Salon Lamaj

Love this place! They are fast and really talented. And sooo nice and funny! I go to Phrenchie and I have never had my hair look better. I have so much hair and she has been able to tame better than anyone I’ve been to before. I get so many people compliments and inquiries!

It took me awhile to write this review because I was torn. So many award winning reviews and I come in with a 3 stars review. I had called to schedule an appointment with Jamal that process was professional and painless got an appointment two days after my date requested, so that was cool. The day of my appointment I was greeted by the receptionist, she was nice and informative and had given me the price list which I almost peed in my pants. $ 115 for just a cut, so glad I didn’t need a touch up $ 200 or better. Ok with these prices Jamal must be the best of the best so at that time I felt the referrals were right! I didn’t wait that long to get shampooed. The young lady that shampooed my hair was very friendly and asked a lot of questions about how I treated my hair, very attentive, she was totally interested that I was a new customer and giving me tips on caring for my hair. Ok after she finished and my hair dried I finally got to sit in Jamal’s Chair., I was so excited and new my search for a stylist is over! I sat in his chair and introduced myself and he was not friendly but fake. I had to like really talk about my style, showed him my pic and told him, he was highly recommended and so on and he was like in a blah tone ok great., and then he continued to talk about celebrity gossip with his associate. He started to trim my hair, which I paid the cut price of $ 115 and the only thing he said to me was, «you have a little breakage». No recommendations or asked me what happened. Ok at the end I looked in the mirror and it was average. I mean he did a good job but not that award winning style I was hoping for. My pic was an edgy styled bob but it turned out like the other styles I was used to at the average salons. He didn’t say thanks for coming, tell your referral thank you, his customer service sucked and that is why he gets 3 stars, customer service is so important to me! If I could review on the other staff I had contact with in his salon it would be 5 Stars! My impression was that he was so much on his high horse that me coming to see him was not important but celebrity gossip was. This salon looks upscale and pricing is above average but it’s a typical black salon. Wish I could had given it more but honesty is the best policy. It maybe he was having a bad day… Idk but I will
continue searching…

I sat in the waiting area for an hour after my scheduled appointment. 3 people came out to ask me what I was there for, my stylist was not one of them. The prices were ridiculous and the atmosphere was uncomfortable due to the language and chose of music. I wanted to support the stylist I came to see but won’t go back.

I visited Salon Lamaj at the end of December to get a facial by Leiloni. I wanted to have a fresh, healthy face to bring in the new year. I got the «red carpet special,» and that facial was just what the doctor ordered! My skin felt smooth and clean.
I’ve also gone to Leiloni at Salon Lamaj to get my makeup done on special occasions as well as eyelash applications. She’s the best of the best. You won’t be disappointed!

I came to Salon Lamaj through a referral. My co-worker’s hair looked amazing and she had undergone a transition from relaxed hair to natural hair. I must say that I am very pleased with this establishment. The staff is very friendly and the appearance of the salon is very modern luxury. It’s difficult to get an appointment, however, that speaks to the level of quality that is given. Make your appointments early and you shouldn’t have a problem. I’m very happy with Catriece and look forward to seeing the results of my natural hair journey.

I have been going to Jamal intermittently for yearssss now. He is the only person I trust to give my hair a trim, apply color, ANYTHING of substantial significance in the hair world. I am always satisfied when I leave his salon. I prefer to get either an early morning appointment (7−8a) or late evening appointment because I’m not the type to actually enjoy being in the hair salon, hence the reason for my intermittent visits. Bottom line, I highly recommend Jamal for quality hair service.

Coming from Houston, I was skeptical at first to allow anybody in the DMV to even touch my hair, let alone put products to it. Well my fabulous stylist in Houston referred me to his colleague Jamal and I automatically knew from that moment I had nothing to worry about… well except breaking a few combs (Louisianan and Nigerian mixture = extremely thick hair). Any-who…I’ve been in the DC area for 2 years and I love Jamal without any doubt. He is the best and I only allow the best in my hair. His quality is service is superb and he’s reasonable.
I rather have a trained individual with expertise knowledge of ‘proper hair care’ than a random beauty hair technique in my hair… thats a no no! The shop is well kept and I never have to worry about waiting for extremely lengths of period. Btw his sister gives the best washes I’ve ever had in my life… OMG! Can I take her home with me, like seriously?!? Love love love this place and I make sure to tell all my southern peeps and locals as well about this salon. Lets just say my hair is ‘Gone with the wind FABULOUS every time I leave!

I am very particular about my hair and who does it. I can frankly say I am very satisfied and will always remain a loyal client of Jamal. I began going to Jamal when I decided to jump on the bandwagon and start my natural journey. Was on the verge of going back to the «creamy crack» until I received services at Salon Lamaj. What a struggle it was to look decent while working out and transitioning away from perms. A family member from back home was having great results from the keratin treatment, Global Keratin, and I was on a mission to find a stylist who used the same product. After my consultation I was pleased to find out that Jamal used the same product I was on a mission to try! Two years later I am still receiving my treatments. My hair has definitely grown and become so much healthier (even after receiving permanent color/​highlights from him). I receive so many compliments on my hair (even strangers) and have referred many people to Jamal who are also pleased with his services.
An enjoyable and fun atmosphere; everyone, staff and clients, are welcoming and friendly and Jamal makes sure that you are taken care of. With the help of his assistant Keisha, you are in and out (of course weekends are busier). Jamal is a master of his craft and does wonders in the transformations of others. Jamal is a «beast» with the scissors and at times I have contemplated about cutting my hair after seeing his work lol. He listens to your needs/​wants and gives you what you want with instructions to maintain the best results.
Overall, you will be happy with Jamal.

Leiloni Cooper is the best makeup artist I know (and I’ve tried a few before her). Very professional and accommodating, she’s even done some celebs make-​up! I’ve been going to her since 2011 and wouldn’t trade my celebrity makeup artist for the world! My profile picture, doesn’t do her work justice! That’s a recent pic from my birthday. If you want your face professionally done or as they say ‘Beat Down’ see Leiloni Cooper! :)
…and while I’m here, Melanie on hair is the best! She’s always available when I need her to be. If I’m getting extensions or she’s styling my natural hair, I’m never disappointed with the results. She’s extremely knowledgeable about natural hair care, also been going to her since 2011. I trust her and I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else now that I’m at this salon. She’s a pleasure to be around and she’s funny lol :)
I’ve had to go to Gara a few times because Melanie was out of town and I wasn’t disappointed. She’s done my extensions and they were exactly how I wanted them. I mean you really can’t go wrong at this salon.

Last month, I booked a full sew in with Stephaine at Salon Lamaj. This was my second time in life getting a sew in and I was terrified LOL because the 1^st time (different salon) was horrible and I took the hair out in less than two weeks! Anyway… I made it to the salon which is not really metro accessible, but the service I received made up for the 4 minute cab ride. Stephaine was inviting from the beginning! She did a consultation before she even started on my hair. After she washed it and deep conditioned it she noticed my ends were badly trimmed and properly trimmed them. The full sew in was 2 – 3 hrs because I did want a bundle colored. She styled the hair and honestly I love it! I truly appreciate her giving me a wonderful customer experience. I am definitely coming back to the salon because of her and I have already recommended my colleagues to her. Thanks again Stephaine!

I have been going to Salon Lamaj since 2006. My stylist is Jamal, who is the owner and ALL of the stylists are professional, courteous and very sensitive to appointment times. As with any service oriented business, that is predicated on client appointments, sometimes if clients are late, that can have a ripple effect with those clients who are on time. Because Jamal and Melanie value their clients and try to accommodate them, even those that may be late, they will still try to ‘fit them in’, but not always. They recognize, It’s not fair to penalize clients who are on time and respectful of the stylists appointment schedule, because there are some clients that are discourteous.
With that said, these negative reviews are not fair or warranted. Jamal and his staff have won COUNTLESS awards for their hair care, cutting and styling. Recently Jamal and his salon were featured in the magazine publication, Upscale.
They are proficient in short/​long/​natural/​weaves — all types of hair care and the result is second to none. Please do NOT be discouraged by these unfavorable reviews. The salon and stylists are top notch. I would not have spent 7 years faithfully giving my business to them if they were not. Lastly, if anyone has had a bad experience with some aspect of their hair care or service, I am quite confident if you let Jamal know, he will rectify the situation immediately. He has tremendous pride in his work and his business, he wants all of his clients to be satisfied, even those that see other stylists/​staff at his shop, for different services.

The three times I went to Salon Lamaj, I had to wait an hour before I was even washed. I was disappointed to be in this place of business for up to four hours for just a blow dry. I even called the second time to see if the stylist was running late, I was told she wasn’t, and still waited an hour.
On the third appointment, I let the receptionist know I was canceling because this was the third time my appointment was an hour behind, and she said okay. Not I’m sorry, or let me see what we can do to accommodate you because your business is valued, just ‘okay’.
I’m guessing Salon Lamaj has enough clients that deal with that kind of wait, but my time is just as valuable. This all could be avoided if the salon calls and lets folks know if the stylist is running behind.
I was surprised to encounter this behavior because everything from confirming the appointment, to being able to book online seemed to be extremely professional.
I just cannot justify supporting a place that doesn’t value my time and business.

I checked out this salon after seeing them take the grand prize at a local hair show. What a crazy coincidence that their new location was close to my boyfriend’s house. I just HAD to make an appointment. WHAT A MISTAKE!
I was a client of their «junior stylist», Ivy. I went to her for a few weeks and got a regular (wash and set)… no problem. Then I asked her for color treatment. I gave her a few weeks notice and provided a picture of what I wanted. I asked her to let me know when it was safe to do so (since I’d had a relaxer about a month prior, and wanted to avoid over-​processing). We set a date and she set to work finding my color.
The color appointment started off uneventfully, but soon she had to consult other stylists because she said it wasn’t lightening correctly. No problem. I was glad she decided to ask for help. The other stylists recommend that she add some kind of powder to the mix and keep on coloring. So she did and we moved right along. When she was done, the color was bright (which I wanted) but not quite what I expected. I’m flexible though and welcomed the change. What I DIDN’T welcome, though, were the dark spots that remained in my hair from my natural color. She said we’d recolor it again in a few weeks to take care of that.
At the end of the appointment, I asked her what I needed to do to keep my hair healthy and well moisturized. She gave me very little advice, but I followed what she did tell me TO THE LETTER. In between visits I conditioned at least once a week, slept with my hair covered and I followed up with her via email to make sure I was doing the right thing. Suffice it to say I was diligent with my hair care regimen.
Nevertheless, a few weeks later, MY HAIR BROKE OFF. Not just a little bit, either. I had a HAND-​SIZED PATCH of hair in the back of my head that BROKE OFF COMPLETELY at the color-​line. During my subsequent visits (before the major breakage took place), I told her that I thought I was experiencing mild breakage. She remarked over and over about how my hair was shedding, but she never mentioned that it was breaking, nor did she mention (despite my asking repeatedly) what we can do to solve the problem.
I spent YEARS growing my hair out and getting it HEALTHY. In fact, before I started going to her, it was the first time in my life I was able to wear my natural hair in a ponytail. (Sistas, yall know what a milestone that is!). Since my experience at this salon, I’ve had to cut most of my hair off and start over. Needless to say, I am PISSED.
Anyone can «do» hair, but not everyone is interested in maintaining it and keeping it HEALTHY. If your goal is HEALTHY HAIR CARE, do NOT go to Salon Lamaj!

Lash Extension Review:
My lashes started falling out the next morning (and I am not a rough sleeper). I called the lash artist, Leiloni, the next day to see if she could fix it, as she came off to me as taking great pride in her work. Despite that phone call and a text msg, I never heard back. I’ll go elsewhere next time.

If time is money, I lost more than I paid here. I went in for a cut and partial highlights at 4pm. Three hours later, I finally got into the stylist chair for my cut after I threatened to leave.
There was at least a 20 minute wait between each and every phase of my visit. I was ignored and never asked if I needed anything or updated on how much longer it would be.
Several women who arrived after I did were also treated before me.
By the time I got out, I looked good, but not great. My husband and I ate our theater tickets. Needless to say I was unimpressed.
The only thing I can say is that the price of the groupon I bought was reasonable

I’m natural… Went in for a Saturday appt with Catrice. Left absolutely satisfied with my hair. If u have natural hair she is the person to go to.

Finally got through to someone! The person was a bit unprofessional on the phone, but I do have an appointment on the books now. They called me back from my VM I left 3 days ago today after I had already made my reservation yesterday.
Update on my results at the end of November… yes they are THAT booked…

I went to Salon Lamaj a couple Saturdays ago to get my hair did! I went off the recommendation of a co worker, her stylist is Jamal. The salon is tiny, with about 4 stylist. From the looks of it the specialize in short precision cuts and styles. I was satisfied with my shampoo by Jamal’s assistant Keshia and I liked the way Jamal did my hair. This shops also accepts credit and debit cards, but you are charged a $ 2 sur charge. Overall I had a good experience. I give the salon 3 stars because I had to wait and I absolutely hate waiting!