I'm so glad that I found Marie and this salon. Everything from the service to COVID safety precautions to the music in the background was a vibe! I hadn't had a professional hair service since before COVID restrictions so was in need for much needed treatments and a trim. I think we cut about 2 inches which I was happy to do. I'm natural and normally wear my hair in braids in loose, but wanted to straighten to see what length I had and also because I really wanted to get to my scalp. Anyways, I'd definitely recommend! read more

Absolutely Elegant Hair Salon - Flat Iron Natural Hair with trim - Hair Salons Near Me - Middletown , New York

Marie really took her time and was very professional I haven't had box braids in years !! I look amazing!!! I had to text Marie and tell her about all the complements I received and the referrals I gave for her shop!! Thanks again read more

I went to this salon about a week ago. It was my first time having my hair done professionally since I went natural 4 years ago, so I was a little nervous, but I wanted Havana twists for a vacation I was about to leave for. I booked the appointment very last minute (the night before at about 12 am), but I was able to get in contact with Marie first thing in the morning. She not only accepted the appointment but also offered to pick up the hair for me on her way in to the salon. Since I'm a complete noob to these styles I sent her a picture of my hair and she picked the best color for my hair. When I arrived at the salon, they were very warm and welcoming! Marie was fantastic. She gently combed through and washed my hair, blew it out, and twisted it. About 3 and a half hours later I was leaving with my new style! read more

Absolutely Elegant Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Middletown , New York

Awesome, awesome. I walked out of there with my mind blown. My hair was washed, steamed, rinsed, detangled, leave in, dryer for 20 minutes, and back in her chair for styling with all of thé right products. Shine galore, curls waving in the wind with trimmed ends. Great customer service, excellent & knowledgable staff (working by appointment only), very well maintained facility. What a positive experience, will definitely return. read more

Let me tell you Marie is absolutely incredible.I walked in to her salon a first time client and a bit nervous about getting crochet weave, but she made me feel so at ease and comfortable. I been to a lot of salons,but no one washed my hair like Marie. Marie is very knowledgeable about hair and gave me great hair tips. I will be definitely going back. read more

Absolutely Elegant Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Middletown , New York

I went to Marie in early May to get Havana twist out. She was so kind and welcoming and I absolutely loved the way she did my hair. She very accommodating of my hectic schedule. She also gave me very helpful tips on how to to keep my hair healthy. I would recommend Marie to anyone who is looking for affordable, reliable, and excellent hair services!!! read more

Absolutely Elegant Hair Salon - Havana Twist by Marie - Hair Salons Near Me - Middletown , New York

I had never been to a hairdresser, since as a man, a good barbers always sufficed. As my hair grew, I was having difficulty getting a comb thru it due to its thickness. I was advised by a lady friend to consult with a hairdresser. I looked online and picked Absolute Elegant Hairstyles. Upon contacting Marie, I was immediately struck by her warmth, professionalism and subject matter expertise. I made an appointment and went in to see her. She advised me and gave me a tutorial on the care, feeding and maintenance of a healthy head of hair. She produced results far beyond my expectations and gave me a list of products to pick up. After that one encounter, I am now a solid and loyal customer of Marie's. Marie is gentle, diligent and results oriented. I have already convinced several of my friends (both males and females) to check out Absolute Elegant Hairstyles. read more

Marie is an awesome stylist. She's really communicative with her clients and answers her e-mail. I really like my Havana Twists, but the reason she gets 5 stars is because she was so gentle with my hair. I'm natural (4bfdxyz) and some people seem to think it's cute to try to comb your hair with a "medium" tooth comb (read: fine) or fine tooth comb (read: extra, end shredding fine), but she actually washed, conditioned and detangled my hair the way I do at home, in sections with a wide tooth comb. She constantly checked in with me and made she my hair wasn't twisted too tight and the hair she recommended is not heavy at all. It's pricier than African Braiding Salons ($220 but there's a Holiday Promotion happening now for $180), but it includes a wash, a condition (with steam treatment) and a very tender handed/not scissor happy stylist, so the price seems worth it to me. Plus it's by appointment only, so the entire time you are there she is only working on you, which is how it should be. I will be back. read more

I was satisfied until she added $70 to the original price quoted and was whispering about it. Horrible experience- Bad business! She will try to squeeze any dollars from you, she invented a 15% extra card fee and added an extra $70 for the fact that it took her longer to takeout my hair (while I actually helped) and a trim I didn't even ask for. I wasn't going to argue for $70 but definitely beware- the original Price she quoted me $110 for a taking out cornrows , wash and cornrows (large). Too bad on her she lost repeat business for just $70. Bad business read more

Very simply, Marie is the best hairdresser I've ever had. I'm always wary of overly gushing reviews, but would be remiss not to share the good news. It's incredibly difficult to find a natural hair stylist in New York who can both make one's hair look good *and* keep one's hair healthy. Marie is that stylist. THE PROCESS After removing my weave, she applied leave-in conditioner and carefully combed out my hair with a wide-tooth comb: the first sign of a stylist who knows what she's doing. No yanking, no tugging, no fine-tooth combs snapping away at dry ends. Marie took her time removing all the knots from my shoulder-length 4C hair, and only then shampooed it. Having your hair washed by Marie is like getting a fabulous head massage. She applied a moisturizing treatment, covered the hair with a plastic cap, then I sat under the steamer for about 20 minutes. She washed out the deep conditioner, running a wide-tooth comb through my wet hair there at the sink. Another good sign. Finally, she blow-dried my hair (no pain!) then judiciously trimmed the ends. THE WEAVE Aesthetically, what makes Marie my go-to is her unique approach to closing a weave. Instead of leaving out a chunk of my own hair at the top (which tends to damage that hair) Marie uses a "blend-in" technique, tucking tiny braids under the weave itself. The difference between the weave and my hair is undetectable. I've never found another stylist who finishes a weave this way. Even other women with natural hair can't tell that I have a weave...and that's the highest compliment :) THE DIFFERENCE Every weave I've gotten from Marie draws countless compliments. But the difference is how she cares for the hair *underneath* the weave. She always massages my scalp with natural oil before beginning the weave, and responds immediately if I say that her sewing is too tight. At one point I felt that she was using too much thread and tying the knots too tightly at the very edges of my hair. When I told her this, she adjusted immediately: no attitude, no aggression, just CARE. I can't say what a difference it makes to know that your stylist is thinking not just of how your weave looks, but how your hair is growing underneath it. From twists to weaves, blow-outs to trims, This woman is a blessing. Full stop. read more

Marie is great! I got a wash, deep conditioner, steam, trim, and twists on my natural hair. My hair is so soft, shiny, and well moisturized. The twists are neat and will last a long time. The shop was not crowded and my hair was done in a timely fashion. I felt comfortable, relaxed, and most importantly, my hair came out great! read more

I'm so glad I found Marie. She is really great with natural hair. I've gotten many compliments after she's styled my hair. I am definitely going to be a repeat customer! read more

I love this shop! It's such a relief to find a stylist who is knowledgeable about keeping your natural hair strong and healthy. You will be in the chair when you walk in. All appointments are scheduled which means you have minimal wait time and are out within a reasonable time frame. Marie always creates very pretty styles with my natural hair and the prices are reasonable. read more

Absolutely Elegant Hair Salon - Flat twist & pin up with my natural hair. I love this style & it's lasts for weeks! - Hair Salons Near Me - Middletown , New York

I've climbed some mountain and trudged through valleys with my hair after perming it, and then I made the decision to go natural. With weak hair and a tender scalp, I have gone to many African hair braiding salons, and went to bed with a headache for the next three days, for my braids were too tight. This also proved to be not so friendly for my transitioning hair. I went back to perming for a short while, and then back to braids. a tiring cycle of indecisive monotony. And then I discovered MANE ADVOCATES, and I've gotten a fresh start on my natural hair journey. I went recently last Saturday to get Havana Twists done by Marie, and needless to say, in about 4 hours (I also got my hair washed and a few other things) I was out of the shop and about the rest of my day. This certainly beats the 6-7 hours I've spent in many African salons. Not anymore. It was also the first time I've gotten my hair braided/twisted and did not go home with a pounding headache. I wish I paid a little less for the style and I wish it was closer to home, but comparing it to other places I've been, this was a great deal for me! The environment is very welcoming, Marie treated me so well, one of the best hair stylists I've been to. I give this place 5 stars, and I definitely recommend it to everyone! Hair by Marie, you will see, for natural styles is the place to be. read more

I've gotten a straw set here that looked beautiful. I've also gotten my hair straightened here a couple times. Marie is efficient and friendly. The salon is never crowded (mainly due to the fact that you always have to book in advance). Pricey but then again, you're right in the middle of Midtown so it's to be expected. Not my first place salon but definitely in my top 5. read more

Marie has been taking care of my natural hair and sensitive scalp for a few months now. She is very attentive, knowledgeable and professional! read more

This review is for Marie. I had my hair done the day before my civil ceremony. Big risk; I know! I'd searched and searched to find an appointment for Monday. Luckily, Marie had an opening. There was no wait time, I showed up at my time and she was ready. Now, I've been transitioning for over a year and a half and am mostly natural, but I have a few straight ends in the front. I am a lazy natural, they need to be cut but I was not here for a big chop. I expressed this to Marie who trimmed them. I hate getting my hair trimmed, hence the straight pieces in my head. She told me all the things I knew, that keeping the ends might be hindering my growth and that they will break if not properly detangled etc, but I'm stubborn and she listened and did as I wished. I appreciated that. She pincurled my hair as I requested because I was going to be the one to do my own hair. Honestly, I pulled out the pins and stuck my blusher on and it looked fabulous. Taking our pics in Manhattan, I was told by all the little preschoolers I passed that I looked like a princess. And I felt like it. I wouldn't have felt like that if my hair didn't look good. She reduced my price because she didn't give me a full cut. And I left with some samples. I'd recommend read more

Marie is honestly the most kindest person that has done me and my daughters hair. She's trying to transition away from box braids but she's really great at them. But I totally understand, it took her 8 hours between the two of us. She was so patient, precise and didn't braid too tight either. Definitely going back for a twist out. She was giving me all the info about natural hair so if that's what you're looking for she's your girl. read more

My first time at a salon and i feel like i was spoiled, felt like a spa really. 5 star treatment is what you get here. The environment is cozy and the staff are friendly.i went here to get two strand twist and they came out Perfect!, Better than i had them before that's for sure . I went to marie and i thank god because she took out the naps in my hair and made me feel comfortable the whole time , i never felt like my hair was being pulled out of mistreated which was important to me because i love my hair.she was friendly and answered any question i had with ease. I can't wait to come back and I'd recommend marie to anyone. read more

Marie is a fabulous beautician and an even better person. She's very knowledgable about natural hair care. She has many talents to give you the desired look that you want. Always prompt with recommendations and doesn't allow you to get out her chair until you are satisfied. She works by appointments only and this is so you don't have to wait or feel rushed. I always leave her chair feeling like even better than I imagine. read more

So I literally woke up yesterday morning and decided I wanted havanna twists. I discovered Marie through the wonderful reviews posted previously and I decided to take a chance. Luckily for me, she was able to take me that day and I am convinced the universe brought me to her. She is AMAZING! She is very professional and personable. She listens to your concerns and also makes suggestions. She is METICULOUS about her craft and I am amazed by her precision. I was in and out of her chair in 2.5 hours! That includes wash, deep condition, steam treatment and twists !!! Additionally, she educates you on how to care for the style and for your hair. The salon its self is very clean, peaceful and utilizes space extraordinarily well. This is the best hair experience that I have had in a really long time. I will definitely be back. I received loads of compliments today. I have already booked my next appointment! Thanks Marie! read more

My hair: 3.5 years natural; shoulder-length hair when stretched. My hair regime: I wash & style my own hair. I do not go to salons often (only for braiding styles). I was looking to get my natural hair blown out and styled in a simple doobie, with the possibility of a trim, if needed, for a wedding in which I was a bridesmaid. I know; horrible time-management on my end, but whatever! :) I called many salons, but they weren't able to take me at such short notice. I am so happy that they weren't available or I wouldn't have found Marie! I called Mane Advocates on a Tuesday, and was provided two stylists names and numbers (one of which was Marie). I called and spoke with her (she was very nice on the phone) and was able to schedule an appointment that same week on Thursday! It was super-easy to get to the salon by public transportation - it's a block and a half from Penn Station (easy enough for me!). The salon was cozy with low-key music playing, and I was instantly at ease. Marie seated me immediately, which I thought was great. Sometimes you go to salons where you've made an appointment but you still have to wait a while to actually start your service. There was no dilly-dallying around the salon, talking on the phone, talking with other stylists and clients, etc. That was not the case with Marie. In fact, there were only four people in the salon when I arrived: Marie, myself, and the other stylist and her client. Mind you, I went after work at 5:30pm, but still. I appreciated it! I had my hair washed, deep- conditioned, blown-out, flat-ironed, and trimmed. Yes, Marie advised me in no uncertain terms that I was long-overdue for a trim (it had been 1.5 years since my last trim!). She wasn't judgey about it, though; she simply stated facts and didn't make me feel bad about my neglect. We spoke about how to fix my damage and appropriate trim timelines if I wanted healthier hair. When I left, my hair looked amazing!! And it felt and looked healthier!! (Thank you, Marie!) I liked my experience so much that, for Mother's Day, my sister and I gifted a salon visit to both our mother and step-mothers, as they've each recently begun their own natural hair journeys. We hope they enjoy the experience as much as I have! I highly recommend Marie as a stylist because she is competent, quick, friendly, and knows her stuff! I will definitely be back! read more

0 Stars.. do not come here. This lady is SO unprofessional. I made an appointment 3/4 weeks ago online for havana twists and 3 or 4 days ago I get an e-mail from Marie telling me to call her at a random phone number. I called her numerous times and left messages but got no response but I figured it was okay and that she just wanted to confirm that I was still coming to the appointment (which I was.) Flash forward to the day before my appointment.. I'm a little worried because I still haven't heard back from her so instead of calling the number she gave me I went on her website and called that number. Horrible. Marie picks up the phone and tells me that I was supposed to come in for a consultation (that was never told to me) and that now she had to get the hair for me (which should've been expected). She tried numerous times to get me to change my appointment, asking me to come that night and then asking me to come at six in the morning. (mind you, I'm coming from New Jersey and my original appointment was for 11 am). I try and be flexible and tell her that even though my appointment was for 11, I can try to make it in by 8:30 am. I take extra precautions to make sure that I'm able to come 3 hours earlier than I originally planned.. wake up, get dressed and look at my phone to a text from Marie saying: "sorry, I didn't get the hair because they don't have your color. sorry for the inconvenience" Are you serious?? The day of my appointment you're going to cancel... when I had my appointment set for almost a month? So as a result my hair will not be done, and it's the day before I leave for vacation. Please don't waste your time here.. most unprofessional woman ever. read more

I discovered Marie through Mane Advocates and was very happy with her consultation and service. I'd been growing an afro for about six months and wanted a new hair style to get me past the awkward my-hair-at-the-top-grows-faster-than-the-back-and-sides-phase so Marie showed me comb twists and two strand twists and I opted for two strand twists and am very happy with the results. I was shocked to be in and out in two hours with a shampoo and steam treatment. Will definitely be back and I highly recommend Marie. read more

Marie is friendly, reliable for appointments and professional stylist which means you will most likely be happy with your end result. The only critique is trying to get you to switch your appointment time the day of and not starting on time but that's to be expected in this industry read more

Marie has made my hair grow and become very healthy. The place is nice and simple and the patrons are all professional women. I love it.

My experience at AbsolutelyElegantHairstyle was amazing. There was no wait and Marie was very kind, knowledgeable and friendly. I got my hair blow dried and flat ironed and she even did a steam and it all took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. I left with my hair very shiny, soft and sleek. I just booked an appointment with her for this week and I can't wait! read more

Marie was very professional in both her demeanor and her hair skills. It is clear she is not only knowledgeable in hair care but has a exceptional skill in knowing just what works for her clients. I walked into her shop a first time client and after a receiving a bomb flat twist out, left out a life time client. I will most certainly return to Marie. In fact, I already have two additional appointments scheduled for her. It's such a relief to find someone who I can trust with my hair. Marie is with a doubt that person! read more