Sugarhouse Day Spa & Salon

I got a gift card to Sugar House and chose an 80 minute deep tissue massage and that was great, Tracy was wonderful. She worked knots like no one ever before. Talk about a love hate relationship with deep tissue massages
As a whole I would chose another spa like Lorien if looking for a high end place. That place is to the nines (and you absolutely pay for it!) Walking into Sugar House just doesn’t feel like a spa experience, some of the staff I encountered were abrasive and not welcoming at all. Even while I was getting a massage, other staff outside the room were talking loudly, running up and down stairs and shutting drawers or something. This is suppose to be a distraction free experience! They quieted down after I requested it but that was short lived.

I visited Sugar House last week for a coloring. They’d been doing my hair consistently for 13 years and I was always satisfied with the results. I decided to transition to blonde and was told that it would take several treatments, which was fine since I trusted them. I did not anticipate that the «in between» phase would look like such a mess. My colorist told me my roots would «transition» into the new color– you can see from my attached picture how well that worked out. I complained to management about my result and was told that my result is normal and expected. Look at my picture and judge for yourself.
I know going blonde takes some time. But there are other salons in the area that don’t leave you looking like a bleach-​accident while you wait for your hair to grow out. If you’re considering a major color change, take your business elsewhere.

This lovely salon is tucked away on a cute street in Alexandria. It is in close proximity to the Duke Street Whole Foods & near the Crate and Barrel outlet. There is a garage directly beside the salon, but I prefer the less expensive street parking. The garage is $ 5/​hour. The salon validates your ticket for .50 off per hour. If you can afford the salon, you probably aren’t worried about paying for a garage that is cheaper than 99% of most DC garages. I parked a block away for $ 1.75 at the meter. The maximum time you can stay at a meter is three hours so keep that in mind if you are booking a longer service.
SugarHouse is pricey. They may not have gotten on my radar without a gift card. The staff are friendly and patient. I was welcomed as soon as I entered. Each room was pretty. It is even lovelier at the holidays. FYI: There aren’t any elevators.
I booked a haircut with Liz Marie. She’s been at SugarHouse for three months but has been cutting hair over 20 yrs. Liz asked detailed questions to understand what I wanted. It was nice being on the same page with the person cutting my hair. That doesn’t always happen. The shampoo person took her time washing my hair and gave a great scalp massage. Liz Marie did a great job and didn’t push products on me.
My cut was $ 67 with a $ 10 discount since it was my first visit. They don’t tell you about the discount but the cards are on a table as you enter, the register area and at many of the stylist’s stations. I assume that the welcome swag varies but my new customer packet included samples of: Mango night cream, yummy chocolate, Oribe moisturizing cream, a $ 5 off coupon for my next service, and a coupon for a free yoga class at Radiance Yoga.
I wouldn’t go to Alexandria on a regular basis for spa visits but this salon is better than the high end chain salon I fired. I would come here to treat myself or hint to others that SugarHouse sells gift cards.

The worst spa experience I’ve ever had. I went in for a facial last Christmas and the service still haunts me. I didn’t call in to complain or post a review sooner because I honestly don’t want to be that customer — but after a year, I feel that what happened to me should be shared. I’ve had many facials before and although they are not my favorite thing to do (I need a lot of extractions) I’ve always appreciated their effect on my skin. Not this time, first the woman I saw was extremely rude about the condition of my skin and made me feel bad about something I’m already sensitive to — I know my skins not great that’s why I get facials, but no esthetician has ever made me feel ashamed about it. She immediately began extractions after cleansing and was brutal. She did not once check in on how I was doing (usually estheticians will ask how you are doing, acknowledge that something will hurt,
etc) and while working on my nose, completely blocked my breathing. I was literally crying and had to ask her to stop (she barely even responded to me although I was in obvious pain). I know facials can be painful — I’ve had a lot of them, but I’ve never felt violated until this experience. She could have cared less. She then slapped a mask on and left the room for what felt like eternity. When I went to check out, I was still fighting back tears and the front desk completely ignored it. I felt awful, looked worse and what was supposed to be a holiday treat for myself turned into a traumatizing experience that I still cringe to think about. I will never be returning.

Such a nice place, its made inside a row house, about 3 – 4 floors, so they have all these cute little levels. Whoever they chose as their interior decorator did an amazing job. Service is EXCELLENT. I think this is my 3^rd time here. They have water, iced tea, orange juice and hot tea on every level. The massages are great (I’ve had two). This place is just all around awesome. However, I’ve never gotten my nails or hair done here so I’m not sure how they do for those services. I’ve just done waxing and massages.

I can only comment on mani/​pedi and wax services as I’ve only used those areas. I’ve been a client for about 8 years and the only reason why I’m not giving five stars is because of a few things. I am not a fan of the décor/​ambience. I do feel they need an upgrade, especially with the faux floral arrangements. They have recently upgraded the pedicure chairs but I agree with the reviewers — for the price you pay, it should look nicer.
I am very loyal, so when I find someone who provides outstanding services, I return. I only go to Ana for my mani/​pedi and if she is not available, I will get services done with Jenny or Monique. For wax, I used to book with Lily, but she is now PT so I book with Emmy. If Emmy is unavailable, I have booked with violet or angel.
Overall, great service and friendly employees. The women who book the appointments are always accommodating with my crazy schedule.

I have had nothing, but an amazing experience here. My stylist has been Eleni for the past four years and will be for the rest of my life ! She is brilliant and her work is superb. We always sit down and talk about what exactly I want and and throughout the cut she is talking me through it and making sure it is exactly what I had in mind. I highly recommend her for your next cut!!!

I visit Sugarhouse once a month for a facial with the wonderful Josephine. I was resigned to a life with never-​ending cystic acne until I made an appointment on a whim about 5 – 6 months ago. I arrived about 15 minutes early. Upon checking in, the staff directed me to the changing room, where I changed into a cotton robe and wrap. Once I was changed, the spa attendant put my stuff in a locker and handed me the key. I was offered a drink (I like their lemonade), and directed to a comfortable waiting area on the 3^rd floor. The treatment started promptly on time.
My first facial with Sugarhouse was a microdermabrasion, and J had to perform a ton of extractions. After the treatment, she recommended I come back for the hydrafacial in a month, and I liked the service so I made the appointment at checkout. Over the next week, my skin developed a never-​before clarity, and to my delight, the extraction sites calmed down and smoothed out. My last facial before that had been a couple years ago and left me with terrible breakouts.
It’s been a while since that first appointment, and I’ve been getting hydrafacials ever since, and I LOVE the results. I got my 4^th or 5^th hydrafacial today, and my skin hasn’t been this clear in 20 years. I’ve needed fewer extractions during every visit since, and my skin just glows. The hydrafacials address my breakouts and some clogged pores I’ve had forever, but now that my breakouts are no longer the issue, I will be transitioning to microdermabrasion over the next month or two to deal with scarring. I never thought my breakouts would stop being an issue. It’s a nice feeling.
I cannot say enough about how awesome Josephine is, and her experience and skill have done wonders for me. She doesn’t try to sell me on anything, and recommends products only when I ask her to, so I’ve never felt pressured to buy. Her recommendation (a moisturizer by eminence), however, worked out well enough for me to empty and rebuy in a couple of months. She’s made a loyal customer out of me!

Had a terrific birthday gift here – Brazilian Wax with Brenda and Hot Stone Massage with Mary. Brenda is so polite & professional. I’ve had a Brazilian Wax and facial with her before. She never ever disappoints. The Hot Stone Massage with Mary was awesome. So relaxing that I actually fell asleep. This was the perfect gift. Everything was impeccable. I will be back soon.

Read that this spa had outstanding pedicures. Called and asked the diff between the regular ped and Sugar House ped. The Sugar House was suppose to be 15min more massage with a salt scrub and paraffin… for a total of 1hr. I said sign me up for the Sugar. I need my toes done but also want to relax a bit.
Long story short, it was all over in less than 45 min to include me sitting for nearly 10 mins with the paraffin on my feet (sitting alone). Sat down at 4:05pm and she was painting my toes at 4:48pm.
I was irritated but was like forget it cause the sanitation of the tools didn’t seem to be the best. And with the lackluster 5min massage, total for both legs, figured I must have gotten the regular.
Went down to check out and asked what I was booked for. She said Sugar House ped. I stated it was horrible and didn’t last the requisite time. She said oh, I’m sorry, that’s $ 55 (Sugar House ped price). Do you want to leave a tip. I was like heck no and paid.
I did speak with the manager who looked at me with a blank stare while I explained the situation. Ultimately he says he’ll give me a gift certificate. I said no thanks I’m not ever coming back.

Best eyebrow waxes in the DMV. I will travel for miles to see any of the waxers here… ANY of them! The environment is calm, quiet, comfortable, and relaxing. If I didn’t live so far, I’d probably also utilize the rest of the spa as they offer pretty much every service you could desire.

I had an amazing hydra facial here with Violet. The place feels very upscale with changing rooms, breakfast foods, and the service room nicely decorated.

I see Ingrid for my hair where she highlights and cuts it. She does an amazing job. She is very sweet and easy to talk with and caring.
I’m giving it 4 stars because it is a bit pricey, but they do a great job on my hair. I always feel relaxed when I’m there and well taken cared of!

Went yesterday for my birthday. Had the whole day package. Started out with a silky sugar full body scrub. IT was extremely delightful.

Time to update: I love this place. it doesn’t get any better when it comes to value for your money, top-​of-​the line customer service, and amazing services!
Parking is street parking via meters. Usually you can snag a cool spot on Alfred or someplace around the corner. Check-​in is on the first level and the staff will either walk you upstairs or let you know which level to visit. They do NOT have elevators, so if you can’t climb stairs, be aware. The body and nail services are either on level 2 or 3. There is a salon on level 1. After check-​in, you’ll visit the locker area where a nice staff member will show you a changing room with nice robes, slippers and a personal locker. You’ll be offered wine, water, teas, lemonades, etc. I’ve seen rare occasions where they offer snacks. While waiting for services, they have nice chaise lounges or chairs.
I have to give a shout out to Misty, who is by-​far the best massage therapist I have ever seen. Seriously ‘fall-​asleep’ and snoring type experience. Trust me, visit her once and you will return. I also visit Josephine for services that require an esthetician including all waxing services. SHE IS AMAZING… I promise you that you will keep coming back. Both of these wonderful women are not to be missed.

I had a wonderful haircut and just the best time with Cassie. She was awesome as was all of the staff. I was welcomed with lemonade and iced tea and quietly whisked through for the most relaxing shampoo before my cut. Even better experience than my already amazing facial two months ago. This will be my go-​to place for some me-​time.

This is a great day spa in Old Town Alexandria. Their service list is comprehensive, you are sure to find what you are looking for. They were very nice and accommodations even after I had to move several appointments due to scheduling conflicts. I received a great haircut from Cassie and great mani-​pedi from Michelle. Prices are a bit high, but that is to be expected for the area.

Emmy!
Wow, from the second you walk in the staff makes you feel at home.
Then Emmy helps you relax in what could be a not so wonderful experience (Brazilian).
Her hands are gentle, her tone comforting and her speed is incredible.
DON’T go anywhere else!
Once you’ve gone to see Emmy, you will be hooked.
BTW, using my BFs account, he wouldn’t get a Brazilian (wink)…

Sugarhouse is one of the BEST spas in the area. I actually travel from Bethesda to go there because of the excellent service I receive. Right now, I am 30 weeks pregnant and recently went in for an 80 minute pregnancy massage. My massage therapist was Krissy and she was kind, friendly, and was really caring in making sure I was comfortable and my baby was comfortable. They have special pillows for a pregnant woman to lay comfortably and they are specially trained in certain pregnancy massage techniques. She was able to find my sore spots and work them out, but without being too soft or too firm. Because of being so pregnant, I really had not been sleeping well the last few weeks and after the massage, I slept for 12 hours and was able to really catch up. The atmosphere is just really wonderful there.

I called and scheduled a manicure and eyebrow wax. I was excited that I was able to get an appointment for the next day.
I arrived a few minutes early to find parking which was ample. There is a pay garage right next door and pay street parking.
I was greeted, checked in, and escorted upstairs. Monique did a wonderful job. I hadn’t had a manicure in a few months so needless to say I was a mess. She was gentle and did a great job.
I had my eyebrows done by Violeta. She talked to me about my eyebrows and asked how I wanted them. I didn’t want to look overdone like some places will do. She did a great job shaping and trimming my eyebrows.
Overall, the spa is clean, the staff is friendly and helpful. They provide coffee and refreshments which is very nice. I definitely recommend Sugarhouse. The prices were reasonable.