From Mike Kohn. You can find Mike on twitter @mike_kohn or you can email him at mike[AT]borderstan.com.
Time to cut your hair? (Luis Gomez Photos)
When I was in college, I thought it would be a fun experiment to see how long my hair could grow, having had dreams of rocking a ponytail in my younger days. Combined with a European study abroad experience that only served to enable my questionable decision by showcasing how the Spaniards “pulled off” (in their eyes) the mullet look, I did succeed in growing my hair – though unfortunately, it grew out on both sides of my head, but not down in a way that actually made me look good.
My friends and family were generally unimpressed. Having looked back at pictures from that time in my life, I can see why: it was gross.
Luckily, I came to my senses and ultimately got my hair cut to a normal length and have proceeded to get it shorter and shorter in recent memory. The summer heat reaffirms that decision, reducing the already high level of sweat that comes with being outdoors in the District this time of year. To keep my hair length in check, I get a decent number of cuts. And talking with the rest of the Borderstan team, I found that our male contributors care just as much as I do about their coiffing habits, and have their regular places in the neighborhood, ranging from the classic barber shop to the trendy salon.
So where does our crew go?
Dan: “Diego’s [Hair Salon]. The best and friendliest place to go. They give you espresso for morning haircuts.” The place is really an institution. I mean, not only is the 1900 block of Q Street NW, where the salon is located, named after the owner, but the place has its own Wikipedia page. And at $20 for a men’s cut, it’s a good deal, too.
Khelan: “I go to Roberto at Blondie’s [Hair Salon and Studio]. He does a great job, it’s easy to get an appointment and at $40 he’s not very expensive.” Blondie’s is at 1910 18th Street NW, between T and Willard Streets.
Matty: “Zak at Salon Rouge on 17th. His cousin, Salim, owns the shop. Salim and the shop are both on the ballot in the Best of Gay DC voter poll!” A men’s cut at Salon Rouge is $35, so it’s not going to break the bank. You can find Zak and the rest of the gang at 1636 17th Street NW, between Corcoran and R Streets.
Luis: “Carl’s Barbershop on P Street NW, in between Transformer and the cleaners. $18 for a haircut. I have been going there for eight years. I have seen the place change with the neighborhood. Nothing fancy at all and they always have sports on the TV.” You can find the barbershop at 1406 P Street NW.
Just outside the neighborhood, Scott Leibowitz had this one to contribute as well: “Image Hair Studio in Adams Morgan. It was right around the corner from my apartment, and I still go there because one lady “knows” me. Also when it comes to haircuts, I want to sit down and let them cut. Forced awkward chit-chat is at a minimal in the Latino-run barbershop. That and they do a very nice job.” Image is at 1824 Columbia Road NW, between Biltmore Street and Mintwood Place. A men’s cut will run you $20.
As for me, I’ve also been going somewhere close to the ‘hood for a while now since it’s close to where I used to work and there’s something to be said for someone who knows exactly what you want. Selim at Charmed Salon in the Farragut Square area is that guy for me. He does a great job and gets me in and out in a snap for $40. You can find Charmed at 1134 19th Street NW, between L and M Streets.
Did we miss any good places to get a men’s cut? Let us know if you’ve got a good place to go that we missed!
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
Jack Jacobson will host a beauty night at Salon Rouge and a happy hour at Stoney’s on Friday, August 24. (Luis Gomez Photos)
This weekend is all about beautifying yourself and DC’s public schools, while getting to know local politicians and community members.
On Saturday, August 25, get involved in your community and help to make the first day of school the best it can be for local students! From 8 am until 1 pm, volunteers from across the DC metro area will help spruce up the city’s schools by participating in DCPS’s Annual Beautification Day. Sign-up as an individual or a group by calling (202) 724-4881 or via email at [email protected].
Actually, on Friday, August 24, start your weekend off right with a blowout, drinks and appetizers at Salon Rouge (636 17th Street NW). Ladies are invited to the event (from 7:30 until 10 pm) with a $25 contribution to Jack Jacobson for DC. Meanwhile, the gentlemen are invited to a community happy hour at Stoney’s (1433 P Street NW) from 5 until 8 pm.
Have kids? Don’t worry. RSVPs will be notified in advance of two local homes in the Dupont/Logan Circle areas with experienced sitters, courtesy of Jack Jacobson for DC.
More information on the evening’s events is available on the Facebook page. Those needing complimentary sitters please RSVP with an email to [email protected].
Jack Jacobson is currently the Dupont Circle Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for ANC 2B-04, and is running for State Board of Education for Ward 2.
Borderstan: News from Dupont-Logan-U Street.
Borderstan thanks this weeks advertisers for their support. Remember to Think Local First and support local businesses in DC and the Dupont-Logan-U Street neighborhood.
Hank’s Oyster Bar: “Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge now has two happy hour events a a day.” At 1624 Q Street NW, just off 17th Street.
Jack Evans 2012: “Jack Evans: Leading DC’s economic recovery.” Campaign office at 1402 14th Street NW.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe: “Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is DC’s only full-service restaurant and complete bar combined with an independent bookstore.” Just north of Dupont Circle at 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Level One: “Level One is casual chic. The perfect place for the first date or friends meeting for dinner. Large parties are no problem, the music’s great & the atmosphere is pure energy. The venue has a large outdoor seating area and is located below Cobalt.” At 17th and R Streets NW.
The Rutstein Group: A Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “In today’s market it’s important that your agent has the latest technology working for you! Drop us an email and tell us what you are looking for.” Office at 1606 17th Street NW.
Salon Rouge: “Perfection in hair and skin care standards is a must for all of our clients. Our stylists are L’Oreal trained and we proudly carry the title of “L’Oreal Professional Elite Hair Salon.” At 1636 17th Street NW, just south of R Street.
Stem: Clothing, jewelry and accessories for men and men. “Fashion accessories for both men and women. Nannapat Pollert collaborates with Thai designers presenting all handmade and exclusive collections that are simply-beautiful.” At 1412 U Street NW.
VIDA Fitness: “A FREE 3-Day Membership to DC’s hottest fitness clubs! Start a new fitness plan or continue in your fitness journey with VIDA Fitness at any of our 4 downtown urban chic fitness clubs.” In the Borderstan area, VIDA is at 1612 U Street NW and at the Metropole, 1517 15th Street NW.
Get information about advertising on Borderstan.com.
Borderstan: News from Dupont-Logan-U Street.
Borderstan thanks this weeks advertisers for their support. Remember to Think Local First and support local businesses in DC and the Dupont-Logan-U Street neighborhood.
Hank’s Oyster Bar: “Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge now has two happy hour events a a day.” At 1624 Q Street NW, just off 17th Street.
Jack Evans 2012: “Jack Evans: Leading DC’s economic recovery.” Campaign office at 1402 14th Street NW.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe: “Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is DC’s only full-service restaurant and complete bar combined with an independent bookstore.” Just north of Dupont Circle at 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Level One: “Level One is casual chic. The perfect place for the first date or friends meeting for dinner. Large parties are no problem, the music’s great & the atmosphere is pure energy. The venue has a large outdoor seating area and is located below Cobalt.” At 17th and R Streets NW.
The Rutstein Group: A Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “In today’s market it’s important that your agent has the latest technology working for you! Drop us an email and tell us what you are looking for.” Office at 1606 17th Street NW.
Salon Rouge: “Perfection in hair and skin care standards is a must for all of our clients. Our stylists are L’Oreal trained and we proudly carry the title of “L’Oreal Professional Elite Hair Salon.” At 1636 17th Street NW, just south of R Street.
Stem: Clothing, jewelry and accessories for men and men. “Fashion accessories for both men and women. Nannapat Pollert collaborates with Thai designers presenting all handmade and exclusive collections that are simply-beautiful.” At 1412 U Street NW.
VIDA Fitness: “A FREE 3-Day Membership to DC’s hottest fitness clubs! Start a new fitness plan or continue in your fitness journey with VIDA Fitness at any of our 4 downtown urban chic fitness clubs.” In the Borderstan area, VIDA is at 1612 U Street NW and at the Metropole, 1517 15th Street NW.
Get information about advertising on Borderstan.com.
Borderstan: News from Dupont-Logan-U Street.
Borderstan.com thanks this weeks advertisers for their support. Remember to Think Local First and support local businesses in DC and the Dupont-Logan-U Street neighborhood.
VIDA Fitness: “A FREE 3-Day Membership to DC’s hottest fitness clubs! Start a new fitness plan or continue in your fitness journey with VIDA Fitness at any of our 4 downtown urban chic fitness clubs.” In the Borderstan area, check out VIDA at 1612 U Street NW and at the Metropole at 1517 15th Street NW.
The Rutstein Group: A Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “In today’s market it’s important that your agent has the latest technology working for you! Drop us an email and tell us what you are looking for.” Office at 1606 17th Street NW.
Stem: Clothing, jewelry and accessories for men and men. “Visit us for the holidays. Fashion accessories for both men and women. Nannapat Pollert collaborates with Thai designers presenting all handmade and exclusive collections that are simply-beautiful.” Located at 1412 U Street NW.
Salon Rouge: “Be exquisite for the holidays. Call for our December specials. Perfection in hair and skin care standards is a must for all of our clients. Our stylists are L’Oreal trained and we proudly carry the title of “L’Oreal Professional Elite Hair Salon.” Located at 1636 17th Street NW, just south of R Street.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe: “Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is DC’s only full-service restaurant and complete bar combined with an independent bookstore.” Located just north of Dupont Circle at 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Hank’s Oyster Bar: “Ring in the New Year with great food and great company.” Make New Year’s Eve reservations and find out about their Champagne specials. Located at 1624 Q Street NW, just off 17th Street.
Get information about advertising on Borderstan.com.
Borderstan: News from Dupont-Logan-U Street.
Borderstan.com thanks this weeks advertisers for their support. Remember to Think Local First and support local businesses in DC and the Dupont-Logan-U Street neighborhood.
VIDA Fitness: “A FREE 3-Day Membership to DC’s hottest fitness clubs! Start a new fitness plan or continue in your fitness journey with VIDA Fitness at any of our 4 downtown urban chic fitness clubs.” In the Borderstan area, check out VIDA at 1612 U Street NW and at the Metropole at 1517 15th Street NW.
The Rutstein Group: A Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “In today’s market it’s important that your agent has the latest technology working for you! Drop us an email and tell us what you are looking for.” Office at 1606 17th Street NW.
Stem: Clothing, jewelry and accessories for men and men. “Visit us for the holidays. Fashion accessories for both men and women. Nannapat Pollert collaborates with Thai designers presenting all handmade and exclusive collections that are simply-beautiful.” Located at 1412 U Street NW.
Salon Rouge: “Be exquisite for the holidays. Call for our December specials. Perfection in hair and skin care standards is a must for all of our clients. Our stylists are L’Oreal trained and we proudly carry the title of “L’Oreal Professional Elite Hair Salon.” Located at 1636 17th Street NW, just south of R Street.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe: “Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is DC’s only full-service restaurant and complete bar combined with an independent bookstore.” Located just north of Dupont Circle at 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Hank’s Oyster Bar: “Ring in the New Year with great food and great company.” Make New Year’s Eve reservations and find out about their Champagne specials. Located at 1624 Q Street NW, just off 17th Street.
Get information about advertising on Borderstan.com.
Borderstan: News from Dupont-Logan-U Street.
Borderstan.com thanks this weeks advertisers for their support. Remember to Think Local First and support local businesses in DC.
Central Properties: “Look to us for all of your residential and commercial real estate needs in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Our services include residential brokerage, development properties and property management.”
Hank’s Oyster Bar: “Ring in the New Year with great food and great company.” Make New Year’s Eve reservations and find out about their Champagne specials. Located at 1624 Q Street NW, just off 17th Street.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe: “Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is DC’s only full-service restaurant and complete bar combined with an independent bookstore.” Located just north of Dupont Circle at 1517 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Salon Rouge: “Be exquisite for the holidays. Call for our December specials. Perfection in hair and skin care standards is a must for all of our clients. Our stylists are L’Oreal trained and we proudly carry the title of “L’Oreal Professional Elite Hair Salon.” Located at 1636 17th Street NW, just south of R Street.
Stem: Clothing, jewelry and accessories for men and men. “Visit us for the holidays. Fashion accessories for both men and women. Nannapat Pollert collaborates with Thai designers presenting all handmade and exclusive collections that are simply-beautiful.” Located at 1412 U Street NW.
The Rutstein Group: A Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “In today’s market it’s important that your agent has the latest technology working for you! Drop us an email and tell us what you are looking for.” Office at 1606 17th Street NW.
VIDA Fitness: “A FREE 3-Day Membership to DC’s hottest fitness clubs! Start a new fitness plan or continue in your fitness journey with VIDA Fitness at any of our 4 downtown urban chic fitness clubs.” In the Borderstan area, check out VIDA at 1612 U Street NW and at the Metropole at 1517 15th Street NW.
Get information about advertising on Borderstan.com.
Salim Elalami in front of Salon Rouge, 1636 17th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)
For Borderstan‘s ongoing series on local entrepreneurs and retail businesses, we sat down with Salim Elalami, owner of Salon Rouge and former partner in the Subairi salon on R Street.
Elalami came to the United States from Casablanca, Morocco, as a teenager and attended the University of Maryland on a soccer scholarship. Unable to meet the additional costs of college life, Elalami went to work, starting as a busboy in Georgetown, working his way up to a bartender and eventually becoming part of restaurant management.
Next, Elalami enrolled in hair styling classes at a local academy, with the encouragement of a hairdresser friend. According to Elalami, he knew itt would be better hours than the long nights of bartending, which kept him working until 4 am.
After attending hair styling classes, he eventually worked for a salon on Connecticut Avenue and later opened Subairi with a business parnter in 2000. Almost a decade later, he opened Salon Rouge at 1636 17th Street NW.
Borderstan: What other jobs did you have before becoming a hair stylist?
Elalami: Not only did I work as a busboy and bartender in Georgetown, but I also taught tennis lessons while I was living in San Diego.
Subairi Salon is now Salon Rouge on 17th Street NW, just south of R Street. (Photo: Luis Gomez.)
Salim, owner of Subairi Salon at 1635 R Street, has been cutting my hair for almost 15 years. He has moved his shop around the corner to 17th Street (just south of R on the west side) and renamed it Salon Rouge. He showed me the space before it opened; it’s lighter, roomier and has more space for spa services.
