Fiddleheads Salon

Stylist: Michelle
Rating: Full 5 stars
Experience: I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Fiddleheads. The front desk associate (Clinton) is very nice and approachable, and very patient (I overheard him taking calls and having to answer some off-​the-​wall questions). While there was a slight delay, I had a book to read so it didn’t bother me. Also, the reasoning behind the delay was extremely justifiable, I later learned.
Michelle is badass. She’s so awesome and like-​able! I didn’t find it awkward attempting to relay to her exactly what I wanted to do with my hair. I told her that I wasn’t really concerned with length, as much as I wanted some shape to my wash and go. She did a wonderful job. I let her do what she does best, and she did it! She seemed very knowledgeable about hair in general, but I could tell that she knows what she’s doing with curly hair. This was my first experience with the «devacut» method and I am particularly pleased with the results. The deva products smelled divine, but I don’t think they meshed well with my texture. I do have a few stragglers (long strands) that I notice throughout my hair while it’s wet but once my hair dries I don’t notice them at all. I never straighten my hair and am not interested in how it looks while straight so that didn’t make or break it for me.
Bottom line: I would recommend the salon and my stylist Michelle, most especially to curly girls. I’ll be making my next appointment as soon as I know when i’ll be back in town. Thanks Michelle! I’ll bring you something from Brazil next time I come. :)

I found this salon on Unilocal because I was desperately looking for a salon with a focus on natural hair (not locs or braids). I found Fiddleheads, bookmarked the page and then a few months later I ran into a friend who had just gotten her hair done at the Fiddleheads in Dupont Circle. Her hair was beautiful and I was happy to hear that she got it done at Fiddleheads.
I have been «transitioning» for about a year now (going from relaxed hair to natural hair). Anyone that has gone through this process knows how difficult it can be. I finally made an appointment at the Fiddleheads on Florida Avenue. I wanted to get my hair done the same day or at least that weekend and I was able to get an appointment with Kenny. I read his profile on the Fiddlehead website and it mentioned he was fairly new. So I decided to let him just wash and style but I made another appointment with a more seasoned stylist for a cut.
I arrived at the salon on time and it was very nice. Very relaxing. I did not have to wait, Kenny was ready for me. He was very professional and explained the Deva Cut and products. After he washed and styled my hair, I could tell that my curls were very well defined. He did a good job. Now there was the issue of cutting the relaxed hair off. I was not sure how he would do with a cut since he was fairly new but I just decided to let him cut off the relaxed ends that looked dead. This was the big chop I had been avoiding but it was time.
Kenny did a great job with the cut. My hair looked 100% better after the cut. I cancelled my appointment with the more seasoned stylist. I have gotten so many compliments. I love my natural curls and the cut. Thanks Kenny! Great Job.
I will definitely go back to Fiddleheads. I am so glad that there is a shop that specializes in natural/​curly hair. What a lifesaver.
Last note: If possible, I will post photos of before and after the cut but I don’t see an option to upload photos at this point. Thanks for reading my review. I hope this is helpful.

I had my hair cut by Kenny a couple of weeks ago and was very unhappy with the cut I received. I had long hair down to my shoulder blades and asked for a trim. I said I’d be comfortable taking an inch off the length. Kenny cut 5 – 6 inches off and now my hair is up to my shoulders. I sent an email to the salon and asked that a manager call me to discuss my experience, and never heard from anyone. I had been so excited to find a salon that caters to curly hair, and paid a lot of money for what I expected to be a good hair cut, but this place did not live up to my expectations. I certainly wouldn’t go back.

I just came from a haircut with Michelle, and she was awesome. She really listened, let me chime in, and styled me just as i would style myself. I’ve paid more for worse haircuts for sure. I’ll be back.

Wangui cut my hair back in mid March. She was very nice and the salon was clean. The problem is that she literally cut away the front of my hair. In the front it looks like my hair is mid neck length, but from the back it’s an inch below my shoulders. I’ve had deva cuts before, but this was a completely different cut. I have had a mullet for two months now. As soon as I came out of the dryer, I knew there was a problem but I kept on thinking it would get better. Now I’m going to have to chop off the back of my hair, losing the length I’ve been working to grow for years. I will never go back to this salon.

One word — Amazing! This salon is beautiful, clean, lots of light & airy. The staff was very accommodating and professional. Everything about this haircut experience was very spa-​like. I recently had my first Deva cut experience here. Deva cuts are designed specifically for textured hair. My stylist was Kenney. He had calming energy and I was so relaxed and comfortable that I almost dozed off in the chair! Which is a no-​no when getting a hair cut because you need to keep your head straight aaaaand you need to see what’s happening during the cut– no surprises! He was very knowledgeable about hair care and took his time styling my curly look. The products he used smelled amazing and I didn’t have any wait time nor was I sat under the dryer for more than a few minutes. The atmosphere was dope– great music in the background and the salon had a loft in soho vibe. Definitely coming back. Sometimes in life you gotta pamper yourself and everything about this visit was a treat.

If I could give no stars I would. I have never written a Unilocal review before which is a testament to what my experience was at the Florida Ave NE location.
The pictures say it all. Kenny had no idea what he was doing. I did not receive a deva cut. My curls were not cut individually at all but as if my hair was straight. It felt amateur from the moment he began cutting just the perimeter of my hair into a mushroom like shape. He proceeded to argue with me and recommend multiple extension options but never committed to giving me a hair cut I would enjoy. The other stylist gave no words what so ever and something told me she knew that he was inexperienced. She said nothing.
After fighting back tears, I proceeded to go pay and the reception (an older white gentleman with glasses and a beard) forcefully tells me it’s $ 35 more than what’s listed on their pricing. I asked why there was an upcharge and his response was «you’re over our time policy, I should be charging you more than this.»
Completely unprofessional and regrettably daunting experience that I don’t believe the founder of this salon had any intentions on offering to curly customers. This can not be fixed and even if it could it wouldn’t be by anyone in that salons hands.
I appreciate the founder of Fiddleheads quickly reaching out to me regarding my experience. This is so unfortunate.

I went to the Fiddleheads Florida Avenue location because while I had been a longtime customer of another Deva salon in the area, that salon had morphed into a salon that was doing alot of product pushing, seemed to have gotten too big for their britches. and most importantly, had butchered my hair three times in a row. My hair was beginning to look as bad as it had been before going to a curly hair salon. Also they were cutting it in such a way I couldn’t make it more than four weeks without a haircut. So NOT the Deva way.
I read the reviews of Fiddleheads, and saw Wengui. What a different vibe — she is enthusiastic, customer focused and honest (as in «sorry to tell you this but your hair has been really hacked on this one side») She convinced me to take a full two inches off the back and nothing anywhere else so we could grow out this disaster. It actually looks phenomenal even though it is in an «in between» stage. Best part — I only need to go back every 8 weeks, as it should be.
Very pleased as a first time customer. looking forward to my next appt in 8 weeks!

Just had my 2^nd appointment with Wangui at the Bloomingdale location.
She has the same aesthetic as Vicky (from the Dupont location), which is the skill to cut a great shape with Love and Attention to every single curl! Vicky is equally awesome and I only switched to Bloomington because it’s more convenient for me than Dupont.
I was having an issue with retaining moisture in my silver hair. I thought I was using the wrong products! Wangui taught me how to apply the products correctly. The results are marvelous and my silver curls are popping! Defined, shiny and soft.
I’ve been going to Fiddleheads for a year now and my hair has never been better in my entire life. My only regret is that I did’nt find Fiddleheads sooner!

Just had my first Deva cut with Wangui. My hair looked amazing! She shaped it beautifully, the curls were soft and defined… it’s the first time in my life I have gotten a haircut and not gone straight home to wash it out and make my curls look normal again. Even afternoon getting wind blown it still looks amazing.
Wangui was knowledgeable and talented and is clearly a wizard with curly hair. I will be going back.

Upon first look at my new hair cut I’ll be honest I wasn’t sold. Yes my curls looked moisturized and defined but the narrow hood dryer they use left me with a bit of a lopsided helmet fro lol and the curl defining gel was a little crunchy. However when I got home and was able to play around in it and break up some of the crunch I was much happier and could see Michelle did a great job creating shape and volume that will let stay away from the buns and pony tails for a bit. Would def recommend for the cut but expect to restyle a bit with your preferred products.

I’ve been here a few times. The online booking system sucks. Clinton is rude and border line incompetent. Not sure why he still has a job. Wangui is knowledgeable and does good cuts.

BEWARE!!!
Made an online appointment which required me to pre-​pay. I wasn’t excited about this but heard great things about Wangui… never met her. I changed my mind about the Deva cut and called two weeks prior to the appointment to cancel. I was told it «would be done.» Not believing this and having never received confirmation of the cancellation, I called again two days later and was told that it «would be done and expect to see my money back in 2 – 3 billing cycles.»
Fast forward two months and no money. I was forced to dispute the charge with my bank and get my money back. HORRIBLE business practices!!!
Stop making people pre-​pay. Worst customer service ever!!!

I’m SOOO happy with my haircut! I’ve been in DC for about 10 years now and have been hearing about Fiddleheads for most of that time. After seeing a curly hair person at Trader Joes whose hair looked amazing, I asked her where she goes and she told me to head to Fiddleheads. I scoured Unilocal and decided to go with Wangui, who has consistent 5 star reviews. SHE ROCKS. She started with a consultation and I told her my concerns with my previous cuts. We agreed on a game plan and from the start I knew I was in good hands. She’s super easy to talk to, is a super-​pro, and gave me great styling tips so that I could recreate it with ease. Today was my first day at the office and everyone was telling me how much they like my new cut. I’m super impressed and Wangui has totally won my loyalty.
My cut was $ 85, which is pre-​paid online through their online booking system. She’s based out of the Florida Ave location.

This salon has the WORST customer service ever. I scheduled an appointment online which required me to PREPAY my appointment with Wangui. Then, only one hour before my appointment (and nearly 2 weeks after scheduling it), I get a call saying they’ve had to cancel my appointment. I really needed a haircut but they could not get me in with the stylist within the next week and half. I asked about other stylists, but the only person with open appt was with Vicky. I had a haircut from her when I first moved to DC and it was the worst curly haircut I’ve ever had, so I said no thank you.
I was told the refund would be issued that day since the booking required me to pre-​pay. Okay. Well, still no refund initiated nearly 3 weeks later. And anytime I call I get told «a manager will return your call at HER earliest convenience.» I’ve been told this 4 times in the last 3 weeks!
I’m on hold right now attempting reach then again. The person who picks up the phone immediately just puts you on hold. I’ve been on hold for over over 3 minutes now, after being disconnected twice.
So, basically, they want you to pay upfront for your appointment, but if THEY cancel on you, they feel entitled to hold your money ransom and at the whim of a manager who is never available or returns the call. This is an AWFUL business practice. Cutting curly hair is a skill that isn’t that rare in this area. Save yourself the headache and having your money held indefinitely for their shortcomings.
UPDATE: Finally got through, again. A manager is not available but she «will return your [my] call at HER earliest convenience.»

Finding a good curly hair cut in DC is not always easy. There are only a couple of places in the District that do Deva cuts and styles, which I’ve found after much trial and error to be the best kind of cut for me and my crazy hair.
I’ve been to Fiddleheads Bloomingdale three times now, and really like it. Each time I’ve had three different stylists, but my latest one — Michelle — is my favorite. (Note: Michelle is usually at the Dupont location, but they are undergoing a renovation currently so the Dupont stylists are at Bloomingdale for the time being). Michelle cut my hair last night and the word I would use to describe the process would be METICULOUS. She spent so much time loving on my hair and making sure the cut was as perfect as could be. In fact, she stayed working on my tresses past closing time, when I know other stylists would just rush to finish the job and be done with it.
The price ($ 85 for a Deva cut) isn’t cheap, but it’s good quality. I only get my hair cut a few times a year, so I like to make sure it is done well, so it’s worth it to me. You can make your appointment (and pre-​pay!) online. (Tip in cash, though)
The salon is nice and intimate, and the staff is all very friendly (and consider themselves to be like family, according to Michelle). It’s a nice relaxing atmosphere. Curly girls, try it out!

Wangui is THE BEST stylist I have ever been to. After we discussed my hair situation, she gave me a fabulous Devacut! Wangui knows natural hair and loves styling.

This place sucks and if you really are knowledgable about curls you would stay away from this place.
I’m not going to comment on who the stylist is but this is the second time I went to her and both times she butcher my hair! The stylist was very condescending and extremely abrasive with her tone.
When I called to speak to a manager I was told that the manager was on vacation and that no manager was on duty during her vacation. I even emailed the manager and no response.
This place is unprofessional!

I got my hair cut and colored at fiddleheads and absolutely love it. Wangui is so fun. Her style and attitude made me feel comfortable almost instantly. While cutting my hair she asked me about the color I already had (the end of another color job that looked like a reddish brown patch in my hair) and we decided to color my hair in addition to the cut. In all honesty, I wasn’t thrilled with the color instantly. But I’ve always colored my hair within the same color family so this was a big change. Within an hour, I saw the color in different lighting, and realized how great it is. The cut though… BOMB. I was a little intimidated because most of the black women with kinky hair who have posted photos have longer hair. I typically keep my hair in a medium sized fro, so I was nervous about the potential shape since there is a very big difference in length. The cut is everything. I never thought I could have wash & go hair. I now have wash & go hair. I think I’ll still do twist outs, but I love the fact that I feel much more comfortable and confident when I don’t wear it in a twist out. Overall Wangui is a talented stylist and I absolutely recommend her.

Wangui is awesome. I’m really happy with my Deva cut and overall experience at Fiddleheads.
I’ve had Deva cuts at another salon but I live in PG and that salon was in Rockville… super inconvenient. I tried a traditional cut at a natural hair salon in Silver Spring 2 years ago… a disaster. Thankfully, I’m pretty chilled about my hair so I just grew it out. I have thick hair with kinky spirals so the big, volume (sorta) camouflaged the bad shape.
But after 2 years, my hair had turned into my third child… a terrible twos/​toddler in need of a time out. I drive by Fiddleheads all the time and finally decided to try it. I booked my appointment (and prepaid) online so all I had to do was tip Wangui after my service.
Wangui started my service with a quick but thorough consultation. I’ve been natural for 17 years so I know my hair well and the discussion was just about shape. Even though my hair was very long, I’m not a slave to length and gave her free rein to cut as much as needed to get the desired shape. I’m guessing she cut 3 inches from the back which has a looser texture, but less from the crown which is much tighter. The result was a great shape, with all my curls and coils laying beautifully and still lots of volume when I want it.
After the cut, she washed and styled with Deva products. I tried a few Deva products in the past but didn’t love the results or expense. However, I plan to purchase the Deva One Condition and the new Supercream from Sephora or Ulta. Maybe I’ll become a convert. If not, I’ll just go back to my tried and true (and inexpensive) regimen.
A lot of reviewers complained about the price, but I think $ 85 plus tip is reasonable a few times a year. Curly girls really don’t need to trim often especially if the shape is good and if you have a healthy hair regimen.
The Bloomingdale location is definitely tricky in terms of getting there and parking. I got dropped off and picked up. Walk/bike/Metro+walk are your best bet. Or Über if you can splurge.
I highly recommend Wangui. Her personality and service are as great as her cutting. I will absolutely go back for my next cut.