Natural hair maison · Shaw, Washington

Quiet luxury for crowns.

Sisterlocks, knotless braids, silk presses and couture updos, by appointment only, in a hushed wine-dark maison on Seventh Street.

Woman with a full natural afro, ruby lips and pearl earrings against black

The maison

Unhurried hands. Uncompromising care.

Ruby Adebayo-Clarke trained in London and Lagos before opening Maison Ruby in a Shaw row house in 2014. She wanted a room where natural hair received the same reverence as couture.

Seven specialists work by appointment only, never more than four guests at a time. Every visit begins with tea and a scalp consultation, and ends with a photograph in the window light.

— Ruby Adebayo-Clarke, founder

Woman with long locs in a red dress against a red wall

Sample client reviews

From our guests

Placeholder reviews for this design — your real Google reviews appear here.

Ruby installed my Sisterlocks over two quiet days. Four years later they are the best decision I have ever made about my hair.
Adwoa B.Sisterlocks establishment
Folake's waist-length knotless took seven hours and I never once felt a pull.
Chantal M.Knotless braids, small
The silk press was glass, and my curls came back perfectly. That is rare.
Lauren P.Silk press
Nia's scalp plan brought my edges back in five months. I cried in the chair.
Tamika R.Edge restoration plan
Tea, quiet music, four guests at a time. It is the calmest room in DC.
Joanna S.Loc detox ritual
They styled my wedding party of nine and we were early for photos.
Olivia N.Bridal party
Theo's shape-up and retwist are the reason I fly back from Atlanta.
Marcus E.Men's locs

The team

The maison

Ruby Adebayo-Clarke, Founder · Master loctician

Ruby Adebayo-Clarke

Founder · Master loctician

Folake Mensah, Senior braider

Folake Mensah

Senior braider

Simone Ballard, Silk press specialist

Simone Ballard

Silk press specialist

Adaora Nwankwo, Loctician

Adaora Nwankwo

Loctician

Meet the team

  • 12years in Shaw
  • 7specialists
  • 4guests at a time
  • 5.0average rating

Signature services

What we're known for

Close-up portrait of a black woman with long dreadlocks looking thoughtful. Vertical shot.
01

Sisterlocks establishment

Micro-locs installed with precision, sized to your density.

$650+
Close-up of a smiling woman with locs wearing a floral dress, outdoors in Nairobi.
02

Silk press

Heat-protected, bond-built, mirror-glossy.

$150
Serene portrait of a woman with closed eyes and stylish dreadlocks against a soft background.
03

Scalp restoration

Assessment, exfoliation, steam and a three-month plan.

$120
A makeup artist applying makeup to a smiling client in a striped blouse during a professional session.

Our story

The maison, in chapters

Ruby learned Sisterlocks in London and braiding from her aunts in Lagos, and decided she wanted both disciplines under one roof.

Read our story

We do not rush. We do not pull. We do not compromise on health for beauty, because the two were never meant to be separate.

Charming portrait of a young black woman with dreadlocks smiling in a studio setting.

The experience

Your visit, considered

Every appointment at Maison Ruby begins before you sit down.

  • Hibiscus or rooibos tea, served in porcelain
  • A private scalp consultation before every service
  • Phone chargers, a quiet corner and a silk wrap for long installs
  • A photograph in the window light before you leave

Recognition · sample

  • Washingtonian · Best Natural Hair Salon 2025
  • Essence · Salons to Know
  • Washington City Paper · Best of DC
  • Shaw Main Streets · Member
  • Black Beauty Collective · Maison of the Year
  • The Style Ledger Hair Notes · Featured
  • DC Bride Guide · Vendor of Note

The shop

Take the salon home

Online store teaser — products shown are samples.

Ruby Scalp Elixir

$48

Loc Rose Mist

$34

Silk Press Serum

$42

Edge Restoration Balm

$36

Silk Bonnet

$38

Wooden Loc Comb

$22

Steam Cap

$45

Shop in the studio

Visit

Find us in Shaw

Hours

  • Tue – Thu9a – 8p
  • Fri – Sat8a – 6p
  • Sun – MonBy appointment

Your appointment, reserved.

Call, text or book online — we'll take it from there.