Tara Salon

caveat: only been to Tara Salon for eyebrow threading with Hanife. Ask for Hanife because she’s awesome! She takes the time to tediously thread your brows, using both scissors and tweezers, as well as thread. Quality is key with her. The difference is stark. I’ve tried Threads in Dupont and it pales in comparison to Hanife! costs $ 20, takes about 25 min. it’s worth the price!

I had a really busy work week and by Saturday realized I had completely forgot to book a blow out for that night. Nobody could fit me and Rick (George at Four Seasons) called across the street to see if they had room. Fortunately one of their stylists stayed later than she had planned to so they could squeeze me in. I’m really glad because she did an amazing job. Can’t remember exactly how much it was but at the time I remember thinking it was weird that it was $ 15 more than George. I probably won’t be switching salons anytime soon, but I’ll definitely keep Tara first on my list next time I need a last minute blowout.

Oh, Tara Salon … Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I gave up being a sucker in the new year, so there won’t be a third time. Twice I visited Tara, and after each visit, I left feeling like I had been robbed. The first time, I had a single process color, no cut — $ 190 before tip (yes, that’s a 1 before the 90 — most salons offer single process color for somewhere between 80 and 100). The second time, I had a single process, partial highlights and a cut — $ 360 before tip. And when the salon manager/​owner rang me up, I swear she was pulling the numbers out of the air — she thought about it and then just threw out a fantastic sum that I repeated to make sure I heard correctly. I’ve lived in DC for most of my life and have been to a number of high-​end salons in Georgetown (O, Okyo, Ipsa, Ilo), but I have never paid near that amount for what I had done at Tara. Sadly, I adored my stylist at Tara — Frankie — he does an AMAZING job! But I just can’t afford to shell out $ 440 every few months for something I can get done just as well for half the price.

Tara is really pricey for the quality of haircut from this salon. It really depends on who you get here. I read some of the other reviews and seems like one stylist received all of the great ratings. Unfortunately my stylist made me look exactly like the person right before me.

The receptionist was so rude she made me not want to go. First business that has someone so unqualified to pick phone calls. After having asked a basic question she gave me a totally unprofessional «I don’t know» followed by an awkward silence that ended when she hung up on me! WOW.

Worst wax and salon experience ever!!!
I cashed in my living social deal at Tara because I was headed to the beach for the weekend. One bikini and full leg wax later, and I had a miserable case folliculitis (if you’ve never had it — and I’d NEVER had it before — it is the red, itchy, painful bumps). The beach weekend was ruined — I had to stay away from the sun.
Worse than that, I had to go to the doctor to make sure there wasn’t something really wrong. The bumps can be caused when the estician uses the same stick for more than one dunk in the wax pot — mine used the same stick for the whole time!
And even worse than that… I called in to file a complaint with the manager. She was extremely rude. Not only was she condescending (she informed me that I should have requested sensitive wax — I did request the sensitive wax!), she was not interested in trying to help fix the situation. She merely offer to have me come back to the salon so they could «take a look». When I informed her that I was going to write a review on Unilocal,she flippantly said «go ahead. I don’t care». That is not the attitude I want when I’m paying good money (ended up spending $ 50 even with the coupon). And I am especially disappointed that someone who I’m literally exposing myself to and expecting professional and sanitary care employs managers that have no customer service.
Finally, the owner commented on my boyfriend’s review and suggested that the event may never have happened and was not reported. Well, it happen. I reported it. I have the doctors and phone bill to prove it.

Although I am extremely unhappy with the management, in all credit to the massage therapist, the man has incredibly strong hands and was thorough in his job. I would have been a repeat customer had I not experienced such ill treatment from the manager.
However, on the serious note…
Tara Salon Customer Service? What customer service? Oh yes! The bait and switch type customer service.
Sweet boyfriend purchased a birthday gift certificate for a massage. I made the appointment with the receptionist, went in for the massage, gave her my gift certificate, quickly hurried to the back room and I fell asleep. After my massage I walked to the check out counter to make another appointment.
We scheduled a date for a massage and shortly after the receptionist said: «It’s going to be $ 100″. I was flabbergasted; she tried charging me after I gave her the gift certificate when I walked in, and she pretended I had not given it to her. Even the therapist told her I had given her the certificate.
After leaving the salon a bit annoyed for her lack of class and indiscretion on the price of the certificate (it was my birthday gift), I received a call fifteen minutes later; I am still disoriented with time. The receptionist claimed my gift certificate was for a half hour session, and my massage ran up to an hour. I was dumbfounded. How could the salon not keep track of a person when they are having a massage?
Since I was purchasing medicine for my bronchitis, I asked her to call back. As I was finishing lunch, the receptionist called me once again, this time speaking to me in a condescending tone asking if I found someone (or my boyfriend) to take care of my bill (honestly I believe she spoke to me this way because she heard me speaking in Spanish before I left – inappropriate of her, and quite racist).
As I was preparing to offer my credit card, I told her how extremely unhappy I was with the situation. Had I known she would allow my massage to run an additional half an hour I would have never made an appointment. I did not agree for an additional half an hour service. She then challenged me saying she booked me for an hour, not half an hour, so I had to pay the difference. I offered my credit card and told her: „I am paying for this, but I disagree with your business practices, bait-​and-​switch is unethical and illegal“.
I asked the receptionist to provide me with the name of the manager or a person who I can address my grievance letter to; she gave me no name and only provided me with an e-​mail address. When I asked for the manager’s name she then proceeded to identify herself as the manager, avoiding telling me her name.
She also mentioned to me that they only have certificates for an hour, not for half hour. I thought…“if that is the case… why does she want to charge me?»
I made it clear to her although I would be paying the additional $ 40, the bait-​and-​switch charge would be contested by me. I also informed her I would be sending a copy of my letter to the Better Business Bureau. The woman was immediately taken aback and she responded angrily: «Don’t worry about it then» and proceeded to hang up on me.
In case you need to identify this classless manager-​receptionist without a name who has no clue how not to treat people, and perhaps needs a little cultural sensitivity class – she wears glasses and has very short hair.

i really want to give them 4 – 5 stars because the place is nice and the staff was wonderful. i got the manicure/​pedicure. the technician was very nice; she didn’t talk much, which was okay by me. the pedicure was relaxing and she massaged my legs with hot stones. at the end of everything, she suggested that since I had worn pumps to the salon, she could wrap my toes in cuticle oil and saran wrap, so they wouldn’t be ruined.
the reason why i’m really disappointed with the whole experience is because literally one day after my mani/​pedi, the paint on my fingernails began chipping. ONE day after. i’ve gotten manicures that lasted weeks. i’ve done my own nails and they’ve lasted much longer. the cost of a mani/​pedi is $ 75, and for that cost, i expect much better. i will not be going back.

In a million years, I would never go or send anyone I liked to this salon. The receptionist is beyond rude. I phoned to ask a few questions before making an appointment and she wouldn’t answer a single one. When I asked if there was anyone else I could talk to, she said, «No one is here.» Please.
There are SO many better salons in the area. Tara, when you go out of business, and you will, I will walk by your tacky storefront and flip you the bird.

I was surprised how empty this salon was when I walked in after work. I got a bikini wax and she used some special type of wax that it was less painful. She had her own techniques in how she held her hands that made it less painful as well. However she didn’t wax the ass crack so I think that defeats the point of getting a brazilian.
The receptionist was very friendly.

I decided to try Tara and pre-​paid for a 50% promotion off a manicure/​pedicure. I bought two so I could treat a friend. I tipped 20% on the regular rate of $ 75, bringing the total to $ 52.50 each. I wish I’d paid closer attention before I tipped because it wasn’t a good job at all!
I’ll start with the pros: the reception person was good and the manicurist was pleasant. The mani/​pedi area of the spa is bright and comfortable, and there are lots of magazines to choose from. However, the mani/​pedi was really below average. The manicurist even let the nail polish dry on my cuticles and fingertips! She hardly pumiced my heels at all and they look almost the same as before. Honestly?! She did about 1 minute of half-​hearted massage, while most other places I’ve been do much better with that. She seemed like she just rushed through the motions and it showed. Maybe I just got unlucky, but I won’t be back. Even at half off, it was not a good deal!
My friend was also unimpressed. Didn’t think they cleaned their tubs thoroughly and pointed out that they didn’t seem to clean the hot stones at all. He usually goes to a much lower priced place, Lucky Nails on Connecticut Ave, and said it’s much better and charge $ 42 for a mani/​pedi! I called the next day to tell the manager the above, and all she said was she was sorry I hadn’t come back in for a polish re-​do (missed the point — everything was below average, not just the polish) and that she would speak with the manicurist.

So ever heard of a cuticle infection? Neither had I. It apparently develops from manicures/​pedicures when the instruments used were not clean. Looks like a big blister just below the cuticle line and is painful/​sore.
Now I know why people insist on frequenting business that use the sani-​packs and from now on, I will do the same.
btw — this was a $ 50 pedicure. I have never experienced any nail difficulties at lower price levels, period, and to think by my house pedis are $ 25, but I pay double in Gtown and end up w/​this.

I picked up a $ 25-​for-​$ 75 deal on Living Social and gave Tara Salon a try for full leg waxing before a trip to California. If I have to expose the public to my pasty white legs, I suppose they might as well be hairless. Booking was painless, even though I hate the phone. (More salons should start using online booking software! I will always prefer the places that do.)
I hadn’t picked a specific person, since previous reviews were a little sparse on waxing comments. I ended up with Rosie, who is delightful — friendly, quick, and thorough. She chatted throughout, which was fine with me, and only had me in a few contorted positions that I wasn’t sure I could hold very long. She encouraged me to do a modest bikini wax as well, and I gave in. I think it’s just my susceptibility to anyone who calls me «sweetie» over and over. Pain was… well, it’s waxing. It hurts, sweetie.
Results look good! I’m not a yeti anymore. I’ve shed my winter coat. I have tweezed a few stray hairs that she missed and/​or broke off instead of getting waxed off. But that’s not bad for an area so large. I’m ready for beach season, even if I’m not headed to the beach!

Frankie is an absolutely fantastic stylist. I’ve been going to him
over 3 years — whenever I’m visiting my BFF in DC I have to go… found him originally thru a Washingtonian write up, and knew from my very first cut that I couldn’t let this one get away.
Over the past few years my hair has evolved through subtle
experimentation with color and thru less subtle experimentation with
extentions (my formerly past the shoulder locks now grace my lower
back…looking as natural as lady godiva’s mane:))
I constantly get complimented on my hair, even pre-​extentions
(pardon my temporary lack of modesty). He’s innovative yet reliable,
leading me through looks that properly fit my low-​maintenance
lifestyle but that look utterly fabulous and slightly edgy. He now
cuts all of my girlfriends’ and co-​workers’ hair… and even my mother.
Check him out ladies and gents. Frankie’s seriously wonderful.

Living Social, you have led me astray! Bryce, I shall never cheat on you again.
Got the half off deal for a hair cut. Met Crystal. Have now determined that Tara’s Salon must be going out of business. Or will be soon.
Now, I’m from Mississippi, born and raised, and have only been here for 3 years. The gross family income in my county is $ 10,000 per year. Grew up riding in a rusty old pick up truck that is now considered an antique. Just to educate, Mississippi consistently ranks #1 in illiteracy rate, #1 in teen pregnancies, #1 in STDs, #1 in fattest state.
My expectations are not high. And this is the first time I’ve sat in horror of what the stylist would do next. And the first time I’ve had to ask her to stop. And the first time I’ve worn a hat afterwards. And the first time I’m going crawling back to my wonderful stylist, Bryce, at Aura Spa, who charges $ 40, not $ 90, for a haircut.

I got a deal for a ½-​priced mani pedi here on LivingSocial, normally the combo costs $ 75. It was okay but I would have been pretty upset if I had paid $ 75 for it. It was pretty standard, the manicurist was very nice and did a good job. The nail portion of the salon was nothing to write home about, it was nice but a little dingy and I don’t think the foot bath was cleaned after the person before me got out and I got in. The manicurist also seemed really tired, probably tired of being treated like crap by all of the spoiled GW brats. Two were in there when I was getting my services and they were treating her like less than a human. In any case, she was great but I definitely don’t recommend it unless you get some kind of a major discount.

My first experience with Tara Salon was for a Mani pedi. It was an pleasant experience, but nothing to write home about. However my eyebrow wax with Marija has made me a fan! Marija was super sweet and very enthusiastic and getting my overgrown brows into shape! she certainly tamed them and kept them thick, but with a definite arch as I like it. As a serial dater when it comes to brows, I think I’ve found the one I’m settling down with!

This review is for the pedicure. On a positive note, getting a pedicure with a friend is definitely a lot of fun and always a great way to catch up. But when I am spending $ 50 for a basic pedicure I expect a bit more, like an offer of wine or something to drink. Overall the pedicure was fine, but nothing special.

Overall, a really nice place — the salon is very open and light, and the staff are very kind and funny. The absolute best part about Tara, though, is their colorist Sonja. I jumped on the Sonja bandwagon a little over a year ago and refuse to get off. She is amazing when it comes to highlights — she really knows what she is doing and how coloring your hair actually works. I won’t go to anyone else!
In my case, I have very long and thick hair which I have been highlighting for about 10 years. Sonja was the first person to help me solve the overly-​blonde ends problem and expertly applied highlights so that my hair has color and depth but only needs to be touched up every four or five months, saving me lots of money. She also seems to understand my vague food-​related descriptions of the color I am aiming for (e.g., a «caramel» shade with «honey» streaks).
Synopsis: if you are looking for a great set of highlights and a good cut, go visit Sonja at Tara Salon. The prices ($ 150-​$ 180) are reasonable given the quality of the service. I would be worried about letting out a best-​kept secret, but in this case Sonja already has a substantial fan base — she’s been doing color for 16 years and has women that have been with her that long!

So, Tara can be a little hit or miss, I’ll admit. But what they do right, they do exceptionally well. I can personally speak to amazing pedicures (chocolate or peppermint!) and facials.
Segi is my personal choice for ‘best pedicurist of dc’ award, but I realise how personally people take their pedicures… so I won’t push the point.
Then they employ this AMAZING Turkish lady (name forgotten), who does Euro-​style facials & waxing. She is a gift from the gods, and I know for a fact I’m going to regret posting this… I’ll never be able to get in to see her again.
Then I will haz teh sadz.