I was given an appointment the very next day which was tremendous! The salon is beautiful and everyone there is lovely and attentive. I highly recommend Krissy; she gave me a fabulous cut and blowout that I'm thrilled with!! Will happily be returning very soon! Susan W read more

Krissy had me and did an amazing job ! She got to the color purple I wanted and does even more to achieve the look I needed! I'd like to also mention Jana's welcoming vibes and how much fun she made the whole experience! Definitely coming back to Krissy again for future upkeep and other color projects ! read more

I'm so dissapointed in my recent experience going to this salon. I have been coming here for years, and just recently the girl that used to cut my hair left. The front concierge left as well, and now there are new staff members. For one, the main person that is and should be the first impression to the salon - the front concierge manager, Dawn - is completely imposing, rude and unprofessional. Then the rest of the staff seems pleasant, but definetly made to feel rushed and non cared for. Here are a few reasons to back of my statement: To put things under perspective, for this visit I had just requested a simple haircut & blowdry. Nothing else. 1. To start, I had multiple text notifications from the salon sending me reminders that I had an appointment. I showed up on time, and I was told otherwise - that I was not showing up on the system nor did I have an appointment. I was ready to leave since Dawn did not provide a resolution or an apology for the salon's confusion until a stylist passed by and took me in. 2. When I was brought in, I was just asked "what do you want?", no proper consultation and all was completely rushed. Then, I was told my hair was clean so I didnt "need" a proper wash (per the package description). So no wash, cut dry and then blow dry quickly without any product to protect my hair from heat damage nor was given the option to request this is usually my preference. 3. At the end, I was told the total for this 15-20 minute service was $80+, I had stated my experience and there was not a care in the world from Dawn, her response was " the standard fee for blowout and haircut is $80". I felt this was pretty high and not appropriate for the bad customer experience I had, but I still paid and left the salon. I went back and looked at the list prices displayed on Substance's salon's website. Here's what it states: - Under Women's Menu: "Classic Cut + Blowdry - Shampoo & conditioner, Haircut & Blowdry : $55-65" - Under "Salon Menu" ' "women's haircuts Level 1 = $69, Level 2 = $74, Level 3= $80, Level 4=$84. I was NOT provided a reason to the fact I was being charge for level 3, the answer provided was "this is a standard fee". Which clearly, what is written on the website does NOT support this statement. 4. Oh! To top it off, as I was paying without asking for what had happened - Dawn (instead of apologizing for the confusion and the MESS of a customer service experience) began speaking and said she didn't know what had happened and imposed that maybe I had done something wrong! IT'S ALL IN WRITING AND THE APPOINMENT WAS SET THROUGH THE TEXT REMINDERS THAT THE SALON PROVIDES. The whole experience was COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND I WILL NOT BE RETURNING nor recommending this place to anyone in the Rutherford area!! It's quite sad, because this used to be my home salon and I loved all the staff and how cared for I felt everytime. I would always be listened to completely, cared for and consulted, never rushed and kicked out the door like today! Now I have no choice but to find another salon that cares for their clientelle, respects, consults and treats each individual as top priority. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

It's been a few years since I've had a haircut where I haven't come home and nitpicked at all of the incongruities I would see in the mirror. So if you're looking for a barber who will actually listen to you, asses your hair, and cut your hair in a way that is complementary to your facial features, this is the place to go. Beyond happy with my haircut. The most expensive cut I've had to date, but I'll be damned if it isn't worth every single penny! If you're feeling unsure, ask for Nolan, he'll set you up with some instant confidence. read more

I've lived in Rutherford for about 6 years now, how did I only now just find about this salon 5 minutes from my house! I went to try out a wash & blow dry based on several recommendations from the Rutherford Recommends Facebook page. I was tired of paying $50+ for blow outs I didn't even like. I decided to go with Jaden and I am so happy I did. Sweet girl, and did a fantastic job on my hair and so quick! I have a lot of hair and it's not an easy job, so I appreciate her not making a comment as most stylist do about the amount of hair I have (I know, thanks, it's on my head. I'm aware). I've gone to her a couple times now, and have literally 2 or 3 future appointments booked already. I even sent my sister to her when she was in town. Jaden was busy on a day I needed her so I instead I booked with Cassandra and another gem as well. Salon is clean, the shampoo bowl/station is comfortable! And they play the music at a low volume, which I so appreciate, I hate a loud salon. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Blowout with Cassandra - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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My 16 year old daughter decided she wanted to get her hair lightened. Not highlights but something that would look more natural. After a lot of research we decided to book a partial balayage high. CJ did an amazing job. My daughter loves her hair and I have to agree it looks wonderful. It's a little pricey but the service is very friendly and attentive. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

The first time I went I enjoyed this place. I asked for a root touch up and the woman was super nice and accommodating. I did notice a very strong smell coming from the products, which I never really smelled anywhere else, but I can overlook it. What I can't overlook is the fact that on the second, and even third time of getting a root touch up, the color changed. I ended up walking out with a red root when my hair is black. Won't be coming back. read more

The reception when you walk in are the snottiest, most condescending people in New Jersey. They speak down to you in the rudest manner imaginable all while wearing a fake smile. I had to walk in 3 times and beg for an appointment 3 times before I got one. Cannot STAND the front desk staff but Kelly, the hair dresser is amazing. I feel bad for her as she is kind but the people running the place are shameless. After my first hair cut I was given a 20% off coupon. Came back the very next day to have my daughters hair trimmed. A Dry trim. No washing. They wanted $65 for a dry trim. They wanted to disregard my coupon and just have the $65. I had to argue and ask for the manager who was equally rude. After raising my voice and mentioning an online review they finally agreed to accept the coupon and we paid $35 for a DRY TRIM. This place is as overrated as it is overprice and the worst part of it all is they find it great to be "cashless" as in, "your CASH is NO GOOD HERE". I asked "why?" they replied "well, we have been cashless because of the Virus and Lock down". Lamest excuse ever. Do they imagine you can catch it from a dollar bill? NO, they are doing it because they are in lock-step with the powers that be wanting to track and trace each and every single purchase we as Americans do. I hope this place goes out of business and learns that "go woke, go BROKE". Learn some manners FOLKS. You are NOT indispensable. read more

From beginning to end service was 5 stars. I My hairstylist was jaden she was very nice and very helpful. She took the time to explain what she was doing to my hair since it was my first time dying it. I will be going back again ! read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

Alexandra has literally saved my hair and I could not be happier with her and my experience at Substance Salon. I had long term Covid last year and a lot of my hair fell out in clumps. What was left on my head was a disaster. I was devastated especially since I've always had a healthy head of hair. I came in for a consult and hit it off with Alexandra right away. She understood so well that our goal was to give me a head of healthy hair again that was easy to maintain. It did not take long. After my very first appointment, I began to feel human again. Alexandra is meticulous and clearly has a passion for what she does. I feel so comfortable with her. I have been getting TONS of compliments on my hair and really look forward to coming to every appointments. It's my 'me' time. I find everyone at the salon very friendly without being 'in your face' and the salon space is really bright and inviting. Everything is always so clean and they play great music. I've been to far more expensive salons in the past and have not been half as happy with my experience. read more

Always a wonderful experience and I look forward to my appointment each time. I get compliments every time I go. Kris is the best ever

Superior men's haircuts! My fiancé is your typical $10 haircut kinda guy, however, for our wedding I wanted to treat him to a top notch cut. I called the salon and spoke with Stephanie, she was helpful explaining what type of experience he could expect from the master barber Manny. Manny did an excellent job creating the perfect look. My fiancé was so impressed with his professionalism. I've included a before and after shot. The next morning I found him in the bathroom using a blow dryer styling his own hair. Looks like we have a new diva in our house,thanks again substance! read more

I've been getting my hair done at Substance for almost 3 years with Brittani. The professionalism and helpful nature the entire staff provides as soon as you walk in the door is refreshing. When they opened up after the restrictions lifted due to COVID19, they adapted and adhere to all of the guidelines necessary to keep their clients and their staff safe. As a nurse, I appreciate the sanitizing and extra precautions they take to ensure everyone's health and wellbeing. Brittani is attentive and listens to what I want and makes sure she lets me know what my hair needs. She is has always delivered on my many different hair requests! Please go check out Substance Salon and Brittani!!! read more

I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy. I specifically sent pictures of what I wanted almost a month before I booked my appointment and the lady I spoke to said the style I wanted would be a partial balayage even though I told her I had dark hair. Even after sending pictures of my actual hair and what I wanted, she said it would be a partial balayage and $240. I was fine with that AS LONG AS IT LOOKED LIKE WHAT I EMAILED AND SHOWED THE STYLIST IN PERSON. I said this numerous times but I guess it was disregarded when I went in for my appointment. I showed Gaby videos of what I wanted and she said she was going to frame my hair and this and that, but I left the salon with barely any color in my hair. She gave me money pieces on the top of my forehead that I didn't even ask for which looks tacky. Not only this, but they tried to make me leave with a rough dry when I was paying for a full blowout by saying I came 20 minutes late. Even if I came 2 hours early, different clients would have overlapped with the amount of time I was getting done on my hair. Maybe because they knew that this wasn't the style I wanted? After I refused to leave with a rough dry and got a full blowout like I was paying for, when I said it looked like i barely got anything done, Gaby said "I don't know who booked you for a partial balayage, I personally would've booked you for a full" and that it would look like the picture after multiple sessions. So why didn't you tell me that before you started dying my hair??? Unbelievably unprofessional and not worth the price I paid for, go spend your money somewhere else!!!! The pictures below is the blonde I wanted and what I ended up leaving with. They said the manager comes from vacation on Monday when I said I go back to college on Sunday. Just outright unbelievable. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - What I specifically wanted - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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Value I look online to this place to do my hair. Own 2 businesses. I have very limited time. I made an appointment for 4 pm and they call me to come at 3 I was here at 2:58. They toll me to wait few minutes I don't mi k I wait for over 30 minutes and she totally ignored me after few people come in and they let them in. What the point for and appointments . I will never come back here again. I am going to do in Manhattan. They lost one valuable client and will never recommend anyone Ither read more

I've been going to Substance for over 10 years now and have to say they are consistently my favorite - I always go back even if I try other places. The stylists and colorists are always the best in class with top training. The vibe of the salon is always upbeat, friendly, and professional. The environment of the salon is always clean and tidy with new decor. The front desk manager is always on point. The price tag is worth the service you receive! read more

LOVE this place. JADEN is the best!

Had a little bit of a reaction to the product they used on my hair because my scalp reacted to it badly. I stopped using the shampoo and conditioner I was promoted to purchase and it went away after a few days. When I let them know they offered to ask whether or not I could return the product as I only used it for two days and it gave me an allergic reaction. I never heard back from them so I just took it as a loss, but I don't think I'll be coming back here. I felt a little bit like since I wasn't a regular or because I came there for a special I wasn't really worth the time. My cut was still nice though but it wasn't my favorite salon experience ever but after giving it some thought spending $100+ just for my scalp to break out isn't worth it. Overpriced service. But hey, they put money in my meter and were nice when I walked in. Seemed like a clique-y energy though. Definitely felt weird about the corner "men's club" they had with a whiskey tray etc for the one barber. read more

I have searched far and wide for a stylist who knows how to color, cut and style curly hair and my search has come to an end at Substance. Kris listened to what my problem areas were and asked me clarifying questions before working on me. She delivered a color, cut and blow out that exceeded my expectations. I left the salon feeling confident and satisfied with the service and overall results of her work. I am now a loyal customer thanks to Kris and the the entire Substance staff. read more

The most unprofessional place I've ever seen. I made an appt to get my hair done at 5:30 and when I arrived they said they needed 3 hours so they wouldn't take my appt THAT I MADE? I said it's fine I don't mind if you work on other people while doing my hair she said impossible. It's jan 21 and she proceeded to tell me she didn't have any appts until FEB 18th!!!!! Why even make an appt if you're not going to follow through? Absolutely awful! read more

My mom and I cane here for my bridal makeup trial and absolutely LOVED our makeup. I highly recommend Jackie! She asked for photos and what my vision was, and perfectly recreated what I wanted! She is very attentive and sweet. Definitely book her for makeup!! read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Bridal makeup by Jackie! - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

Good hair cut but $40 for men's regular hair cut. That's too much I guess Way way Overpriced Place was descent enough spacious. read more

Meh. Not sure how so many people are having such good experiences here, I've had both the worst blow out I've ever had here AND the worst color of my entire life on separate occasion. The first time I was here, I did color and a blow out. The color was much darker than I wanted and I couldn't even tell my hair had been style when I left. I felt so ripped off...like an experiment from someone out of beauty school. I always take pictures after I get my hair done, usually for reference when I want the same awesome style done, but the picture I took after this experience was not something I'd ever ask for someone to recreate. Even after my horrible hair color and style, I decide to try again, this time, just for a blow out because of the good reviews. I went back for a blow out at the blow out bar. I asked for beachy-waves and I got some weird Texas-volume-curly hairstyle that ended up in a bun before I even got home. I felt so ugly. And I paid for it. I tried showing the girl what I wanted but because my hair had so much volume, she said she couldn't do the hairstyle with what she had started doing. Oh, sorry, didn't mean to interrupt your vision. I'll admit, I have high standards...I had my hair done for years in New York at amazing salons and when I started to try local Jersey salons, I carried over my expectations. Two stars because after going here I found a wonderful salon up the Ave, maybe a block away, that's met my standards, has a fantastic price point and makes me feel so put together when I leave. Just how I like it!! So there was good that came from my experience here. read more

This was my first experience at Substance and admittedly I was a little apprehensive because my last haircut (at a different salon) was a disaster. Jazelli made me feel completely comfortable. She knew what she was doing for sure. The covid precautions and sanitation measures are really on point as well. I won't be going anywhere else. read more

Maica is the best and I recommend going to her everytime. Diligent, honest, meticulous. She will take her time and not apologize for it because she delivers QUALITY. I'll take quality over quantity ANY DAY. Maica is so sweet, and her patience is unmatched. She listens well and takes very careful notes regarding any changes made or changed to be made next time. She gets a whole 10 stars!!! Took a star off this specific salon charges crazy prices, I don't understand?? They charge for little things like straightening after blow drying to smooth out the frizz. I go to this other salon (in Wayne Hills- very competitive area) and they don't charge extra at all. I go get my hair blown out perfectly with straightening INCLUDED all for $25. And that salon is amazing as well cause my main stylist there delivers perfection. Other salons will give me some nice curls or flips and not charge extra. It severely discourages me from getting my hair blown out cause it's really not worth the extra charge here. $10 extra for straightening?? I can do that myself at home. Very annoying. But that's ok I'll only book my color service and a regular blow out, the rest I won't pay for. Thank god for the other salons I go to. Anywho - go to Maica. That's it. read more

Salon seemed nice, but they severely lack barbers/hair stylists. Store hours should be cut in half if they can not provide services.

Kelsey was awesome ! Highly recommend her, she did an amazing job with my hair cut as well or the color to my hair. She's super nice a patient. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

I have long straight hair so my hair should be very easy to cut, therefore I agreed to let a level 1 cut my hair, I think her name was Christy. The salon is cute and clean. I thought I liked my hair until I got home and flipped my head over or put It in a pony tail. That is when I realize she left about 3 inches of uncut hair in the back of my head. I had a rat tail of hair uncut in the back of my head. How could anyone miss this, even a level 1. Safe to say I went to another salon to have a real professional cut my hair. She couldn't believe how uneven everything was, in addition to my rat tail. Never again! read more

Had a great blowout/up-do done by Christy this past Saturday. Very friendly and patient- made sure I was happy with the style every step. Will be back, thank you! read more

Thank you Nicole! She did a great job on my balayage! Will set come back :) Love the service, cleanliness of the salon! read more

I've gone to Brooke a handful of times now since I first met her about two years ago when I moved to the area, and she never disappoint... ever! I come in each time asking her to perform miracles and she always deliver. This girl gives an effortlessly and flawless haircut every time! She does beautiful colors too! HIGHLY recommend! The staff seems friendly all the times I've been there and the space is beautiful and chic.... no pretentious vibe like all the other upscale-ish salons I've been to. read more

I am disappointed in this salon I went in for a foil glaze and trim. The color is fine. I had to blow dry my own hair because they overbooked and wanted the receptionist to blow dry my hair. The stylist Gabi checked once while my hair was still wet. If she would have checked when I finished blow drying she would have noticed how she cut my hair. As if she put a bowl on my head - mind you I specified I was letting my hair grow out and wanted a trim only. So the top/crown is much shorter than the side and back. I cannot even wave it, curl it - I have no idea what to do with it. She should have checked before I left and fixed it instead she continued on her other client Very unprofessional. Too embarrassed to post pic read more

Honestly love this salon! Got my balayage done for $230, thats with glaze and a blowdry. I had to rush to work so my blowdry couldnt be complete but i love Jaden! She was so sweet and kind. She hung up my coat, got me water and went to put quarters in my meter! She is the sweetest! read more

I can't say enough amazing things about this salon. First- you are met with coffee and a cookie. Second, my stylist really took the time to make sure she completely understood what I wanted, and also focused on education so that I could style my own hair in the future. I wish I lived in the area and could go here regularly. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Before- huge curly mane - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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I came here to cut my hair, and this is the best place I have ever been to! my hair stylist was Gabrielle, and she was amazing! she took her time, and did it so professionally. all the staff over there are so sweet and helpful. I'm so in love with my hair, and will definitely go there again. thank you for making my hair so pretty! read more

Shoutout to Maria who colored my hair and made me look and feel so great... not only is she the sweetest she's highly skilled! This is the first time I ever dyed my hair so I was scared from the start but she was so patient and helpful. I will definitelybe back. Awesome service, relaxing atmosphere and most importantly perfect hair experience! read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

When possible I call to see if I could get a last minute blow out and I sometimes get lucky and get my hair done. I love the care because my hair has a nice shine and less frizz. I believe the products make the difference. So next time I should buy and take some stuff home. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

This was my first time here. I had gone in for a consultation asking for one person whose posts I saw on Instagram and was given another person. That was fine, she was nice and knowledgeable about hair. However, no one told me that I'd be paying $500 for hair cut and color. This is something that should have been discussed at the initial consultation. Since the stylist was busy she said she would cut my hair one week and color it the next. What the salon failed to tell me was that I'd be charged and extra $50 dollars for wash and dry. Had i known this, I would have waited until the stylist could fit me in to do everything at one time. And, to top it off, I came home after a $500 service to find dye on my sweater. At a lesser price point, I'd be more forgiving. But at $500, I'd expect the stylist to be more careful. All in all, if you go to this salon and it's your first time, make sure to ask questions ! She did do a nice job, but I did find it overpriced. Needless to say, I won't be going because of the lack of communication In pricing. read more

I love substance salon, I never write yelp reviews but I have to say I love this place. For dark hair I go to Kris and Suzy does me blonde because I do switch it up a lot , but they are both amazing and so nice, it is worth the cost when they spend hours making it to the color you want. As you can see in the two photos I have been dark light and everywhere in between. I love this place and will continue to come !! Kris and Suzy are absolutely amazing at what they do and get you to the color you want to be. read more

Substance Salon & Barberspa - Barbers Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

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Talented artists, shitty management. I booked hair and makeup for my wedding, and I really wouldn't recommend it unless you have a huge bridal party and everyone is getting serviced there. I only had myself and one other person (my friends opted to go to their regular stylists, which I was fine with) and I got completely screwed. They booked me for 1:30 pm and my hair and makeup people didn't get there till around 3 pm. Obviously this screwed up the entire timeline of the day, and prevented me from enjoying getting dressed with my mom and my friends at the hotel because I was so rushed. I had to ask multiple times for an update from the robotic receptionist so I could update my photographer. She told me the wedding they were on-site with added people last minute. Why should that affect me?! Oh, because it's more money for you. Right. Hey, it's only my wedding day, right? In the end, the hairstylist (Kristy) was the only person who truly seemed apologetic and like she was working quickly. They took $50 off my bill, but obviously that means nothing to me, I would much rather have been on time. I'm almost shaking as I write this because I'm still so mad. Little stresses always pop up on your wedding day, and I can't help but think if it weren't for this, I would have had the presence of mind to deal with them. But everything was so rushed. We ended up starting the ceremony nearly 45 minutes later than scheduled. Thanks, Substance! I also had problems booking the services. In the end we agreed to $50 for the junior bridesmaid's makeup, but the receptionist neglected to inform me that that meant just lipstick and eyeshadow. I told them she was 14, not 5. Why would anyone pay that much for lipstick and eyeshadow?! She can do that herself. I found that out when i was in the chair. Kristy was nice enough to give her full application anyway. I really liked the girls when I booked them and I was happy with the physical results but I wish I went somewhere else. I was even thinking of making that my regular salon. Not after that! If they didn't have time for me, they shouldn't have booked me. End of story. read more