Kuku Hair & Make Up

Kuku is closed and Sean is working at a salon on Madison. I went to Kuku because I moved to the neighborhood and needed a colorist. He has always been just barely good enough not to go through the hassle of finding somewhere else to go. I'll go for highlights (full head $200 before tip) and have to go back almost every time for him to fix them because he rushed and the color is 1/4 inch away from the roots, or he let the color get blotchy, or, my favorite, he's made it way a color so many shades lighter than we ever discussed. He constantly walks away and takes personal phone calls, always cursing, and constantly bragging about the pornstar hair he does - like anyone is impressed by that. Recently asked - and don't ask me why, I must have woken up crazy that day - what his prices would be for my upcoming wedding to do my hair. Rediculous. $600 for a simple chignon and $200 for each trial and $150 just for a blowout for bridesmaid, and $200 for an updo for bridesmaids. This guy thinks he's Vidal Sasoon or something. He clearly has a VERY incorrect perception of his own skills. I almost laughed aloud when I heard that pricing. Needless to say, he will not being doing my hair for my wedding, and I have stopped going to him for any services, period. What a joke this guy is. Pros: the only pro is location - maybe you can meet someone else good in the new salon Cons: just not good enough considering we're in NYC more

I've lived on the Upper East side for 7 years, always passing KuKu for one reason or another. I'm a working Mom with very little time for myself, so if I need highlights, I needed them yesterday. I called KuKu based on the user reveiws and because my regular guy wasn't available, and then I wasn't available to see him for another three weeks and there was no way I was going to not have highlights for another three weeks. I did a search for the best blond highlights and KuKu came up. I took a chance and the fact that Sean was ready to take me, the next day at 10:45am when I called the night before at 8pm sealed the deal! The place is unassuming, plain, but cute. The brick wall adds a bit of character, but who needs character over amazing highlights. I was in his hands. I had faith, never wavering from his expertise. Honestly, I have to say, he did the best blond full head of highlights I've ever had. I feel divine, they look amazing, my hair is soft. He did exactly what I wanted and more. He uses Kerastase, which is an excellent hair care line. I ended up buying the shampoo and conditioner and love it. It's been a week now and I love looking at my hair in the mirror. I feel great, my hair looks great and I'm definitely going back. I'm hooked on Sean's color. He is amazing! I highly recommend him. Pros: excellent skill, great price, convenient Cons: none really! more

I have been THRILLED with my blond hair since going to Sean Schindler, aka "Dr Blond," after being referred to him by a friend. In fact, I not only have the best color and style I could ever even imagine (and I have baby fine hair which is definitely not easy to manage or maintian) but I also have the healthiest hair and best blond highlights ever! Sean has showed me everything I was missing when it came to highlights and conditioning treatments and I will never go anywhere else! I even sent my Mom to Kuku and now she travels from DC to NYC just to have her hair done! Another great thing about Kuku is that you can make an appointment to have your makeup done by co -owner and professional makeup artist, Elle Schindler. Like Sean, she knows exactly what looks best for you individually! Also, the atmosphere is totally warm and welcoming, unlike so many other NYC salons, and it's usually not that difficult to get in for an appointment. Net net-YOU'LL LOVE IT!! HANDS-DOWN BEST COLOR AND MAKEUP AROUND....and at reasonable PRICES! Pros: THUMBS WAY UP, WARM AND WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE, FABULOUS COLOR, TRULY PROFESSIONAL STAFF, GREAT SELECTION OF KERASTASE PRODUCTS,FABULOUS BLOND EXPERT MAKES HAIR LOOK NATURALLY RADIANT Cons: CAN'T THINK OF ONE! more

My hair is incredibly thick and course, and hardly "takes" color in when highlighted in the past. Luckily, my daughter introduced me to Sean at KuKu Salon on the Upper East Side. Now, my hair has soft and beautiful blond highlights and the cut is ideal for my lifestyle, (ps he covers grays exceptionally well) I will also note that I am hooked on the professional Kerastase product that Sean picked out for me. My husband and friends tell me all the time how great my hair looks and they never used to say a word about it! The environment is also quite lovely and I enjoy the artwork and personal touches Sean at his staff have created as well. I highly recommend Sean and his staff to anyone out there who wants to finally get that compliment about their hair! Pros: thumbs up! Will never go to anyone else to get my hair done! Cons: none more

I have fabulous things to say about Sean Schindler, his wife Elle and their Salon KUKU. I have been a loyal client for 4 1/2 years and refuse to go anywhere else. Imagine finding that place where the people actually take the time and effort to consider what you need for your individual hairtype-this is what KuKu does best. My color, cut and overall attitude changes immediately when I enter the cozy UES Salon and I am immediately made comfortable. The saon is a great get away from the hustle and bustle from NYC, that is for sure. I recommend KuKu to all my friends and family for any service they offer-satisfaction guarenteed :) Pros: THUMBS UP! I've been going to Sean for over 5 years and will not even consider going anywhere else! Cons: I cannot think of any, promise! more

I've looked far and wide and have never found that perfect color...until now. KuKu's owner and BLOND EXPERT, Sean Schindler will make you look like a star, no matter what hairtype or color you have. My friend went to Sean and she did not have to say a word when I saw her. Her hair speaks for itself-utterly amazing, fresh and vibrant color, totally glamorous cut. Now I fel the same about my own hair! Thank you Kuku, you are a miracle worker! Pros: thumbs up! Best bridal makeup and updo! more

I consider myself to be an expert in beauty and haircare and I have found the BEST salon for color, cuts and makeup in NYC. KUKU made my my hair look and feel AMAZING, and for a fraction of what I pay to be a "Bergdorf Blond." Natural looking hair, for both blonds and brunettes, friendly environment and great creative vibe can best decribe this hidden treasure! TWO THUMBS UP! Pros: Convenient location, fabulous highlights, great atmosphere and professional staff. Hair is treated with the latest and greatest technologies Kerastase has to offer.........Definitely TWO THUMBS UP! Cons: NONE more

I have struggled with the color and life of my frizzy hair my whole life. Since I 've been going to kuku, I've learned what color to maintain and how to care for my hair. The owner, takes his time so that highlights and color looks natural and usually recommends a very hrlpful treatment. Like I said, I've never been so happy. The atmosphre is also nice... good music and good company Pros: Hair treatments, products, highlights more

Horrible. I told him I needed to leave by a certain time and he kept me there for FIVE hours. The guy took forever to do the color, and left me to cool my heals for an hour while he worked on other customers, who also had to wait around. He and his assistant pulled my hair unmercifully the entire time, despite repeated requests to be more gentle -- my scalp needs a icepack. And when, long after I'd missed the event I was supposed to attend, he finally got around to cutting my hair, he did barely anything and didn't even style it. I was left, after five hours, walking out of there with boring color and wet hair. A total waste of money. Cons: overpriced, bad atmosphere, painful more

I VISETED SEAN BY A FRIEND RECOMENDATION AT KUKU SALON FOR MY CUT AND COLOR, WE TALK FOR A FEW MINUTES AND HE CLEARLY KNEW WHAT I WANT, WHEN WE WHERE DONE, MY HAIR WAS SOFT AND BEAUTIFULL. THE MUSIC IN THE SALON WAS AMAZING, THE STAFF IS NICE AND FRIENDLY AND THE PLACE ITSELF IS REALY CLEAN AND COOL. I RECOMEND THIS PLACE TO ALL PEOPLE THAT LOVE UPSCALE STYLE AND COLOR. Pros: GREAT MUSIC, CLEAN PLACE, AVEDA more

I spent 2 hours in Kuku, and I was still waiting to get my hair cut! They did manage to color my hair, but the person I made an appointment with never attended to me?! They were over-booked, and unorganized. On a good note -- the staff is very nice. I would not recommend Kuku to anyone and I am definetely not going back. Pros: nice staff Cons: unorganized, crowded, music too loud more

KUKU is for real, everything about it is great, The stylists that i have seen did beautifull styles, The assistants was very nice and proffesional and the music was amazing. I got some realy funky hi-lights and a realy cool cut that i have no problem to fix alone. I recommend KUKU to all the cool people around. Love..... more

it was so hard to find an hair salon here in new york, there is so many of them !!! but after i did my hair cut in KUKU Salon i found my Salon... you feel so wanted, you feel like every one is there for you, and they will do every thing to make you HAPPY ! Try you won't REGRET ! Pros: Beautilful Salon, Great Prices, Atmosphere more

I love the atmosphere and the music. I received the best cut and style that I've had in many years. The stylist are fun and very outgoing. They make every client feel so welcome, not stuffy at all. They seem to enjoy themselves and are always on top of the new fashion trends. Kuku is the best salon that I have visited in the city and think that everyone should try them out.its kinda hip and i would reccomend it especially to us younger folk more