“There is something about looking at yourself in the mirror with a major change to your hair… [I]t’s like a renewal.” No truer words were spoken than from a pro-hair stylist Maria Elizabeth. Maria is the owner, founder, and hair whisper at Salon deZEN in the quaint town of Alexandria, Virginia. My curls were in dire need of professional help and an appointment at Salon deZEN was the remedy.
Salon deZEN became my hair paradise as I arrived on-site with pop tunes blasting from the speakers. Hand painted chairs and funky string art lined the walls—capturing the wild child spirit of the salon.
Out came a woman in a neon green jacket and even brighter personality. Maria Elizabeth, former model turned hair therapist, was going to transform my locks from dry and tangled to model worthy curls.
I felt like a princess throughout the treatment. Maria offered me refreshments of water, tea, and retro candy from her home state of Michigan. The shampoo experience had warm scented towels (I picked a rose essence) and she massaged my scalp with lots of pressure, per my request. My seat was cozy as it reclined far back with a footrest for my comfort.
Once in Maria’s chair I requested my hair treatment be “me but better” with a keratin treatment and anything else she recommended. Maria began with a curly cut on my wet hair so my afro would have the best shape when dried. She explained she would go in again for cutting any out of place hairs once my hair was straightened. The reasoning: so I would look good whether in my natural state or with a blow out!
Maria assured me through every step of the process. When applying the keratin treatment she explained the one she used on me was safe for natural hair. The treatment which was left to process for fifteen minutes. The results: to omit my frizz and enhance the look of my curls for up to three months. Once the timer went off Maria followed up with a blow dry and flat iron to activate the keratin. I was left with light-as-air hair with mega shine and felt like silk.
My time at Salon deZEN was part self-care, part girl talk, and 100% therapeutic. We discussed our upbringings, love of beauty, astro signs (she’s a Libra– which makes total sense as a hairstylist) and thoughts about the meaning of life. Maria is a self proclaimed “ethics-driven” person which is seen in her salon’s ethos of being diverse, paying a living wage, and having 95% beauty waste recycled. One of the most admirable aspects of Maria is her philanthropist work with A Space of Her Own. A Virginia based non-profit that supports underserved girls by providing mentors, fun activities, and a room makeover. Maria and her mentee found support in one another during this program.
Salon deZEN is more than a place to get your hair done. It is a safe haven to embrace your beauty with a team of talented women who want to see your beauty shine. Find Maria Elizabeth and her team at 118 N Fayette Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
