Spent 300$ (including tips ) for perming my hair. Don't think that's worth it. The place is not very neat; they piled the cardboard stuff in the back. Service was okay. I just think it's overpriced. read more

If you really need to have your hair cut done and you need a really good solid hair color. You need to consult with Alph and let him give you his opinion. Almost all the high end salon hairstylist practitioners are well skilled with their high quality hair cut skill as well as hair coloring management. So I would advise to confirm the price before appointment. If you need to redo your hair do get it done. Please make sure you tip them well. read more

I have been here for years and Ed Tong was my stylist. He was the best but he left. Would someone be nice enough to tell me where he works at now? Since he left, I have went to many different stylists and none can give me the wonderful layer haircut like Ed did. This is a nice salon but, a bit expensive for the price. The workers are all very nice and stylish. Give them a try! read more

Great place for wash and cut. They need appointments and know how to style hair in contemporary fashion.

I have been coming to this location for my haircut every 2 - 3 months for the past 4 years. I have two great things to say about this location: 1. Location: despite being located below ground level, the hair salon is very clean and well kept. They have magazines to read, a bench and a cloth hanger for customers. The hair appointment typically starts with a hair wash followed by the cut. They do get very booked on some weekends so making an appointment by phone is highly recommended. Otherwise, you'll be stuck waiting 30 mins - 1 hour for the next available stylists. 2. Stylist: Ed Tong has been my go-to stylist at this location for the past 4 years. His commitment to his work and to my satisfaction with the cut is very much appreciated. At times, when I wish to change a style, he would offer his advice on how it would look and how I should style it using wax/clay. During the haircut session, he keeps me engaged and ensures I'm comfortable. read more

I came here last week and had my first appointment at Sub Image with Ed...what a great experience!! I didn't have a picture with me to show him what I wanted, but he pinpointed my description perfectly. My hair is shoulder length and it only took about 20 minutes. Ed is truly skilled and knows exactly what he's doing. Not only that but he (and everyone else who works there) is super friendly and accommodating. Oh ya, did I mention that it was the best price I've paid for a haircut in Nyc!? Only $30!! Great location, great stylists, awesome looking salon and they play great music. Definitely coming back here and referring all my friends :) read more

Ed has been my go-to guy for years. I knew him a long time ago when he was working somewhere else in Chinatown. When he left that place, I looked him up and found out he works here now. Simply put, he really knows what he's doing. Very skilled stylist and keen on new fashion trends as well. He is also very knowledgable about different hairstyles and will be able to give you some solid advice/opinions if you need. Overall, he takes pride in his work and it shows. I'd reccomend anyone going to Sub Image for the first time to consult Ed. read more

I don't leave reviews often -- only if I have a really great or really terrible experience. After getting my hair cut by Ed at Sub-Image, I had to add to the positive remarks on Yelp, since that's what brought me there in the first place. NY hair salons are difficult. Either expensive, don't know what they're doing, or both. I've been to places that cost $20 (Aveda School; depending who you get, can turn out good or awful) ones that cost $80 (Redge in the EV; good cut but way too expensive for something so temporary) and in between: ~ $50 (Sei Tomoko; a wonderful haircut. I'd go back for a FULL cut in a heartbeat, but when I came back to ask how much it would be for a trim -- literally a 5-min shave that would cost $5 at a barber -- they we're going to charge me $30 for a "partial cut". Ridiculous.) I have a complicated hairstyle: very customized; not the usual "2-inch trim" or "Jennifer Aniston layers" (or does no one get JAL anymore?). It's always a relief to find a stylist who not only understands how to do my cut, but can re-shape my hair according to remnants of my last cut many moons ago, and can even improvise and improve upon it. Ed was that stylist. He did an amazing job! Ed also understood hair-geometry and balance -- I *hate* it when a stylist leaves you with weird "chunky" parts that aren't properly thinned out (and looks at you quizzically when you ask to fix them, as if they don't see that you look like Lumpy Space Princess) and/or flatness in the back of your head, and/or something obviously crooked that you have to fix yourself after you get home. Ed doesn't seem like someone who'd ever do those things. But with 10+ years of experience and a love for his work, that's no surprise. Anyway, I truly want Sub-Image to be successful, but really hope they don't raise prices... at least *too* much. $35 (pre-tip) is unspeakably incredible for one of the best haircuts I've ever had, especially in Manhattan. I'm so thankful for Sub-Image. Definitely will be back. P.S. If you were wondering, I don't have Asian hair. Adding this since I've heard that some Asian salons/stylists do better with hair they know, and not quite so well with thin, caucasian hair or curly hair. read more

Master stylist Ryan rocks, and this salon ought to be named "Super" rather than "Sub"-Image, despite its below ground digs. In the early winter of this year, I had made the mistake of buying a Groupon for a cut and color deal, got talked into side-swept bangs, immediately regretted the decision, and proceeded to grow them out. When I next needed a haircut, I made the mistake of walking into one of Jean Louis David's little brother salons, "Salon de Louie," and overpaid for a sloppy, rush job of a haircut that did not grow out well. Following the advice of fellow Yelpers' singing Ryan's praises, I decided to book an appointment here and was able to come in on the evening of the day I called despite Ryan's well-deserved popularity. After a relaxing shampoo with scalp massage, Ryan got to work, trimming the dead ends, correcting the mistakes of three stylists before him, giving me back the long layers I wanted, and fixing the bangs situation such that they would grow out more easily and blend in better. He also achieved smooth, sleek straightness via a blowdryer alone and actually recommended against use of straightening irons. (I sometimes think Chinatown salons' insistence on use of straightening irons on all haircut clients is excessive). I will definitely be back to this salon to see this stylist. read more

This review is for KEN! Though priced about $10 more for a haircut for long hair, I decided to give the place a try after hearing very good things about this location and the location in Flushing. Lucky for me, there wasn't a wait on a Saturday afternoon. I got my hair thoroughly washed by a very gentle man with silver hair and proceeded to sit in Ken's chair without having any idea of what kind of haircut I wanted. My hair was at about mid-waist and I wanted it about two inches under the shoulder, but no idea what style. Ken helped give me a haircut that framed my face well and described everything he wanted to do before he did it, which I loved! He did a cut, then dried my hair, then did a dry cut to give my hair more "texture". Afterwards, he styled my hair and gave me great tips on how to give my hair more volume and tips on how to tease my hair. My hair looks great, and I am very pleased! By the way, they speak English quite well, in case anyone was wondering. read more

If I could give 0 stars.... Please save your money and don't come to this place. They don't listen to you and they do what they think which is horrible. I went there to dye my hair and I showed to them the color I want and I was really looking forward to it. The person who did my hair was really rude to my hair and it was suffering. The color came out to be horrible and was not I was looking for!!!! They said it looks good because they want to off work early. They also hurt my scalp!!! I think any other places will be better than this one. They are very unprofessional. read more

I have gone to Chinatown hair salons for many years. My haircuts always cost under $20. I always get my hair cut straight or with layers. I found out the hard way that these are the only two hair cuts that Chinatown salons can provide me without looking like a mess. I read all the reviews for this salon and decided to venture in. I went in on a saturday afternoon, was the only customer. Got my hair gently washed by a guy with silver hair. Hair cuts for long hair is $35. Men $25. Ken was my hairstylist. I asked for side-swept bangs. And I got layers that framed my face with a side part. Still satisfied with the cut. Ken was very attentive and knowledgeable. He cut my hair while it was damp, then my hair was blown dried. He asked if I wanted it blown dry wavy or straight. He then cut my hair when it was dry. As requested, he thinned out my hair. He then gave me advice on how to maintain my hair. He showed me how to use a leave-in conditioner. and wax for hair. Great tips! Not bad at all for $35, before tips. I would definitely go back to Ken for my future hair cuts. read more

After they've been opened for 2 yrs, I finally managed to pay them a visit. It's really far for me to come out here as opposed to their Flushing headquarters, but I figured it's time to say hi :D For dying & cutting it's $80+$35, which I thought was a tiny bit much since I know other Chinatown salons have very competitive wkday prices, but I really like Sub-Image so I gave it a shot. After explaining my desired cut to my stylist, we began the day. Spent about 3 hours there and the style ended up with a little more than how I wanted it. But I think that's what makes a good stylist, that your hair doesn't come out EXACTLY how you want, but with a little plus so you can see yourself in a style you prefer AND extra edge for future expansion/consideration. The cut I have now can be worn differently being straight, wavy, long, and short. My only gripe with Sub-Image is the dye job as always... I suppose not everyone has this problem because my stylist kept saying how black my hair was and it'd be hard for the color to come out. In the end, I ended up getting nice color on the top of my head, but practically no color halfway down my hair =T sigh... Sub-Image stylists and hair wash are always really nice and polite. Leave a nice tip! read more

I wish I can give this salon 0 star; but unfortunately, this is not an option on yelp. I came in today to get my long hair cut short to donate to Pantene Beautiful Length. I even brought a ruler with me telling them that I want 8 inches cut off end-to-end and showed her exactly how long I wanted off. Without listening to me, the lady doing my hair cut of 14 inches!!!! She kept on saying "oh it looks cute on you". That's nice, but I don't appreciate having an extra 6 inches of my hair cut off without my permission. In terms of the hairstyle itself, she did a mediocre job. But for those of you want wants specific instructions, please safe yourself the money and go somewhere else. In terms of decor, the place was dirty, dingy, and what you'd expect out of a cheap Chinatown place. I got there around 5 PM in the afternoon. There was hair all over the floor. There were people eating food, playing on their iphone, and generally not really caring about what's going on. Save yourself some money and time by going down the street to miantiansing. Seriously, I am not sure what came over me that made me go here. I have no idea why the review for this place is so high. This, of course, is just my experience. But needless to say, I will not be returning to Sub-Image Hair Salon again...ever. read more

Checkers has been my go-to hair stylist for years now. Every month, or every six to eight weeks, I travel faithfully from Westchester County to Chinatown for my haircut. He is such an artist and I am so grateful that he's my stylist. read more

So I have to write a review about this place seeing that I have been here a few times and it was never an issue appointment or walk in. Well up until now.. The staff looks like they have slightly changed... Some unfamiliar faces.. But anyway that is not the point. Granted I came in as a walk in. (Totally understandable there is a wait period) You have to honor appointment times. But when someone tells you 15mins becomes 20mins- 25- 30- 35 so forth, there is an issue. I rather would have been told to come back in an hour & take my name down. Than waste my time waiting & waiting for a trim. Instead of irritating someone enough to just walk out the place sometimes HONESTY is key. Would you really want to irritate someone who was just waiting for a simple trim and the possibility of getting a negative review via yelp..? Over a fib just to keep their business. Hello wake up and smell the coffee! There are people like me out there who are occasional yelpers and a b***** when it comes to certain things. But anyway I probably will not be coming back to this place. Lack of acknowledgement after waiting over 30mins for a trim. Already wasted half an hour of my time that I can't get back. Thanks guys! read more

If you're looking for a great salon that knows how to color, this is the place to go. Q does amazing coloring and knows what he's doing along with cuttting. I've been going to him for the past few years and never left the salon feeling disappointed like I have in other salons. He has great suggestions and definitely achieves the look that I wanted. Even recommended friends to him and they were definitely satisfied! Thanks Q for your hard work!!! read more

DeCode Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Got a really nice short haircut here from Ken at the behest of my sister, who has been coming for the past year or so. Her haircuts are those super short, asymmetrical, shaved at the side type of quasi-pixie cuts, which are great and have the modern look I go for. So while my short, Japanese-style bobs aren't particularly complicated to cut, I really appreciate how communicative Ken is, and that he takes time in answering questions and explaining what it is he's doing and why. I highly recommend Ken as a professional stylist. My haircut cost $28, cash, and I had no problem with making an early morning appointment at 10:30am. read more

I cannot express how grateful I am that I found Ryan at sub-image. I never had a hairdresser I truly loved and continuously returned to until I met Ryan. I've decided he's the only person allowed to cut my hair. Most hairstylists I've gone to in the past don't know how to work with thin, flat straight hair like mine. They loved to suggest layers which came out making me look half bald, and blowed dried my hair with the heat so intense I could feel my hair burning. They never took the time to ask me what I exactly wanted. Yes, it was a struggle. They spedcut my hair and I was seriously disappointed everytime. After taking my friend's suggestion to try sub-image, the fates matched me with Ryan. He was detailed, so precise, took his time, never stopped asking me questions until he knew I was 1000% satisfied, and gave me the best haircuts of my life. After the cut, he blowed dried my hair with mild heat and gave me voluminous full looking gorgeous hair. I left sub-image that first day overjoyed and sighed in relief for Ryan's existence. He speaks Mandarin (i cant speak) and is able to communicate in English well. read more

My go-to salon for affordable, trendy hair cuts. Notes: - Ive gotten my hair cut here twice a year for the past 3 or 4 years. - For a quick and flawless haircut ask for Kelly. - Every single person in this salon that I've tried, minus boy, will cut to your needs and wants. - My hair cut costs me $35. - There is this one guy who gives a really, really relaxing and soothing massage while washing your hair. read more

Lam is the best! So much attention to detail and always does what I ask for. Thank you!!

I'm writing this review after 30 minutes of getting my hair done! Why am I in a such a rush to write this review? Because I think Boy, my hair stylist, did a beautiful job that exceeded my expectations! I contacted Boy two days ago to set an appointment for hair coloring, and he responded within minutes! I planned on getting a bayalage, but I wasn't sure what color would suit me. Thankfully, Boy was able to give me his honest opinion and I opted for dark blue/ash grey bayalage, in the end. Although the process was long (8 hours), I certainly don't have any regrets with the outcome of his hard work! Since I haven't dyed my hair for 5 years, it did take longer than if a person who regularly dyed hers'. Honestly, I couldn't even recognize myself in the mirror. Boy even told me that if I had any problems with the color after a few weeks of washes, to contact him and he'll be happy to fix it! He thanked me for his patience, but honestly, I should be the one thanking him for his keen eye to detail and the passion he puts into his work! I definitely recommend Sub Image for its's hardworking stylists and welcoming environment! read more

DeCode Salon - Ash Grey Bayalage by Boy! - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

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Uhm just wanna come back and report Ryan keeps getting better, just had another fantastic cut with him! read more

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First off, I love the new location ! This is my third haircut with Ed and he has never let me down im terms of getting me the right haircut. He's very patient and helpful in terms of giving you the cut that suits your features. I always have a photo/image of the haircut I want and he's always been able to replicate it very well! Highly recommended ! read more

DeCode Salon - love my new haircut !! Styled and cut by Ed - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Amazing salon!! Went in to get a haircut and it was amazing, it's been a while since I've been to a salon that made me want to go again. I really appreciate the care that went into cutting my hair and felt like he wanted me to look the best I could. Definitely would recommend going to this salon to get your hair cut. read more

This review is specifically for my long-term hairstylist and good friend Kelly. She has taken care of my hair (cut & digital perm) for the last 5 years and I can honestly say that I do not trust my hair with anyone else but her. I am completely confident of her skills, competency and artistry. I have had many stylists work digital perms on my hair, but no one has been successful thus far to avoid major split-ends months after the perm except for Kelly's perms. Kelly's cut and style lasts for months - she is always careful, understanding and thoughtful to your requests and concerns. Kelly is incredibly humble and professional, a seasoned stylist for 19+ years. Since she probably won't brag about this, I'll do it for her -- she was part of the 2016 New York Fashion Week as a hairstylist for some of the models. Kelly is truly driven and consistently growing & learning as a stylist. She is native Taiwanese and speaks English as well. If you're looking for a Taiwanese stylist, she's the best in town in my opinion! Love you girl, keep being awesome! :) (Kelly is available in both Subimages - Manhattan & Queens. Call the salons to inquire about her schedule...) read more

I've been a client of Q's for several years. I love the way he styles my hair . I've followed him from his move from Brooklyn to soho & will follow him wherever he goes . I often travel to Charlotte & back to New York and ensure when I get off the plane my first stop is to see Q because quite frankly there's no one like him . He is the truth . Everywhere I go I receive compliments about my style my hair color and how great it looks . I smile and say decode hair salon see Q you won't be disappointed , his hands are magic . I get my hair done perfectly by Q . I'm in my fifties but like to have fun with my style. I can say that he's captured that concept and has my hair looking vibrant & radiant w my newest popping color . I went from burgundy to now different shades of purple . I love it . If your looking for freshness See Q and he will Davin updated your look, I highly recommend you come here . read more

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Review for Ed and Raymond: I came here from my friend Lucy's recommendation (I was one of many referred customers she had for this place). I was ten minutes late and had to wait for 15 minutes, then Raymond washed my hair. He was definitely not the auntie who takes 10 minutes to massage your head and neck (which is great if you have the luxury of time) but he does a thorough job for how speedy the hair washing was without making you feel rushed. I waited for about 10 more minutes and then Ed came to cut my hair. He has not had a break since I went in, so I guess he is the most popular hairdresser in the salon. I told him what kind of haircut I wanted and he went right through, the process was quicker than any haircut I have gotten previously with the same starting hair length. I was very happy that the process didn't take forever while being thorough. Ed balanced his judgement with my (quite vague) feedback and made it work well. I paid $38 + tip which is reasonable. I'm satisfied with my haircut and will definitely be back again. Would recommend this place to my friends and coworkers! Thanks Ed and Raymond, no more heavy hair for the summer! read more

This review update is solely geared towards Jamey! I came here the third time and did not make an appointment at all since they are never busy on weekday afternoons. Unfortunately, my usual stylist, Boy, was not available for another 30 minutes. I was pressed for time and asked them for any other stylist that was available. (A gamble I am probably only willing to take at Sub Image). After my wash Jamey came up and asked me how I wanted my hair done. For a guy, there's not much to do. So I said same style, just shorter. Half way through the trim I actually told her to do a little different style and she said it wasn't a problem! Jamey continued to chat with me in mandarin and continuously asked me if the length and style of the cut was ok...which calmed me down since it was my first time with Jamey. After about an hour..she finished and I couldn't be more than happy with my cut! Two thumbs up for Jamey for being friendly and very helpful! UPDATE: Jamey is no longer at Sub-Image!! read more

After hearing so many suggestions and opinions. I came in here with one friend whom was also getting a haircut. It's a Saturday afternoon around 1:30pm. The salon was small but it was already filled up with customers. I decided to give this place a try since I still have not find my "favorite" or my hairstylist yet. I get a haircut around twice a year due to having to travel for college and I did not mind having long hair. As of now I still do not know the person's name that cut my hair. But hes a male, dressed in black with 1/3 of his head shaved and tied half way up. He was nice and gave me suggestions throughout my haircut. He would pause and explain his procedure. I asked my bangs to be shorter since it was poking my eyes but he gave his honest opinion saying it would look weird to have such short bangs and is too cute. He spend his time giving my haircut and would not rush it like how some other salons would. Yet I feel a huge difference from before and after. Since I asked to cut around 3 inches. As if I like it a lot...I would give it a 8/10. Since I love my hair just not my bangs. The total for my haircut was $38. Tips was another $8. Therefore my total was $46. I believe this is sort of a pricey side which makes me want to venture out for another hair salon even though this is an average price for chinatown haircuts. read more

I had come here once before last year and gotten a haircut with Lam. Wasn't thrilled with it but I needed another haircut and remembered the prices being decent so I booked a 2:30 appointment with Alvin, who's supposedly the sifu/master. It's $48 for a haircut + blow dry. I got there and got my hair washed and then Alvin said to wait a bit because he was really hungry. I said okay no problem. Then he started cutting my hair but was rather rough with combing my already damaged hair. I lowkey felt like a rag doll being yanked around. He didn't speak to me much until the end when he asked if I would be redoing my roots and said I should really be cutting more than just a trim. Wish I could give a 3.5 but the resulting haircut was decent. Probably wouldn't come back though. read more

I highly recommend Qui! I've been going to Qui for more than 6 years and he always does an amazing job! I haven't found anybody else that does my hair like Qui and I definitely don't trust just anybody with my hair. I also have a lot of hair but Qui is very patient and he's great at his work. He'll give his full insight on the color you pick and/or haircut. I have gotten compliments from people on my hair and I always send them to Qui, he's the best! read more

DeCode Salon - Left: Highlights Dec.2013 Right: Ombre Nov. 2014 All done by Qui - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I've been to this place 3 times just to try out different stylists. The shampoo session is just ok, if there's any advice I could give it's that you're being too gentle! Also, it would be nice if the water didn't go cold mid-session. Some of the employees speak Mandarin, others Cantonese and some have the trifecta of Mandarin, Cantonese and English. You'll just have to figure it out once you get there. Every haircut that I've gotten has been pretty good and it's usually around $30-40 for long hair sans tip. They take the time to listen to what you want and each of them seems to have strength in understanding how hair moves and where to trim. read more

Thank you Sub-Image salon, for alleviating my anxiety after all these years of bad haircutting experience. The best hair stylist is one that listens to your needs and requests and execute with that in mind and sub-image salon executed that with the utmost perfection. The staff is extremely courteous and gentle, they washed and massaged my scalp for a good 30 minutes while the hair stylist is finishing up with another customer. I expressed my concerns which prevented me from trimming my hair all these years to the hair stylist, he understood completely. Throughout the process, he made small suggestions as to how he would like to cut my hair, and checked with me consistently every step of the way whether the length is still what I wanted and the style is still what I had in mind. My anxiety completely faded after all these reassurance and being kept in the loop. The haircut? I couldn't have imagined anything better myself and only $35 for my long hair. Worth traveling 4 hours from Boston to NYC to get a perfect haircut? I'd do it again in a heartbeat. read more

Went for a haircut today and got my hair washed. The lady that washed my hair was very sweet and she did an amazing job massaging my scalp. I told her that my scalp gets dry and flaky easily so she made sure to turn down the temperature and deeply condition my scalp and hair. My scalp and hair felt amazing and the scalp did not feel dry at all after my haircut compared to other places that I have been to in the past. The person that cut my hair is Boy and he always does a great job! I've had him cut my hair the past few years and he always cuts it at the length I want and style it very nicely. I will be coming back again the next time :). read more

I went to see Alph Q based on his instagram because the balayage he did looked really really good. When I got there, he was rude and in a bad mood , complaining that he's so busy and tired of getting texts from clients that he had to answer at 11pm and didn't have any time to relax. I thought it was weird he was complaining the whole time about clients but figured as long as he gave me great color then it didn't matter. Wrong. The color on instagram is fake - it's all about lighting. As soon as I left and saw my hair in natural light the tone looked really bad and not what I wanted at all. To make it worse - he totally damaged my hair by bleaching for way too long. He should not be allowed to touch hair and needs to learn how to talk to clients - he's the worst!! Go elsewhere. read more

The only one hair salon I go to. Checker is amazing! He does my hair for over 10 years. No mater cut, or colors or perm, it always came out exactly the way I wanted. read more

Just had my haircut by Ryan. He did an excellent job and listen to what I said; trim but still want layers and long hair. Ryan was very gentle and apologized for every little tug even though it wasn't necessary. He was extremely gentle which is good cus I know I didn't lose alot of hair. Most stylist would just tug and tug but Ryan made sure I felt no pain. Overall I had a great experience and will be coming back to Ryan! read more

Does anyone know where hair stylist Ed Tong went? I loved him and he's no longer with this salon. Last time, I went with a different stylist because he's no longer here and it was just ok; nothing special for me to stick with this salon. read more

Kelly is really a great hair stylist. She knows exactly what customers want and need. I always got a lot of praise from my friends after having my hair cut by Kelly. Definitely recommend her!! read more