Hair by Sophia Vanslyke

Last October I decided to change hair stylists since I recently moved to Steilacoom. I had been getting my hair done by my other stylist for three years.

I was very scared to find someone new. What would I do if they ruined my hair? What if they were not flexible with colors and changes? I'm a whirlwind with my ever changing hair and trying out different colors.

I found Sophie through her five star reviews on here. I looked through her pictures and noticed that not only was she amazing at doing hair but she is also an artist. So I sent her a text and I've been going there since.

She is an intuitive, knowledgeable, creative, and sparkling individual. Due to her talents I go back every two to three months to get a gorgeous new color scheme. I've also sent two of my best friends her way and they are regulars too.

She has an eye for detail and a beauty that fits each person uniquely. Every time I leave I feel like a million dollars. Thank you, Sophie!

I have been seeing another stylist in Seattle for years. His talent has been hit or miss (usually hit) until just recently. Granted my hair may not be the easiest to cut since both sides are shaved and I had quite a bit of breakage in the back, so my styles can be limited. I went to see him for a cut earlier in the year and unfortunately he must've lost his groove because he butchered my hair. He had done the same cut a while back for me and did it beautifully but for some reason was just not able to pull it off this last time.

I couldn't stand the uneven cut that didn't seem to have any rhyme or reason and I got online looking for someone, anyone, to fix this mess on my head. And just to make it even more difficult for my newfound stylist, I decided I wanted to take my all black hair to ombre for the summer.

I'm a research freak. I will spend hours online reading reviews, looking at pictures, weighing the pros and cons. And admittedly I'm a bit of a snob as it pertains to businesses in Tacoma vs Seattle. While I've been in Tacoma a good part of my life, I do feel there is more talent in Seattle. As if the people reviewing places have a higher standard. I mean, Tacoma peeps give Moctezuma's a 4 star and claim it's one of the best Mexican restaurants here. Just stop it. I don't trust you people. But I digress, I wanted to find a salon close by, but was also willing to travel if need be. I mean, it's my HAIR.

Enter Sophia. I came upon Dolce Salon's page by way of research (of course) and somehow found Sophia in the mix. Then I found her personal review page (cause I'm thorough like that) and besides reading some awesome reviews...have you seen her pics?? Her work is gorgeous and what sealed the deal with me was her owl makeup. Yes. Owl makeup. It was incredible. Anyone that has that much talent to transform a face into an owl as beautiful as that can take my money. And my instincts were right.

I was able to easily get an appointment with her. While the online system said there were only a few openings, I ended up messaging her to see if she had any other availability and I was fortunate that she did, cause I may have shaved my head off had I not been able to get in soon.

Sophia worked her magic. She looked at my horrible mop, made some suggestions, informed me of what may or may not lay right cause of the awkward cuts in my hair and off to work she went. Within a couple of hours she gave me the wonderful layers and ombre color I had envisioned. It turned out even better than I imagined it would - again it looked like absolute sh*t when I went in so I wasn't sure if it was salvageable. I'm sold and so happy I now have a stylist in town I can go see.

I can't wait for what's next, more colors, maybe a pixie cut - I have to keep it evolving or I get bored. And now with Sophia in my corner I can be excited and not scared about my next hair project.

Love Sophia! She always does a wonderful job and I don't think I'd trust anyone else.

Sophia did what I thought was impossible: she gave my hair volume and shape.

I read her reviews online and set up an appt for the afternoon of a ball. She flipped though some pics in a magazine and online and suggested some things, then she made it happen.

I think she is great at her what she does and I also enjoyed chatting with her.

I've been getting my hair done by Sophia for almost two years now. I moved to Tacoma from Seattle, and I needed to find a GOOD, REALLY GREAT hair dresser for my hair because my stylist in Seattle was so awesome.
My first hairdo with Sophia was Balayage. She did an AWESOME job. I don't get my hair done too often. Her Balayage lasted for a long time as it should and longer, and the color was so just right. When I got tired of my long hair, I got a long bob haircut, and I've never loved my short hair so much before! She also did my wedding hair and makeup, and it was... magical.
You can tell her what you want, show pictures of the styles you want, and she will create what you imagined and more. Furthermore, she is personable and layback, it is like a therapy while you're getting your hair done. LOVE HER!

I have been getting my hair done by Sophie for 12 years now. The difference between Sophie and other hair stylist is that she is an artist. She is the only one I will let touch my hair!

Additionally, she did my wedding hair and make up. She had done my styling and make up for every event that has came up since.

Most recently I had a huge formal industry event. I chose to take my mother this year instead of my husband. My mother is not a fancy person. She hunts, she gardens, you get the picture. Sophie made my mother look so good that my mom took her first "selfie" that night. It was amazing. Her make up took at least 10 years off.

Ib would suggest Sophie for any needs you have but book ahead because she is in high demand.

Sophie has been coloring my hair for just about 3 years now. Previous to this, I had been searching high and low for a hair dresser for over 10 years that knew how to manage blonde hair coloring. Sophie is truely a master in her profession. Her ability on finding the right hair color based on the indivisual's skin tone and coloring is impressive. I get compliments often from others, not only on the shine of my hair, but also on the vibrant coloring. I wouldn' t trust my hair with anyone else!

I recently just got married, 9.10.11, and I put Sophie in charge of doing our up-do's. I've never seen anyone style hair the way she does. All of my bridesmaid even made comments about their hair never looking so good. I would recommend Sophie over and over again, she's got natural talent.

Sophie was able to fit me in on short notice for makeup and styling for a date night with my husband. I saw her stellar reviews on yelp and was excited to see what she could do.

I had an idea of what I wanted, a sort of modern pin-up look that would go with an outfit I had in mind. Sophie took my "vision" and used her talent and skills to go beyond my expectations! I was thrilled with how both my hair and my makeup turned out! Much better than I could even imagine.

In addition to Sophie's exceptional talent she is also a super sweet person. I enjoyed chatting with her about this and that as she glamorized me for my night out.

I look forward to my next appointment with Sophie!

Sophie has been cutting my hair and making me look better than genetics allowed for five years now.

I can't even count the number of times total strangers have stopped me to ask who does my hair. One woman at a coffee shop one day kept staring at me, finally apologized for her seeming stalkerishness, and confided she just couldn't keep her eyes off my beautiful color. Yes, Sophie is a whiz with color.

She's also better at knowing what will look fabulous on me than I do. I trust her implicitly, and I have a coterie of girlfriends who religiously seek out her skill for their own locks.

Try her out. You won't be sorry you did!

Sophia has been doing my hair for the last several years. I've gone from dark brown to light brown, ombré, nearly blonde back to dark and then she turned me bright blonde recently! Each time she's done wonders. The cuts I've received have always been great--money well spent. I tried to do local cheap trims (live in Lacey) while trying to grow my hair but those were a huge mistake because you can really tell a difference (duh) in the quality. I'm so glad I found her here on Yelp those few years ago. I'm about to move and I'm so, so upset Sophie won't be there to do my hair anymore:( If you're still trying to decide, stop--book her and you won't regret it, I promise.