As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the moments that made this year memorable. From personal milestones to business wins and community impact, 2025 reminded us that progress often comes in many forms.

Waxing has long been misunderstood. Many people believe it is always painful, harsh on the skin, and likely to cause ingrowns. In reality, when waxing is done correctly—with education, intention, and the right products—it can be one of the most effective and skin-friendly hair removal methods available.

Shopping for the person who already has it all calls for a different kind of gift—the kind that feels thoughtful, unexpected, and a little unforgettable. This guide is all about experiences, heirloom-worthy pieces, and meaningful luxuries.

Shopping for the men in your life can feel impossible, so we pulled together a guide that actually makes it easy. Whether he’s into style, gadgets, travel or the little luxuries he’d never buy for himself, this list has something that’ll make him light up. From practical upgrades to splurge-worthy treats, consider this your go-to cheat sheet for gifts he’ll actually use, appreciate and maybe even brag about later.

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.

September in Alexandria has its own magic—cooler mornings on King Street, Art on the Avenue around the corner, pumpkin lattes popping up everywhere, and those first cozy evenings along the waterfront. Our contributors shared how they welcome fall in Alexandria.

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.

Alexandria is packed with charm, history, and must-try experiences, so it’s no wonder friends and family are always dropping in. We asked our contributors to share their can’t-miss recommendations for visitors (and locals looking for a little staycation fun). See which ones made the list and add a few to your own itinerary.

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.

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.