This Belltown salon boasts a defiant, DIY haircare ethos with supplies for creating looks Mother Nature never intended.

(206) 462-3334

2018 First Ave (Virginia Street)
Seattle, WA 98121 47.6113 -122.3427

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Neighborhoods: Pike Place Market, Downtown

VAIN.COM

Hours:

Sun-Tue 11am-8pm

Wed 11am-9pm

Thu 9am-10pm

Fri-Sat 9am-9pm

Last updated 4.16.09

Category:

Beauty Salons, Hair Care, Barbers

Payment Methods:

Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard

Hair Care Services:

Hair Highlights, Hair Coloring

What People Are Saying About Vain

The Owner

Vain

Owner

VAIN is a hair salon, a boutique, an art gallery and a community space in downtown Seattle committed to supporting individual style and self-expression in a creative and dynamic environment.At VAIN, we recognize and accept our responsibility for influencing people's perceptions about themselves and their bodies. VAIN works to disrupt unrealistic and harmful beauty standards within the industry by expanding the definitions of beauty and style. We deliver cutting edge style in a comfortable, fun and empowering way that remains focused on the individual. Fueled by our founder Victoria's interest…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Since 1996, Victoria Gentry and her crew have guided Seattleites in dyeing, color correction and deep conditioning, along with bohemian-chic cuts, unique hair extensions and creative updos. The Belltown store and salon carries edgy clothing and accessories designed by local artists and stocks a smorgasbord of professional products, from high-end Sebastian goop to down-and-dirty developer in a plain brown bottle. Staff members are delighted to enlighten customers regarding the perfect chemical cocktail for super-styley hair and warn about potentially hair-frying concoctions.…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Stylist Shaun Surething is a color wizard famous for dynamite blond jobs and shag cuts. His popularity is growing wildly, so call at least two weeks in advance.
The Extras:
The front area is reserved for striking, original collections of clothing, handbags and jewelry, much of it from local designers.
When to Go:
The salon offers patch tests for dyes. Come in 24 hours before your appointment for a daub to make sure you don't leave with a rash.
Look Good:
Ask about signing up for the mailing list to get the skinny on art openings, special events and more.
1 Star Rating: Poor

04/14/11

Rude

by jake001 at Citysearch

Well to be honest I barely got in the door. I was walking in and was cut off by a young girl who almost ran me over and then gave me a dirty look as she rushed in for being in her way. No pardons or apologies for her rude behavior. When I got to the desk I was informed she was my stylist. I understand the name of the shop is Vain but if that is the attitude of their staff? Well I did not stay and will not be returning. Regardless of your skill or talent manners go a long way. Maybe they forgot cosmetology is still a customer SERVICE based industry.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/13/11

WoW Thank You Carinn

by TracyO at Citysearch

Had my hair cut and colored by Carinn , she pulled off what I thought would be impossible , she really knows what she is doing, she gave me perfect burgundy highlights and a cut I never thought my hair would give.I wont have my hair done anywhere else .So worth the money.Everyone at the front desk was very nice also.If your going to spend money to get your hair done go to Vain.Thanks again Carinn.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/11/11

Janae at Vain is the only stylist I will have cut my hair!

by shehesitated9 at Citysearch

I have been going to Vain downtown for a little over a year now. I have had my hair cut by Sam and TT. They are both wonderful stylists however my favorite stylist has to be Janae. She layered my hair so well, just flows whenever I turn my head. She also helped me make the decision to try Bettie bangs, which I have been wanting to do for YEARS but have been hesitant to choping my hair due to my face shape. She took the time to discuss with me how she would cut them to suit my face, as well as styling tips as this can be a high maintenance style to pull off. In the end, I am so happy with my cut that Janae is the only stylist I go to now. She is wonderful!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/14/10

I love this salon!

by inflatedheart at Citysearch

I never received a hair cut that I didn't like when I chose to go to Vain's.

The shop itself is hip, clean and very well maintained. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable about hair care. I always receive excellent service from the artists. They really take their time getting to know you, your hair type and what sort of cut and style you're looking for. However, they aren't afraid to tell you the truth about the sort of effort and time your new cut will take. They will be brutally honest with you about the kind of work your new cut will take once you leave the salon. I always take their suggestions seriously because they REALLY know hair.

Emmett does some of the best short hair/pixie/boycut styles around! Rachel (from the Ballard shop) is their curly hair specialist and is a good choice if you've got thick curly and unruly hair!

My only complaint is that their parking SUCKS. I drive all the way from Tacoma to see these guys (yes, they ARE worth it!). I have pay to park next door to the salon, so if you're in the downtown area I recommend walking or taking the bus. It is much easier and less expensive!

  • Pros: Skilled artists, cool atmosphere, good selection of products
  • Cons: Pricey, parking
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/07/10

As Vain As You Want To Be

by Carissang , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

After many recommendations I booked my appointment with Jordan. I walked in and immediately wanted to browse the many fun accessories and peruse the art. I like that each stylist here is able to be true to their own style isn't stuck wearing all black.

As far as the haircut, I could tell Jordan was a perfectionist. I didn't feel like he was rushing to finish and he was very genuine in conversation. I walked out feeling like a million.

  • Pros: Fun Art, Great Stylist, Location

Message from Vain

  • Hair Salon
  • Boutique
  • Art Gallery

VAIN is a hair salon, a boutique, an art gallery and a community space in downtown Seattle committed to supporting individual style and self-expression in a creative and dynamic environment.

At VAIN, we recognize and accept our responsibility for influencing people's perceptions about themselves and their bodies. VAIN works to disrupt unrealistic and harmful beauty standards within the industry by expanding the definitions of beauty and style.

We deliver cutting edge style in a comfortable, fun and empowering way that remains focused on the individual. Fueled by our founder Victoria's interest in social causes and a drive to promote conscientious capitalism, VAIN began and has continued building connections with communities of people who are working for social change, making VAIN more than just a salon.

Vain