Lluminaire Salon

Let me start this off by saying that I have very problematic hair. It’s thin on top, frizzy and damaged on the bottom, and very, very fragile. I’ve been losing my hair for 10+ years, and because of that, I always leave a hair salon feeling pretty crappy about myself. I always spend a lot of money on quality products, salons, treatments, etc., but no matter what, I never like my hair. While it’s never really the stylist’s fault – it’s hard to like your hair when it’s half the thickness of everyone else’s – I’ve completely forgotten what it feels like to actually feel good about my hair.
Enter Ashley at Lluminaire. Not only did she squeeze in a balayage sesh for me when we were scheduled for only a cut, she listened to what I wanted, perfectly cut and colored my hair, and blow-​dried all the kinks and dullness out of it. I was in shock by how much I loved my hair. I was even more shock when the receptionist told me it was only $ 150 for the whole shebang – I live in NYC, and that would have cost $ 350+ in the city, so I fully expected to pay $ 200 or more. I was, in short, thrilled.
Day 3 and I’m still so happy with Ashley’s work. I’ll never get my hair to look as shiny and full as she did, but I’m finally not cursing my hair all day long, and that in itself is a great feeling.
I’ll never go anywhere else if I can help it!

I recently got my haircut here for the first time. I believed that I asked for a relatively straight forward hair style with the front longer and the back shorter and layers. I ended up with basically a bob with no layers. I was very disappointed with my haircut.

I have been spoiled over the years when it comes to hair care. It all started in college when I was the receptionist at a high end salon, one of the perks of which was color at cost… and let’s just agree that as with many things, once you’ve had the luxury of the real deal: there’s no going back. Life took me to Boston next, and there was no shortage of excellent options there, but I settled on a great spot on Newbury Street (reviewed elsewhere on Unilocal) and walked out of their doors feeling like a super star every. damn. time.
Then I moved back to Maryland.
I’ve tried all kinds of places recommended by Unilocal and any number of other sources, but the last 5 years have represented the greatest expert stylist dearth of my entire adult life.
Enter Bethany at Lluminaire (recommended by a colleague).
First let’s talk about the salon itself. It’s not Newbury Street, but the atmosphere is pleasant, clean, and comfortable. The shampoo folks are friendly and good at their jobs, and the front desk staff is professional and courteous. Prices are standard for a high end salon. A cut and single process color run me around $ 130. Upcharge from there for more complicated color or service.
As for Beth: she hits the nail on the head every time. I’m probably happier with my color now than I have ever been (and I’m not just getting the same thing every time I go in — I’ve asked her for everything from blonde with balayage to dark auburn and she ALWAYS delivers). I have FINALLY (and quickly) grown out what remained of a year-​old bob which, despite repeated requests to phase it out, was just turning into a really long bob (not cute on fine hair). These things along would be enough, but in addition, she is really a lovely and interesting person — no forced, awkward conversation. It’s always a pleasure catching up with her.
For what it’s worth, I have a couple of friends who also go to Lluminaire and see different stylists. With that, I can say that my positive experience is not unique.
Try it! I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Horrible customer service. Wanda was just plain rude. When you come to see it, these places are based on customer satisfaction. There are places where they go above and beyond to ease you in and make you feel comfortable. But just a tad good comments and they let it go to their heads. They are just plain arrogant and rude. Bubbles are close by in towson and they have very pleasing people and BELIEVE IT OR NOT. Megan’s and Heather are really good and much cheaper than you pa for for this salon! Best advice, avoid this place. You pay them for the services, they are not doing it for free! You don’t have to put up with horrible people like Wanda!!!

I came here to get an ombré balyage after an absolutely terrible experience at a place called saloncraft I tried on a whim (it is awful! don’t go!!) I made my appointment with Ashley — who was amazing. She took the time to explain what she could and couldn’t do with my hair in terms of how light it would be and did an absolutely fantastic job. It is leaps and bounds better that what I had before.
One weird downside is that they don’t include a blowdry with color (!!!). Makes no sense to me, I want to SEE the color that was just put on hair before I leave. Ashley at least gave me a partial rough blowdry so I could see the tone, which was really great. I found out at the register that the blowdry service was $ 25. The balyage was very reasonably priced and had I known the blowdry was only 25 I would have added it, but it should be built in to the cost of the service. Oh well! It is included in a cut, just a FYI.
I will definitely be back.

I am a bit of a perfectionist and there is only one hair salon I can go to and have my expectations exceeded every time – and that is Lluminaire. I have been a client for about two years and each time I go I am happy with the atmosphere, customer service, and technical ability of the hairstylists. The salon is beautiful, clean, and the entire staff puts effort into giving each client a great experience. I have very long ethnic hair and Ashley has accommodated each of my requests with perfect professionalism. She has colored, cut, and styled my hair to look as fabulous as that of any celebrity. I consider it a treasure to have a salon like Lluminaire in the community.

I go to Irene and was referred by a friend. I moved from NYC and it has been really hard finding good hair salons in MD. After a series of terrible haircuts, I went here. I am pretty easy and had never had a bad haircut in NYC… so imagine my dismay when I moved here and couldn’t get one that didn’t make me look like Rosie O’Donnell. Anyway, The place is nice, the staff is good, and the stylist I see knows whats she’s doing. I only get my hair cut there so I don’t know about color. I feel like the prices are fair too.

I liked my experience the first time I went there. It was nice and I enjoyed my haircut, but felt that my hair looked the same when I left. They were very nice, the salon is clean and everyone was professional.
The second time I went there, I looked like a little girl with tight curls. Even though, everyone is very kind there, it is way too expensive for me to try it a third time.

Had a very positive experience here. The Salon is clean and very professional. You will be offered a beverage at the door. I have only gone to see Julie, who I have thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately she is only there 3 days a week, so if you want her, call ahead. She is great for a men’s haircut and will patiently work with you to ensure that you are satisfied.

Had a wonderful first experience at Lluminaire today. Irene did a beautiful job cutting long layers and new bangs. She was kind, professional, and really listened to my wishes, turning my lifeless locks into a stylish, bouncy look that has had heads turning all evening. Lluminaire nailed the small touches too – head massage, drinks and snacks, and a serene and open atmosphere. I’ve had some iffy experiences with salons in Baltimore – not everyone wants an edgy hipster look! I’ll be going to Lluminaire from now on.

Lluminaire Salon is beautiful! I know Dean’s work as a make up artist and I think he is simply amazing! I went in for a correction for blonde. I tried to touch up my roots and I am not very good at it. Thank god for Mario, Dean and Angela. they are working on creating the perfect blonde for me. of course I have a few steps to go through, since I created a bit of a mess. I need to remember, I am a make up artist NOT a hair stylist and leave that to the pros, Every step of it! Oh and the massage the shampoo girls give. are pure heaven!!! Sincerely, Nicole Palermo

Mario, Dean, and Beth are fantastic! They took my hair from a dyed red/​dark blonde root combo to a beautiful, warm, blonde. Beth is a master (mistress?) at the balayage technique. Don’t hesitate when choosing a salon in Maryland. Head straight for Lluminaire.