Lorraine Aprile Salon Alexandria Reviews

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This Alexandria hair salon offers a pleasant environment, helpful and talented staff, and an accommodating manager (Karen).  Everyone there strives to offer a top-shelf experience.  I resisted finding a local salon and continued to travel home to Chicago to get my hair done, that is until my Chicago stylist decided to leave town.  I was forced to Yelp my way to replacement salon and focused my search on Alexandria.  I am not sure what is worse, finding a new dentist or hair stylist.  Thank god my Chicago dentist is still in business!  I've been back to LA several times.  They continue to make me very happy and my colorist is a magician!  If you need highlights, touching up, renovation or a do-over, call and ask for Megan.  Prices are reasonable and the superior level of service at this salon will keep you coming back.
Jamie S., Chicago IL

I came here after my last stylist decided that what I meant by "Please highlight my roots and match the rest of my hair" was actually "Despite my Middle Eastern genes and dark complexion, I think it would be totally awesome to be blonde!". I needed someone who could get me back to a more natural color without further destroying my (now already pretty fried) hair.

I spoke with Karen on the phone, and she was able to get me in the same week (before an important interview). In order to get the consult, color and cut I ended up having to break it into three separate appointments, but I was able to do them on consecutive days. Something they do differently than other salons I've been to is that many of their stylists specialize - I had one person who only did color and another who only cut. I find this to be pretty nice, as you get people who are really good at their specialty, but it does mean you may have to break up your appointments (or be more on the ball than I was and call earlier than a week ahead of time to set it up).

The salon itself is really nice.  It's in a converted house in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The atmosphere is professional but relaxed, and the salon is comfortably decorated. Karen greeted me when I walked in, and I was immediately greeted by my stylist and offered a beverage (they have free wine - which is a total bonus!) and pretzels.

But really, for me, the quality of a salon is ultimately completely measured based on the quality of the outcome (my other salon was equally as nice, but I still ended up spending four months looking uncomfortably like Dolly Parton), and this is where Lorraine Aprile excelled.

My colorist was Megan (not me, I swear), who had recently come from training at Vidal Sassoon. We met first for a consultation, where she looked at my hair and discussed what I wanted to do with it. The next day, she proceeded to patiently spend four hours working to get it back to what I wanted. We're talking foil, color toner, multiple wash and dries (and I have exceptionally thick hair) - the works. At the end of the day, it looked amazing, but was a little darker than what I had pictured. The next day, I came in for my cut with Carmen, who did a fabulous job. I talked with Megan again about lightening it a bit, and consulted with Lorraine. Megan spent the rest of the morning with me working to get the color to exactly what I wanted. And didn't charge me any extra.

The end result - I look like me again! Which is exactly what I wanted. Megan was amazingly patient, skilled and willing to listen - I can't recommend her highly enough for color. I didn't spend as much time with Carmen, but my cut is excellent and is wearing well a couple of weeks later. For the amount of time they spent, and work they did, the cost was actually very reasonable. They only charged half price for the cut as it was my first time at the salon. And when I mentioned to Megan I was looking for a specific shampoo, she ran out after work and picked it up for me. And they called me a week later to make sure I was happy.

I would absolutely recommend Lorraine Aprile Salon in Alexandria in general, Megan specifically for color, and Carmen for a cut. Their level of attention and competence is, in my opinion, unsurpassed in the area. And free wine!
Megan S., Arlington VA
 

Like others, I was in search of a new salon in the Alexandria area.  I have been to a few- including one in PC Mall and one with a groupon- but was never quite satisfied as my beloved salon in Fredericksburg.  But the commute was too much for this Alexandria gal, so a new salon was needed!  I called and made an appointment with a very lovely and nice lady (not sure the name, but I think the owner/sibling per other Yelpers).  I was able to get an appointment that week but I couldn't make it during work hours, but was able to make an appointment the following week with Laura.  I advised ahead of time my hair is fine and easily tangled.  

Upon arriving I was greeted by the same appointment maker (sorry can't remember your name but you were super sweet!) and offered a drink.  I waited a few moments before meeting my stylist Laura and headed upstairs.  After a brief consult on what I wanted (and the easily-tangled-hair warning), my hair was washed by the hair washer- again, can't remember your name but also very nice.  She even massaged my head which was very nice after a long day at work!

After the detangling process ended, Laura went to work on my hair, asking how much she could take off (it had been a while since I got it cut) and asking to put in a few layers to help give my fine hair depth.  She was very nice, thorough, and frequently asked if she could do this or that (styling/cutting/etc).  She was also very friendly as we chatted.  

As other Yelpers indicated, I, too, got 50% off (that's half people!!) of my haircut for being a new client.  The overall welcoming atmosphere and decor that reminded me of my favorite salon down south alone is enough for me to come back!  Everyone was very friendly, I got an amazing haircut (not one you think is ok the day of and wake up in horror for the next 6 weeks until you can get it done again), and I will definitely be back- already scheduled my next cut!  If you are looking for a new hair salon in Alexandria I absolutely recommend coming here!
Krista B., Alexandria VA


 

I am new in town and needed to find a salon.  I chose Lorraine Aprile Salon in Alexandria because of yelp and the reviews.  The Salon is great.  When I arrived I realized that that I did not factor enough time for a highlight and style but Carmen worked magic on me and was finished with about 3 minutes to spare.  Thank you!
---Caroline A., Burleson TX

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