Diva's Retreat

Diva's Retreat is a Gaithersburg studio focused on curly hair, with low maintenance color and hair shoulder length or longer also part of the work.

New guests begin with a Diva's Retreat Experience, which pairs a curly cut and style with an in-depth consultation covering hair condition, goals, likes and dislikes, and a maintenance plan. Visits finish with at-home maintenance recommendations and a photo session, and a follow-up email with a hair maintenance guide arrives within a week. New guests should arrive with hair clean, dry, detangled and styled curly with minimal product, not in a bun, ponytail or braid. After booking, a welcome packet is sent by email or text.

Existing guests can book a custom curly cut, a curly style, or a custom cut and style that includes a hydration treatment and a diffused finish. Clients who keep up a curly cut are advised to come back about every four months. Color services are for existing guests only, and new guests can talk through color goals during their first consultation. Hair that is not curly can be referred to another stylist.

Depending on the package, they also include a curly cut and style, a porosity test, scalp exfoliation, a customized hair goals and maintenance plan, maintenance products, a charcuterie board, or lunch. Consultation and service can be booked back to back for a single visit.

Booking details: a deposit secures each appointment and is applied to the final total. Changes made at least 24 hours ahead receive a full deposit refund, while changes inside 24 hours carry a $50 fee. Guests who miss an appointment without notice lose the ability to book future services. Issues with a service must be raised within seven days of the visit. Studio hours are Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, and Saturday appointments are charged premium rates. Appointments for day off or extended schedule bookings are priced at 1.5 times the service cost. A waitlist is available for clients who have trouble finding an opening.

Janelle works toward an ongoing relationship with each client and their hair rather than one-time visits, with guidance on care at home. The studio uses its own signature hair products in its curl services.