Ny and Company Salon in Mt Rainier, MD

I briefly patronized this salon back when it was known as "Hair Is Art" and was located in the salon suites in L'Enfant Plaza, shortly before it moved to this new Mt. Rainier location. This review has been a long time in the making, but I'm finally going back and rating places that have been on my "to do" list for forever and a day! I recall that Ny is a skilled curly hair stylist who stayed booked and busy. She specializes in DevaCuts and working with curly hair. She was the only true stylist on site, but she employed a rotating cadre of trainees who were responsible for shampooing your hair and doing parts of your style. In some ways, it almost felt like you were getting your hair done in a beauty school -- where less skilled novices were being supervised as they learned the ropes on your head. I didn't like that particular aspect of the service, as you never knew what assistant would be working with you on a particular day and you were paying full price for Ny's skill all the same. The space was also crowded in that there were always multiple people in the small space at the same time. While Ny was working on another client in the adjoining room, there'd be people sitting around who were drying their hair, in the queue for shampooing, or in the middle of a style. So it wasn't the most comfortable and relaxing experience, and it definitely wasn't personalized to you. (That said, it's possible that these issues may have been remedied in the newer salon space.) I visited the shop on at least two occasions, maybe three. I remember being pleased with my initial cut. And I definitely remember going back to get another wash and go on at least one occasion. But I just remember that my last wash and go ended up flaking up quite a bit, and I had all these white particles in my hair from the mix of products used. I was supposed to go back and get that fixed, but if I recall correctly -- work was so busy at that time that I never had a chance to go back over there and get it rectified. I had also bought a bunch of products on that last visit that I truly didn't know how to use in my own at-home regimen. (In fact, several of those products ended up being part of a massive recall years later. Thank God I never used mine.). And I had bought a salon visit package in an effort to save a bit of money on future services. I think I had 6 visits or something like that in my package. But between the craziness of work and the start of COVID, I didn't end up going back to the salon for quite a while. When I got some emails saying that salon had relocated to Mt. Rainier, that jogged my memory about my package and I sought to use them to schedule a visit at the new place. But I was told that my package had expired and that I would have to pay for more visits in order to come. Ummmm....no! My experience in the old salon had already been "borderline" at best. I was not willing to commit even more money to this particular salon. So that was the end of my experience with "Hair is Art" / "Ny the Stylist."

Respect, relaxation and restoration! It's natural hair care heaven and then some. There is absolutely no overbooking, clients are spaced adequately and services begin on time. I can't stress that enough!! As a long time customer, I am pleased to write this review at this new location. The level of attention to their customer base is exceptional! Businesses take note, safety is #1! If you're lucky enough to have snagged an informed consultation and appointment, consider yourself blessed! Ny and her superb team take exceptional care of their clients. The experience begins upon arrival with temperature check, escorted in to sanitize and refresh with a new mask provided. The relaxation begins immediately in the serene atmosphere, a hot hand towel and non scented moisturizer for your hand that is self applied as your guest experience begins by reviewing your services for the day! Ny's team include Oddyssey & Haidy whom are stellar apprentices highly skilled at making clients feel welcomed, relaxed and taken care of! The shampoo experience well, let's just say these are the best hands in DC!! From shampoo, scalp massage, conditioner, steam treatment, custom hand massage, whew this is a treat! It's amazing that I fall asleep during all of that, it's just that relaxing! Client stations are sanitized after each client moves from one station to another. Remember, safety is -#1 and this space is immaculate!!!! Each client is treated to their tea of choice as well as a complimentary charcuterie type of tray. The selections are prepared fresh and served and the most opportune time during your service often while under the dryer. Listen, I'm giving you snippets but this is something you have to experience for yourself!! Today I enjoyed an express hydroderm facial with Brittany. It was relaxing, educational and hydrating! My skin has taken a beating during these winter months. My skin is plump, lessened dark eye bags and hydrated. Brittany will now be part of my experience at this salon. I look forward to my time here At Ny's salon. I forget about the troubles of the work week, cramped hands from typing long hours are loosened with meticulous hand massages. It's a real treat and I feel like royalty. The icing on the cake is full body massages are available here by Juan C. You will NOT be disappointed! His hands are amazing and dare I say magic hands! This salon and staff are GEMS to the DMV area! Take my advice and experience this luxury level of self care!

I wish I could give zero stars. I love salons for natural hair but don't come to this location. The customer service is usually amazing but, sadly, not this location. We (three natural Black women) walked into the open door with no signage on it. She greets us by saying that this location is a "passport" location. Okay, we all get out our phones to show our vaccine cards. As we are doing this, she asks us to step outside of the door so she can seat a walking guest. We left due to her attitude saying that she didn't want us there. On the way out, I recommended signage to communicate the Covid policies which seems like business 101. We are homeowners in this neighborhood and trying to support the new local businesses. This is not one worth supporting, sadly.