I love this place and above all the degree of professionalism and knowledge and believe it or not the humility (I've never met a talented artist being humble) That is what you get @ Salon lulu High end services without BS ! They won my business and my friend's business ! read more

My husband and I went here for hair services. Thomas was very professional, kind and gentle. Salon was super clean and it was a relaxing environment. I love the experiences. Thank you read more

Best salon in the area by far!! I have been going to Thom for many years from when it was Studio 607. Thom takes the time to do things right and really knows what colors and shapes work for people. My cut and highlights always look natural and grow out nicely even if it takes me a while to get back. You can trust him to polish you up and make you look your best. read more

When I called back to make a new appointment with Natalie, I was told that she no longer worked there, had been ill and then quit. The information sounded odd and so I did a little digging. I found Natalie at Peter David salon in Branford and resumed my regular hair care with her. The information I was given by the person answering the phone at Lulu (maybe one of the owners as she was happy to assign me to another stylist?) was not true. I do not recommend dishonest businesses and I will not continue to recommend this place. If you want an amazing stylist, go see Natalie at Peter David. Period. read more

On my fianceé's recommendation, I just had my first cut-n-style appointment yesterday. Expecting to get a typicalish haircut, I had an inner desire to get a new 'do that I could rock on my trip back to LA. Dude, did Lulu ever come through for me. I was paired up with Susan, and Thom came by for a quick consult. Throughout the appointment, James came through with some courteous assists proving that this gang is about teamwork and making their customers look and feel like the bizniz/bee's-knees/biznaa...okay, forget the last one. I emerged from their hip loft space with a killer new style that literally transformed my look from nod to mod (nod, as in sleepy...get it? okay, I hear you -- this review is almost done.) No up-sales pressures, great service, competitive prices ($40 for guy's wash, cut, and style), and people who know great style, and know how to pull it off with your hair. My single concern now is for all the west coast girls who'll be swooning when I walk...wait, what? I have B.O.??! Yeah, right. *crawls under rock* Last thing, enter to the left of English Market (across from the Footlocker). Take the stairs or elevator up to third floor. read more

I agree with another reviewer: the stylists here don't listen to you. They've their own "artistic visions" of what they think you should do. No matter what you tell them, they'll do their own thing. I also felt that the owner was very arrogant, and the staff was unfriendly. I was particularly annoyed at the fact that when I made the appointment online the price quotes for a men's cut was $40. After my cut, I was told $45. Finally, I didn't appreciate the attempts to try and sale me their styling products. Bottom line: frustrating experience. Not recommended. read more

More like 3.5, but the fact that they offer a full spectrum salon, including waxing (which is sparse in New Haven) pushes it to four. When my favorite salon in New Haven was booked for a month and my hair was ragged, Salon Lulu had openings and takes walk-ins. Travis gave a thorough assessment of how my hair should be cut to maximize volume and style, and made suggestions for how to treat my hair with more kindness (leave-in conditioner before putting on a swim cap, wide-toothed comb when brushing it wet). An awesome head massage during the wash, funny and sarcastic convo during the cut, and an overall great experience. It's all in the details: -offers student rates, though not advertised on the website -not offered anything to drink despite the open floor plan and easily seen Keurig -ladies getting cuts and dyes both had drinks, AND the guy who does the washes went out and refilled one of their parking meters -signage inside to lead you up to the third floor isn't great- I took the stairs three floors up to find the door locked, went back downstairs to read the fine print to take the elevator for the salon (so really wouldn't have minded a drink at that point) -as mentioned in another review, the cut felt very fast. It looks great, but I thought there was more time spent being disappointed in my current hair and talking me out of a longer style than actually cutting my hair. but it does look great. read more

So glad I found this place. I moved back to New Haven after 15 years of living in DC, where I've had the same stylist for almost the entire time. I was making regular trips back down to DC for the past 2 years for haircuts because the few salons/stylists I tried up here weren't very good (even though I used Yelp to find them). I took a chance and checked out Lulu a week before my wedding, just planning to get a blowout on the "big day" and thought I'd see what salon could do it best. Natalie greeted me as soon as I walked in and we discussed the plan I had for my wedding day. I knew I needed coloring as well and she assured me that they could improve upon my current look with a cut, color and style. After her initial blowout my hair looked great and I knew I was going to be in good hands the following week. We planned for the cut, color, style and makeup application for the day of my wedding. I was greeted by Natalie and another stylist who would be assisting and for about 2.5-3 hours I surrendered to their capable hands. They did beautiful work and I left relaxed and happy. Color was perfect, makeup was subtle and appropriate -- they listened to me and from that were able to understand my taste and style and "dressed me up" without overdoing it. I no longer need to go back to DC for my regular haircuts. Natalie was excellent and is now my stylist! read more

Janise is the best!!!! She knows her stuff and we have the best chats. The owner is so nice and welcoming as is all the staff. read more

I could not be more horrified by my experience with Dominique. She should never be let near someone's hair again. She rushed through the initial consultation, and I should've listened to my gut and left right then. I asked for hair 2 inches below the lowest part of my collarbone: a hairstyle that was still long that I could tie back for work. As soon as the cut the back, I touched my neck and realized it was cut above the shoulder. Again, should have left right then, but I wanted to give her a chance to make it right so I tried communicating what I wanted now that my hair was shorter than expected. She asked if I like layers, I said not really. I see her cutting a LOT of my hair in the back, so I ask "is that layers?" She says nothing and continues cutting!! She even started rudely making false comments about my hair being a certain way (i.e. well your hair is always straight) when she didn't ask that during the consultation at all. Eventually Thom came over and tried to fix, but ultimately still ended up with a terrible cut but worse because it's SO short. He also tried to convince me that the choppy rough-feeling layers were unhealthy because of tying my hair back, but I never tie it tight and it was only rough on the strands she messed up. I can't stress enough how much this was not the look I was going for. I was not charged for the cut and Thom said he could fix it again if I came back in 6 weeks, but I would rather go to GreatClips then relive this experience. Attached a before picture of my previously beautiful hair, during the cut, and after. Added some more pictures that really show the extent of the damage to my hair. The most clear one now is a large obvious chunk on the back right side of my head. No way to even it out without basically giving me a pixie cut. My friends and I have all decided that Dominique must have been drunk or high to give this cut, and I hope someday she knows what it feels like to have someone be so incompetent and careless with something she cares about. I wouldn't wish Salon LULU on my worst enemy. read more

See all

Salon Lulu is the real deal. Experts full of taste, skill & trustworthy opinion. Have been fabulous at giving me haircuts that work with my no-styling no-maintenance lifestyle. Helped me majorly with a dramatic change today, but for years has been great for my husband & I. read more

See all

So I'm one of those people who is legit terrified to get my (formally very very long, pretty scraggly) hair cut. I had a bad experience years ago that left me with my formally mid-back length hair unwillingly transformed into a horrendous fashion mullet by the owner of a Boston salon who did not listen to a word I said. And for years after that I would've rather done pretty much anything than step foot in a salon. Enter Alex at Salon LuLu. I had been to the salon for cuts in the past and left feeling pretty okay each time, but not enough to make it a habit. It's a beautiful salon with friendly staff, and with management that has done a great job hiring lovely people. But Alex is a true treasure. She took her time talking to me about what I wanted, what I didn't want, and what I would ACTUALLY do with my hair long after I left the salon and was left to my own devices. She suggested cutting off only about 3 inches of my hair, and made damn sure I was comfortable with her cutting off the 5ish inches I asked her to (because it was dead and awful and I probably wouldn't have asked her if she hadn't been so understanding). Alex explained every cut she made in a way that helped me understand how my hair would look and feel once I left the chair. She walked me through how to dry and style it on my own, and made sure that the way she was cutting my hair wouldn't leave me with something to deal with that was beyond my very rudimentary skill level. She also recommended an AMAZING dry shampoo that I'm not sure how I've lived without this long. I'm about 10 days out from getting this haircut and beyond all of the compliments I've gotten, it's one of the only cuts I've ever had that I've felt like looked just as good when I've been on my own to wash, dry and style it. Like, I still do basically nothing to my hair and it looks so good! ACTUAL. MAGIC! Whether you're fearless and fashion-forward, or a complete coward (like me!) when it comes to your hair, Alex has GOT YOU! She's talented, she'll make sure you look incredible, and she's also one of the nicest people you could ever spend an hour or two with ever. Tell her Emma sent you! read more

A year and 6 months later since I first set foot into Salon Lulu, I still get my haircuts here. I am amazed how well this salon has grown since it first open in November 2010. My original stylist, James, left back in December 2011. After he left, I have tried other salons that people have recommended to me, but I found myself coming back to Salon Lulu. Thom is currently my stylist and he does an amazing job with Asian Men hair, which is rare in a stylist. This place is amazing and I do not hesitate on recommending this salon to anyone. Their prices are comparable to other salons in the downtown New Haven area, but their service and customer relations exceed the average salon in the area. read more

I wanted to find someplace in downtown that could do a great job and be flexible. Score on both accounts! Good people from the moment I walked in until I walked out. Travis did a good job with a wreck from a previous haircut and made suggestions and significant improvements. In a nutshell, easy to get to, great customer service and good atmosphere. Definitely check this out! read more

I recently moved to New Haven from Chicago and was in desperate need of a haircut. I found this salon through Yelp and was lucky enough to scheduled with Travis. Although i am embarrassed to admit it- I am an obnoxious, indecisive, control freak when it comes to my hair (a.k.a. a stylists worst nightmare.) Travis was so patient and so kind while I spent the majority of our first visit hemming and hawing over what I should do with my hair. Travis took the time to talk over what i was hoping to achieve with my look and I ended up with a wonderful haircut. He was great and the whole salon and staff was friendly, helpful, and all around wonderful. I definitely recommend Travis and this salon to anyone looking for a great place for a haircut! read more

I've just received literally the best haircut of my life. This was a very drastic cut - I went from longer-than-shoulder-length curly, frizzy hair to a ROCKIN pixie cut. I was very nervous about it, of course, so I shopped around first and decided that Lulu had the best reviews. I called and asked them to reschedule my appointment, and they were very accommodating and cheerful. As soon as I walked in I felt comfortable and happy. The employees are all friends, and the atmosphere is jovial and relaxed. Thom sat down with me for a consultation first, showed me pictures, and told me what he planned to do in detail. I never felt that the haircut was out of my control. He was friendly the whole time without being fake, and - most important - I felt absolutely safe, like he knew what he was doing and wouldn't screw up. I never thought my hair was capable of looking this good. It's a versatile look, and he showed me how to style it in many different ways. One caveat: it's expensive. I was willing to spend the big bucks just this once, and I did - this was a $75 haircut that came out to over $100 with products and tip. But I can confidently say that it was TOTALLY worth it - I've never felt this excited about my hair in my life. read more

I was very unimpressed by the front desk staff. After having to park a half mile away from the salon (parking is crazy downtown and I had rushed over from work) and then jogging over, I was a mere ten minutes late. I am not one to ever be late, but I thought those minutes would be forgiven. The woman greeted me with a stare and immediately told me my appointment was cancelled because they had "already squeezed me in". She was incredibly rude. I had no knowledge that they book their appointments so tightly that they can't work with their customers. There are many other better salons in the area with far better service. read more

I've been in New Haven for 2.5 years and still haven't found a hairdresser I really like. I've had cuts that were fine, don't get me wrong, nothing disastrous, and I'm usually low maintenance so if I get a kinda icky cut I don't freak out. I do have tricky hair since it's curly and I also wear it straight sometimes. First, I wanted a last minute cut since I just learned I get to visit my boyfriend who is about to deploy and wanted to look spruced up. They were able to take me after work at 6pm which was maybe just lucky, but I was thrilled. I went with Thom, and I admit I've never had my hair done by a "master stylist" before. The other positive reviews are dead on. He is AWESOME. He talked with me about my hair, talked me out of some bad ideas I had, and made some suggestions until we landed on a good plan. He then took his time doing a very detailed, intricate cut (or so it seemed...he cut it wet, then a few more times dry in a few different ways). He gave my tips on how to manage a troublesome spot where my hair is randomly flatter and less curly, and gave me tips on good products to use and ones to avoid. It took him over an hour, but he was in the zone (although pleasant and conversational). I have never had such a beautiful cut. The layering was fantastic, the length was perfect, and it felt so healthy. Even though it's a bit more than I usually pay, it was beyond worth it and I will definitely go back! read more

After living in Boston for eight years and working in Beantown hair salons for four, I was nervous but excited to try a new place since I've moved back to CT. I went in for a haircut with Travis and I have to say, it may be the best haircut I've ever received, which is freaking awesome. It is extremely even, the layers look great and it frames my face perfectly. I'm psyched! I like to think my hair salon expectations are high but not unrealistic, and as follows, a couple of minor issues I had with my experience: As a new client, I expect to at least be offered something to drink or be made to feel comfortable when I come in, and although the nice receptionist did take my coat, I was not offered anything to drink or shown around. I just think that's customer service 101 and it was a little disappointing. Also, my stylist blew through my haircut and blowdry. It seriously felt like I had only been there for 20 minutes. I realized and appreciated that it was a GREAT haircut, but I felt like I was on an assembly line and didn't feel like the whole process was an overly welcoming, relaxing experience. That could be me just wanting the warm and fuzzy, sipping hot chocolate and reading a magazine hair salon visit though, so take that last comment as you will. Overall, I'm happy I found a new salon (close to work) and a new (funny, sarcastic, and talented) stylist. Props for allowing tip on the card and offering products but not being too pushy. Will be back next time for a cut AND color with Travis! read more

Salon Lulu is great! I have been there twice so far (once for a bangs trim, once for a full cut) and have been very pleased. Travis did my cut and did an incredible job! I never really know what I want when I go into a salon but after a thorough consultation he managed to figure out exactly what would look good and what I wanted. He gave me a very sleek and trendy look without changing anything too drastically. My hair is not too much shorter than it was before but looks much more streamlined and is so light and soft and shiny! He also had the good intuition to leave it a little longer than I originally asked for knowing that it would look much better that way (and it does). I will definitely be returning for my future cuts! ALSO: They don't advertise this on their website, but they offer a 10% discount to students, which really helps as they are somewhat pricey (although not unreasonably so, and it's worth the expense) read more

So unhappy with my haircut!!! The owner disregarded everything I asked him to do and did everything I asked him not to!!! It will take probably a good year for my hair to grow enough to fix this horrible hair cut!! The worst of this experience was the price, when clearly someone is dissatisfied you don't charge extra!!! I will never recommend this salon to anyone. I actually cried in his chair!!! HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I was tired of going to Salons that were mediocre and decided that I wanted to splurge on a nice-high end type of Salon. Plus I needed it because my hair was in rough shape. I booked an appointment with Salon Lu and started to look for ideas for a new hair cut. Ever since I can remember I got long layers and angles in the front- it was time for a change and to treat myself. I was excited. I walked in and immediately felt out of place. I was in a rush after changing into comfy clothes after work and felt as though I stuck out like a sore thumb. The salon is small with only 3 hair dressers working. I felt as thought it was trying too hard to be like a NYC salon and the people there felt judgemental. The owner was professional and introduced himself. I was then paired with my hair dresser, Natalie. I tried to get as much knowledge that I could from her about hair care because I knew my hair was in rough shape. Her advice was not helpful or realistic. I asked about the best shampoos I can buy at a regular store, ex Redken, Organix or ones that have Karatin. She suggested buying shampoos online. I asked about hair dryers I can find she only recommended a brand that was over $200 and said I should invest in it. She knew I was interested in taking care of my hair and all her tips lead back to buying this one product called "Milk." She said there is nothing like it, no substitute, it's a good purchase, etc. The only thing similar to it was a Swedish brand that I'd have to buy online. She mentioned it at least 5 times during the cut. The actual cut was good, better than before, but I have received better cuts for less money. She then led me to the front desk and literally put the product Milk in my hand. I asked how much it is since I felt as though I needed to have it because there's supposedly NOTHING else like and decided to just buy it. I ended up paying $109 tip included with the product because I felt pressured and trusted them too much. Don't make the same mistake I did because she probably makes commission off they sell. Spending over $100 for a hair cut and products was rediculous. I felt uncomfortable and judgmental there. The advice was not helpful either. Obviously I'm not a hair stylist and dont need a blow dryer thats over $200. read more

Well, the lady at the front desk and the stylist that washed my hair were both very friendly, the complementary espresso was perfect, and the place is nice to look at. But none of that means anything at all if you can't get a decent haircut. I found Thom arrogant and unfriendly. But maybe he was just having a bad day. So I'll give him a pass for that. What I won't give him a pass for refusing to deviate from his artistic vision and actually give me the cut I repeatedly asked for and then charging me $40 for the apparent privilege of experiencing his special aesthetic genius. I don't mind suggestions. I said for now I would like it cut the way I usually have it cut, but that I would consider any suggestions he had for future visits. But the artiste would not be thwarted. Never mind that I'm the one who would actually have to be seen in public with his wretched creation on top of my head. Despite multiple requests for him to cut shorter, Thom would not make meaningful alterations to the floppy mop he was so proud of designing. Fortunately, he cut the sides and back more or less how I wanted them, and his mistake was in leaving the top too long rather than cutting it short, so a trip to another cheaper, friendlier salon with a responsive, non-egotistical stylist the same afternoon took care of his mess. read more

I've been to salon Lulu twice. I was looking for a place to go to locally instead of trekking into ny. I should say first off that Salon Lulu will not be that local replacement. The first time I got a cut there it was uninspired with chunky layers (90s???). The second time I went they had lost my appointment. They treated me with disbelief (though my boyfriend, with whom I'd made the appointments, was in the books for his appt...), were rude and made no effort to find a compromise or alternative for later in the day. Their attitude was we don't need your business and can't be bothered to be professional, or conciliatory. In any case, I will be telling my twenty-something friends to pass on Lulu. read more

Came here to darken my highlights for the winter and was not satisfied. I didnt want to pay $35 for them to blow dry my hair so I left with it wet. When I got home I noticed that my roots were still dark and my highlights were still lighter than my roots. After a couple washes, my roots lightened up a little bit but so did my highlights. Overall, my hair looks like i never got it colored. Don't think that I would go back to this hip downtown salon. Their not to hip when it comes to hair color. read more

Great haircut today from Susan! A bit pricey - $40 for a men's haircut - but worth it for the careful attention to detail in both hair-cutting and ambience. I'm moving away this weekend or else I'd be back...wish I'd started going here two years ago! read more

I came to Salon Lulu to fix the mess that my (now former) hairstylist made of my hair. She gave my blonde hair a TON of dark brown highlights and randomly placed a few bright blonde highlights in there. Let's just say it was beyond horrible. I came in knowing that I couldn't dye over my new blonde highlights, and was prepared to color my hair one color to get rid of the horrible contrast. But James did an amazing job, picking out the brown pieces and foiling them back to blonde. I am more than satisfied with the results! He also gave me some great maintenance advice. Everyone else there was super friendly also! read more

I have been going here for about 14 years and honestly do not trust my hair to anyone but Thom (the owner.) The offer a lot of other services as well, and all the other stylists seem extremely qualified (Thom wouldn't keep anyone who wasn't) so I'm confident that any stylist would provide the same quality to their clients as well. I have had color before and loved it, too. They are more expensive than some other places, but the quality is worth every penny. read more

I know it sounds crazy, but I feel the same way about getting my hair cut as some people feel about going to the dentist. I put it off for months, and I'm always nervous about the experience beforehand. After reading other Yelp reviews I booked an appointment with Thom. I'm so glad I did as he was very knowledgeable, professional, and did a great job! Thom was friendly and really took the time to listen to what I wanted and helped me understand the process and what he could do. I really appreciated that as some stylists demand specific instructions from their customer rather than listening and working with their clients to figure out what it is they really want and helping them achieve that. The location is conveniently located downtown. I was offered coffee upon arrival. Finally, the price was very fair especially when you realize the calibre of service you're getting for the price. The staff here are definitely pros! Super happy and will be back again! read more

Great hair salon; NYC style at CT prices. Tom is a true artiste.

I love Salon Lulu! I've been a regular client for the past 3 years. I used to be a salon hopper (i.e. buy Groupons and go to the cheapest place possible.) After I met Janise, this all changed. She listens to me and gives suggestions for my hair. I go to only her to get my hair colored and cut, no other salon or person can touch it. She's always on top of trends but also knows what would work and not work for me. After being under her hair care for three years now, I almost trust her completely with my hair. Sometimes I walk in and ask her to do what she thinks would be right. :) As long as I live in New Haven, I'll go to Salon Lulu. Also, the other staff in the salon are so friendly. They always say hi and ask me how I am doing. It's very homey. It's such a good place to get pampered! I love the owner of the salon as well. He always says hi to me. Best Salon in New Haven in my own opinion. read more

This place is ah-mazing! I came in on their late day and the person at the front desk greeted me and was super friendly. They took my coat and asked if I wanted anything to drink. The other staff had checked in on me because I was early and asked how I was doing. My hair stylist was wonderful, and I'm terrible with names, so I forgot it. She was bubbly and asked me questions and made me feel comfortable with her abilities! Very person. A very trendy salon. Great service. Plus, I live near the Green and I have found my go to salon! read more

Decided to cut my very long hair short and Travis did an amazing job. He spent 2 hours on my haircut and refined each single detail, including a little fluff derived from the amount of hair I have. The price was very reasonable, considering the amount of work they had to do on me. Highly recommended! read more

As another reviewer pointed out, Thom is a true artist. He is unbelievably knowledgeable about your own personal hair and helping you find the right type of cut and style that fits. Very impressed. I'm leaving New Haven soon, but might come back here for just my hair. Top-notch quality. read more

I got a Brazilian wax from Marta Rosa and she was great! She's very sweet and very, very thorough. And I mean thorough. If you go to her you'll be smooth as a baby. I'm from New York and I'm always nervous about going to a new waxer and Marta made me feel at home right away! The facilities at Salon lulu are very clean and I had no qualms getting up on that table. Thanks Marta! read more

Travis is a total boss. I moved to New Haven from Chicago, and he has been the only person to do my hair well. I've been rocking all sorts of short hairdos since I met him. He is a hair genius. read more

As of September, still getting my hair cut here, and still definitely a fan. Travis cuts my hair and he is AWESOME, but everyone here is great! This place is great! The staff is very friendly, the salon is always very clean and bright, and my hair always looks great when I leave. The price is also very reasonable, which a young guy like myself tends to appreciate. read more

I got an up-do at Salon Lulu for my recent wedding. I did not have a trial and did not really know what I wanted. My only request to Darcy, my stylist, was that it would stay up all day. Well, she did such a wonderful job! I got a beautiful side bun made up of little strands of hair that she attached with what seemed like 100 bobby pins. The hair style was gorgeous and I got compliments on it all night! Thank you, Darcy! By the way, the salon itself is beautiful! read more

I went to Salon Lulu after a year hiatus from hair care. The salon itself is very pleasant and peaceful, with a good camaraderie between all the stylists. I was able to make an appointment using the online booking system (you can choose your stylist) and was able to easily get an appointment on the same day. The entry way is not the most obvious, but I read a previous review and had no issues. One has to enter the initial door to the left of the English Market storefront. The English Market sales people were really nice and buzzed me through the second door (straight ahead of the first). I booked with Natalie and ended up getting a partial highlight, a glaze treatment, and a great layered cut. She was really mindful about keeping me comfortable and the whole process was really relaxing. The scalp massage with the hair wash was pleasant and she really put some nice work into cutting and styling my hair. The highlights are subtle, just as requested. She definitely had to put in some effort repairing my uncared-for hair and did a fabulous job. I would totally recommend her to anyone looking for a great stylist in New Haven. read more

Went there about a year and a half ago. Asked for sweepaway side bangs and got regular poorly cut bangs instead. I went to Chameleon salon on a walkin immediately afterward because my hair looked terrible and they were unable to fix it at all. After pinning the terrible bangs up for a few weeks, I went to my regular stylist in DC and he asked me if I cut my hair myself. Overly priced for a terrible haircut. Also, the stylist's fingers reeked of smoke and I could smell them while she was washing and cutting my hair. Terribly overpriced for an amateur haircut. read more