Lorraine Aprile Alexandria Hair Salon Reviews

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Best salon experience I've ever had in any city I've lived in. 
I found Lorraine Aprile while I was googling/yelping hair salons in the Arlington/Alexandria area. I was impressed with all the 5 star reviews-could it be that good?!
I called and spoke to Karen, who I learned is the Lorraine's sister. My hair has gotten damaged due to highlighting and my flat iron addiction, so I wanted to consider getting a Keratin treatment. Keratin runs between $300-$350 in the DC area, so I had a lot of questions before I committed to spending that much. Karen was extremely helpful-I think she talked to me for 20 minutes during that first phone call, explaining the ins and outs of keratin, asking me about my hair type, etc. I have never spoken with a more helpful person when calling a salon before. One thing I really appreciated was that based on my hair type, Karen suggested the less expensive Keratin Express treatment, rather than the full treatment. Usually I feel like salons try to upsell everything, but she seemed to listen and figure out what was best for me, not just what would cost the most.
I booked partial highlights, haircut, and the Keratin Express treatment. I had originally asked for a date in early August, but Karen said she'd love to have me in in July because they were running a special on Keratin. Um, of course that would be great-I love saving money!
-Highlights and Keratin treatment: Megan.
Megan was so awesome, which was great, because I had so many services going on that I was going to be in the salon for a few hours. She specializes in color and other hair treatments (like Keratin) and had 2 extra years of training-you can really tell she knows what she's doing.
I'm a control freak and loved how super meticulous she was in doing the highlights. Very precise. I've been to salons before where they just slap the color on and go on to the next client but Megan really took her time. She also offered suggestions for things I could do in the future to keep my hair healthier. The highlights turned out amazing.
Keratin Express treatment also was great-it seals the hair's cuticle so your hair dries quicker, straightens easier, and doesnt frizz. Im used to a huge frizzball in the DC humidity so this was great for me. She spent so much time drying and then flat ironing the keratin into my hair.
(As a sidenote, I had wondered why Keratin seems to be such an expensive treatment. It's extremely labor intensive-3 hours for the full- so it takes up a lot more of the stylist's appointment time.)
I would recommend Megan to anyone wanting color or keratin-she definitely takes the time to learn about you hair and picks what's best for you...and the results are amazing.

Overall great experience. Nothing pretentious or snobby, a very relaxing atmosphere. It was surprising easy to find parking considering the salon is only a block from King street. They will feed your meter if you're having a lot of services done. I was also offered a glass of wine. They're also booked pretty solidly, which is always a good sign.
Already booked my next appointment. :)
Polly H., Arlington VA

Historically I am a salon jumper.  Having no specific loyalty to a stylist.  And after a year or more, move to a different salon for a different vibe.  Not so with Lorraine Aprile Salon in Alexandria.  They are really all for one, the customer.  Each time I visit, I get a consultation.  Want to change the look?  Let's talk about it and see what we can do.  

The salon is in a home.  And you feel at home as soon as you walk in.  Most important, you are treated as a person, not the next appointment.  

PS...I live in Washington, DC.  And after more than a year have discovered a lot of retail experiences to be had before and after my appointment in Old Town and Alexandria too.
E.R., Washington DC

I took advantage of a special LA was having on Keratin Express.  Megan was my stylist and she was awesome.  She was extremely knowledgeable about the whole process and was a joy to be around.  Keratin takes a long time (even the Express), but the time flew by with Megan.  We also talked about coloring, and even other styling tips for wavy/curly hair (because by the way, her hair looks fantastic!).  I am planning in making an appointment today with Megan for my coloring and I am going to bring my daughter to her too.  Highly recommend!!
Ann P., Alexandria VA

 First, I love the location. Plenty of on-street parking and close to home for me. The salon itself is a cozy and welcoming place. Who isn't charmed to walk into a salon with a warm fire burning on a blustery Feb day?

Everyone I dealt with on the staff was kind and friendly-I saw none of the "normal-for-DC pretension" in this salon.  I loved that I got 50% off my haircut although I would have have paid full price without a complaint-the girl has skills! I won't go anywhere else from now on-my hair has grown out from her cut and it still looks great.....to me, that's the real sign of a good stylist.
Marty S., Washington DC

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