Ok so it's been a long time since I got a hair cut I really like. I went to Shawna yesterday and showed her a picture of what I wanted. Usually when I show a picture to the stylist, the haircut ends up looking completely different but not this time, she really did a good job by cutting my hair exactly the way I wanted it. And she was really nice. I did have a hard time getting out of the parking place though. read more

I have been here a few times to visit Erica, the aesthetician that has a space in Vain. It is always a pleasant experience. Erica is warm and welcoming, making it feel less like a business and more like visiting your bestie at her home. Erica is very knowledgable about skin care and talks with you about her process as well as any concerns you might have. Erica creates a beautiful mood with wine and a killer playlist to set you in the mood to be pampered! My skin always feels luxurious after visiting her. I regularly go there for both my skin care routine and waxing! Also, Erica is great at checking In with you post-visit to make sure everything is going well! Highly recommend going to see her for all your skin and beauty needs. You won't be disappointed! read more

Called right when they opened and secured a same day appointment! The receptionist was very helpful, as it was my first time and I didn't know who would be the best stylist to see that day. I simply told her what kind of cut I was planning to get and she recommended a stylist for me to book! The salon has parking in front of their home-styled storefront, and they offer refreshments upon arrival as well. My stylist was Penny, who gave me a wonderful medium-long bob with an undercut towards my neckline. Before we got started, she took the time to get a feel for my hair and take a look at the pictures that I had brought along. She was great at listening to what I wanted, was super friendly & conversational, and explained what she was doing as she snipped away! Overall, it has been one of my best salon experiences. Penny seemed extremely knowledgable, confident and creative! All things you would want in a great stylist. :) read more

FORGET PARIS, NEW YORK, LONDON OR MILAN - THE BEST HAIR STYLIST IS FROM ARKANSAS! I have lived only a few minutes away from Vain for several years, but for some reason only recently discovered this salon (perhaps because, from the outside, it's not obviously a salon?). I'm 31 years old, have lived in numerous cities (both European and American) have gone through countless hair salons, and I have to say that Lindsay Grant (yes, she's from Arkansas) is BY FAR the best hair stylist I have ever encountered. What I like about Lindsay is that she's hip without being a hipster, and she just clearly knows her way about a head of hair. For the first time in my life, she has made me see that cutting and colouring hair is an art form, and a craft. I have received so many compliments about my hair and highlights since I started going to Vain. My husband (who would usually prefer to have his toenails pulled out than spend money on a good salon cut) also went to Lindsay recently, and raved about her, his cut, and the products she recommended, for so long that I actually started to doubt his sexual orientation. My husband has impossibly thick, curly hair, which most hairdressers butcher, leaving him with a weird flat top à la the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Not Lindsay, though! I've never seen my husband's hair look so good! The other great thing about Lindsay is the conversation. Unlike many other stylists I've met who either talk drivel or are completely self-absorbed, Lindsay is witty and smart, and we actually have interesting conversations. I just wish I'd discovered her years ago. read more

I love Kate Cates! I went to Vain for it's first few years, for the lovely Esther Fowler (holla.) and have always loved their intimate, hip ambiance. But recently I had been slumming it with my hair (read: cheap haircuts, no color, lots of ponytails). I met Kate through a friend and let her have a go at my hair, and awesome. Pure, unadulterated awesome happened to my hair. First, I emailed her a few pics to reference length, told her my issues, and then razzle dazzle, I has a fabulous new coif. A perfect little French girl bob when I flat iron, but for the first time in my life, I no longer have to blow dry my hair everyday. And now my hair has more than one look. Seriously changed my life I loved it so much that I went back the next week for color and she did it again. A smokey brown with purple pop throughout, but still conservative enough for my new position at work. This time I also loaded up on fabulous product (Moroccan hair oil, I will never leave you...) Kate Cates rocks. read more

Being a blonde is hard work, and don't let anyone tell you differently. There's the inescapable root problem for one thing---the gentle creeping-in of natural hair color reminding you (a) of your vanity, (b) of the passage of time and (c) that, holy moly, this is an expensive habit. But by far the hardest part about being a blonde is moving---leaving behind your trusted peroxide-wielding superstar and jumping quite literally head-first into the unknown. Sometimes this goes middlingly well (San Francisco, 2007); sometimes it goes horribly (Mexico City, 2005; Boston, 2006); and sometimes, just sometimes, you end up doing better than you ever thought possible. Sarah at Vain delivered me squarely into this last, glorious category of new-stylist, new-hair ecstacy. I picked Sarah on the basis of mere availability---fate, perhaps?---and was initially mildly embarassed walking into a salon which clearly prides itself on the hip, technicolor and cutting-edge with a conservative, Jennifer-Aniston-circa-2000 yuppie cut. But Sarah absolutely knocked it out: four different colors of low-lights and high-lights later, I am once again a blonde princess. And, my god---particularly given what I consider the shockingly low bill---it's so, so, so worth it. read more

My amazing stylist, Teddy, used to be at a salon on south congress before she moved to this hip little casa on the east side. I love this space, it's so fun and funky! Everyone's always so friendly and accommodating. But, back to the real reason for this review - the amazing Teddy. I have what some would call unique hair, in that it's curly as all get out, but fine as a baby's, so traditional curly hair products and techniques are terrible for me. When I first started seeing Teddy, I was an unlayered, box-colored mess. Teddy transformed my fried, sad locks into something worth writing home about, and I've never looked better. Teddy is so wonderful and warm, and simply will not allow you to look bad (even if you wanted to!). If you're on the hunt for a new stylist, try Teddy, you won't regret it! read more

This is a review for Vain's skin services provided by the amazing Jacqueline Riley. I followed Jacqueline from her previous location and I'm so happy I did. She is fantastic and has such a relaxing demeanor I feel completely comfortable. Jacqueline has been the only Esthetician I trust with my waxing and I can't wait for my facial appointment next week. You will truly be impressed - no double dipping, dirty waxing, 3 strip crap here. read more

I found Vain thru Yelp, and a couple other referrals as well. Was thrilled to find it's close to home, hip but low key, and bottom line- best haircut ever by Sara! I wear my hair short and it looks to most people like it should be an easy cut. HOWever, I've got cowlicks, twists, uneven growth and generally just lots of hair, even tho it's fairly fine and is (based on my 25 years of adulthood experience) very difficult to cut well. Oh yeah, and I don't want to spend any time on it but I want it to look fantastic! I've always watched as my hair is cut- and I don't know how Sara does it, she cuts like no one I've ever seen- but she always manages to have it looking great, balanced, and not "you just got your hair cut" short. I lived in LA for 10 years, had my haircut at a fab salon in London, etc. Sara ROCKS best of all- hands down! (awesome highlights/lowlights too!) read more

After checking yelp, and seeing Vain come out on top, I quickly made an appointment. I explained that I have curly, ringlet-y hair, and have never really had a stylist that knew what to do with me. So the receptionist (super helpful, by the way), recommends Crystal for me; a stylist with curly hair as well. My appointment is made for two days later (which suited me mighty fine). The day before, I get a call asking if I can push my appointment back by 30 minutes. No problem! I show up early, and I'm not impressed with the parking situation. It's crazy cramped. But no matter, I'm here for the hair! I make my way inside and the receptionist offered me an array of refreshments; I chose (gratefully!) coffee. And she made it just the way I like it too. I wait for just a bit before Crystal leads me to her chair. We talk for a moment; what I'm looking for, what she thinks she can do, etc. She recommends lowlights in addition to the highlights I wanted. She colors, she foils, I set...then we shampoo. BEST SCALP MASSAGE EVER. Seriously. Then she cuts and shapes and layers and styles. Its great. It's beautiful. I love it... ....then I wash it and try to style it myself at home. Hmmmm. I notice that my ringlet curls are quite a bit less...ringlet-y. I think in all the layering/thinning, my curls got seriously thinned. All in all, the color is amazing, the ambiance of the salon is killer, the stylists all seem to be very friendly, but the cut (as much as I want to love it) just isn't that great. Anyway, it still seems like a great place... read more

Jessie is awesome! Always a great cut and style. I trust her to do whatever she pleases and she always makes sure you're ok with doing something new, which shows how much she listens to her clients. I've been going to her for a few years now and she's never cancelled an appointment once, truly a professional. read more

Just as another fist lies in wait under the beard of Chuck Norris, the heart of a tattooed rocker beats under my sensible twinset and unmarked skin. So I often feel mixed emotions when coming to Vain. Surrounded by hot pink walls, funky stylists and offers of free wine, I suddenly think, "This is the day I'm goin' all Rihanna up on this mop." Buffy always goes through the pros and cons of my ideas and comes up with the perfect long do' that suits my more classic style without being boring. I've been uber happy about every cut in the last five years! read more

After my tried and true colorist moved to New York I let my hair turn to a mousy little mess. Kate Cates transformed me to bombshell blond! Ever since she has been keeping my roots in tip top shape and suggesting playful new toners for my locks. Great at styling too, whether it is bodacious Barbarella curls or classic french twist with a little extra umph. She is great at listening to my requests and I always leave grinning from ear to ear. I highly recommend her. I love the salon, a charming renovated home in east Austin. Kate also introduced me to my dry curly mane's saving grace, Moroccan Oil products. All and all, adore this salon and Kate's work! read more

Emily is a total genius with color. Whether it's a super light beach blonde or a subtle highlights she always nails it. Her work has depth, is beautiful and exactly what I wanted. Her cuts are great too- flattering, stylish and with that little extra flair that takes it beyond a standard cut. I've gone there for 4 or 5 years now and *never* been disappointed. So glad I asked that woman at the gym who cut her hair! read more

VICTORIA! She is the best! I moved to Austin and had been salon hopping for my last few haircuts, never really finding what I was looking for. I've finally found it. Victoria first sits down with you at the mirror and really talks through what you want. She listens and then goes over what you requested to make sure she understands everything you want and don't want. She's very detail oriented and I love that. Sometimes stylists go through the motions of the first step listed above but don't deliver. I'm happy to say, Victoria delivers. I loved my hair I walked out with, I didn't even need to wait a few days for it to "settle in" and get used to it. I get SO many compliments on my haircut from people I don't know -- even stylist friends! I've finally found my girl! Pricing is pretty standard. I think I paid $60/65? for wash & cut. Love this place, love Victoria! read more

Love this eclectic little salon on the east side of Austin. They greet you with a beverage and are always friendly at the front desk. I personally use Rhiana and she is wonderful! read more

I followed Victoria from her last salon and as always, I'm so happy with the cuts and color she does for me. She ALWAYS listens to what I want and always has helpful advice to make a haircut I like in a picture, work perfectly for my hair type, length, face shape, and everything! She is always so fun to talk to and I look forward to the time I get to spend with her. Victoria is a valuable asset to Vain and they know it! The salon itself is very cute. I like that they carry Kevin Murphy products. The girls at the front are very kind and helpful. The decor is gorgeous and I love how unique the place is. I am moving in April after I graduate and I'm already having anxiety about finding a new stylist in Virginia. Maybe I'll just have to fly into Austin every 8 weeks for a touch up! read more

Rebekah killed it! I had my first haircut yesterday at Vain, and she was extremely thoughtful. I just got a trim, so nothing terribly drastic but she made sure she thoroughly explained everything she was doing at the beginning and throughout the appointment - which is always reassuring when you are entrusting your hair to a new salon! Additionally, I've never colored my hair before (no highlights, nada) and was starting to get the itch, and I wanted to get a professional opinion of the feasibility of what I had in mind given how much maintenance I was willing to undertake. She looked at some of the pictures I had on my phone and tactfully explained to me that while she could certainly get my hair to the color I desired, that it would likely be more work to maintain than I wanted. That kind of transparency is 100% appreciated and i'll certainly be back for more. read more

Rachel is amazing! Love this salon. I moved to Austin a few years ago and struggled to find somewhere that does good balayage at first. I started coming to Vain over a year ago and have always had amazing experiences! read more

Joey Miller and all the bad ass ladies at Vain work hard to create a fun atmosphere. My hair looks awesome after a visit to Vain and everyone else I see in the chairs look great as well. It's also nice to spend time in a salon that feels friendly and unpretentious. They also carry hard to find products that do wonders for your locks. The salon is super easy to get to and street parking is easy to get if the parking lot is full. read more

Teddy Baker is the BEST. I've had my hair cut throughout Austin and around the world, and nobody holds a candle to her scissor skills. She wants to understand you and will tailor your look based on who you are. She has worked me in when I needed a cut quickly, and she rescued me from the butcher job I got at a local chain chop shop. Thank you Teddy for being so awesome! read more

FINALLY! After a dissappointing end to my relationship with Wet Salon, I was in need of a cut on a Saturday. Not only did stylist Lindsey Grant take me on short notice, but she gave me one of the best cuts I've had in years. She really took the time to understand my styling habits (some days there aren't any, so I need a look that's good styled or not), but she offered pleasant conversation! The salon itself is short on parking, but the interior epitomizes the quirkiness that is East Austin. The patrons ranged from older women to young hipsters and everything in between. Plus, they offered me a glass of wine. HELLO!! 5 well-deserved stars for Lindsey and for Vain! read more

Update: Yep. Shawna is still awesome. Yep. I'm still sportin' the same do. Yep. I am still getting compliments. Since my first visit, I've learned: - that Shawna was asked to be on the show Shear Genius. She respectfully declined, however. ( not that this tidbit adds to one's resume, but it was an interesting convo nonetheless) - Pantene Pro V and other shampoos are bad for your hair. They coat your hair much like wax. - Yelping really does pay off, because as a thank you I've gotten some free hair products**, woot woot - when I'm ready to change my hairstyle, I know Shawna's got my back and I won't have to fret about the thought of CHANGE. I'm thinking maybe straight across bangs next time... I truly do trust my hair in her hands. Just sayin'. ** Result of free hair products after a cut and style are not typical, but an awesome hairdo? you betcha! read more

It's always nerve racking to let someone new hold scissors and chemicals to your hair... but Rebekah made me feel at ease and knew exactly what I was going for, and delivered. Feeling myself after ombre color and a choppy cut! Thank you thank you. read more

I just had my hair cut by Buffy the other day. She's fun to talk to and she did a great job on my new bob. There is a great vibe at the salon, all the stylists were doing rockin' jobs on everyone's hair, and I went away wanting to visit each and every stylist to get a totally different do. The only thing I think might be a little hard to swallow is the $60 (plus tip) price tag on a hair cut. I think with that price, I should get a bottle of wine, a foot massage, and a babysitter.... but I'm cheap (or poor). read more

Hooray for Vain! I am totally stoked that people love this place as much as I do! I have been referred to Vain by two completely disparate friends (one is kind of a punk-rocker chick and the other is a slightly indie-cutie-pie modern dancer) and they both always came away with rockin' hair! *Jealous* The first time that I made an appointment I was flying blind and just took the hairstylist that was open, who happened to be Sarah. She was good, awesome personality, and her hero is Dolly Parton, so we naturally had plenty to talk about, but I didn't really end up loving the cut that I got. She did a great job and my hair looked like what I had asked for, but it didn't end up being the best thing for my face (I appreciate it when people steer me away from bad decisions, but in this case I mostly blame myself.) The next time I made an appointment, I asked for Buffy, the stylist of my friend who has hair exactly like mine (fine, thin, kinda flat and lifeless). Buffy kicks some serious hair ass! She took her time and really tried to get to know my hair before she cut it. She masked my cowlicks and framed my face. She kept going on about the color of my hair (a natural strawberry blond) and even called some of the other stylists over to look at it, which I thought was funny, but they said that people pay a lot of money to get the color that grows naturally out of my head. I'm kind of a freak show that way.... This last time I called and made an appointment at the last minute and only had a 45 minute window, but when I went in I didn't feel rushed at all. They took the same amount of care and time getting me all shampooed up and let me sip my wine in an un-hurried fashion. Buffys last appointment was running a little late, which gave us more time to work with, but even when she arrived she sat in the chair next to us and just chatted away, completely unfazed that I was holding up her appointment. Even the other patrons at this place are cool! I highly recommend Buffy and any of the other stylists at Vain. They play great music, the atmosphere is completely chill (unlike many other sassafrass hair salons I have been to in our fine city) and you will end up with a hair cut that makes you look good. read more

If you're looking for a quality little Austin hair salon with big style, Vain is the place for you! Whether you want a unique, funky, Rock 'N' Roll haircut or just a simple cut or color, Vain's got you! The friendly faces and great conversation alone will keep you coming back, but Vain's ability to please their clients is their main talent! For me personally, having thick, Latina hair, I often had trouble finding people who could tame it! But Victoria at Vain knows what's up! She is always able to free me from the heavy thickness and bulk that I was so blessed with! In addition to a great cut, Victoria also always sees and matches my vision of a mildly razored, shaggy-ish look with side-swept bangs that can go from work professional to a wild night out! I just love this place altogether! Vivacious vibes! Visionary stylists! Vogue hairstyles! Vain!!! read more

These ladies are the best of the best. I have had the Vain experience and I have to say, it is worth the inevitable wait to get an appointment and the price tag. Both Shawna and Joey have cut my ridiculous mop and I have gotten styles that have never been rivaled. All of the ladies here take their time, assess the mess of hair you arrive with inquisitively and artistically, and transform you into something amazing. This is the kind of place to walk in and say, "have your way with me (or at least with my hair)." I love Vain and the aesthetic they are achieving one head at a time. Ask around when you see someone with interesting (but very well-done) hair. I'm willing to bet more often than not, you'll get the same answer. At Vain. read more

Just got literally the best haircut of my life from Bekah. I walked in with my heap of long, knotted, blondish hair and walked out with a gorgeous (still long!) cut that actually has shape and life! I haven't stopped sending selfies to loved ones since. Plus she talked me through what she was doing and why, making it a lovely/informative experience. Can't recommend her enough! read more

Emily Hatfield is the bomb. After one too many butchered haircuts from Bird's barbershop, I stumbled upon her in lieu of winning "best dressed" at a '70s disco themed party (with the award being a free haircut.) I've never looked back since. She's charming, funny, positive, and has great energy. As a 24 yr old who didn't really care about my hair when i met her 2 years ago, I must say that it is now a priority to see Emily when I want the right cut to look good. The vibe of Vain is excellent. Very homely, cool tones, warm receptionists who offer beer/wine/tea/water, and tons of products to choose from. Convenient location, too. I can't recommend Vain and Emily enough. The extra ~15 bucks compared to Birds makes it a great value. read more

Recently got a haircut from Rebekah and totally in love with it. I have wavy, thick and frizzy hair. I asked her for a haircut that lets me carry my original hair texture with ease sometimes. I would definitely say she got me 100% and gave me a customized haircut, which I carry without much use of hot tools for styling( which I could never do before unless looking like "Simba") I am loving my lived-in hair. My recommendation for all the thick and wavy haired girls who want to carry their texture as such would be is to give this girl a shot, as she is freakiiiiiiiiin AWESOME. read more

I moved to Austin from California 3 years ago. I went through at least 4 highly rate hairstylist before finding Rachel. She simply is the best. I get compliments all the time on my hair. She is a great colorist and stylist. I follow her on Instagram and can say all of her work is amazing. So if you want to look your best head to Rachel! read more

I just got my hair cut short for the second time ever in my life and I'm SO GRATEFUL for Shawna Parvin at Vain! I was so nervous about cutting my hair short again, since I've had long hair almost my entire life. I booked myself as Shawna's last appointment two weeks ago to make sure we had time to consult and cut without getting backed up. She was so great! She took her time and walked me through everything that she was doing. She's very technically oriented and really knowledgeable about how hair behaves. I wasn't quite sure about my hair when she first cut it, but now that I've gotten used to it, I absolutely love it! I've gotten so many compliments on my hair. Also, she represents a product line called Aquage that works beautifully on my hair. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Sea Salt spray! It gives my hair the perfect texture and hold. I will definitely go to Shawna for all my short cuts from now on! read more

I don't want toot my own horn here....buuuut.... I literally get compliments on my hair almost everyday (unless it's dirty and wrapped up in a bun of course.) And Teddy at Vain deserves all the credit. IF YOU HAVE LONG HAIR, TEDDY IS THE STYLIST FOR YOU!!! Seriously, if you have long hair, you know the dilemmas faced at the salon when hunting for the perfect haircut. Generally we don't get what we want. It's either a really boring cut - long subtle layers - or it gets cut too short which can literally bring one to tears. In my experience, often times stylists lack vision and creativity with long hair. NOT TEDDY, she gave me a sexy, bombshell haircut with just the right amount of funk and flair. I can wear it curly, straight, au' natural - it's extremely manageable and totally transformable (from punk-rock to modern-day Barbarella to whispy and romantic.) Anyways, you get the drift. Teddy transformed my hair from lifeless and boring to mega-sexy and it's never been healthier. And, she's got the magic touch, kiddos! If you are looking to grow out your locks, I'm not sure why or how, but my hair definitely grows faster with her as my stylist. So, do yourself a favor and let Teddy work her wonders on your hair!! read more

Holy crap! So I decided to go pretty blond (for a brunette, still kinda brunette, but blond-ish) and I went here on a recommendation. Crystal did my full-highlights. Throughout the process, she was very knowledgeable (as was the other lady there doing someone else's hair) about how we could get my hair blond without breaking it right off. I have to say, I was a little nervouse, but when all was finished, I had ALL of my hair and it was pretty blond. I was a bit shocked at first, but happy none-the-less. It is what I wanted after all. She started drying it and it was beautiful! The color was so rich and shiny. It's been about a week now and I have adjusted and am 100% happy with the job Crystal did. She did an amazing job near my hairline too, which made me LOVE her. My hair is really dark and she made the color look very natural. Some key points: - Very clean salon - Knowledgable and very friendly staff - Quality hair color - Not overly expensive for the high quality of work GO HERE! You won't regret it. Happy hair styling :) read more

I really like Vain for hair cuts/styles! This salon is swank and hipster in all the right ways. It has a relaxed atmosphere and experienced staff. They also carry great products like Kevin Murphy. Regarding service, I am a Crystal client, referred by my close friend who's been going for years. When Crystal is unavailable I request Penny. So, both from experience, are GREAT at what they do. If you're looking for a color expert, I cannot speak to that, as I just go for cuts. My hair is mid-length, dark brunette, fine, but a lot of fine hair. I think it helps to share that they can rock out situations like that...as my hair isn't exactly the best canvas! My only suggestion would be a loyalty program of some sort. I think they have a referral program but not sure. This would help pay for my $70+tip appointments :) read more

I got my hair cut for the first time in Austin at Vain Salon and it was amazing! I was apprehensive since I get intimidated by new hair salons that I've never been to. Marina was so accommodating, and she knew exactly what I wanted. I love that she explained each part of the process and made sure I knew what was going to happen before she started anything. She made me feel comfortable and taken care of! I can't wait to get my hair styled and cut here again :) read more

My stylist Rachel moved to Vain and what can I say but that if follow her ANYWHERE. She has been doing my balayage for 3 years now and I have never loved my hair more. Before I saw her I had gotten my hair done in France, I thought that was the best I could get, but then I found Rachel back in Austin. I didn't even think my hair could GET any better. She has made me the blonde I always dreamed of. read more

:: Review from a dude :: I stopped going to mall hair cut joints back in high school cuz I was tired of people laugh at my uneven (pre-puberty, not enough facial hair to count) side burns. So I started copying the ladies and went the salon route. That being said, this is a nice salon for those guys who are scared of the prissy, uptight, hey my moms friend is sitting next to me salon. This is a very hip, urban salon where I could see anyone being comfortable in. (No memberships needed) I've had 2 cuts there from 2 different people. (Tiffany and Crystal) Both were very nice and did a wicked bad ass job. I highly recommend them. Price: ~$30 for wash and cut (dudes remember) read more

I have a confession. I am not hip, and I have never been loyal to a stylist. One of these things changed when I moved to Austin three years ago. I hate to ruin the ending so soon, but I am now loyal to a stylist but I'm still not hip. However, I do have some fabulous, healthy, golden blonde locks that bounce like the 20 second mark of this classic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW-y_hD3beU Don't let the uber-chick interior and swish stylists fool you; yes, I've watched in awe as they give amazing stand-out 'dos to the brave, but if you're like me, you need reliable, healthy, natural looking locks and not feel judged for your hair cowardice. Vain still makes me feel like a lion. Penny is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. From the very first appointment she listened as I awkwardly tried to verbalize how my hair looks like in my dreams. She listened, she was patient, and her suggestions were all on-the-same wave-length of what I had in mind (you know, perfect hair and what not - it's not too much to ask, right?). At the risk of ruining Penny's street creed (she creates fabulous, structured manes much more adventurous than I would attempt to rock), I now have the no-risk, beautiful natural blonde tresses I dreamed of. Thank you Penny and Vain! read more