Rodi Salon — Attraction in Tysons

Just got the signature Ouidad carve and slice cut from Mandi last week and overall, I had a really nice experience. A little about me - I'm African American with pretty tight kinky curls/coils in the type 4 range (if you're into the whole hair typing thing). I had an appointment to get the Ouidad cut from the flagship salon in NYC in June but I couldn't hold out any longer because my ends were in pretty bad shape. Sooo, I did some research and decided on Rodi Salon in Vienna. After speaking with the front desk, we agreed that Mandi would be a good fit for me and I'm really happy I saw her. I did a consultation with Mandi the day before and she was super nice and very knowledgeable. Mind you, I was very nervous that my hair would intimidate her as it has with most stylists (both African American and non-African American) but she had a can-do attitude and was very confident, so that was a plus. I had my appointment the next day and unfortunately the shampoo attendant was sent home because she was sick. This meant that my appointment was delayed by about 20-25 minutes. I was slightly annoyed that I wasn't called ahead of time, however, the front receptionist was very apologetic and who wants to start a haircut on a bad foot? Not me. So I let it go. Mandi was equally apologetic and we all know stuff happens so not a big deal. So on to the cut...

I will preface this by saying that I tend to use thicker conditioners and shampoos given the very high density of my hair (i.e. extremely thick). The products the salon had on hand smelled great but didn't have enough weight for my particular hair - not a huge deal because a lot of people prefer lighter products. So whatevs - I was just there for the cut anyway, I have plenty of products at home...

Mandi and I decided that it would be best to cut my hair with conditioner in it and it made a world of difference. She was extremely methodical and patient with the Carve and Slice process and turned a skeptic like me into a believer :-) I wanted a lot of the bulk to be taken out as my hair had taken on this weird mushroom like shape over the last year and the cut definitely accomplished that.

-When it came to styling I definitely wanted to wear it curly and used some of the Ouidad products that were on hand. Again, not much weight to it so it wasn't my favorite (through no fault of anyone). I washed my hair the next day and my curls were poppin'! SO MUCH easier to work with and I actually have movement in my hair, I love it.

To compensate for the late start, Mandi gave me a generous gift card to use towards my next appointment. I was already planning to come back but this kind gesture definitely helped. In terms of price, I thought it was reasonable. I also think you get what you pay for when it comes to hair. But given the amount of work that went into this mane, I definitely see the value!

In terms of location, it's very convenient and easy to find (although as we all know allow time for inevitable 495 DC traffic). There's also ample parking as well - which is a bonus as that was one of my concerns with going to a salon in downtown DC.

I know hair is hair but I wrote this review because I genuinely enjoyed my haircut and I want others with similar texture that are researching Ouidad salons in the DC area to give Rodi Salon a try. When I was researching, I didn't see many reviews from folks with hair like mine, so it's nice to pay it forward for someone else :-)

Looking forward to coming back...

Sara Kim is now at Rodi Salon! Yeah!! Due to the unexpected & surprise closure of Dolce Vita Salon in Tysons Galleria thought I'd share my amazing experience at Rodi Salon in Vienna. I followed Sara here and would follow her anywhere as she is so amazing with color and highlights not to mention her beautiful hair cuts! She's a true artist and my hair has never looked and been in such great condition since I've been seeing Sara over the past few years. I've had my fair share of fried, nasty yellow and damaged hair throughout the past 20 + years of going blonde so I can attest to her skills and have received so many compliments! I love being a Blonde and my natural hair is a level 4 and her highlights/ foiling techniques creates a beautiful blonde every time! I'd follow her anywhere!! My first visit to Rodi Salon was yesterday and it's very beautiful, modern, clean with plenty of parking and a great location!! They practiced all the Covid measures and take your temperature before entering. Their team was so very welcoming and even the owner Rodi came over to introduce himself. So very sweet! I'm so very happy to be a client here! Serina ( Sarah's Assistant) also joined her as well and gives the most amazing head massages and hair treatments ever! Try the Kerastase K Water treatment. It makes your hair look and feel like silk! If you want to become a blonde or maintain your blonde see Sara Kim! Thank you Sara for always taking such good care of me! You are "The Best" and I heart you so much!!

My previous review's for Sara Kim at Dolce Vita is below: This is an update to my review below: I've been coming to Sarah Kim for a year and half now and I'm so Happy and Thankful I found her!! She's an amazing stylist and colorist and my hair is in so better much shape thanks to her amazing skills! She's a perfectionist and takes time to make sure your hair is not over-processed and the color-Wow! I love being a blonde and if you do too book an appt. with Sarah. She's truly an artist and it's so hard to find someone that can take dark hair to a high-level blonde. She listens to you and is very much a professional and so very sweet! I adore her so much! Serena gives the best head massages and Hannah and the girl's at the desk are so very sweet! Thank you all for a relaxing and stress free experience!

If you're a blonde or want to be a blonde, book with Sarah Kim! She is so amazing! My hair is very dark and I've been a blonde for as long as I can remember but my hair was so damaged after going elsewhere. After several Shu Uemura treatments ( highly recommend these and Serena is marvelous at giving them which are incredible) she colored my base and did the most fabulous highlighting! She's precise, thorough and listens to what You want! A true artist!! Not to mention she gives an incredible blow-out! I'm so happy I found her and Dolce Vita at the Galleria! A shout out to Hannah and Natalie as well. What an amazing team!...

4/20/24 - This was our first and last time at Rodi Salon. I booked an appointment for my teen based on the positive reviews. I had requested a cut and style explaining that it was prom and what style she needed (soft beach curls and a loose single side braid). Upon arriving we were told by the stylist that he was only booked for 30 minutes with her and couldn't do a cut, blow dry and style. She opted for a cut and we thought we'd go home and try the style ourselves. Then I asked if another stylist could do the waves/braid. They immediately said if we could wait a few minutes another stylist could. My daughter showed the stylist a picture of the style and I explained it. He proceeded to give her ringlet curls like Shirley Temple!!? And a tight braid as though she's in elementary school. My daughter was visibly upset so I requested the stylist to redo the braid more loosely, but it still wasn't even close to the picture. The stylist was rushed jumping between clients. I realize we weren't on his schedule but then they shouldn't have agreed to fit in my daughter. I ended up paying $255 incl tip for a style that was not what she wanted and extremely low effort. The Asian woman at reception told me they charge $140 for special occasion updo and when I pointed out this wasn't an updo she proceeded to tell me about all the effort that goes into special occasion hair. The stylist spent about 20 min with my daughter and gave her something I could have managed to do at home. And in fact we had to redo both the braid and curls at home because the curls didn't even last 2 hours. They didn't put any product in her hair before curling and very light spray despite knowing that she had a long night ahead of her. This was my daughter's first high school prom so the experience of visiting a salon, getting her hair done and helping her look the way she envisioned should have been a positive experience for her. Instead she was stressed and upset. As first time clients maybe this is the treatment given but they would have a returning customer in us if they had just said we're really sorry we can't accommodate you today because this style takes some time and thoughtful effort. Instead they saw an opportunity to overcharge me. It's unfortunate because my daughter really likes the cut she got from Fa but on principle I won't give my business to this salon. And thanks to the brunette in the front who was very pleasant. The salon seems to have a steady flow of return clients so they dont need our business. But, they should consider how they treat new potential clients. Im a long time Vienna resident and this is possibly the most disappointing experience Ive had with any business in town. I've heard good things about Rodi and I know his salon has been well regarded, but due to the poor judgement of a receptionist and the rushed and inadequate service of a stylist, I wouldn't recommend...