Escape Salon & Day Spa

I was ready to give a solid 4 stars, but a last minute surprise added charge kicked us down a star. I shared a spa package with my mom — mani, pedi, facial, massage. Massage and facial were fabulous. While the massage was great, I guess I asked the masseuse to concentrate a bit more on my shoulders which later translated into an extra $ 7 charge on an already rather expensive package ($ 176 w/​o tip — you only save $ 2 vs. purchasing a la carte). I entirely respect added charges for added services, but do let your clients know before an added charge is incurred. My mom raved about her facial though.
Mani and pedi were what you’d expect. The facilities are surprisingly spa-​like in an area where you typically expect cheap nail salon environs (though I found the TV in the spa waiting room a tad disconcerting. But I get it. Some folks find TV relaxing). And you pay for it. Prices are more expensive than comparables in the area (see Unique U day spa).
Anyway, solid choice for a getaway in the burbs. Just be vigilant about extra charges here and there.

This is literally the worst nail salon I’ve ever been to. Ever. She kept asking me if she was doing it right. She took 2 hours to do a gel mani (usually takes 45mins-​1hour). Then the nail polish is pretty much see through because it was as if she was afraid to put it on my nails. Also, I asked her to fix a broken nail for me (still attached), and two days later that nail is broken again in the same spot. Save your money. Don’t come here.

After my last two visits here, I can no longer recommend this salon. I hate writing bad reviews, especially for a business with such a sweet receptionist and friendly technicians. But I’d feel bad if anyone were to read my old review and expect perfectly manicured nails and not receive them. Note: Sophia no longer works here (she was my fave).
Please *see my pic* from my last nail visit. I asked for a shellac manicure, pink polish, with gold glitter for the accent nail. The polish was super uneven — thick in some areas, transparent in others… and on my cuticles. I didn’t notice how badly done my nails were until I got into my car, and by that point I had already paid and didn’t want to make a big deal out of it (although, writing this review is kind of a major cop-​out).
The visit before this, I wanted my usual shellac french manicure. The technician (a different one) drew the white tips so thickly and sloppily, after two times of asking her to adjust and fix the shape, I just had to have her remove the white completely and leave the natural base color underneath. Although the rest of the mani looked fine, she was incredibly rough and had made one of my cuticles bleed.
I might’ve just been unlucky with my last two visits, but I can no longer risk paying $ 40+ on a mani I may be unhappy with. What a shame, as this was my go-​to salon.

I wanted some simple highlights & a haircut so I made an appointment. It’s pretty hard to mess up my hair as it’s straight. When I walked in, there was no clean surface upon which to place my purse, so I put it on the floor (on top of cut hair). I was given a smock and then started to get my hair cut (dry). The hair went all over my clothes and into my purse.
My hair had been in a bun, so it was wavy in the back and came out uneven. I was told by a 2^nd person (the owner) that «it’s better to cut hair dry» and that this way we could see how it is with my naturally wavy hair. I asked them to trim it so that it was straight across in the back and preferred for it to be even and he did.
Instead of plain highlights, the stylist did a single process color to the roots and the rest of my hair, twisting it into many one-​inch sections. From there, he did the highlights but it was very painful to pull hair from essentially dreadlocks (wet twisted hair w/​color on it) to put in foils. This whole process took almost 3 hours. After rinsing it out, I just asked to have it combed out because I had an appointment I was already late for, so it was combed out & I went to pay. When I looked in the mirror, my hair was uneven and the roots were ORANGE! I went to pay and was charged $ 245 and told that gratuity could only be paid in cash. I was absolutely livid. The highest prices for a haircut listed on their website was $ 45 and full foil highlights $ 65. I have no problem paying $ 200 for a good color & cut, but this was ridiculous. I literally left in tears.
When I missed my other engagement, I came back and asked about the breakdown of the charge. The owner couldn’t explain it and just showed me a ticket that said $ 245. When I let him know I was disappointed with the service and that my hair was orange, he challenged me and said that it wasn’t able to be noted until it was dry. I let them dry it and they still denied that it was orange. (I’ll attach a pic so you can see for yourself). They did not give me any money back.
After all of this, I looked up the hairstylist and it turns out that his cosmetology license expired in 2010.

I came in for a pedi and also figured I’d might as well get my eyebrows done too. While the pedi was great, I cannot say the same for my poor brows. I have never, ever, ever had someone wax/​tweeze my eyebrows as thin as the lady did and not to mention that she plucked my right eyebrow shorter than the other. I kept telling myself it’s not that bad, but when I left & kept glancing at my rear view mirror I started to freak. So yeah sure, by all means this place is great for a pedicure but I would think twice about having them wax your eyebrows.

Although this is a very nicely decorated, customer-​friendly salon, one nail tech severely cut my daughter’s toenail to the point where it was painful for her to walk days later. We stopped going there for six months, then decided to give it one more try. I am not sure what happened but our nails began splitting and our cuticles
Cracking and bleeding. We had plain manicures nothing more. Do not take a chance and have this happen to you!!!

Stylists are mostly friendly, owner is not. He will barely acknowledge a client when they walk in the door. Excellent pedicurists!

I have been a customer for quite a while and consistency of services is what I love about Escape. It is quiet, clean, and has a great atmosphere. Definitely not your average place for nails. Good pricing and respectful spa attendants!

My friend and I walked in to see if we could get a couple of manis and were turned away on a Saturday afternoon. They were friendly, but said they were booked until 5pm. It was pretty inside; however there was nobody there at all getting their nails done, so how could they be booked up? They did recommend another place that did a great job, but were very expensive. I may go back if I had an appointment. Who doesn’t have staff on a Saturday afternoon?

I came in for a pedicure late afternoon and was immediately taken care of. The lady who served me, Hang, was very nice, courteous, and perhaps most importantly, very meticulous in treating my feet/​toenails. She took her time and made sure everything was perfect :-)

I really enjoyed the mani/​pedi that I got from Hang. She did a good job and took her time to make sure everything was perfect. And their mani/​pedi is only $ 38! which is cheaper than other nail salons in Lorton. I will definitely come back to get my nails done here.
On the hair side… I am not sure… I went in for a consultation for highlights and I had the most weird/​awkward experience with the store owner, who was doing the consultation.

I have always liked this place for nail services, they are more like a spa, not the «nail chop shops» but today, $ 60 $ for a shellac manicure? Really? I must look like a sucker. Oh and what is up with the creepy guy behind the counter that never says a word??? If he is the owner, he needs to speak!

I forget the lady’s name that did my hair, but it was the best place so far that I have gone to get my hair done !

This place is great. You can get almost everything done at one salon. Dee does the best manicure. The only downside is that they are a bit more pricey than other nail salons in the area, however they do great work.

Have been going for years and always leave relaxed and happy. Both massage and nail services are great. I call to make an appointment and can usually get same day. Staff is very nice and place is peaceful.

I am reviewing this place again for two reasons. went back after not being there for awhile AND my other review (along with a bunch of other 5 stars) was filtered for some reason.
I love this place. I love the atmosphere and the people. Mainly Michelle, Jane, and Maurice who are always super friendly.
I usually get my eyebrows waxed but was talked into trying the new rage of threading. DO.NOT.LIKE. for those who do — good for you. but it took longer and was more painful than waxing and i didnt see a big difference. So ill stick to waxing.
Other than that. got a great cut and color. again!

I gave this place only 3 stars due to the availability for the nail technician, I think they only have 1, therefore you have to work around her schedule but she did a fantastic job compared to other salons I have been to in Alexandria. The ambiance is very relaxing and they offer a full spectrum of services.

Love this place! One stop shopping. Mani/​pedi (they have shellac!), hair, make up, waxing, massage, esthetician… Dee is wonderful. Lived all over the world, tried many different places, this is a great place for regular services.

Winstead! Winstead! Winstead! Where have you been all my life? I really, really love this place. The customer service is wonderful. They actually greet you when you walk in. I’ve never waited longer than 10 minutes to be taken to the chair. I like the fact that from start to finish my hairdresser is focused on me. He’s not running from one client to the next. I also like that I’m not in there for hours upon hours. My appointment is usually no longer than an hour and a half. I love that! The ambiance of the salon is so modern and chic in the way it’s decorated and arranged. Staff is quite professional, knowledgeable and definitely into the well being of your hair. The prices are very reasonable, which in itself is a reason to try them out. Haven’t actually indulged in the spa section, but based on my experience so far, I’m sure I will not be disappointed.