Piaf Salon & Day Spa

DONT EVEN CONSIDER. Found this place online, they had a great deal on make up ($ 50 which was listed on their online menu) and were close to the Capitol Hilton where I’d be staying for a weeding, so I booked an appointment. The girl was punctual nice and sweet, don’t remember name but was from Estonia I think Tina. At the end they charged me instead $ 125 (150% more!) I told them there might be a mistake and she told me that she charged me $ 75 for «Special Ocassion Make up» simply because she asked what the ocassion was and I replied it was a wedding, and BTW that wasn’t listed on their online menu. They also charged $ 50 for eye lashes that I never asked for and she applied during make up. I told them I was sorry for confusion and that I couldn’t pay for something I didn’t book. I ended up paying $ 60 included tip. (Which shouldn’t even have included) and the make up wasn’t professional at all. Something I could’ve done my self and I am not great at doing my make up. So, if you want nice make up and not being scammed. STAY AWAY,

If you enjoy waiting while the receptionist calls your therapist who has left the building, being told to have a seat in a waiting area for 30 minutes, staring at crumbled cookies in said waiting area, and ultimately being rescheduled for the following week, by all means go to Piaf.

Terrible terrible terrible. Very unprofessional. Went for a simple blow dry and the lady did not speak any English and was trying to guess what I was saying. I almost walked out of there but decided to stay and see what happens. Do not go there.

Let me first preface this by saying that all of the stars I felt I could give were for Lisette, who did a very nice job on my cut. If I had her for my entire appointment, the rating would be higher. She explained everything she was doing as she trimmed up my shoulder length bob and added some layers. She quickly blew it dry and sent me on my way. I wish she had used a bit of product to keep the shape of the blow out, as the wind outside destroyed the style within five minutes, but the immediate result was lovely. She was lovely. She was the ONLY thing that was lovely about the experience.
Now on the bad things. The hostess was succinct and not terribly welcoming, but was certainly efficient. Once I was changed, I was told that Rashida would be my stylist. She arrived just as I was asking if I should present my Gilt voucher then, or when I was done. As I was pulling out my phone to show her the number, Rashida exclaimed «No! We only take paper — SHE COULD USE IT AGAIN!“After explaining that, once you use a voucher, you cannot use it again, she was still unhappy about it, and I finally said «NO, it physically cannot be used again, and, also, I am an honest person.» I was so insulted. She basically said that she was sure that I was a dishonest thief, and this was within three minutes of meeting her. She half-​heartedly apologized, and immediately sat me down at the sink. I told her that I purchased the deal for a cut and blow out, and was going to add and pay for a color glaze. Note the use of the word COLOR.
At most salons, you sit down and have a consultation with the stylist to describe what you want to do before starting the work. This did not happen. She put my head in the sink and did a wash, and was about to put a clear glaze on, but I stopped her, saying, «sorry, when I booked the appointment, I specifically stated that I wanted to get a semi-​permanent color glaze.» She seemed mad, rinsed the clear glaze that she started to put on me, and completely SOAKED the back of my shirt and a good deal of the front. She hastily wrapped my hair up and took me to this weird area that doesn’t resemble any kind of stylist seating area I have even seen in my WHOLE LIFE.
After, once again, trying to explain what I wanted, she grabbed a book with color samples, I picked my color, and she went back to mix it. AS she headed to a back room, she stated that they would create a file card for me with the color information, «when you come back… if you come back» which was said just dripping with sarcasm. Listen, I get it that vendors like salons might dislike people coming to a place for the deal and don’t return, but don’t show utter disdain to your potential clients over it. If you have a problem it, DON’T OFFER THE VOUCHERS IN THE FIRST PLACE. I just moved here, so I AM salon shopping. If I like the salon enough, I would return. So, at this point, I’ve been called dishonest, been argued with, and been treated to sarcasm. At this point, I’m actually very mad.
As I tried to calm down while she excused herself to mix the color, I looked around at this long row table that looked kind of unkempt and was used by at least three other stylists, and there was a used pot of mixed color at my station that should have been removed before a new client sat down. Rashida came back, moved the old pot of used hair color out of the way, and began to apply my color. It was totally silent. She made no attempt at discussion, and I was just perturbed and uncomfortable for the entire thing. Luckily, she worked fast, and the torture was done in less that 15 minutes. She put me under a dryer and went to read a magazine at the washing station. Aren’t there break rooms for that kind of thing — I find that to be a bit unprofessional.
When I was done under the dryer, she came and washed my hair again, then sat me in what FINALLY looked like an actual stylist’s chair in the front of the salon. At this point, she made a really awkward attempt to finally mask her froideur, and made some small talk about having not taken off her makeup the day before, and then something else which I basically had no care to listen to. Luckily, Lisette came then.
When I went to pay for the color service, Rashida came and stood right next to the register when I was settling the bill. When the hostess ran the card for the tip, I had to tell her what amount to give to whom, and I was basically forced to pay equal amounts for Rashida and Lisette, when I wanted to give Lisette the high tip she deserved and Rashida the low one she did. So, Rashida, to answer your snide comment earlier, you’re right. I won’t be return to Piaf, and that is entirely due to your horrible attitude.

This review is for Rachida — 5 stars. I’ve been to higher end salons and many other stylists/​colorists to have color applied, and to no avail, it is not done correctly. The color either doesn’t quite cover the gray offenders, or the color just doesn’t ‘pop. From my very first visit, Rachida has consistently provided gorgeous color and covered my SERIOUSLY stubborn grays. I’ve only done single color, the color lasts and I look forward to having her do highlights — a rare treat. I’ve seen her highlight work on another client and they look fantastic. In addition, the best blowout EVER. My hair has these ‘feathers’ in the front that are very hard to blend and lay flat — she makes it look so easy and effortless to do. She doesn’t overuse product and her flatiron is a dream compared to what other salons use.
To boot, she’s a doll; super sweet.
Yes, the salon is a wee bit dated and you will most definitely not get the ‘salon’ experience for any salon services you are looking for, i.e. mani/​pedi, facials, waxing, massages etc. The prices for hair services are more cost effective than other salons.

They ruined my bangs! I asked for a swoop bang, which is not the hardest thing in the world. Decided to walk in because I work near by. She ends up asking me over and over how to cut it. Not like, how do you want it cut, like «Should I cut here?» THEN, after she ruined my bangs, she charged me double the cost of what it was supposed to be. What I was quoted at the beginning.
Completely terrible! Do not go here!

Let me start off by saying this review is only based on my hair appointment with Ron. I had no other salon or spa services done. Ron is fucking awesome. I recently took my hair out of long box braids and my hair was in desperate need of a treatment and trim. My expectations were definitely exceeded. My hair looks amazing. Btw my hair is natural. The prices are extremely reasonable.

I’ve been here a few times: about three times to see Tiina (who specializes in waxes) and once for a haircut/​blowout with Lisette.
The reception at the front desk isn’t the friendliest (and it often feels like she’s rushing you, even when it’s pretty empty), but the haircut was one of the best I’ve had in DC (and I’ve been to some nice places). It was a little pricey, though not out of line with the cost of most salons in the DMV area. However, for a week or so later, I was still getting compliments on how bouncy and healthy my hair looked. Lisette definitely knew how to treat my unruly curly hair, and her assistant was incredibly talented at making it sleek!
I also love Tiina, who has been nice enough to give me and other loyal clientele her cell number so we can text her to schedule appointments. This makes life so much easier for me, and she is really good about fitting me in on short notice before and after my work hours.
I can’t vouch for the massage, hair coloring, or nail experiences at Piaf, but if you’re looking for a reasonably-​priced wax and don’t need a super fancy spa experience when you get your hair cut (the décor here is plain), I’d suggest you give it a shot!

Fantastic experience here while on vacation. Came for a facial and haircut and was greeted warmly and escorted quickly to my facial. The lady giving the facial (can’t remember name) was wonderful. Very gentle with my sensitive skin and really knows where the relaxing pressure points are.
Heather did my cut and she’s wonderful. Really fun to talk to and so friendly. She has wonderful experience and did a terrific job with my cut, shaping it just right and taming it perfectly in this humid city. She’s a true scissor wizard!
Love this place and I’ll go back when in DC.

I’ve been going here for 5 years and the only reason I go back is because of Rashida. The place is in desperate need of a good cleaning, and an update — the place looks like it hasn’t been renovated in over 10 years. Everyone runs around loudly shouting at each other (this is the staff). The last couple times I’ve been there I’ve had to wait over 30 minutes (when I had an appointment. The tend to overbook, make you wait, it’s rare to be greeted upon entry or they just tell you to go back and find your stylist. It’s quite unprofessional. I know people say the prices are very cheap, but I think they are pretty average — and for the atmosphere — overpriced! I would definitely never get anything done other than my hair — wouldn’t trust the cleanliness of the place to get a pedi, mani, wax or massage.
It’s time they put some money into the place and stepped up their service and professionalism.

Note to Management: If there isn’t enough time left in the day for an employee to adequately perform a service, a customer should not be put through the trauma of feeling as though you have ruined the person’s life, hear that her husband is going to divorce her, have the roots of your hair lightened with toner to save time as opposed to performing a low-​light, and charged more than you were last time.
This was not a good experience. For full disclosure, I arrived 15 min. behind schedule for my appointment, but I think we all know 15 min. wouldn’t cause all of that.
I want to empathize with others’ lives and situations, but at the same time, mine as well. When working day and night and finally making a break for a salon to look halfway decent on your pending birthday, let’s just say you don’t want to feel more frazzled than when you arrived and depart with brassy organish-​blonde hair.
I am sure they are very nice people, but this was not a pleasant experience.

Really disappointed with this salon, should’ve checked out the reviews first. I scheduled an appointment for a manicure and pedicure and arrived a few minutes early.
The pedicure went alright, though I could tell that the gentleman performing the service was in a rush. I did not however appreciate him mocking me for how long it had been since my last pedicure.
The real problem came when it was time to do my manicure. The salon had double-​booked the man doing the service, and his next client came in at 5:30, just as I was sitting down to do my manicure. I could tell he was rushing through my manicure. And did a shoddy job in the process, not even putting a topcoat on. After my nails dried I left and did nothing out of the ordinary, however by the time I got home (just after riding on the bus) places on my nails were already chipped and by Saturday morning almost all the polish on my thumb and first finger of my right hand were gone.
It was absolutely ridiculous, especially for what they charge. I will not be going back.
Perhaps they should spend less time sending tweets to their customers reminding them to review the place.

I was in DC for a conference and needed a hairstyle that would last at least for 12 hours. Found Piaf and decided to give it a try– the price was right and they were open.
Lisette and her assistant (sweetest lady from Morocco, I forgot her name) asked me what style I wanted. I told them I just want to have body in my hair, a bit of wave and it needs to last for the day.
20 mins later I had gorgeous head of hair, it looked healthy and shiny, I felt great! I was turning heads! :-)
The style actually lasted for 3 days! Hands down, this was the best blow out in years!

I normally just troll these boards reading the reviews but I decided to do my first review to warn others because it was that bad.
This review is only applicable for the Nail service from Alexis as I cannot speak for the other services/​technicians.
Professionalism:
The front desk receptionist and some of the workers who I interfaced with were cool.
The nail technician, Alexis, who did my mani/​pedi was RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL.
Timeliness/​Comments:
I had an appt at 12 noon, arrived 5 mins til 12. Was informed to have a seat.
Sat til 12:10 pm and then I asked if I could take a look at the nail polish selections.
I was pointed over to a wall of polish. I’m standing looking and the nail tech Alexis asked whether I had a gift cert or a voucher. I told her I have a voucher. Her response? «OH helllll no, I ain’t doing that. I told the owner not to offer these stupid vouchers it’s $ 100 for $ 50. Someone else can do hers but I ain’t doing that.» (She’s talking to her customer/​friend).
WOW. Seriously? Learn some manners!
I’m annoyed but ignored her comment bc the voucher is non-​refundable (great).
I continue to look at the polish and she tells me there are different polishes for Shellac and to have a seat.
So I sit until 12:25 pm (my appt is at 12 noon). I get up and ask the receptionist if I could soak my feet while I’m waiting.
Service:
Once the actual Shellac Mani/​Pedi starts the nail tech Alexis is talking with her friend/​customer who had finished before me. I honestly don’t care but her yanking at my cuticles was painful.
I’m running late so asked for a filer so I can file my own nails and she gives me attitude saying that a Shellac Mani/​Pedi takes AT LEAST AN HOUR AND A HALF.
Which I DID allot AN HOUR AND A HALF had you not been 30 minutes late! IDIOT.
The end result was a sloppy shellac paint job and a bad taste in my mouth!
Summary: I would not go here again even if it was free.

Came for my first shellacking from Alexis based off of a
offer. I’ll have to wait two weeks to see if I will keep this up. But the service I’m a fan of. Although it was pass closing time she still took her time and did a wonderful job. Ladies make a Tues or Weds Appt there is no wait and ask for Alexis. Downside is the massage chairs aren’t the best. It just shakes you :-(
Ok two weeks later it really last about 12 days but hey that is much longer than regular polish. Downside is that you have to soak of the polish or pay $ 10 somewhere else for the soak off.

I went for a gel mani and pedi. I got a voucher from Trubates. My manicurist was very unprofessional, she complained about how she hated ppl who used vouchers or coupons because they were so cheap and never returned. I explain to her that I had ran a promo on Living Social for my tanning salon and that I got great return from it. She went on and on about how she told the owner of the shop it was a terrible idea. After doing my pedi, she carried on personal conversations on her cell phone thoughout the duration of my mani.
Pros: They pedi was good, but she did a terrible job on my french.
She was able to take me last minute.
Cons: Unprofessional manicurist, medicore work.

I came here for spa week. I booked an appointment for me and my two friends. I thought that this would be impossible but it was quite easy. I book an appointment in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday so it wasn’t crowded and when we arrived we didn’t have to wait long.
I got a facial and a pedicure. Both treatments were nice but I particularly like my pedicure. The person who did my nails was chatty and sweet and scrubbed my feet to baby smooth. Although she great, something about this salon is very generic and doesn’t stand out to so i probably won’t return.

Come here to get the Brazilian straightening treatment on a living social deal. I’ve had bad experiences here with nails and massages, but can’t complain about the hair services. Came on a Sunday morning and it was empty, which was nice and quiet. That being said, my hair technician spent some time on her bluetooth talking to friends while she worked on my hair which I didn’t think was so professional. She also told me about a time recently when bums were found sleeping in the bathrooms here (WTF?!?)

Can I give negative stars? I had a Living Social coupon for a Swedish massage and the experience was borderline traumatic.
First, the masseuse was not present when I showed up for my appointment — he rolled in thirty minutes later.
Second, he set a timer during the massage so there was this tick, tick, tick going on in the background while he’s massaging me. I asked him to stop and keep track with a watch. The whole time, I could also hear loud music playing in the salon outside.
Third, he didn’t know how to massage!!! He started out not using any oil at all and then he oiled his hands only once throughout the whole ordeal. At times, I felt like he got lost and just started poking me because he didn’t know what else to do. The movements were not continuous and were random.
Finally, when I asked him to stop because he had showed up late and I wanted to leave, he didn’t leave! He stood there and talked to me while I’m not wearing any clothes. Then he accused me of being racist b/​c we had a language barrier and he insisted that most Japanese people like his massages. I“m not Japanese. He said all this while I’m lying naked with my face down on a table. Just leave!!!
There was nothing Swedish about this massage. There was no aromatherapy like the coupon said there would be. I don’t think the guy knew what his assignment was when he went into the room. This establishment should be ashamed of condoning this kind of service.

I was given a gift card to this place so I decided to use it for a pedicure. 4 stars for the customer service, meaning the receptionist! I called unable to provide an accurate gift card confirmation number and they said no problem. Two different people assisted me by looking for record of the gift card purchase and then following up via phone when they were unable to locate it. In the end, they issued a credit for the amount of the gift even though they could not find record of the purchase. They did not hassle me, no attitude over the phone like some salons. Everyone was polite and professional.
Now the actual pedicure was nothing special. Go in any Vietnamese nail shop around DC and you might actually find better. The pedicure chairs are falling apart and the massage feature on one does not even work. The guy who worked on my feet was rushing and made me feel like he had to hurry up and get finished with me. Funny thing is, I saw no one else waiting. I would say the worst part is the price. $ 45 for a pedicure, puuhhhleezzz! You are pretty much paying for the salon’s location because the service is not worth $ 45.