I was very happy with my highlights and cut at Zalon. I felt like Ben knew what he was doing and was able to fix my sun in highlights that another salon did not even want to try to fix. He advised to test a piece of my hair free of charge and go from there. He was very accommodating and cut my hair the same day even though he was very busy that day. I trust him with my hair, he's very thorough and precise in his skills with highlighting and cutting. I highly recommend him if you're looking for a new stylist. read more

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Ben is a true connoisseur of his craft. My best friend recommended him to me as he has been Ben's client for more than 10 years. I've been "barber hopping" for the last three years, constantly looking for that haircutter who understands my hair. After my first session with Ben, I knew it was the perfect match. He understands Southeast Asian hair too well. Also, he does not talk a lot, which I appreciate. A lot of hair cutters tend to blurt out noisy empty words about the weather or the subway, anxiously avoiding awkward silence in the room. With Ben, it's like a Zen session. You are there left to meditate and contemplate on your existential struggles whilst being trimmed. After six months with him, I wanted to explore perm for the first time and I was surprised he also offers that service. I am that person who gets obsessive with almost anything. I did all my research; Everyone on the internet -- reddit, quora -- has told me to go to a perm specialist. Instead, I took the risk and went for Ben. Boy I was impressed! My perm looked natural. He also recommended me this rare gem of a perm moisturizer that he imports from Japan. It works well too soften my curls and not make it freeze. If you've been suffering from years of barber hopping, I highly recommend you give Ben a try. read more

Zalon Corp - Haircut - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

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Ben did a great job with my haircut and was also engaging and fun to talk to. He still takes COVID precautions seriously which I really appreciated. Ben took time to look at the picture I had in mind for my haircut and explained how certain aspects of it could or could not work with my hair. I would definitely recommend Zalon to whoever is looking for a quality haircut! read more

I'm an Asian guy, and finding someone who can reliably give me a professional haircut for is difficult. Ben is that guy. I searched for months and months and tried a number of different well-reviewed places until I went to Zalon (I'm picky). I've been going now for four years straight Ben takes the time to cut your hair and avoids the common pitfalls that most barbers seem to have when they cut my Asian hair (e.g., they cut it too short so it sticks up, they cut it unevenly on the side so the top sticks out unless the part is perfect, they use clippers around the sides instead of scissors instead so it looks cheap and grows back weird). I think the difference is that Ben understands how Asian hair grows and avoids taking shortcuts that a lot of other barbers take (e.g., he uses scissors instead of clippers). In addition, he's highly skilled so his cuts are quick and efficient. I've relied on Ben before so many important events ranging from weddings to client meetings, and I know that when I go there I'll leave happy with my haircut read more

Zalon Plus is a small unisex hair salon smack dab in the middle of Third Avenue in the East Village. The two stylists-owners are from Hong Kong and they each have the funkiest cuts. So last year in need of getting my long, messy tresses coiffed, I ducked in and took the plunge. My stylist Jack is a man of few words (at least to me) with a real funky haircut himself....but I like my experience to be quiet, almost meditative -- not chatting about what Britney did now or the state of affairs in La-la land -- or how bad the economy is doing. After asking me what I needed done -- he proceed to get my hair washed & conditioned and brought me to his station. From there he proceeded to cut my hair using a single blade. In 45 minutes he transformed my hair from wavy, thick and deshevelled to layered, straight and fierce! With his expert cut I have so much flexibility of how to "wear my hair" -- corporate, hipster, rocker -- with just a 'dab of gel or pomade. And with each week, it just gets better! And best of all, the wash/cut/dry is only $35! Add a $10 tip and you still spent only 1/3 of what Bumble & Bumble charges! Thanks Jack for keeping me lookin' good! read more

Most awesome place EVER. OF ALL TIME. HANDS DOWN. Do you know how hard it is to maintain an angled bob? Well... if you're a guy or a girl with long hair, you don't but whatever. It's hard. And ever since I took the plunge 5-6 years ago and chopped off all my hair, Ben has been my go-to stylist. I'm super OCD and paranoid about my haircuts b/c I feel like people never know how much to cut/make you look super fobby/like a bowl. This is always a risk with Asian hair. Ben however has the magic touch. If you know what you want, specify the length and instruct him on how you want it to look, it will be perfect. There are some reviews that say that he can't really make suggestions for style, but I've never really come to him asking for advice so I've always been happy. He really does take the time to SHAPE YOUR HAIR. This is SO important. Starting from lower layers and moving his way out, he has an incredible eye for detail and takes his time. My hair has never grown out so well - I can go several months, sometimes more without coming back to him for a cut (and that's saying a lot for someone with short hair). Honestly, if the length didn't bother me, I wouldn't have to go back for a cut. It always grows at fabulously and even MONTHS after I've gone for a cut, I get compliments. This place is a no-frills salon which is exactly how I like it. Get me in and out with an amazing cut for around $60 (and for the time he spends on my hair, TOTALLY worth it) and I'm a happy bunny. Please please try him out, he's amazing! One man shop though so be polite and make an appointment :) read more

Ben's English is very limited so explaining to him what you want in a cut can be very frustrating. Be forewarn, he charges more for new clients and charges ridiculously less for people who were his old clientele from his previous establishment. For the price you pay as a new client you are better off going to a real stylist who know's what they doing and who can understand and communicate back to you in English, plus give you the haircut you asked for! The great reviews you are reading are from his friends. Staged and overrated! read more

I had just moved to new york and was looking to get my first haircut here. I Yelped a bunch of places using search terms like haircut and asian and male...just because we have a unique type of hair that needs to be cut a certain way. I liked the reviews that Hairmates got so i was on my way there when I walked by Zalon. The place looked really cool...minimal, modern, clean. So I yelped it on my phone. All reviewers gave it 5 stars so I figured it was worth a try and $35 is the best price I've seen out of all the "salons" I've looked at. Walked in, asked if they took walk ins and then got started. No wait...just the way I like it. I rated this places 4 stars out of 5 because of the pre-cut shampoo. Ben was my stylist, quiet guy, but that's cool with me cause I'm quiet too. Anyway, the shampoo was kinda rough, splashing water everywhere and stuff indicating which way to move my head using the showerhead. Not really a big deal but its still part of the experience. However, the part that really matters is the haircut and I am totally sold on this place. One of the best cuts I've ever gotten. Although shorter that I thought it would be it works and I dig it. In conclusion, if you're asian and male and looking for a good cut check out Zalon. And, I suggest bringing a picture...because I did. But then again I kind of have a hard time describing what I want. read more

This is actually my first time styling at the Zalon. Ben is definitely very knowledgeable as a hair stylist. It helps a lot if you know exactly what you want and can tell him what kind of style you want. I wasn't quiet sure about what kind of style I want at first so I just had a (very professional) trim. The cost is $40 which is around the price range of Hair Mates. So if you want to try a different salon or rather, this is your first time hearing about Zalon, definitely give it a shot. You won't regret it. read more

Ben is a magician. He did in 30 minutes what takes others over an hour. Fantastic cut. read more

Very happy with my haircut from Ben!! Been searching for a good barber for some time and I finally found one. Will definitely come back on a regular!! read more

Ben is a hair artist. He listened to what I wanted, and he gave me a beautiful style. He's not a talker, so if you want inane chatter, Zalon is not the place. Moderately priced for the quality. I paid $70, including tip. Conveniently located near the Kiehl's store so I can get face cream on the way home. read more

Been going to Ben for over 8 years since moving to NYC. As an Asian male, he gets how to make straight coarse hair work of all lengths with scissor cuts! read more

I've been going to Ben at Zalon Plus for 10+ years now, and realize I may have subconsciously tried to hide this great find. I've tried countless salons all over the city... from high end pampering salons to inexpensive beauty academies. So I was amazed when I happened upon Ben cutting with a high-end caliber at a very reasonable price. I was equally impressed by his close attention to detail, especially when I share ideas and he gives me advice on the kind of cut I should have. His silent focus is impeccable and the results speak for themselves. Throughout the years, Ben has helped me change my style numerous times. Everything from a very long, traditional cut to a fresh, modern bob. He understands that my hair has a natural wave and cuts accordingly. After a cut from Ben my hair grows out so well I sometimes forget the time is up for another cut! While Ben is a gentle, quiet soul, each visit has brought more familiarity between us, and I have come to realize that I have found my hair guru for life. If you're picky about your style and aiming for that "just right" look, I highly recommend Ben, he's done wonders for me. read more

I just happened to walk by Zalon and was drawn to the simplicity of the place. Luckily, the hair stylist had time for me, so I was able to start immediately. I was long overdue for a cut and color (my roots were overgrown). The stylist asked what I wanted, but because I'm generally an indecisive person, I couldn't decide on the spot. Thankfully, he was a very patient person who was able to help me through my decision process. I ended up with a great color (he was great with dying my hair - fixed my roots, then my ends, and then fixed everything), and then cut my hair exactly how I wanted it. The entire process took about 3 hours and cost $150 (not including tip). I'm happy I walked by this place, and would definitely recommend. read more

Without exaggeration: the WORST haircut ever. Now I will have to stay at home for a month, seriously. May be that guy is able to do smth extremely simple, but not more than that. Never ever go there! read more

Ben at Zalon is a master with the scissors. I've trusted him with my haircuts for over 10 years. I guess it was finally time to give praise on a review since I'm the selfish type to keep good businesses to myself. Never once made me feel the need to seek anywhere else. All you have to do is bring in a photo of the style you're going for and he'll take care of the rest. The place is minimal and simple but feels quite airy and spaciously loft like. Ultimately, the only thing to consider is if you're happy with the results or not, and he'll fine tune your hair until you're happy. read more

I've been going to Ben for almost 5 years now. I've tried other places just for the sake of trying them out, and no one's cuts compare to Ben's. He takes his time and makes sure you're happy with the end result. His cuts last and grow out really well. The price is also reasonable, especially for the quality of the cuts. It's a basic, no-frills shop, so don't expect to be pampered. But Ben will take great care of you and you will walk away happy. read more

Ben is amazing, I absolutely love him. I'm insanely picky about my hair, and I'm from Maryland, and used to take the train down to D.C. every time I needed to get my hair cut. I also was regularly getting highlight, that in retrospect were way too light. Ben helped me find a color that kept me blonde and my hair lighter, but that still looked natural. He's efficient, flexible with scheduling or walk-ins, and more importantly is now the only person I'd trust with my hair. read more

Ben is seriously awesome!! Referred here by Tiffany T, and I've only been here ever since I moved to the city. Ben is very patient and listens to what you want and will suggest things when you ask for advice. He's not extremely talkative unless you initiate conversation, but you can tell he really focuses on his work. He takes his time and doesn't rush you. I've gotten multiple haircuts and color here, and one time when the color didn't absorb as much as wanted, he put more dye in so it'd be evened out. He doesn't do any of the popular ombre or balayage dye styles, but if you're looking for a fantastic haircut that won't make you look fobby, this is the this place! A lot of times at cheaper Asian places like in Chinatown, I come out looking horrible with choppy, very layered hair and super short bangs so I'd have to be embarrassed for at least a week or two and want to hide in a hole (because I can't pull off hats) after the haircut. I have dyed my hair an assortment of brown shades and have always walked out happy. Also, I don't come in often because I want to keep my hair long, but the cut still looks great after months and months. I'm extremely picky about my hair and am so glad my friend referred this hidden gem in the East Village area. If you're looking for a new place, give this a try! I've referred a lot of friends here, and that's when you know a place is good. Remember to call for an appt, even if it's the same day, he'll definitely work to fit you in (done this multiple times), and it's cash only! :) read more

I always go back to Ben, the chief stylist, when I am in mood for bob style. He does an amazing job for $50. I like the fact that he does not talk too much but can have nice conversation if you feel like to. He takes walk-ins if not busy. read more

very good hairdresser. your hair style would last for a good amount of time w/o growing out irregularly. Ben cuts your hair w/ patience and competence. check him out! read more

My family just moved to New York from Tokyo in July this summer. I noticed Zalon Plus Corporation on my way home after my first hair cut and colouring in New York from a hair salon which unfortunately dyed my crown jet black that was not even my nature colour (the jet black meant to cover my white root!!) and cut my fringe/bangs so short that made my fringe/bangs looks totally separated from the rest of my hair!! I was mortified!! My husband also tried a hair salon elsewhere for cut and he looked like he needed another haircut just a week after went to this hair salon!! I suggested my husband to try Ben, as the reviews at Yelp have been good and it is a convenient location for us. My husband went to see Ben for a cut and was totally happy with the cut and will see Ben for cut on a regular basis in the future. I made an appointment to see Ben and hope he could fix my bad hair cut and colouring after seeing the good result of my husband's haircut. Ben fixed my hairstyle but could not fix my colouring due to the intensity of the black dye on my hair (I had three shades when I went to see Ben first time - white root, jet black crown and medium/dark brown on the half bottom of my hair). Ben asked me to wait for few more weeks for my black colour to fade out. I went back to see Ben for colouring last week and he managed to colour my hair in the same colour. I was so trilled! It is still not my original hair colour but I surely do not have 3 shades on my hair now!! I am looking forward to going back to Ben for colouring and have my fringe/bangs fix (when it is long enough). Hoping it will get back to the colour and fringe that I once had before I moved to New York. Good work Ben! Thank you very much! read more

Ben is a master with the scissors. I love going to him because he takes his time to thin out my hard to manage thick asian like hair. And leaves it in a state that's more easier to style. read more

I've been going to Ben for at least 14 years. Back when he had his place on 3rd ave. It's a little pricey but worth it. I tried to go somewhere on Groupon once when I was between jobs and regretted it. It took months for my hair to grow back out, now I will seriously never go anywhere but Ben, I learned my lesson. I even have my husband going to him. he brings a pic of what he wants and Ben copies it perfectly. read more

I recently moved to NY and being ultra paranoid about who touches my hair (many a bad hair experience) I yelped hair salons for Asian hair. After reading all of the reviews for Zalon, I decided to give it a go. Ben stayed open late to cut my hair, even though I was a walk in. Hands down the best hair cut this Asian head has ever had! Will definitely be going back again. read more

Ben is amazing and affordable. He cut my hair dry (which is great since my hair looks thick, but isn't) and was finished in 30 minutes. No muss, no fuss, and a great cut. Definitely coming back! read more

I have been going to Ben since I was 15 years old and now am 27 (12 years). I have tried many times to go somewhere closer to where I live but every time I go somewhere else, I end up right in his salon the next day. Ben has such a professionalism that is truly great. My brother and mother also go to Ben, because he truly knows what we are looking for. I have my hair dyed maybe 3 times by different Salons and I have hated it, I have ran to Ben to fix my hair coloring every time, and he amazes me! I have no complains about this salon they are all just positive comments. He is very patient and VERY Detail Oriented, he literally is a perfectionist when it comes to styling, coloring or cutting your hair. Give him a try you will not regret it! read more

I've been getting my hair cut from Ben for about 8 years. He is seriously the best hair stylist i've ever had. I recently had to relocate to SF and since then I've considered flying back to NY every couple months just to get a haircut from him. Yes, he's that good... read more

We (my sons and I) used to go to Ben when we lived in NYC. Now that we moved far away, when we visit the city we all get a fresh cut, and I take pictures to show to stylists back home to have them try to copy. They still don't do as good a job, but they get a little closer. He takes his time and does a great job with the scissors. read more

I have been going to Ben for the past twenty years. If you know what you want, and bring pictures, he will deliver. He is very precise and takes his craft very seriously. There have been times that he spent over an hour meticulously going over each section of my hair to make sure it is cut perfectly. When I leave, it does not always look the way I like, but I know that when I get home and wash and style it myself, it is always better than I imagined. Each style I have received from him (multiple layers, slanted bob, pixie) has grown out nicely. I would not trust anyone else with my hair. read more

Ben saved my hair! He's the most honest and direct hairdresser I've ever had, so be warned! I've been going to him since January and have had about 5 cuts to date and each time I come away with an excellent cut! Couldn't be happier! read more

Best haircuts ever!!! 2 of our family members now go there. It's so worth the trip from NJ to NY. Ben works magic with his amazing scissors. He creates dimensions and sleek styles for both men and women! This is our new favorite hair salon. read more

It's hard to find a person who can cut Asian hair and Ben is one of those rare finds. I accidentally went to Ben when all the Japanese salons in the East Village were busy and he's been my NY hairdresser since. There have been a few occasions where I've made a special trip to NYC just to see him! read more

I live a few doors down from this place and pass it all the time, so when I saw all the positive reviews and that they cut Asian hair, I had to try it out for myself. It's been about two weeks since my cut, and I can safely say that it's looking pretty good. It was also the best blow out I think I've ever had. Unlike in every other Asian salon I've ever been to, he didn't flat iron the life out of my thin hair. Instead, he carefully round brushed it and somehow managed to make my hair both silky smooth and voluminous at the same time - a pretty rare feat in and of itself. That said, my trim took a full hour, despite the fact that the cut was basically a slightly shorter reproduction of the one I already had. While he did seem to approach my hair with more of an architectural manner than some of the larger, factory-like salons I've been to in the past, the final product wasn't markedly superior. I'll probably be back, because it's good and literally next door, but I'm not expecting any of the spectacular hair voodoo the previous reviewers allude to. read more

Ben is the only Hair Stylist that I will let cut my hair. He is incredibly patient and listens to exactly what the customer wants. He works quickly but makes sure it is perfect and ever hair is in place. People should support local shops like this that have a personal touch. Now that I've written this review, it reminds me that I need to make an appointment with Ben! read more

Ben is a great stylist - if you already know what you want. Both times I've gone to him, I've tried to ask him to help me develop a style that would be flattering for my face shape, and instead I've been told to bring photographs or otherwise direct him on how to cut my hair. This isn't to say he's bad at what he does, because he implemented the haircuts perfectly, but that I was a little disappointed that he couldn't have been more helpful in picking out a style. I've been to Hair Mates before and my stylist there gave me books and photos to look at for inspiration, and offered his own input on what he thought would look good. With Ben, you either know what you want or you sit there uncomfortably trying to describe it to him (especially because of the slight language barrier). You'll end up with a great haircut either way, but my advice is to be prepared with a fairly exact idea of what you're expecting. read more

I like the fact that he does not talk too much but focus on my hair. I came all the way from Boston to let only him to cut and dye my hair, and it has been 3 years now! I recommend everyone to come! read more

I've been going to Ben for 3 years now and have always been happy with his work. He's very meticulous, listens to what you want, and knows hair! Plus his prices are very reasonable ($50 for a haircut for girls). I've referred several of my friends to him and some of them are now repeat customers. Just shows how great he is! read more

Ben is really fantastic. I think he tends to specialize in Asian hair, but he's consistently given me great cuts (and I am a young, white women with short hair). His cuts always grow out super well, and he always shows a ton of attention to detail and takes his time---makes you feel that he takes your hair seriously, which is really nice. He's very quiet (partially I think because his English isn't amazing), so don't go if you just want to chat the whole time, but frankly I like when there's no pressure to make small talk. Definitely recommend for any hair type. read more