Salon Santa Cruz

Since my usually hairdresser wasn't close by and I couldn't visit her often, I was looking for a second salon. I visited Salon Santa Cruz after reading many reviews and after having a bad haircut experience the day before. When I entered the salon, the owner was pleasant and I was introduced to Katya. She is energetic and very friendly. Katya was very understanding and took the time to listen to what I wanted done and during the haircut also asked for my suggestions and always made sure I agreed with what she was going to do. At the end, she made my horrible haircut to what I originally wanted at the other place and something that suited my lifestyle. Best thing was, it wasn't just a haircut to her, she took the time to make sure it was what I wanted and it was perfect. Salon itself had a nice ambience. This was my first experience at Salon Santa Cruz and it won't be my last with their flexible hours and the service I received this time. Only cons is that they are on the pricey side. Pros: staff, talent, ambience, service Cons: price more

I went to have a trim and layers for my long hair. The hairdresser assigned to me wasn't attentive at all, not even bothered to look at my hair before sending me for wash and asked only one question before he snipped for less than 10 minutes before and spending the rest of the time blowdrying my hair into a style which was far from what I wanted. This place is definitely not worth the 160$ price tag and the atmosphere will tell it all when you dare to go. Pros: warm greeting Cons: lack of attention for the clients opinion, lousy atmosphere, overvalued more

My friend Marcia has already written her review, and now this is my contribution. I was visiting Marcia in NYC last week, and tagged along to her hair appointment. The salon was out of my usual 'tourist' track, but as soon as I walked in I loved the airy loft atmosphere and the incredibly friendly staff. (An aside: my cellphone had packed up and I was anxious to let my husband, left behind in London, know that I'd arrived safely. The adorable receptionist helped me to make the call, and went out of her way to get me through.) While Marcia was having her curly hair cut and shaped, I went for a walk and visited the Empire State building; when I got back there was Marcia, transformed and looking years younger and chic-er. That was the look I wanted, and although she was incredibly busy, lovely Leslie agreed to fit me in. The salon was hectic, but I never felt rushed or in the way, and eventually it was my turn. Well, Audrey Hepburn eat your heart out! Leslie transformed my hair from a rather nondescript bob into a wispy, elfin style which is very short but still very feminine - and I never thought I could 'do' short! I love the cut, and have had so many compliments now I'm back home again in London. Not cheap (you get what you pay for in my opinion), but I would add that in London, desperate for a good cut, I have paid #260 (that's around USD 500!) but it still wasn't as good as Leslie's. Can't wait for my next visit to NYC, and to Salon Santa Cruz. (P.S. I see that Victoria Beckham has also had a new short cut, but it's nothing like as good as mine!) Pros: Great atmosphere, adorable staff, genius hair-cut Cons: Absolutely nothing more

I found the Santa Cruz Salon accidentally, attending an art exhibit sponsored by the Fountain Gallery there. I met Leslie at that time, and she made suggestions about my very curly, frizzy, too long hair and coloring that just made complete sense to me. She also has the cutest little boy ever, and he showed up just as I was leaving. I decided to give her a try a few weeks later, and received the best haircut I have ever had. Everyone says it makes me look 10 years younger, which is no easy feat, and people constantly comment on it. She is an artist, a stylist, and an expert in her field. She loves her work and it shows!! I was there last week with my friend, Yvette, from London who was not intending to get a haircut that day. But when she saw what Leslie did for me, she jumped into the chair for her own new do!!! And now, she is getting rave reviews on the other side of the Pond. Anyway, Leslie has hooked me. I hope she's doing this for many years to come. I completely trust her.\r \r A word about Jeffrey-he is wonderful. Great head massages and so sweet. Everyone here is lovely. And very professional. more

This is a great salon. The people are very friendly and they really do listen to what you want. Jeffrey is A+ amazing! Best personality and great head wash and massage. Would go back for him alone! Leslie did a great job with the highligts and cut. I will definitely be back. Great atmosphere as well. The only 2 cons: 1. a bit pricy (but won't deter me from going again) 2. the stylist made me hold my own foil wraps and hand them to her one by one. I go to a salon to relax and I wasn't able to close my eyes and enjoy the service because I had to keep handing her foils when she needed them. At a salon charging these prices, they shouldn't make the clients 'help'. Pros: atmosphere, experienced staff, Jeffrey!!! Cons: a bit pricy, made me hold the foil wraps during my service more

Let me begin by saying that I loved my experience at Salon Santa Cruz. When I first arrived to the salon, everyone was incredibly nice and friendly. I was initially nervous because I was going to cut my curly hair really short for the first time in my life. Before beginning with my haircut, I showed my amazing stylist Leslie the three different looks I was considering, and after a couple questions she knew exactly what would be the best look, taking into what would best flatter my face and the fact that I would want to wear my hair both naturally curly and straight. A hair wash later, and Leslie began cuting my hair carefully and methodically, while also giving me styling tips. My whole experience was great not only because my haircut and stylist were great, but I completely looked and felt like a whole new person (even other stylists and customers commented about it)! It has been over two weeks and I still love my haircut because it suites me and looks great with both curly and straight hair. I would definitely go back and encourage others to do so as well. Pros: Service Cons: Nothing more

Like so many other satisfied reviewers here, I too highly recommed this salon for their staff's genuine hospitality towards every client and the skill the stylists have. If you are like me, who have gone to diff. salons in and out of NYC trying to find a good colorist and someone who doesn't cringe when they have to work on your difficult hair, then save yourself some grief and call This salon for an appt. \r I have seen Leslie since my first trip there and have never been disappointed. Why? because not only does she truly know hair but she LISTENS to what you, the client, wants and then tells you how she is going to go about giving you what you want or get you as close to it as she can. She has never once ignored my requests and given me what she wanted instead like so many other salons do. She doesn't let you leave until you are perfect and i appreciate that.\r This place is very pricey for my pocketbook so I can't go back as often as i'd like but you get what you pay for. I had been going to other salons in the city because it was less money but i went back to Leslie to have her fix the cut and color errors i was just fed up with. By the time she was done with me, i looked great and practically hugged her before i left. She gave me the color i wanted, did perfect highlights (as my hair takes color faster in some places than others, this is not an easy thing to do evenly) and gave me a good trim to even out my hair. I left poor but felt like a million bucks!\r Jeffrey does the best shampoo massage in NYC as far as i'm concerned. I'm so glad i found this place and I will follow Leslie wherever she goes! Pros: skilled staff, nice looking salon, friendly environment Cons: pricey, but money well spent more

As soon as I stepped in, the people were so nice and very helpful. I originally had really long, straight asian hair and I was looking for a funkier shorter hair cut. My appointment was scheduled with LESLIE, and oh my god is she AMAZING!!! I showed her a picture of what I wanted, and she gave me some feedback on what she would do with my hair from then on. \r \r I first had a shampoo by a sweetheart who was absolutely fantastic. It lasted 15-20 minutes (longer than the average shampoo servce), as he gave me a massage while he conditioned my hair. Then Leslie began to cut. She told me what she was doing and what it would look like as she was cutting my hair. The other hair stylists also gave feedback as she was cutting it, which was an extra comfort. After the cut was done, she gave me some tips on how to style my hair if I wanted to style it, and also gave me some product suggestions (she wasn't shoving any products for me to buy). \r \r Overall, the service was absolutely fantastic. My only downside to this salon is the price range. It is pricy (ranges from $65 for short hair to $180 for longer hair), but it is definitely well worth it. They really take their time with your hair, to ensure ultimate satisfaction. They give you a cut you want that works for you, and if you decide you don't like it, you can always come back and they'd be happy to fix it. \r \r I'd definitely come back again. Pros: amazing staff, great hair services, easily accesible to trains Cons: pricey more

I visited this salon on a visit from London. I made a great choice. Leslie was my stylist and did a great job on my full head highlights and cut & hair dry. My hair looks great! Leslie was very accomodating and offered great advise on what would look best, she even offered to tone down the colour if I felt it was too light. The salon itself is calming and all staff were friendly, chatty and seemed happy to be there! I will definately recommend the salon to friends and will be back when I'm next in NYC.\r \r They also have a nail bar and specialise in curly hair. Pros: Calming atmosphere with friendly staff Cons: n/a more

Ask for Carlos! He is absolutely fantastic and the only stylist who has ever been able to tame my wicked strands! I have never liked my color after having it dyed but Carlos was able to give me exactly what I wanted! The staff is unbelievably nice and prices are spectacular for the amount of work Carlos put into my hair! I would have paid double, even triple for the services anywhere else. It was an absolutely fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone who was tired of paying too much and getting too little in return. I love this place and I will go back! I have told all of my friends and will continue to tell more because it was just so great! Pros: Just a short walk from the 6 train! Cons: Nothing! more

Sooo,\r I am 23yrs old, from the Bronx and had been going to the same hair dresser as my mom since I was 15. As of late my now old hairdresser had fallen into this pit of wanting to do my hair the way she wanted to do it and the more I tried explaining what I wanted, the more she didn't cater to what my hair needed and that was some TLC. First I did a general Google search for curly hair experts (FYI:I have extremely curly, thick and at the time long hair). I come from a Puerto Rican background so we always trusted the Dominican Hairdresser for every occasion and never ventured off to the city for fear our hair will not turn out the same so this is a big step for me.\r Anyway, after doing intense research, including City Search, on the new 'do I wanted and the place that would do it, I found Salon Santa Cruz. And let me say from the moment I walked in I new I had chosen right. The friendly, hospitable, and CHIC salon left me in amazement. I never thought I belonged in a place like this, (coming from little salons in the BX) but I was wrong. It was a great experience. My hairdresser was late, but I am glad he was because I had my hair cut by Santa herself. I left feeling like a new woman. I showed Santa the picture of the cut I longed for and she was honest and upfront about my face shape and what that cut would do for me. She suggested what she thought would be suitable and I am glad she did. \r By the time I left I knew that I would tell all my friends, family and strangers on the street and the net about this place. Please if you don?t believe me, check it out for yourself because you won't be sorry. If I might brag a little bit, when I walked out of Salon Santa Cruz, I had men on every block turning their heads to look at me. That is how serious this haircut is. (short angled bob, with side wept bangs, similar to that of Rihanna).\r Everyone is professional and offers top of the line service.... You will not be disappointed... A little pricey but well well worth it! more

I wanted to get my hair done for my 21st birthday. I was seaching around salon after salon to really get someone that understood what i wanted and also someone that knew how to deal with my hair. When I walked in I met Leslie and can I tell u her hands, well they're magic. She's the perfect person. Tell her what you wanted and she can make it happen. Now my hair is EXTREEMLY curly and frizzy and hard to manage. I mean I cant lie I wasn't too sure if she could deal with it, but yes I was TOTALLY wrong. She listens to your ideas and lets you know want the best thing for you is. Now let me tell you something you may think you need to go lighter darker or what ever it is that you want, but listen to her and trust what shes saying, because when i did i walked out a whole knew person. She deserves to be known, because as i said her hands can do anything. SO GO TO LESLIE!!! Im so glad I went to Leslie. She has a cool personality and makes u feel comforble with whats sees doing. Even the atmosphere in the salon, in its self its great. I will definitly be going back to see Leslie. I mean, all I could think when I left the salon was ""FIERCE!!!!!"" It was a complete transformation and couldn't wait to show my new look off. Thanks all to Leslie my 21st birthday ended with a blast. SO GO TO LESLIE!!!! Dont think twice just go and make an appoiontment. You'll undertsand completely after walking out a new person. Pros: Leslie is the one got to, Customer service A++, and the entire staff they're wonderful. Cons: It's alittle on the expensive side, but you WILL walk out knowing your money was well spent. more

I had a complete makeover at Santa Cruz salon just last week. Leslie, the stylist, was terrific and very skilled. She had great ideas and extensive knowledge on color, texture and maintenance. I had visited the salon for an initial consultation and met her during this. It was NOT conducted in a rush, but rather in a relaxed manner and she really listened to the concerns I had (I.e., long hair to shorter length, the maintenance of the cut, color and highlights, etc.) with respect to how far I was willing to go with a new look. The vibe and feel of the salon was beautiful -- very comfortable, private sections for color, washing and haircuts -- no one on top of you while you're getting worked on. This was my first visit to this salon (several family members had recommended it) and it's definitely a place I would go back to (and I live up in Westchester County, so it's not close). The makeup application was done with great products that didn't feel heavy and the gentleman stylist was amazing with color. I also had a manicure there (very quick and efficient) and I was impressed with the way the manicurist did not insist that I push back my cuticles (as other salons have said to me) or cut my nails too short. I saw other patrons there and everyone seemed very satisfied. I looked and felt amazing after the hair, makeup and nail treatments. The specialty of the salon is curly hair and I saw all sorts of hair being worked on -- further proof that these people know what they're doing. I would highly recommend this salon because they listened, gave great feedback and didn't insist on what 'they' wanted to do, but the focus was truly on me. Outstanding customer service and quality work. more

After a horrendous high end 5th ave salon disaster cut from my long brown hair into a ""Posh like"" cut in November, I went looking for a new hairdresser. I was so depressed as my hair looked horrible with many noticable holes and chunks of hair just missing from my head as the last hair stylist went crazy with the razor and had made some serious mistakes. I walked into Santa Cruz and met Katya and she made me feel pretty and styish again. Shaping my mess was not an easy task and she has worked with me over the past few months to help me look good during this transitional time where I just needed my hair to grow. An inherited task that was not easy considering the shape and condition of my hair. What I love about Katya is that she cares and that she listens to you and works with you until you are happy. I find that some hair stylists can be very stubborn and don't listen to their client's needs and just do what they want with plenty of attitude to top it offf. Katya really listens and talks to you and has no attitude at all!! She is a joy and breath of fresh ""hairdresser"" air!!!! Pros: Great service, realxing shampoos more

I've gotten my short hair cut there a few times now, and Leslie did a great job, really cute and choppy. The salon is also very nice, and they give you tea while you wait. Although it is expensive, I definately recommend it. more

After 6 weeks of keeping my CURLY & THICKKK shoulder lenght hair up on a bun, I found SANTA CRUZ SALON. Like so many, unsure of what style will suit them, I came armed with pictures of MY desired BOB cut. My appointment was with Andrew and we discussed the pictures along with Ms Cruz herself who takes interest in all the customers. I was in the BEST of hands from the talented colorist who created the perfect base color for 6 weeks of black & grey rooting, the young lady who shampoo, deep conditioned and massaged all worries (at least for those 10 min), and of course to have the best of both worlds when Andrew brought my cut and beautiful style to life along with Ms Cruz scissor magic making a HOT style even HOTTER!!! Both Santa and Andrew took the BEST of their TALENTS to make me a totaly different woman. I came in mama drama and walked out HOT MAMA with a SHARP SAVVY BOB.Anyone who was there when I arrvied could not believe the GORGEOUS transformation. I will now admit, that I was very bumed out about turning 40 on the 14th but after my makeover I can easily say I am 28-30, so 40 is not looking too bad after all. \r \r Ms SANTA CRUZ AND STAFF ARE ALL ""TRULY CARING PROFESSIONALS"" Pros: You feel ""SPECIAL"" and the one on one attention!!! Cons: Pricey but worth it!! You pay for experienced professionals with up to date flair!!!!! more

This is my first experience going to Salon Santa Cruz and it was great. I recently relocated from Atlanta Georgia to New York City I visited several salons before deciding on Salon Santa Cruz. What one me over with Salon Santa Cruz firstly was the ratings on citysearch and secondly, when I visited the receptionist, was pleasant and recommended that I see Andrew for a consultation. The salon is very professional, chic, and hip with a great ambiance. It felt like great things happen in this salon. It had a vibrant vibe that matched my personality. I scheduled my consultation with Andrew the next week at 11am. I got there a few minutes early and Andrew was waiting for me. During the consultation he asked me many questions about my hair and gave me options that was best suited for me. I showed him a photo of a hair style I liked from a magazine and Andrew was honest about how he could create the style but more suited to me. He even discussed hair care and things I could do in a few months after my hair grows out. I was impressed. Andrew gave me a hair cut like nobodys business. He hooked me up. It was like a transformation before my eyes. My hair looked fabulous. Tomas who washed my hair massaged my scalp so tenderly that I felt myself drifting off. He was very attentive offering me something to drink. Santa was also very nice and welcomed me to the Salon. I was also impressed that a cut, relaxer, and style took less than 2.5 hours. I felt special going there and thats the feeling you want to have when you go to the salon. They have a new customer and I can't wait to go back. Thanks Andrew You Rock!!!! Pros: The stylist are very talented Cons: The cost is a little on the high side and my stylist works only on Friday and Saturday more

I think this place is fantastic. Santa's been cutting my hair, which is very, very curly, for several years now. For the first time in my life, I actually feel that my hair is a asset (pinch me -- still can't believe I'm saying this). Yes, my hair looks and feels fabulous... and it's healthy too. It took me nearly 50 years to find Santa and I will follow her to the grave. Did I mention the color? The color is also terrific - blond -and it lasts a surprisingly long time. I get a lot of hair compliments these days. The Salon is extremely clean, the staff is very polite and helpful, decor is hip and cool. Thank you Santa for creating this great place and being so talented with curly hair. more

I just want to thank my stylist Adrew Glover and his fab assistant Cynthia for such a wonderful \r experience at SSC. Everyone at the Salon was so nice, professional and I felt catered to every minute \r of my day. Pros: YOU WILL LEAVE WITH GREAT HAIR FOR YOUR MONEY more

I have been going to different beauty salons for many many years and there have been very few beauty salons or stylists able to work with my type of hair. Salon Santa Cruz is like a breathe of fresh air in that they don't stereotype you or your type of hair into traditional categories of straight or curly, good or damaged hair. The staff is warm, respectful of your hair, and respectful of your views which I really appreciate. I want to single out Leslie who gave me the best cut and style that I have ever had. For the first time, I felt my ""do"" was me and not some other person the stylist tried to make me. I also want to mention the junior stylist Evelyn who was fabulous in styling my hair on an earlier visit. Overall, this salon has a great team of professionals. Pros: Top notch service more