Alter Ego

We had a a pedi party for my friend's birthday last night at Alter Ego. From the get go this place was so accomodating. They totally went out of their way to make sure we were accomodated and everyone enjoyed themselves. They made a great impression on me and all my friends. The atmosphere was super cool as well. Definitely worth checking out!

Pros: nice & accomodating staff, great pedis & manis

Posted 11/19/09

I was offered a deal to come try a stylist for free so I did. Hannah was my stylist and she was great! I loved my haircut and my natural curl really comes out. I will definantly go back and be glad to the salon price for the haircut.

Pros: Great stylist and cool place!

Cons: have to pay to park downtown

Posted 10/20/09

Absolutely wonderful. I had a last minute cancellation from my regular hair stylist--for my wedding. However, she recommended Trever, and now I recommend him to you. The morning of my wedding, Trever was on time (early, in fact, at 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday at that), kind, and just a general joy to be around. He styled my hair beautifully, and I'd gladly visit again.

Pros: Trever and the rest of the lovely staff

Cons: None

Posted 10/19/09

About 7 of my coworkers and I went to Alter Ego for various services one night. We were able to hang out together while we waited for our services away from the other guests. We had a blast and the services were great. Julia cut and styled my hair. I LOVE IT! She was super nice and really listened to what I wanted. Thanks to Julia and everyone else at Alter Ego.

Pros: Good vibe, awesome haircut

Cons: it's a little hard to find the first time

Posted 09/26/09

Hannah cut my hair today and it looks amazing!!!! Great Job Girl!!!! I will be booking with Hannah agian next time!

Pros: Great atmosphere, Super friendly, Great Style

Cons: none

Posted 08/20/09

I just had my hair done Saturday by Trevor and it looks amazing!!!! He took my horrible bleach job and gave my beautiful brown hair that looks natural and healthy! I have been looking for a great stylist in the area and have now found one. My color looks AWESOME!!!

Pros: great hair

Cons: none

Posted 08/18/09

Mary Taylor is where it's at ladies and gents! I always love my haircut after she's gotten her hands on it, even when i have no idea what is going to be done. Not only will you love your hair, but she's super friendly and cute! everyone should check her out at least once in their lifetime :) keep doin it girrrrl

Pros: great location, great haircut

Posted 07/23/09

I have naturally curly hair. Hannah Miller always has good ideas about how to change the style/cut so I don't get bored. She's creative, talented, and fun to talk to. I've recommended Alter Ego to friends and know that some of them have already been and chosen it as their new salon.

Pros: fun environment, good art, hip stylists, good music

Posted 07/22/09

Katelyn has been doing my hair for about two years now, and it is always awesome! She not only wants to make your hair look great, but also stay healthy! She recommends great products and is AMAZING at color. My highlights get better and better each time I go! I recommend her to everyone, and not a day goes by without someone commenting on how cute my hair is!

Katelyn McGinn is a hair genius!

Pros: LOVE my haircut and color!!

Posted 07/20/09

Katelyn has been doing my hair for a few months now. She is uber creative and full of ideas to work with the client on what would be best for them. She knows the newest cuts/styles and coloring techniques as well as what products will work best for your look. I highly recommend Katelyn to everyone who is looking for a great modern hairstyle!

Pros: Full of ideas for different hairstyles, Great at coloring

Posted 07/20/09

I have been living in Chapel Hill for 6 years, but I had never gotten my hair cut there until recently. I found Julia, and I don't think I will ever let anyone else cut my hair! She is extremely nice and had great advice about updating my age-old hair style. Alter Ego is a beautiful salon, and Julia seems to fit great into the atmosphere there. I definitely recommend the salon, and Julia in particular, to anyone.

Posted 07/19/09

I went to get Alter Ego on Wednesday to get my hair done for the second time by Drew. I have crazy curly frizzy hair and he gave me some advice ...rinse with cold water. Best advise I have ever received. If you have curly hair this is your man..my hair looks faaabulous. I have never felt so foxy and to boot...when I left the salon some guy chased me down Hargett to tell me how beautiful my hair was...

Posted 07/17/09

She is fabulous! Very professional and a great listener. I love this salon I am even having my wedding party get fabulous here!!

Posted 07/16/09

I consider my self very lucky to have Julia as my stylist and my husband stylist for the past 2 years. Her passion, energy and her extraordinary talent with her remarkable professional personal manner have made such a difference. I always love my hair and she is so great at teaching you how to style it yourself and what products work best for you. I know she is new to Alter Ego but I can say with full confidence that you would find her as expectionally talented as we do.

Pros: Exceptional Out of the Ordinary passionate hair stylist

Posted 07/16/09

Julia Waldrop is an amazing stylist. I have followed her from her Chapel Hill Salon to her new location at Alter ego and have never left unsatisfied. I always love my hair so much when I leave!! :)

Pros: Great Staff!

Cons: none

Posted 07/16/09

My Stylist for the past 8 years recently had a baby and left the industry to be a stay-at-home mom. I was devastated as I know how difficult it is to find the right stylist. A friend of mine had recently found Alter EGO and decided to try it out and absolutley loved it. She reccommended Julia as the stylist. I, very nervously, decided to try Julia out for a cut and color. All I can say is "Julia, your shears must be on fire because my hair is SMOKING HOT!" This was the best my hair ever looked. Julia is truly amazing. She's professional, nice, articulate and truly listened to what I wanted. Her skills are second to none! She worked quickly, paid close attention to detail and all the while made me feel like a valued guest! Her natural ability to see what works with your face structure and features is amazing. I feel so blessed to have found her. All this in a truly modern, trendy salon. What more can you ask for! I highly reccommend Alter EGO and Julia!

Pros: Julia, Professionalism, Amazing Results

Cons: None!

Posted 07/16/09

I'm more of a laid-back girl, who prefers a more natural, low-maintenance style. I became a customer of Brandy's at her previous salon and decided to give her a try after recommendations from friends. I should note that the friends who suggested her also have way more artistic and colorful styles than I've ever been brave enough to try. She's a master of fun colors and cuts. So I was a little concerned she'd try to persuade me to try something too edgy or just 'not me.' I had a previous hairdresser who frequently told me to cut my hair short, despite my own preference for a longer length. Any fears were put to rest the moment I sat in her chair. She puts just as much time, effort and care into my not-so-cutting-edge style as she does the trendy folks. Her highlights are the most-natural I've ever received.

Pros: fun, friendly, and exceptionally skilled

Cons: alter ego is a little pricey

Posted 07/15/09

I've moved around a fair amount and during that time, I've constantly searched for a stylist that was highly skilled in both cut and color. You laugh, but not everyone can do both well. When I started going to Brandy two years ago, the search was over!

As I like mixing it up and doing funky things with my hair, Brandy has been perfect to work with. She can anticipate what I might not be able to convey in salon speak and always makes sure you're comfortable with what her plan is as she talks you through it.

I followed Brandy to Alter Ego from her last salon and while I love the environment and location of the salon, the pricing is getting out of my budget these days, unless it's to really treat myself. Comparing against other salons in this area though, the price is comparable so if you can swing it, I highly recommend Brandy!

Posted 07/15/09

Brandy has been cutting my hair for years (3 salons now...). I drive from Durham to get her to cut it - she's fun, gives a great haircut, is happy to chat or not, and always has great hair herself.

Pros: brandy, pretty inside

Cons: you have to climb stairs? or be seen being lazy on the elev.

Posted 07/15/09

Brandy Derr consistently gives me a wonderful haircut. She can be counted on to remember the weirdnesses of my head which is good, b/c I am old and can't remember by myself.
Also, the Alter Ego location is beautiful. They've done a great job with the space.
Recently they added an extra zero to my total on my debit card, THAT was pretty exciting when I looked at my bank account! But the staff was attentive and fixed the error quickly.
GO Brandy!

Pros: A great haircut for a great price

Posted 07/15/09

Brandy Derr (aka Trudy Struction of the Carolina Rollergirls) has been doing my hair for years now. We met as roller derby teammates. Almost everyone I know gets their hair done by her. Everyone's hair is fresh and funky, yet, all different in style. This girl's got it goin' on. Get your appointment today!

Pros: Brandy's creativity brings excitement to my hair-do days

Cons: too many mirrors in the shop

Posted 07/15/09

I came to Alter EGO because I could choose available appointments online--I love this. When you come in, you can wait in the lounge with water or a glass of wine. During my first cut, Hannah asked me questions to get to know me and my hair, how I handled it and I got a great cut that lasted and grew out great. The layers were wonderful. She'll entertain any product questions you have and if she's not sure, she'll happily pull in another stylist for an opinion. Each time I come in, she has tips for how to make styling easier. Hannah's also very funny and really easy to talk to.

It's a really nice place to be while you're getting your hair done and seems like such a happy environment. I keep recommending them and will keep coming back.

Pros: Beautiful salon, online appts, & everyone is so friendly.

Cons: A little hard to find unless you're looking for it.

Posted 07/15/09

I have been getting my hair cut by Brandy since 43 B.C. and she has always given me the best trim job around. Having your hair cut by her is a life altering experience. She is up beat, funny, and does an all around fantastic job. I would recommend her to anyone!!! Keep up the good work BD.

-Tuddy

Pros: hot chicks, free drinks with cuts..did I mention hot chicks?

Cons: this place might be to awesome

Posted 07/15/09

I went 6 years cutting my own hair because I grew tired of horrible stylists giving me all the wrong cuts. 3 years ago Brandy talked me into "trusting her to try something" and I've been going back ever since!

The first few times she asked me to try something a little different I got nervous, but always walked out excited not only at how cool it was, but how it looked right on ME.

Even now that i'm going more conservative for work, the cut's always perfect, the color's gorgeous, and she shows me ways to make it more fun when i want it.

Plus, everyone that works there is really fun and entertains you with great stories. Brandy's pretty much my favorite storyteller in Raleigh, how she can multi-task and give you such fabulous hair at the same time I'll never know!

Pros: Creativity that is custom for your face/hair/style

Cons: makes me jealous i can't tell such great stories

Posted 07/15/09

Hannah Miller is so wonderful! She takes the time to get to know you and she always does what works for you. She also takes the time to show you techniques for styling your own hair. I love that! She is so fun and friendly too! The time flies!

Pros: Great location, beautiful space

Posted 07/15/09

Brandy gives great haircut!!!

Pros: cool atmosphere, Brandy rocks, drinks served

Cons: can't hang out there all day

Posted 07/15/09

Brandy transformed my husbands hair from a Prince Valiant helmet head to a super hot David Cassidy. Thanks Brandy!

Pros: Brandy Derr

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/15/09

If you are looking for a fresh style go and see Brandy at Alter Ego.

I used to stylist-hop from shop to shop. That is until I started seeing Brandy. She has helped me usher in some of my most beautiful and effortless styles.

She is the right stylist if you want a up-to-date chic style. Brandy believes in allowing hair to move when being worn, so her cuts are designed to look good whether I flatiron my hair or not.

Brandy's styling tips have helped me to not have the day after stress of not being able to re-create the hair I walked out of Alter Ego with.

My style stock has soared since sitting in Brandy's chair.

If Brandy says "can I try something" I encourage anyone to let go a little bit and let this full service master stylist drive you to your beauty destination.

Pros: atmosphere, talent, products

Cons: I can't go more often

Posted 07/15/09

I've been going to Drew since he started doing hair (5 years now) and I have always had a good experience. My color always looks fabulous and he always cuts my hair perfectly. I couldn't ask for a better stylist. It truly makes my day when I get my hair done by him. I would recommend him to anyone. Go see Drew!

Pros: Drew, relaxing, huge space, upscale, trendy

Cons: parking

Posted 07/15/09

brandy is great and a beer or glass of wine while you wait,its perfect.

Pros: brandy and a beer

Cons: nope

Posted 07/15/09

Brandy always has great ideas for my hair. I totally trust her. She also really great with coloring. All my friends go to her, and we look great! In addition, Brandy is real, hilarious, and fun-loving. I'll totally keep going to her as long as I live within range.

Pros: creative talent - Brandy is great at what she does!

Posted 07/15/09

I followed my superstar stylist Drew from the Cary salon he was at to Alter Ego. I have been with Drew for a year, and I have NEVER been disappointed. Not even once. From the first time I met him, he made me feel like I really mattered as a client to him, and he has never made me feel like I was bothering him or that I didn't belong there. Pretty much all of the salons that I had ever been to previously made me feel like it was a waste of their time for me to be there, or the stylist said not even three words to me because they were too busy discussing whatever with another stylist. Drew ALWAYS listens to whatever I have to say, and since I trust him completely with my hair, there have been times where I tell him, go ahead, surprise me. I promise, he is really that GOOD. If he were to move to another country, I swear I would follow him. That is how much I trust this man with my hair.!!

Pros: Drew is amazing, everyone is friendly, upscale atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 07/14/09

I have been seeing Drew for 3 years now, and I have never been unhappy with anything he has done. I am into changing my look a lot and he always has a great idea and it is always so easy to make my hair look good even after I get home. I will continue to see Drew, I know he is very talented and very professional. He is awesome!!

Pros: Great atmosphere, great Stylists

Posted 07/14/09

I thought I would never find another hairdresser after mine moved to Europe and then I found Drew. I took him photographs of my haircuts from my previous hair stylist and even a runway model and he nailed it the first time. There is never a week that goes by that someone doesnt comment on my hair and ask who cuts it. I send everyone I know to Drew. Cant imagine anyone ever giving him a bad review. I absolutely adore him!

Pros: best i've found

Cons: none

Posted 07/14/09

I had to find a great salon, and someone great to do my hair the day before my graduation. I looked online, and thought that Drew would help me out, and expected much out of my visit to AlterEgo after reading reviews and looking at photos of the place. i told him what i wanted in my hair, and i noticed he did not touch my color at my bangs and i had noticable root growth....youd figure since he has an assistant and is an educator for the salon, that he would touch every spot and get every strand of my hair fixed.....when it came time to blowdry, my hair was frizzy and not blown out at all (usually my hair (short bob) can be blow-dryed straight). yes, the color was pretty.....a little orange in some spots, and when i was walking to my car, i felt the back of my hair.....which was WET, and let me remind everyone.....as a hair stylist you NEVER let your client leave with a wet head (if you blowdry their hair) So, i guess Drew was in a hurry because his next client showed up and he didnt waste a minute until he started working on her.

the girl at the front desk was very nice and welcoming, but i will NEVER get my hair done at alterego again....drew was preoccupied with drama going on with another stylist and didnt foil my whole head.....

Pros: Nice setting, beautiful place

Cons: Left with wet hair, and chopped bangs and hair

Posted 07/06/09

I have finally found a salon and stylist that meets my NYC standards! The salon is trendy and all of the staff are professional and friendly. Trevor is amazing! I have really long hair and most stylists want to chop it off.....but Trevor listened to what I wanted and gave me the perfect cut. My color is also AWESOME!!! I get compliments on it everyday! Alter Ego is THE salon to go to in Raleigh and Trevor is the BOMB!

Pros: Trendy and Professional with Awesome Customer Service!

Posted 05/15/09

I've been very pleased with the cut/color Mary Taylor gave me last week. My hair is long which can be an awkward style for a middle aged woman, however, Mary Taylor has design a cut for me which is both stylish and easy to care for. I love the color, brunette with very sublte highlights. I also enjoyed her friendly, easy going manner. This is why, in this age of automation and often impersonal and less than satisfactory service, when I find someone who can "give me what I want" I like to take the time to write a review and give my recommendation.

Pros: warm personality, expert color

Posted 05/03/09

Mary Taylor is so creative. I want "something different" and she gives me a great new look!
I highly recommend!

Pros: great place, very friendly

Cons: none

Posted 05/02/09

Dana (the owner) is the stylist I see and she is fantastic! She's so sweet and is the definition of perfectionist. She will spend an hour cutting your hair to make sure it's perfect. She really listens to everything and always makes creative suggestions. The space is breathtaking as well. Go, if you haven't yet!

Pros: Talented Artists

Cons: None

Posted 04/20/09

OFF THE CHARTS!?
Drew is the most amazing stylist! He is urban and fun and can give you something that is eye catching. After I go and see him to get my hair cut/colored everywhere I go people want to know where they can go to get such an amazing cut! Hands down he is who to go and see if you like fun trendy urban out of the ordinary hair! :)

Pros: Amazing Quality Cuts that are unique, urban, trendy, etc.

Cons: none-this place rocks!!

Posted 04/05/09

The only reason this place gets a two stars is because my stylist was amazing.

I went to Alter Ego because I was in a wedding and all of the bridal party was getting their hair done there. There had been issues with the manager figuring out what I needed done to my hair but after a phone conversation with her everything got figured out and I asked for what the total price for a relaxer, wash, blowdry and style would be. She told me "The cost for the relaxer, wash, blowdry, and style will be $75" and I said "Ok, see you on Saturday."

After my stylist finished my relaxer and blowdry I went to the register to pay the $75 + tip.

When THE OWNER rang me up, she told me the total would be $125 because I had gotten my hair dried. I asked her if I could have gotten a relaxer and not had my hair dried and she said no it was part of getting my hair relaxed. I told her that I had been quoted that the cost would be $75 two days earlier when my appointment was finalized and she said, "Sorry" and ran my card for $125. Not wanting to make a big scene, I signed the slip and went outside with the rest of the bridal party. It turns out that everyone else in the bridal party had been charged $10-$25 more than the cost we had been quoted two days earlier with no explanation from the owner.

That's no way to treat people in a highly referral based business. I won't be returning there again or reccommending any of the other brides I work with.

Pros: Trevor, who was my stylist, is absolutely amazing

Cons: I was charged $50 more than what I was told over the phone

Posted 03/12/09

I'll be honest I am at Alter Ego, b/c I followed my stylist there (and I would follow that man to the moon. Yes, he is that good). However, if you like the idea of going to salon that not only has amazing talent (these guys do not lack creativity), but is also as aesthetically interesting and pleasing as a modern art gallery, this is the place for you. Every detail, from the ceilings to the hair washing stations are fascinating to look at. I am never bored as I wait for my hair to process. The staff is friendly and goes out of their way to make sure you are comfortable in your surroundings and with the image you are creating with your stylist. Another perk of going downtown for my hair, is that I schedule my appointments for the very end of the day and then walk out of the salon looking amazing and I am right there at Moore Square ready to take in a night of fun.

Posted 02/02/09

Let me start off by saying that I'm very particular about my hair. I live in Virginia, and I drive the three hours to Raleigh to get my hair done by Mary Carr, and I've traveled to each salon she's moved to. I wouldn't trust anyone else to bleach my hair ;)

Out of all of them, Alter Ego is my favorite. The location is nice, plenty of parking nearby. The actual salon itself is gorgeous. Huge, open space. All of the stylist who work there are nice, coming up to talk to me even though I'm not their client. Complimenting hair styles, etc.

Overall, it's a great environment, and I'd suggest it to anyone looking for anything from a bleachout to a simple haircut.

Pros: Great Staff with great skill.

Cons: The price might be tough for some people.

Posted 01/30/09

Alter EGO has a great atmosphere, friendly service and great stylists. I especially enjoy the location on Hargett Street -- it's just wonderful to walk over for a quick (and relaxing) haircut during my lunch hour. If you work downtown, you should try it!

Pros: close to downtown

Posted 01/09/09

I'm one of those that usually gets the cheapest cut I can deal with... great clips was a staple. I started going to AlterEgo one first friday after work since it was just down the street and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Great atmosphere and a great treat for all those hours of work every month. I get cut, color, and eyebrows every visit and have never been unhappy with the service. Give them a try!

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Price, catch one of their awesome specials or incentives!

Posted 01/01/09

I am in construction and would usually not go to a salon for a haircut. Just not my thing. When I found alter ego, my opinion of salons changed. The service is great, everyone is really friendly and they keep me looking sharp for those important business meetings. Thanks Alter Ego, you're the best.

Posted 12/10/08

not only is it in an awesome location, really cool decor, but they make you feeel like you are the only customer. trevor does an amazing job! i just moved here from atlanta looking for a new salon and i have found it. i highly recommend alter ego to both women and men.

Posted 11/21/08

I recently moved from Michigan and now I work downtown Raleigh and LOVE the fact that I can go on my lunch hour and get my haircut!!! The service is great and the ability to schedule appointments online makes things so much easier. I found my stylist and won't be going to any other salon but Alter EGO!!!

Pros: Great Location, Ease of Scheduling, Great Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 11/20/08

So I walked into Alter Ego with an idea in mind and a head of long hair long since in need of a good cut, and left with the greatest haircut I've ever received. The stylist, Dede, was friendly and creative, willing and energetic in crafting my new do. I'm used to drab conversations and awkward silences while getting my haircut, but this experience was totally different. I felt comfortable talking to her and she was even helpful in directing me towards the selection of a tattoo artist, while also filling me in on the local art scene- two topics on which I had long since needed advice.
I felt at ease while the long bunches of hair fell to the floor, reveling in my excitement, as well as her own, throughout the entire process.
Alter Ego is aesthetically pleasing, calling more to mind an art studio than a hair salon, with supply drawers flush with the mirrored walls that free up the clutter of your usual salon or barber shop. I was welcomed with an offer of a drink and greeted with a smile and a handshake.
After the cut I was greeted with genuine smiles and compliments from both Dede and the font desk staff. Finally Dede handed me some samples of products and at no time did I feel the pressure to purchase products immediately. Instead, I booked my next trim for a month from now.
As I walked down Hargett back to my car, I busily worked my way down my contact list recommending the place to everyone I knew in the entire Triangle area.

WELL DONE!!!!!

Pros: Ambiance, Stylists, Staff, Location, Parking

Posted 11/10/08

I just made my first trip to Alter Ego and I was really impressed! The salon is sleek and stylish, the staff friendly and welcoming. Deevender cut and styled my hair perfectly, paying close attention to what I wanted and what worked for me. I will highly recommend her and Alter Ego to all my friends!

Posted 11/03/08