IMAGO A Salon For Hair

07/18/07

Should be re-named The Hair Hospital

by catk at Citysearch

They should really re-name themselves The Hair Hospital. Dr. John is genuinely concerned with the health of your hair (free chemistry lesson with every color), Mary Jo's cuts are surgically precise and designed to enhance your natural features, LaTesha's scalp massages will melt you, and, if you are still not feeling great after all of that, therapy dogs Peanut and Beau will go to work on you. I moved to Richmond 18 months ago and spent the first year working my way through most of the salons here before I finally found Imago. As much as I would love to keep this place a secret, the word is already out and you will need to book your appointment 2-3 weeks in advance (the wait is well worth it). You can also get on their e-mail list to get notifications of last minute openings.

11/25/09

Best stylist in town

by LBurnzey at Citysearch

A friend recommended Mary Jo to me when I was looking for a new stylist. That was almost 10 years ago, and I've never felt more confident and pleased.

• Pros: Know what they're doing
• Cons: booked up quick!

11/25/09

AMAZING!

by snune1mi at Citysearch

I love IMAGO

• Pros: excellent atmosphere, attention to detail
• Cons: non

11/23/09

No longer frizzy!

by MaureenR at Citysearch

I've stuggled with my curls my entire life and kept my hair short so I wouldn't have to deal with the frizz. I moved to Richmond eight years ago, and have tried countless salons. None of the stylislist I tried really knew how to cut and style curly hair.

Then I was introduced to Imago Salon about a year ago and my curls have been transformed. My hair is longer than it's ever been and I have defined, soft, bouncy curls. I go back once a month to have my roots touched up, I've had highlights and other treatments and I have always been delighted with the results. I love the products the salon uses as they are all natural and developed for curly hair. All of the stylists know exactly which products you should use for your hair type. I learned so much about curly hair from these folks. I now wash my hair as if it was a fine cashmere sweater.

All of the stylists are knowledgeable about all of the trends and continue to go for up-to-the-minute training in NYC. I usually go to Casey but would trust any of the stylists with my hair. If you have curly hair, you must try this salon. You will not be disappointed.

• Pros: They really know how to cut and treat curly hair.
• Cons: none

10/30/09

I Fly Down from Boston to get my Curls Cut HERE

by Stephanie from Boston at Citysearch

My boss years ago recommended that I go to MaryJo to get my hair cut. Since high school I had tried out a variety of salons: Christopher John (is that still around?), Salon del Sol, and Nesbit among others and they could NEVER cut my hair the way I wanted it to be cut, even though they claimed they could cut curly hair. BS. Until I discovered the Devachan Salon up in NYC...trucked on up on the Chinatown Express 1AM bus...real cheap-like cuz I knew the haircut was probably going to incredibly expensive...which it was $250. BUT it was AMAZiNG. FiNALLY I got the style I had always imagined. NOW the great thing is Mary Jo and everyone else are certified by this very salon!! But will cut your hair for a third of the price!

I'm not sure why there are a couple of horrid reviews on here because I've only ever had a great experience at IMAGO Salon. and I love the pups if they are still there!!

And Casey, is great with color! (if she's still there...I was travelling abroad for the year.) And now I live in Boston. AND I will still fly down to get my hair cut at this marvelous salon. Mary Jo always does an INCREDiBLE job on my hair. I don't know what I would do without her.

10/12/09

My curls love Mary Jo

by fanfans at Citysearch

I was referred to Imago by a friend because I needed hair repair :) Now I wouldn't trust my curls to any one else. Congrats to Mary Jo and the everyone at Imago for being named top 100 salons by Elle magazine!!! You deserve it.

Its great, they even have a mascot named Peanut (a little Yorkie) so cute and friendly.

When you walk in the door you feel welcome instantly. When you leave you know you have a great cut and color too.

• Pros: Where do I start? Talented, friendly and listens well
• Cons: None

09/25/09

Not the place for a Curly Cut

by mkljor at Citysearch

I moved here over 10 years ago from NYC. I have had one good curly hair dresser in that time, but she disappeared. So I was desperate to find a sympathetic soul for curly hair! And was excited to hear about Imago.

To start, I waited a long time. But the assistant told/showed me some info that I found useful. When Mary Jo was ready for me, she seemed a bit put out and rushed - and was interacting with customers who came in after me, while snipping away my hair.

I had asked for my hair to be only trimmed - that I wanted the same look / style as I came in with, but just shorter. I am a rock musician and have always kept my hair curly in spite of the trends toward straightness. People have often complimented my hair for its curls and style. I found it interesting that in a curly-hair salon both the owner and the assistant wore their hair straight!

Anyway, my hair was cut into a style that was only appropriate for a woman 30 years older than myself. I was dumbfounded and horrified. And when I expressed my confusion and dismay, they did say to come back and they would work on it, but I decided to trust my husband to work on it instead (and he's not a hair dresser!). Being that far off base - more than anyone had been ever - I would never go back to Imago.

I found there to be a lack of listening and interest on the part of Mary Jo, as a stylist. And when I saw that many of her customers coming into the salon after me WERE in their 70's or older, I understood that she was giving me their hair style! I had to use a hat for many weeks, I couldn't even pull it back into a pony tail.

Curly hair is certainly a specialty - and a complex and difficult one. I don't know where to recommend - but it is, unfortunately, not here.

• Pros: Good curly hair info by assistant
• Cons: Hair cut left me with "old lady at the mall" look

03/27/09

Imagine what your hair will look like, that's all you'll get

by joanne667 at Citysearch

I transferred from LA and was scared to go to just any salon. I went to Imago after reading the rave reviews on City Search. I don’t care what I spend; having fantastic hair is what matters most. If my hair looks great, I feel great. After my visit to Imago… I’m not feeling so great. I’m very disappointed all around; I waited 35 minutes to sit in Mary Jo’s chair, she seamed annoyed that I wanted something different other than what she suggested. When I said that I was unhappy, she suggested I go elsewhere! Boy, I didn’t need that advice, I’ll never go back. My mistake: rave reviews / only 10… most likely written by someone on the payroll.

• Pros: Professional looking salon.
• Cons: many

11/19/08

Best salon in Virginia!! Hands down!

by Mom2manyMunchkins at Citysearch

Casey is AMAZING! IMAGO is AMAZING! I just had my curly, frizzy, out of control hair cut for the first time in 2 long years. (The last person who cut it, they murdered it.) I sat down in the chair, scared that I was going to walk out with another horrible hair cut. Casey really went out of her way to make me comfortable with everything that she was doing and she listened to what I wanted my hair to do. She took her time and taught me how to care for my curly hair. When it came time for her to start cutting she cut one curl at a time and made sure that my hair was dry so it was not any shorter than what I really wanted. ( something that had never happened before) After she had cut off the dead damaged hair she did a conditioning to it and taught me how to wash and care for my hair on a daily basis. I am 29 years old and I have never known how to treat my curls, until today! She taught me how to style it with out it taking more than 5 min. (see time is a big factor for me... I have 3 small kids at home) Two hours later I was walking out with the most BEAUTIFUL hair of my life. My hair has never looked so alive and controlled ( keep in mind controlled with out the aid of heavy gels, spays and such.) IMAGO has got a customer for life! The price of the hair cut is well worth it! The hair I walked out of the salon with is PRICELESS! My family is amazed at how beautiful my hair is. Thank you so much Casey. You have given me the gift of beautiful controlled curls that I have always wanted. I will be recommending IMAGO and Casey to everyone I know.. Straight or Curly! THANK YOU IMAGO! THANK YOU CASEY! You have a customer for life!

• Pros: Skilled, educational, great atmosphere, very clean, no pressure put on you to buy products
• Cons: None

02/06/08

Have you ever wanted to get the same style you got the day you had your hair done??

by isldgirl at Citysearch

Well then Imago is the place for you - I attended the Hair Blowing 101 class this past weekend and it was awesome. My friend and I had an hour with a dedicated stylist (I had Mary Jo) to help us learn the tips and style methods to help us get that same style we love at the salon. I have always struggled with getting the same look and now I have the knowledge to make it happen. The class was hands on and personalized for each person. My friend was more into learning new styles for her straight hair - and she loves the new ideas and has used them this week. I also get my hair done at Imago and love it! This is the one stop salon for awesome hair styles, great color and a friendly and relaxing atmosphere.

• Pros: great atmosphere, friendly staff, great style and always new ideas
• Cons: none

01/11/08

Curly Girls this is the place for you!

by missaish at Citysearch

I'm almost 28 and I've never been able to get a cute haircut until I found Imago! Mary Jo is fantastic and knows how to tame wild curly hair. She was trained by Lorraine Massey who wrote the book "Curly Girl" and she really knows what she's doing. Stephanie taught me how to style it and everything has been great! This is a dream come true. LaTesha and John are also able to help with any other styling needs. This is the best place in the world curly girls and with the best atmosphere! Go there learn to love your curls! You will not be disappointed. :)

• Pros: The ambiance is great and the stylists are nice and knowledgeable.
• Cons: none