Ayanna

I’ve been frequenting Ayanna now for a few months, so I think I’m qualified to do a proper review. :-)
I came to her after a salon in my area flat-​ironed my hair a little too straight and the curl didn’t return. I decided that I was going to weave my hair up as a way to give it time to relax. After researching, I decided that Ayanna would be the best choice for my pockets.
During the initial consultation, I was able to tell that she definitely knew what she was talking about. I was thoroughly impressed and booked a full install with closure appointment. That installation went relatively well, and it led me to booking 2 more weave installations, a take down, and a couple of wash/​blowdry/​silkening treatments. She uses (with me) DevaCurl products to wash my hair and will add essential oils if need be. I’ve been pleased with everything she’s done.
Pros
1. Online booking (if you read my previous reviews, this is huge.)
2. Upfront pricing
3. She takes major cards AND Paypal
4. When the Nats aren’t playing, street parking is plentiful
5. She has a great personality and a «whatever it takes» work ethic
6. Impeccable braiding, weaving, and silkening techniques
7. Very reasonable pricing (I paid more in Silver Spring.)
8. Very close to the Navy Yard metro station
Cons
1. Street parking (I promise you I’m always feeding the meter via my Parkmobile app. When the Nats are playing a big game, it’s more of a challenge to find a space.)
2. Time management (She’s dope… but she takes forever if you’re getting a weave. Plan for that. Seriously. I pack snacks, but she always offers me a plate when she’s installing my weave and needs to take a nourishment break.)
3. Location (She shares space with a barber shop. Some people may not be okay with having halfway styled hair around a bunch of men. Just saying. The men are perfect gentlemen… they just steal glances when you’re getting 16″ of hair installed on your own 14″ hair. LOL)
I recommend her – she is a GIFTED stylist. Just understand that she takes a while to install weaves, and that you aren’t getting the chandelier/​soft music atmosphere that some like to have when getting their hair done. If you go in and keep that in mind, you’ll be just fine.

Ayanna is awesome. She styled my hair, my bridal party and some family members’ for my wedding this past weekend. I was going for a romantic, wavy look and she nailed it. I could not have been more pleased. She is a tremendous stylist and is very reliable. The wedding is an hour and half from DC but she came out!!! And I was thrilled. I’ve been with Ayanna for 6 years and my hair has never looked shinier or been healthier. She loves doing cutting-​edge color, cuts and all of the weaving techniques. Ayanna is detailed and a perfectionist. You have to try her. You’ll be back.

Ayanna is very helpful and sweet and offers you lots of information about hair care. However, I’ve never had an appointment that didn’t last at least 4 hours. While my hair turned out nice, I just don’t have that kind of time.

Its because of this stylist I am natural now. I have the best of both worlds, natural or bone straight. Only at the hands of this stylist could I ever have long healthy hair that is color treated. Each time I visit my hair feels new!