I should start by saying this review is long overdue. I have been a client of Jessica's for over 2 years and will NEVER go anywhere else!
I had been getting my hair done by a stylist in Old Town who put I Tip extensions in using the wrong beads and they started to literally rip my hair out. After two weeks of her avoiding me and then completely disappearing I turned elsewhere for help.
I was recommended to Jo Paris by a friend and called frantically and in tears explaining my situation. Not only was my hair being ripped out by the extensions, bits of my scalp were being ripped out with them (not a joke, I still have the pictures). Jessica Ouaknine took my call and quickly jumped into action. They were completely booked that day but she was able to find a stylist that volunteered to stay late (after they were supposed to be closed) to help me! She also stayed behind to meet me and find out exactly what the problem was. They took out all of my extensions and I learned that my hair was much too thin for the beads the girl used and the hair was way too heavy which was causing it to rip out. I was so upset, extensions and putting them in aren't cheap and I had just paid all that money two weeks prior to have them put in my someone who obviously didn't know what she was doing.
After they took the extensions out they did a treatment on my hair and had to cut a lot off because it was in such bad shape. Jessica had a heart to heart with me about the condition of my hair and one of the many reasons why I will never let anyone else touch my hair is because she was HONEST. I of course wanted extensions in asap but she told me that we needed to basically nurse my hair back to health before we did anything to it. A lot of people would've just taken my money and not cared that it probably would've further damaged my hair but not Jessica. She sat with me and asked me all sorts of questions about the products and tools I use on a daily basis, asked me what I've done to it in the past etc. She really did care! I had no idea how bad of a job I was doing taking care of my hair until she showed me the right way to do it. I've probably been to a dozen hair dressers in my life and this was the first time someone took the time out to basically give me hair care 101.
She set up a series of treatments and sent me home with product that really did bring my hair back to life. It took several months to get to the point where she felt comfortable putting the CORRECT extensions using the right beads for my hair type back in. When she did they looked FLAWLESS! They were so precise and the color was dead on! Jessica does not half ass anything and would never let me leave her chair unless she is 110% confident that what I came in to achieve was accomplished. I have gotten treatments, cuts, color, extensions etc. from her and no matter what I go in for I always leave feeling like a million bucks. You cannot teach the kind of passion and dedication she has for her craft. The unique, kind and genuinely caring person that she is spills into her work and I am so happy I found her. She also keeps me up to date on all of the latest products for hair care and ones that will help me get to my end result a lot quicker (I am determined to have long flowing locks of my own again!).
The salon itself is always very clean and so inviting. Everyone working there is so friendly and cheerful, they really do have the best of the best working there. Did I mention that the owner personally comes over and says hello and chats with me every time I am there? How many people can say that, especially in a salon as big and as busy as Jo Paris. You aren't just another client or a "3 o'clock appointment" but a valued customer and part of their family. Jessica is not only the best stylist in town but I now also consider her a great friend.
You are doing yourself a disservice going to anyone other than Jessica Ouaknine for your hair! I cannot speak highly enough of her and Jo Paris Salon. Thank you so much Jessica for always taking care of me and bringing back my confidence and my sexy back! :)