King Street is glowing, and so will your gift list. I rounded up my favorite beauty picks of the season—luxurious, useful, and ready to grab before your next holiday stop.

When you’re confronted with the weight of major life and business changes, you’re invited into a profound moment of self-reflection—a chance to look inward and ask how you arrived here, and more importantly, where you feel called to go next. Not to judge yourself, but to inspire yourself to choose differently, to step into growth with open eyes and an open heart.

We’re endlessly inspired by the women in our lives. They are busy, brilliant, generous, and juggling more than most will ever know. Whether she needs rest, rejuvenation, or a little everyday luxury, these gifts deliver something she’ll truly love, and absolutely never re-gift.

Every so often, someone walks into your life and quietly reminds you why your work matters. For us, it was a young woman in Alexandria whose hair disaster hid a much deeper crisis—and whose story unfolded into two days of care, patience, and unexpected connection. This week, we share how Elise, Lee, and a little teamwork helped her leave not just restored, but seen.

At deZEN, we believe hair tells a story long before we say a word. For many, thinning hair is one of the most tender chapters. It can surface quietly, shift slowly, and feel deeply personal. But it is also something that can be understood, supported, and softened with the right care.

At deZEN, we believe your hair is your mirror. The way you style it, the color you’re drawn to, or how often you treat yourself to a scalp spa all reflect your current energy and season of life. So, what’s your hair trying to tell you right now?

This month, our curl experts share their favorite insights for caring for and embracing textured hair — along with their go-to products and rituals for bringing out the best in every strand.

Pamela Anderson continues to reinvent herself with a fresh, effortless look that showcases her natural beauty and versatility. Her evolution perfectly mirrors today’s cultural moment - one that celebrates authenticity, individuality, and unapologetic self-expression.

This season is all about balance—fresh, natural skin paired with bold, nostalgic accents. From toasted wine lips and glitter-kissed eyes to fuller brows and tightlined eyes. I’m sharing the looks I’m loving most (and the exact Kevyn Aucoin, T. LeClerc, RMS and Westman Atelier products I reach for at Bellacara to make them happen).

At Salon deZEN, hair care has always been about more than what happens in the chair. It’s about the choices we make, the values we uphold, and the way we care for both people and the planet. So when it came time to evaluate the products we use every day, we asked ourselves: are they still the best fit for who we are now?

When the first leaves start to fall in Old Town Alexandria, beauty shifts right alongside the season. At Salon deZEN, our stylists see color not just as a shade, but as a story. Here are the tones defining fall 2025—and how we’re translating them behind the chair.

Thinking of embracing your gray? You’re not alone. Local boutique owner Amy Rutherford is in the middle of her own silver-hair journey and shares why she’s ready to make the shift. Plus, stylists Maria Elizabeth of Salon deZEN and Luis of Stylists at North offer their expert advice on how to transition gracefully.

September holds its own kind of magic. Maybe it's the way the air begins to smell different, the way the light shifts, or those back-to-school vibes we never quite outgrow. Whatever it is, fall has this energy that whispers, it’s time for something new.

At deZEN, we believe that cultivating a beautiful outer appearance starts with nurturing what’s within. That’s why we pause twice a year as a team for intentional culture meetings—gatherings where we step away from the noise of the day-to-day and refocus on what really matters: how we show up for ourselves, for each other, and for our clients.

In my 40s, I started noticing more hair in the shower, less volume at my crown, and noticeable thinning around my hairline and part. I couldn’t ignore it. If you’re navigating thinning, shedding, or just not feeling at home in your hair right now—I see you. And I want to share what’s worked for me.

Summer in the DMV means sunshine, sweat, and serious humidity—and while we love a good beach day or rooftop brunch, our hair doesn’t always share the vibe. Whether you’re air-drying, pool-hopping, or frizz-fighting, these five stylist-approved tips will keep your hair looking and feeling its best all summer long.

Because of my journey, I now hold a space—a control room of sorts—where all are welcome. Even those with opposing views. I can hold that. I’ve made peace with that. My work, my mission, is to offer space for experience, healing, and authenticity.

There’s a new beauty buzzword making its way into everyday conversations and no, it’s not another TikTok trend. It’s recession hair, and while the name might sound like something pulled from the pages of an economics textbook, the deeper story is one of empowerment, sustainability, and smart beauty choices.

Every summer, I see it—women rushing in from the Virginia humidity, fanning their faces and laughing about how their makeup didn’t stand a chance. I get it. The heat and humidity here don’t play around. I’ve curated a lineup of my favorite beauty essentials that can handle it all. These are the products I recommend over and over because they truly work.

We’ve all heard it: “When a woman changes her hair, she’s about to change her life.” But at deZEN, we’ve lived it—again and again. So, if you’re standing at the edge of a new chapter, don’t be afraid to start with your hair. Whether it’s a major chop, a shift in color, or a gentle refresh—it might be the reset your soul has been quietly asking for. Here’s to becoming.