Last Tangle In Washington Salon

1146 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Address:	1146 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Phone:	+1 202-775-1999
Site:	lasttangle.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–7PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 46

Reviews 4

Nikki Hayes

I really wanted to give this place 5 stars but DARN. DOUBLE DARN, I cant. I was in dire straits because I was at my regular salon, waiting for my turn when I got word that my stylist cancelled due to an unfortunate personal/life event. So, through the magic of Google (lol) I found Last Tangle. HAD I KNOWN WHAT WOULD HAPPEN, I WOULD HAVE WAITED FOR MY OWN STYLIST.I called them and explained what happened and they were happy to accommodate me at the last minute.When I got there, I got my stylist, Heather(?), very sweet until the styling commenced. Backstory- I have natural, African-American hair.My hair is not coarse, its very soft but very thick, curly/wavy.Lots of hair...like its WIDE. LOL Id explained to her that I hadnt set foot in a salon in about a year.I also told her that I am VERY self aware (i.e. I know I shouldnt have waited that long for a trim, but Im here now so lets do this).I asked for a shampoo, blowout, trim and style.So, she puts me in the bowl to shampoo me and takes out this paddle brush and the torture begins.Im sure in her mind this was "detangling", but to me, it was torture.I detangle my own hair on a regular basis and my regular stylist (WHICH I SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR, did I mention I should have waited for him) has as well and it NEVER hurts. Again, my hair IS very curly AND very thick but it is also VERY soft. There was no reason for her to treat my head this way; just mindlessly stroking harshly with a paddle brush over and over, rather than putting it into sections. She came highly recommended by the receptionist when I called, so I didnt say anything (WHICH I SHOULD HAVE), I just allowed her to proceed thinking "its almost over, its ok".Next she says that she needs to do a special "steam treatment" that she learned in "beauty school". UGH. Since she said it was necessary, I let her. Id never had this treatment before but I figured shes the professional, so lets do it. After she takes me out of the steamer, she brings be to her station and begins the blowdry. Remember, I told her that I knew I was in need of a trim, BADLY...like TOTALLY aware. I guess she forgot what I said because after she blow dried me, she proceeded to "hair shame" me for a good 10 minutes. I mean, just standing there talking about how damaged it was and how much shed have to cut (which only ended up being like an inch, totally dramatic, this lady) and she began to talk to other stylists about it LIKE I WASNT EVEN THERE. I got frustrated and said "look, if you cant do anything with my hair, I will put it up in a ponytail, pay you for everything youve done so far and walk right out this door..." When I said that, she finally decided to get to work. Im not used to this. Im used to a PROFESSIONAL. A PROFESSIONAL (ok, Ill just put his name out there because hes awesome - like CORNELIUS FROM BANG SALON METROPOLE) would NEVER shame me for my hair. A PROFESSIONAL would just assess the damage, let me know what needs to be done and then GET TO WORK. This is the whole reason Ive been loyal to Cornelius, because he NEVER treats me this way. He just takes care of whatever the situation is and I walk out looking great, end of story. But not this lady. She had to make a big, embarrassing production about it. So, she does the cut and the style and its good. Not spectacular (a little old school. She said "Do you want a bob" and I specifically told her "no", yet thats what she gave me. It was a nice bob, but thats not what I asked for. I asked for layers. She should have just said she didnt know how to cut layers.), but she did a good job. Sp I was cool at first, considering it was last minute and she was new to my hair. I calmed down...UNTIL I GOT THE BILL. $150!!!!!! FOR WHAT????? I was annoyed! Bang salon is WAY nicer, WAY more upscale and Ive only been charged like $75! I gave her a $15 tip on top of the RIDICULOUS charge, because thats how I roll BUT THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED. Its not like I got color or something. Another case of price gauging for Af-Am hair. DISPICABLE.

Salme Ruiz

If you didn’t know it was there, you’d walk right past it, which can be a bonus for those who might not want to be seen going in for beauty treatments. Above ground, the entrance to my favorite DC salon is just a door and awning squeezed between Rumors restaurant and a bank branch, between L and M streets on 19th. In business for many years, The Tangle offers all manner of hair and spa treatments, including massage, facials, nails, and waxing. I’ve always been satisfied with my haircuts and manicures. Robert once did my sister’s hair, and she loved it. The staff has been there for years, and all have happy clientele whenever I see them. The site is clean, with two restrooms for public use, a large reception area, and stylish décor. I’ve been a customer of this salon for 10 years (since 1998). While searching for a salon that specifically “treats” curly hair, I found two listed in the “Best Salons” annual issue of Washingtonian Magazine: The Last Tangle was one, and since it was around the corner from my job at the time, I thought Id try it. Location: The Last Tangle is nestled between a bank and a convenient car park (average of $7 parking for an average haircut – about 1 hour). The glass doors are almost hidden, and you immediately walk down a stairwell into the newly decorated salon. The shop has been recently modernized and remodeled, and now has two cutting areas, a coloring area/washing area, nail spa, and rooms for private treatments. I find it a relaxing, fun place to spend some time pampering myself. Walk-able from the Hilton Embassy Row, on other side of Dupont Circle. Metro Accessible via Farragut North, Dupont Circle south. Convenient parking on street or in two parking garages on the block.

Kendra Eyben

Newcomer to DC and I visited the salon based on the reviews and proximity to where I study. I just wanted to maintain my hair with a trim and fresh color before a big event. In the first conversation with the stylist we agreed to do more of a dramatic color change than I had initially planned for. I tend to be adventurous and not picky with my hair, and so I generally trust the judgement of professionals. Ive had my hair dyed pink on whim, and Ive been a redhead and a brunette over the years along with different variations of ombre and high/lowlights. After the first round appointment was done the stylist was not entirely satisfied with how it turned (and neither was I). She recommended that I come in a week later to touch it up, which I happily accepted. Ultimately, the services were okay but twice I have now left the salon not feeling great about my hair. An excessively honest friend admitted the the color/style was "not bad but kinda awkward". Its disappointing given the reputation and cost of the establishment.

Mandi Lindner

I went to Last Tangle purely out of desperation after a horrendous cut. Ola immediately fixed me up, likely saw the panic in my eyes, and explained every step she took to make it better. "Im cutting this way so it will lay flat," "it needs to go a little shorter than your comfortable with, but thats so it will grow out exactly how you want," etc. I felt in very good hands and so I was. It was one of the best haircuts in my life and I recently returned for a session with Heather who did the exact same thing. She told me her hesitations about what I wanted based on my hair type and how I want my cut to grow out and then she gave me a great service, explaining why along the way. The staff here are very knowledgeable and will absolutely work with you on what you want in the consultation, ultimately giving you the style you want that works best for your hair and your goals. Amazing.