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Vain
Rating Details »
Category: Hair Salons
Neighborhood: Downtown2018 1st Ave
(between Lenora St & Virginia St)
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 441-3441
- Hours:
Mon-Tue. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wed-Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
149 reviews for Vain
I'd been searching for a good stylist / salon for about 3 years before I went to Vain. I got paired up with Megyn, and she has a really great eye for what colors and styles look good on me. I've been really happy with them.
I also like that you can put your tip on your credit card; I've been in places before that don't allow this.
In my life, I've chopped all my hair off thrice. My most recent cut, executed by the very talented Rebekah, has definitely been my favorite pixie. Rebekah listened to my ideas, studied my photographs, and really worked with me to create a perfect cut. She took time to check in (to make sure I wasn't freaking out about cutting all my shoulder-length hair off) and to make sure that I was satisfied with her work.
It's a shame I moved to Toronto. I've gotten my hair cut twice since I saw Rebekah and both times (two different stylists) I have been thoroughly disappointed. If I were rich (which I'm not), I would fly to Seattle every eight weeks just to see her. Seriously. She's that good. What I loved most about Rebekah was her genuine concern about grow out -- she gave me a great short cut that started growing out quite nicely. Trims are always necessary (to prevent the Jerry Seinfeld swoop in the back), but the two stylists I visited tried to convince me that the grow out process is grueling and assured me that they would do their best, but no one has cute hair during a grow out. Rubbish.
I envy those in Seattle who have this gem of a stylist at their fingertips. She's talented, friendly, and quite a visionary. She cares deeply about her craft, yet manages to retain a 'the customer's always right' type of attitude. She expands ideas, explores alternate options, and is incredibly polite in doing so. She wants you looking your best and it shows.
I tried to see her one last time before I left, but as she only works Fridays, she was completely booked. (I admit, I tried booking an appointment way too late -- so it's totally my fault I didn't get in.)
Another great thing about Rebekah: her cuts are not only fabulous, they're also ridiculously affordable. Twenty-ish dollars for the greatest hair cut of my life? Yes please!
I've been in Seattle for over two years now, and have yet to settle in with one hairdresser. It's tricky, and not to mention a bit scary. I've ended up in tears before from dealing with stylists who don't get what I'm talking about or require too much feedback on every little thing. That's why it's such a relief to walk into a place like Vain, where everyone seems to be super chill and happy to be there.
I called them on a Wednesday, thinking that I might be able to get a weekend or evening appointment for two weeks out. Even better, they had openings for the very next evening. After a few questions about my hair type and price range, the receptionist recommended a couple of different stylists (and quoted their rates), then gave me a couple of different openings with each to chose from. Great!
Thursday at around noon I get a call. The stylist I was scheduled with was out sick... so, I had the option of rescheduling with her, or trying someone else for that evening. As I hadn't been there before, I simply scheduled with someone else. Still, awesomely prompt on their part and I was happy to still make it in that day.
The stylist I saw, Aubrie, = awesome. I mean, obviously - they both start with "A," right? Great stylist, super relaxed. Not the most outgoing of hair people I've met, but I'm not the most extroverted person either and at times I find such chatter to be exhausting. The space can be a bit loud for conversation, too - the stations are pretty close together, so if you want to talk about your deepest darkest secrets, you're going to be confessing to more people than just your stylist.
I couldn't believe how quickly I was in and out with a rocking new hairstyle. Less than half an hour from when I entered I was walking back out the door with a cute choppy bob. That includes the consult, shampoo, and cut. I'm pretty sure the shampoo lasted longer than the cut, which was fine by me 'cause Aubrie gives a mean scalp massage. And the new hair is so easy to take care of! She guided me through how to style it each morning, and really, it's cut about 15 minutes off my morning routine. Yay for more sleeps.
I don't remember when the last time was that I got so many compliments on my hair, but after my trip to Vain last week they've been coming in daily. I'll be sure to stop back in a couple of weeks to get my free trim - and I'm sure that in a month or two after that, I'll be back for a regular cut as well.
Just got my hair done today by SARAH B! She rocks! I loved how friendly and welcoming everyone was. I've never had "a person" I consistently go to for hair, but I truly have found that salon, and person. Sarah is really talented and artistic, she will listen to what you want, and also gladly give ideas. I LOVE my hair for the first time ever.... thanks Sarah!
I would give JORDAN 5 stars and the salon/front desk 3 stars so to compromise....ta da! 4 stars (math is fun!).
Like most people trying a new stylist - my regular person was moved/unavailable/whatever. I asked a friend where she got her hair done and she said Vain. I was kind of nervous - I live down the street and (prior to going) my images of Vain were hot pink hair and mohawks....so not me! I thought I might need to head over to the Eastside for a nice "safe" stylist. I was discussing with another friend when a second person recommended Jordan..ok appointment set!
It is important to note that the website does have a photo and bio of each stylist - most of them talk about what their specialty is, etc. Of course Jordan doesn't have one but that's ok...I had two totally different friends refer him so I'm fine. They also have select stylist that will do $15 haircuts on certain days - if you are on a budget it's worth checking out.
What I didn't like about the salon itself (the 3 stars part) is you basically walk into a retail store. There is shit load of stuff going in the front so it's up to you to find the front desk and check in. After I checked in I was told there was water on the table but I'm used to more of a spa experience - take my coat and my umbrella, get me situated, make me feel comfortable. There is none of that a Vain, which I guess would be fine but since I was going for a $50 haircut I expect just a little bit of pampering. A LITTLE. I'm not asking to put on a robe and soak my feet (yes, I have been to a place like that before) but when I walk in on a cold windy rainy day - give me somewhere to store all the layers so I can start to feel comfortable. Not so much! Oh well......I'm here for Jordan anyway and he was GREAT!
As I said, 5 stars for Jordan. He was very sweet and discussed everything before cutting. I love that he repeatedly said...it's a two way street. I initially said I wanted 2 inches off the back and we discussed it and he pointed out exactly why he didn't think that was a great idea. We compromised and in the end I love my cut. He dried my hair and it was very wavy....are you going to flat iron it, I asked. Oops, we must have had a miscommunication when i said I like big hair. Not a problem, he plugged in the flat iron and went right at it. I almost felt bad - like maybe I would make him late for his next appointment but he was great about it...making sure I was happy. Fabulous!!
I've had long hair for nearly my entire life. It's been simultaneously the curly bain of my existence and a part of my personality so deeply ingrained that it's been difficult to disentangle the external mop from the internal self. But, occasionally, change is absolutely essential.
Early in the spring, one of my best friends from grade school helped me make the chop, and instead of my trademark mass of waist-length locks, I found myself with a versatile pixie cut. Sadly, my friend does not live in the city, and I discovered quickly that my new cut could not be simply tied in a knot and forgotten; it required upkeep and a decent amount of styling.
I found myself rather overwhelmed by the prospect of researching Seattle's many styling joints, but thankfully, one of my fellow short-haired friends suggested an amazing stylist named SCARLET at a salon called Vain. After my first visit, I was hooked. If you book an appointment for a trim within a month of your cut, the trim is free! Scarlet is a perfect fit for my style, and the atmosphere at Vain is inviting, professional and fun.
Scarlet specialises in cuts and colour for fine hair, both short and funky and long and layered. She made me feel completely comfortable in the chair, and she gave me a tonne of styling tips, for both my short cut and long hair, if I decide to grow mine out once again. For the first time in my life, I finally have the tools to control my hair (and not the other way around)!
Scarlet is one of the sweetest and most talented stylists I have ever met, so look her up if you're in Belltown (or even if you're not) and in need of an amazing new style or a fun new perspective on an existing one. Your hair will love you for it! :)
Cheers!*
I was visiting Seattle from Boston, in the mood for a little hair make-over and figured that I'd get a little West Coast perspective. I called in, mentioned what I wanted done and what my budget was, and they hooked me right up.
I saw Carissa for an amazing round of coloration and then Kellieanne who gave me "sex kitten hair." My favorite kind.
10 weeks out, I still love my haircut. it's holding it's shape really well. (Go team.) Kellieanne was also chatty (not not overly so) and didn't try to push product on me (although I did end up buying some).
The merch section in the front is cute, well-stocked, and definitely goes beyond the run-of-the-mill shampoo, etc.
I really wish I could go 4.5 on this one - the receptionist screwed up my appointment and they almost didn't have time to fit in the coloration I wanted and also I'm not a huge fan of the semi-meh plain t-shirts that they have you put on for the dying process, I'd much rather a nice smock or cape any day.
I have been going to the same hair girl for years. Seriously, like 7 years or something. The problem is, she's down in Tacoma (where I USED to live) so for the last 3 years I've been commuting from Seattle and planning weekends to get my hair cut/highlighted when I have the time. Which sucks. BUT I do love her... she knows all my life gossip and gives me a hug when I leave.. :(
This time though, I decided to try and be brave and find someone in Seattle to take care of my hair needs. It would be more convenient. So I researched (on Yelp of course!) and decided Vain looked wonderful. I had a GREAT experience. Here are the facts that I liked:
1. Go to their website, and view each stylist and learn more about them. From this, I picked Carissa, whose favorite thing is color (she could "foil all day").
2. Comfy waiting area and cool lighting in an industrial art setting.
3. Carissa was great -- listens well, helpful, talkative but not over the top
4. The hair came out AMAZING -- a lot of people noticed my "coloring" was better. In other words, her colors brought out my features! (I went for highlights and strawberry/reddish blonde)
5. You can really choose your price and then get a stylist that matches it, if you'd like to do it that way. But I don't mind paying more for quality and comfort level.
OOH almost forgot -- and I called on a Friday night, desperate for a 'do, and they got me in that weekend. How awesome is that!? My old girl would be booked for weeks in advance on Saturday/Sunday.
Think I found my new hair place..... YAYAYAYAY for hair!
I go to Aubrie to have my haircut and she's always done a fabulous job for me. I'm not usually doing anything fancy, usually cut/layer and bangs, but it's always done well and I feel amazing afterward. I love that they let you come back to get your bangs retouched, as that's always the part that seems to grow out the fastest for me and starts to get into my eyes.
Aubrie's amazing and has helped me play around with my hair a bit and encourages me to embrace my slightly wavy hair. When I was little and had my Asian bowl cut, my wavy hair would flip in all sorts of directions and I HATED it. When I grew my hair long, it just grew straight, as the weight pulled it down. Now Aubrie cuts it in a way where it flips and curls in a cool way that looks like I meant to do it! I'm so cool now and it's all due to her mad cutting skills.
I started going to VAIN three years ago when I moved to Seattle. I knew I wanted competent stylists, and stylists with a younger outlook on hair -- you know, the kind that are hip on what the current indie styles are and aren't afraid to be avant garde (but have the skill to make it look good).
Vain is that plus more. Their stylists are incredible and I continue to have the best haircuts of my life each time I go. I get exactly what I want every time, with little explanation. The stylist profiles on their website help new customers find a stylist that specializes in exactly what you want.
Everyone at Vain is incredibly friendly, and they go out of their way to make sure they give you what they want. For example, I went in today needing corrective color (scheduled with a stylist I hadn't previously had, Sharon), and she worked with me to find out exactly what I wanted. Then she worked with other stylists to make sure that my color was perfect -- and took the time and effort to troubleshoot and layer color just right to get the result we'd talked about.
I had an hour long appointment and she worked with me much longer than that to get me what I needed. Far more than I would've ever asked for or expected. I was floored. My hair is, yet again, gorgeous, and I will keep giving Vain my business for years to come.
(Plus, all the accessories they have for sale in the front of the store are so cute! I'm tempted to buy everything every time I go there!)
So, sadly my previous stylist left...
So, I rang up Vain and lo and behold they had another stylist who they thought would work really well for me.
Well, they picked correctly, because I basically have the same hair as Cassie. Color, texture, length. Soooooo she gave me a whole bunch of hair tips and introduced me to a magical powder!
No, I don't mean cocaine, silly kids. It's called Osis: Dust It, and after she put it in my hair I was pretty much in love.
Uh... with the hair product, obviously.
Cassie's skills = the perfect low-maintenance-but-still-really-chic-and-sexy cut.
In fact, I kinda just want to stay in tonight so my hair and I can enjoy each others' company.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/29/2008
Have you ever dyed your hair black then thought:
"gee, I can TOTALLY get this to platinum by myself… Read more »
Go see TT, she hooked me up and I looked stunning in LA, with my healthy, freshly trimmed locks flowing. She also colored my hair a week prior; TT is awesome she takes time to create a masterpiece and also is concerned about your hair looking and staying healthy.
She is versatile too... So check her out, oh and one more thing TT is affordable so you won't have to break the bank to look fabu.
As usual, Jen C did WONDERFUL getting my hair back to shape...
Emmett ended up doing my color this time around since Jen C didn't have any appointments available to do both.. He did a good job.
The new thing that they offer is waxing...
Belinda was AWESOME... It was a last minute decision to have it done there instead of my normal place since I didn't have time to run to Ballard and then back to downtown. I did not regret it...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/28/2009
Went and saw Jen C at the Vain downtown to have my hair colored.
She had cut it that prior Friday… Read more »
Update - I received a concerned message from Melissa at Vain about my experience with Vain. She clarified that the receptionist had scheduled my appointment for the right services, but that I must have had a misunderstanding with my stylist. She made me a great compensation offer and even wanted to talk to me about what my hair was like and what I wanted so she could recommend a different stylist to me.
I have made a consultation appointment for two weeks from now and two potential appointments for cut and color. I am very hopeful after talking to Melissa that I will be able to find what I am looking for at Vain.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/30/2009
I went into the salon to make my appointment so I could make sure the receptionist understood that I… Read more »
I've left a review for Vain before to sing the praises of my amazing hairstylist Janea. Now I am back to squee, jump up & down & throw glitter in the air all Rip Taylor style because Belinda the eyebrow extraordinaire rules my life !!!! I had to give her her own review because she is FANTASTIC !! She is darling beyond words & so sweet & she made me feel so sassy & cute with my new brows! Amazing how shaping your brows really changes your whole face! I am SOLD and dude, I will forever go the way of the brow wax! It's awesome !!
Thank you Belinda! You are so full of bad assery & win.
xoxo
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/5/2008
I am not embarrassed or ashamed to admit that I am a complete & total spaz about my hair.
I heard… Read more »
Yay, I found a new stylist! With curly and fine hair I usually have a hard time of finding a good stylist. Typically I have boring, soccer mom hair...but no longer with the help of Sam from Vain! She's very knowledgeable, will take time to find out the needs of the client, and will show them how to style their 'do. It's only been a couple of days, but I have been getting lots of compliments on my super cute new hair. You do not have to have boring hair just because you're a working professional!
I have been going to Kelly for about 6 months and had extensions until recently when we decided to go back to my natural, much shorter hair. She has been great every time. She does fantastic extensions as well as super cute cuts.
I went for an impromptu hair cut and was pleased to find out they had an opening. I saw Cassie and although her profile is pretty much bare on their website I was thoroughly satisfied with how my hair turned out.
I went from long to short that day and brought a picture with me. Cassie was able to re-create the hairstyle and everyone I have seen has complimented me. Definitely going back when my hair needs to be reshaped. =)
Until I came here, I didn't have a hairstylist I would consistently go to. Then I found Janae. She is amazing! I tell her how I want my hair to feel, look, and usually I don't know what I want, and she just comes up with something amazing. I LOVE my hair every time I leave. I have also taken advantage of some of the other stylists during the $15 cuts when I'm looking for a trim, TT and Cassie are awesome too!
I prefer the Ballard location, but I still like everything about this place: the ambiance (my stylist and I playfully called it "The Cave"), the customer service, and the professional stylists. It's a funky, edgy little studio with a comfortable waiting area and chic styling spaces.
They have information about their stylists on the website. My favorite are the detail on hair types and services each stylist specializes in. And if you're a conversationalist, you can see if their interests match yours to make for a fun, social occasion.
But I confess: I'm not a conversationalist. The shampoo and attentive treatment is nice. But I'm shy, and sometimes "hairdresser chatter" makes me nervous and uncomfortable. My regular stylist--Sarah B--keeps a comfortable balance.
In addition, Sarah B has done a great job listening and interpreting. She specializes in curly and wavy hair, and has done a great job with mine. They look good day-of, and many weeks after.
Price? I pay $45 for my occasional hair cut, and it's worth it. But there are other stylists who offer $15 cut deals., so there's a stylist for every budget.
Ok so i made the HUGE mistake of cheating on my hairstylist (MEGYN) **gasp** i know its awful but i was in a diferent country and i had a wedding to go to... anyways so i get my hair BUTCHERED by this bitchy boy in Canada and immediately make an appointment with MEGYN the love of my life to get it fixed in three weeks after it grows out... It was cut sooo short i still haven't been able to get in to get it done and its easily been 4 weeks... ug!
ANYWAYS!!! Megyn at Vain rocks and i will never ever EVER cheat on her again, I AM SO SORRY MEGYN I LOVE YOU PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!! My previous styles with Megyn have always been KILLER and her amazing eye for color always astounds me. Luckily i have just moved within walking distance of Vain and will be visiting her again shortly...
BTW did i mention Megyn is super reasonably priced for her services? She should be charging way more for what she does but honey i will tell you even if she doubled her price i'd still see her... xoxo dolls ta ta!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/28/2009
I have gone to Vain on and off for years and have always been happy with them! My current stylist is… Read more »
Kellianne is fantastic. Very friendly and helped put me at ease (chitchatting with strangers is not my strongsuit). Plus she's a master with a razor. I wanted a change and she immediately understood the style I had in mind. I'm so impressed with my haircut and I get compliments all the time -- even a month later!
I had been going to random stylists, but I'm only letting Kellianne touch my hair from now on. Vain is a bit expensive, but it's worth it -- especially since they have a free follow-up trim.
CURLY HAIR LOOK NO FURTHER!! If you have curly hair you know the woes of getting a cut. Rebekah knows her stuff. She spends a lot of time talking to you about what you want and how different things will work with your hair. She knows how curly hair reacts and does an amazing job. Have no doubts, Rebekah is wonderful.
Janae cut my hair here back in March 2008, but I still remember it! It was my first professional haircut ever and since I have curly hair I was curious to see how she'd handle it, since regular salons butcher it. But she did a great job and I wish I could go back to Vain (I was just visiting at the time) because I know at least SOMEONE can do something right with my hair.
I found Vain only because my stylist moved here from another salon a few years ago. But I am very glad I did! They have excellent stylists who take pride in what they do and the place is not super pretentious like similarly priced salons can be.
Every time I come in, I see great styles coming out. There is a wide range of clients that frequent Vain, so even if you prefer a more conservative cut, don't worry, it will be worth the visit and you will find a stylist that can meet your needs.
Parking is fairly easy if you don't mind paying for the lot right outside, and you can enjoy the graffiti wall that is revamped every year or so by Vain.
While you wait you can chill by the fire, or take a peak around the front and do a little shopping. They carry bags, hats, hair product, hair accessories, jewelry, makeup, candles & more.
One little quirk that I really like is they have great reading material, not your average Good Housekeeping magazines!
Thanks Vain for hiring awesome staff and having great hours! Wish I could make it up there more often, but living an hour away isn't always convenient. However I won't go anywhere else because Jake rocks and my hair has never been better!
Two years ago I shave my head out of curiosity. I want to see how long it will grow out in a year. One year turns into 2 and after 2+ years of not having a single haircut boredom grows.
Price - $65 ($35 haircut + $15 hair products + tip)
Stylist - Megyn http://vain.com/stylis...
Duration - 60 Minutes
Before - http://photos-c.ak.fbc...
After - http://photos-g.ak.fbc...
I call Vain and ask for several recommendations on whom should cut my hair based on what I have (male, long, thick) and what I want (asymmetrical, multi-length, layered, textured). The receptionist gives me 3 names: Valentina, Kelly, and Megyn.
I read the bio's and decide that Megyn is the best fit for me.
Arrive, check-in, sit.
For a salon there is a lack of "hair-style" magazines; a huge case of magazines but only 1 specifically for hairstyles, an all girls magazine (but that works for me in this case).
Tell Megyn that I really didn't have anything specific to show her but would like to follow a few different ideas/styles I had and combine it into 1.
Shampoo, blow dry, razor, thin, razor, razor, razor, snip, thin, razor, snip and done.
I like the cut. I like Megyn. I am confident in her ability to take suggestions and have her way with it. I will be going back to her. I do recommend others to try her as well.
If we're talking haircuts, I recommend Carly, she's a rockstar! She's been cutting my hair for 3 years and I have zero complaints. In these 3 years, I have never gotten my haircut from anyone else, that's how good she is.
I have had a phobia of hair salons until I walked into Vain and into Janae's chair in 2007. I used to think that all hair salons were fru-fru and everyone walked out with the same Barbie doll kind of hairstyles, but Vain shattered all of my preconceptions. Everything from the storefront to the stylists are unique. They've got stylists and employees with pink hair, punk hair, tattoos. I've always had great customer service here, grrrreat place!
Vain is truly a place where the stylists believe beauty is individualistic and derived through a combination of innovation and self-expression. Future clients shouldn't assume the downtown salon's rock and roll aesthetic is indicative of an unspoken hipsters-only policy. Such stereotypes don't exist at Vain where stylists encourage you to go beyond the status quo and create your own vision of beauty.
My husband and I both credit Vain stylist Kellianne for deftly evolving our style with new haircuts.
For years, my husband instructed his barber to cut his curly hair military short because it otherwise turned into a frizzy fro. Two months before our wedding, he booked an appointment with Kellianne and her expert technique, texturized cut and recommendations on styling products and process gave him the confidence to embrace his curly locks.
Similar to my husband, my hairstyle had been stagnate for far too long. But over the past year Kellianne has shaped my tresses into Veronica Lake S-shaped waves, sewn my hair up into a romantic ethereal up-do for my wedding, woven braids of my hair into an artful up-do for a gala event, transformed long sleek locks into a sassy short bob with bangs and dyed my hair dark for fall and lightened it back up for summer. Each hair cut garners praise and grows out beautifully.
Because of Kellianne's astute eye and creative hand I convinced my mother, who lives in Austin, to book an appointment with Kellianne to have her hair cut for my wedding. The same women has cut my mother's hair for the past decade and my mother was extremely nervous to let a stranger cut her hair only days before the wedding. Kellianne listened to my mother's concerns, calmed her anxieties and subtly shaped her previously chunky and overly heavy bob into a softer, fresher and modern style that made my mother look years younger.
I highly recommend booking an appointment at Vain, especially with Kellianne, if you're searching for a stylist who understands the subtle variances of color and artfully blends edgy and elegance into inspired styles that are on the trendy side of modern.
I got my hair cut by Kellianne while I was out in Seattle visiting a friend recently. I couldn't be more pleased with the result. I've basically had the same haircut -- a bob -- since I was in 12th grade (a long time ago) and I decided to make a big change and try out bangs. I was very nervous about this, but Kellianne put me at ease. She seemed to get, without much explanation, what I was looking for, and the cut she gave me perfectly frames my face, works great with my slightly wavy hair, and is so easy to care for. I was worried that bangs would be high-maintenance, but with the cut Kellianne gave me, I just blow dry it and it looks awesome. I've gotten tons of compliments from my friends back in Boston. The next time I'm in Seattle, I'll definitely be sure to schedule some time with her!
New to Belltown and waaay overdue for a cut and color, I called Vain. I was double lucky; they had an immediate opening, and it was with Jordan. He gave me exactly the color I described, and a perfect haircut to update my look, but still fit my conservative style. I'll definitely be back, and highly recommend.
I've been coming to Vain off and on since I moved to Seattle 4 years ago. Every time I've strayed I've regretted it! I change my hair constantly, and as someone with short fine hair who is incredibly picky it can be really hard to find a stylist who understands what I want.
The first time I came in- it was to have Carinn correct color gone horribly wrong. I had black hair with white blond streaks when I showed up- and left with soft brown and blond hair with nice lowlights and tone. Carinn was wonderful, and my color grew out perfectly. From there I went to Carly. Then Kelly when I went white-blond. I became friends with Bijou- who no longer works there- but she took me super short with the side of my head shaved with steps. I LOVED it and wouldn't have trusted anyone else to do it.
I stopped coming in for a while after Bijou left, and have since gone to Rudy's (booooo) and had friends cut my hair. I came back in last week after a butcher shop job at Rudy's (my own fault for being impatient) and got hooked up with Cassie. She was absolutely WONDERFUL. She talked with me for a long time about how I style my hair and what I wanted to do, and then came up with the perfect solution. I walked out LOVING my hair and am once again reminded why a good haircut is worth the patience.
One word: JANAE!
She rocks my socks off. I love to get my hair did by her. I like to spice it up and I always sorta go in as a blank canvas and have Janae work her magic! I am never disappointed. I have long hair that I keep in layers and Janae rocks it every time. My girlfriend has a faux hawk and Janae rocks that too. She is very versatile and really works with what you want.
The salon has lots and lots of products and some really cute retail stuff. I got a super cute hat there one time. I think the art gallery idea is super cool too. Good magazine selection for while you are sitting there with color on your hair. I also appreciate the t-shirts that they have for you to wear (long sleeved ones for coldies like me too!)
I sent my SUPER paranoid SUPER picky hair freaker outter friend to Janae and she LOVES her. I would tell anyone who wants RAD hair to see Janae.
Two words: Jenny. Slay.
Jenny is my hair-cutting goddess. I have never ever had anyone do my hair the way that Jenny can. I say, "Jenny, I want you to make it look like I spent time making my hair look superrad, but what I am actually going to do is roll out of bed and not even comb it. Okay?" And she did. Plus--she always remembered me and always had freaking hilarious stories to tell. Two huge thumbs up to Jenny Slay and Vain.
Plus, it's a woman-owned business, and I love supporting ladies!
Whenever I am walking home from Vain after a haircut, I can't help checking myself out in all of Belltown's storefront windows . I just can't. My hair just looks too good.
In 2003 I was an awkward young thing with orange-ish hair and kind of bad bangs. Then I started having my hair cut by Carly at Vain. I instantly became hotter and started getting a lot of dudes.
Carly always makes my hair look good, and makes it manageable for my lifestyle. It looks good air-dried, blow-dried, whatever. It always grows out nicely, too, so I look super-great even between cuts.
I am kind of cheap, so sometimes I think about going other places, but remember that when I got cheap haircuts before, they were awful. This place is totally worth my babysitting money. I love it.
I have been meaning to write a review about Vain for far over a week. I knew I was going to give it 5 stars and rave all about my new do, but I was torn about one thing. Do I yelp to the world the name of the hairstylist who gave me one of the best haircuts in my life and risk the possibility that it may become more difficult to make an appointment with her b/c everyone will want to see her? Well, I decided the answer is yes.
Her name is JANAE!!! JANAE, JANAE, JANAE, JANAE, JANAE!!! She is AMAZING!
Ok, so here is the deal. I have short hair and I have had a number of good cuts and a number of really bad cuts in my 8 years as a short haired girl. JANAE so rocks the house with short hair that I will be going to her for the rest of my life! First off, she asked me how I style my hair. No one has ever asked me that. She styled my hair in that way before she cut it. Then, she cut it dry, which I know I love, but never really understood why. I asked why she does dry cuts and she told me it is b/c she can see every single strand of hair when it is dry. Well, my new do feels like she cut every single hair individually. She took her time, was confidant with her technique, and textured the hell out of my hair. It is perfect! I love it! She listened to what I like and don't like about my hair, I told her how I want it to work, and she truly made miracles happen.
JANAE, JANAE, JANAE, JANAE. She is my hero! I even made another appointment for a cut and color 6 weeks from now. JANAE is so good with her scissors and razor that she should have a Phd in hair styling. She has only been licensed for 3 years and I have to say that I am really proud of this girl and her talent. It is so great to meet a woman who is rocking her profession. Everyone must run to Vain to have their head sculpted by JANAE. She is the bomb!
My hairmergency required that I take pictures of my terrible haircut (people, I had wings. The Flying Nun could take off on them), whine to my sweet boyfriend ("It looks fine to me") and generally fuss about it until I picked up the phone and called Vain, begging for a magician. (Rule of thumb: If the hairdresser butchers you, do not return for a rematch).
They pulled Zahra out of the hat, and after an unlucky week I finally rolled a seven (yes, I know I'm mixing metaphors. Shut up). She calmed me down and patiently explained what she could do to fix the faux mullet that was now sitting unhappily on my head. She apologized that she couldn't fix it entirely without gluing the hair back on my head - or putting in extensions - but a bang trim and a sassy reshape had me facing the world again without a hat. Plus she only charged me $5 for the bang trim. For reals. That's how awesome she was.
My hair thanks you, Zahra. My hair is endlessly grateful. So am I.
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8/16/2008
I guess you get what you pay for, because my incredibly expensive haircut turned out amazingly well… Read more »
I'm actually writing a review on behalf of my mom, as I recently encouraged (begged) her to drop her old stylist and pick a new place on Yelp. She picked Vain.
Now, I love my mom and everything, but her stylist of the past few years has definitely not done my mom's lovely hair any justice. But after going to Carly at Vain, she looks *fantastic*. Years younger, hip, just amazing all around. After the cut, she got compliments everywhere she went! Even my dad loves it!
Carly added some color, but didn't try to hide the gray or anything. She gave my mom an edgy cut that doesn't make her look like a 60 year-old reaching for 30, she just looks like her best self. It's also a style that my mom can replicate at home--this is not a woman used to primping, so something easy to fix up in a short amount of time was essential. This cut was a success all around, so I can definitely recommend Vain.
i went to the Seattle branch and asked for a style (i had to attend a wedding in the afternoon). Jordan helped me out.
My face was covered with my own hair most of the time, so i couldn't see (which is fine with me). When he was done, I was horrified! It wasn't anything I asked for and honestly, I could've done a better job myself. I told him how this was totally not what I asked for and he told me that the hair will "settle" throughout the day. It was my friend's wedding day and i wasn't about to steal the show by looking like I fried my hair. I ended up rushing home, washing everything out (after paying $50 and sitting in his chair for an hour) and styling my own hair. I was thoroughly stressed out since I was under a lot of time pressure to get to the wedding!
I read some great things about vain. I did my research, I even walked in to poke around before I got my hair done. I was really excited to let the hair stylist go bananas on me...I have a job where I can have the wildest look avaliable and I'm ready to get that done....but.....
I.....was so unimpressed. I had called for an appointment, asking for a "funky hairdresser who could give me something WOW." And I ended up with.... something so dull I should have just gone to supercuts and saved the cash for a dinner out. My stylist (a hipster dude with nerd specs, Jake?) was so obviously not excited to do my hair, I couldn't get him to spark up a conversation for anything. And when I stayed still, shut up and let him get it over with- I felt like a jerk. He barely showed me how to style it, and just kinda ditched me in the end.
This was all a while ago, I wasn't gonna say anything about it, until a little while ago a friend of mine said she went in for a color. She wanted her hair to be accented with chunks of a few other colors. Something bold, funky and personal. She ended up walking out with strawberry blonde boring, and feeling like the stylist charged her an arm and a leg to tell her her style wasn't what she wanted.
I dunno, maybe it's just me...but I was totally unimpressed, I'm not enthusiastic about spending lots of cash to feel like I'm wasting my hairdressers time while they do their job, and I'm not excited to feel like the geekiest kid in high school at the coolest club in town.
Bottom line- feh. Not going back.
