Got my hair done there today and it turned out amazing! My stylist Jamie (sp?) was so knowledgeable about hair coloring, and how to keep it healthy and full after going blonde. Really pricey, but completely worth it! read more

I went in the other day after I got my haircut ( not at vain ). I came in to get some color for my hair, the the receptionist and stylist who helped me out were fantastic. They answered all my questions and assured me I would be able to do what I wanted. But the crowning enjoyment I had was that if I didn't like how it came out they said that they would fix it for me. It's nice to know if something didn't go as planned I had the option to go to professionals. But my hair looks great now thanks to all their help. read more

I worked at a hair salon for 4 years (as a receptionist,) and have tried at least 4 others in Seattle. I finally feel like I've found someone I can stick with for color. I booked an appointment with Carissa, whose blurb on the website said she was especially good with red hair. I've been all over this city looking for someone who could give me nuanced copper hair, and continued to get iterations of purple or streaks coming right from my scalp. I am very, very picky about my color. I want it warm, light, and natural looking. I've become so accustomed to being disappointed with my color, that I just expect that I'm going to hate it initially and "get used to it" after awhile. Carissa is amazing. She changed the plan on the fly to meet my needs and did balyage. My color turned out PERFECT, and even so, she checked in with me several times after it was dried to ask me how I liked it. I loved it and didn't want to change a thing, but I felt that she was genuinely concerned with my satisfaction, which I appreciated. Everyone there was great. I felt well taken care of the whole time, and I will definitely, definitely be back. read more

I had saved up for a long time for this hair cut and color. I had spent a few months taking note of my hair condition, color and looking at pictures to see what i wanted. I looked at the vain website, going through every stylist. I finally chose one that said that they take a lot of time before for a consultation. I made the appointment and was told the cut/color would be about $190-220. When I got there the hairdresser only looked at one of the photos I had with me and just asked "What you want to do?" No consultation, none of my concerns addressed. When I tried to ask my questions they were brushed off. I think she was in a hurry because there was another appointment close after mine. But thats not my fault. Also, I made sure to tell them I have really thick hair and to account for that when I made the appointment. She basically just started doing my hair and halfway through said that the color I wanted isn't really possible so she was going to do it different. URGH In the end the cut and color are fine, but not what I had asked for. AND they charged me 290!!! For something that I had spent months saving for and doing research for I feel completely cheated. What a waste of my energy and money. I do not have a lot of spare money and it could have gone to do some really good things. I cannot recommend this place. read more

Dylan cut my hair for the first time. she was GREAT! Listened and really cared to get a good cut. It is perfect. thanks you!

Jamie has been cutting hair for many years, and has been cutting mine for at least 3! Love her. Great stylist, and great person. Would definitely recommend requesting her when you book your appointment. read more

I typically go to Gene Juarez and have been going to them for the past 7yrs. They are great for my brows, but hair it's been hit or miss and I've never found a styist there who I felt they were worth going back to on a regular basis. I have really long straight hair and wanted to get bangs and fix my layers that my last stylist screwed up. :( I'm getting married in a few months so I have been debating if it's a good time to do anything to change my hair before the wedding. But I couldn't wait any longer so I wanted to find a good place based on good reviews not just price. After reading the reviews, I thought I'd give Vain a try. I've been here once a long time ago and the lady I had was not that great and scared be back to GJ. But typically the reviews on yelp haven't let me down, so I thought I'd give them a second try. I called and they were able to get me in "same day" at a great price $15!! The lady I saw is an apprentice I was a little nervous being 1) I don't think I can remember the last time, if ever, I paid so little for a hair cut. Was getting a smoking deal a good thing when it comes to hair? Will I "get what I pay for" and be sorry? and 2) I've always been weary of the "in training" or "junior" title they put on people, even though honestly I've to had both very experienced stylist and stylists that were considered junior and have had equally bad experiences with both. I told myself if it didn't feel right I wasn't going to go through with it. But the lady I say was great! Her name is Cassie. She really made me feel confident that she understood what I was looking for, she gave me suggestions & tips to archive the style I want. I am very happy with the hair cut!! I didn't do anything too drastic but I did get a little more layers and some long swooping bangs in the front. I'm a fan and defiantly will be back again for my next cut. I gave them a 4 because I think I will go back again and see how my second time goes. But my experience today was definitely a 5 star. read more

I first made an appointment for a haircut at Vain after noticing my co-worker's hair always looked perfect, and my current favorite hairstylist at Bowie Salon had raised his prices beyond my budget ($70 for a haircut, pre-tip) I waited almost a month for an appointment with Alexis, and thought she did a great job and the price was very reasonable. I think it was $50 for the haircut. My haircut continued to look great even while it grew out. I switched to the downtown location from Ballard after moving, and although I definitely do not fit in with the hipster/tattooed clientele (I am a preppy blond who likes blouses and high heels) everyone is always friendly and I always get complimented on my haircut after every appointment. She is excellent at shampooing and blow drying your hair. My only complaint is that the shampoo tubs are slightly uncomfortable on your neck, even with a towel. read more

i went here for feather extensions a few months ago because they were one of the first seattle salons to do them professionally and I must say I was SUPER pleased. they let me pick out my colors and how I wanted them to look while giving their professional insight without seeming too pushy. the only drawback was that the staff was a bit unprofessional and continually talked about other hair dressers amongst themselves. read more

Alexis is wonderful, friendly and cute. She listens, has good communication and asks questions until you are both on the same page. She asks what you like and what you don't like. She thoroughly looks at the pictures that you bring in. She doesn't start cutting till you are ready and have said all the things that are important to you. Being a former hairstylist myself, I know that all of these things are very important and I am so very glad she took the time to do them. I am VERY happy with my haircut and am super excited to visit Alexis next time I need a trim, knowing that from now on I will have cute hair. Thanks read more

After writing a review of VAIN based on a bad hair situation I had there last week, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from them sincerely apologizing and offering to set things right. That certainly wasn't an outcome I expected when writing a review and one that I really appreciated. It says a lot about their business that they don't just read reviews to see what people think, they try to right wrongdoings and bring customers back. After a few back-and-forth phone calls, speaking with two incredibly nice and helpful people there, I was offered a full refund, a do-over and a credit on my account. They refunded me the full amount I paid for the service-gone-awry and put a credit on my account so I can get a comparably priced service for free in the future. They also offered a free consultation to see if a senior stylist can help fix my hair. Even though I left unhappy and have a somewhat long road ahead of me to fix the color, I really respect the staff at VAIN and appreciate their ability to admit when things went wrong and their generosity in terms of setting things right. I'm not sure if I will be able to afford to do a double-process with them in terms of color correction, so the fix may be at least partially DIY, but I would definitely like to give VAIN another try when it comes time to getting a haircut, or maybe for some highlights, with the credit they gave me. First impressions are not always right and hairstylists, like all people, make mistakes. It's really refreshing to see people, and businesses in particular, admit that and totally turn the situation around. Many thanks to VAIN for phenomenal customer service. read more

The service was great. But the price was outrageous. I got a cut and color. $250!! Their website says "starting at $45 & $55" respectively. So I thought it would be around $100-$120. I really feel like they should have given me an estimate before we started. read more

Going to update because the owners reached out to me because of my previous review. I sincerely appreciated the reach out and would recommend the business overall. read more

Best Salon in Seattle.. Hands down.. Love vain.. you will too! Oh, Sara B cuts my hair.. She is the bomb!! read more

Hmmmm... what to say about Vain. At risk of sounding like Randy, the former American Idol judge, "It's just a'ight for me, man." This place has mad hipster credentials and many of my friends' hot hairstyles originated here, so I figured I would be in store for a hair-gasm. I tried two different stylists, and unfortunately, was left feeing less than enthused. My hair is long, curly and layered with bangs, and I frequently straighten it at home. I explained all this to the stylist, but ended up with a cut that was WAY too layered with the longest layer being super weird and thin. I had to blow dry my hair straight every day for a while just for it to not look like a mullet--not a "fashion" mullet-- but a really bad early 1980s mullet. I had a pretty conservative job at the time, and this look did not cut it-- which I also explained to the stylist. Fortunately, Casey at Rudy's worked with me to fix it, and even though the result was shorter hair than I wanted, at least I didn't look like I had just stepped out of the pages of Teen Vogue circa 1984. Maybe I just didn't know which stylist to ask for-- it seems that many stylists here are getting great reviews...but I'm unlikely to go back. I can get a great haircut way cheaper at Rudy's, Bridge Blonde or Zero Zero, and parking here sucks. read more

Vain fits with the hipster crowd. I like their funky atmosphere but that's what they are. They tout on their own website that they cater to everyone but after a year of coming home with the 80's rock-star overly-straightened quasi-mullet I think I might have to break it off with Vain. I'm not in college anymore, I'm trying to fit in in the overly conservative financial district crowd. I hate conforming but when your paycheck is at stake and you're fresh out of college you have to just deal with it. I always request a little bit of layering (I have thick straight hair) but every time it gets layered from below my shoulders to above my ears and then my already straight hair is ironed out with a straightener to give me the "piecy edgy look." Now I have to iron my hair every day to make it not boing up and look like a mullet. I should have known better the last 3 times that this happened (all different stylists). Alas, I said I was growing my hair out and only wanted it cleaned up so I could grow it long and yet again I look like I belong in the game "Guitar Hero." I know I can go back for a touch up trim for free, even if it's to change the style, but frankly, there's hardly any hair left on my head. It's been thinned out so much that my super thick shoulder length hair is stringy and sad looking. I'm probably not going to be able to cut my hair for at least 4-6 months now. My other problem with Vain is there ever soaring prices. It's nearly impossible to get in for the rumored "$15 special" and my last friend that got the special had his hair cut by the girl who shampoos and sweeps the floor. Maybe if you're a guy with a clipper cut, and manage to get the $15 special and get a free trim out of it in 4 weeks it's worth it. But I'm tired of having my hair butchered to look like an 80's revival emo band. I think next time I'll go to the beauty school at Northgate, they usually don't mess up already straight hair that just needs the ends cleaned up to grow out. read more

Its been a month since my haircut at Vain and I'd say its the worst haircut I've ever received. With the intense layering, uneven length, and poor technique that was executed on my hair, it will most likely take me a good year to grow out the damage that was done. My advice is pay extra and go to another stylist with more experience. read more

Hedy is amazing and I'm so glad she's up in the Seattle area doing hair now! She did my hair for years in Austin and by far she is the best when it comes to color - especially blonde! She's great at giving you a natural blonde look. You wouldn't think it was that hard to find someone who can do an amazing blonde color, but trust me, after spending hundreds of dollars and leaving with mediocre hair - I am so happy Hedy is living in the same area as me and can do my hair again! You know you have a good hair stylists when you book appointments on your vacation back home. And she's not only great with blonde, we've done all kinds of colors with my hair. She was great when I wanted to do blonde and pink, taking me to a beautiful bright red, to auburn, then back to blonde again! Being someone who likes to play with different colors, I love how Hedy is always honest with me with the process and educates me on what's going on. If she doesn't think it's possible to do what I want in one trip or it will ruin my hair, she'll tell me. And just because I've talked all about color, don't think she doesn't cut. My haircut is always amazing too! She is a great stylists and you'll be happy if you can get in with her. Friendly, professional and always in a great mood. I feel like a bodacious babe when I leave her! Hedy is everything you want In a stylists! read more

Well to be honest I barely got in the door. I was walking in and was cut off by a young girl who almost ran me over and then gave me a dirty look as she rushed in for being in her way. No pardons or apologies for her rude behavior. When I got to the desk I was informed she was my stylist. I understand the name of the shop is Vain but if that is the attitude of their staff? Well I did not stay and will not be returning. Regardless of your skill or talent manners go a long way. Maybe they forgot cosmetology is still a customer SERVICE based industry. read more

I have such a great experience getting my hair cut and styled by Scarlett every time I go to her. She really takes the time to get to know what kind of style and cut you want. She has awesome style herself and really helps you create your own individual look. My hair has long layers and Scarlett always cuts it so that my hair frames my face and gives the layers extra texture so that my hair looks more full. Scarlett is also great with hair color and helped me pick a color that looks amazing with my complexion and hair- it looks awesome! I have been to many different hair stylists and I have found that Scarlett is by far the best. read more

CURLY HAIR LOOK NO FURTHER!! If you have curly hair you know the woes of getting a cut. Rebekah knows her stuff. She spends a lot of time talking to you about what you want and how different things will work with your hair. She knows how curly hair reacts and does an amazing job. Have no doubts, Rebekah is wonderful. read more

I get my hair cut by Kathleen and am a loyal customer. I have difficult hair too. I am hesitant to write a review though because I don't want more people to see her and the prices to go up and the availability to go down. That just makes me selfishpants! read more

I was just visiting Seattle and was in desperate need of a haircut; this place was a couple of blocks from my hotel; and had a $30 cut appointment available the day I called. I am usually extremely particular about who cuts my hair, and I pay the price for that - but this time, I had that vacation feeling of not-giving-a-fuck. And I learned that a $30 cut can be just as good as those that cost twice as much or more! Oh, how much money I have wasted! My cut was with Taylor. She was young, and probably fairly new. She dealt well with my, "I don't know what I want, just give me a good haircut" thing, in that she knew to ask questions before proceeding and all throughout the process to reveal what I did indeed want, but couldn't conceptually grasp. And even though she knew she wasn't going to score a repeat customer, she treated me with patient care and respect. I loved the final cut; thanks Taylor! I liked the atmosphere of the salon; hip and laid back, grand exposed brick walls. And everybody, including the person I talked to on the phone, and the counter person who checked me out, was friendly. read more

I have been going here off and on for a few years; I have loyalty as the founder is an old aquaintance & I appreciate the Punk Rock ethos on which it was founded. I have been happy with the actual cuts I have gotten from stykist K... but the last 3 appointments have been such awful service, I'm done. I go in for a dye job and partial foil. Every time, K seems annoyed when I show up and says they never book me enough time, (I have very long, very thick hair), as if that is somehow my fault. As a result, she bounces between me and another appointment (usually seems to be a friend of hers), spending very little time with me and directing others what to do on my head, before sending me off with someone else to rinse and blow me out. The girl rinsing my head was paying so little attention, she did not fully rinse the dye out of my hair, and when I left I touched my scalp; it came away purple. Have taken all my busu=iness to Sideshow Salon! read more

decent basic haircuts, but there are two words this salon never heard: Customer Service.

If you have curly hair you should read this review. It will transform your life or at least your frizzy hair. Typically when I go to the salon for a haircut I anxiously sit in the chair watching the stylist cut my hair. I think to myself, "please don't over cut, please don't make my hair to frizzy, and oh no if this person knew anything about curls they wouldn't be combing my hair or blow drying my hair as if it were straight." Since I was a child (last 20yrs) I've been going home to re-due the even bigger mess created by the stylist. (I will leave out the salon names). You have got to go see SAM at Belltown Vain. She is gifted. She is truly the best stylist I have ever been to in Washington st. She cut my hair dry so I could see the actual length. She knew exactly how to style my curls too. She used a perfect amount of product and a unique technique that kept my curls from frizzing under the dryer. Make an appointment with Sam. You will be so happy. Thank you Sam. read more

I checked this place out because of the reviews here. It was definately worth it! They have very good service there, and the receptionists are friendly and helpful. I got to see David for a complete cut and highlights, and he really knows his stuff. I had about three different highlights put into my hair on his recomendation, and after I was done, I was shocked at how wonderful I looked! David is not afraid to tell you what he thinks would be best, and explain why he thinks that. He's not a gung-ho stylist out to turn you into a pallette, and he was very respectful of letting me make decisions. I was looking for something I could wear in the office, then go out and feel a little sexy at night, and I got the perfect balance. And with my mousy, baby-fine hair that hates anything and everything I do to it, it's a tricky deal! But David pulled it off better than I imagined. Vain also turned out to be cheaper than my last stylist by about ten dollars. Definately a must go to. read more

I have seen Rebekah twice to cut my *very* curly hair - the first cut was amazing - I raved about her, event recommended her to others. The second cut - really salon experience - left a lot to be desired. I spent far more time with her assistants than I did with her; an assistant both shampooed and styled my hair. Rebekah spent ~ 15-20 minutes with me in between assistants to quickly cut my hair- and never came back to check on my cut after it was styled, despite the fact that we had tried something new and I clearly expressed concern over how to style the new cut. She never even showed me the back of the cut or came to check her work. I spoke with a manager the next day, and they comp'd a few dollars off my next cut... but I won't be going back. Not when you can get far superior service for the same or slightly better price. Wouldn't recommend Rebekah, and wouldn't recommend Vain. I gave 2 stars because my first experience was so much better- but sadly, a hoax. Don't be fooled. read more

**I am updating my previous review on the basis that the stylist contacted me apologizing. She is going through some personal problems and she says she normally does not work like that. Thank you for contacting me. read more

I went here because I have curly hair, and this salon has stylists who are apparently trained in the Deva Curl technique. I got my hair cut by Rebecca, who claimed to know this technique, but I've never been more disappointed with a cut in my life. I asked her if she could make the front of my hair less heavy and blocky, and she told me that was no problem. I was a little suspicious when she didn't cut my hair dry (which is how you should cut curly hair), but once I saw the end result I was even more surprised. She had made the chunky part of my hair EVEN WORSE. It was a noticeable huge 'L' shape next to my face, with the next layer far below it. Not only did I end up paying $100 after the cut and products, I had to pay an additional $60 to have someone fix my hair afterwards. Do NOT go here if you are looking for a Deva Curl stylist! read more

Yay, I found a new stylist! With curly and fine hair I usually have a hard time of finding a good stylist. Typically I have boring, soccer mom hair...but no longer with the help of Sam from Vain! She's very knowledgeable, will take time to find out the needs of the client, and will show them how to style their 'do. It's only been a couple of days, but I have been getting lots of compliments on my super cute new hair. You do not have to have boring hair just because you're a working professional! read more

i ve never had my hair done here but i have attend many of the art openings and parties that were always a good time. i would highly suggest any of their bashes they alwasy have great music, food and drinks! the shop with in vain also has lost of cute clothes and toys i love stopping by here and seeing whats new. read more

I have been going to Vain since I first moved to Seattle in 2003 and my stylist, Liza, is amazing! She does fantastic things with my curly hair and I am so thankful that I found her. I just booked her to do my hair for my wedding and I can't wait. There have been a couple of times that I've strayed when in need of an immediate haircut, and I've learned my lesson! Take advantage of the free touch-up trim, and always book your next appointment on the way out the door, because this place is so awesome that it's difficult to get an appointment without having to wait awhile. LOVE IT! and LOVE LIZA! read more

I'm new to Seattle and when I moved here I desperately needed a hair cut. I put it off as long as I could, narrowing it down to Vain (downtown) and another place slightly closer to where I lived. In the end, I chose Vain and stylist Roxie. Best decision ever. She asked me what I wanted and actually listened. I've had some stylist ignore what I really want. She gave me a Ginnifer Goodwin (Once Upon a Time) cut and it came out great! This is my new salon! read more

First time visit and they completely mis-scheduled me and had no solutions to get me in that day. I suggest you double, triple check before you go to your Appt. So disappointing. I will never ever go back. read more

I recognize I am writing this against my own interests, since it is to my benefit if Sam remains unknown and inexpensive. However, I feel I owe her this review, as Sam gave me the best hair cut I've ever had in my adult life. I have long curly hair, and Sam is the first stylist to cut it so that it is layered, stylish, cute, long, sexy, and manageable. She channeled my hair from being inconsistent in curl and texture and prone to a degree of frizziness to gorgeous, sultry, layered coiling curls. I am elated. It is the best haircut ever. It's also very easy to style. And it was only... shhhh.... $28. Highly highly recommend Sam for curly hair. read more

Kathleen is the reason I am giving Vain 5 stars. I have seen other stylists at Vain and she is by far the best! I have really fine, straight, lifeless hair. My hair is really short in the back and longer in the front. She does an awesome job stacking up the back for maximum volume. Not only does she do a great job but she is one of the nicest people I have met. She remembers things about me and seems to genuinely care. She is the best!! read more

After moving to the Seattle area recently from the SF Bay Area, I have been in desperate search of a good stylist, especially after a bad do from a dude at Coupe Rokei who also had amazing yelp reviews. So alas, I went to Vain, again going out of the amazing reviews on yelp. I'm not edgy, mind you, but a good stylist is a good stylist, so what the heck. When I told the receptionist my dilema and explained my hair type (naturally wavy, long layers, etc), she calmed my fears and referred me to Kellianne. Ok, great, I was excited to get my hair fixed by someone good and start being a loyal customer again. Big mistake! First off, I was so put off by Kellianne's negitive vibe; throughout the whole shampoo and cut she kept telling me how wonderful she was because she cut hair in NY. Ok, great, but if you're good, don't keep telling me, show me. When I told her my hair situation and where I was from, she tried to be cool and referred to it as "Frisco." Agh! NO ONE in the Bay Area refers to San Francisco as Frisco, it is simply San Francisco. PLEASE! I think I visibly cringed. Then during the cut, after I specifically told her that I DO NOT want my hair cut with a razor, because I have wavy hair and that's what the last guy did and screwed it up, she starts doing a razoring technique with the scissors. When I called her on this, she got defensive and expained that it was not a razoring technique, but a something, something (I can't remember) technique. Look, I've had my hair cut hundreds of times over the years and when you use the scissors as a razor, it's a razoring technique. Anyway, she backed off but I felt that I had to cajole her back to a neutral place. After all, she was holding shears to my hair. More talk about people she knows who know certain people in high places. More talk about all the clients she still has in NY and how she doesn't like Seattle and the people, blah, blah, blah. I told her that I like long layers and texturizing (with scissors) within the layers. She gave me a blank look, so I held up my hands and pantomimed how I've had my hair texturized (cut into the hair with the scissors). Again, defensiveness. As if to say, I know how to cut hair. Kellianne blew it out straight, which I like, but then after it was dry, she kept cutting. Initially I thought that she was just cleaning it up, but no, she kept really cutting. Now mind you, I have wavy hair, so when it's not straight, it's going to shrink up. Any stylist worth their salt would know this. When she was all finished she pulled away the cape with a sort of "voila." I mentioned that the layers in the back seemed kind of short (they are up to my ears) she assured me that they are the right length and offered to trim it up again, for free, within 4 weeks. The layers are so short that I actually have bangs! I did not ask for bangs! Look, I just have a simple cut. I don't need attitude or someone trying too hard to be cool. I was so stunned that when I went to pay I wasn't even sure that I wanted to tip her, let alone pay for a bad cut. I paid. And I will keep paying for this horrible hair cut until it grows out and I can brave looking for another stylist. I will not be back to this "edgy" salon. read more

JC IS AMAZINGGGG!!! I walked in with a botched balayage and walked out with a beautiful and dimensional blonde head of hair. Un-freaking-believable!! read more

Another hot spot to visit on 1st Avenue. Owner Victoria Gentry is totally into girl power, community and just plain making this a better world. She's hard to get an appointment with but worth the wait and price. She'll give you a "touchup trim" in between appointments so your bang and buck sync. Lots of retail color available for purchase as the shop supports those who like to do it themselves. Also features a variety of local artisan products. read more