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Vain Wholesale We wanted to let our clients know that our R+CO store, our Davines, Kevin Murphy, Loma & GHD stores and our Hairstory store are all open for online purchases. In the event that you need to cancel your appointment, please be sure to give us a minimum of a 24-hour notice for any appointment under two hours and 48hrs for any appointment over 2 hours.

This allows other guests to book an appointment during this time slot. Any appointments that are canceled with less than a 24-hour notice (or 48hrs if over 2 hours) are subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of all scheduled service(s).
Services
From its first incarnation as a boutique DIY beauty supply on Belltown's 2nd Avenue to its three salons today, VAIN has been committed to encouraging personal self-expression and challenging conventional understandings of beauty. Over the years VAIN has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge style in a comfortable and empowering atmosphere.
Whether you want a haircut, a new hairstyle, subtle highlights, or bold hair color, VAIN specializes in helping you express your individual style. Not sure which stylist is right for you? Check out our stylist profiles below or call us-our front desk staff knows who's best for thick, curly, or fine hair, who specializes in short, long, or layered cuts, and every hair type and service in between.
Services will be performed by VAIN apprentices under the watchful eye of experienced professionals. NOTE: Because model cuts, colors, and styles are learning opportunities for VAIN apprentice stylists, appointments run about twice as long as a standard appointment. We will be contacting you with further questions regarding your color history and hair condition.
VAIN is a top-rated Seattle salon dedicated to supporting personal style expression in a down-to-earth, positive environment. We have a solid reputation as a creative style destination with daily booking rates above 80%. We're always looking for talented people. If you think you might be a good fit but don't see the right position for you below, send your resume and three references to lisam@vain.com. No phone calls please. We are looking for a friendly, efficient front desk person for our West Seattle and Downtown locations.
Reviews (29)
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Kristy Tye
Jun 19, 2022
This review is for Jazzmyn specifically, though the other stylists were also friendly and kind. I, a control freak, had spent the past 7 or so years doing my own haircutting and color. Jazzmyn listened to my concerns with my wavy/frizzy hair and gave me an incredible cut that highlights my natural waves without much fuss or product. I went back to her for a re-bleach and veggie dye so I didn't give myself another chemical cut, she was thorough and down for the challenge of making my hair look like a sunset. I appreciate how kind and attentive she was and will certainly stop cutting my own hair going forward.
Jade Tabony
May 23, 2022
My review is for Tracy specifically, though the entire staff was communicative and friendly. I got a great cut, a phenomenal scalp massage, and a super cute styling after the cut. Plus she was just really fun to talk to. I'll defnitely be returning to this salon. Service: Haircut
Sarah D.
May 17, 2022
Was just in Seattle for a few days and was in desperate need of a hair cut. I have fairly curly hair and am particular about who cuts my hair but I threw caution into the wind and booked with Carla. I have never had a haircut so amazing! My curls were all frizzy and wild but after they were so refreshed and healthy. I wish more people knew how to cut curly hair like Carla!
Nicole Grayburn
Apr 20, 2022
New to town and tried VAIN West Seattle for my first haircut. I plan to go back! Great space, reasonable pricing, and friendly/approachable staff (Elaine was lovely!).
Pearl W.
Apr 20, 2022
I got a hair cut from Carla, and absolutely love it. Most people try to convince me to get layers when I want a trim, and she can understood an even cut is the way to go for me. Also love her mellow, calm energy.
Shelley McCracken
Oct 23, 2021
Worst salon experience ever. I showed the stylist a photo of the color I wanted (and have successfully achieved in the past). I asked if she thought it was possible for her to achieve the color and she confidently said yes. She slowly applied the color and I mean SLOWLY. I had color in my hair for around 5 hours and my scalp was BURNING! I was worried at this point.

Anyway she washed it out and said the color wasn't right. So she applied a toner and again I sat waiting. The salon closed by this point and I was still sat in the chair (6 hours had passed now). She washed it out and the color was still wrong. It was so brassy/orange and I'd asked for a silver balayage. As a stylist if you feel you are incapable of achieving a desired result, don't say yes!

She did offer for me to come back another day (with a different stylist.) but by this point my head was in pain, my stomach was rumbling as I'd now been there for SEVEN HOURS, I was fed up and did not intend on going back to see a different stylist. I box-dyed my hair the following week and I achieved better results than this stylist at VAIN did. And because she'd spent so long on the color, she rushed my cut.

The receptionist must have been super fed up as she had to wait back until 7.30pm on a Sunday. The final price came and it was over $400 (Plus I tipped as I felt awkward but I instantly regretted it). What waste of time and money! Never again VAIN WS. I am scared to go to another salon now, you may not care about my review as you still got your money, but this experience has traumatized me and for that you should be accountable. Also shouldn't balayage be blended from dark to light? I don't understand why she gave me block roots. That defeats the point of a low-maintenance style.
Elizabeth Bachman
Aug 18, 2021
This salon is located conveniently in the West Seattle Junction. I've got complicated hair, yet my stylists Sam has given me a cut that looks good curly, straight and as it is growing out. Sam's technical skills are amazing and matched by her lovely personality. A few years ago I switched to Hairstory and the product New Wash on my journey to go plastic free.

Its an amazing product, but you aren't really able to use other products without it messing up the balance. So I have been skipping the wash, until this last visit - because now Vain West Seattle has Hairstory and New Wash for clients at the wash bowl!
Zoey Z.
Mar 15, 2021
Staff is friendly and I loved my haircuts with Greta. however, Greta doesn't seem to work here anymore and I had a very disappointing and expensive cut with Fabiola. I saw another stylist at another salon to fix it and couldn't be happier with my hair now.
Catherine Langmack
Feb 01, 2021
I had my 3rd appointment with Madison this week and I'm thrilled with this haircut. I started seeing her last year, and after a bad haircut 3 months ago I knew I could trust her to help me feel better about my hair. Since I had my last cut 3 months ago, she offered to not take anything off the bottom of my hair. That was perfect. My bad haircut was the result of the stylist cutting twice what I asked for!

I asked to add some layers to my hair to give it some dimension and body, and I love the result. Madison worked with my hair texture to create layers that worked perfectly for me. I don't style my hair much (no heat or product really) and she took that into consideration to give me such a great wash-and-go style. My wedding is in 3 months, and I'm so glad that I was able to see her and finally feel confident with my hair again.

I didn't realize how a bad haircut can make you feel so terrible. My 2nd appointment last year was for a balayage and that also turned out great. I really appreciate how Madison takes the time to make sure that the cut or color looks really good on you, and isn't too rushed. I'll be coming back for a long time!
Susan McKee
Jan 16, 2021
Vain is a great hair salon with skilled stylists and exceptional customer service. I highly recommend JC at the West Seattle location.
Brooke Tanks
Dec 02, 2020
Positive: Cleanliness, Professionalism, Quality, Value I've been getting my haircut by Amelia for almost 10 years. She is hands down the best hair stylist I've ever had, and she's super personable, yet professional! I love all the cute locally made jewelry and other items you can look at while waiting for your appointment!
Quinn C.
Sep 21, 2020
Have you ever felt so comfortable with your hair stylist that it's like hanging with a friend who happens to be super talented? That's what it's like whenever I go see Rose. I've seen her 3 times in the last 8 weeks. Normally I see her on a whim and then don't see her again for 2 years because the cuts she give all grow out really nicely and often I'm just too lazy to go back.

Over the summer I decided I wanted a blonde balayage. I thought I loved it when I left but after looking at it in natural light, fluorescent light and the lights at home I decided I didn't love it. Contacted Rose who was more than happy to help achieve whatever I wanted. Fast forward 8 weeks and I was tired of being blonde because I thought it brought out too much of the redness in my face. Ta da! I'm brunette again and couldn't be happier.

The salon itself is edgy but comfortable and so far, I've loved all the products used. Rose did some twisty curl stuff with my hair yesterday, I slept on it, brushed it out and it is still curly-ish. I have Asian hair so you can imagine I'm pretty impressed. Rose is a gem, you should check her out if you're looking for a cut or color, she excels at both.
Rebecca B.
Aug 21, 2020
This is a review for Alise! She has dyed my hair several times and each time does a beautiful job and gets the color exactly right. We did a auburn/red originally, then returned me back to my normal dark brown color. You can't tell the difference between my natural color growing in and the color. VAIN is also doing a great job with cleaning/ safety procedures in the current environment - the salon feels very safe.
Annette J.
Jun 28, 2020
Rose did a great job with my haircut. I showed her a picture of something new I wanted to try and she knew just what to do. I've being seeing Rose for a few years now and its easy to see the Rose loves what she does and is continually expanding her skills. Vain is a nice location. The staff is very welcoming. They are doing a great job with all the new precautions and a keeping everyone very safe.
Suma N.
Apr 24, 2020
This review is for Alise! I've been getting my hair cut from Alise since the last 4 years now, I remember going to her on her first day starting at Vain! She is incredible with hair, and I've never ever had a bad haircut from her. She's always able to translate what I want exactly into a great haircut, making me feel incredibly confident. She's always also very attentive, friendly, professional, punctual, ALL the things you want in a great hairdresser.

I HIGHLY recommend Alise and treating yourself to a haircut or color from her at Vain! In addition, I love the vibe at Vain: it's not the usual white/clinical type spa experience - it's quirky and cool, and the people are fun. I love the selection of jewelry, little trinkets and selection of hair products up front and have rarely left the salon without an extra purchase. I cannot wait for the lockdown to end to go back again and recommend you get on the books too!
Tara Bell
Feb 14, 2020
I have not had a haircut in a while. I met Raven and she was amazing! I had three inches cut off and 10 strands of silk added in. She listened to me and articulated precisely what I wanted. Thank you Raven you are a true Gem! And a kind and caring person! I felt the price was reasonable and just enjoyed my experience at Vain!
Macy L.
Dec 06, 2019
Read the reviews and stay away! Burnt bald spots, Rebecca the monster, no heater, dirty sweatshirts to keep you warm (wtf) stylist deciding their not taking you for your appointment while your in the lobby. Ha! Thanks for the warnings and NO WAY!
Rucha W.
Sep 30, 2019
This review is for Elizabeth from the Vain Downtown location- It has been two weeks since my curly cut with her and I cannot be happier! I have not felt the need to straighten or heat treat my hair even once since. I love the way I can wash my hair, put a product or two in ( leave in conditioner and curl defining gel) and walk out the door, knowing it's going to look great. I'm so happy I found a curly hair specialist that I love in Seattle!
Kristen C.
Jul 07, 2019
I really can't believe there are no reviews on here for Shaina yet! I went into Vain for the first time yesterday and she did an incredible job giving me the color fade i wanted. I was super nervous because i haven't dyed my hair in years but she gave me exactly what i asked for and made me feel comfortable in the process. I was very adamant about not wanting to have my roots bleached and needing to come in for touchups every few weeks and she skillfully made that happen while still giving me maximum drama.

She clearly really understands hair and is always paying attention. Not only that, but she's a rad lady and super easy to talk to- and i hate forced conversation and definitely don't click with all stylists. My 4 hour appointment flew by and i never felt the least bit uncomfortable. All-in-all i had a stellar first experience at Vain and it was mostly because of Shaina.
Gates W.
Jun 12, 2019
Updating to say that I have been married to this salon since moving to Seattle and have not had a bad cut/color yet. Even when Carissa (my go-to) was out on vacation for a while, there was always a skilled colorist to take care of me! Scarlett was also great! Also if anyone is curious about what kind of color, this place does amazing natural colors (red, platinum, icy blondes etc), but also does STUNNING non-traditional colors.

I decided to be bold last time I was in and went from a natural red/auburn down to a bright pink/peach/rose gold ombre and I've never loved my hair more. Seriously just check out their instagram photos. Going back soon for more strange color choices and I can't wait!
Heather S.
Mar 17, 2019
I've been a customer for nearly 4 years and I will NOT be going back. I get a foil every 8 weeks and 22 inch extensions 2-3 times per year While I've been generally happy with my hair, the last 2 times I went in, I was treated so poorly and left with subpar hair--after paying $1200 plus tip My stylist requires up front payment for the hair and while that is understandable, I should not need to make multiple calls, in person visits (once I waited 30+ minutes before I gave up and had to come in a second time), emails, and texts to accomplish this.

That is ridiculous This last time Kelly requested I come in 2 hours before my scheduled time. I was coming from overseas and had to rent a hotel room to accommodate her schedule--she was over 90 minutes late, I was there all day with no food, the salon was FREEZING, my clothes got soaked, I was billed for a full foil I didn't get (see picture), she completely disregarded the photos I gave for color reference, and left me with orange roots and lowlights (I'm a cool ash blonde) No discount, just a pile of samples.

I left cold, hungry, unsatisfied and had to have her work corrected elsewhere She has consistently been late to appointments and I tolerated it because I liked the results. However, while her work with extensions is generally excellent, her failure to trim my natural hair (I had to forcefully demand it this last time) contributed to serious damage to my hair and her color results are inconsistent For what I pay and I tip 20%, I deserve better
Kelly K.
Jan 04, 2019
Elizabeth is amazing! I took my daughter here after a disastrous color experience at a different salon where they actually burned her hair with bleach and melted some of her hair off! We booked a consultation with Elizabeth and were immediately put at ease. She definitely understood and "got" the ideas my kiddo wanted for her hair. And after she colored and fixed the areas that were damaged by the other salon, we became loyal fans. I've been taking my daughter to Elizabeth ever since! Whatever new color combo style my daughter dreams up, Elizabeth is able to deliver. She's an absolute pleasure to work with and we feel so lucky to have found her.
Kari G.
Dec 20, 2018
This small, quirky salon is in a historic building on first avenue. Upon arrival, they offer you tea or coffee and also have a small gift / product shop. They also offer shirtsleeve and long sleeve coverups/sweatshirts so you can protect your clothing during dye jobs. VAIN is not the best salon I've been to, nor the worst. It's neither the most expensive, nor the least.

What is is known for, is its ability to create edgy cuts and colors (and yes, dreadlocks on white folks. hmm (insert emoji here)). Been coming here for maybe 5 months (going from black to blonde) due to the convenience of the location. I suspected that asking my usual stylist to take me to blonde would have made her cry since she usually chooses more tasteful cuts and colors and I was looking for something drastic.

My experience with this place was generally okay, although 1. it is possible to get cold (despite the sweatshirt) during extra long appointments with a wet head and there not being a heater in the space. 2. There's a patch of hair on the back of my head that's currently burnt up due to the first stylist I had here going hard on the bleach. it will grow out, so NBD, but worth mentioning 3.

I did have a stylist here create some banding in my hair when dyeing my roots due to her having period cramps (and telling me so. perhaps tmi?) and clearly wanting to get me and herself out of there. Despite this, I gave another VAIN stylist a chance and had her somewhat fix the weird reverse-ombre effect it created. I mean, I don't really care because it's just hair and you can always cut it off/it will grow back, but still, my luscious locks! D: lol During the course of the past 5 months, 2 of the 3 stylists I had appointments with have left. Vain does a good job of informing you immediately that your stylist is leaving/has left, being transparent about where the stylists went (often to a competing salon), and letting you either cancel any existing appointments or reschedule with another stylist. however the turnover is a slight inconvenience due to the fact you were likely building a maintenance or escalation plan for your hair and also rapport with that stylist.

In conclusion, I may go back to paying more at Antonio or Bocz. they are better at retaining their stylists and are more meticulous even though the appointments can take longer. Fortunately or unfortunately, sometimes you get what you pay for?
Victoria H.
Jun 30, 2017
This is definitely my favorite salon in town. I recently relocated to Belltown and was looking for a cosmetologist in the area. I knew I wanted a layered bob haircut. On a whim, I was booked with Dylan, who happens to specialize in bob cuts and curls. They provided me excellent customer service. Dylan was really nice and gave me a thorough consult about what type of bob cut, etc. that I wanted to have.

She took her time and gave me a phenomenal layered bob cut look that I LOVE! I would DEFINITELY recommend Vain and specifically Dylan for your hair needs. Great place, cool people, excellent cuts!
Henna J.
Jun 22, 2017
I accompanied my friend who got a side undercut at Vain. Shoutout to Ashley for handling my friend's voluminous curls. The undercut came out clean and even. Vain also has a large selection of hair products, skin care products, trendy jewelry/hair accessories, soaps, candles. The interior has warm lighting and their is plenty of delicious tea to sip on as your waiting.

For being right in Seattle - this very skilled salon is surprisingly affordable! My friend paid about $40 for the undercut, trim, shampoo and style. Would recommend this place in a heartbeart.
Jessica A.
Mar 23, 2017
Came in yesterday for a bayalge, shadow root, and trim. I was quoted $405 (ended up paying $485 including tip and parking) for what I wanted done, and I said, sure, let's splurge and get something really nice. It is not at all what I asked for. The cut is crooked and choppy. The color, while it looks fine, isn't what I asked for. I will only be returning to get the cut fixed.

For $460, I expected it to be perfect and exactly what I wanted. Edit: I got my hair cut fixed a few days ago. It's even now, but after all was said and done, I lost about 4 inches, when I only asked for an inch trim. I pretty sad about all the hair I lost since I've been trying to grow my hair out from a pixie for 2 years. A manager Melissa called me on Saturday to follow up with me.

She was very kind and understanding of the situation and has offered to refund me the haircut and give me a credit for a color fix as well as an additional credit for another service. I'm really happy she did that, but I'm going to leave my review as it is. I've literally cried about the amount of hair I've had to had cut and over all its been a really bad experience for me.
Melissa F.
Nov 08, 2016
I almost hate to make a review since I don't want my stylist to be booked up but credit needs to be given where credit is deserved. I had a previous stylist here that was so-so where they would kind of talk to me in a condescending way or make up excuses when I pointed out some of their mistakes. The result of my hair was never consistent. I didn't want to just give up on this place since it has really good pricing so I gave it another shot with another stylist.

The receptionist recommended me Megyn and oh my goodness, she was a godsend. Megyn not only did what I asked for but she went above and beyond to make sure that I was satisfied and was happy with my end result. I told her (and she saw herself) the mistakes the other stylist made and helped fixed it. Sometimes when I'm happy with the result and she's not - she will make it even better because she has such high standards for her end result which is awesome for the client.

When I first came to Megyn almost a year ago, I had a really bad balayage that was very orangey (I have really dark Asian hair). I told her I wanted to go all blonde and she made it happen! Of course it didn't happen in one session but I was very happy with how it looked anyways. After 2 more sessions my hair was very icy. She's amazing at what she does and she keeps my hair as healthy as it can be.

There has been little breakage from me being blonde. Also, she has done some fun colors where my hair is temporarily blue or lavender which I love love love. It lasts for probably 2 weeks and it fades to a beautiful gray and then a very ashy blonde. Highly recommend Megyn. I don't trust anyone else with my hair now.
Liz S.
Jul 29, 2016
To preface this review, I came in for a re-do after an original trim that wasn't quite right (but it was fixable), and I saw a different stylist than the original one. This was also my first time at VAIN, and neither stylist had worked with my hair before (long bob, very thick, wavy) as this was my first time at this salon. I should also add that I was refunded for the haircut, although after two cuts and tips for each, parking in Belltown, and the time for two cuts, it was a drop in the bucket.

The second cut, by a very experienced stylist nonetheless (Kelly), was a COMPLETE disaster. Instead of a re-do, I left the salon with my nightmare hair: up to my ears, a complete poofball, and nearly in tears. This was four months ago. It's going to take at LEAST 4-6 months more to get my hair back to its original state. Definitely the worst haircut I have ever, ever had. I will never be back and I urge my friends to stay away too.
Lainey H.
Jun 24, 2015
If your like me, you understand the struggles of finding a salon that knows how to work with Asian hair, lucky for me I found Carissa at Vain. She took my dark chocolate brown hair into beautiful light ashy blonde ombre balayage in ONE sitting. The results came out better than what i was expected. I was so happy I gave her a hug at the end! Oh best part is she very knowledge so at the end it left little to no damage to my hair! Carissa is really great and super friendly i highly recommend her to anyone that needs a great color.