Seattle’s Vain Salon

I discovered the Vain salon in Seattle’s Belltown district (between downtown and Queen Anne) when I had a friend move into one of the artist’s studios that Vain rents out in their top two floors. The fact that Vain provides affordable housing for artists perfectly embodies the concept behind their business and what should be the standard in a unique place like Seattle: personal self expression, and innovative, differing definitions of beauty. Vain reminds us that beauty is not a homogeneous thing: beauty is diverse and individualistic. This is not the place you go to look like a cookie cutter Jessica Simpson replica. The stylists at Vain have a mission statement: they are “committed to fostering personal self expression and a “do-it-yourself” philosophy.” In an industry that so often tells us that people have to look a certain way during a given season, Vain is wonderfully different.

This is a great place to go to get the haircut or style that you want, and to explore creative, independent looks. This does not mean that their stylists don’t know what they are doing, or are going to make you look crazy – they are some of the best in the business, especially when it comes to coloring. They will simply help you bring out your best personal sense of style, and will listen to what you want out of a cut or a look. And then they will use their skills to make that look as awesome as possible. A person’s look is a part of who they are. The stylists at Vain understand that, and won’t take liberties with your hair just because they think they know what will look best. (If you have ever had someone chop all of your hair off after you told them specifically not to, just because they are the “professionals” who think they know what is best for you, then you will understand that this means something.) The haircuts that I have had at Vain have always been good experiences: consulting with the stylists was easy and comfortable, and I came out of each appointment with a haircut that I always felt satisfied with, because I had a hand in designing it. The stylists all seem really great; as far as I know, you can’t go wrong with who you get. They will give you some great tips on how to maintain your look, and are always eager to help you when you’re ready to try something new.

Even if you don’t need a haircut or a coloring, go check out the Vain boutique. It has great stuff, including a huge selection of hair care products and really high quality hair coloring products- seriously, if you dye your hair at home, you should buy your dye from here. There is a wide range on the prices, as is the case with all hair care products. The professional stuff is way better for your hair, turns out better, and lasts longer. The boutique also has unique clothes, jewelry and bags from independent labels, as well as bath items, and makeup.

Vain is one of those great places that keeps Seattle’s eclectic and interesting side alive. In a city full of major corporations that sell the same thing to everyone, places like this are what keeps the city special.