If I can give them ZERO stars that would be much more accurate! I do not leave reviews ever, but this was such a bad experience, that I simply HAD TO! I had a good experience with them in the past, as I came at that time, just for the blowout for going to the party, which was close to this location, with my coworkers. Got compliments :) This time, recently, in May, I came for the haircut and color, after many pandemic months I needed it badly, as I have many split ends and it is just a mess. Was hoping they will fix it and I even traveled from Forest Hills and made an appointment two weeks ahead of time. Reviews were encouraging so I figured it is worth the trip. Isaac, I think he is the boss, was very pushy and after a long wait he decided on a color that I did not even want and literally refused to go with my wishes..thankfully color did not turn out that bad, but the attitude was unacceptable and made me extremely uncomfortable and feeling disrespected. Woman Marianna..or whatever her name is.. who cut my hair would not smile if you pay her...lol...that kind of a grouchy person...and I had to wait with wet hair long time cuz they lack the staff and she could not take me right away, so she had to spray my hair all over, (even after I already had a wash), so she can cut it, as it got half dry as I was waiting way too long. She totally disregarded my suggestions and pictures of hair cuts I wanted, which I cut out from the papers and brought to the salon. She said it is not good for me and that she knows what to do. Isaac the boss, jumped in with his bully, rude approach again and backed her up, telling me she is good and to relax and the pictures I have are not good for my face shape and to leave it to them to cut as they think is the best. I was shocked how they totally disregarded my point of view and shut me up on the spot. I felt humiliated and it was an embarrassing experience altogether, the way how they talked to me. It felt like being in a twilight zone! In my mind, I think the customer decides what kind of hair they want, after considering their consult, because it is my hair on my head and I am the one paying the bill. My ends as you can see in the pictures were very damaged and split and the length was not even on both sides, and the goal was to have professional people handle it, so I can have healthy hair again. I cried when I got home that day, as she did not even touch 75 percent of my hairs and she left it uneven and messy as hell. They were rushed by the sudden influx of regular customers and they wanted to get rid of me as soon as possible, so she did not even spend five minutes on my hair. He, the bully Isaac, even jumped in and took the scissors and bam bam shazam was done in two minutes, telling me it is fine and very soon I can come back for the new cut if I think I want another change again. I was in shock and speechless that I even did not wait for my hair to be dried but said I needed to go somewhere, as after that super rushed "cut" which was not the solution to the problem that made me seek their "professional" help, I felt helpless and stupid for accepting how they treated me. The worst of all, I am ashamed to even say how much they charged me at the register, it was so overpriced (hundreds of $) that I was totally ripped off. Omg, I think even in the classy part of Manhattan you can get a cheaper cut. The tip I gave separately cuz I always leave tip, even if it is only 4$. The shampoo lady was super nice and kind, the only one there. So after this horrific experience the next day I had to go walk in, to the local salon asking for an emergency haircut, as you can see in these pictures I still desperately needed it! The lady who cut my hair there was shocked at how damaged my hair still was. Who pays big bucks for the service that was not even provided? Fools like me! That is why I write this, so you do not go to that place and get bullied, scammed, and humiliated like me! Ripped off too! Feel totally violated, as the service intended was not provided! I should file a lawsuit against them! It is that bad of a service! Should I say: "non-service"!!! Please heed this advice and do not allow yourself to be humiliated and disgustingly treated like this. I cannot believe that I paid for the haircut, that they even did not provide for me. :( The worst salon experience ever! Nightmare! This is at least I can do, to give you an honest warning, with this review, so you do not make a mistake like me and go there, ever! Not ever! read more

PLEASE give them a try!!i know my review is long but please read!!! Today was my first experience at RIVA. Let me start by saying my hair was a complete mess when I walked in. Colors everywhere and a homemade ombré cause I had stop coloring for a few years at due too being fed up with colorist/beauticians who would not love on or respect my dark hair that ALWAYS goes reddish when I want to a beautiful honey golden blonde and then wind up toasting my hair And of course the ones that have "the experts" are in Manhattan and are not in my budget AND not only not in my budget but even if I did want to spurge they don't know how to love and handle my Puerto Rican Rosie Perez curly dark hair UNTIL TODAY!!! Issac (the owner) a FREAKINGAnMAZING!!! He is by far the best I have ever come to know. From the moment he said "so tell me wants going on here" I was sold!! That communicated to me that he is a listener!! He wasn't judging based on the disaster he came in contact with! Then he asked if I was ready for his suggestion....boom! Again that showed me he is confident in who and what he does as he should be...now trust him!! Some colorist who KNOW how good they are stink of arrogance & ego.... There is a difference between arrogant &confidence ..... Issac is confident friendly & humble!!!! He's also a great leader to his staff! As he asked to be assisted with mixing of colors...,,,toners etc from his staff he ask for suggestions only to teach them every client is different case scenario but to challenge them in how would you handle this situation here" I love that about successful people they will always grow there staff to one day carry on the legacy they believe in expanding and that is what I saw today! The atmosphere is great & friendly. My color turned out beautiful just perfect and now it's time to cut. I hate cutting my hair because I don't trust just anyone which is why I wind up with crunchy ends :( ....until today!! I have curly hair and if you don't know how to cut or blow dry this kind if hair it could get ugly ...for me because then I look like a poodle and then if I look like a poodle it gets ugly for you cause now I'm a b&)$:;(!! Jenise cut & styled me to perfection!! She showed me how much she was taking off and asked if I was ok with it.....sigh that is the sound of heaven when you are letting someone cut your long curly hair you love so much...treat my hair with love please!! Hehehehehe ) EVERYONE in there is amazing while they didn't ALL work on my hair I watched and every client left shining bright like a diamond!! Another big shout out to the receptionist ... Very professional making sure everyone who walks in is comfortable and communicating w/staff clients have arrived etc As of today RIVA is my salon..... Mind you I live in the Bronx work in the manhattan but will cross that bridge pay the toll for excellence!!! Ooh wait I almost forgot. So of course I get all this excellent service and now it's time to pay Eeeeeeeek!! ( I say to myself ....self here is where le pocketbook understands why they are so good) I won't say how much my highlights/color/color correction/haircut btw my hair is long hair and that's always more money AND blow dry was however here's a hint ALL under $200 ONE PRICE we that know about great salons know that they love charging separate for blow drying and there can be levels to the person blow drying we'll not here!! BTW this place needs to branch another location in Manhattan because they are very chic & sophisticated I like what they bring....it would make a killing!! read more

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Riva Hair Salon and experiencing the remarkable skills of stylist Isaac. From start to finish, my time at the salon was nothing short of exceptional, and it was largely thanks to Isaac's expertise and talent. First and foremost, Isaac's professionalism and attentiveness were evident from the moment I sat in his chair. He took the time to listen attentively to my hair goals and preferences, ensuring that he understood exactly what I was looking for. His friendly demeanor and warm personality made the entire experience incredibly pleasant. Isaac's expertise in hairstyling truly shines through in his work. He demonstrated an impressive level of precision and attention to detail while working on my hair. Whether it was a simple trim or a more complex style, Isaac's technique was flawless. He effortlessly transformed my hair into a work of art, exceeding my expectations in every way. What sets Isaac apart is his creativity and ability to adapt to individual needs. He carefully assessed my hair type, texture, and facial features to offer personalized suggestions that would enhance my overall look. His recommendations were spot-on, and I was absolutely thrilled with the final result. Isaac has an innate ability to bring out the best in his clients' hair, creating styles that are both stunning and manageable. Furthermore, Isaac's knowledge of current trends and techniques is impressive. He keeps himself up to date with the latest industry trends and products, ensuring that his clients receive the most modern and innovative hairstyling services available. I felt confident knowing that I was in the hands of a stylist who is passionate about his craft and continuously strives for excellence. Throughout the entire process, Isaac maintained a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable and valued as a customer. He provided valuable advice on hair care and styling techniques, taking the time to explain each step of the process. His passion for his work was contagious, and it was evident that he genuinely cared about delivering outstanding results. In conclusion, I cannot recommend Isaac at Riva Hair Salon highly enough. His remarkable skills, professionalism, and dedication to his clients make him a true standout in the industry. If you're looking for a hairstylist who can transform your hair into a masterpiece while providing an enjoyable experience, Isaac is the one to see. I left the salon feeling rejuvenated, confident, and grateful for the exceptional service I received. read more

About 4 months ago, my hair was long overdue for a haircut. I have a hectic work schedule and its hard to find "me" time. I called Riva around 2pm to see if they could squeeze me in. They told me to come right away. I met with Janice who gave me an amazing trim. She freshened up my layers and blew my hair out beautifully. For the past two months, I've been toying with the idea of getting bangs. I decided to go back to Riva and met with Janice again. I explained I was a little nervous, so Janice and I discussed my likes and dislikes while reviewing some pictures. She completely put me at ease and cut bangs to compliment me perfectly. I cant explain how happy I am with the cut and style change. I've been in between salons for a few years now and could never find one I truly loved/ could afford. The last time I got my balyage done, I paid a little over $400 as a salon in Astoria. I explained to Janice I'd be needing a freshen up soon and she introduced me to Issac. We spoke briefly, but I know i'll be in good hands when the time comes. I'll be making a color appointment within the next month or so and cant wait. Riva is my new go to salon! read more

I had such a great experience at Riva. I got my prom make up and hair done by Samantha. She did an excellent job and did exactly what I had I asked her too. They know what they're doing and what they're talking about. The staff is so kind and caring. They seemed to have regular customers because most of the people that walked in were greeted by their names. In the end, I had a question and hesitant to ask, I didn't get a chance to ask her name, but she was this really kind Asian, she knew I had to ask something and despite denying it, she finally got it out of me that I needed quarters to get back home and she provided me with change in quarters. Honestly they're such wonderful workers and know exactly how to send their customers satisfied. Thank you a ton to all the staff members of Riva hair salon, especially Samantha for making me look great for prom and being so talkative and energetic. read more

As a monthly customer of Riva Salon for almost the past three years, I had to respond to the review by BNG. I happened to be sitting next to her last month during her visit to the salon. I have never seen a more rude, obnoxious, know-it-all and difficult customer in my life. From the moment she entered the salon she was dictating to Isaac how to do his job. Isaac, being the professional as well as the adult in the room, tried to accommodate her while stressing the potential damage she wanted to cause to her hair. This woman's poor review should in no way influence your decision to visit Riva Salon. BNG has over 50 additional negative reviews on Yelp which speaks volumes as to the type of woman she is. All the nuts aren't in the nut house! Isaac and Lauren and the entire staff at Riva are talented, professional, listen to your needs and are extremely accommodating. read more

RIva Salon was created with a passion for hair color. You will receive only the utmost quality, and attention to detail at this great Queens location. You can see the imagination at work the moment you meet Isaak and his staff! Isaak is amazing at his craft and will not let you leave unsatisfied. He gives sound advice on how to color and style your hair and will play with your ideas until you find the best outcome for you! The decor is modern and clean and the girls are amazing! Together they work as a great team and you will never leave looking anything but gorgeous. I have been going to Isaak now for over 4 years. He has made me brown, blonde, purple, and never once have I ever had a bad comment about my hair. I travel from manhattan just to see Isaak. I would recommend Riva Salon over any NYC Salon any day! read more

I just love this place. The employees are just phenomenal. Isaak is a doll, always friendly and welcoming. I have to say I just love love love Jenise. I love her style and personality. I especially love her technique with my hair. My hair usually doesn't stay pin straight the day after getting it done, it starts doing this weird curl in the center, but Jenise has managed to get my hair to stay pin straight not only the day after but for 3 days after. I recommend Jenise highly, she also gave me an incredible cut, I showed her a picture from my crappy cellphone of what I wanted and she did that more. I will be coming back, over and over again. I can't wait till Isaak does my color, if only my indecisive mind would come to a decision of what I want to do. I love Riva and I love Jenise. read more

I love Riva Salon! Lauren & Isaak are the best! I first came to the salon for highlights. I was greeted & sat in the chair for color immediately. Then I received a detailed consultation explaining the process to get my blonde color to the tone I wanted. The staff is highly knowledgeable & professional. I can now call myself a "regular" as I see Lauren for highlights every couple months. Besides highlights, I challenged the staff at taking me from a bright blonde color to a firey red. Then, a month later I decided it wasn't for me so I asked them to take me back to blonde! Lauren did an amazing job despite my crazy request. Always does an amazing job! I have never walked out of the salon unhappy! I highly recommend! read more

I came here once and will never go back. I have been to many salons before and this was the first time I've felt completely ripped off and uncomfortable in a salon. I went in riva to get my hair dyed a shade darker, a very simple job. ( no cut or blow dry keep in mind) can some one please tell me how they charged me 100 dollars for a single process with no cut or blow dry? The usual price ranges from 50-70 dollars. I spoke with friends that are in the hair business and they agreed that what I was charged was bullshit. I have not and will not recommend this salon to anyone. There are better places in the area. Don't go here read more

Absolutely love this salon!! I went earlier today and Jenise did an amazing job (trim + blowout). Just some background: I haven't had a decent haircut since I was 11 -- I have the archetypal Brazilian/curly hair and it is well-known that every person either burns or botches my haircut. Even before touching my hair, Jenise asked all the right questions to understand the best course of action. She also recommended that based on my hair type, to come back every few months (and not every month for the dreaded "upsell"). I can't recommend Riva Salon enough and can't wait to come back! Thank you again! Best, Rosie read more

Just left Riva's Salon. I must say the dedication this place has to make sure their customers are happy is definitely refreshing. I came in super confused and just desperately wanting change. The entire staff teamed together and offered me a bunch of ideas, I couldn't decide with all the options. Finally decided on a change of color and haircut. I occasionally see Isaac for my color but he was busy beautifying someone else so I was blessed with Lauren who glammed me up. She dedicated every minute to my needs. I feel great and ready to paint the town red highly recommended this place for that perfect touch. read more

I've been here several times and it's now my go to hair salon! Everyone is very kind and welcoming and makes sure you feel comfortable. I've gotten highlights and cut/blowout and have always left completely satisfied. Jody is a sweetheart and so talented! I decided to go very light blonde and it came out beautiful. Isaac is very professional, he listens to what you want and gives you a step by step of what is going to be done to achieve your desired look. I know I'm in good hands when I come here and would recommend this salon to anyone! read more

I was a long time customer of Christie & Co. but decided to give Riva a try after a friend recommended them. And have never returned to Christies. I am beyond thrilled with this salon. The staff is friendly and very attentive. They cannot do enough for you. Jenise gives an amazing cut and blowout and I hear the owner is tops for color. They are reasonably priced and make you feel pampered at the same time. Great addition to the neighborhood! read more

This was my first time there - Isaak took the time to see exactly what i wanted, discussed options without any pressure. Isaak along with all the employees were great and friendly and made me feel welcomed as if i had been going there for years. The service was amazing - i was the last person for the day and was not rushed at all. My hair looks better than it has in months thanks to Isaak. I will definitely be returning for my next haircut!! read more

I walked in and they accommodated me right away without an appointment. My hair was too dark for my skin tone and damaged from too many processes. Isaac highlighted my hair to a lighter brown shade and did a karats treatment. I now love the color of my hair and the texture is smooth as silk. I have been getting many compliments and am so pleased with the results.. And the price was very affordable.I finally found a hair salon I love. read more

Riva Salon offers an exceptional hair experience at a reasonable cost. I've been a loyal customer to the salon for several years now and can attest that I've always left happy and satisfied with my look. The hair specialists carefully listen to your needs & make recommendations based on hair type and desired look. Isaak's work is nothing short of fantastic. If you are looking for fabulous color that lasts, he is your man. read more

My godmother recommended Riva to me after I had a hair emergency! I had gotten my hair done the day before and it did not come out like I wanted. I had 4 different colors in my hair... orange.. blonde... so brassy! Even though I had asked for ashy blonde. Riva was able to take me for an appointment & completely saved me hair! Lauren was a magician and knew exactly what toners to put to get my hair to the color I wanted. read more

Absolutely hands down the best hair salon! Stylish, trendy and just fabulous!! Isaac is AMAZiNG, he did my ombre and everyone stops to ask my where I got my hair done! My blowouts are stunning, "Vic Secret Model Status blowouts"! Super clean salon, best customer service! I can't say enough about how fabulous this salon truly is! If you're looking for fabulosity and a simply stunning look, this is your salon!!!!! read more