past year as I found her on Instagram and wanted to do something fun and different with my hair. She took my black dyed hair and got some color in it without damaging my hair in the first go. Then our next session we really had some fun and got a beautiful purple color I was not expecting so soon. When a hair stylist can take your hair and create something beautiful without damage to your hair that's when you know you've got a great stylist. On top of that I love the way she cuts my hair, I'm very picky with how I like my lob and she does it perfect every time. Most hair stylists don't get too creative with color but with Ruby you feel like you get a custom color just for you every time. I can't wait to go back soon and try more colors! read more

I love this salon. Josselyn is amazing and always hears out ideas (even if they are silly!), she offers suggestions and I always walk out feeling like a million bucks. Going to a salon during Covid can be a scary experience and the laboratory has made it feel as comfortable as possible! If you're in need of a cut or color you can't go wrong here! read more

the salon vibes were absolutely immaculate everyone was so kind i haven't had my hair cut in well over a year out of fear of getting a bad cut again but alexis made sure i understood everything that was happening and checked on style and cut as she was going made me feel so good about my choice to come to this salon simply cannot wait to come back for some color and a trim read more

Ruby Devine and her salon are a work of magic. I am so proud to have had Ruby do my hair for the past 10 years and she has helped me transform myself again and again. Ruby is someone that is doing exactly what she was meant to do, make magic happen for other ppl in beauty and style. I highly recommend Ruby and anyone in her salon. You will leave with a little bit of magic, too. ‍‍‍ read more

Ruby has been cutting my hair for over 10 years. She's amazing. What's most impressive though is her color work. If you're looking to have your hair colored don't even think about going anywhere else. read more