This was hands down the best experience I've had at a hair salon. The owners were so sweet and welcoming. The place has real communal feel to it. One of their clients even just stopped in to say hi and chat for awhile. Most importantly, the haircut was amazing. Gaia (or Judith? Sorry, I'm terrible with names) took her time and made sure I got exactly what I was looking for. If you're in Bed-Study there is no reason to look anywhere else. This place is as good as it gets. read more

Months later and I still get asked who dyed my hair. She did an amazing silver white dye. read more

I was on a hunt to find a great salon to add some color to my hair. I was recommended to try Chokmah. I arrived a few minutes before my appointment and was warmly greeted by Judith. I explained to her what I wanted, but was a little overwhelmed with the color once it was finished. I figured it was just a shock since it was the first time I bleached my hair. When I got home, I realized that it wasn't what I wanted, so I called the salon to see if I could come in the following day. Judith saw me first thing, and found a color that I would be more comfortable with. I was very happy with the results, and wasn't charged for the second service. Chokmah has such a great vibe, and you can tell the owners really care about the customer's experience. I will definitely stop by again. Thank you Judith for all of your wonderful services! read more

Chokmah Hair Lab - My initial color and style - Hair Salons Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Best haircut I've had in years! I moved to the neighborhood in January and this spot has been on my list. I completely buzzed my long hair off in March after being tired of maintaining an undercut with very long hair. I was happy doing it myself but recently I've wanted something a little more special than a standard buzzcut. Now I can't wait to start getting my hair done professionally again. Judith is talented AF! read more

Chokmah Hair Lab - Hair Salons Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I get the BEST haircuts from Gaia! They perfectly suit my face and accommodate my hair. Gaia wants perfection on your head and she achieves it! She clips hair evenly before she uses the clippers and I receive never ending compliments on my haircut! She cuts my hair and makes my cheekbones more prominent! Brilliance! I'm almost reluctant to post this because I would love if this place could remain a small secret. But you can't hide great! read more

Chokmah Hair Lab - Cheekbones! - Hair Salons Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I scheduled a color consult with Judith and was met with condescension. While I appreciate her telling me that my hair wasn't healthy enough to be colored at that time, she did it with such a nasty attitude that I have no intention of returning when it is in a better shape. I asked additional questions in hopes that she would provide guidance on how to manage my hair but instead I got dismissive answers with little insight. In addition, she spoke about selling African clothes in the salon and I asked about African print skirts. She proceeded to say how "passè" it was to wear those but if I wanted one, I could go down the street to another store. To be clear, I was not serviced so I can not speak to her skills. But her attitude/customer service is the absolute worst. read more

It takes an artist to turn mousy dark blonde hair into gorgeous platinum hair. Judith is that incredible artist & stylist. I trust no one else with my hair ever since I started coming to Chokmah a little over a year ago. Not only is her work amazing and high quality but Judith is an overall wonderful person! read more

I went to Chokmah Hair Lab for a color and cut and got so much more. Upon entering I noticed the warm and chill vibe. Judith was very cordial and directed me through their Covid safety protocols. I sat in her chair and she lightened my hair while sweet relaxing music played. She was very intentional with her movements and attentiveness which is a testament to her years of experience. Next when Gaia cut my hair, she inquired as to what I was looking for and she did not disappoint!! Her precision and care was unlike any barber experience I'd ever had. I am so happy I went to Chokmah for my cut and color!!! I had not been to a salon in years so it was very cool to be glam'd up by these amazing women. read more

I wish that I could say I had a positive experience at chokmah hair labs. However, with the current state of my hair I can not say this. It all started when I went in about 2-3 weeks ago to inquire about coloring my hair. I showed Judith a photograph of the color I wanted and I asked her if it was even possible with my hair type. She assured me that she could do it and that it would look good. I came in for my appointment and I showed her the photo again and that's when she really analyzed it and essentially said that we could not do what I had originally asked for. She kept giving me a bunch of reasons why it would not work. At that point I was feeling uneasy about the whole thing and just asked for a haircut (so that I did not feel like her time was wasted). She then told me she wanted to try something else for color and I felt a bit pressured so I reluctantly said yes. She ended up giving me chunky highlights. I feel like the whole job was pretty sloppy. At one point she commented that she would need to take out the individual strands that she bleached in order to put silver color in my hair. Because if she put it all in my hair, the dye would change my natural untouched hair color. A few minutes later she ended doing exactly that. Now I have three or four different hair colors in my head. My natural hair color, this weird red-brown color, silver color and yellow from parts of the hair that were near my roots (which she apparently could not get to). My natural untouched hair has also lost its previous texture and is just frizz. My highlight hair has completely lost its curl. Which I partly knew (but didn't realize the extent of the damage) and she also didn't mention until when we were halfway through the whole process. I had been excited to go here because of all of the rave reviews. I don't know if she had an off day or what. But I definitely wish I would have firmly said no when the original plan was changed. read more

Love this place. They ALWAYS give me a fire haircut. They take precautions w covid seriously, the shop is nice and the barbers are friendly.

Ever been to a hair spot when you walk in you feel completely zen? Well this is exactly how I feel every time I walk in here whether its to book and appointment or most recently, get my hair cut by Gaia. This was an experience folks. A client made her run a little behind but I didn't mind since I schedule my hair appointment in advance so I took that day off. The warm soulful music in the background and the very modern yet minimalist furnishings and Afropop art on the walls, down to that comfy couch and throw pillow. Lol I loved it all. And the hair cut was spectacular came in to cut my hair and it literally felt like a Therapy session! Gaia is really good at what she does and a great listener. Felt so relaxed in that chair, transported to a different dimension and came out fly as ef in my high top fade. I will say book in advance if you want to see her though. She's high in demand so book wisely! read more

Chokmah Hair Lab - My high top fade cut. - Hair Salons Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I have been stalking Chokmah for a while now and finally decided to visit. I have heard good things about this place and was certain it was worth the travel from the Bronx. I called to make an appointment and I was told that there are no availability. However, Gaia reached out to me when someone cancelled. From the moment I entered the space, the energy was positive and welcoming and I felt at home. I told her exactly what I wanted as I am growing out my natural hair in a tapered shape. She listened to me and gave me exactly that. I know it was just a shape up but I was beyond satisfied. I really appreciate her listening to me and bringing my vision to light. She did what former barbers spend so much time trying to do, correct and still fail to give me what I want. I am glad that I have found this place. It is not just a barbershop, it really feels like home. read more

Chokmah Hair Lab - Hair Salons Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I had a surreal experience at this very special place. My experience made me ask many questions. A co-worker of mine, who has hair very similar to mine, highly recommended this hair salon. Her haircuts always look great and when she shared that it was owned and operated by women of color, I was thrilled. So, on February 6, 2019, I made my way from the upper east side of Manhattan to Brooklyn - it took 2 trains and just a bit over an hour. Still, I arrived on time for my appointment with Judith, who was finishing up with another client. I was excited as I noticed the client in the chair was...let's say a woman of a certain, just age like me... wore her hair short, just like me and her hair looked great! Pleasantries were exchanged and I took off my coat and this is where things got strange. I rested my coat on a chair and began to look at some of the business cards on a nearby table. There were four people in the salon at the time - Judith, her client in the chair, another woman seated in a styling chair, and me. Judith asked me to hang up the coat, pointed out some hooks on a wall behind a chair. I attempted to get to the hooks but was blocked by an arm chair. I moved the chair but realized that the wall appeared to be exposed brick and I did not want my coat to be damaged. I hung my coat on the extended handle of my rolling bag (yes, I now have a rolling bag; time has caught up with me). Judith commented that she wanted the place to look a certain way and again suggested the hooks. I moved my coat folded it and placed it on my lap as I waited. Once Judith invited me to sit in her chair I took my coat with me but left the rolling bag in front of the chair where I had been seated. Judith then asked if she could moved my bag and commented that other customers would need to sit (there were no other customers but I understood). I said sure, no worries. She moved it. She came to the chair and asked me again to hang up my coat and said the other customer had moved hers. I said, let's keep it here (I patted the coat which was on my lap) while we chat then I'll move it. Judith then said to me that she could not style my hair as she didn't think we would be a good stylist for me. I got up, got my coat on and left. Surreal. On my train ride home I found myself wondering - did I do something that was so offensive that led to this situation? Of course not. Then I wondered - if where the customers coats are hung is so very important, why not provide a coat closet; or at least a wall that is not exposed brick and blocked by a chair. I then started to wonder about Joy DeGruy's work and her book Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. I wonder if this hair salon would survive. I also wondered about a client I recently interacted with who would say that she "goes on vibe" and "feels the vibe" of a person. These rationalizations were her way of avoiding the more serious aspect of her mental health and her projection onto others. I wondered why that particular client had come to mind. I suggest that if you go to Chokmah do so in the spring or summer when you don't have a coat. If you must get a haircut sooner, do what I did - go to another salon. Mark Garrison for example. They are pricey but there is a lady who is always pleasant and takes your coat and bag, and gives you a lovely robe, and is always polite, friendly, and professional. read more

Another reviewer used the term 'completely zen' to describe this salon experience, and I've got to agree. Judith gave me a fantastic cut in this beautiful, chill salon in Bed-Stuy. Glad to know that this gem exists! read more

I've been seeing Judith for almost a year now. She is magnificent. You will be taken care of at Chokmah Hair Lab. As a blonde convert I've had my best experiences and the highest quality treatment. Not to mention the laser precision haircuts that also come along with it! The woman is thorough. The space has a great vibe and it's really a sanctuary for me when I go in. The music is always on point and it's so relaxed. Very authentic to the neighborhood and definitely a place to check out if you're looking to do something different with your locks. read more

I desperately needed my ends trimmed, but being natural, it's hard to find salons that don't want to chop all your hair off or charge an arm and a leg (I have a lot of hair). I know two of my friends in the neighborhood recently big chopped at Chokmah and their hair came out looking awesome!! So I figured the stylists there must know their stuff. I booked an appointment with Judith and sure enough, my trim came out looking awesome. My curls pop now and I have a great shape. Clean atmosphere, great service, and friendly workers makes this salon a 5-star for me!!!! read more

I never respond to other Yelpers, but I'm really shocked by DE's review; mostly, because my experience at Chokmah, with both stylists, Gaia (barber) and Judith (stylist), has been the complete opposite of yours. I have a standing appointment with Gaia on Sunday mornings and she is always on-time and ready to cut my hair with skill and precision. I'm usually in the salon no more than an hour, unless I choose to stay and vibe with any one of the amazing folks waiting to to be serviced or stopping in to say hello. I mean, the reason her business is appointment only is because she is in high demand, recognizes it, and she respects your time. This is not a neighborhood barber shop that is first-come-first-served. This is an upscale salon, in the heart of Bed-Stuy, that caters to an eclectic clientele that has high expectations for both service and aesthetics. The salon is beautiful and immaculate and all her tools are sterilized. She wouldn't be cutting my hair if it were any other way, as I am a self-proclaimed germaphobe. Not to offend, but if you had bumps you might want to consider your personal brush or other hair products as the culprit, because Chokmah is clean. I can't say enough how happy I am to have both Gaia and Judith style my hair. Their positive energy is infectious and it permeates throughout the salon. read more

Staff was very friendly and I left with a haircut that I really love. Judith gave me great styling tips and told me how to take care of my very dry, very curly hair. Will definitely return. read more

The longest commitments I have made have been with my hair stylists. There are two I haven't been to in years, but I still love them and would recommend them and go to them in a heartbeat. I'm the type of woman who likes to switch it up every once in awhile. After an interesting couple of moments with my most recent stylists, I decided it was time to move on and was wondering about this Chokmah place I've passed every day for a couple years. I came to Yelp, read the reviews and gave them a call. The price was ABSOLUTELY right, and so was the timing. When I arrived, Judith let me know that she doesn't normally do natural hair (i.e. cut it curly) and that the timing may be longer than originally quoted (I had somewhere to be right after), but then she took a look and let me know it could be done. Guys. Judith washed, conditioned, blew out, flat-ironed and trimmed my hair in about 45-55 minutes. Granted, my hair isn't that long and is very fine, but this is still impressive. I never wear my hair straight, but it looked AMAZING. She did a fantastic job, and she was also amazing in general. I think I found my new place! The fact that I literally just have to walk around the corner is the icing on the cake. I highly recommend! read more

Judith and Gaia have created a hair haven on Throop Avenue, full of chill vibes and positive energy. Judith has been cutting my hair for over seven years now, since I first discovered her in my Upper East Side hood. Now, I'll take the trip down to Bed-Stuy just for the Chokmah experience. As far as artistry and expertise, Judith is as good as it gets. I never have a specific cut in mind when I see her--I just let her work her magic. It's as if she knows exactly what I want without me saying a word. I've never had a haircut I didn't love or receive compliments on from friends and family. If you haven't had the pleasure of a cut from Judith or Gaia yet, you're missing out! read more

I love everything about this place! I've waited awhile for a hair place in BedStuy that is modern and stylish, and specializes in all different kinds of hair. So when I saw that a new place was around (via instagram) I knew I had to try it. Judith does the color and styling and Gaia is the barber. They get pretty booked up, so I had to wait til the following week when I was making my appointment. I went in for a trim and to have Judith put some balyage highlights in my hair. She was super friendly and easy to talk to, and so beautiful! I basically just showed her a photo and told her I trusted her to do whatever she thought would be best for color in my hair. And it looks soooooo good. It took a couple of hours, but I love the outcome- she is magical! She cut, colored, and styled my hair for $160. I loved the calm atmosphere and the relaxed pace with which everything moves in the shop. You get the sense that they love what they do, and just love to be around people- old friends and new. The space is beautiful, their music taste is excellent...I can't say enough good things about the place or the people. I also love that I can stay in BedStuy for my hair needs now. Highly recommended! Thank you, thank you Judith. :) read more

Chokmah Hair Lab - Chokmah hair lab! - Hair Salons Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Just left the salon & Judith was so nice and did an excellent job. Came in with an idea of how I wanted my hair to look and she executed the look right down to the custom color I wanted which was a deep dark brown color with red undertones. And she cut it to exactly the length I wanted! It was a very warm, comfortable, cool environment that I will definitely be coming back to. Price was on point- you have to pay well for good services, and hair is something that you cannot compromise on! Found my go-to hair salon! read more

I just want to thank the Yelp reviewers because reading the reviews lead me to this "God sent" hair studio! When you walk in, from the tranquil ambience setting and the neo soul music playing, you get a sense of comfortability. The barber GAIA, totally lives up to her name meaning of "Mother Earth." I felt nothing but positive energy from the moment she greeted me and my boy as we walked in. It was never "hey, you're next" but instead "Brother Keith" and that totally impressed because GAIA was so personable and it made me feel at ease. And the cut!?!?! As my grandma would say, "Lawd habmercy!" GAIA's patience, precision and focus turned my haircut into something out of a magazine. I just told her want I was looking for and showed her a pic I found off Pinterest that I showed my old barber. Can I just tell you my cut looks better than the picture? My lines are sharp, my hairline not pushed back (problem I started getting with my old barber) and my sides are evenly faded like never before. I've had good cuts but GAIA totally solidified the deal with me and my search for a new barber is officially over! I asked her, "Where has she been all my life" and her reply..." Waiting on you!" #GAIAgotme read more

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I've been eating for yearsss to make an appt with Gaia to cut my hair and it was worth the wait. My fade was so crisp! The space is small and intimate. I will definitely be coming back! read more

I arrived late for my appointment and Judith still found time (with much patience) to slip me in without much of a wait. Their energy is great and Judith is GREAT with colouring hair of different textures. I'm a 4C and she got me blonde without any bleach. read more

I have been going to Chokmah for 3 plus years and I have no intention of going anywhere else. My haircuts (by Gaia) are always on point and leave me feeling fresh. I have gotten my hair colored as well (by Judith) and even when I give her creative freedom, I'm always satisfied with the result. The vibe in the shop is always chill and has a real Brooklyn feel. I highly recommend making an appointment here. read more

Chokmah Hair Lab is one of those hair shops that feels like home. I can attest to the perfection of both the stylist and the barber as I get my hair done by both. You would be hard pressed to find a barber better than Gaia. Her attention to detail and keen sense of her client's individuality will leave you with the fresh cut every time! My color is done by the stylist Judith and she gets it JUST right every time! She knows what will suit you and I constantly get compliments. She is also always concerned with the health of your heir. My sister who lives in Berlin waits to come to New York to get colored by Judith!! Not to mention going to Chokmah is just fun energy! I love this shop and I love these people! read more

GUYS. Judith is a Wonder Woman. She's truly just an incredible person all around. She makes you feel beautiful inside and out. Whenever I walk into Chokmah she gives me a hug and we chat for a bit. It's a real sense of community. And, did I mention how amazing she is? Her talent is amazing. She cuts and colors to perfection. I have never walked out of Chokmah unsatisfied. Sure, it's a little pricey, but this is New York. And Judith and Gaia are downright wonderful humans who just happen to double as amazing artists of hair. read more

I am fairly new to the city, and had been looking for a stylist for a while. I found the Chokmah Hair Lab on Yelp, and I am so glad that I did! Gaia and Judith are talented professionals who are also very warm and welcoming! Gaia's cuts look amazing on both women, men, and them. Judith is a fantastic colorist! Their respective services are also reasonably priced. They only take clients by appointment, so be prepared to book well in advance. Chokmah Hair Lab is a Bed-Stuy neighborhood gem, and the shop itself has a chill vibe. I enthusiastically recommend the Chokmah Hair Lab! read more

Judith is amazing & I love her! She works miracles with my hair & she's also such a wonderful, beautiful person that it's a pleasure just to be in her presence. My daughter who is very picky about her hair resisted going to anyone for several years but finally got up her courage & saw Judith. Now, she feels so relaxed and comfortable with her and with her work on my daughter's hair that she looks forward to going! read more

So I decided to take a chance and called to make a reservation. Judith was able to see me the same day. Although I was excited to venture out to a new salon, I was still nervous and jittery about having someone new try and manage my DOminican hair, but Judith made me feel calm and really listened to what I wanted done. She gave me a few highlights, covered the greys, trimmed my ends, washed, blow dry, and toned my hair. All for $220. It might sound like a lot but the great atmosphere, fantastic service, and quality of products means a lot to me. Its a win win win situation. read more

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Needed a good cut and color consult and felt like trying someone new. I'm so glad I found this place on Yelp. Between the chill vibes and Judith's guidance and talent...I will be going back! read more

On of the best haircuts I've had since I moved to New York 7 months ago. A real gem in the neighborhood. Stylists for all genders and type of hair. read more

I wish I could brag about the great cut I received at Chokmah today but it would be a flat out lie. I've been growing out a pixie for a while and was starting to sport a mullet. I found a photo of what I wanted and asked if they had time for a walk-in, I'd had enough of fighting my shapeless hair. I showed the photo twice, explained the growing pains and asked for the back to be brought up. Not a full on "Posh" bob, but some wedge with layering so it was easier to manage. The cut was done in minutes which I found to be odd, but assumed she was just fast. She asked if I wanted some body in it when she blew it out. Well heck ya! What gal doesn't lol. She whipped out a large round brush and went to town. Upon completion, mirrors were checked and the back appeared to be the bouncy shape I wanted. The key there is "appeared". A fine art of blow drying can make any s****y cut look good. I got home a couple of hours ago after all the bounce had faded and checked the back. It was cut in a straight line....that's it!!! No layers, no angle. A freakin' $60 straight line!?! Hell I could have just had one of my drunk rommates cut that! There was no blending in with the sides, nothing. I'm leaving this scathing review after locking myself in the bathroom on a Saturday night for half an hour with 2 strategically placed mirrors so that I could layer my hair the way I paid Chokmah to do. I know what you're thinking....Why didn't I just go back and ask them to correct it? Look, it was a VERY basic cut. If they couldn't get THAT right, I sure as hell wasn't going back to get it corrected. Lord knows how much they would have hacked off then! Oh and BTW-why was I charged that much when the guy next to me got a full haircut with a fade for half the price??? I won't ever be back nor will I recommend Chokmah to anyone I know. read more

Love this place! I've had my haircut from both of the dope women that work and run the place and they've both done an excellent job. I'd visit more often if I was closer. From hip-hop to politics, always love the random conversations that spring up when I'm there. read more

I haven't had a good cut and style for years, so Judith pretty much slayed my life-I think I've found my personal hair guru. Come here if you want a beautiful, fresh look. My hair was dead and stuck in a rut. I came to Chokmah because of the bomb reviews. Judith and Gaia are seriously so welcoming and maintain a serene salon environment. Thorough, relaxing shampoos, precise, flattering cuts that leave you feeling revived, the way a go-to salon should. Such a great business, come for a great cut, color and style. I could go on! Will be returning, regularly. Oxoxo read more

Judith is the best blonde in NYC. I have been a client of hers since 2001, she has an incredible eye and actually listens to what her clients want and is able to execute it. She has consistently been honest and upfront with me, when I've had different ideas, explaining that what I see on that person is not their real hair, or the maintenance will be more than I am interested in, or teaching me HOW to achieve the look I want on my own --- after I leave the salon. At times she has even performed magic --- like for my wedding, she gave me gorgeous extensions, and styled my hair into a dream come true. I've also worked with her on shoots, where she was able to switch looks 4-5 times on one girl for a fashion shoot. She is like a NINJA when it comes to hair. At the same time, she is always down for something new and creative. She loves what she does, and hair color, cutting, styling is truly an art for her. I live on the Upper East Side, and go to her salon in Bed-Stuy, every 6 weeks for a cut, and double process. Her salon is clean, airy, full of warm vibes and good energy. It is a great experience every time and most importantly --- the service, color, cut, and style are consistently high quality. read more

I'm a hairstylist that hasn't had a decent trim in 6 years because I can't trust anyone (yes, even the licensed stylists I know and work with) to give me a proper shape and cut. It's not so easy cutting your own hair, especially when it comes to the back. Scheduled an appointment with Gaia, who did an amazing job on my tresses for an extremely reasonable rate. Now I have someone I can trust and I will most definitely become a regular. You just heard it from a kinky curly natural girl who's just growing out of her awkward fro phase. read more

I stumbled across this salon a few months ago and patiently waited for an appointment with the Master Barber, Gaia. Well, it was truly worth the wait!!! There is such a positive ambience to this place, and it's not just from the upscale look of the place or the fact that it's by appointment only and you don't have to sit around waiting, but this vibe comes from both Gaia and Judith. They're both lovely in every way and super talented at their craft. My cuts have been on point and I also enjoy the conversations and sitting in front of that lovely picture window watching people go by and they're constantly waving and popping in to say hello to the owners. This place is truly a gem in the heart of Bed-Stuy!!! read more

Loved my experience here! It's a lovely space. Judith is so sweet, and very talented in her craft! She cut my hair exactly the way I wanted, and gave me one of the best blow dry styles I've ever had. I will definitely be coming back for another cut! read more