Winter in Alexandria can be beautiful, but it’s no friend to our hair. The good news? With the right care, your hair can stay hydrated, healthy, and full of shine all season long. Here’s a step-by-step guide to winter-proofing your hair, featuring must-have products we love at Salon deZEN.

There’s always that one individual that makes you sweat come holiday shopping time – because they have absolutely EVERYTHING. They’re on top of trends and have the “it” gadget before it's available to anyone else on planet Earth, they also have a vintage collection that museums would fight over and they’re non-expressive and unimpressed (though polite), whenever it’s time to open your present. But…maybe they don’t have one of these:

Why does he always say he doesn’t need anything, and then looks sad when all the gifts under the tree are for the kids – and you! Surprise him this year with something unique and something he needs, not socks or a sweater, because you know your mother-in-law has that covered. Here’s a guide from our local experts:

We are incredibly grateful for the women in our lives – and appreciate every minute we get to spend with them while they are already juggling so many things! Giving them an unexpected, thoughtful present is just one way to share our love this holiday season.

Let’s face it: great hair doesn’t happen by accident. At Salon deZEN, we know that achieving that effortless, fabulous style requires a few insider tricks of the trade. Lucky for you, we’re not gatekeepers.

Every now and then, life brings you a “full circle moment” – a chance to reconnect with the people who helped shape your journey. Recently, I experienced one of those moments when I welcomed Ruth Roche, one of my biggest influences from my early years in cosmetology, to Salon deZEN. Ruth, a seven-time NAHA winner (basically the Oscars of hair), made a massive impact on me back in cosmetology school.

Permanent makeup offers a transformative way to simplify daily beauty routines while enhancing natural features. At deZEN, we’re embracing the latest in permanent makeup trends that prioritize artistry, personalization, and timeless beauty. Here’s what's trending:

At Salon deZEN, we take sustainability seriously, and it’s become a core part of our mission. Our dedication to reducing waste has led us to recycle an impressive 3,575.97 pounds of beauty waste this year alone—including hair clippings, excess color, used foils, and single-use plastics like gloves. But sustainability isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a positive ripple effect.

With chlorine, sun and salt water no longer wreaking havoc on our manicures, we’re all in for rocking some new nail looks this fall. Our hands are an extension of our daily look/vibe/mood and keep us feeling polished (pun intended) during the fall madness. While we’ve been out and about in Old Town, we couldn’t help but notice the vast range of shades and styles displayed on our friends’ hands. So we asked our contributors to share the fall hues they’re loving:

Your haircut is more than just a style—it’s a reflection of your personality, lifestyle, and most importantly, the unique features of your face. While many people think certain cuts are only for specific face shapes, the truth is, most haircuts can work for most people, as long as they are adjusted and tailored to the person wearing them.

Hair growth can feel like one of those elusive goals. We've all been there – staring at the mirror, willing our hair to just grow already. But often, it’s not just about what we’re doing to encourage hair growth; it’s about what we’re unknowingly doing wrong. Here are some common mistakes that could be stalling your hair’s journey.

The temps are cooling and those beautiful autumn days are coming. While fall is full of festivals, apple picking and harvests, we do love to squeeze in a day trip to a winery or two…or more. We asked our contributors to share their faves within driving distance of Alexandria.

This fall, variations of the classic bob are dominating. First up, the French bob—a timeless, effortlessly chic style that sits just above or at the jawline. Whether you opt for subtle front angles or a uniform length, the French bob exudes a certain je ne sais quoi.

Whether you're ready to make a bold change or simply add a subtle touch of warmth for the season, let your choice reflect your inner vibe. Fall is all about transformation—not just in nature but within ourselves too—so why not let your hair be a part of that journey.

There’s just something about having your hair and makeup done that provides a boost. That’s what I love about deZEN – we’re in the business of making people feel their most confident.  We’re also here for those women getting back on their feet, trying to find a light in sometimes very dark days.

This innovative tool is designed to help us pair clients with the service providers who are not only experts in the specific services they need but also share complementary personality traits and communication styles. By taking this quiz, clients can ensure their beauty experience is perfectly tailored to their preferences, making each visit enjoyable and memorable.

Hair texture can change due to various factors, including age, hormonal shifts, pregnancy, medication and lifestyle changes. Women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s might notice differences in curl pattern, frizz, and even thickness. Understanding these changes is the first step toward embracing your natural texture.

While we commonly see celebs sharing what’s in their purse – we prefer to know what’s in the bag you’re toting to the pool and beach, because we inevitably always forget something! So we asked our contributors to share what’s stowed in theirs.

We all crave gorgeous, versatile hair that requires minimal styling time, leaving us more moments to enjoy our reflection. Hair extensions are the perfect solution, providing instant length for those whose hair grows slowly or has thinned, and creating a fuller, more feminine look.

While we've been cruising around Old Town – walking, shopping, attending openings – we’ve also been checking out each other’s nails. We asked our contributors to share the summer hues they’re loving; see if any of these shades work for you.