When I first visited Swing Salon around six years ago, I was freaking out about gray hairs making their first appearance on my full head of dark brown hair. Seeing as I do not use chemicals in my home or on my body, I googled "natural salons NYC" and Swing came up. I paid Luis a visit and he gave me a free consultation which consisted of him looking at my hair and telling me I didn't really need to start dying my hair yet for the small amount of grays I had. I was flabbergasted, no one had ever denied my business in such an honest way. He said to come back in a few years if/when I got more grays. Fast forward four years--after using henna/indigo with mixed results, I was back at Swing and this time I was ready for a real remedy. Luis has been dying my hair ever since, for over three years now, and it's the best salon experience I've ever had. Over those years he's also cut my hair in various styles and lengths. His casual, no frills salon is comfortable and welcoming. His pricing is fair and comparable with/or better than the toxic hair coloring happening around the neighborhood and across the city. This is the longest relationship I've ever had with a hair dresser and one that I cannot say enough good things about. Women (and men) go to Swing for a natural approach to haircare and stay because Luis is a great person, and one they feel good about supporting. read more

First of all I had been in the Fashion business a long time and I used to get my haircut from the most talented hairstylist stars out there. But since I stopped working there 10 years ago I have not had a decent haircut. I finally made my way over to Swing for some color which was great you just have to be very careful with your hair ialways even with a more natural dye. I went back there and I have to say this is really the best haircut that I've had in 10 years! I will continue going there for a trim again and again because I'm growing out from a bad haircut for like the past year now. I finally saw what a great haircut looks like after 10 years of being out of the fashion business, thank you so much Luis! read more

I have to say, this is one of the best salon experiences I've ever had. I've always hated getting my hair cut. I cried as a kid, loathed as a teenager, and now procrastinate until the ends are *crispy* as an adult. However, with the help of Luis at Swing Salon, my fears have been minimized. He didn't lecture me on not getting my hair cut for a year. He didn't lecture me on using boxed dye. He didn't push products. He didn't make exasperated comments about how thick and difficult my hair is. He made pleasant conversation and confirmed what he was cutting every step of the way. It's been several weeks since the cut and my hair looks awesome! How the cut looks after it's grown out a bit is always the test for me, cause of course it looks okay after the stylist styles it! The bangs have started growing out nicely, the layers swingy and awesome. I'm very pleased. Oh, and can we talk about the blow dry? This was the best blow dry I've ever had. Thorough, gentle, and with great attention to detail. My hair was bouncy, shiny, and full of life, not dull, sticky, and weighed down by products. This is a great salon if you are looking for someone who listens to your concerns, doesn't make you feel bad about your haircare habits, and won't euthanize you with toxic chemicals in the process. Recommend. read more

This is a top-tier experience in a cozy East Village salon where each client gets the full attention and hair styling experience from the owner. The benefits of Luis's 20 plus years as a stylist and 12 years as an organic colorist make this salon well worth the visit. Luis's color products are 100% organic and his knowledge of how to work with the product are impeccable and highly specialized. He gives his client's vibrant, long- lasting and free from harmful chemicals' colors that they love. read more

This place is ridiculous. I just got my hair colored here and feel as if I have been cheated and ripped off. Here's why: 1) The price that was quoted to me over the phone was 65. I left paying 95. 2) I specifically had made an apptmt for 3:00 with LUIS and showed up on the dot. Guess what happens? This lady with bright orange hair prances up to me and announces that she will "consult" with me. When I tell her that the person I'm getting my hair done with is Luis, she says that Luis is busy and over booked. She tells me to not worry -- Luis will mix the color and she will just do the application. I reluctantly agree. She proceeds to mix the color herself. I am already severely annoyed by this point. I ask her what just happened --I tell her that I saw her mix the color with my own eyes. I should have just gotten up and left at that point. Luis finally comes around and tries to get out of blow drying my hair. I tell him that's ridiculous. He acts as if he is doing me a huge favor by blow drying my hair -- the entire time he is anxiously looking over at his regulars. If the actual blow out and color came out fine, I wouldn't have minded. However, instead of the natural looking, clean black I requested, my hair is a Halloween-ish Cruella de ville-like color. The grand finale is when they decide that the price for the color is not 65, but 95. Are you effing kidding me? I barely have any hair. The point though, is that that was not the price quoted to me over the phone. I'd advise anyone reading this to NOT go here. Oh, and the place also smells like a geriatric ward. read more

Being more conscious of products I use and wanting to limit the chemicals I expose my body to, I googled organic natural salons. Swing was the most affordable choice, had overall good reviews, and a huge bonus, it was in my neighborhood. I was still hesitant to spend so much money, but I figured it had been a year and a half since my last haircut and I deserved to treat myself. Also, there wasn't a huge selection of organic salons. First impression walking in was that it was not the cleanest salon, but it is also the EV, so I wanted to give Luis the benefit of the doubt because of the good reviews and his use of organic products. There were three other ladies there when I arrived for my appointment, and Luis apologized for running behind. I wasn't in a hurry, so I said it was fine. When he finally sat me down, he quoted me $10 more than he had when I emailed him to make the appointment. He said he didn't remember the email, but the difference wasn't that much so he would honor the price he quoted in the email. When coloring my hair, he seemed a little hurried and sloppy with the coloring cream, but again, I tried to look past it. However, when it came time for my cut, he refused to cut my hair the way I wanted it cut, and told me I shouldn't be parting my hair on just one side all the time. I couldn't believe it! At that point I decided I did not trust him to cut my hair, so he just blow dried it. Then, when I pointed out that my color was more orange/red than I had wanted, him and another client that was there started going off on me! I am still in complete shock of the experience I just had. I really tried to give this solo/small business a chance, but for that kind of money and 30 years experience, I expected a lot more. read more

UPDATE: I am upping my review from two stars to three, because shortly after my review was published on yelp, Caroline of Swing salon contacted me via email. She was super polite and very apologetic about my dissatisfaction with the cut, and offered a complementary corrective cut. She seemed very sincere about wanting to make it right, since they're a relatively new business in a very competitive market. How many places would be willing to do that for a person who left an (admittedly) bitchy review on a website? I didn't take her up on it, but I really appreciate the gesture, and I think it reflects very well on their business. I am also leaving up the review I left whilst still shell-shocked by the cut, because even though I now think it's a little harsh, it's a real reflection of how I was feeling at the time. But please do take into consideration the sincere attempt on their part to make it right, and how valuable that is in such a huge and often anonymous city. ---------------- I admit it: I was trying to save a buck. I was fed up with my short haircut growing into what could only very generously be termed a "hipster mullet," and was going to bite the bullet and splurge on a haircut in spite of my total lack of income at the time. I headed down to the East village, intending to hit up another salon which had received positive reviews on yelp. They were closed. Still hopeful, I made a couple of blocks, passing a number of small salons, but finally settling on Swing because the interior looked friendly and intimate, and the sign outside advertised $40(!) for a woman's cut. They squeezed me in as a walk-in, and the receptionist was so friendly-- offering some nicely chilled bottled water and snacks, offering a little chit-chat while I waited without being intrusive or forced. But the hair... oh, lord, the hair. I brought in a picture of myself from the last haircut I had that I really enjoyed, before it grew out. The stylist's response? "That's a bit drastic." In theory, I really appreciate a stylist who is willing to talk people out of a bad move when they bring in a picture of, I don't know, Victoria Beckham. But it was a picture of me. He shampooed me (which was great, I have to say. Whatever shampoo they use there smells wonderful and soothing, a bit like tea-tree.) He starts to cut. The style I requested was a short, boy style cut, with soft, face framing-layers. So he cuts the back, and leaves the front just as long. Then he begins to blowdry it. He must have seen my displeasure in the mirror because he says, "Do you still want it shorter in front?" "Yes. Yes I do. It's been getting in my eyes." So he half-heartedly trims some bangs in. Then he blowdrys and adds a heaping helping of product (although I've already said I'm not willing to use product at home.) I walked out looking like Pat Benetar in the "Love is a Battlefield" for $60. There's no telling whether it's a good cut or not with that much crud in your hair. I've had awesome cuts that didn't look great at the time because of the styling. I take it home and wash it and then I discover: The bangs are crooked. The face framing layers are more like thin, long, ratty strands that start above my eyebrow. Instead of the little pieceys in front of my eyes I have mutton chop-sized chunks. The back is now sporting a mini-mullet, and the layers on top gave me soccer-mom hair. In short, it is the single worst haircut I've ever had. I dealt with it for a few days before trimming it myself for lack of funds. Now it's grown out sufficiently to get it fixed by a professional. Pros: Accept walk-ins, nice atmosphere, affordable price. Cons: Poor listening skills, no respect for the client's wishes, and a terrible hair-cut. read more

An East-Village Treasure! I couldn't disagree more with the negative review. The prices *start* at $40 per cut which is on the sign outside. Luis is honest and flexible with prices while offering honest advice. He's an incredible artist whom I actually used for my wedding a couple of months ago. I also must mention the numerous compliments I received! The salon itself feels more like a retreat: great music, clean environment, and eco-friendly. It's a real treat whenever it's time for a cut! I usually go every couple of months for color and a cut, therefore I can give honest advice which is not to bother with any other salon in Manhattan! OVERALL: reasonably priced, beautiful color, hot cuts, and wonderful people in an eco-friendly atmosphere. You can't ask for more than that. read more

I'm a little biased here, because the owner, Luis, has been cutting my hair for 12 years. I've followed him through 2 boros and something like 7 shops over the years until he finally got his own shop, and he deserves success. Why? --First of all, he is the most amazing colorist I have ever met. I've seen his work on other clients and he's nothing short of a miracle worker. I've seen him do color corrections on folks who had totally fried their own hair and he restores them totally. Some of his clients are models who make their money with their looks, and they trust him for a reason. --He does great cuts for any length hair. I have a short cut, and he's the ONLY person I've met who can do a short girl's cut that lasts 6 weeks without looking messy or overgrown. --If you become a regular, he will bend over backwards to accommodate your schedule. In the past, he once squeezed me in during a blizzard (!!!) when I had the very sad event of having to travel for a family funeral and had to be there, in good shape, for the folks. On a happier event, he also has squeezed me in on a busy weekend when I was about to start a new job. --He also does amazing straightening jobs. --They finally take credit cards! They also sell a great variety of upper-end natural hair care products. I am now officially addicted to the entire Kevin Murphy styling line. --Most important: He LISTENS. He will check in with you during a cut to make sure that it's going the way you want it to. Ditto for color jobs. No "oh, crap, not what I expected!" here. For those bitching about the price: He's still charging a LOT less than surrounding salons in this 'hood. He was the FIRST salon on the block when the space that he's in now was a crappy, broken down copy shop. He rebuilt it from the walls up, and the rest of the block moved in around him. Just ask up front and he'll tell you what your bill will be. Just know that like any other salon, most services are based on the length of your hair, so if you say you need a color correction and have "medium length hair" and you show up with longer hair, ask him once he sees you in person and everyone will know what to expect. Best time to go: He's actually around on Sundays, and the vibe is mellow and relaxed. Otherwise do call ahead as he gets busy on evenings and weekend evenings. read more

Swing is the best salon that I have found in years. I am always extremely satisfied with my cut and my last hair cut and style is one of the favorite ways I've worn my hair in years. The staff is extremely friendly, the place is clean and inviting and I love the music they play. read more

First to start off I have thick straight long hair, seems that the experience with curly hair hasn't gone too well. I was surprised at reading some of the comments about Luis because when I made my appointment he asked me what I wanted and again on the day of my cut he asked me again. I even had a picture and showed him I told him bad experiences I've had before because people seem to like to experiment with scissor thinners which I don't need and I don't like V shape. He was the first person that ever gave me my long layer haircut 10yrs ago which I loved and I'm so glad he's back. He uses Moroccan products, not sure if the shampoo and conditioner were also same brand but it smell great like peppermint that left me refreshed and the massage was awesome perfect pressure, if you had a long work week I recommend it. I would give it a 5 star but I'm giving it a 4 due to the following. But I love the way he cuts MY TYPE OF HAIR and I am definitely going back. 1- Wash- water splashed on my face and bit on my arm he said it was the water pressure which makes sense but I'm still debating he didn't try to give me another towel and was a bit clumsy about it. So don't wear something nice if you come here but then again why would you? You are getting a haircut. 2- The salon itself- Music is old swing music which I enjoyed but it was a bit too loud, it's not dirty as someone mentioned but it needs a wall painting, place is new but seems like they just moved into an old place. The display of products that he sells could be inside a glass display to make it more neat. Something to keep in mind- I came here on a Sunday and he books people before hand and schedules the next person according to what he has to do, that way his attention is on you when you get there for your appointment. It's not like your typical salon that has 5 chairs and 4 hairdressers standing around chatting waiting for someone to show up and in less than an hour you are out the door wondering what just happened. Hope this helps! read more

Swing Organic Salon - Wash, condition, cut and blow dry $95 for long hair this is not including tip. - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I have been going to the colorist/sylist at Swing since the salon opened. I recommended Swing Salon to several friends who also return on a regular basis and are very happy and are just as pleased as I am. The salon is just the right atmosphere for the area decorated with simplicity . When you come in you are treated with courtesy and like a family member. They really care about pleasing the customer. I get raves from everyone I meet regarding both my color, hi-lights and style..... I have even been so daring as to close my eyes and give them free reign and been very please with the result. The products they use are marvelous and they recommend products, if you wish to purchase them with your hair texture in mind (not looking for the extra buck). Its up to you if you wish to purchase or not. The price structure is very fair on all procedures. I shall continue to go to Swing Salon and recommending the salon to all my friends....It's nice to be treated like a family member and cared about as an individual. Look forward to my next 'closed eye adventure' at Swing Salon.....(hope to see YOU there also) read more

Wonderful experience! I was a bit apprehensive to try an alternative form of coloring system unsure of how well this product may work. Luis has years of experience in the hair business and very informed on this organic color system. Luis has managed to match the color I have w these organic colors and even did highlights to keep the blondish look on my medium brown hair base! The best part is that my scalp no longer feels tight, tender or itchy after coloring. I also had a haircut w long layers w him and he did a great job with this too! Small, quiant, peaceful salon with an almost one on one service which is a beautiful thing. I now look forward to coloring my hair (I usually hate it) for a relaxing experience! *cash only* read more

This organic salon is a wonderful gem. Luis was kind and explained everything as he was going. Great products. Affordable and clean. Totally recommend this place. read more

Lovely atmosphere. I was a walk in. They were a bit understaffed because of the holidays. But Luis apologized for the wait and offered a free deep conditioning while I waited for him to finish with his current client. All of the products were complimentary to each other in scent. I told him I wanted a trim and to have my hair reshaped. I told him I wanted more texture and layers and if anything, I would NOT like an A-line. He listened and I got exactly what I wanted. He gave me an excellent soft and feminine haircut. On top of an excellent haircut, patience extended, the service was outstanding. Luis was friendly. I enjoyed the conversation I had with him. My cut cost me $65. read more

I love this salon. It is the only (official) certified green salon in the city. Luis uses the best, high quality products and always includes a blow out with your color or cut. This place is no frills but for the care and quality you get, it is well worth it. My hair has never been healthier. Luis never tries to sell you anything (even though he uses very good products) and gives you free tips that you can do at home to keep your hair healthy. This is the only salon I have ever been to where they don't try to tell you how your previous hairdresser screwed up your hair and then proceed to pressure you on buying product to "repair" it. Support this business! It's a total gem. P.S. You can also tell how healthy the air quality is by how many living plants Luis has there. Live plants =no toxic fumes/ammonia. I love going here and am a loyal patron now for about a year. read more

I had the best experience at Swing Salon! First off, the salon is adorable and cozy.The salon only uses organic and ammonia free hair products! My hair dresser was named Luis and he was amazing!He gave me the most beautiful sun-kissed highlights, hair cut and blow dry. I have crazy curly hair, and if he can tame my mane, he can do anyone's hair. I will be back for my roots in a couple of months! read more

Luis is the best. I'm so glad I found this place. Seriously, I won't cut my hair anywhere else.

I had a pretty good first experience at swing salon, my hair not only feels but looks amazing. I should start off by saying that I'm Puerto Rican and my hair is pretty unruly, to say the least. The last time I dyed my hair, i did it myself with the John Frieda precision foam, shame on me, and it completely damaged my hair. Luis did his best at matching and restoring my hair color. Overall amazing experience, I only wish that the color wasn't so heavily concentrated on my roots. read more

After having a few less-than-professional experiences with organic hair color, I am thrilled to have found Swing Salon. The color is the best I've had, and I've been going with organic for a few years now. It looks so good, and so natural, I've almost forgotten how grey I am going (ha ha)..... The haircut was very good too, and not at all slow and fussy. It's hard to get both - good color and a good cut - at the one place, so I'd have no hesitation recommending anybody to go to Swing Salon. Luis is a true professional. I really like the homey feel of the salon, too. Its not corporate and soulless like so many salon experiences. read more

Unfortunately, it seems the salon may have gotten its name from the owner's mood problems. He started out friendly enough. Then when his young daughter, whom he was babysitting at the salon, started playing a noisy video game things took a sudden swing to the dark side. She sweetly asked if it was too loud, offering to turn down the volume. I said thank you, that would be nice. He talked over me and told her no, it's fine. He was washing my hair and I had been complimenting him on the salon's commitment to green products. I asked if he could play some music (which was typical in past visits) to help cover the loud blips and bleeps form the video game. He ignored me! I politely asked again about some music, at which point he threw up his hands and actually said he would not cut my hair. He also accused me of not liking children!? I reminded him that my hair was already wet, and that I had an event to go to that I was getting my hair done for. He dramatically re-stated that he would not cut my hair. He told me maybe he could do it some other time when **I** was in a better mood! Needless to say, there won't be another time for me. I was already giving him a second chance, since the last time I had my hair cut there he nipped my ear with the scissors. Methinks I'll have to find another green salon. read more

I found this place via yelp. I wanted something cozy (yes, the environment does mean a lot to me), organic and obviously professional. I got my hair dyed ombre, a trim and a blowout. Honestly, probably the friendliest (but not one of those fake ones) calmest and most honest services I have ever gotten at a beauty salon. My hair came out better than excpected (and it smells amazing too!). Would recommend to everyone! read more

I call my color Yukon Gold, because of the vegetable extracts used in the coloring. And because it is a beautiful color. My hair has NEVER been healthier. This is the only place to get your hair colored! Luis uses natural dyes. They are safe and good for your hair. Yes, the little shop on the Lower East side is cute and you can get a very good cut but it is by far the best choice in the greater New York area for color. Luis is generous with his time and services. He's nice. The music is soothing but never boring. And it's a great neighborhood for eating. There are many good reasons to go to SWING. I go there from New Jersey and highly recommend it! Go now for your health and beauty!!!! PS If you are pregnant or otherwise concerned about your wellbeing, stay out of the other salons, this is the safe option! read more

Before coming to Swing Salon, I used to cycle through colorists/stylists every year because they would become careless after a while. Well, I finally found someone that does a great job every time! I have been seeing Luis, the owner, for over 4 years now and I will never stop. The color is perfect every time. He uses great organic products that never make my scalp itch. His styling skills are very good--I get my hair cut every 3 months and the cuts always grow out well. The place has a good vibe, good energy there. I love being there and feel like I could hang out there forever because he doesn't use harmful, toxic chemicals and Luis is so nice. And by the way his other clients are also decent people which is important when you are sharing a small space. I think the prices are very good for what you get. An ethical, environmentally conscious, highly skilled, stylist/colorist is a rare commodity these days. I wholeheartedly recommend you visit this salon. read more

I found this place using Google. I needed corrective color and I didn't want to put any more chemicals in my hair. I took a chance and went for a consultation on my lunch hour and booked an appointment for a color and cut that evening. Luis fixed my hair in one shot! No toners and no hair dyes that burned my scalp and eyes. He gave me a great hair cut too and I was in and out in under two hours. read more

I'm really sorry to write this review. I waited 2 months, but after spending a lot of money at this salon, I feel I have to say something. First of all, Louis is a great person and very eco-friendly. His blow-out was great. Unfortunately, my hair color turned orange after a day, and even when I returned for a correction (and more $$, though Louis did give me a big discount and was very accommodating), the toner did not remove the orange. I had to find another salon and pay more money to fix my orange hair. I thought maybe the hair dye just did not work with my hair, but the other salon used the same brand with much better results. Again, I'm sorry to write this but I feel so bad for spending so much money at this salon for something I did not like at all. read more

I love that this salon uses non-chemical dyes. This takes the anxiety out of covering my grays. Luis also gives a great cut. I highly recommend this place. read more

After leaving behind my good friend/stylist in DC, I've been trying out a bunch of salons/barbers in the Lower East Side and East Village since I moved to the neighborhood a year ago. Some expensive, some not. Some good, some not. Finally a friend recommended Luis at Swing Salon. I got an appointment for later that day after calling, and had the best hair cut experience in New York, by far. A wash and meticulous haircut came to $35. I wasn't sure if I wanted the cut any shorter than it was, and Luis offered to trim it in 3-4 days if i wasn't happy with the length. That's service. I will definitely be going back again! Oh - and because my friend recommended the salon to me, he got $5 off his next haircut. Not too shabby. read more

excellent experience at swing! this is a true EV gem! i have fine, shoulder length naturally dark blonde hair with bangs. pretty simple. somehow i decided earlier this spring to try some highlights. i started losing hair like crazy right after and i absolutely hated the streaky, fake look. my poor hair was fried, i felt like i was going bald, and i looked like a ratty barbie. not good. i patiently waited a few months, was super gentle with my hair, let the roots grow, etc. finally i could not take the wierd straw-like ombre look i had going on any longer---- i have walked past swing many times and always liked the laid back atmosphere. called up and luis said he could see me a few hours later. he took a look at my hair, prepared me for the shock of being a bit darker blonde again, and proceeded to mix. an hour (and of lovely glass of cognac courtesy of luis) later i had beautiful dark golden hair, hiding all those nasty highlights and making me feel like myself again. the best part is that there was no burning, no chemical smell, and my hair feels so nice and soft, yet it has volume--- even after a wash!!! Luis also gave me a bang trim, and i am VERY VERY VERY PICKY about my bangs. i am very happy with them, he did a perfect job. clearly a very experienced and skilled colorist and hairdresser i love that he never tried to sell me a product, but i was super excited to try the kevin murphy line so i bought some anyway. i cannot recommend Luis & Swing enough!! this is definitely my new go-to salon!!! its cash only- just a heads up! deli on the corner of 1st has an ATM : ) read more

I love, love, love this place. Amazing cuts/highlights, reasonable prices, great atmosphere, friendly owners. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this place and as long as I am in NYC I'll be going back! read more

I searched lifebooker and was not thrilled with my options. I did a random search and came across Swing. I was attracted to their go green philosophy. I called ahead and was offered a consultation same day. I arrived on time and was greeted by Luis. He is the shop owner. He sat me down to ask what I would like to do. I went into detail, but ended it by asking what style he thinks would look good. He got started and was quiet. I am a chatterbox but I managed to enjoy the sights of the east village street out the window. He was very focused and worked on my hair like it was a piece of art. At the very end I was astonished to see the results. I couldn't recognize myself. He concluded it looked like I was ready to go to a party. I would agree. It was fabulous. He gave me care instructions. I truly enjoyed the experience, and his attention to detail. I will be back again. I recommend you give it a try. Go Green! read more

I really like the work Luis does; he is excellent at cutting and especially coloring. I get blond highlights here, and they always come out fabulous. Plus the color used is more natural and gentle than typically, so my hair has stayed in a great condition. One time when I wasn't perfectly happy (I feel like he rushed the job), Luis listened and fixed the hair with no problem.The place is a little messy, and could use a touch of interior design. Also, I find his assistant kind of annoying. I just put up with it, because many upscale salons are more annoying in their own way. Considering all the NY hair salons I've been, Swing is one of the best ones. You actually get what you want, and not whatever-cover-of-the-magazine the stylist feels like practicing. I usually get the first appointment of the day so I don't have to wait. It's always a good idea to discuss the details of the job and the pricing beforehand, so there won't be surprises. I warmly recommend Swing. read more

I love supporting small business which is what led me to this salon rather than the usual salons I frequent that specialize on curly hair products and styling. I have very curly hair, and I normally wear my hair curly on a daily basis but was due for a cut, fresh color and a blow dry before a scheduled trip. 1) This salon is very small, no problem but could honestly use a little cleaning there is an off-putting smell that is not appealing, dirt and dust everywhere. 2) The color was fine, dark and as close to my natural hair as possible, no problem here either. 3) The blow-drying part: this is where I get disappointed. Luis added about 6-8 handfuls of argan oil to my hair. I told him I have really thin hair and to please not add so much oil because that just makes my hair look dirty and heavy. He looked annoyed and just said, "trust me, this will not make your hair look oily, your hair is so curly it will absorb it all" then proceeded to add MORE oil, disregarding my wishes. Throughout he mentioned time and time again how difficult curly hair is to dry. His exact words were "wow, blow-drying this hair is a work-out, like going to the gym". Second comment on my hair, "this is going to be tough to get straight, you should leave it fuller, with volume". Then as we are mid-way with the drying process I mention that I would like my hair to look straight, a look many times achieved by other hair dressers; to which Luis states "well, you should have told me from the beginning". His attitude was unnecessary and rude. News flash: It's your job to ask ME how I would like my hair done, not just assume. If you are looking for well-done color, sure come here. If you are curly-haired looking for good service, please frequent another establishment. I spent $215.00 (not bad for an empty salon on a Wednesday) and left feeling like curly hair is undesirable and I'm just tired of getting this type of treatment when I am paying, just like everyone else. Definitely won't be going back. read more

The salon owner has a terrible attitude. Like the others, I found him moody and rude. Too bad that this is in such contrast to a commitment to organic products - somehow the philosophy of care and respect does not carry over in the way this place treats its customers! Disappointed. read more

The people at this tiny salon are so nice, and their products smell so awesome. I got a cut from Lewis (not sure if I'm spelling it right) and while it didn't change my worldview, it grew out really well and looked nice. I can't really afford the $60-70 price tag, unfortunately. read more

I got my hair cut at this place in the East Village that I liked very much. I love the haircut and the price was very reasonable. They also use ecological products there and it smells so nice - not chemical. Tiny place - just the one guy, Luis, doing cuts and everything. Highly recommend. read more

I'm writing this because I'm shocked at the tone of one particularly bad review, which seems to me almost 'too bad to be true'. I've been getting my hair cut w/ Luis for at least 5 years. My hair is very full but very fine and is very curly in response to humidity, but otherwise straight. In other words, a nightmare to cut. Hair that very few people have been able to deal with over the years without giving me a stock Tom Cruise Top Gun type cut (not my preference). As a man I pay $45 for a haircut from Luis because he has the sensitivity to individual hair needs required to cope with a 'difficult ' head of hair, and i actually think he approaches it much as an artist. This sometimes requires that the client either trust him and go with his 'vision' OR be very clear about their own. I imagine some people are impossible to please - and some have an axe to grind for other reasons - but let me tell you the place is very comfortable, friendly and does not smell like a geriatric ward! Luis is the only person I trust with my hair. read more