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Shears Hair Salon
Categories: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Beauty and Spas Nail Salons Hair Salons, Nail Salons [Edit]
822 15th St NW(between N H St & N Zei Aly)
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 842-4070
- Nearest Transit:
-
Mcpherson Sq Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
Farragut West Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
Farragut North Metro Station (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 5:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$50 for $75 Certificate
Meredith G. said: "Needed to touch up my highlights at the last minute before the holiday and Glynn Jones came to the rescue with the Yelp discount coupon and…" read more »
43 reviews for Shears Hair Salon
43 reviews in English
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Review from Stefanie S.
Chicago, IL
5/29/2009
I haven't been in DC too long, so I'm still looking for a great place [that I can afford] to get a haircut. After reading all the great reviews on Yelp for Shears and Marsha, I made my appointment. I'm incredibly glad I did - everyone was super friendly and pretty laid-back.
Marsha gave me a fabulous cut that fit my face and even looked good after my clumsy styling efforts. She was talkative while working with me, letting me know what she was doing as well as making small talk. I'm terrible when chatting with hair stylists, but I felt pretty at ease with her. She was quite efficient, giving the time needed to make sure I was happy but also not keeping me around far longer than necessary. The cut, as I said, was fabulous.
The price was good - higher than I'd been paying in Chicago, but great for what I've seen in DC. Once I'm more financially secure, let's say, I'm definitely going back. -
Review from Katie F.
Arlington, VA
2/25/2009
Sorry Cody--while your cuts are fine--your color needs work. Which is apparently why we were hair models in the first place. I thought I was a model for an "event" meaning you were showing off your best work; work you were very experienced at.
There is a fine line between "funky pretty" hair--which as a 27 year old woman I was open to---and "funky funky" hair---which as a high school teacher makes me look like my students. When a kid asks if I colored my hair with Kool-aid this is never a good thing. When I say "anything but red"--and I walk out with the majority of my head a burgundy color, this also is not a good thing. Perhaps I gave you to much freedom--and this shows you have little restraint and need to learn to edit. When your solution for correcting the burgundy color is to cover it with a cold black shade and I have pale pale skin--this is especially not a good thing. I am no goth-and I don't want to solely attract men who are into anime. (Thanks Jason H for that one!)
As I have been reading beauty magazines since before you were out of diapers I can say this--take a color theory class---and be more upfront about your experience. At this stage in the game you should be an apprentice at a salon, and should be billing yourself as such, at least in the arena of color.
Meh. I've experienced better says it all. -
Review from Barrie C.
San Antonio, TX
9/27/2008 ROTD 1/12/2009
I posted a Talk thread about where a guy could get a haircut. I got a lot of good suggestions, but I decided to go to Shears to get my hair cut by Marsha because she herself responded to my inquiry. As I found out, she is very active on Yelp, and a LOT of Yelpers go to her.
First, I have to give her props for her use of Yelp. It's admirable of her to be confident enough to reveal herself on Yelp and put her skills on the line. It's also refreshing compared to a lot of other employees who disguise themselves on Yelp and write a lot of glowing but obviously fake reviews for their establishments. Or bitch about bad reviews rather than addressing the problems.
NOTICE TO ALL BUSINESS EMPLOYEES: work WITH Yelp, not against it. After patrons post reviews on Yelp, good or bad, it is much, MUCH more productive to engage them, thank them for the review, take note of what was good, and improve what was bad than it is to bitch about it and accuse Yelp of hurting your business. Marsha is proof of how beneficial Yelp can be for your business.
So I got my hair cut here. I had to wait a bit past my appointment time before she started because she was helping another client, but I wasn't in a huge hurry, and I'd rather a stylist take his or her time with a client rather than rush through it because there's somebody waiting. So hopefully my patience will be rewarded some other time by Marsha taking her time with my hair when she has somebody waiting after me.
Anyway, I told her what I wanted, and she did it. At various points throughout the haircut she asked me if this or that was okay, which was nice. And I'm pretty pleased with the haircut. I think that when it comes to haircuts, you have to get your hair cut by the same person at least 2-3 times to accurately judge the quality of the haircut, so this is a four-star review with the definite potential for five stars after one or two more haircuts.
Finally, one of the best parts of this haircut, and one of the most overlooked aspects of this business, is that Marsha is a great conversationalist. I want to get my hair cut and have a friendly conversation, not get my hair cut and suffer through 30-40 minutes of completely silent awkwardness. That was never a problem here. Marsha and I talked the whole time, and it was never awkward, which was great.
Also, the guy at the front desk was really friendly. Just a nice, welcoming atmosphere.
I will definitely go back to Marsha for my next haircut. -
Review from Kathleen M.
Atlanta, GA
9/23/2008
Yelp Elite Events cause problems for me. I think that because they are free, I tend to justify things like new dresses or shoes. I managed to get a screaming deal on my dress (10% of the original price... yeah, as in 90% off) and it was backless, so I knew I needed to put my hair up. Splurging on an updo seemed totally justified, and when I realized I had been wanting to meet Marsha and see if all of the positive reviews were for real, I knew that's where I had to go. Done and done.
I easily made an appointment for the time I wanted and made my way over to Shears. The space is nice: very open layout so you can spy on what other people are having done. It was pretty quiet, with only 2 stylists working at the time. Marsha greeted me with open arms: she could not have been nicer or more friendly! We chatted the entire time and I just loved her personality. It's clear that she truly loves what she does.
We talked a bit about what I wanted and were quickly in agreement. I am in desperate need of a hair cut (it's been 6 months!) and Marsha was great about dealing with it and not running away from these monster split ends. I really liked the final result and it stayed put throughout the night.
What really made me happy about Shears was that at checkout, my precious Parlez Vous OPI? nail polish was sitting in a little display, just waiting for me. I'm pretty sure it was fate.
Also, just in reference to the question on biased reviews, Shears does have little placards around the shop asking people to write about them on Yelp. These signs are visible to everyone who comes in the salon, whether they've had a good experience or not. Shears is promoting Yelp along with asking for customer feedback, which in my eyes is always a good thing. -
Review from Camilla W.
Alexandria, VA
12/4/2008
So I've lived with my hair cut and color since Tuesday -- I didn't think it would be totally prudent to say my hair cut is awesome right after I came out of the salon, because it always looks awesome right then, doesn't it? It's the week after that really counts. Does your hair fall in place? Can you sleep on it and have it still look decently presentable to the world? Is the color keeping well, or is it brassy? You know what I mean.
Well, my hair looks excellent. I think everyone in my office has told me how great I look. I think this might be one of the best styles I've ever had.
Cody was the artist behind my 'do. He's a stylish young thing, probably a few years younger than my 26, and he's got a stylish haircut himself.
Let me say, I have NEVER had someone cut and color my hair so meticulously. The man has a gift. What he did to my hair was totally painstaking and tedious, but it looks absolutely amazing. First, he cut my hair - pretty much gave it a full cut while it was dry. And then, he did a full highlight - I mean he highlighted the smallest sections of my hair, and got all the way to the end of each strand with the color. I had so much foil in my hair by the time he was done, I could probably conduct electricity. The result is that I have incredibly natural looking multi-tonal blond highlights - it all looks like one color.
And then! He cut my hair again - after I got my scalp massage and wash. He made sure everything matched up perfectly. All my layers fall perfectly around my face. It looks great. I can't say enough good things about him.
Also, the salon is bright and cheerful, and everyone was very nice. The cut and highlight together cost about 200, which is pricey, but not so bad at all for this area.
Oh yeah, and when I made an appointment, they got me in for the next day! Great service. Love it. -
Review from Dian C.
Arlington, VA
7/24/2008
Since moving to DC years ago, I still hadn't found a hairstylist I liked. The result: 8 months-worth of long frazzled hair that seriously needed help. In the dead heat of summer, I'd had enough and yelped out for some help in hair stylist suggestions and found Marsha at Shears. Why not, I figured.
Even though I walked in slightly late and it was clear I was the last customer of the day, Marsha took her time with the cut. She didn't take too much off at first, but dried it after cutting, at which point we decided to take another inch or so off.
I walked out of Shears with so much weight off and a bounce in my step. My perfectly styled hair just made me want to bounce and run my hands through my hair (kinda like in those Pantene and Clairol commercials). I've gotten compliments on the cut from a number of people and I promise I won't go 8 months before another cut!! -
Review from Amanda M.
Washington, DC
1/11/2009
I have to give Shears props for taking me even though I arrived at 5:15pm on a Saturday, and they close at 5:30pm. Mac, the receptionist, was about to turn me away (understandably) when Marsha overheard and said that she could take me. She consulted with me and asked what I was looking for - just a trim. My hair was washed by Myrna and I was in Marsha's chair in no time.
Marsha was fast trimming off my dead ends and fixing my layers. She noted that my layers weren't done well before (I had them done at Bang) and she was going to fix them. Afterwards, I noticed that they did fall better.
Overall, I liked my experience at Shears:
- It was fast.
- Marsha took me even though they were about to close.
- I got $10 off my haircut b/c I mentioned the special posted on Yelp.
I'm giving Shears four not five stars because:
- Price: My trim took about 15 minutes, and it was $60. I think that's overpriced. Maybe its just the high D.C. prices? Is there anywhere to go where you can get a trim for like $40?Listed in: D.C. Beauty Scene
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Review from Sarah L.
4/15/2009
Even though I got a hair cut last month, I kind of felt that with summer around the corner, it could be a bit shorter, so I just moseyed into Shears on Tuesday afternoon around 4pm and was able to get an appointment immediately. I was directed to put my coat in the closet and to don a smock. After a few minutes, my stylist came and introduced himself as Cody.
We had a brief consultation where I explained to him that I am a low-maintenance wash-and-go kind of girl. I would like it a bit shorter, as no one had realized that I had even cut my hair (it used to be down to my hip). Also, since I worked in a hotel, they are more conservative about how their employees look, maybe I could get away with wearing my hair down if it was a bit shorter. Since I'm just one of people usually gets their hair cut once or twice a year, my attitude is a bit different when it comes to hair: it grows back.
Cody started by cutting my hair while it was dry. Like other reviews mentioned here, he was very meticulous. He would lift up sections of my hair to see how it fell and moved. And since I had Asian hair, I told him it was okay if he thinned it out a bit. My hair is stick straight and it never gets volume unless I put some effort into it. Shiny, yes. Volume, no. Afterward I went to get shampooed, and then he did some finishing touches. It was kind of peaceful and I started nodding off as was blow drying my hair.( I know--I can go to sleep anywhere.)
I do admit I wasn't being much of a conversationalist but I am glad that Cody can pick up on that and just do his job. I might have caused some frustration due to my indifference about my hair, but he came up with something that just worked. I love my cut. It's very airy and bouncy. I told him that I was going to look like a bobble head all day because I'm going to be tossing my head to and fro. "Well, if you're happy, then I'm happy," he said. Cost was reasonable: $65 for a wash and blow dry, excluding tip.
I got some lovely comments on my hair today, so I will definitely be back. One of the best parts was being able to catch the S9 back to Silver Spring without having to pay double for Metro fare AND being able to get a nap as well. Double score! Sadly, I still have to put my hair up at work, but no matter. I know my hair looks awesome. -
Review from Cuff S.
Washington, DC
12/5/2008
I came to Shears out of pure desperation. My experience in trying to find a decent men's stylist here in dc has been a harrowing one. Either they're so good, they charge an arm and a leg for a wash & cut and never have any free time on their books, or they suck donkey bollox and the male population just assumes this is the best it gets here in DC.
Then I found Shears. More specifically, Cody at Shears.
This dude can seriously cut hair. Never really having time to "plan" a haircut, they always make room for me in Cody's chair same-day. He also never laughs when I come in after some 2 months of running around, with a veritable mop on my head.
Everyone there is friendly. It's ridiculously cheap. And the rugged (read: outdated) decor scares away the more annoying clientele.
Pure awesome. -
Review from Ziv S.
Stanford, CA
3/26/2009
This review goes out to Cody.
Best hair stylist I've ever had. Professional, talented, calm, collected and confidient, I can always entrust this man to have me walking out looking my sexiest. He can get you the look you want, even if you don't know exactly what you want. Simple instructions that seem to elude other stylists, Cody will take in, and always remember for the rest of your haircuts.
He's very meticulous, spends a lot of time on you, and disdains from using clippers (electric razor), unless absolutely necessary, like trimming the hair on the back side.
Cool guy to talk to, and the only stylist so far I have complete confidence in. The whole salon, from the front desk to the wash station to the chair, is very friendly and unpretentious too. -
Review from Bret B.
Denver, CO
12/8/2008
Good solid salon. Cody cut my hair and did a great job. I have a really large head and am balding, so I need someone who really knows what they are doing or I look like a skirted egg shell. I really appreciate how Cody listened and worked with me to make sure that the hair cut was what I wanted. The salon was clean and the staff was welcoming at every turn.
I'm going back. :-) -
Review from M - G.
Boston, MA
Updated - 7/30/2009
It's been almost 3 months since I got my haircut, and I'm still bitter about the way it looks. When I said, "Just above my shoulders," I didn't expect some of the layers to be at my ears. I kept reassuring myself that I would be happy to have a short style in the DC heat. But then she cut my bangs.
As someone with curly hair, short, puffy bangs make me look like I just stepped out of an 80's music video. With this fear in mind, I articulated my request, "But not too short!" She replied, "Yeah, I know." She didn't. In the end, while I looked great at "The Legwarmers" concert, I'm just a reminder of why stretch pants and puffy paint are no longer cool.
Sadly, I won't be going back.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/24/2008
A Yelp success story..."Lifetime" producers stand by! After giving a salon a bad review (sorry… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie M.
Washington, DC
8/21/2009
I had a very disappointing haircut experience here. And it's not that my hair looks horrible, because it doesn't. It's more that it's not at all what I asked for. I'm not sure if Sera didn't listen to what I said, didn't understand what I said, or simply didn't care about what I said. I sat down and she asked me what I wanted. Here is how the conversation went:
Me: I'd like my hair to be all one length, with it shorter underneath (i.e., closer to my head/neck) so that it automatically curls under.
Sera: So, you want me to cut it shorter in the back?
Me: No, not at all. I want it all one length, with it shorter underneath (i.e., closer to my head/neck), because then it will just automatically curl under.
Sera: Okay.
Fifteen minutes later, Sera swings my chair around, gives me the mirror, and I see that she's basically given me a stacked cut in the back, and kept my hair one length on the sides. That's not at all what I asked for. In fact, it's kind of the opposite of what I asked for. Here's what happened next:
Me: It's really short in the back. That's not what I asked for.
Sera: <blank stare>
Me: I asked for it to be all one length, and it's much shorter in the back.
Sera: It is one length.
Me: No, not really. All these layers back here are pretty short!
Sera: I can cut it all up to the shortest layer if you want it all one length.
Me. No, I definitely don't want that (my hair is already chin-length)
Sera: Okay, have a great weekend!
So, like I said, I don't really know if she didn't hear what I said, didn't understand what I said, or simply didn't care, but the haircut I received is nothing like the one for which I asked. Sera did not apologize, she did not offer me a discount - she just said "have a great weekend!" and charged me $55 for a haircut I didn't want. It's not a bad cut (but it's not fabulous either); it's just not what I wanted. -
Review from J. A.
Washington, DC
Updated - 5/27/2009
BTW, Cody also brought me from blonde (see other profile photo) . . . back to dark brown a few months ago.
It wasn't an easy task, and he was extremely patient with everything. I hadn't been "brown" in almost 7 years, and I never thought I'd love it this much.
He can pretty much do anything and make it look fantastic :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/13/2008
I've been going to the same hair stylist/colorist, Susan, in Newport Beach, CA since 2004. I've… Read more »
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Review from Alena C.
Arlington, VA
2/16/2009
I made an appointment with Marsha after seeing my friend Chelsey's new haircut, and reading all the great reviews here on Yelp. I have a hard time with haircuts because my hair is very high-maintenance -- it's wavy, frizzy, and super thick. It's thick to the point where it takes forever to blow-dry, straighten, etc. But Marsha was up for the challenge! As soon as I told her about my hair woes, she said, "I'm going to give you a GREAT haircut," and she delivered!
The salon was great from start to finish. Everyone from the receptionist to the shampoo person was really warm and friendly. Marsha gave me a haircut just like I wanted, with long layers. and used a razor to thin it out. Best of all, she spent a really long time drying and flat-ironing my hair until it was perfect. Stylists at other salons have tried to get me to just go curly, or they charge extra for ironing it because it takes so long w/ my hair, but not Marsha! I got sooo many compliments on my hair at a party that night, and it still looks good when I do it myself, even a few weeks later. -
Review from liz h.
Washington, DC
7/2/2009
Marsha was a pure professional. I felt confident that she knew what she was doing and that my cut and color were in good hands.
Starting from the beginning, it was really easy to get a same day appointment. I was worried I would be stuck with someone fresh out of beauty school but was able to score Marsha -- great. Everyone was very nice and accommodating, and Marsha was fast and no-nonsense with my hair.
A few things I wasn't crazy about: the price ($200 before tip for cut and highlight), hair washers, and hating on previous stylists. I'll elaborate: I really dislike it when salons have someone besides your stylist wash your hair. It seems unnecessary and I feel like I'm being passed around. Maybe its a personal preference, but i just dont like it. I also hate when stylists tell you all the things your previous stylist did wrong, especially because I loved my stylist in Boston. The way she cut my hair was the best its ever been done and I absolutely loved it. Marsha didnt think it was done right and did it her way. Its fine, but I dont love it.
All that being said, if the price were more reasonable I would probably give Shears four stars. The staff are all very friendly and I got a good, professional cut and color. -
Review from Paula A.
Arlington, VA
1/18/2009
Shushada is a creative gem. I've traveled across the bridge since 2005 first to Peter and now I continue to track down his faithful boss & owner.
Parking is my only nightmare, which leads to frustration much of the time.
She stays booked and people wait, I have & rescheduled twice in the last 48 hours.Plus they carry Aveda products... -
Review from KT S.
West Hartford, CT
6/19/2009
I *wanted* to recommend this place to a friend who lives in the area, but I just can't. The price is good (especially for DC). It is convenient to the McPherson metro station.
However, I went in wanting 2 inches trimmed off my hair. More like 3 or 4 inches were chopped off. And with my wedding in less than 4 months? That's not cool. -
Review from Justin S.
8/13/2008 ROTD 10/17/2008
Every month or two someone starts a thread on DC Yelp talk roughly titled: "Where can a guy get a decent haircut that doesn't leave him looking like an office drone?"
Inevitably a bunch of pretty girls with nice hair will suggest one of two places:
1.) Where they get their hair done.
2.) Where their boyfriend with office drone hair gets his hair cut.
Clearly both options have their drawbacks.
I've been all around the city getting my haircut. At malls, boutiques, barber shops, trendy salons, friends basements, I even scared a girlfriend 1/2 to death by giving up and making her cut it. The end results? Never pretty.
Last week Marsha S started a talk thread on "The LA Look" stating that she was a stylist looking for people who didn't want the DC haircut. I jumped on board, dodging along the way a few of the above-mentioned girls who swooped in to offer their well-meant advice. I figured any stylist willing to risk her rep by volunteering to cut the hair of yelp's most talkative must either be crazy, brave, or worth her salt.
Thankfully Marsha's worth her salt! I'm impressed. She got me talking about what I wanted, made suggestions, and an hour later my hair was still long, still messy, and not even hinting of mullet. For the 1st time in years my hair is just the way I want it. 5 stars for Marsha, hands down. I took a point off of Shears because the shampooing I got was rough impersonal... soap in my eyes and over in maybe 30 seconds. Still, I came for a haircut and don't need to be pampered, so that was no big deal to me. Finally, I'm going to go back to a hair person for a 2nd cut!Listed in: Reviews of the Day!
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Review from Cindy Y.
Washington, DC
Updated - 2/9/2009
Updated Review:
So, I went back today (1/14) (disaster occurred on 1/13) because the owner told me to stop by. She looked at my hair from every angle and every condition and agreed that my perm was not properly done. She also agreed that nothing could be done to fix it for another few weeks. She gave me a full refund, and even did a blow dry and curling iron job on me for free. She was so nice about everything. Her husband (?) at the front desk told me that if I were to come back to the salon, even for a cut at least, that I will be taken care of by the owner herself from now on. I've seen her do hair, I can trust her. Because she was trying so hard to make me feel better, I felt compelled to up the score from 1 star to 2 stars. I was going to up it to 3 stars because she tried so hard to make things better for me, but after hearing about how Marsha was talking to her other customers about the incident, I decided to only up it a star. Granted I posted my incident on Yelp for people to see, I'd rather not have the employees talking about it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/14/2009
I've been wanting to get a perm for a while.
I searched Yelp for somewhere closeby and trusted.
With… Read more »
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Review from Jessica L.
Washington, DC
11/16/2008
marsha at shears is the GREATEST. i have struggled finding someone fabulous in DC to cut my hair and after about a year of struggling, i finally decided to listen to a friend's recommended and go to marsha stein. i'm a dedicated client now.
it's always pretty easy to get an appointment with marsha, she's quick and efficient... and she'll make sure you are happy and satisfied with your cut. she does traditional and modern work and knows how to ensure your cut flatters your features. i go to her for more of a modern/classic cut - and i get a LOT of compliments on my hair because marsha does such great work.
shears isn't pretentious or snobby, which i appreciate greatly. marsh is also relatively affordable too!
would recommend checking her out. i'm a BIG fan. -
Review from Stacie B.
Upper Marlboro, MD
8/7/2008
Who doesn't want great looking hair that looks completely natural? Well, of course I do, however it has been very difficult to achieve until now. Marsha, a very experienced hairstylist and skilled artist at Shears Salon in downtown D.C., combines both of her talents that result in a personal masterpiece. I do not say this lightly, as you may discover as I share my background with my hair...
During my childhood through most of high school, I had light blonde hair that gradually became a darker blonde. I wasn't willing to part with my lighter locks so I began experimenting with hair color on my own at home. To make a long story shorter, I was never satisfied with the results of the "do it yourself" home kits and it even drove me to a temporary moment of insanity to dye my hair that dark purple red color. Soon after, my natural color tried to break out of it's fading maroon shell and I had to give in and see a professional. I forget how many stylists it took before I finally had my hair to an acceptable stage.
Notice the keyword is "acceptable." For nearly a decade... (boy, that makes me sound old...) actually, let's say for the nearly 10 years that I've been having my hair professionally colored, I have not been completely satisfied with the results. Before Marsha, a few days after I got my hair done by other stylists at a variety of salons, I returned asking them to correct my hair color because it was either too light, too dark, too brassy or I did not like the inconsistency in where the highlights were placed. (I annoyed at least 4 different stylists with my pickiness.)
My husband finally suggested the hairstylist that he had been seeing for years (Marsha.) I originally resisted because I thought I finally found someone I liked (which was one of the ones I mentioned above) but he quit his salon without a forwarding address and I was back at the drawing board. I feared going to a new stylist and repeating history, but I decided to give Marsha a shot since she made my husband's hair look so good. Upon my entrance into Shears, I was enthusiastically greeted from the man behind the counter and all the employees I encountered were quite friendly. With hardly an explanation of what I wanted, Marsha used a combination of highlights and low lights to create the perfect blonde hue for me. After she cut my hair, she took the time to ensure I liked it and happily adjusted the cut when she probably thought we were finished. I left happy and was thrilled of how natural my hair looked. I didn't have to return until months later for a touch-up and my second visit was just as wonderful. I am currently overdue for a visit because it is quite costly to get my hair cut and high/low lighted so I stretch out my visits much longer than I probably should. (Shears is more expensive than all the other places I've been, but it is in Washington, D.C. and customers do leave happy including myself!) However, Marsha does such a good job with blending the colors with my natural hair color that I can go a long time in between visits.
You should also know that Marsha is very patient and personable. From the unintentional overhearing of surrounding conversations while at the salon, it sounded like the other customers were just as happy with their stylists. Though I live in Maryland and it's not exactly convenient for me to get to Shears, I'm happy to have a stylist that I can trust to get my hair exactly right. Thank you, Marsha! :) -
Review from Jeff B.
Upper Marlboro, MD
5/1/2008
A great place to get your hair cut for guys or girls. Marsha has been cutting my hair for almost 3 years now and she does an excellent job and has a great personality. I was first referred to Marsha about 3 years ago when trying to find someone good to cut my hair for my wedding. She obviously did a great job because I'm still coming back! Shears is in a great downtown location, is clean and comfortable, and the staff are all very nice. My wife, who is very picky about her hair and coloring, recently took my advice and tried Marsha at Shears and we both loved the results (I think that is the only time I have heard my wife praise and not complain about how her color turned out). She will be coming back as well.
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Review from Kat Z.
Washington, DC
11/25/2008
The people were very nice, I was pleased with the cut I got. I also had an eyebrow and upper lip wax which were fine but - and I've never had this happen before - the waxer somehow got wax in my hair. Not a big deal, was fine after a few washes but wax in the hair? And they're really into yelp reviews, they have signs all over encouraging people to review the place on yelp which was a little weird, I haven't seen that before. Besides wax in the hair, it was all good.
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Review from Jessica L.
Washington, DC
4/13/2009
Having moved to DC from Bethesda a couple of months ago, I looked to Yelp hoping to find a salon that was close to Foggy Bottom and not too overpriced. After narrowing my choices down to Shears, Ozuki, and Blondies, I decided to go with Shears since it happened to be one metro stop away. After reading the glowing reviews about Cody, I booked an appointment with him and hoped for the best.
I was greeted by a friendly gentleman at the front desk who directed me to the coat room and Cody was available to see me right away. I went in for a fairly simple hair cut; I have long straight Asian hair with long layers and I wanted a 2-inch trim with the layers more refined and blended in. I explained to Cody that although my hair is straight, it tends to be a bit on the thick side so I would need him to thin it out a bit so it doesn't look heavy as Asian hair tends to do if you cut the ends too bluntly. After shampoo, he got started on my hair and I knew he was known for being meticulous but for me, personally, it was a bit much. I felt like I was sitting in that chair forever! After the initial cut he blow dried and I mentioned that the ends were too blunt and exactly the opposite of how I wanted my hair. After thinning the layers out with regular shears (past stylists have always used thinning shears which seems to work), I noticed the overall shape of my hair was just not what i had in mind. My long layers were traded in for shorter blunt layers that start at my chin in the front and hangs heavy all around, pretty much the "Rachel" cut from Friends season 1. I felt that the layers were way too thick, leaving me with hair that frames my (round) face like a helmet and longer pieces underneath. By the time the haircut was over, I had been in the chair for about an hour so I just wanted to get out of there. I figured I'd give the cut a couple of days to get used to it but it's 10x harder to style now and I'm pretty much reduced to waiting for the layers to grow out before getting it fixed.
Although Cody and everyone at the salon was very friendly and pleasant, the haircut won't have me coming back. -
Review from Silvy A.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2009
I want to preface this with a little background to be fair. I'm from the DC area, but I now live in California. I was coming home for the inaugeration and desperately needed a haircut but I couldn't schedule a time with my regular stylist so I turned to Yelp to find a place in DC. Reading all the glowing reviews about Marsha, I booked an appt. Unfortunately my red-eye flights home were delayed, and I ended up missing my appointment with her (without notice). She was completely professional and very kind to re-schedule me when I called to apologize later that day. So I thank her for that.
But maybe I should have seen that I'd already made a bad impression and gone somewhere else. I came in though; overall experiece was ok. Not the most attentive service, I overall felt she wasn't that into her work with my hair. But eventually she warmed up, and I left pretty happy with my hair.
Until I decided to put my hair up in a ponytail the next day and discovered the clump hair that Marsha completely missed cutting on the back of my head. I was shocked. Then I started to take a closer look at my cut and found that one side was longer than the other. My bangs weren't all cut the same length either; half of them were short (the length I wanted) and the rest were this weird length that didn't stay up in my ponytail but were longer than the shorter ones. I was extremely disappointed and to be honest furious at how sloppy her work was. I had to schedule another appointment with my regular stylist to get everything fixed, losing more hair length than I wanted originally and shelling out more cash. -
Review from Meg M.
Washington, DC
4/28/2009
This review goes out to the wonderful owner. I had called ahead about an appointment for a trim but wanted to make sure I knew in advance what I would be charged for something so simple. I don't want to get my hair butchered at Supercuts or Hair Cuttery just because it's inexpensive, but I also balk at the idea of paying $60 for a simple cleanup. The man I spoke to said that the stylist would charge me between $35 and $45. When I went up to pay for my trim afterward (it came out fine), the receptionist gave me a bill for $55. While I was explaining that that was not the price I had been given when I called ahead, the owner stopped him and changed the cost of the cut to $40. She said she wanted to make sure I left happy. It was so incredibly courteous of her; I will definitely be back for a trim, even though it's a bit out of the way from where I live.
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Review from Annie C.
Albany, NY
1/7/2009
Thank you, Yelpers - you were spot on about Marsha! Marsha (and, to be fair, all the Shears staff) are incredibly friendly. They make you feel right at home, right away.
As for my haircut, I have Asian hair so I had to do quite a bit of research before trusting my hair with anyone. Marsha is not only friendly but she is honest when sharing her opinions and quite professional to boot. (Gone forever are my days when I have to listen to stylists talk trash about other stylists!) Marsha spends as much time as necessary for the consultation and I appreciated the fact that she touched my hair to get an idea of how it lays; some stylists I've had - that are twice as expensive (!!) - don't do even that. My cut came out far better than I what I hoped for.
Thank you, Marsha and Shears, for a fantastic experience! I will see you again!
I do have a question for Yelpers though - has anyone had manicures and/or pedicures there? -
Review from Matt S.
New York, NY
10/8/2009
What, Yelp doesn't have an option for 0 stars?
I'm a guy. I require one of the most basic male business/professional haircuts ever: short around the sides and in back (you can even use electric clippers!), leave the top at a medium length, and cut it so I can part it from left to right.
Oh and most importantly, LEAVE MY SIDEBURNS where they already are, right around the bottom of my ear. I told my haircut lady this several times throughout the cut: KEEP MY SIDEBURNS where they currently are.
Simple enough, right?
Not simple enough for the staff at Shears. I left looking like an elementary school boy after the inept stylist ENTIRELY CHOPPED OFF MY SIDEBURNS.
DO NOT GO TO SHEARS. EVER. -
Review from Cor K.
Bethesda, MD
8/24/2008
May I start by saying Marsha is my savior.
I had just gotten a (terrible) hair cut from a below par cuttery in Georgetown and wrote up my review of the place just the other day (you can find it under my reviews). It popped up just as she got home from work and touched her heart, so she offered to fix it for free. They were able to fit me in immediately and as soon as I sat down in the chair Marsha said, "THIS is a bad hair cut," she new exactly how to fix it and what would look best on me. She instinctively knew that I am not a person who can determine what my hair needs to look its best but that is exactly where she excels. I didn't even need to say what I though needed to be done. Marsha even picked up on the little things, like subtle highlights, a concept I had been toying with, but was uncertain how to execute. But, she new exactly what to do and understood my concerns with roots and other coloring issues. She truly is an artist with scissors especially considering how my hair doesn't even resemble that old terrible cut.
The facilities are bright and sun-filled. The entire staff is friendly and it's very easy to find. I arrived a little early so I walked over to the White House, and talked to a friend on my cell phone. Inside the walls are covered with artwork, the beautiful charcoal right next to Marsha's station was done by her while she was studying in Florence. The music playing was some cool music I had never heard (possibly indie?), which set a relaxed and calm mood. These little character traits add up to the whole of a great atmosphere and salon. Needless to say, I will be coming back here for years. -
Review from Neil P.
Washington, DC
9/19/2008
Great place to get a haircut! Nice surroundings and pleasant staff. My stylist Marsha Stein does a superb job. I always get compliments after she cuts my hair! She used to manage Bubbles on K St. so if you remember her from there and are looking for her, you'll find her at Shears. Have sent friends to Marsha and they have all been very pleased with her work.
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Review from Timothy S.
Washington, DC
5/4/2008
Shears is a great little neighborhood gem tucked away by the White House. It's extremely convenient - being only a block from McPherson Square on the Blue/Orange lines I came across Shears thanks to Marsha Stein - who is now working there. She is the best hair dresser in DC - bar none. Every time I got to see her is a great experience and my hair looks better than the last time (I always get plenty of compliments). Marsha is an amazing artist (not only with hair - but she also paints too), and I highly recommend that everyone stop into Shears to see her ASAP!
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Sara G.
Washington, DC
Updated - 1/18/2010
Shears closed its doors and Marsha has moved to Cachet Salon! It's located at 429 11th St NW. I believe most of the staff from Shears has moved there, as well. And Marsha's art is on the walls! The phone is 202-737-3337.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2008
Marsha Stein is the best hair dresser in DC. I searched far and wide for a hair dresser who could… Read more »
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Review from Laurie M.
Minneapolis, MN
10/9/2009
Great place!
I have been to Shears twice to color my hair and have only had positive experiences. The owners are very nice and appreciative. Sera has done my hair, and she is always friendly and attentive. She does excellent work and the first time she colored my hair by separating very small sections to color, a very intensive practice.
The price is extremely reasonable and I was charged less the second visit (don't know why, but thanks!). Also, everyone was very understanding when I brought my dog with me to get my hair done, and he just sat with me.
Thanks and I look forward to my next visit! -
Review from Carrie C.
Washington, DC
12/29/2009
Had a great highlight job from the owner(?). Jamila is simply wonderful for chair massages (little room, you wear a gown so she can use oils on your skin, then you're back to the office-- ah yes, the hot towel at the end is a real plus), and while they strangley don't have a regular pedicure chair and footbath, she gave me a GREAT pedicure. Lots of scrubbing and beautiful nail painting/shaping.
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Review from Kristy G.
Arlington, VA
12/27/2008
This is a great salon! I found this place by word of other yelpers and I am glad that I chose this place. I called to book an appointment and got in on the same day and it was a Saturday, too! The receptionist was extremely nice and when I called to say that I was running a little late, they were friendly and told me that it was okay. When I walked in I was greeted by a nice man at the desk. Cody cut my hair and I absolutely love the hair cut that I got. He was cool and did a fantastic job. He knew what he was talking about and he even gave me a few pointers on how to manage my hair. Cody is awesome! I will definitely go back there. My cut was only $60 and I got a deep conditioning treatment, a few pointers on how to style my hair straight (I have curly hair), AND I got my hair dried straight. When the man at the desk handed me the bill and it said $60 I was waiting for another one for the conditioning treatment, but $60 was it. I was really shocked that it was pretty reasonably priced!
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Review from Lesley K.
Reston, VA
10/21/2008
After trying a few different salons in DC and Northern Virginia and having awful experiences at each one, I posted a thread asking for recommendations. I just wanted to go to someone who knew how to hilight blonde hair using bleach and not a toner. Apparently that's a lot to ask in the DC area. So...Marsha answered and convinced me to come to Shears. I've gone twice and both times have been very happy with the color and the cut.
A few things...the first is that I noticed the hilights started pretty far from my scalp, but I asked Marsha to go closer the next time and she did. Secondly, the girl who washed my hair the last time was brutal and I left the sink feeling like I had just been beaten up. I mentioned it to Marsha and she said she would handle it. While she was combing my wet hair to prep for the cut, she noticed that some peroxide had been left in my hair. She sprayed it with water and combed it out. Now I'm not an expert and I'm sure she was short on time, but that made me nervous and the whole metro ride home I was thinking about my scalp burning and my hair burning off. Needless to say, my fabulous blow-out lasted oh about an hour as I immediately washed my hair when I came home. I'm not too upset about it as I can be neurotic, but if that happens again, I will ask her to re-wash my hair.
In terms of the salon, the atmosphere is just ok. Marsha's lovely art is on the walls, but everything seems a bit outdated and not entirely clean. Marsha's space is clean but the rest of the salon could use some scrubbing and fresh paint.
I think they use Aveda products which is awesome, although I'm not sure if the second time the rough one used Aveda.
For being in the DC area, the cost is moderate. It's not exactly a good deal, but not overpriced either. I think it's about $200 for a cut and partial hilight including tip. I'm not quite sure if I was given the right info, but I heard that she charges for bang trims in between haircuts. Not the best idea as I'll just go somewhere closer for the same amount of money. It's really a nice perk to give to clients.
Another thing I'm not used to at Shears, is they don't have offer any beverages. I'm not surprised, but I do think that should be on their list of ways to stay competitive. I've been trying to convince my fiance to go to Marsha, but he's happy at the salon by our condo that charges $50 for a haircut, but he drinks a beer while in the chair.
If you want the whole salon experience with hot towels on your face as you're getting your scalp massaged and drinking a class of chilled chardonnay, and paying a lot of money for an average cut, do not come to Shears.
Overall, if you want a great haircut, hilight, color, whatever, go to Marsha as you will not be disappointed in her skills. I also love chatting with her. And I will definitely go back! -
Review from K Z.
Arlington, VA
8/20/2009
Cody is great. He totally listened to what I wanted, let me face the mirror while he cut my hair, (I don't know why some stylists have you facing away the entire time until they're completely done) and stopped to ask me what I wanted throughout so he could adjust accordingly. He is very nice and made me feel comfortable, and most importantly, he gave me a great cut. I'm a low maintainence hair person, but this looks great and I will be going back.
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Review from girlykick H.
Washington, DC
7/1/2009
I went to Marsha after reading the reviews on yelp. She did an ok job; I wasn't impressed with the haircut as it wasn't what I had asked for. It's not terrible, and I can live with it, but probably won't be going back.
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Review from Allison S.
Washington, DC
8/22/2009
$60 (plus tip) for a shampoo, basic cut, and blowdry. Not worth the money! I had Marsha who was very friendly and sweet, but I was disappointed with the layered cut that she gave me. It looked nice initially, but the shorter layers ended up way too short and look messy.
