Interior of a hair salon with pink walls, black styling chairs, and a mirror wall. Artworks and decorations line the walls, with wicker chairs in the foreground and a styling station with hairdressing tools. String lights hang from the ceiling.
Interior of an art studio or salon with light pink walls, various artwork on display, black salon chairs, and decorative items. Large window at the end bringing in natural light.
Interior of a hair salon or beauty spa with a styling chair, hair washing sink, shelves with hair care products, and artwork on pink walls.
Decorative display of handcrafted dolls hanging from the ceiling and placed on the counter in a salon or boutique, with framed certificates on the wall and various bottles of hair or beauty products on the counter.
Bright home office with pink walls, decorated with framed artwork, a picture of a woman holding a sign with 'RESPECT', and star-shaped decor. Features a desk with an iMac, surrounded by hanging plants and natural light from large windows.

Our Story

Founded in 1999, Fiddleheads has been a space where curls are celebrated, individuality is honored, and clients feel at home. What began as a passion for understanding the beauty and complexity of curly hair has grown into a salon dedicated to empowering every person to love their natural texture.

Our philosophy is simple — hair should move, breathe, and reflect who you are. From precision cuts to personalized curl care, every service is rooted in education, artistry, and genuine care. We take pride in helping clients rediscover the beauty that’s already theirs.

Nestled in the heart of 17th Street, just off Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, Fiddleheads has become more than a salon — it’s a community built on trust, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re embracing your curls for the first time or have been on this journey for years, we’re here to guide, support, and celebrate every twist and turn along the way.

How “Fiddleheads” Got Its Name

The name Fiddleheads was born during a family trip to Montreal for my father’s 60th birthday. I spotted “fiddleheads” on a menu and learned they’re the curled tips of young ferns — delicate, full of potential, and beautiful as they unfold. Mishearing it at first as something to do with hair, I joked that it would make a perfect name for a salon since we “fiddle with heads.” My father smiled in agreement, and the name stuck. Like its namesake, Fiddleheads has continued to grow and flourish ever since.

A woman with shoulder-length curly dark hair, smiling and winking, sitting indoors in front of a window with green scenery, wearing a colorful patterned top and black shorts.
A black and white photograph of a man and a woman sitting at a table in a restaurant, smiling and looking at the camera, with food and drinks on the table.
Black and white photo of three women smiling and posing together, dressed in stylish clothing.

Archives of family images taken around 1999 when I opened Fiddleheads Salon.

Complimentary Consultations

Your curl journey starts here. Sit down with the stylist of your choice to define your goals, explore your options, and map out the path to your best hair yet. Every service is tailored to your unique texture and lifestyle—because at Fiddleheads, curls aren’t just styled, they’re mastered.

Four women smiling and posing closely together at a festive indoor gathering with Christmas lights and decorations in the background.
Meet the Team

Our team at Perry’s Sunday drag brunch.

A wall-mounted mirror in a salon or spa with decorative puppet figures hanging from strings around it, and various framed pictures and bottles on a light pink shelf below.

Let’s bring your curls to life—book your appointment today.

Business Hours

Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9AM-6PM
Wednesday: 9AM-6PM
Thursday: 9AM-6PM
Friday: 9AM-6PM
Saturday: 10AM-5PM

Book now
 

Visit Us

1515 17th Street NW
2nd Floor
Washington DC 20036

Leave a message

(202) 805-0520 (text is best)