I can't spend $250 on a haircut/highlights any more. Who do you recommend?

[Anonymous]

I've been going to a friend who does a fabulous job at a salon in Old Town but every time I go to make another appointment, I just can't do it. We have too many other priorities at home for this to feel like an acceptable use of money. It will be a little awkward when I run into her but I just can't do it any more.

I tried the box method but another friend gently told me it wasn't working. I have incredibly thick hair, am graying rapidly, and am vain enough to want to keep battling that. Any suggestions of other places where they know what they're doing (DD has the same thick hair and our forays to our local Hair Cuttery have been disastrous, with the hair cut very unevenly in an obvious way) and where it doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

No objections to Hair Cuttery if someone has a particularly great stylist to recommend. I just haven't had luck with the "Sure, we'll take the next available" approach at our local one. Willing to travel, too. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Try Sunny at Bubbles in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. She is an excellent colorist and also really knows how to cut hair. She is so much better than all the expensive places I used to go to.

[Anonymous]

I posted on the Hair Cuttery post. I've been going to Linda N. at the Hair Cuttery in Clifton, VA (Union Mill shopping center) for 15+ years. She's a master stylist so she takes appointments. She books up very fast, is always busy, some one is almost always waiting for her. I don't color my hair but I know she does that. I've trusted her now to cut my DD (4yr)'s hair now too. One time she had a lady waiting who drives up from Charlottesville every 3 weeks for a hair cut/style. Linda works a few early days and a few later days and Saturdays I believe.

[Anonymous]

I love Hanna at Robert Lewis Salon in Montgomery Mall (in Bethesda) for color and cuts. I tried out so many people before her for color, and she gets it just right (I like the "natural" look). Good luck! I don't know what I'd do without Hanna. I hated the phase of searching. I have never paid more than $135 total. Not sure how it breaks down, but it should be half of what you pay now and for excellent quality.

[Anonymous]

Bea at Hair Cuttery Dupont

[Anonymous]

It's a hike for you, but I love Tom at Salon EFX in Silver Spring, just off NH Avenue inside the Beltway. For a haircut & color it's just under $100 and he does a great job.

[Anonymous]

PR at Partners is a decent chain so you might find someone there. There is one in Old Town and also in Shirlington. I personally like Frizzles in Old Town. I pay about $160 for a cut and highlights (cut only is $60) and I've been pleased. Highlights are well done so I only go twice per year, but I don't have very much gray and my hair is quite fine. A consult won't cost anything, or try it out for a cut.

[Anonymous]

I hated Frizzles in Old Town. I do not get the hype about that place!! Try Soleil Salon and Spa in Alexandria in the Landmark/Van Dorn area but make sure you see Christian. He is AMAZING, and the others are not, so don't waste your time going there unless it is to him. Color and cut is about $100 and he gives the best blowdries in the world. I also love Andre Chreky in DC (I see Ken) but it's like twice as expensive.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate all of the suggestions. It sounds like $250 doesn't have to be the norm. (I should say that the actual price is about $210 but with a tip comes to $250.)

[Anonymous]

Give us an update after you see someone!

[Anonymous]

brooke @ pr partners on k street. $50 for a cut, $45 for color.

[Anonymous]

Jessica K at Bubbles in Bowie Town Center. It's a drive for me too but she is the absolute best. If you can make an appointment with her tomorrow she has a $10 off color.
301 809 5374.

[Anonymous]

old town salon and spa - haircut around $50. love them.

[Anonymous]

can anyone recommend someone around montgomery mall area for a blowout? I actually love the cut and color at hair cuttery -- but they don't do a good blowout. thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love Hanna at Robert Lewis Salon in Montgomery Mall (in Bethesda) for color and cuts. I tried out so many people before her for color, and she gets it just right (I like the "natural" look). Good luck! I don't know what I'd do without Hanna. I hated the phase of searching. I have never paid more than $135 total. Not sure how it breaks down, but it should be half of what you pay now and for excellent quality.

I'm not the OP but I'm the poster that posted about finding a colorist at around the same time:
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/142456.page

I ended up going on a whim to Hanna at Robert Lewis and got a full head of highlights (mainly to cover the beginnings of some grey) and a cut. I LOVE the results---very, very natural. I was paranoid about getting the streaked highlight look but I have none of that. She used 2 different colors so my hair just looks brighter and the slight grey blends in with the different tones (whereas before it really stood out (at least to me!))