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Alter EGO
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Hair Salons, Nail Salons [Edit]
119 E Hargett StRaleigh, NC 27617
(919) 832-6239
- Hours:
Mon 12 pm - 8 pm
Tue-Fri 9 am - 8 pm
Sat 9 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Validated
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Alter EGO
24 reviews in English
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Review from Brittany F.
Raleigh, NC
2/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've tried quite a few salons in the Raleigh area and Alter Ego has been by far the best experience yet. The online scheduling process could not be easier and it even allows you to book last minute appointments. The only tricky part of the whole experience was finding my way to the salon-- you have to go up some random metal stairs and open a pretty ominous looking door- -but once I entered, I was instantly greeted by the receptionists, offered a beverage and taken to the waiting area. This salon is huge and beautiful-- open floor plan, warehouse feel, gorgeous natural light streaming in. Everyone was beyond nice. I picked up a copy of the Raleigh Downtowner and was approached by my stylist almost immediately.
The time slot I wanted put me with Jennifer who was so lovely and skilled. And even though she (like most of the stylists) has major tattoos and motorcycle boots, she didn't even raise an eyebrow when I showed her my dream 'do picture featuring Kate Middleton. Gotta love that. The hair cut was executed quickly and I absolutely love it. Throughout the cut she gave me advice on how to style and what tools to use-- she seemed genuinely interested in my hair maintenance routine, which was refreshing, especially since she didn't push products at me towards the end of the session.
So relieved to (finally) find a go-to hair place in my new hood! :)Listed in: Primptastic
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Review from Claire B.
Boston, MA
4/26/2012
I've been going to Alter Ego since they opened. I followed my stylist from one salon to AE, and when he left for San Francisco, I started seeing Kegan, his replacement. I'm super picky with who does my hair- I want someone who knows me, knows my life and my personality, and knows what they're doing. Kegan is all of these. He is the only person I trust with my hair. He's always left me thrilled with how things turn out, even when I go "do whatever, I don't care. Surprise me." On one occasion I wasn't entirely happy with the final result, so he stayed late the next day, had me come in, fixed a few things, and sent me home happy- and he didn't even charge me for his time. He's a great stylist, but an even better person. He's basically my therapist, and he is a great resource for many things. My entire family knows him, and he's never been anything but kind, professional, friendly, and generally awesome. They might be a little expensive, but I assure you it's worth it. Getting into the salon, you can either take the stairs (on the outside of the building, to the left if you're looking at the building's front door) or the elevator (just inside the building). It's a welcoming atmosphere, and you can't help but feel cool and edgy when you walk in. These guys really are the best, even if you're not into some of the crazier hair you see on some clients. Love you guys!
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Review from Sarah L.
Carrboro, NC
9/15/2011
ATMOSPHERE:
The space is amazing. The salon is in a converted old factory or warehouse of some sort, with very tall ceilings, nice wooden floors, and large windows, all giving it an open, airy feel. There is plenty of space between work stations (most of which are not used anyway), so you'll never feel cramped or accidentally get bumped during your visit. The walls are adorned with colorful and interesting artwork, much of it made by the owner (Dana).
EXPERIENCE:
Wonderful. Offered a drink upon arriving. Everyone was extremely friendly and did not seem hurried or stressed. My stylist (Hannah) took her time to figure out how the hair had been cut previously and the funny twists and turns it likes to take (cowlicks and all). She did a wonderful job of translating my vague thoughts ("something easy that I can have fun with on the weekends, but can be made to look responsible for work") into the best short haircut I've ever had. And after all of her hard work she even took the time to show me a few styling tips and demonstrate several products on my new do.
OVERALL:
This is the salon I've been searching for, and I have no qualms with driving in from Chapel Hill just for a haircut. I recently had my hair cut at a place in CA, and cannot wait to get back to NC to have it redone properly. -
Review from Lori T.
Raleigh, NC
Was really nervous since I had been going to my hairdresser for over a decade. Stephen put me at ease. So did the wine they offered when I came in. Nice touch. Great open space. Very urban. Personalized service from head to toe (no pun intended)
I will be back! -
Review from Arrie B.
Raleigh, NC
7/19/2011
I scheduled a consultation with Kegan at Alter Ego because I had heard awesome reviews about him from three of my friends in one week. He made me feel very comfortable about making a big (for me) change--I was going to embrace my curly hair and stop trying to flat-iron it to death!
Kegan made me LOVE my hair. I realized all my stylists before him just didn't know how to work with curly hair, much less how to cut it. After the cut, he had scheduled an extra 20 minutes so he could give me a beginner's course on styling curly hair, what kind of products to use (and was not salesy about buying products at the salon, though I totally would have if they hadn't just sold the last bottle), etc. I get all sorts of compliments on my hair, and I've started questioning my friends on whether they *really* love their current stylists or not.
The salon itself is very comfortable, and the staff is so friendly. I can't wait to go back for a color and cut next time. -
Review from Maria K.
Raleigh, NC
1/4/2012
I love this place! Will keep going back. Jennifer was amazing and made my hair look awesome. The location is super cool and the atmosphere is wonderful. Thanks fellow yelpers for this tip!
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Review from Casey B.
Chapel Hill, NC
10/6/2011
Steven is amazing. Really. I had a really specific color request and he did it perfectly. Also got a great cut that I've received a lot of compliments on. I have very thick thick thick hair that a lot of stylists won't take the time to do properly, but he spent a long time on my hair. He was very confident in what he was doing, which was also great because I felt like I could trust him to do a good job. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was because it was pretty expensive. But I do feel like it was worth it. I just can't go as often as I'd like to.
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Review from Yasmin A.
Raleigh, NC
8/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is the hair salon of your dreams (or, at least, it should be). After trying out several hair salons in Raleigh, I finally found Alter EGO. I'd grown frustrated with the mediocre cuts and styling that I had experienced in the area.
I don't color my hair, but I do have curly, frizzy hair which I usually blow-dry straight. Most stylists can't handle my hair by a) either not cutting my hair in a manner that is conducive to leaving it curly or, b) not being able to straighten it like I do (especially those straggler curls that frame the face).
Meet Dana.
By chance -- when I called the first time -- Dana Hunter, the owner, had an appointment available. So, I took it. Upon entering the salon, I was offered a beverage of my choice (something they have never failed to offer in all of my visits since) and sat down to wait for my appointment. The salon is chic, modern and still manages to maintain a friendly, down-to-earth vibe. Dana walked over to greet me with a warm, welcoming smile. She asked me what I wanted to do with my hair. I explained that I had unruly hair and wanted a manageable style that looked good when straightened. She played with my hair for less than a minute and we were off to shampoo. First, this woman can shampoo hair like nothing else. Her cutting skills are even better. In less than an hour, I had perfectly layered, straight hair and was heading out of the salon. I am not exaggerating when I say she gave me my best cut. Ever. Since that day, I go back to visit every 8 weeks or so and she still hasn't let me down. If only everything in life was so reliable.
And to top it all off, Dana always seems to remember details from your previous conversations and asks thoughtful, personal questions. You just don't find that anymore.
So, have you booked your appointment yet? If not, you really should. -
Review from Kelley M.
Raleigh, NC
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Finally!!! A salon that's not snobby, not weird, not crowded or stuffy! I adore this place. Here's why:
I first came here after receiving numerous bad cuts around Raleigh and Durham. I don't have crazy hair- it's straight, medium-fine and dark blonde (naturally). No one could get it right, I just wanted a fun cut and some good highlights. I booked an appointment with Stephen on a whim thinking this would be the last chance... Either he gets it right or I'm going to fly back to CA to see my old stylist. Needless to say, he got it right. Stephen is amazing. I've been to him 4 times and each time is better and better! He does a beautiful blonde :)
The space is like a big open loft with really cool artwork... I think they change the artist every month or so. Its a little hard to find off the street, but once you know what you are looking for it's easy. I like taking the elevator up to the salon, it reminds me of one I went to in San Francisco. The music is always great and not too loud. Everyone is really friendly and makes you feel comfortable.
Go there! You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Phil G.
7/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've slowly been upgrading the hair cuts I get. In my childhood my mom cut my hair so I was trained to be frugal when it came to haircuts. Later in life, I began to go to Great Clips and later transitioned to a men's barbershop. I'm now trying to do something different with my hair (that is, let it grow out) so I decided to step it up a bit and go to professional stylist for some help.
From what I read here on Yelp, Alter EGO has a good mix of men and women clients so I didn't think I'd feel out of place. I was not mislead. My first trip to Alter EGO was more like a consultation with a minor trimming which is what I expected.
Stephen was the stylist that cut my hair and he made the whole process seemed natural. The appointment was not rushed and I got additional tips on how to style my hair and about how long it will take to get the final hair style that I wanted. My wife armed me with a photo of what I should look like (I think she was only talking about the hair, but I'm not sure) so I showed this to the stylist. He examined the photo and said that it would take some time (and a lot of hair product) but in about 2-3 months I could have some variation of that style.
Alter EGO has a large open space with wood floors and a nice waiting area. I was even offered a drink while I waited (I guess this is one of the perks at nicer hair salons). I also got a shampoo and post-haircut rinse (again, another perk that I was not used to).
The final result from my initial (minor) haircut was pleasing. It helped me get past some of the awkwardness of having long hair with no style. The only minor thing that bothered me is that when I looked in my hair later in the day, it was a little flat looking and the product and style didn't dry the way I had expected. I think a blow dry would have helped a little. I'll probably be returning in about two months for some additional hair maintenance. -
Review from Rachel E.
2/12/2010
Went to Alter Ego today and had a great experience. Julia cut my hair and did a fantastic job. She asked a lot of questions to determine what style I would like. During the cut, she explained what she was going to do and why. Julia told me how to use the different products and pointed out different way I could style my hair and how to do that as well. She is fun, pleasant, polite, and has a positive energy that is perfect for a stylist. I felt very relaxed and completely trusted her ideas about my hair, which looks and feels great!
The salon is bright and open. The decor is a great mix of warm wood, distressed leather, some industrial architectural pieces, sleek cabinets and chairs, and very interesting art. I'll definitely be a return client.
The prices are comparable to other good salons in the area. My cut was $45 plus tip. -
Review from A S.
Raleigh, NC
2/1/2012
I went to Juennifer and she gave me such a great haircut. Would definitely recommend!
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Review from Heather H.
Raleigh, NC
6/24/2011
I am hoping that the cut at least grows out well. :(
I went on the recommendations from this page and when I left the salon I was SO happy. Then I washed my hair and it was totally different. I haven't been able to wear my hair down in weeks. My hair got thinned way too much and now the ends looks wispy. It is finally getting a little better, but I don't think I will be back. :( -
Review from Joshua G.
Raleigh, NC
8/25/2010
So, this has not been my first trip to Alter EGO. Let's get that out of the way right now. At this point I don't even own my hair anymore. It has been in Dana's hands for a long while now. I will never regret making that deal either. She is terrific at what she does. This place is her baby and she just does it all right. Alter EGO makes it very easy to set up appointments be it by phone, or by web. I find them to be very reliable, and yes I have changed my appointments a few times and have been requested to change my appointments as well. Whenever a change is to be made, I have been completely taken care of. Call it what you will, but I realize that situations occur in life and when you are relying on people you have to leave room for that. But in my experiences, any changes have either stemmed from my own requests and VERY rarely Alter EGO's.
Now, I don't just go to Alter EGO for the simple hair cut. I'm a dude who does not at all present a difficult head of hair to shape. But that isn't the point here. Its the experience of being in a large salon with very hip artwork adjorning the walls (not just framed pictures of hair styles) and with plenty of space to move around so if you have to wait a few minutes you don't have to just sit and twiddle your thumbs. Nothing is overdone here. It is just right. Have a glass of wine while you wait, listen to the music in the background that isn't elevator music or Top 40 radio. Look out the window onto the street below if you like too! Or, you actually CAN just sit back and browse a magazine.
Now make no mistake, Dana is a friend of mine, but she never takes that for granted and she knows that if she didn't do a great job with me, then I wouldn't be a recurring client. I let her know that too! But not only does she do a great job with my hair; she far exceeds my expectations on every visit! Hey, look, everyone knows at least one friend who provides a service and you wish to help support. But its quite nerve-racking that first time because... what if they kinda suck at what they do?!
It's the opposite here. Dana and Alter EGO have far exceeded my expectations and I actually look forward to each appointment I make. Like I said earlier, they do it right. The service far outweighs the price and with the location right in the heart of downtown Raleigh, its a perfect place to get a cut, style, and then grab a bite to eat around the bend. -
Review from David S.
ASTORIA, NY
11/3/2009
I've been to Alter Ego three times and every time I've had an outstanding experience. I've had a cut from Jenn, Dana and one of the other guys there. Each time I've visited they really took the time to ask what I wanted and offered their opinion on how I can achieve the look I wanted and look my best.
Each time I've come out looking great and have received lots of compliments. -
Review from Sandford F.
Wilmington, NC
7/30/2011
Alter EGO is terrific -- I drive up from Wilmington just to see Steven. Very good place indeed.
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Review from Dan t.
Raleigh, NC
10/17/2008
Good salon. Do a decent job with men's hair. Nice, airy, loft-like layout. Discount for first-time customers apparently. Able to accomodate fairly last-minute cuts and open somewhat late on Saturday afternoon, which is unusual in the area.
Associated with Redken, I believe.
Up an elevator in building that's a little tough to find from the street. -
Review from Ariel M.
Monterey, CA
11/12/2011
This salon is AMAZING! I was able to make my appointment online late at night & Hannah was perfect! She listened to exactly what I wanted and was sure to figure out how I wear my hair. I have never had such a great experience & cant wait to go back Saturday to get my nails done. My hair is fantastic and my highlights are my favoritest yet! Cant wait to go back for my next hair experience. The entire staff made me feel welcome and their coffee is good too!
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Review from Plumeria t.
Chapel Hill, NC
11/8/2010
I'm extremely picky when it comes to hair stylists, so of course I was a bit nervous when I tried Alter Ego (Dana) for the first time, especially that I was planning a dramatic change of hair color (lifelong blonde to ginger red). I left the salon overjoyed! My new color looks very natural and all my friends (including my stylist in Europe) love it!
Dana spent a lot of time helping me choose just the right color that matches my skin tone and even though the red faded a few weeks later (which was expected), her recommendation was absolutely right. The haircut was also great.
The salon is very spacious, like a large loft, which I prefer to all those tiny, stuffy salons where you constantly bump into other customers and have no privacy. Everyone working there seemed nice and friendly. Haircuts and coloring are reasonably-priced and I can't wait to return for another service. -
Review from Tom S.
Raleigh, NC
4/11/2009 1 Check-in Here
Great salon. They did a great job on my hair, which was in desperate need of a cut. I set up my appointment online, easy application and offered a lot of times. Since it was my first time, I didn't need to go by stylist, but will use that feature from now on (Hannah was awesome!). Great space, cool vibe, and well priced.
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Review from Amelia W.
Raleigh, NC
12/30/2010
I've been going to Alter EGO for probably a couple of years now. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They take your coat as soon as you walk in the door and offer you something to drink. I love the design of the salon, and they keep it up very nicely. Dana (Owner) cuts my hair and she always does a great job. She has an amazing sense of detail that I always appreciate. I know I wont walk out with one hair out of place! I always want a different cut and Dana is helpful in making the decision and comes up with good ideas. I have a couple of friends that go here who have gone back multiple times. I have been in to get my nails done as well, which was also a very nice experience. Prices reflect the quality of the service you receive.
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Review from mimi c.
Van Nuys, CA
8/23/2011
i was pretty nervous about today's appointment. last time a non-asian stylist in NC cut my hair (like 10 yrs ago), i ended up having to chop all my hair off. it was a traumatic experience and left me with NO PLAY for like 2 years as i tried to grow that shit out. still bitter about that o_^ anyways, i just moved back to the area after being in LA for 8 years and realized after going 5 months w/o a haircut that i needed to find a good stylist, asian or not. picked alter ego and stephen based on stellar yelp reviews and man, i think i've found my new go-to salon! stephen was super friendly and listened to what i wanted - a hairstyle that was easy to manage and made me look like someone who didn't have a mortgage and a kid haha. within an hour, he transformed my borderline mormon hair (super long and blah) to something chic and super stylish. my hair hasn't looked this good in about 3 years! posted a pic of my new 'do on facebook and had about 30 friends "like" and/or comment on how awesome my hair was. stephen's the man :-)
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Review from Chuk P.
Clayton, NC
4/13/2010
I've been to Alter Ego twice now... wanted to wait and see how consistent things were. That said, I don't know that I'll go anywhere else in Raleigh for a hair cut. Prices are very reasonable and Dana H. does such an amazing job of making sure you are absolutely satisfied with your experience. She remembered everything from the first visit... including all the little small talk that goes on during a haircut. Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this place and their attention to the smallest details.
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Review from Melissa B.
Cameron, NC
8/13/2008
I recently had my hair done at Alter Ego, and I am thrilled with the results. I had been a client of Von Kekel, but I decided to look elsewhere after some less than stellar experiences on my last two visits. Alter Ego delivers a great upscale urban salon experience, and the stylists are talented and creative. My hair looks better than it ever has, and I am looking forward to my next visit to the salon. Dana, the owner, is very attentive and involved; she seems to really care that her stylists do a superior job with their clients' looks. I'm also very happy to learn that Trevor has left Von Kekel of Cary to join Alter Ego; I was envious of every woman who had their hair cut by him while I was a client at Von Kekel. I can't wait to make an appointment with him at Alter Ego!
