Mary E. Taylor

Owner Mary E. Taylor opened Brush Strokes Salon in 1998 with the goal of making it a retreat where women can feel relaxed and welcome while receiving the best in hair care and beauty. With more than 40 years in the industry, the passion shows. “I have always loved hair; to me, it’s art,” she says. “You have the unique ability to change the way a person feels about himself or herself at that moment.” Book your hair or makeup appointment at Brush Strokes in Historic Herndon, VA and feel the homelike coziness that keeps loyal clientele returning again and again. You’ll be welcomed with a warm and friendly greeting, and treated with personal attention and outstanding customer service by our experienced family of hair stylists, hair colorists and makeup artists. We’re conveniently located for clients from Great Falls, Herndon, Reston and Ashburn, Virginia as well as those in the surrounding areas.

The Brush Strokes Philosophy

We believe that your visit to your beauty salon should be like visiting a friend. You should feel special each time you get together. That’s why we strive to make Brush Strokes Salon a refreshing change and treat every guest like part of the family. We pride ourselves on our experienced, creative team and consistency of pleasing results. We also provide our team with continuing education on the latest products and techniques that benefit you.

Community Support

Helping victims of child abuse is more than just a desire, it is our lifetime commitment. This commitment began when our founders, two young Hollywood actresses, encountered 11 homeless orphans abroad, and all of their lives were forever changed. Childhelp

We’re a Green Salon

You won’t find the harsh chemical odor that you notice in many other hair salons here at Brush Strokes. That’s because we believe in green beauty care that delivers outstanding results without harsh chemicals. Our products feature many top earth-friendly options including Eufora, an aloe vera-based hair care line low in ammonia and containing no petrochemicals. We believe people are looking for healthier alternatives in their home and hair, and we are all becoming more aware of what we eat and put on our bodies. With fewer chemicals, green beauty care translates to a healthier lifestyle and a cleaner environment for everyone.

Mary E. Taylor

Owner & Master Stylist

Brush Strokes owner Mary is a Certified Colorist, with continuing education at Eufora’s Advanced Academy, Kadus Book Camp for Advance Highlighting Techniques, and the Jane Iredale Boot Camp for Make-up Artistry. She is also certified in Perfectress and Cinderella Hair Exertions.

She is a member of the Herndon-Dulles Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Networking Association of Northern Virginia and the National Association of Professional & Executive Women.

Melodie Jackson

Senior Stylist

Melodie is a graduate of the Aveda Institute in Washington D.C and is licensed in D.C. and VA. She has been with Brush Strokes Salon for 4+ years, starting as a Junior Stylist and moving on to Senior as her talent and continuing education grew. Her talent is diverse in different hair techniques and styling of all hair texture and types, especially natural hair. Melodie is also certified in all 6 types of Cinderella Hair Extensions. She has a specialty in braids, twists, and locks, but loves working with all hair types. Melodie make it a point to create the best look for each person based on her understanding of their personality and lifestyle.

Leyla Bates

Senior Stylist

A native of New Jersey, Leyla received her cosmetology education from Paul Mitchell the School, in Tysons Corner, Virginia. She specializes in the art of naturally curly, wavy, multi-textured hair, as well as, Pintura highlights and color. Leyla trained extensively in curly hair cuts, obtaining DevaCurl Level 3 Certification, the highest level of curl expertise. She is trained in product application and received certifications in advanced dry-cutting techniques and styling in Curly Hair Artistry (CHA), from CHA International. She has a passion for teaching people how to achieve healthy beautiful hair, by embracing and respecting their natural curls. She understands her client’s hair challenges, and wants them to know their curls are loved and understood. She believes in continuing education and prides herself on connecting with people by listening and building relationships. Her goal is to make people feel beautiful, and have an unforgettable experience.

Elisabeth Nemo

Senior Stylist

Beth loves working at both Brush Strokes Salon and our sister company Spa Noa. She grew up part of a military family in Southern Maryland and graduated from Graham Webb Cosmetology School in 2016. Beth is passionate about studying hair color and is now certified to do all types of Cinderella Hair Extensions. When she is not making people beautify, she enjoys going to the beach and hiking with her husband.