BEGAN
HOW OUR
Story
Hazel Odessa Rhodes
Hazel O. was an army wife, mother, philanthropist, an active member of her local church, and continued to service clients until she passed at the age of 85 in 2016.
In creating Hazel O. Salon, Marcia and Nikita wanted to provide guests with the same warmth, empowerment, and beautiful hair that their grandmother so gracefully did for fifty plus years. This in mind, it was only right that the salon be set in the epicenter of historic Old Town Alexandria.
"Our grandmother took pride in what is now known as today “self-care.” She graduated from beauty school and serviced clients out of her home where women left feeling beautiful on the inside and out as a result of her warmth, wisdom, and talent."
— Nikita Montgomery
"Paying homage to our grandmother, we designed a luxe, Floridian, loft-style salon with emerald accents - a nod to our grandmother’s home state, and birthstone. The classic furniture mimics her Alexandria home, and live plants adorn the space in honor of grandma’s green thumb."
—Marcia Rhodes Tyler
The two refer to Hazel O. as the quintessential urban beauty oasis, where clients can escape the intensity of the city in a tropical, soothing environment. Guests can enjoy the calming vibe of the salon while getting their hair, lashes, and brows done. The space includes a curated selection of stationery, candles, and the like made by local makers and small business owners from across the country. Hazel O. Salon also features a designated area with a platform ideal for industry classes and events.
Through Hazel O. Marcia and Nikita endeavor to continue their grandmother’s legacy while creating a new standard for salon culture. “Our goal is to provide services that guests rave about, products that meet the needs of all hair textures, and stylists that can achieve both.”
MEET THE TEAM |
NIKITA MONTGOMERY
CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER
Nikita got her start in the beauty industry while working in a salon in college. After completing college and beginning her career she stayed close to the industry - becoming a makeup artist. Her talent and professionalism afforded her the opportunity to work with many notable names and celebrities such as Viola Davis, Skai Jackson, and Soledad O'Brien to name a few. After leaving her career of ten years, and working as a freelance publicist consultant, Nikita partnered with her cousin Marcia to open Hazel O. Salon. The "twin cousins" wanted to create a space where clients could escape and relax. They also wanted to create a professional environment where stylists could do what they love and thrive in a team-centered environment. You won't see Nikita behind the chair but you may see her moving throughout the salon doing whatever needs to be done to keep the brand alive.
ALEXUS BERMUDEZ
Alexus is a west coast transplant who has brought that style with her in full force. Her hair career was born in 2011 and has transpired greatly since, now fine-tuned into a color specialist. Her guests love the conversation, the ease of her presence and leaving the salon feeling fresh. Alexus loves all things color and is able to achieve the most complex transformations with ease. She's worked in elite salons from Denver to D.C. and has found her home at Hazel O.
IG: @alexus.hair
KIERRA MARPEL
Kierra graduated from the Paul Mitchell academy in 2014 and immediately began working in salons across Northern Virginia. As a stylist Kierra enjoys a good transformation whether it comes from a new color, cut, or repair treatment. Guests enjoy Kierra's inviting nature and her ability to color all textures. When she's not in the salon you can usually catch Kierra at your local taco bar!“
IG: @colorsby_ki
DIANA JOYA
Diana came to Hazel O. in September of 2020 as the salon's first apprentice and has been eager to learn as much about her craft ever since. Despite having started her career in the beauty industry as a makeup artist, and eventually learning to do nails, Diana always had an interest in becoming a hairstylist. Diana loves doing color services, quickly becoming familiar with the Wella color line. When she isn’t at the salon, Diana loves spending time with her family and her four-legged bestie, Pumba. Born in El Salvador, Diana's favorite food is pupusas, a traditional favorite.
@styled.diana
EMILY HURTON
Emily Hurton is a recent high school graduate and the newest member of our team, joining us as an apprentice. With a strong passion for learning and a natural eye for detail, Emily is excited to begin her journey in the industry and gain hands-on experience. She brings a positive attitude, eagerness to grow, and a willingness to jump in wherever she’s needed. Outside of work, Emily enjoys exploring new creative outlets and spending time with friends and family.
LWAM HABTAB
Lwam learned to do hair at age 11 and practiced her craft on her seven curly sisters. Later she graduated from Aveda Arts & Science Institute and went on to be a braider, a makeup artist and hair stylist for events before joining Hazel O Salon. As stylist Lwam strives to make her clients happy by making their vision a reality. She loves a good transformation whether it be color cut, or overall health of the hair. When she’s not in the salon, she works with newborns as a phlebotomist. Lwam is a Jack of all trades when it comes to art. In her spare time, she enjoys creative activities like painting, drawing, cooking and embroidery while listening to true crime podcasts.
IG: @myyhairlady
ALICIA PRICE
Alicia’s Hair Journey began in 2021 when she recognized the damage to her own hair and felt inspired to help other women protect and understand their hair health. She pursued her passion at the Aveda Arts & Science Institute, where she refined her skills and deepened her knowledge. From the start, Alicia’s goal has been to create a welcoming space for everyone. Whether it’s a fresh cut, color, or a healthy hair plan, she’s passionate about helping each guest feel confident and cared for. Outside of the salon, Alicia enjoys reading, traveling the world, and exploring new restaurants in the area.
JADA SMITH
Jada Smith discovered her love for hair in 2019, completing cosmetology school at Aveda Institute in 2023. For Jada, being a hairstylist is about more than styling. Jada see's her chair as more than a place for transformation—she views her time with each client as an opportunity for genuine connection and care. Jada enjoys working with guests of all hair types but is especially skilled in the care and styling of curls.
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Q&A
What do you specialize in?
Our team is comprised of a diverse group of stylists specializing in various hair types, textures, and styles. We welcome you to look at our portfolio and our Instagram, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Where should guests park?
Metered parking is plenteous, as well as an affordable paid lot located on St. Asaph & Columbus (about two blocks away). There are also a handful of free parking options on Queen St. (also about two blocks away).
How does your pricing work?
Pricing is based on the stylist and their level of expertise in a specific area, thus you may notice that some stylists services are priced higher or lower than others. Prices found at booking are also base prices and could increase based on length, density, additional chemicals, etc. Pricing is typically discussed and confirmed before the service begins if there are additional fees. If at any point you have questions about the total cost of the service we encourage guests to ask their stylists.
Do you accept tips via credit/debit card?
We love our stylists and encourage guests to tip, this in mind, we've made it easy for guests to tip by accepting tips via credit/debit card. Cash tips are also welcome, but not required.
What if I'm running behind?
Please plan for your reservation accordingly by mapping out arrival times, parking, etc. If you expect to be late please call the salon and let your stylist know. We will make every effort to accommodate you up to 15 minutes after your scheduled time, however we cannot guarantee appointments beyond this grace period. Should you have to reschedule, or fail to show at all - you will be charged per our cancellation policy (accessible in our salon policies).
Are children and pets allowed?
Per salon policy, children under 12, additional guests (not being serviced), and pets are not allowed.