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Bang Salon
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Day Spas
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor1612 U St NW
(between N 16th St & N New Hampshire Ave)
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-0925
20% Off New Talent!
Get 20% off any service with our New Talent!
Call to make an appointment with a New Talent stylist and receive 20% off your first visit!
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
89 reviews for Bang Salon
Bang is the best value for your money in DC, and Heather is an amazing stylist. I've been going to Bang for the last 2 years, and even though I live in SF I still get my hair cut & colored in DC at Bang when I'm in town.
Heather is amazing. She's got a great idea of what cut will look good with your face, and she's super fantastic at finding a flattering color for your complexion. Oh, and she's got some great stories!
This salon and I just didn't work out. At first, I was in love - cute neighborhood, convenient to the Metro, funky stylists, decent prices. I especially liked the online booking system, so I could schedule my appointments with all options in front of me.
I tried out a few stylists - Brennan, Selma, and Beth. I eventually stuck with Beth for a couple of years because I liked her style. The haircuts were okay. The staff in this salon always seems rushed - always running late, trying to squeeze people in or finish several people up at once. And the experience and results suffer for this fact. I had a few haircuts with unevenness and asymmetry, and I often did a little touch-up at home to fix the stray hairs in my otherwise "precision" haircuts. Bang has a lateness policy - if you're more than 15 minutes late, you pay for the service. I am very respectful and always made a point to show up early to appointments. But I felt like the respect wasn't two-way, as I always waited more than 15 minutes into my appointment to be seen. And sometimes it was more like 30-45 minutes before I was seen. Clearly, the policy wasn't working.
In the end, it was management of the salon that killed the relationship. Beth moved away, but they didn't promptly take her out of the scheduling system. I kept trying to book appointments with her but couldn't get any. I called, and was assured that she was just on vacation... couldn't I just book with someone else in the meantime? But she was really gone, and they were trying to keep my business.
I switched to Selma for a few cuts, until one fateful appointment that just killed it for me. There was a car fire on U Street and everything was shut down. I had been running early, but now the traffic wasn't even moving. I got out and ran the last five blocks and squeaked into the lobby at 14 minutes past my appointment time, according to my Verizon phone. But... the salon said it was 16 minutes, according to their wall clock, and they'd have to check with Selma about what to do. She wouldn't take me, and the receptionist said I was "very lucky" that they didn't charge me for the services anyway. The whole interaction was rude and that was the last straw for me - I'd been faithful, I'd put up with long waits and rushed service, but this was it. I left that evening and never looked back.
I now see Amie at the Bang in Verizon Center - now that's love! Night and day difference.
Just moved to DC and tried out my first salon based on other reviews and one that fit in my budget. The actual cut and stylist was fine, but the experience in general left much to be desired.
Good things first:
Brittany was my stylist. I asked for someone who does curly hair and she was very friendly and good. Curly hair is hard to mess up, and all I wanted was for my hair to be trimmed and cleaned up a bit and that is what she did. She used a dry cut which I have never had before - but everything turned out fine and I'm happy with it. She told me about this DevaCurl stuff but didn't push it. Also gave me advice on color if I wanted to come back to her for that.
Bad things:
1. I read in the reviews that the receptionist gives attitude and is snarky. She was definitely not the friendliest person in the world and could use a customer service training seminar.
2. Brittany took me back to her chair without having swept up her previous clients hair. Gross. She didn't offer to take my bag so I had it awkwardly sitting on my lap while she draped me in the coat until I asked her where I could put it. These two things I found very weird as they are expected at any decent hair salon.
3. The shampoo-ing was AWFUL. I do a better job at home. Brittany relegated this washing to some lady who was just sitting around folding pieces of foil. All she did was put the shampoo and conditioner in my hair for TEN SECONDS and rinse it out. She didn't use her fingers to massage it in or let it sit so my hair could soak up the nutrients. The shampoo-ing is the best part and this absolutely SUCKED. I used to get a neck massage from my old hair stylist -- guess that is too classy for Bang, too.
For the $42 bucks I expected a lot more ... at least a lot more in the shampoo-ing department ... not sure if I would go back.
Just a quick update: It has been two weeks and my hair still looks great. Typically I wear my hair curly, but I finally straightened it for the first time this year. OMG AMAZING! I am so happy my cut from Selma can fo from curly to straight. I'm am 100% completely sold on Bang.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2009
I have found my new salon. After being constantly disappointed by the cuts and styles at my old… Read more »
The salon staff was very friendly, and so was Selma, who cut my hair, but DO NOT GO TO BANG. She did not listen to what I wanted and gave me more layers against my wishes and took my stylish long hair and made me look like a frumpy soccer mom. When I told her it looked really short she said she'd taken only a 1/4 inch off, but it was at least 2 inches, maybe more. She's very sweet but did not listen - all I kept telling her was I wanted to keep my hair long, and asked her to take of as little hair as absolutely possible. And she took off over 2 inches. NOT good.
Yes it's only $42 but save yourself the trouble and just spend the money to go to an upscale salon that's actually worth it. I chose this salon because of reviews on this website, but once I started telling my friends about my horrible experience, they shared their horrible experiences getting their hair butchered at Bang. Believe me - STAY AWAY.
This place rocks. I can only vouch for Jamie - but let me tell you, she is the BEST. I have long brown hair that I am very particular about and in my 25 years on this earth I have never gotten a better cut than Jamie's. She is fast, knowledgeable, accommodating and awesome at her job. Plus she is cool and fun to chat with. Seriously, this is the quickest and BEST cut, most laid-back environment, nicest people, largest array of magazines (though they are so promt you never really get through much of any of them)....its just the best. Go to Jamie. You won't regret it.
I'm afraid to say it, as I may jinx myself. So I won't jump too quickly just yet. I mean, you have to be 100% *sure* when you think you've found The One almighty who will indefinitely cut your hair. I went on my "first date" w/ Patrick @ Bang U. St. and based on the results, sparks flew and I'd definitely like to see him again.
But first the back story:
After my initial review of Bang, I received a message from a regional manager who apologized for my less than spectacular experience and kindly offered to have me come in for "a fix" with Patrick, the U St. location manager. {side note: unless you have no soul, I would not recommend reviewing the place poorly in a pitiful attempt to get your arse back in there, this is a business and I was shocked and very impressed that she took the effort to do so.. this should not be abused.} ..stepping down from my pedestal..
Fast forward to my experience with Patrick, it was brief, as I only needed a quick fix to take out the bulkiness and to try and get some shape back. He was direct, got straight to what I needed and even cut my hair dry so I was in and out in 10-15 minutes max. Patrick was AWESOME. I *LOVE* my new cut, the bulkiness is long gone, the shape is better than ever and he gave my side-swooping bangs that shape my face well and I couldn't be happier.
Thank you Bang for giving me a second attempt and for introducing me to Patrick. At $42 and with his skills with the scissors, I'll definitely be back to see if he may just be.. TO.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/6/2009
It's no secret that I've been on a continual quest for "that" hairdresser since I moved to DC three… Read more »
I wont go into details about how many bad haircuts I've had. I have curly hair so its not easy to get it right.
Simply put Heather gave me an AMAZING hair cut, she not only gave me an AMAZING haircut but she also gave me tips on how to dry my hair so it doesn't look flat!! NO stylist has EVER done that before. Not to mention, she also said, "if you have any questions on how to style your hair or whatever, give me a call" I was like WOW, I will thanks!!!!
All this for $42!?!? It's unbelievable. Yeah, maybe the front staff isn't up your ass and asking if you want floral water but screw that. I cant stand that anyway. GREAT place to get a hair cut!!!
I've been going to Camden for a year and a half now and I have loved every cut I've gotten. He really listens, has a careful eye and steady hand, and is such a nice guy.
I get several compliments a week from total strangers telling me that they love my haircut. I just got one yesterday and this cut is already over 6 weeks old , so it's not like it's even in top form.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/31/2007
Just got a great cut from Camden. I used to go to Elena, who I also like, but she is booked weeks… Read more »
Patrick is the best! I moved to San Diego over a year ago and I thought I would get over the fact that he was no longer cutting my hair. I have not! I went marching right back to him the last time I was in DC. I trusted him so much with my hair that there were times that I would walk in to the salon and just let him have at. You can't beat his conversations, talent (no razor scissor things used here! - Finally!), and charm!
I had my first cut with Bang today, and Jessica was more than wonderful. She asked a million questions to make sure we were on the same page, engaged in some great conversation, helped me pick out some good products without any sort of pressure to buy, and gave me some advice for future cuts. I went in with a femme mohawk that was growing out and looking ridiculous, and came out with a modern, professional and funky short 'do. I think I'm still in shock- she's amazing. I've finally found "my stylist". Highly recommend Jessica.
As a side note, I had no issues with the front desk attendants. I made my appointment online after calling and getting a friendly recommendation for a stylist (they were right on about Jessica and her attention specialization in short cuts), and they were just fine in person.
Dino cut my hair today and I am so pleased. I've been to bang a handful of times and I'm glad that I finally found a stylist there that I will most definitely see again. I have long, dark, wavy hair. I wanted to keep the length and he listened to me wonderfully. He gave be the best blow-dry too, not stick straight and no Farah Fawcett wings. This guy definitely knows what he's doing.
Have been going to Patrick since I moved to DC years ago and love him.
Only complaint is that I hate the front desk, and don't like having to schedule online to avoid them, but it's not that big of a deal. And I wish he worked Saturdays on a set schedule...but that's a selfish reason :)
He's the best.
And Michelle at Verizon is wonderful - great waxing, friendly service, and clean. One day I will try a facial - she uses Dermologica which is a great line.
I've been a loyal customer at Bang since I moved to DC. Dino is a great stylist and I've never walked out of there unhappy.
Minus one star for the heinous treatment I always receive at the front desk. Please don't act like no one else can do your job when, clearly, it's not that hard to schedule some appointments and swipe some credit cards.
After hearing about it for a while, I decided to try out Bang one day. I needed a haircut.. pretty simple. (I thought.)
Long story short I walked out of there practically with a bald patch, thanks to the stylist I had chosen (Lindsey.. no longer there) who was trying to show off by waving her shears all over my head at 100mph.. only to 'accidentally' lop off a large (!) and visible (!) section of my hair. A section which, for the next 6-8 months, I had to cover up in many interesting ways.
The haircut itself was on the cheaper side - which woulda been awesome if the haircut wasn't a total disaster. But I guess you get what you pay for.
Comment from Naomi K. of
Bang Salon
4/23/2009
As stated in my private message to Snicky D, Lindsey has not…
More »
I have been going to Brittany over 2 years now. She rocks! I was looking for a reasonably priced haircut and decided to give Bang a try when a friend of mine recommended Brittany. She never cuts too much off, always does exactly what I ask her to do. Bangs turn out perfect every time. I have referred several friends to her now and even my associations VP is now a loyal client. I am almost afraid to get the word out because I want to still be able to get in for an appointment. Speaking of appointments, I love that you can see stylists availability and book them online. Great price, great cut, overall fantastic.
I agree with most of the reviews...Bang is pretty middle of the road.
I will say, I saw Angela and she gave me a good cut. She listened to what I wanted and definitely met my expectations. Not awesome, but cute enough. I only had to wait about 5 minutes before she got started, and once she had me in the seat I was in and out in 30 minutes. She wasn't terribly friendly but meh, I guess that's not her job.
Honestly, I have gotten just as good a haircut at the Hair Cuttery, and its half as expensive.
In over a decade of brow waxing, this is absolutely the worst experience I ever had. I strongly advise against getting any sort of wax here, particularly from Knong.
Normally I go to Skin Beauty Lounge for my brows, where Nora does a great job. But I was in a hurry and I am a member at the Results gym next door, so I decided I'd go in for a quick fix. I had never had any service done at Bang before.
The room wasn't prepared when Knong led me in, and she spent five minutes fussing around putting a rather tattered piece of paper on the bed and heating up the wax while I stood in the doorway. The waxing itself seemed more painful than usual. She also kept swabbing at my eyebrows with a none-too-clean looking cloth towel that had some sort of unidentified liquid on it and, oddly, she had me sit up to trim my brows even though she is like 5 feet tall and had to stand on her tip toes to reach.
When she showed me the results in the mirror, I wasn't happy -- my brows were not symmetrical and there were lots of scruffy little hairs left underneath my brows. She tried to fix it twice according to my instructions, and then I finally decided that I didn't want her doing anything else and that I should just get out of there.
The whole time, it felt like my brows were stinging more than usual. But the light in the room was kind of dim, so I didn't realize until I got home and examined myself under better lighting conditions that I had a swollen red patch under my right brow that is about 3/4 inch long and 1/4 inch wide. It looked as though a layer or two of skin had been ripped off -- which, in fact, is probably exactly what happened. My injury got more painful over the next fifteen minutes. Finally, I went back (I only live a few blocks away) to complain and get my money back.
The manager's response was completely appropriate: she apologized, refunded everything, and gave me some soothing ointment that helped a little. She suggested that maybe the wax had been too hot, but admitted she didn't know much about waxing. But Knong, the waxer, kept butting in while I was talking to the manager and tried to tell the manager I had very sensitive skin (I don't) and that maybe I was having some sort of extreme reaction because I was close to my period (I wasn't). In addition to being a totally incompetent waxer, I found this response totally inappropriate.
It is now over 24 hours since the horrific waxing experience and the red patch is still continually painful and, if anything, is more visible than it was right after the waxing. My skin is now also breaking out all around my eyebrows. Fortunately I didn't have any plans last night and don't tonight either, but if I had I would have had to go out with a highly noticeable red mark below one eyebrow that is way too painful to put concealer on.
UPDATE 9/29/08: it is now five whole days since the Wax from Hell, and the mark is actually more visible than it was right after the wax, AND is still painful enough that I can't do my regular swim workout because the goggles irritate the skin. It is starting to look sort of scabby, which I take to be because it is healing, but I don't think it'll look normal for at least a week. It's ridiculous -- what if my wedding had been the next day???
DON'T GET WAXED AT BANG!!!!!
Mediocre place. Tried it several times for a basic men's haircut because it's close to my office. I should have realized that it wasn't my style when everyone in the place had more visible tattoos than I have fingers and toes, but, hey, I try to keep an open mind.
Each time I wound up with a different cut, even with the same stylist.
For me, I suggest you stick with a barber, at half the price (try Camillo's).
I just went for an eyebrow and upper lip wax and booked online which was nice but I had to use my credit card to hold the reservation (which was weird because they didn't charge me at the end - I get it now but I was confused). Knong was great, very pleasant and outgoing but it was annoying that my eyebrow fuzz started coming back maybe two days later. I get it, I have Sesame Street eyebrows but I've been other places where it's been a solid week before the hair came back.
The online booking was a plus though - it took a little while to set up and wasn't perfect (I tried to book an appointment at the Verizon Center location and found someone available to do eyebrows but not upper lip?) but I appreciate not having to call because I'm antisocial.
i.hate.having.short.hair.
So during my first two trips at Bang, all I said was I needed a trim. And that's what I got. A good solid trim that was half a step above Supercuts from hair stylists that were friendly but not particularly warm or exciting. But since they kept me in my comfort zone, I came back when I wanted a trim to my ever-growing hair in order to get rid of split-ends before an interview.
Then I went and saw Tyler who was warm and friendly and willing to take me out of my comfort zone. He said things like "adding movement" and "definition" which were kinda scary to me. I put my fears aside and placed my trust in the hands of this pretty-eyed guy like I may have not done since I was 17. And I am nothing but pleased with the results. I got a haircut that was flattering but I never would have picked out on my own.
Ultimately, Bang like any salon is only as good as the stylist you get. I've never had a bad experience with any of them. Unfortunately, it takes awhile since it is a trial and error process. And those staff descriptions on their website I don't think are ever updated and there is a highish turnover rate there. But for the price, I think Bang is spot-on.
Minus a star for the elitist girls at the front desk and the cancellation policy which I have never had a problem with but am really afraid of.
Update: Tyler is no longer at Bang. So neither am I. He is now at Immortal Beloved.
I am tired of paying $100+ for a simple haircut so I thought I'd try Bang on U street.
They have weird policies there (they explained to me on the phone)-you call to make an appt. and they ask for your CC # to hold the appt. and if you are late they charge you extra and if you don't show up they charge you full price. understandable but not a warm, friendly feeling.
i wasn't late but i had to wait 15 minutes (i wouldn't normally mind at all but since they have a tardiness policy for clients...i should have received a discount, no?).
Camden, the stylist, was pleasant. Pretty good cut, no magic though.
Cuts are a reasonable $42 but there is a big sign at the reception that says 1st time clients get 10% off any service. i wasn't given the discount and didn't feel like reminding them.
i think i'll give them another try, just to be fair. i liked the place, in general, b/c it didn't seem too haughty and they didn't try hard to sell products (they don't have any good ones anyway).
After becoming disappointed with my last haircut at the usual place I go to, Salon Cielo I decided to try a new place. I tried Bang Salon based a friend's recommendation and its close promixity to where I work. I got my hair cut by Jaimie who was great. She was very friendly, listened to what I wanted and not to mention easy on the eyes. My haircut was exactly what I wanted and the price was reasonable. I think I will come back again.
Good stuff. I've gotten my hair cut by Jessica C there a few times, and I always get lots of compliments. It's kind of pricey for a men's cut, about $35, but that's about average for salon type joints around town. It's quick too.
Desperate for a haircut, I gave Bang another shot. Summer in DC means chopping off the extra length and thinning the my mess of hair out a bunch. I didn't go back to the person I saw last time, as he complained a lot, and instead decided to go with the luck of the draw. I won.
Jenn is great. She listened to what I wanted, re-cut my bangs a few times until they fell perfectly over my eyebrow (her choice, I'm not too demanding) and thinned thinned thinned my hair out until it didn't poof too much (my hair thinks that it is 1985). And she told me to swing in for a quick bang trim or if I needed my layers re-layered.
After a little over a week I still like my hair. I don't think its that edgy, but then again I don't think that anything in DC is edgy.
FYI - they've raised prices a bit. And make sure to bring cash for tips, or you'll have to use the mini-ATM just inside the store (and it charges $2.50)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/24/2007
My haircut is fine. The price was fine. The stylist was fine. My split ends are gone. The… Read more »
The DC humidity causes my curly hair to inflate at an alarming rate, so I finally broke down and decided to get it cut. A friend suggested coming here, so I booked an appointment with Jenn (pretty much a random choice) on the neat online scheduling thing. Upon arrival, I only had to wait a few minutes before Jenn was ready. I'm not very knowledgeable about hair or what I want to do with mine, and she did a great job of deciphering my jabbering. ("Umm I want it to be shorter but not way short but you know I don't really do much with it in the morning so it should be easy but not entirely boring you know?") She was efficient without being sloppy, and definitely seemed to be checking her work fairly meticulously. I'm satisfied with the haircut, and Jenn herself definitely gets 4 stars.
What knocks this place down for me just a bit is the pricing. $35 (and then tip on top of that) is the most I've ever spent for a haircut, and while I know that's not a terrible price for the area, this Midwestern boy hasn't adjusted to that. Also, the women at the front desk seemed more interested in their conversation than with serving customers. Altogether, it was a good experience. I'd give Bang 3.5 stars if I could. But I can't. So I won't.
Bang Salon has adequate haircuts. Dino was great. But the system is totally based on turnover, and their "cancellation policy" is a bad joke. I work right next door, so I went to them because it was easy and relatively cheap. However, once I was a few minutes late, so they called to tell me I had missed my appointment and would be charged for the haircut, but "Would you like to make another appointment?" Yeah, thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity to pay for a mediocre, rushed haircut twice.
No thanks.
It's a really easy place for me, but I'll walk a few blocks and get decent service, thanks.
It says something when one walks into a salon and her selected stylist has not a pleasant word to say - nor a smile. My hair was "impossible" to funkify, based on its length, and when I was asked "do you blowdry it?" (to which I replied, "on the weekend") I was met with a dismissive sneer. Bryce was so instantly over me and my hair -- what a miserable, arrogant guy! The only time he talked to me was to complain. Feel your feelings, man, but don't take them out on me!
I was super excited to get my haircut - it had been awhile, since I just graduated from school last June and have been short on funds since then. When he asked me accusingly when the last time I got it cut, I felt almost ashamed to answer. Ouch!
Like many other reviewers, I felt rushed. The shampoo boy was totally sneery as well -- I asked him how he was and he could barely muster a "good" in return.
In one of Bryce's rants, he mentioned to me that the company did their tax forms wrong and now they all had to send back money. Maybe that contributed to the sullen, miserable attitude here --
My cut looks nice, but it is completely generic. Guess that's my fault since my hair was long (um, didn't I go to get it cut?). Blahhhhhh. Since it took 9 minutes past my half hour appointment to dry, I received the recommendation to, in the future, let them know to schedule extra time. I got that message, but I'm not sure I'll be back. The benefit of the bargain basement prices didn't really outweigh the supreme rudeness circulating throughout the building - as well as the popping of my balloon of excitement! I left irritated and pretty disappointed.
These people need to get over themselves.
Got a great haircut here a few months back with Camden. He listened to everything I had to say and offered some advice. Haven't been able to get my hair to look as good since then but I don't think that has ever happened.
My only complaint is that this is the only place I've ever had to prepay for my appointment. I don't mind doing it but I'm not 100% comfortable with them having my credit card number.
I've been here one too many times, and I won't be back. The only reason I didn't give it one star is because not every experience has been miserable. My latest experience--appalling.
I went to get a haircut/color. After the girl (can't remember her name) did a consultation, we decided against the color and agreed on just a haircut. Well, after she had cut my hair, and was about to start blow drying, her next customer showed up. So, she asked if it would be alright if I dried my own hair. I was in such disbelief that I said "okay". And while she scurried off to her next customer, I picked up the blow dryer and began drying my hair. Then reality set in. "Are you kidding me? I didn't come to a hair salon to dry my own hair. Not cool at all." I thought. I left the salon with wet hair and shattered hair cut dreams. Any good stylist would know that you cannot allow a customer to leave without drying the hair first. Touch-ups need to be made once the hair is dry that cannot be detected when the hair is still damp. Bang left me feeling devalued as a customer, cheapened, and low. For sure, I did not have that after-the-hair-salon-glow.
At Bang, they are not concerned about the quality as much as the quantity. All my hair stylist cared about was getting to her next customer. In the process, she lost me and lost her tip.
I went to Bang last night to get my hair chopped off and colored. I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! So Fantastic.
I had not gotten my hair cut in a very long time, and I decided yesterday morning that I wanted my hair cut ASAP. I called Bang and surprisingly Carol had an opening at 6:30. I went and was 20 minutes early, and she took me right away. She was super sweet, and listened to what I said. She thought I was going too short, and so I took her advice and the length she thought was perfect. I will definitely go back.
I did not feel rushed, Carol listened to what I said and made sure we were on the same page. I highly recommend.
Oooo and bonus, I got off the metro at 5:50 and was able to stop by threads to get my eyebrows done! It was an evening of beauty.
angela, angela, angela.
If you want an AWESOME cut, GO SEE ANGELA AT METROPOLE!! she brennan, and bryce are hands down the most talented stylists at any of the 3 bang salons, and they're all at metropole now.
I can't tell you how many times i have had disappointing, overpriced haircuts over the years. I have super long, super thick, wavy hair that even the most "experienced" stylists always seem reluctant to cut. so my layers were never layered enough, etc. but ever since i read about bang in washingtonian several years ago and went to see angela, i have NEVER even thought about going anywhere else. In fact, I have an appointment with her later today :D she is confident, she listens to you, and she's innovative. LOVE HER. best stylist ever. before you go pay $70+ for a blah cut, go pay angela a visit, you will never be disapponted :)
Comment from Naomi K. of
Bang Salon
4/23/2009
Angela is now at Bang Metropole 202-588-5555. Check her…
More »
Camden is sheer genius.
My whole experience at Bang is always great; cuts, color, waxing. If you lean towards edgy cuts, you'll love this place.
I'm a swell guy with a positive outlook on life who likes a decent haircut. If you're like me (or aspire to be like me and can't afford my motivation seminars now available on cassette or 8-track) then go with Patrick. Cool, funny, a great listener and an even better stylist.
That's Patrick. At Bang Salon
(it took me three days to write this review, wanted to ensure that each word was perfect. I'm like Hemingway, if Hemingway wrote reviews of hair salons online)
I think this location was better before the downtown location opened up, in terms of service and vibe. For a few years, I came here mainly for waxing after my stylist left. I have encountered some rude receptionists in the past, but recently, the service has been pretty good. No more attitude than anywhere else I've been.
So, why the four stars? Knong! She is the best and will make you feel like a million bucks, something I rarely feel like when there is hot wax and cotton ripping strips involved. I adore her.
Also, I hadn't had my hair cut in ages, in hopes of growing it out for my upcoming nuptials. (Yes, I'm doing my own hair. Deal.) But my thin, fine hair had become a tangled, ratty mess in the past few weeks, so I had to suck it up. On the rec of a friend, I went to Selma. I explained that I just wanted my hair trimmed since right now I wasn't ready for anything dramatic with my tiny li'l wedding happening soon. She cut my hair dry so it didn't then shrink when it dried, and then, since the cut only took about 10 minutes, gave me a deep conditioning treatment (which I agreed to) since she thought it would help remove buildup and improve the texture of my hair.
And I left the salon on time, with hair as soft as my soft, soft puppy's. (Seriously, her fur is soft like a kitten's.) My hair is never this soft. So, I think Bang is pretty darn good. I'll be back.
I spent an hour and a half in the chair at the U Street salon and experienced the worst service in my life. I walked in for my seven pm appointment with a junior stylist. When I sat down, I told her how I wanted my hair: "I want a Posh Bob, with lots of disconnect and texture, no volume in the back whatsoever, and please pretty please razor and thin the heck out of it."
I have had about a thousand different haircuts and I know what I want, and this was not it, nor was it going to happen at any time in that chair. I understand that junior stylists take a little more time to feel comfortable with different styles and types of hair. However, I decided to give up any hope of getting the style I wanted when she decided to blow out my four-inch long hair with a four-inch-diameter round bristle brush. She proceeded to blow out my hair without any product and without doing any razoring until I pleaded with her to please do as I asked, and thin the heck out of it. She razored it for about ten minutes and only cut my neck once. At this point I knew it was a lost cause and I suffered in silence as other stylists finished four heads in the time it took to achieve my Judy-Jetson-hair-helmet.
The senior stylist watching her did a great job when she had time to attend to what was happening to me, coming over to demonstrate the proper techniques and once even asking if she felt comfortable finishing the cut. In hindsight I should have refused to let her continue, but the senior stylist had her own clients and I was in no position to take away their time with their her.
At one point, the jr. stylist pointed to the girl in the chair next to me with a similar length of hair and asked, "So you want to grow it out like that?" I responded, "No, I have short hair. I want a short hair style. I want a hair cut, I don't want to grow it out or have a cut that will 'grow out well,' I want a Hair Style." I also asked what type of hair she felt most comfortable with, and she told me that she felt most comfortable with long hair. I think in some cases honesty is not the best policy and when you have someone requesting a Posh Bob in your chair, you better lie your face off.
I left the salon thinking that maybe I could go home and salvage the style with the right product and proper styling - i.e. no round brushes! The next morning , it was impossible to make any sort of peace with my hair. It was too thick, cut in a blunt bob with no angling, no Posh, nothing resembling what I requested.
I emailed the salon the next day to see if I could come in to get it fixed. I was happy to pay for a new cut, but the lack of professionalism that greeted me was astounding. When no one emailed me back after two hours, I made two phone calls spoke with a surly receptionist who said "the manager will call you." When she finally did, four hours later, she left me a voicemail telling me that "quite frankly, I think you're overreacting and exaggerating."
At that point I was flabbergasted! It didn't matter to me what anyone else thought about my hair - I hated it and was ready to fix it, not be told I was a liar!
It's too bad that a place that was so highly recommended to me failed to meet even the lowest expectations. I was ready to pay for a great cut and was told I was imagining things. There was no way I was going to go somewhere where the customer not only isn't always right, but is treated so poorly.
The next day I went to a great salon (Trim, in Adams Morgan), where I was the third person in their chairs that day who had a bad experience at Bang and came in to get it fixed.
I hope no one else is treated like this at Bang, or at any other place - I'm through with hair factories! (And look for my great review of Trim, too.)
Great haircuts for really reasonable prices. I highly recommend it for solid standard cut and colors.
This is for the U Street location, I have never been to Verizon Center.
So how do you review a business like this? The deciding factor here is of course the stylist, and more importantly your hair upon leaving. I have been here four times, and each time have had a different stylist with a different experience. I have had one excellent cut, two good cuts and one lame cut. The lame cut was when the stylist decided to take off much less (he said it looked better, I think he was just lazy) than I asked. I left feeling cheated and looking like I hadn't even had a haircut, like I got a $36 shampoo and rinse. The excellent cut was just perfect, exactly what I wanted. The hair on the back of my head is difficult to properly cut to a short length and she f***ing nailed it. Booya.
When it's over I am always given the speech on their soy paste product, which is apparently the one-size-fits-all treatment for boring short hair. I always politely decline to purchase some, no big deal.
The atmosphere is "ultra-hip" with a prevalent sound system; the staff controls the music and if they like something you hate, it makes for a pretty crappy time.
Oh yeah, be wary using their online booking system. It requires you to supply credit card information, so if you don't show up they still charge you, which makes sense. Thing is, about two months ago (March '07), a "surprise" reservation was entered under my name. Luckily I received the confirmation e-mail and cancelled promptly. I e-mailed back letting them know what had happened and asked if my credit card information was safe in their hands; I have not received a response. A good cut rules, but identity theft is a bitch.
Bang was my 2nd try at finding a stylist in DC. I went to Camden, who was very nice, but I wasn't impressed. I have thick, wavy, long hair and wanted something flowy and gorgeous, but got the same ol' same ol' layered cut that got heavy after 2 weeks. I'd recommend Urban Style Lab even though it's more money. It's worth it.
Carol gave me a very stylish cut for a very reasonable price. I asked her to radically cut my long hair into something short and cute. She gave me something medium-length and cute, but did say I could come back in a week to get more cut off if I wanted. I think I could have gone shorter, but I will certainly make the trip from the MD suburbs in a few months to get another cut from her...when she and I can figure out that short style I wanted!
