Ian McCabe Studio

Before Ian McCabe Studio opened, I was at a loss as to where to get my hair done in the DC area. I had stopped dying my hair just so I wouldn’t have to deal with overpaying for chunky streaks. I had developed a fear of getting my hair cut because it seemed every stylist would insist on cutting my hair how he or she wanted. After one particularly harrowing experience at a well known DC budget salon, which ended in tears and me walking out mid-​haircut, i decided enough was enough. My hair deserved better.
Ian McCabe Studio has cured all my hair anxieties. First of all, the experience is amazing from start to finish. The entire staff is extremely friendly and professional. Considering the studio has the most talented staff in DC, nay, in America, they have every right to be pretentious. But instead everyone is concerned the clients are at ease and comfortable, from making sure you have your cell phone or a magazine to entertain you in your down time to bringing you an endless array of beverages (and their beverage game is ON POINT, hello espressos and flavored Perrier).
Second, Jess (which his ironic, because Jess is second to none). As I mentioned, before Ian McCabe Studio, I had stopped dying my hair and went back to my natural color, in an effort to avoid the horrendous salon experiences. Jess took my sad, not-​quite-​blonde, not-​quite-​brown hair and breathed life into it. I am now the blonde I was meant to be. Jess uses balayage to give you the most natural looking color you have ever seen. I love going home to Ohio and hearing my friends rave about my hair and how natural it looks (yes ladies, stop with the chunky streaks, please and thank you). Jess is amazing at taking one look at you and knowing exactly what color will bring out your best features and make you the best you. Jess is the most talented hair colorist I have ever met, and will forever be the only one I will allow to color my hair. The best thing you could ever do for yourself is just sit back and let Jess take control of your hair color. She will not let you down.
And finally, Isabel. Oh, Isabel, I don’t know how you’ve done it, but you’ve taken this haircut anxiety ridden, I’d-rather-go-to-Great Clips-​than-​deal-​with-​snobby-​stylists-​who-​hack-​my-​hair, girl and turned her into a trusting woman. Isabel actually listens to what you want, and delivers on the results. Gone are the days of silently gripping the chair, wincing at every snip of the scissors, certain the stylist will hack your hair to death. After my first cut with her, my boyfriend started referring to my hair as «sassy hair» because I came home with such an air of confidence, that he couldn’t even deal (whatever, he loved it).
It’s so refreshing to be able to walk into a salon, actually enjoy yourself for a couple of hours chatting with your new best friends Jess and Isabel, and walk out with hair you couldn’t even have imagined but suddenly makes so much sense.
Do yourself the biggest favor of your life and go to Ian McCabe Studio. But be forewarned… you will walk out with sassy hair.

What a waste of time, energy and tons of money. The color was the exact opposite of what I asked for. The staff was pretentious and the place is overpriced. Now I will be spending even more money to get a correction elsewhere. Not worth it.

Ian McCabe is FANTASTIC! Namely, Isabel, who is a miracle worker. I have had long hair my whole life and finally decided to venture into lob territory. Isabel made me feel so comfortable the entire time and she completely understood what I wanted. I showed her pictures, and it obviously helped that I loved her style (make sure to check out her Facebook). She explained how to style it, and made sure I knew everything about this hair cut. Hands down, this is the best hair cut I’ve ever had in my life.
So why not 5 stars? If this review were purely on Isabel, she would get 10 stars! However, I want to review all of IMS. In order to get in with any master hair stylist, the wait was 1 month. This was slightly frustrating at first, but then proved worth the wait since I loved my cut. Secondly, I do think the cost is very high. I’m in love with my cut, so I can say now that it was worth it, but thank god I do because I can’t imagine paying this much for something I just kind of liked. I have been wanting to get bayalage there but was quoted almost $ 300 and was told that getting my hair blow dried after would be another $ 40. I don’t want to walk out of the salon with a wet head but to save $ 40? I absolutely will! I understand these are stylists and deserve all the money for their craft, but if I were just getting a trim for $ 100 I would definitely be upset. And finally, I’m not sure if there were moth balls in the closet, but when I got my coat back I couldn’t even put it on. It REEKED! It took days to lose the moth ball smell. Gross!
In all, this place is totally worth it! If you want a transformation, COME HERE. GO TO ISABEL! Also, tip is cash only! Keep that in mind.

Isabel is a miracle worker. I’m new to the city and had a DISASTROUS haircut the prior week at another salon that shall not be named. I’m talking crazy, uneven layers and visible teeth marks from thinning shears.
Isabel was fantastic. She took the time to examine my hair, listen to what I wanted (to transition my long bob back to a more traditional cut so that I could grow my hair long again), told me exactly how much length she would be taking off and the tools she would use (I had PTSD from thinning shears at that point).
She did an absolutely beautiful and meticulous job. Gone were the crazy layers and teeth marks. My hair looks incredible. It’s bouncy, healthy and the layers are perfect. Bonus: she spent a few extra minutes showing me exactly how to style my hair. Love!
I will never let anyone else touch my hair again. Thank you!

If you were a crazy girlfriend of mine and hacked my Instagram account to view the «posts you’ve liked» on my page, you’d find a plethora of pictures of other women. Some old, some young, some in Delaware or San Francisco or Louisiana. You’d find they all had two things in common: hand-​painted, glossy, cool-​toned ombrés and sharp, precise haircuts. Nothing like the grown out, faded copper monstrosity that is my hair. WAS my hair.
Enter Ian McCabe Studio.
The salon is clean and beautifully decorated. I was offered a drink upon walking in, and shortly thereafter had my consultation with Elisa. Elisa was so sweet and knowledgeable. She listened to what I wanted and told me exactly how they were going to make it happen. When I left (with an appointment booked for exactly a week later) I felt confident that my hair was in good hands.
The following week, I came in for a single process color and a haircut. Allie did my color. She chatted with me and made me laugh, and the small talk was welcome. She told me what she was doing every step of the way and that was SO appreciated because I was a little nervous. One of the front desk girls brought me a latte while I processed, which is always a nice touch. Then I was whisked away to be shampooed and brought over to Danny for a cut.
When the first section of hair was blowdried out, I could see the difference. No more red! No more green! I’m shiny again!
Danny was quiet and focused. He listened to what I usually go for (a one-​length blunt cut) and what I had (weird disconnected layers and lots of broken ends) and transformed me without taking too much off (!!!) He was meticulous and checked his work over and over, and had Ian come over and look at it as well. The end result was beautiful and healthy looking hair.
Everyone in the salon that I interacted with, from the hostess to the girl who blowdried my hair to the guy who shampooed me, was very welcoming and kind.
Bottom line: come here for all of your hair needs. I’ll be back tomorrow for highlights!

As a man with long hair, it’s hard to find a hair stylist that works for me. This place is awesome. You need to see Max.

Isabel cut my hair and did an excellent job. I have long, thick Asian hair, and she made it look bouncy, with a lot of movement. She really listened to what I wanted and was meticulous. It was perfect! Worth it.

Max is fantastic! As a new customer, he took a lot of time at the beginning to ask about the type of cut I wanted, daily routine and preferences, and specific concerns/​problems (I’m older and the hair has started thinning quite a bit). He then explained how he normally tackles that cut for my type of hair and concerns, and described common mistakes done with that kind of cut (which were the very same problems I had experienced at other salons).
He cut the hair meticulously, spending a lot of time and having me turn my head this-​way-​and-​that. In the end, the cut was perfect. Really, absolutely perfect. Exactly what I hoped. The best part? HE DIDN’T CUT OFF MORE THAN I WANTED. This has never happened to me before in DC.
On top of that, Max is a delight to talk to. And the salon’s customer service is excellent; very pleasant and accommodating staff. Thank you, Ian McCabe Studio. I’m a new permanent customer.

Allie is a color genius. In years of trying at many different hair salons & with many different drugstore boxes, she is the only person who has ever been able to get my hair the color of red that I want from root to tip. I highly recommend her if you’re going red and want someone who really knows what she’s doing.

Perfection! Everyone and everything is fabulous. Ian has assembled a fantastic team of professionals who are committed to making each client feel special. Whether you need to hide those greys or brighten your color, Jess, Elisa, Allie and Jordan (AND OF COURSE IAN!) know how to make you look amazing. In addition to their color talents, this wonderful color team is approachable and friendly.
Woman or man cannot live on good color alone — you need a hair style that will knock it out of the park! Once again the Ian McCabe Studio does not disappoint! Neven, Isabel, Elisa and Max are truly the most talented stylists AND you will never find individuals more committed to having you walk out of the salon with a huge smile on your face!
I have been a loyal client of Ian’s for 7 + years and would follow him to the ends of the earth. I am stopped on the metro, in whole foods and on the elevator with compliments on my «natural» red hair. If you are reading this now STOP and call the salon for an appointment. The front desk and business staff will make sure to pair you with the perfect stylist or colorist. Did I mention that TJ (brand manager) is fabulous too!
I am writing this review because everyone deserves a fantastic cut and color — I hope I will still be able to get an appointment once the word gets out about this amazing salon!

I’m gonna make this short and sweet.
Jess is my HERO! I’ve struggled so much with difficult Asian hair, and I’ve never had someone color it with so much mastery and craft like she does. She’s friendly, sweet, and genuinely cares about delivering the results I want. I’m in LOVE and I can’t wait to schedule my next appointment for balayage!
Do NOT hesitate to ever book an appointment with Jess or any of the other talented colorists at Ian McCabe! I look forward to every visit. Can’t wait. Love you guys.

I love Max! He just gave me the best hair cut of my life. And I am 58 so have had a lot of haircuts. He is a superb and knowledgeable stylist and I am so glad I took his advice on how to reboot and update my hair. I feel 10 years younger. Thanks Max –you are the best!
Just moved to DC from Seattle and delighted I found him!

I’ve now been to their studio 3 times and I’ve never been disappointed. I’ve had a color twice and a haircut once. For my color I was seen by Elisa the first time and Jordan the second time. They both did an amazing job. Both times the color was a correction from a previous job I had done (not at their studio) and they saved my life.
Isabel did my cut and she did a great job. I’ve been trying to grow my hair out so by the time I got to her my hair was just a long drabby mess. She gave me style and definition and did an amazing job.
I’ve had a hard time finding a hair salon in the DC area that I liked. I now have my go-​to place. I highly recommend this studio. The ladies and gentlemen are always super friendly and it’s very much a team-​like atmosphere you feel the moment you walk in. The staff are all clearly VERY knowledgeable about their profession.

Swoon. First of all, I have a non sexual girl crush on Jess. She’s just a cool person. Actually, everyone I’ve met here exudes that kind of awesome that makes you want to be friends with them so that you can be be more cool basking in their presence.
I went in for a consult with Jess after a recommendation from my dermatologist that Ian McCabe was the place to go for color. Jess recommend I get a different cut to handle the high definition of my hair (re: hairs per square inch on my head — there’s a lot of them. A LOT.)
So, Max did a gorgeous razor cut to take out some of the heavy layers and now I can hold up my head and not get a headache every time it’s in a ponytail.
Today, Jess did highlights. I’m a color virgin (never touched these chestnut tresses), and wanted something a little different because it’s a new year, and I’m kind of bored with my life, and I had a shit year last year, and I’m a girl, and a little vain, and I’m shooting some videos next week. She sensed that purple hair was something I would find cool on OTHER PEOPLE so did some gorgeous golden highlights that are subtle but not too subtle.
Now my eyes look greener and if it weren’t for my paleness, people would think I spent the holidays at the beach instead of eating my weight in chocolate and watching «Making of a Murderer» on Netflix.
Consider me a fan. I’ll be back.

I had been coming to this salon since about February. My hair was a terrible orange and yellow color. Jess did do a good job correcting the color and getting my hair in a healthier state. I don’t think I will be returning however. In the bast 8 months I have probably spent close to 3k because Jess told me to give her a few sessions and then we would be able to do whatever I wanted. We had the appointment to get highlights done after about 3 corrective sessions and the she told me she refused to do highlights to my base. That I would look jersey trashy having highlights from the root.
Needless to say. We did not do highlights in that hat appointment as we went the opposite direction and went darker. My hair still looks streaky.
Last time I checked the paying customer was the one that decided what to do. Anyway. Not going back.

I’ve been all shades of dark blonde for the last 8 years or so. I’d been going every 5 weeks to get cheap highlights, and then trying to at-​home l’oreal my way out of weird roots, and had gotten a weird ombré that left me looking like a bad Drew Barrymore. You know the one.
I started seeing Allie at Ian McCabe in February after a recommendation from a friend. She does real balayage (not foils) and took me to the prettiest ashy dark blonde– think Cara Delvigne or a 2010 Taylor Swift. It’s grown out seamlessly, and blended beautifully with my natural color– so much that I only have to go back every 14 weeks or so. It’s pricey, but compared to how often I used to go to the salon, I think I’m evening out. I’ve not had my hair cut at Ian McCabe yet, but will be trying a cut there next week.
The salon is absolutely an «upscale» one– they only take a few clients at a time and the amenities are lovely– bubbly water and a selection of tazo teas and excellent customer service. I usually try to go in the late afternoons on weekdays, when it’s a little bit quieter than it might be on a weekend.
Keep in mind that blowouts aren’t included in all services (Allie was once kind enough to do mine when she had extra time, but I’ve also had to see another stylist for a blow dry or skip it altogether), and that not all colorists are stylists and vice versa. Overall, I think the value here is excellent– I’m happy to pay extra for great service and great hair that lasts me a long time between visits.

It just keeps getting better.
While a nasty strep infection ruled my life for about two weeks, I had no choice but to cancel my color and cut with the amazing Ian, such a complete and utter heartbreak. When I felt better, I called the front desk a few days later and spoke with Tajana who told me that Elisa had an opening in a week so I grabbed it. Elisa is a gorgeous blonde with adorable style (you can’t miss her) and she was super friendly and welcoming. She’s also Ian’s BFF — which comes as no surprise seeing her talent, birds of a feather perhaps? :)
I told her what I wanted and what I didn’t, which is no easy task, and she nailed it. A warm and radiant dark brunette that somehow made my sunless tan stand out and eye color pop. Her cut is flawless and she got rid of my dead ends without taking a ton off. She couldn’t have done a more incredible job and I am so happy that I now have the pleasure of working with her too!

I went to the salon twice and I had a nice experience both times.
The first time, I went for highlights but underwent a thorough color correction instead. This didn’t bother me, because it was the best and most thorough and thoughtful color correction I have ever had. I was very pleased. I was told to come back for color in 6 weeks and that’s what I did. NOTE: If you are looking for a color correction, this is the real thing!
In 6 weeks, I went back, but I was not highlighted. And I spent over 100 bucks to get toned. I didn’t have the extra styling as part of my appointment, but it was done to me and I had to pay for it anyways**. I was politely told that my hair was too brassy and brittle to be highlighted.
Fortunately, I (VERY CAREFULLY) read other Unilocal reviews and found another great salon and stylist who gave me the beautiful, ashy blond balayage I had been looking for. I cant fault Ian McCabe’s salon for being conservative and realistic about clients’ hair, but I can’t help wish I had not spent so much money and time not getting what I wanted, when it was attainable elsewhere. If you have virgin or already light hair, this is the perfect place to get blonded and painted, no doubt.
**upon seeing this review, a manager from the salon contacted me and refunded me for my second visit. Amazing customer service. Can you beat that anywhere?

Hands down — the best place in DC for color. Especially for color correction. Ian and Jess can fix/​do anything and Neven and Isabel are fantastic with cuts. Isabel does my cut and Jess does my color. She doesn’t use foils for highlights which ends up looking far more natural. Ian is meticulous about everything and he has trained his colorists to do the same. They really make sure your hair looks the way you want while minimizing the damage at the sMe time.
The salon itself has a really cool vibe and is very intimate (only 3 chairs on each side) so you get that feeling of personal service. If you can’t find street parking, you can park at the Ritz Carlton next door and they will validate your ticket for a reduced price.
I also got the blow dry of my life from Jordan… no flat irons were used only the blow dryer! Amazing. This place is my new place… love it!!!

I love Ian McCabe Studio. I followed him from his previous salon. The front desk is very nice (though they do not send out reminders about the appointments) and very welcoming. Ian put a lot of thought into the design as there are plug for your phones, iPads, other devices and the small space feels very chic but comfortable.
I see Ian for color and Neven for hair cuts and styling. However, Ian is a perfectionist in terms of hiring so I imagine that everyone is amazing there and the reviews seem to confirm that.
Ian’s colors are amazing. I have very kinky curly hair and he still makes the color shine. He taught me about the Diva Curl System and my hair has never been healthier. Neven does an amazing job with hair cuts and styling. It has taken me a long long time to find the right person to cut my hair and he is it. He cuts it, drys it and then checks for flaws. I always used to hate going home and finding one long hair after my hair had dried.
With my previous salon, I felt that I was a burden to the person doing my hair because I have so much hair. The person doing my hair would be handling several clients at one time and I spent a lot of time waiting for her. In addition, I noticed that each of her clients started to have the same hair cut over time and that her work went down hill. She hated coloring the under part of my hair because it took time and just started using one uniform semi permanent color. Not sure why I stayed with her so long.
I have been seeing Ian and Neven for almost three years. The quality never changes and they never stop wanting to make my hair better. When you are spending a lot of money to get your hair done, you want quality service. Each of their clients gets cuts and colors that work for them rather than a uniform cut and color. Ian and Neven are not juggling twenty clients at one time.
One note is that they are perfectionists so do not schedule an appointment when you need to be somewhere in an hour. They take their time and want you leaving the salon looking great.