Joi Dreams Salon in Alexandria, VA

The good: the location is in Del Ray, and I love Del Ray. There is one parking space in the rear. The interior and decor are appealing. I love the scent of the hair oil she makes in-house. The downsides: You have to pay for whatever you order in full or you wont get booked. I was more than willing to overlook the glaring spelling errors on her website and hoped that the lack of attention to detail there did not extend to her service. I have natural hair, and Joi gave me a blowout and style. It left a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, I am not so gracious to overlook unwanted impositions on customers. The owner, Joi, never disclosed that she has a dog (an adorable poodle) on premises and that it has a full free range while clients are present, including jumping on their laps. This is very inconsiderate to some customers. Those of us who have allergies, fear of dogs, or a simple preference not to be around any animal that isn't their pet, our desires are clearly disregarded by Joi not asking our permission or informing us before booking. I was also dismayed watching her style clients who have relaxed hair and also having to smell the burnt hair and burnt product. She had people waiting and waiting under the dryers and kept me waiting almost 45 minutes because she was not ready for me. While I go out of my way to support my fellow African American business owners, I will not recommend or return, but I will say to anyone reading this far down, to make your own choice and judge the results yourself should you go to Joi.

My teenagers and I love getting our haircuts from Joi! She does a beautiful job and her salon is cozy and friendly. I always look forward to time at her place.

When you find an amazing hair stylist you travel to get to her. We live about 40 minutes away and she's worth every mile. I have been going to Joi for over 10 years and now my two girls who are multi-racial go as well. Professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Highly recommend Miss Joi!

I've been going to Joi's for almost three years and I haven't been to anyone else. My hair has been chemical free for almost six years and it wasn't in the best shape because I couldn't find anyone who was interested in growing healthy hair; that was until I found Joi. Since coming to Joi, my hair has grown and looks healthy. I have no desire to return to relaxers (well sometimes I do because I exercise a lot) because Joi has shown me how to take care of my hair in its natural state. Also, I like the fact I'm not "worked in" with other clients. My appointment is MY appointment. I have walked out of many salons in this area for working me in after I made my appointment one month in advance. That simply isn't good business and I refuse to spend my time and $ at those unprofessional salons. Thank you Joi for being professional and for being a blessing to my hair.

Normally I would have to drive to DC/MD to search for a stylist that actually cares and promotes hair health...she also offers great suggestions on style if you're open, which to me is a sign that she enjoys her craft...she offers her creativity. I have natural hair and honestly rarely let anyone trim or touch it because of bad experiences in the past. Joi trimmed my hair and did an avocado treatment....that she made herself I'm skeptical about homemade products but hers....wow...my hair felt so healthy...others commented about it Her salon is clean, she knows what she's doing...definitely worth exploring her services!