I live in Michigan now but Morgan is still my favorite hair stylist I've ever had for my balayage to this day!!! I used to go back in 2022 and could walk there it was so convenient. Would go back if I could. read more

Tess is magic! My hair looks beautiful every time I come in. I have naturally very dark brown hair and she does an awesome job keeping it the cool blonde that I love. My hair always looks and feels healthy, even with all the coloring it endures. I've definitely been to colorists who don't know how to manage blondes and I've suffered through damaged, highlighter yellow hair as a result. I trust Tess with any color to my hair. She does an incredible job. read more

VAIN - Love my blonde highlights and tone and pop of purple - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Amazing in one word!!! The husband and wife are very experienced and friendly. He spent hours softly combing these messed up extensions out of my hair it took forever, but he was very good and very gentle if he would not have done that I would've had to cut my hair probably an insured all around my head and I'm really thankful for him and his wife are very friendly I recommend them 100 percent when you get there you're treated like royalty, seriously! They cater to you and make you feel comfortable. Get you whatever you'd like to drink etc. I was even freezing and he actually turned the Dyson hairdryer on warm and put it at the end of my sleeve and it warmed up My whole body quickly, it was kinda funny lol I've never ever heard that idea but it was amazing and it worked so well, so thank you and it's overall it's just a very nice atmosphere. read more

Went to Vain today because the stylists I like elsewhere in Ballard were not available. I got the same problematic result here as I did last time I came to Vain: they cut my hair too short. This has happened now with different stylists. Super odd. Today I said I wanted four inches off. The stylist held out to where she thought that would be: grazing my shoulder and it looked right. I explicitly even said I need it long enough so I can tie it back. But then once she started cutting it was much shorter. Like a good 1.5 in above my shoulders. Literally didn't stop for me to have a chance to catch it before it was gone. Then of course it only made sense for all my hair to match that length. Not really sure why this keeps happening here. I guess be vigilant? Hair is fine and will grow back but the reason it's a problem for me is because I need to tie my hair back for athletic activities and not sure what I will do now until my hair grows back. I guess acquire a bunch of hair clips somewhere. read more

A very trendy, hip salon with excellent Covid precautions, allow only one customer in the entire space at a time. For my visit, it was me, my hairdresser and the front desk person. Masks required, hand sanitizer provided and very airy. The hairdresser did a great job with my mess of pre-pandemic hair. She took the time to hear what I wanted and work with my hair to get the cut that works best. Fancy items also for sale in the shop. Located in the heart of Old Ballard, VAIN is a nice spot to get your hair done before a trip to the farmers market or meeting up with friends for neighborhood coffee, tea, meal, walk. read more

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The prices are not worth it. The customer service leaves something to be desired. Also, I was not told the price of the hair tinsel before I got it and it turned out to be $60... Bringing the quoted price of $100 for my haircut to a whopping $200 including tip. The hair tinsel falls out pretty quickly too and takes them 10 minutes max to tie into your hair. How are pieces of plastic and 10 dollars worth $60? Won't be coming back. read more

Came for a trim and partial foil with Angie and I absolutely love the magic she made with my hair! We just moved to the neighborhood so I was looking for a new salon which can be nerve wracking. I am so happy I came to Vain and that I found my hair artist. Angie was honest with me from the very beginning when we talked about what I was looking for and what was feasible without damaging my curly dark hair. I appreciate and respect how well she knows her craft because she nailed it! I love love my hair and I immediately made an appt to come back and do more lightening ! Thank you Angie! And Shannon :) read more

VAIN - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Five stars for Morgan! Thanks for taking the time with my curly bob. I'm pleased with the shape and style.

I asked the stylist for light platinum highlights in my hair, which has a lot of silver. I just wanted highlights on the top, not down the sides. I also wanted NO lowlights, and told her repeatedly no when she recommended them. She colored the entire top half of my head and put lowlights anyway. Now my hair is a trashy yellow color with faded low lights that look like copper...even though I'm using an expensive blue shampoo every week. I spent over $200. I'm sick of stylists who ignore you and do what they think looks best...they're not the ones paying for the work. Two thumbs down. read more

VAIN is a solid salon with well-qualified, personable stylists. I've gone to two of their locations over the years and they've always done a fine job. Where I part ways with them, however, is with their cancellation policy. They have an sms system set up for appointment reminders which includes the details; the affordance for cancellations is different for different services. For color appointments, like foil and balayage, you have to cancel at at least 48 hours in advance. For haircuts, you have to cancel 24 hours ahead. After having a color service performed (which I was happy with), I booked a haircut and tone for a week out. So I ask you, gentle people of the public, is a tone the same as a color service? It sure isn't to me. Typical color appointments can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. A toner, on the other hand, is slathered on like conditioner when the hair is wet, and the entire process takes three to five minutes tops. Unlike color, toner washes out almost immediately. In fact that's why I requested it just six days after my last one. Anyway, after unexpectedly getting roped into a work meeting for the date and time of my appointment, I canceled the day before at 10am (30 hours before my appointment). Why does this matter? Because if you don't time your cancellation according to their specifications. VAIN will charge you for the full cost of the service. Which they did. I was charged $58...for nothing. I understand that late cancellations are hard for businesses and they must absorb the loss when those gaps aren't filled. But in addition to feeling confident that a busy salon in Ballard can fill a haircut slot, that's not really the issue. My objection is that the classification of my haircut and tone as a "color" appointment just wasn't quite cricket (to borrow from the Brits) and likely not in the spirit in which the policy was created - to deflect loss with last-minute cancellations of long, involved color processes. Calling it a color did make it convenient, if not altogether fair, to charge me for nothing. I guess in a real gray area like this, it's just a question of opportunity cost that each business owner has to ask themselves. What is the lifetime value of this customer? I'm a pretty frequent flyer when it comes to salon visits, so is taking advantage of this policy on a technicality the best longitudinal strategy? What do you think -- time and money-wise, is a haircut and tone equivalent to a color appointment, or a haircut appointment? Was this policy enacted fairly or was it a gotcha? The answer doesn't really matter, of course. They can run their business as they wish, just as I can avoid it. read more

Please see the attached pictures for reference. My hair was already in a good place color wise, I just wanted it lightened a bit ( shade of highlights I've routinely gone back to over the last 5 years). When I scheduled the appointment I had to send a picture of my current hair and the color inspiration beforehand as well. Despite me agreeing with the receptionist who reviewed my inspo picture that the stylist may not be able to do that in the window of time so I should just have a transition type appointment (a little brightening by the face instead) - the stylist was adamant that it wouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, I realized about 15 minutes in something was wrong - the stylist did a combination of foils and balayage and chose to do the entire left side of my head first before touching my right side. Which resulted in her needing to suddenly wash out only my left side (while leaving the right side in bleach) and then having me return to sit under heat to help process the right side that wasn't lifting as much. She made a comment how she "may" tone it and I had to ask for clarification that should would in fact tone it. However, once all the bleach was out it was apparent that the left side was lighter and any pieces she foiled were borderline white, while any balayage pieces were orange (especially along the front of my head. She then stated she was attempting to do a root smudge to fix this and then informed me she toned it a color she called a "cool gold" (which wasn't the color I was in search of in the first place). When I left, my hair was a total of three colors: white, orange and yellow. I voiced I was upset (though still in some disbelief) and they said they could get me in a few days later to "fix it." When I found out the game plan was to have the same colorist "try and tone it"...I let them know I didn't feel comfortable having them work on my hair again. Since I had put down a deposit for the appointment and then was charged a remaining fee when I left - I felt it was fair to refund me the second amount I was charged (letting them keep the deposit). They declined, saying they do not offer refunds and they only offer color fixing appointments. I was shocked that they would force client's to do something they are voicing feeling uncomfortable with doing versus giving even a partial refund. Terribly disappointing as I have to go somewhere else to have it color corrected and fixed just to get it back to something even close to the hair color which I originally came in with. I gave it at least two stars because the receptionist was very nice and understanding. I wish the stylist had listened to the receptionist's feedback when I arrived for my appointment that maybe she should try just popping in a little brightness by my face as a transition appointment versus trying something that may require more time, etc. (which as mentioned I had agreed with at check in). read more

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I noticed there was a bad review about Quincy and all I have to say is it sounds like the client didn't articulate what she wanted. To blend an undercut with the hairline would be a short haircut. ‍ Anyway, on a more positive note Quincy is amazing!! I've had pretty bad hair experiences as of late. Quincy was attentive and listened to my needs. I have very thick and corse/wavy hair naturally and since I've moved to Seattle have found it hard to find a hairstylist who knows how to work with my thick hair. I've had hair anxiety for awhile due to a hairstylist chopping my hair too short/crooked. She fixed my crooked haircut that was way too heavy in the front (legit felt like I had curtains). She's definitely a keeper! So excited to go back and get my hair colored soon. read more

VAIN - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I have been seeing Greta at Vain Ballard for four years now, and it's just been a beautiful hair journey. She was the first person I took the leap with and trusted to cut my hair really short - like, REALLY short - and it was so worth it. She has also styled it and dyed it all sorts of colors over the years. I'll come to her with a couple pictures and a vague idea, and she'll take that and make something unique and perfect for me! Greta is funny, adorable, and AMAZING to work with. I've also had tinsel added by Quincy, which was super fun. The folks who work at Vain are super nice and thoughtful all the time. I really appreciate Ryan and their team - everyone seems to really love their work and their clients. Also, dang, what a gorgeous location. The Ballard store is on a quiet brick street with a view of trees and cute boutiques. On Sundays, the farmer's market is right outside, so you can get your hair cut AND enjoy some fresh mini donuts. My advice is to always take advantage of their free 4-week trim. Your hair will grow healthier by keeping up with this habit, and it's nice to take an extra 10 minutes once a month to spruce it up a bit. Try a couple different stylists to see who resonates with you. The standard haircuts may be expensive, but it's well worth it for the awesome experience. read more

VAIN - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

So I made an appointment using Vain's online booking system, got a calendar invitation for the appointment, and thought I was all set. I went there today at my scheduled appointment time (after taking off the afternoon from work) and they had no record of the appointment. Apparently the online booking is only "confirmed" if I get a text or phone call confirming it, which is NOT clear when booking online. Will never go back - what a waste of time. read more

Giulia is absolutely the best stylist I have ever had. She makes my hair look amazing every time and knows how to work with curls. Plus her conversation never feels forced and she genuinely fun to be around. They are also amazing with their COVID regulations and I feel so safe. read more

VAIN - Round layers long cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Jessica made me feel so beautiful! I felt like my head was the art and she was indeed the artist. I also will say, best head massage ever AND she listened to exactly what I wanted for a haircut and delivered. Thanks babe!!!! read more

VAIN - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I was offered a refund by Quincy after my poor review but met resistence when I called back so I just dropped it. As for anyone who claims I didn't "articulate what I wanted well enough", if bringing pictures, demonstrating length with hands and having the stylist repeat back and elaborate on what I said is not enough, it's a miracle I'm able to ever get anything that I want or need. Update: hair grows and anyone who likes Quincy is more than welcome to use her! And anyone who doesn't like her, doesn't have to use her. The joy of choice, eh? read more

VAIN - Terribly executed cut. Not even close what was discussed. - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The haircut and style was $90.00 plus tip. Nothing special to be honest. Nice people. Parking was difficult.

Jessica is amazing!!! She is so kind, funny, and has a positive energy. She did the most incredible work transforming my quarantine home-bleached head of hair into a piece of art. I was a little worried about how getting my hair done would feel in this new age of wearing masks, but conversation was effortless, and she made it such a great experience. I will definitely be back! read more

VAIN - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I love Quincy! I have been going to her for a Couple years at this point and she always does a great job. I have referred some friends to her as well. Check her out! My cut and all over color is $160 ish. She is very nice and always gives me some tips and tricks. read more

I read these reviews and saw Quincy had a bunch of good feedback so I decide to book her. What I wanted was a light trim and some bangs. I haven't had bangs for years and have a bit of a round face, so I of course had intense insecurity and nervousness for sure! Quincy was super nice and really took the time to understand what I wanted and also ease my nerves (which I'm sure was a bit annoying) She was really sweet and after 30 years I would have to say it's the best haircut I've ever had! I've never left a salon thinking "wow my hair looks amazing!" It was more like, yeah this is good enough. I was surprised she charged much less than others in the salon and think she deserves to charge more with her great skills! I even gave a 25% tip because I really believe this to be true! Ramble ramble ramble, Quincy is a cute person and gives the best haircuts! I would recommend her to anyone! read more

Quincy is talented! I've been seeing Quincy for my cuts and color for almost 2 years. I always leave the salon with how I was hoping my hair would turn out or even better! I've had hairdressers in the past who start out great but their quality and attention to detail slowly declines - not with Quincy! She's consistent and careful. Her cuts and color also grow out really well and I've actually had to go in less for trims. Highly recommend Quincy! You won't be disappointed! The downside is she books up pretty quickly so you may need to wait a few weeks for an appointment. read more

Jessica is amazing. Cheerful, can hold a good conversation, and absolutely knows what's she's talking about when it comes to hair. I just moved over here and have gone to the same person since I was 4 years old. Jessica understood what I wanted from the get-go and made it happen (I'm blonde and was a little scared to go to someone new). Go see Jessica! read more

VAIN - Blonde hair by Jessica - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I am in the process of growing my hair out and needed a little trim. My hair is extremely thick / frizzy / curly / wild and I do not have time for stylish cuts. I was very specific with Scott that I do not like layers around my face and preferred only slight layers in the back to add dimension. Because my hair is thicker at the crown on the back of my head, the hair is heavier and lays flat, hence the slight layers BACK THERE. After he repeated what I asked for and assessed my texture and style, we went over my work and the fact that I need to have my hair up in specific fashions every single day. He tricked me into thinking he understood, then turned my chair to towards the window, and started cutting layers at the front of my face. I stopped him to double check that he understood what I had asked for and he assured me he did. I felt like a jerk for questioning his technique. He cut approx 6 inches off the top forward portion of my hair that frames my face. I am now rocking a chopped, fluffy mullet without a single layer in the back. The damage was done. Normally I would burst out into tears, but I held it together and expressed my disappointment. He had done exactly the opposite of what I asked for. He apologized and said he could now cut it the way I wanted, you know to 'fix it'... I declined. I'm trying to grow my hair out. The 'trim' I wanted looked as though it would require cutting all my hair off to the length it was two years ago to correct. I tried my very best not to cry because he had styled it so fabulously. Imagine a Farrah Fawcett cut, very 'feathered' and hot wanded back. Even though it wasn't what I asked for, it may have been a nice cut... I told him I would go home and play with to see what I thought. I know my hair and I knew deep down it would require all the styling tools / time to look good... But maybe I was wrong... Hopefully I was wrong. It is three months later... I can finally pull it back out of my eyes into ONE ponytail without having to divide it into TWO hair ties just to get it out of my face. For my texture (thick / frizzy / curly), it is one of the worst haircuts I have seen in a really long time. I have visited other stylists to see IF there is a miracle cut that might save what I have left of the length so it doesn't look like I have been growing out 'heavy bangs'.... Three different salons said the layers are so heavy and choppy that I have to sacrifice the back part of my mullet to fix it. I would not recommend Scott, nor the salon. Scott clearly has become too comfortable there and is likely cutting people's hair however he feels rather than how they asked. I also feel that he does not have a concept of different styling techniques and the 'hair cut and effect' for various textures. As for the salon itself, the policy was disappointing when I watched all the stylists scamper into the back room with him as soon as my appointment finished. The receptionist gladly accepted cash for the service and sent me on my way as she walked into the back room to join the rest of them... Bummer, total bummer. read more

VAIN - My fluffy mullet dang - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

VAIN Salon, (especially Alexis, the woman who looks & makes me feel amazing), is a place I have been going to for years now. And I couldn't possibly see myself going anywhere else. Its a cute, little salon on Market street in Ballard, but feels very open, lots of windows and light colors. I came here to fix a hair coloring I had recieved (it caused major MAJOR damage, my hair was orange rather than blonde, yikes!) and I was just so relieved to meet Alexis, my one and only hair stylist until death do us part, or if she just decides to stop coloring and cutting. I have never, EVER left Vain unhappy, I always feel gorgeous, fresh and like a new woman. Alexis has helped me transition from my horrible orange accident, to blonde, to brunette, and because I'm so indescisive, back to blonde again. Shes always up for a new challenge, and we have the greatest time ever. We laugh, talk about our lives, and I've even gotten to the point with her that I can sit in the chair and tell her to do what she thinks would look best because we have a major key thing: trust. Everyone in there is fun, friendly, and they always have cool jewelry and accessories that often times, make great gifts! Never will another salon or stylist take the place that Vain has occupied in my heart. So looking forward to my next appointment! read more

I have been growing my hair out again and couldn't take it anymore, I wanted to chop it off again! It's just what I do. The guy I used to go to was way out on the Bothell Everett Highway, way to far as I live in Ballard! He was good but he was in Italy for a month, I couldn't wait. A friend of mine suggested Vain, so I did some research and looked at the stylist's bio's as I needed someone who was comfortable with chopping my hair and understood the style I wanted. That's where I found Vai! Love her! Granted, my appointment took about 4 hours but we had a lot to do! I had a consultation with her first to go over style, cut and color; she got it! She was very meticulous and took her time. I got a veggie dye and I love the color! I will definitely be returning to Vai, she's great! BTW, my pic is me holding my long hair! read more

VAIN - Before the chop! - Hair Salons Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Got a cut and color (balayage) by Quincy. Wanted something super subtle, just a nice refresh and shape for the summer and am so thrilled with the results. I got to keep most of my length, as requested, while my previous disaster of a haircut (from back home on the east coast) was lightened up and shaped. The color is exactly what I wanted - so natural looking and grabs all of the light when outside in the sun. Quincy really took her time and I didn't feel rushed throughout the entire process. The assistant, Raven, was also great shampooing and giving me some hair care tips. After the cut was dried Quincy went back in to shape it even more upon my request and I'm so glad she took the time for that extra step. Above all, she definitely listened to exactly what I wanted and even paused along the way after each step to make sure I was satisfied!! Totally recommend for your next hair appointment! You'll be in great hands. read more

YAY VAIN, YOU DID IT! Or more rightly, TIFFANY YOU KICKED BUTT! In a mere 3 hours, she took my hair from grown out pixie cut with faded red/blonde color to an awesome art piece. For serious, what she did was art (see enclosed photo for evidence). I've been search for a stylist who wouldn't be scared to have fun and do something that is maybe outside of the norm or their comfort zone and she did a great job! She shaved the sides and made beautiful pattern, bleached and dyed purple bits, and dyed the rest brown. I'll definitely be back for her to give it another go! SO recommend coming for a consult at VAIN if you are looking for a challenging cut or color! read more

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I came to Vain after reading yelp reviews and checking them out on instagram. I actually found Quincy on instagram! Finding a new hair stylist in a new city is so hard! Especially when making such a huge change! Quincy cut about 10 inches of my hair off- and I looove it! I will be booking with her again for sure. Her price is pretty awesome too :) read more

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Angie was amazing! She heard me and what I really wanted and gave me the best new style that is super manageable for me! I am also really grateful that she works on Sunday because my days off are always Sunday and Monday which seem to be when all hair salons are closed, so now I am also able to keep my new cut up which has been an issue in the past when I've had a short hairstyle. Thanks for Angie she is a rockstar read more

I know people usually like consistency in their hair but I actually like diversity. I had hoped to book Greta again for my color appointment before going to Hawaii for vacation but she was super busy so I was scheduled in with Valentine instead. I've had three different stylists at Vain so far and I'm still lovin' it. I wish I could be more of a regular coming every 2 months or so but I can't afford to pamper myself that often. I wanted to dye my hair the same color as last time but unfortunately they changed color lines since April. Makes sense. And I waited too long to re-dye it so the appointment needed two dyes. I loved how patient Valentine was and how informative he was with my color experience. He's a super nice guy and I enjoyed my hair experience (yet again) at Vain. We had to color my hair twice to maintain a similar color throughout without having my roots be too dark, the end product looked good and even though I wanted a lighter color. I'm really feeling the darkish brown now because now I have a great palette to work highlights into. :) Thank you to Vain for another lovely experience. It's so worth driving all the way to Ballard and fighting impossible parking for. read more

My review is for my haircut with Raven. She started with asking questions about what I want and what I would like to keep and change about my hair. She put a lot of effort in cutting my hair. She continuously checked with me if I was okay with the length. At no point did she pressurize me into doing something or using a particular product. I got what I wanted and received compliments on my hair. Appointment scheduling is straightforward and you get reminders from Vain on message. The location is also great and well-lit. read more

You're so Vain, I bet you think this review is about you. No, this review is about a thing called courtesy, or specifically in this case, being conscientious. You apparently haven't heard of it, so allow me to explain: When someone shows up first thing for styling offered as part of a Yelp event, and you tell them it will be just a few minutes, don't make them wait 20 minutes and then start working on some self-important bitch that just walked in the door past everyone else. Thoughtful, conscientious people find that rude, and may be a bit too dismayed or offended at being snubbed, intentionally or not, to call attention to the situation or to ever to return to your establishment. Perhaps the SIB was one of your regulars, but why host such an event if you don't want any new customers? But hey, +1 star for the cookies, cheeses, and Jello shots. Just remember that treating people with respect doesn't cost you anything, and is a lot more likely to turn them into loyal customers. read more

Well, Alexis got so good that she went ahead and opened up her own salon -- kudos to her. But also, kudos to Vain! Because unlike most salons that won't tell you where your hairstylist has gone or even that she left, Vain called to let me know Alexis had opened her own place, told me the name of the place and how to find it, while also, of course, hoping that I'd consider giving a different stylist at Vain a try. I haven't yet decided where I'll end up, but this is the definition of a class act. Thank you, Vain! read more

Not only am I NOT a blond - as it turns out - I'm not a redhead either. After trying to live with the massive amount of red that Jenny carefully (and I might add - beautifully) put in my dark, Jewess hair, I caved and called Vain in an act that, well, mirrors their name. ME: Uh, I loved what Jenny did, she's really good at color and all, but you know - I'm not a redhead. I feel silly. My friend just told me I look like a Korean bar girl he once played cards with in Seoul. My other friend told me I look like that annoying character on Will & Grace. SALON: Karen? ME: The other one. SALON: Grace? I think Karen is more annoying. ME: True, but Grace is the one that looks like Lucille Ball. Personally, I prefer not to look like Lucille Ball. SALON: I can understand that. Okay, come on in. We'll fix it. (The above is a dramatized version of actual events). So I went in, and cute RED-HAIRED Aran fixed me up. Free. I am now my original Plain Jane, dark-haired non-entity again, having paid oodles of money to rock my natural color. Sigh. Oh well. I still think Jenny Slay is terrific, Vain was sweet to fit me in quickly, and at least I'm not eating chocolates off the assembly line, right? ;) read more

Pretty amazing. I saw Tiffany for a trim and not only did it turn out great, it also was reasonably priced. Ideally, every hair salon would offer those two thing, but what really made this such a great experience was the hairdresser, herself. First of all, I'm not a huge talker when I get my hair done - I like to relax, turn my brain off, and just enjoy. Tiffany asked me questions initially, seeming to take an interest in getting to know the person whose hair she was working on, but she didn't push it. I've had hairdressers in the past who asked me what my job was THREE times in one day... Clearly desperate to make conversation and not listening. Not the case at Vain! Another thing I really appreciated about Tiffany was after asking what I wanted to do with my hair, she gave me her input. She is the hair professional, after all, not me. Commenting on the texture of hair, how much she felt should be cut, the general style of my hair, etc. ALSO, she may be the first hair dresser to ask me about the tiny little hairs I have at the top of my forehead. Little baby hairs that I won't grow for the life of me - NOT BANGS. Finally, she asked me if I had any questions for her - and I did, about methods of styling and hair products specific to my fine hair and she had great tips and feedback. Tiffany was observant, knowledgeable, time-efficient, and most importantly, good at what she does! Don't know if I'll be able to get my hair cut anywhere else. read more

Wow. I went to Vain because I wanted to get a quality haircut and dye job at a decent price and not have to go downtown to Seven and listen to techno dance jams. Not only did I get a quality do today at a fair price, this place is just a few blocks from my house! Can't beat that. PROS: 1. Confident stylists who listen to your desires, but still offer their own expertise and guidance on what your best options are. 2. Great location--right in the heart of Old Ballard. 3. Fair prices. I saw Vai and since she is a newer stylist, my rates were far cheaper than others. I arrived with three inches of grow-out and a highlighting job that faded from cinnamon to blond (not ideal for a girl with black hair). Rather than touch up my highlights or give me an overall dye job back to black, Vai recommended I do a fade-out--she pretty much put some dark color at the roots, and a lighter color at the ends, and then toned everything out. The end result was a dye job that was subtle, natural, and full of dimension. This, plus a haircut and blow-out only set me back $118 plus tip. Amazing! I highly recommend Vai and VAIN! read more

Ok, so I REALLY wanted to like this place. I love that it's located in Ballard and that I don't have to pay for parking. I love that it's small, light and airy. I love that everyone who works here looks like they just walked out of the Urban Outfitters catalog. Why?, well, because I want to look like that, BUT am 30 and have never been able to pull off that look. All that to say, I really don't love how my hair looks 2 to 3 weeks after spending over $280 on a haircut and color that I really didn't describe or ask for. I asked for BLONDE BLONDE, and they gave me, blonde in the front and brown in the back. I get it, that is the "cool" contrasty thing to do these days...well, as I explained, I'm not Urban Outfitters cool...so, can you please do BLONDE. When cutting my hair, the hairdresser actually thinned out my already thin hair. I get it - it's cool to have "thin" Joan Jett hair...but, again, I'm not cool, and will never be Joan Jett - I so wish I could be... I hate to do this, because the people here are really nice, but they are a little "too cool for school" for me. If you are looking for a drastic change and you really don't have a vision of how you want your hair - go here. If you have a vision of how you want it and you aren't Urban Outfitters, hipster cool, like me, I'd steer clear. Sorry Vain...I won't be comin' back. read more

I have curly hair, and because of this I have some pretty serious trust issues with hair stylists. I've been burned one too many times. Just because they say they LIKE to cut curly hair, does not mean they CAN. The search for the right person had been a daunting one, because I just couldn't have another bad haircut. I read the reviews on this salon, and went to their website to find a stylist that was experienced with curly hair. I found Alexis. I love her. My needs have always been simple. I want to wear my hair down without the dreaded Triangle Hair. She listened to everything I had to say, asked what kind of products I use and how much time I am willing to spend on my hair everyday. She wanted to make sure that not only did I have a style that I loved, but wanted to give me something I could work with on my own. She gave me tips on drying my hair to reduce frizziness, and showed me how to correctly apply product. She may be a little on the pricey side, but oh God, is she worth it. She gave me a fantastic haircut that is incredibly low maintenance. Seriously, all she did was put some foam mousse in my hair and dried it with a diffuser. I can do that! There was also zero pressure to buy any products, which I really appreciate. I did end up buying the mousse, though. :) I will definitely be going to her from now on - I am so happy to be loving my curls again. read more

I have never cheated on my hair stylist in 7 years, I lie once when he was in Thailand and came out looking like a 3 year old Chinese girl with a bowl haircut. But a new year demands changes! My colorist was Carissa, a hip little thing with lots of tattoos, plus we had an entertaining conversation about metal music, something I would of never learned about on my daily closed life. The color came out good, I am sure she will be able to manipulate it some more which is a frickin miracle because I have that dark Asian textured hair that can turn orange-ashy in a drop of a dime. My only complaint is somehow the color got on my skin and gave me an rash, most likely not her fault, but it still ichy after 2 days. My haircut was with Scott, more than impressed! He was amazing and he worked with my hair which is super duper thick. I heart his talent! Plus my co-workers said I looked 8 lbs skinnier, gotta love that! I will be back and I am a hard cookie to please! read more