Carter's Hair Design in Fredericksburg, VA

Made appointments for my 2 daughters. The youngest (12) wanted a shampoo cut and style and my oldest (14) wanted a big chop transformation because she is going into highschool. Nothing went as planned. Our appointments started at 11:30 and we walked out at 11:42. She didnt shampoo or stlyle my 12 y/o and took all of 7 minutes to cut her hair. Then when my oldest sat down and we tried to explain what she wanted the stylist said she didnt recommend bangs because its summer. I got bangs in the same month at the same salon 2 years ago. I tried to politely insist that she did want the bangs and we could manage them. She dug her heels in at which point I became assertive and tried to stand up for what I knew my daughter wanted. This interaction made my kid upset so we walked out. $40 for a dry cut that took less than 10 minutes. It's now 12:04 pm. All of this took 34 minutes. Not the fun girly self care day we envisioned. The owner just stood there and watched it all play out and said nothing. We have spent hundreds of dollars getting my 12 year olds hair colored here over the past few years and I was going to book another color appointment today but now I guess were finding a new stylist who actually wants to cut hair. And Im not a Karen, I tipped over 20%. But having everyone look at me like I was was not fun. Me and my daugjter both cried in the car.

Great salon. I was able to make an appointment within 2 days of calling. The salon def has a small town feel to it. Clean and modern with a colonial feel that is typical of the area. The price was reasonable considering the level of service. I was helped by Sarah who did a great job on my hair doing a cut and color. She made some good recommendations. I appreciated that she advised me of the cost of the different options I had. I intend to become a regular after my first visit.

Sarah is my girl! I moved to the area a year ago and needed to find a stylist. I have curly, color treated hair. Not all stylists are good with curly hair, so you really never know how it'll work out. Carter Hair did not disappoint. My first appointment was with Sarah and I've been going to her ever since. She is great with curly hair AND color. She matched my pre-existing color almost exactly the first time (I'm red and those are tricky). And in my subsequent visits she proactively tinkered with the color until it was just right. Their customer service is excellent. Fran always makes sure you are comfortable. Once I got a call about 45 minutes ahead of my appointment to let me know they were 15 minutes behind schedule so I did not have to waste time sitting in the waiting area. Look, every salon runs late sometimes, and I really appreciated the courtesy of letting me know ahead of time. Finally, you are never pressured to buy product or do something with your hair that you're not comfortable with. If you're looking for talented professionals in a relaxed, welcoming environment, this is the place for you.

I had a terrible experience getting highlights here. Kylie suggested a full highlight, but parts of my hair came out way under processed and very orange. This was in the back, so I didn't notice it before I paid my $200 and left the salon. Kylie and the owner of the salon could not have missed this epic fail, but they chose to ignore it and let my pay and walk out. Were they hoping that I wouldn't look at the back of my head or that I just wouldn't care? When I got to my car and took a good look at my hair in the mirror, I was appalled. It was clearly messed up in the back. I returned immediately to complain. The owner acted puzzled, "hmmm," he said, "I guess I do see some warmth." Some warmth? How about under-processed bleach, which equates to a hideous brassy orange color. Kylie took a look and said "I didn't use the correct developer. I can do it over at no charge." Thanks, but you were aware that you hadn't done it properly, and still let me pay and walk out. She did do it over, but failed at this as well, because she put so many foils in the back that they do not match the top/front where she had also put some lowlights. And there's a patch on one side that's bright yellow, as if some bleach leaked or spilled or something. I'm not a color specialist, but I've had a lot of highlights in my life and it's very clear to me that Kylie doesn't have the training or experience she needs. So why was I assigned to her when I requested a color specialist? Why is everyone pretending it's all ok? As a client, I don't appreciate being gaslighted. I'm sure Kylie is capable, if she receives the proper training. But I spent 5 hours at this salon and $200 for a terrible highlighting job. I wasn't offered a full or even a partial refund. Please, keep the money and put it toward some training. But know that you've lost a customer and gained this yelp review.

Not sure why there aren't more reviews on here for Carter Hair Design. It's a well kept secret that should be shared. Likely due to the salon's modesty. There seems to be a breath of modesty through its atmosphere and stylists. The interior reminded me of well known salons in Old Towne Alexandria where they converge businesses into the advantage & charm of the historic homes/buildings. My new stylist Gage has tremendous experience and an ability to adapt his skills to the head of hair he strives to make simply beautiful. He has a unique consciousness in his work, which is rare and very knowledgeable about the over all chemistry in products. I'm not an easy customer to please when it comes to my hair....So, I'm not only pleased...I WILL be going back.