APPEARANCE
Downtime means “me” time, and we aren’t going to trust this face, this hair, these nails to just anyone.
By Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski
Zaid Bakeer, Jon David Salon (Photography by Hana Jung)
Hair Stylist
ZAID BAKEER, JON DAVID SALON
6720 Commerce St., Springfield; 703-924-3835; www.jondavidsalon.net
“I’m a very good listener,” the veteran stylist says. That’s what clients want to hear when they seat themselves in a salon chair, especially for the first time. “And I don’t mind if someone brings pictures, it helps with communication.”
Makeup Application
TRACIE ROSALES, MAKEUP ARTISTRY BY TRACIE
571-201-5942; www.tracierosales.com
Weddings, special events, headshots, charity fashion shows, prom: Whatever the occasion Tracie Rosales puts on a good face. And with Rosales, clients get a friend and confidant, too. “I get to feel like a part of people’s special day.”
Nail Artistry
KIWI NAILS
2952 Chain Bridge Road, # J, Oakton; 703-242-8818
Acrylics, though durable and long-lasting, can be hard on the cuticles. But at Kiwi Nails clients have the option of “pink and whites—fake nails that are appreciated for their natural, shiny appearance,” says manager Jenny Doan. The technicians also excel in airbrushing and will consider any kind of nail art the client can dream up.
Laith Khatib (Photography by Jonathan Timmes)
Shampoo Assistant
LAITH KHATIB
Jon David Salon; 6720 Commerce St.; Springfield; 703-924-3835; www.jondavidsalon.net
The shampoo is just the beginning of what should be a relaxing experience at the salon. Throw in a scalp massage, and it might be enough to keep clients coming back. Laith Khatib, aspiring fashion photographer, says his secret is in developing his own technique via the lessons he learned from his colleagues. More importantly, says Khatib, “I take my time, I don’t rush.” Jon David employee Mirna Auioub affirms Khatib’s laid-back manner. “He’s so polite. Especially with new clients. And he’s really good under pressure.”
Who or what would you put at the head of the class in Northern Virginia?
“It’s quiet. Not like a city. And I don’t usually like quiet, but here it’s different.”
Salon
MAUDE, HERNDON
775 Station St., Herndon; 703-464-5880; www.maudehair.com
“When you walk through our door you should feel like you entered our home,” says owner Celeste Williams.
Vanessa Rose, Maude Salon (Photography by Hana Jung)
Funkiest Colorist
VANESSA ROSE, MAUDE SALON
775 Station St., Herndon; 703-464-5880; www.maudehair.com
“I’m not afraid of color,” says the veteran stylist of Maude fame. And although Vanessa Rose wouldn’t shy away from less conventional hues, she insists on one thing: “Hair should always be pretty. If they [clients] are going to have strong color, then they are going to have to have a softer haircut. I don’t think ordinary people should look like their hairdressers.”
Facial
CALVERT REJUVENATIONS
485 Carlisle Drive; Herndon; 571-323-1088; www.calvertrejuvenations.com
Barber
LORTON BARBER SHOP
8220 Gunston Corner Lane, Lorton; 703-495-9029
“It’s about more than giving a good haircut,” says owner Jack Nguyen, who sponsors a number of youth sports leagues in the community as well as donates to local philanthropic organizations.
Mani/Pedi
TIFFANY’S NAIL, ASHBURN
20020 Ashbrook Commons Plaza, #11; Ashburn; 703-726-6245
Eyebrow Wax
CALVERT REJUVENATIONS
485 Carlisle Drive, Herndon; 571-323-1088; www.calvertrejuvenations.com
Colorist
JOE AWAD, SALON JOSEPH
5121 Lee Highway, Arlington; 703-532-4247; www.joestyle1.com
Staff Picks
Eyebrow Threading
FOUR SEASONS SALON
21100 Dulles Town Circle, #110a Sterling; 703-421-9800
A few members of our staff celebrate Four Seasons for their ducky plucks.
Lash Extensions
MY TRU BEAUTY
703-943-8103; www.mytrubeauty.com
“I totally want them done,” says sales rep, Libby Boles. My Tru Beauty, Boles says, uses a glue that is so safe it does not require the usual three-month rest time other establishments recommend. “Which is why they are a little more on the high [priced] end. But totally worth it.”
