Short Story Hair Color
Book your chapter (opens in a new tab)

Your first visit, step by step

Everything you need for a first visit that is on time, on price and planned for your hair. Short Story is for hair chin length or shorter, any gender, any texture. Questions at any point? Text (703) 594-6495.

Back view of tight short coils colored bright copper, tapered at the nape, in the studio Back view of a sleek red pixie, rich red over a darker nape, with a smooth natural finish, outdoors in daylight Back view of short dark curls with gray blended through, tapered to the nape, in the studio
  1. Victor in gloves brushing color onto a smiling guest’s lightened short hair

    Choose your service

    Know what you want? Pick it below or see every service and price.

    • Softer gray, shine or tone
      Gloss & Go      $95
      45 min
    • New, wearable color
      Signature Color      $225
      2 h
    • New color and a cut
      Signature & Shape      $285
      2 h
    • Lightening or vivids
      Bright Chapter
      After the free consult and a strand test      $275
      2 h
    • A cut only
      Shape      $85
      45 min

    Not sure, or your hair has box dye, henna, a relaxer or lightener in it? Start with the free 15-minute video Color Consult (opens in a new tab). It is required before a Bright Chapter. Next Chapter is for guests with my color in the last 8 weeks, so it is usually your second visit, not your first.

    Services & prices

  2. Book online

    Book at shortstorycolor.comb.works (opens in a new tab). No card or deposit needed. No fees, ever; if you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know 24 hours ahead so the time can go to someone else.

    Book your chapter (opens in a new tab)
    Victor’s studio at XP Studio DC: a sunlit bay window over Connecticut Avenue, one black styling chair on a round mat, wood floors, and a seating corner with two armchairs by a white fireplace
  3. Victor in denim overalls standing behind a seated guest with long, two-tone natural hair, talking through the plan before anything starts

    Answer four quick questions

    Before your first visit: your name and pronouns; any allergies or sensitivities, including any reaction to hair color or henna; what your hair has been through in the last 12 months; and photos of your hair now and of short hair you love. That is how I book the right service for the right time.

    Sent by a friend? Tell me who: you go home with a K18 repair treatment, on me.

Questions about your first visit? Most are answered in the FAQ.

FAQ

What to expect

  1. 04A patch test, if you need one

    If you have ever reacted to hair color or henna, tell me when you book. A patch test is done at least 48 hours before your first color.

  2. 05Arrive ready, or book Color Prep

    Come ready for color: hair washed within 48 hours, no product, and stretched (blown out on low heat, banded, or a twist-out or braid-out; never pressed). Or book Color Prep ($45, 45 min), a wash, scalp check and stretch, as its own visit before your color, or with a Gloss & Go for 75 minutes ($140). If your hair arrives unprepared, I’ll prep it and trim today’s plan to fit two hours at the price we agreed; the rest becomes your next chapter.

  3. 06Getting here and getting in

    1341 Connecticut Ave NW #2.1, second floor, the bay window: a five-minute walk from the Dupont Circle Metro south exit on the Red Line. For a two-hour service, park in a garage; for 45 or 75 minutes, street parking works. When you’re inside the front door, call (703) 594-6495 and I’ll come down to meet you. Please be inside the building before 8 p.m. Coming from Arlington, Alexandria or Maryland? Directions are on the Visit page.

  4. 07Your visit

    Two hours or less, one guest at a time. Before anything starts, we agree on the plan, the time and the price. Talk or quiet, and what plays (the game, a show, music or nothing): you choose at the start. Then the Chapter Method:

    • Read

      I read your hair, skin, eyes and scalp.

    • Shape

      A dry cut first, when your service includes one.

    • Place

      Color placed for your texture and the shape you wear.

    • Protect

      A scalp check and bond treatment every time, then a natural finish, never pressed.

    • Record

      Your formula, shade and chapter note written down, so your next chapter starts where this one ended.

  5. 08Before you leave

    Your next chapter is booked by date before you leave, with your chapter card and two referral cards for anyone who asks who does your color. Two days later, I’ll text you home care for your color. If something isn’t right within 7 days, I’ll adjust it, free.

Book your chapter (opens in a new tab)

Good to know

Start with a free 15-minute consult (opens in a new tab)
  • Everything is included in every color service: consult, scalp check, bond treatment and a natural finish. No “starting at” prices.
  • Priced by the service and the time, never by your gender expression.
  • Big changes are split across chapters on purpose, to protect your hair, so every visit keeps a predictable time and price.
  • No fades: keep your barber for the sides, and I’ll do the color.
  • Payment: card, tap-to-pay, Apple Pay or Google Pay, or over time with buy now, pay later options, including Cherry financing.