Cole Stevens Salon

Love. This place is just love. Love of their clients, love of hair, just all the love! This is my happy place. I’ve been coming here for a while now and my hair thanks me for it! I’ve had cuts, color, blow outs, flat twits, two stand twists, spiral sets, and pin curls done here and I am never disappointed. Each stylist that I’ve seen, and at this point that’s most of them, is outstanding. Incomparable and professional service! B

You won’t find a salon in the DMV area with better customer service, I guarantee!
Pros: clean, well kept & chic looking shop, efficiently ran (unless you come before 10am, there’s always a secretary at the front desk), easy to call & make appointments (not sure if there’s an app or online way to book as well), stylist are PROFESSIONAL & VERY KNOWLEDGABLE about HEALTHY hair care (every single one of them)! For the most part, you’ll hardly ever have to wait (I’ve been going here for 2 years & literally never had to wait to be serviced), as the appointments are booked accordingly to avoid overlap amongst clients as much as possible. For natural hair care lovers, they also sell the «Diva Curl» hair care line products within the store. There’s also a nail salon as well (you have to book separately for that).
Cons: this location is in DC so parking can be hard to come by. The metro is also a couple of blocks away
Overall, great salon to get your hair done. It’s pricey but well worth it for the quality of customer service & the end product.

A great natural hair salon that does it all. No heat damage. Great cuts. Great color. Mini tables for your bags. Hot tea, water and coffee. It is truly an upscale salon for black women. And most importantly – you will not wait for 45−1hr just to be seen. There is no overbooking here.

This salon is great! I went to the Capitol Hill location after reading other great reviews and meeting a few other people with great hair who told me they went to this salon. Khadijah did a fabulous job with my color and cut. She is very patient, takes the time to answer questions and put a lot of effort into giving me what I wanted. Everyone was extremely friendly, courteous, and attentive ensuring that I was comfortable during my time in the salon. Yes, it was expensive but the results far exceeded my expectation. I have finally found my go to hair salon.

If you love your curls, do NOT go to the Cole Stevens Salon (Capitol Hill) and let India touch your hair. I was not going to discuss the fact that she did not provide me with ANY customer service but when I washed my hair today and saw the amount of heat damage, I decided not to hold my tongue. FirstIy, I waited a very long time for India to come and assist me and periodically she would disappear and the other stylists had to go and find her. When she began to straighten my hair she was very rough and when I asked her to change the brush she would not do it. I continued by telling her that my hair works best when it is brushed through with a different type of brush first, and she would not budge. I let it slide because I didn’t want to criticize her too much as every stylist has their way of doing things and as long as my hair remains healthy, I typically don’t have a problem. When she was done, I looked at my hair, and it looked horrible. I have never looked in the mirror after my hair was done and been so disappointed. I showed her a picture of how my hair was done two weeks before my appointment and asked her if she could replicate it. It still was not done correctly. I decided to go down and pay for it as I was becoming fed up. After I had paid, I asked her if I could have some bobby pins to pin curl my hair as I was not content. She told me that there were NO bobby pins in the entire store because they had just finished a show. WHAT? I knew that was a lie and asked Camille (I believe that is her name) downstairs if she had any bobby pins so that I could pin curl my hair. She did, and she was amazing. Fast forward to today when I washed my hair… my curls are gone. I have never washed my hair and had difficulty with getting my hair to revert back. DO NOT GET YOUR HAIR STYLED BY INDIA. More than $ 110 lost and messed up curls… I will have to spend even more on conditioning treatments and probably a haircut to save my hair after this incident. What a waste or time and money.

What can I say about this salon… It is wonderful. Let me start by saying that I am a type 4 natural hair girlie. I have been natural for 4 years and had never flat ironed my hair. For some reason I had the urge to straightened it and I decided to go with Cole Stevens Salon and I am glad I did. From the time I called the salon to book my appointment up until I sat in the chair, the service was amazing. I personally saw Diane, the owner, she is incredible and was very patient with me. I explained how nervous I was with flat ironing my hair for the 1^st time and she was so patient and understanding. In fact everyone was patient, starting with the shampoo person. My hair was AMAZING. I intentionally waited to write this until after I washed my hair… And let me say no heat damage. Yayyy
It is expensive but hey you get what you pay for. If you’re looking for a salon, book with Cole Stevens now!!! They do all types of styles for natural hair not just flat ironing. I will be back!

The service was awesome! I was greeted as soon as I went in. I sat down. The woman who did my hair (indya) introduced herself to me and did a slight consultation. I then got my hair washed… I was asked if I wanted hydration (will get it next time) which was a deep moisture treatment i think. Indya then blew out, styled, and cut my hair. It looked soooo good. I got complements everywhere. The best thing is that I got out of there in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. That is the shortest time I have ever been in a salon. I didn’t even have to wait for her to see me when I hot there.

WORST experience I’ve ever had. Color on my hair was fine, but I had originally wanted a trim but Fifi suggested long layers, since my hair is halfway down my back. She pointed to my shoulders and when I said no and pointed to midway down my upper arm, she agreed and went on doing my hair. Of course when it dries, I notice my layers are above my shoulders! Fifi payed no attention to what I wanted for MY hair. I had also wanted to leave it wet because I did not want to pay for the blowout and she ended up blow drying it any way. Little did I know it would be an extra $ 70 that I was not planning for.
Called to get my money back and someone took my information but never had a manager call me back. Had to call again the next day to track someone down at another location and took several days to get my $ 25 refund for a haircut. NOT WORTH THE MONEY.

So I’ve been going to Cole Stevens for over a year now, and while it’s a bit pricey for my college student tastes, it’s well worth every penny. I see a senior/​creative stylist which is basically as close to Diane as I can afford lol, and I’ve never been disappointed. I’ve also never had to wait like you normally do in salons. The MOST IMPORTANT value about this salon, is that they aren’t out for your money, they care about your hair. Period. And so after a long search for a salon that does natural hair, but can give me a weave if I want to switch it up, or even if I revert back to the creamy crack, or dye it blue, or cut it all off again, or dread it — they can do it! No matter what, THEY CAN DO IT! I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
If you are reading this because you’re looking for a salon to care about your tress, in ANY form, please check them out. I was in your position at one time, searching for someone who could tame my mess and help it flourish, Cole Stevens did. They have a stylist for every individual, even men. I honestly love this place, wouldn’t consider anywhere else. Even if that means doing a little something on the side to pay for it (LOL JKKKKKKKKKK) *please don’t let price deter you, I’ve seen JR. stylist before to save some $ and they are JUST as good!*

Great first visit! Easy commute from my office. Warm, friendly reception. Taken upstairs right away. Didn’t really even have a chance to get my jacket off. And wouldn’t you know it — I got a chance to chat with Diane the owner the moment I walked in. She’s so fun!
I booked on a co-worker’s recommendation and arrived unhappy with the state of my hair. So I braced for the «your hair is damaged — you messed it up» speech. To my surprise, Diane and my stylist FiFi COMPLEMENTED my hair, and listened attentively. My stylist didn’t just ask what I wanted today. She wanted to know my long-​term goals for my hair. We talked a lot about that, and hair health and maintenance. I really appreciated that.
I usually wait a LONG time to get to know a stylist before letting them color or cut my hair, even just a trim. I’m super conservative and explained that upfront. FiFi listened. So, against my better judgment, I let FiFi color and trim (Kyra actually apply the color that FiFi mixed.). I’m glad I did. My hair looks and feels GREAT! They did roots only, and that’s just what I needed. Other places have insisted I needed more, charged twice as much, and took twice as long.
Hydration treatment actually felt good during application. Kyra did that too. I was impressed that she was not only really comfortable to talk to, but also seemed very interested in her craft and knowledgeable about the Cole Stevens philosophy of hair care. Clearly not just a «shampoo girl.» I complimented how gentle she was with my hair. You know what I mean — some people seem to want to remove your scalp to get your hair clean. She explained their philosophy about that as well, using a technique that’s comfortable for the average person.
Atmosphere was great. I was offered water, tea and snacks multiple times. Even the other clients were fun to talk to. It’s an upscale salon, but not so stuffy that the ladies couldn’t chat and laugh a bit during our visit.
And the best part of all — turns out it was actually less expensive than the last two times I got color at salons not nearly as nice as Cole Stevens. Don’t get me wrong — it’s not CHEAP. But you get what you pay for. And I feel I got good value for my money. Do your homework as I did and realize add-​ons to make your hair healthier are going to cost a little more.
FiFi is awesome! Super nice. She did a good trim — not too much. And she styled my hair EXACTLY like I wanted. I hate that feeling when you go to someone new and try to describe what you want. You leave with your hair feeling great but you have to go home and touch up the style to make it your own. That didn’t happen here. I explained my hair issues, irregularities in trouble spots and she got it and styled around them. I left with beautiful, flowing, healthy hair.
I was there just shy of three hours, which surprised me because never was I left sitting and waiting for a long period of time. Of course color takes a little longer. Chatting with the ladies… I guess time just flew by.
Great experience — I’ll be back!
(Please note the profile pic: it’s REALLY sunny outside. My hair is NOT that red, and those are pre-​existing highlights. They’re really more golden.)
OH — parking: Hey, it’s DC. There’s some street parking. Drive around the block you can probably find a spot. I just Ubered since it was near work.

I was very hesitant to write this review, but I need to get it off my chest. First let me say that FiFi was amazing. She is very talented and really a sweet young lady. I would recommend her to anyone. My problem was with the price of the services. I am from LA and have had my hair done at salons in Beverly Hills and never have I paid $ 205 dollars. I have very short hair, I came in for a cut $ 50 (reasonable). I was then asked did I want a hair masque — I was never told the price and assumed it would be about $ 10 — $ 15…Wrong it was $ 50. I then had color added, as the cut I got started to show my gray, then I got a mini texturizer to get some waves back in this very short cut. Not sure how this came out to be $ 105. My total was $ 205.
Unbelievable. I do all these things at home for $ 30 and was completely floored when I was told the price was $ 205!!!
I then went home and had to re-​texturize the top part tmy hair as they did not put texturizer on it and it looked weird. Needless to say, I could have flew to LA for what I paid.
I am by no means cheap and am willing to pay for excellent service and results, but in this case… I feel cheated!
However, I still tipped FiFi $ 20 (20%) as that is the right thing to do. But I am not going back. I will just wait for my trips to LA to get my hair cut.
Very disappointed and will not recommend to my friends or fellow LA transplants in DC.

Whenever I am in the city, I always stop by Cole Stevens to get my hair done. It is simply the best salon I have ever been to, from the shampoo girls to the stylists they are all top notch. The only downside to this place is that they charge based on the level of the stylist. So even though I got a simple wash and blowdry, it cost me $ 20 extra because it was with a more senior stylist. The shampoo girl, Kyra (simply amazing by the way) explained that they all have to learn the Cole Stevens process so it didn’t make sense why I would have to pay more for a simple style that would come out the same regardless of the stylist.

I’ve kept this one a secret for a long time, but it is my only salon option in the DMV area. I went here for the first time in 2013 seeking out a relaxer. They let me know that they were a natural hair salon and I decided to go that route myself. Cole Stevens and specifically, Jackie my wonderful hair stylist have been with me on my transition to natural journey from start to finish and I don’t think I would have gotten this far had it not been for them. My hair feels healthier every time I leave the place and I see the benefits from hydration therapy instantly. You definitely get what you pay for.
I have to note that this salon also makes you feel comfortable walking in with your hair looking a mess. There’s no judgement, they will bring it back to life. I’ve truly
appreciated that.
Jackie is my stylist and she’s the best. I’ve also had great experiences with Martin, Fabienne, and Cece.

I asked for a trim, got a 2 inch haircut I didn’t want. Stylist insisted on treatment but didn’t mention it was an extra $ 30. I was at the salon for 3 hours– totally unnecessary for a straightforward wash and style. I’ve been to other high end salons in the city– Taylor and York, Parlour, etc. and this is the worst service I have received at any salon. The only upside is my hair is very straight… and 2 inches shorter than the hair I came in with.

This HAS to be one of THE BEST haircuts I have ever gotten in my entire life! I moved here from Chicago 4 years ago and its great! A perfect fit. Although looking for the perfect fit within my new city when it comes finding a great church and great stylist is like searching and unwrapping hundreds of Wonka Bars to find coveted golden tickets! It’s costly, exciting and you know it’s out there, but WHERE???
I’m still searching for the church, but fortunately for me, when I find it, my hair’s got a testimony! I have gotten so many compliments, AND my guy friends LOVE it! It’s important for me to tell you that I absolutely abhor going to «The Shop.» I see it only as a means to an end, and I am use to beauty shop drama and pretense from my days of going to the Egyptians and ’round the way in Chicago. But Lo, I had none of that unpleasant experience at Cole Stevens in DC.
From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and professional staff who went out of their way to make me feel comfortable within their own respective responsibility. They made me comfortable, offered me refreshment and I got none of those «first time coming, inquisitive, hard or hood gazes» I despise when trying out a new place… and I have a little confession, I was a few minutes late.
Diane, the owner did my hair. I have to tell you, this woman has the most cheerful, inviting and infectious disposition I have ever seen! From the moment I sat down in her chair, I felt special and lucky she was doing my hair because she has a great reputation. I felt confident in her abilities– especially after hearing about her signature precision cut I read about in blogs and on the web. She asked me questions, consulted me, and took her time. I didn’t feel she had more important things to do, and A LOT of people wanted her attention. She attended them and swiftly returned to me; all the while, friendly and upbeat!
My hair turned out AMAZING!!! The damage I had done to it myself with home treatments had caused me to concede to a «start fresh». But Diane made certain I could do it myself before I left and honestly, since I’ve gotten my drastic, lovely new do, the only thing I have had time to search for and unwrap is parking and my napkin when I sit down to lunch and dinner with the recent upturn in invitations I have been receiving. Thanks Diane & Cole Stevens!

I love and enjoy Cole Stevens Salon! My hair looks and feels very healthy. When I began my journey with my hair being natural, I heard great things about this salon. So I made my appointment for their Greenbelt location. My stylist Ray has been a great help with how I get my hydration treatments and blow outs. Cole Stevens Salon is just professional with a warm urban capital hill feel with out politics.

I patronized this salon for a «hydration treatment» and trim. Nice people, nice owner, nice’ish salon. That’s about all that was nice about my experience.
NOT for afro textured naturals AT ALL. 2.5 hours and $ 70 later my hair is dry and dusty. Who puts mousse in 4b/​4c hair?! Plus, my extremely coily hair was RIPPED through with a fine tooth comb. Ouch!
This is my first time leaving a salon looking remarkably worse than when I entered.
Conclusion: NEVER EVER EVER again.

So I just moved down here to DC and I was in desperate need of a hair cut. I was very nervous to pick a new hairstylist because I love my stylist from back home!
But I HAD to get my hair done. I have natural hair that’s usually a wash-​n-​go, but lately my curls hadn’t been forming the way they used to. So I did some research (Googling) and finally decided on Cole Stevens Salon based on other reviews and word of mouth.
I found it easily enough because the lime green door. The place a little smaller than what I’m used to, but it was clean and decorated well. My stylist was Stephanie. She was very personable and professional. I told her I just wanted a simple blowout and trim. Throughout the process she made sure she asked questions about what I was comfortable with and my past history with my hair.
The only con was the price. It was $ 130 for just a blowout and trim, which is a little more than I am used to paying in NYC.
Overall, it was an extremely relaxing experience, and the end result was great! She layered it well and made sure my hair would look great whether I wore it natural or straight. I will definitely be going back.

Schedule your appointments a month or 2 in advance!
I had an appointment on Saturday with Fabianne. I was worried because I’m going to the beach next weekend for a week and as I’m in transition for natural hair, this head of mine does not want to act right unless I have a blow out. So I was a little anxious to see how she was gonna fix it.
I got a wash and hydration. Then she took some setting lotion and twisted the hair closest to the nape, and used flexi rods on the rest. I sat under the dryer for maybe an hour. Then walla! My hair is so cute! (I’ll post a pic later)
Do I plan to submerge my hair in the ocean? Probably not. But at least I know what to do in case it gets wet. AND I have my July appt scheduled for when I return lol! At some point I’ll get more comfortable with this natural journey. So far I’m enjoying it.

Anyone that knows me knows I believe in second chances and that I am willing to pay top dollar for quality. Quality is what I believed I would find upon seeking out Cole Stevens Salon.
Unfortunately, I paid $ 125 for hair coloring that did not represent what I requested event after a second chance to get it right. Time and money was wasted at Cole Stevens. I have never had a stylist tell me how I want my hair or color especially if I am paying. Respectfully, when a client says they want red violet, they show you a picture and the are patient even after you the stylist does not do what they ask/​plead. Missing the mark is an understatement. Prior to getting color at Cole, I had zero color or chemicals in my hair thus it was very healthy and free of damage thus a proper lift and color of my request could of occurred if it had been applied/​attempted.
My first visit was on 3÷29÷2014. I had scheduled at hair appointment with Michelle at 1pm for a full head of color, red violet aka Red Wine. When I arrived 5 minutes prior to my appointment and my hair was washed and I sat with a wet head for 55 minutes. I was asked numerously if I was there to get highlights and told that is what I needed (what? this should of been a sign). I kindly stated no, and explained that I consulted with Michele prior and wanted a full head of red violet color.
I was at the salon from 1pm to 645pm and I was never finished. The coloring did not actually take place until 2:36pm. Following color I was deep conditioned and transferred upstairs and told to wait for Mimi although I did not even know who she was had never with her prior/​during my stay at the salon.
At 5:33pm after waiting upstairs for Mimi since 4:23pm with a shower cap on my head I went to the reception lady who seemed aloof about my situation. She told me Mimi had another client and I would be next so I waited. At 6:28pm, I still had not been seen therefore I opted to paid and leave the salon unfinished for $ 150 ($ 125 for the color which I could not see due to a wet head & $ 25 for deep condition). The salon was supposed to be closing 28 minutes prior so I did not see how Mimi would even get me in and out in less than 30 minutes. Now I am «Queen of Patience», because the entire time, I was polite, calm, paid but really I was hot because 5 – 6 hours at a salon for color, really?
When I got home I took off the shower cap, twisted my hair and allowed it to air dry. In the morning my hair was nothing RED but a brownish orange color. The following day, I wrote a professional message and expressed that the service rendered was unacceptable and unprofessional especially as a new client and paying the fees that I had. The customer service received was excellent and a new appointment was booked (good job AJ & Nicole!).
The second visit was on 4÷2÷2014. I arrived 10 minutes prior to my appointment and Michele apologized for Friday and explained things were crazy on Friday. She opted to fix the color free of charge but did not listen to what I wanted stating it would not look right. Since when do you tell a client what they want when they pay you and provided a visual of what they want?
Brick Red is not Burgundy Red. A full head of color is a full head of color. I never asked for highlights but now I understand that they were insisted because they are listed as a higher price. It took all I had to leave with my desires unmet, money lost and time wasted. Jackie did provide good natural hair advice, thanks love. But everything else, total epic fail.
You know, this is so sad and my first ever poor review. I loathe to say anything negative about a business (especially an African American business) as I strive to look for strengths but this was just SO HARD. I went to the mall in Pentagon City and while there was referred to a Thai lady totally fixed me. I was humbled and shocked that an Asian woman knew my hair and did a much better job. She did so well I tipped her $ 15 on top of the correction color service she provided.
I will never go back to Cole Stevens Salon nor would I suggest to my Howard University colleagues or military friends. Stamped «NO GO.»