Have cystic acne and not sure where to turn? See Sabrina, the local esthetician at Vain Salon. Two years ago I started struggling with adult acne. I didn't even know it was a thing until it happened to me. I was trying to research all kinds of remedies for it all the while heavily having to cover up a number of scars and inflamed pimples on my chin and forehead. I used just about every trick I could find on the internet, watched tons of videos, bought numerous skin care remedies but nothing was working. I went as far as seeing a dermatologist but all they did was prescribed me some meds. The meds worked for a while but they got pricey and I was hesitant to continuously take medication for this. As soon as I stopped taking it within a week I was back at square one. I mean, this just seemed crazy and I was beyond frustrated. On a whim, I thought I'd try a professional to cleanse my face. I was already getting my hair cut at Vain and saw that they had someone in-house to do facials. I read a couple of reviews here on Yelp and saw other cystic acne sufferers. They claimed Sabrina did wonders and use all natural products. I was skeptical, but gave it a shot. I had already tried nearly everything else. Once she saw me and we talked about my concerns, she confidently said we could get my skin back to normal - no more flare ups. I just needed to be patient and had to stop picking, or hands off the face! Again - skeptical, but I went with it. I got the Deep Pore facial which seemed just the right fix for my problem. After the first visit, I noticed a clean glow, but didn't get too excited. By the second visit in two months I noticed my cystic acne was no more! Really! I now have had four visits, no more flare ups and intend to make it a monthly thing as long as I can afford it. Totally worth it to keep my skin calm. Sabrina also has some skin care products for sale and gives clear instructions on how to use between visits. She doesn't push them on you, but highly recommends. How wrong can you go since they are the same products she uses in her facials? read more

I have been going to Joey Miller (Owner of Vain) since before she opened her own Salon. She is the best hairdresser I have ever been to. She always listens carefully to what I want and then, no lie, does it! My hair has never looked better or been healthier than it is now. I love to get highlites and lolites and change it up and she always has a great new idea for me or a new color to try for lolites or new cool bangs or whatever. I am always happy when I leave and I always feel I got my moneys worth, plus i get tons of compliments and even have to carry some of her cards in my purse for when people ask about my hair. The prices are normal I think for what the going rate is, you get what you pay for and it is on your head, so you know... read more

I have been a patron of Vain for many years, specifically entrusting my long, over-processed hair to Kate. Kate has seen me from my chocolate goth side, to that one experiment with crimson, to my current light brown/blonde beachy thingo. She does things to hair. Excellent things. Moisturizing, transformative things. She will also tell you frankly if your hair is dry as hell, and may combust at any moment and so, no, she will not be lightening it 7 shades today. That's tough love, and we all need that for our hair. Go see Kate. She's the best. read more

I have been going to Erika for all of my waxing needs since I found her here in Austin. She has a wonderfully relatable personality that allows you to relax and actually enjoy the waxing process. If you're looking for a perfected Brazilian, eyebrow wax, etc. Erika is the girl to see! read more

I went here because of all the great reviews and because it's in my 'hood. I got an awesome haircut from sara today. Somehow she gave me exactly what I wanted even though all I was able to articulate was, "not too momish," and "shorter, but not too short." I didn't realize how bad my color was until I saw it under those bright lights, but I already have an appointment to go back and take care of that, too. I feel sexy today, and I haven't felt sexy since before I got all pregnant and fat. Please no one tell them how underpriced they are. read more

I agree this place is great! I've had the pleasure of getting styled by Joey, she's amazing! The place is supercooly UberEast-style salon as it gets in metropolitan areas. The new standard. Helen, you beat me to the punch! I was too lazy to look up and find the address. . . ahh, paradigms! :) read more

I used to go here after I followed my hair dresser over from Hairy Situations. I cant for the life of me think of her name, but she is super cool. She did great hair, but $75 is a little much for a haircut - at least for me. So I stopped going to them and found a place that for $75, I can get just as great a hair cut and get my hair colored as well. Beautiful shop, friendly staff, but way too expensive for my taste. But hey, if you can afford it, go check them out! read more

I have never written a review before but I just had to give a shoutout to Victoria at Vain! Every time I go and see her it's a great experience. I just saw her to get a new fresh summer cut and I couldn't be happier! I have gotten non-stop compliments on my new shorter hair (she cut about 3-4 inches off). I only trust her with my hair and have been going to her since moving to Austin about 3 years ago. Victoria makes me feel so welcomed every time I sit in her chair. She always has a new and fun idea for me to try out and if you're game like I am then you won't ever regret it. You are in good hands! I have blonde very fine hair that is stick straight....so I have had fun exploring other fun color options with her and different techniques and products (ask her about mermaid waves!). She knows how to get the most out of every hair cut and keeps it real when it comes to what looks best on my skin tone and face shape. Plus... she has the gift of gab so no awkward staring at yourself in the mirror while she silently does your hair! If you're looking for a new stylist.... treat yo self and check out Victoria at Vain :-) read more

Mark is back at Wet. So Vain might still kick it, I dunno. Sorry Vain. Where the cool hair guy goes, I must follow.

I'm hesitant in writing this review, since I don't want to make it harder on myself to get an appointment with Joey - don't worry, it's super easy - but this place rocks. No attitude (sorry person who said this place was pretentious, but you're smokin' somethin')... great products, and of course, GREAT haircuts. I heart Joey! She tackles my thick hair with ease, and she's fun and easy to talk to while she's doing it. read more

i got a great short haircut from buffy the other day, and my gf has an appt scheduled for this week. buffy showed me examples of what she was thinking for my cut, then asked me throughout the cut to make sure i was cool with what she was doing. her texturizing skills are off the chain. the atmosphere was great; i felt very comfortable. i will definitely return. the 4 stars instead of 5 are only for the $60 pricetag-it's worth it, but still really hurts. read more

Vain is practically across the street from me so I tried it out when they first opened. I'm not the type to spend a lot of $$ on my hair so it was too pricey for my taste. I like the atmosphere and the stylist was very friendly. There are three things I look for in a salon; especially a high priced one like Vain. The first is creativity; if the stylist doesn't have any I require obedience; do exactly what I ask; with out one of those two; you'll never get to the third: a WOW factor. When I look up and into that mirror at the end of the cut, I want to say WOW to myself. I got one of the three at Vain, and it wasn't the last one. It wasn't for me. read more

Awesome salon! The staff are super friendly and Emily was not only amazingly nice and easy to get along with, but she gave me a fantastic haircut! read more

I just moved to Austin, and decided to give this place a try. I was going from really long hair to short hair, so my stylist told me I could go back if I needed any adjustments or changes. Well after two days, I decided I wanted to go a little bit shorter. I called to get it changed, and they said I'd have to pay for a brand new haircut. I already paid a lot during my first appt and left a 20% tip, and I just wanted it a little shorter. I've been to places in the past that have been very accommodating if I needed something changed. Needless to say, I scheduled my appointment somewhere else and will not go back here. read more

Doug Mesh is an amazing artist to say the least! I've been a hairstylist here in Austin for over 15 years and he continues to consistently make me proud to wear his work as a hairstylist myself. People stop me on the street everyday and compliment my hair. Hairstylist or not isn't that what we ALL want? To feel beautiful enough to get people to say so? He works magic on my highlights especially around my face where we all tend to get that dark "halo" of regrowth. Multi-dementional blondes are his specialty. Do yourself a favor and book time with Doug to do his magic, he takes his time and gets it right. Attention to detail and beyond. read more

I was in Austin for a wedding weekend and was in dyer need of a haircut, but didn't want to loose much length. Popped in Vain for a same day appointment, at the recommendation of a friend. My stylist Emily was great! She took her time and gave me a great haircut and left me with long locks that felt light look great. read more

Ok moved to Austin...gotta find new people. I have super curly (like ringlets) hair. Not just anyone can cut my hair...on top of that I wanna play with color. I want all the cool new trends on my difficult hair. Penny totally did me right. She was scared off by the curls and in fact gave me one of the best cuts I've had in years. Top it off she did the coolest hair color trick. Will be going back again and again. Ohhhh and the new waxing lady!!! Amazing!!! I've been waxing since I was 12 and my brows have a new life! read more

I love Vain salon! I've experienced my fair share of salons from city to city and this is the only place that exceeds my expectations every. single. time. I started with Emily who got me hooked on Vain with her amazing talent and knowledge of all things hair. She is seriously just amazing. Then due to my schedule being so unpredictable, I had the previledge of seeing Rhiana my last 2 visits who does an amazing job and somehow reads my mind when it comes to my hair goals. She's nailed it both visits and though I had full trust in her, she explained every intention to make sure I was cool with it. Let me tell you these ladies are meticulous with every detail. I would trust any of the stylists here with my hair. I'm so grateful for this place and the insane talent that comes with it. If you feel hesitant or unsure of how to articulate your desired look or if you don't even know what you want, come to this place. Relax knowing they are experts, sip some wine and enjoy the great conversation. You'll be happy about your hair but sad you have to leave! read more

Jessie is on point. I started getting my hair cut from her back when she was at a place called G-Spot in Iowa City. I found myself in Austin, and she gave me the fade I've been waiting for. She's super talented and has an amazing eye for detail. Still haven't found anyone who can match her work! She's patient and definitely someone who takes her work seriously. I've never had a cut from her I wasn't absolutley pleased with. read more

Penny does my color now and I am obsessed with her service and she delivers every time !

I had gotten my hair cut and colored by the same woman for 12 years, so I was fairly nervous about switching to someone new after moving to Austin. I've got a short blonde pixie and was looking for a change but nothing too crazy. Kate did a great job on my hair and recommended some great products-I've been using them for over a week now and I love them! Will definitely come back here and recommend her to anyone. read more

Ashley is awesome. I've been on the hunt for a salon in Austin for two years and haven't connected with anyplace. Someone suggested Vain. I started out seeing another stylist, who is no longer there, and Ashley has cut my hair the last two visits. She actually listens, which is surprisingly hard to find, and she's given me some great suggestions. The last cut was actually a little different than what I went in for but Ashley said, 'just trust me'. I'm so glad I listened to her, because I LOVE the cut she gave me. Ashley also cuts my husband's hair, and it looks perfect every time. read more

I am set for life. I am VERY picky about my hair and now I relax in the good hands of Blanca May. She first cut my hair in Dallas and am now forever loyal. She really listens to what you want and takes into consideration your hair type and face. I've never been to anyone with this much talent and patience. It doesn't hurt that Vain is a fun salon to be in. Blanca is worth every penny. read more

Crystal cuts my hair and does an amazing job. Love love love this place!

Crystal is great. I have never had to wait. The atmosphere is cool and casual yet not pretentious. I have been searching forever to find a stylist in Austin and finally feel that I have found one!! read more

Good customer service. For an upscale salon, it has a laid back atmosphere and good overall vibe. No bitchy stylists or high pressure sales.

i think i may be in love. buffy is the best. super sweet and fun, and she always knows just what to do. you walk into the salon, someone greets you with a welcome of "how are you today, can i get you a drink?" and yes they are talking about wine. sweet! the ladies at vain are awesome. i get compliments everywhere i go. can life get any better? read more

I rate Vain AND Kate Cates 5 stars all the way! I have never been a haircut every 6 weeks girl and so I never really have had a stylist. However, I do now! I went to Kate the first time when I needed a style for a ball I was going to. I put my hairdo for that night in her hands and she did such a great job I went back for haircuts. The style she did for the event was retro yet cool. My hair could not have looked better! Kate Cates knows the latest trends and how to incorporate them into your style for the night or your cut for the next quarter in a way that works for me and my day to day. I totally trust her suggestions and she always does such a great job. We just celebrated our 1 year anniversary with her doing my hair for the same event this year. Again Kate Cates knocked it out of the park! The hairdo was exactly what I imagined for my outfit to complete my look! Everyone at Vain is happy that you are there and it is a warm and relaxed spot really close to my home. Highly recommend the gals and guys at Vain, and espeically Kate Cates, for your next 'do! read more

I have gone to JOEY to tame my rowdy ringlets twice now and just when i think i cant get anymore compliments I role outta bed drop the top on my mustang and they just keep coming! The instructions i give her "Make it obvious i got a great haircut but i don't want to have to do anything." Like an hour and half later and i have the best haircut i have ever had! I am serious, i roll outta bed, sometimes i go work out and sweat a little if i want it to look even sexier.. Sure it's $70 and $90 incl the tip she soooo earns! but this haircut lasts months but gets you a lot of attention so be warned ;) The salon is friendly, the parking kina sucks but im pretty sure all the other stylists are spot on too just from what i have seen. all the cuts look hot and they are probably a little cheaper but i would sooner shave my head because Joey is the Goddess of Thick Curly Locks! read more

If you like to pay for a high dollar haircut, Vain's is the place for you. After 3 haircuts, each less satisfying than the other, I went to Bird's on E 6th. Mark at Bird's asked me if I liked having hair with a kind of wispy texture, and I said not really. He asked me if Vain's hairdresser used a razor, and I said yes, and he said that razor-cut hair always grows out that way, He used shears only, and I love my Bird's haircut, for $25!! read more

What do you do when you move across country and have to start all over with your grooming rolodex? You book an appointment at Vain! My rushed, chaotic, and desperate same day appointment for a cut became a color appointment after Rebecca saw my pathetic plea to be rescued. I cannot thank Rebecca at Vain for being flexible, thorough and doing an amazing job! My hair looks fantastic and I am ready to make this my new go to salon! read more

I came here on a recco from my friend, and my short cut looked cute right after I left the salon, but by the next day it looked kind of goofy (flipping out oddly and uncontrollably). And now a couple weeks later, it looks like I never had it cut to begin with. So sad to spend 70+ on a temporary disappointment... I did have my doubts when she was cutting because she flat ironed it out (which is weird, because I have short, straight, smooth hair and rarely even need to blow it dry, let alone put a flat iron to it) and then proceeded to cut, which in my opinion (I'm obviously not a hair stylist buuut) is not too smart because it seems to make more sense to cut the hair as it lies naturally. Ah well, looking for a new place to fix this up... read more

This place was only a few blocks away from my house and I can't believe I didn't try it out sooner. Prices are competitive with other big salons in town (and a bit less than some of the biggest ones) and Rebekah not only gave me exactly what I wanted (both for the cut and the color) but really listened and seems keen to understand her clients needs. After I moved to Austin, I tried most of the biggest and highest rated salons in town and was unsatisfied (too expensive, too unfriendly, too uptight, etc). Vain (and specifically Rebekah) is my Goldilocks fit, it's just right. read more

Great location. Quirky environment. Fantastic customer service plus a great haircut

I Love Love Love Miss Blanca May! I have a big, thick, mess of curly hair, and thanks to Blanca's magic it has been tamed, all the way down to a Posh Spice bob and everywhere in between. I first found Blanca in Dallas about 6 years ago and haven't looked the same since...she was the first person who TRULY knew what to do with my hair, I bounced around for 2 years with people who said they knew curly hair. I love that she doesn't try to please me by copying a picture that will never look good on me, she honestly explains why something won't work for me and gives me an even better option! Having her in Austin now is the best. I can honestly say I've never left disappointed, and neither have any of the other ladies I've sent her way. If you're looking for a laid back salon that takes good care of you, check out Vain. It's close to downtown (and Juan in a Million!) and you don't have to deal with parking stress, there's always a drink for you when you get there, and you'll laugh your ass off while you're in the chair. read more

I was looking for a stylist since my previous one moved away so my friends recommended me to Joey @ Vain! I called, booked the appt for a few days later and got my hair ** rocked**! I LOVE how my hair looks and feels! Joey was very nice and full of suggestions! read more

I used to get my hair cut here years ago from Joey, and have not had a better haircut since. I've been to other very nice salons in Chicago, San Francisco and LA, and NOTHING compares!! I miss you Vain.... read more

Buffy is a master! She knew exactly what to do with what I had to work with. I love my haircut, and I can't wait for the next one!

I've been going to Penny Gonzales for nearly 5 years now, and I wouldn't let anyone else touch my hair. She has seen me through two different shades of red, and no one can do red like Penny. I have it touched up every four weeks, and it hardly fades between visits which is so rare for red. My hair is really fine and frizzy, but she somehow manages to tame it. I have sent several of my friends to Penny, and have never heard anything but rave reviews. We're all addicted. In fact, my best friend who lives in Florida periodically flies back to Austin for her haircuts. read more

Jacqueline at Vain is amazing. My skin was in need of some major TLC. Very dry with some areas of breakouts. I booked the 90 minute facial and let me tell you, every minute was amazing. First of all, Jacqueline is a sweetheart and made me feel right at home. She was very relaxing and very gentle. She used amazing products and recommended a few that will help my dry skin. My skin feels better already and I've only been to see her once. I booked my second appointment before I even left the salon. I can't wait to see how my skin improves (and my stress level) after regular monthly visits. Definitely recommend her to family and friends. read more