For Nikita Rhodes Montgomery, beauty runs in the family. Her late grandmother, Hazel O., worked as a cosmetologist for over 50 years, and today, Montgomery continues Hazel’s legacy. In her honor, Montgomery and her cousin, Marcia Rhodes Tyler, opened Hazel O. Salon in Old Town, Alexandria in September. The salon serves as a needed guidepost for diversity in the industry: Each stylist is trained in different hair types and three are certified in curly specialization, allowing clients of all backgrounds to feel comfortable in the salon chair. Here, Montgomery shares her favorite NoVA hot spots, beauty products and stylish trends.
Teatime
“I love the various flavor combos The Spice & Tea Exchange carries. My husband and I have a nightly ritual of drinking tea together.”
Time Check
“I love a good, old-fashioned watch. I like that my Michele watch is light and dainty. The silver and gold pretty much go with anything.”
Shop Talk
“With everything from Nordstrom Rack to Neiman Marcus, Tysons Corner is one of my favorite places to shop in the entire country. Some may think that’s a stretch, but few places have a healthy combination of affordability and luxury all in the same space.”
Black Belt
“I can’t live without black. I enjoy color in the summer, but 80% of my closet is black. I love that it is chic and often tells people that you mean business. Belts cycle their way in and out of fashion, but are currently one of my favorite luxury accessories.”
Date Night
“My husband and I are lifelong fans of Great American Restaurants. Carlyle is one of our favorites primarily for the food, but also for the intimacy and quaint nature of Shirlington.”
Smart Scents
“Jo Malone wears well and comes in various scents that you can cocktail depending on what you want to smell like. And, it lasts all day.”
Face Time
“Embryolisse’s balanced moisturizer keeps my skin hydrated, but not oily, year-round. It delivers Crème de la Mer quality without the price tag.”
This post originally appeared in our June/July 2020 print issue. For more tips from local style experts, subscribe to our Shopping newsletter.
