FAQs
20 questions to explain all things most frequently asked about VAIN
Q: How much do your haircuts and color cost?
A: Prices vary depending on the service and stylist. Haircuts range from $15 to $65 based on stylist seniority. Check out our full list of services for other price ranges, or call our front desk staff- they’ll make sure your appointment is with the stylist who’s best for your hair and budget.
Q: How much do extensions cost?
A: The cost of extensions varies depending on the amount and type of extensions (bonded, braided, or Great Lengths). Call us to schedule a free consultation appointment where you’ll come in, talk to a stylist about what you want done, and figure out how much it’ll cost.
Q: Are there different prices for men’s and women’s haircuts?
A: No. We do not have gender-based pricing at VAIN.
Q: Is VAIN just for people wanting edgy looks?
A: All looks are welcome! We’re here to help you express your inner style whether it’s tame, teased, punk or pretty. Many of our clients have conservative taste and many don’t, so we’ve seen it all and enjoyed making it happen. We believe in diversity whether it’s edgy or not.
Q: VAIN Ballard looks fancy! Are the haircuts more expensive there than at VAIN downtown?
A: We have a wide range of haircut prices at both VAIN salons, including junior and apprentice hairstylists offering $28 haircuts and $15 specials. VAIN Ballard is still VAIN… just in Ballard!
Q: What’s up with your $15 haircuts?
A: Our $15 haircuts are offered on select days with select stylists and apprentice stylists. Other than that, they’re just like any other haircut.
Q: What’s included in my free touch-up trim, and what’s the catch?
A: No catch! Your touch-up trim is included in the price of your haircut. touch-up trims are 15-minute appointments cut on dry hair to clean up the edges or shorten your fringe. Be sure to book your touch-up trim appointment for a date within 3 weeks of your last full haircut at VAIN.
Q: My stylist isn’t available when I need my haircut. The receptionist suggested I see someone else. Isn’t that a big no-no?
A: It’s fine by us! We work together as a team. Besides- you know we think change is good.
Q: Can I walk in for an appointment?
A: Appointments made ahead of time are always your best bet, but walk-ins are usually available.
Q: What are your cross streets?
A: VAIN is located downtown at 2018 1st Ave, between Virginia and Lenora Streets, and in Ballard at 5401 Ballard Ave NW, at the junction of Ballard, 22nd, and Leary.
Q: Is there parking?
A: There’s a pay lot adjacent to VAIN downtown and street parking available at both locations. VAIN does not validate lot parking.
Q: What are your hours? I work a day job…
A: VAIN is open seven days a week and until late (9pm!) on several of those days. Check out our complete hours of operation for details.
Q: What product lines do you carry?
A: VAIN carries a wide range of hair products, from shampoos and conditioners to dyes, styling creams, pomades, waxes and sprays. Some of our top-sellers are Pureology, Deva Curl, Tigi, Davines, and Redken. We also carry hard-to-get international lines. If you have a favorite product that we don’t currently carry, we’d love to know about it!
Q: I like to dye my hair at home. Will I get attitude from your stylists about that?
A: Never! VAIN believes strongly in DIY (Do It Yourself) style. We’ll even give you tips on how you can best achieve the look you want and help you pick out the right supplies to get it done. Just stop in and ask.
Q: Is VAIN just a hair salon? Seems like you’ve got a lot going on in there.
A: VAIN is a hair salon, a boutique, an art gallery and a community space. And a force of nature! Our boutique carries accessories, jewelry, stationery, and gifts picked out by VAIN style experts, we’ve got a makeup artist on staff, a resident waxing specialist (best brow + bikini waxing in Seattle!), and our art gallery space in our downtown salon features a mix of local art and high thrift. It’s not all hair all the time.
Q: I heard some great music when I was in for my haircut. Who programs your music?
A: Most likely it was DJ Blu, although VAIN has several music talents on staff- DJ Teenage Rampage, Carly from The Catch and USE, and more.
Q: How do I find out about events at VAIN?
A: Send an email to vain (at) vain (dot) com to get on our mailing list for all the latest on VAIN news and events, and be sure to check out the VAIN Blog and add it to your RSS feed!
Q: I saw a ‘studio for rent’ sign in the window. What’s up with that?
A: VAIN rents out two floors of work-only artist studios above our downtown salon to provide affordable spaces for local artists. Email lisam (at) vain (dot) com to check on available spaces and learn more.
Q: I’m an artist interested in having a show in the VAIN art gallery. What’s the protocol?
A: Although we no longer feature monthly art shows, VAIN is always interested in checking out new artwork for display in our gallery space. Email art (at) vain (dot) com with a few sample images or link to your portfolio and tell us about yourself and your work. No large file sizes please.
Q: How can one staff be so good looking?
A: Excellent question. And thanks. As the old saying goes, there’s nothing a little hair dye, backcombing, product, and creativity can’t do if put into the right VAIN hands.
