Before I discovered Riah seven years ago, I had been EVERYWHERE (you name it: John Barrett, Oscar Bond, Ouidad, Bumble & Bumble, ETC). They charged a fortune and didn't seem to take any interest in me OR my hair. (Seconds after I'd left their chairs hundreds of dollars poorer, I'm certain they couldn't haven't picked me out of a police line-up if their lives depended on it.)\r
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Thankfully, a friend of mine recommended Ann, the salon owner/head stylist at Riah, and the rest is, er, hairstory. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Her haircuts are the most flattering I've ever gotten, and they actually grow out just as well, which is a rareity. And as for color, the formulas she uses are so much higher quality than the average stuff you find at salons ? the shades are really bright and rich and they last for ages without wrecking your hair. Plus, Ann is incredibly versatile ? she was equally amazing at giving me edgy-looking color when I went through a rebellious stage as she was at Bergdorf Blonde-esque highlights and everything in between. It's safe to say that at this point, I would happily pay any amount she chose to charge, but by some happy accident she also happens to be totally reasonable: $80 for cuts and $100 and up for color. Sold.\r
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The atmosphere at Riah is very calming, too; no sterile waiting area or snotty receptionist. Just Ann and Devon, happily working away to great music, with priceless Nolita people-watching opportunities on offer courtesy of the salon's giant windows.\r
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Recently, I started going to Ann for Brazilian hair straightening ($300), and there's no one else I'd trust with those chemicals on my hair. Unsurprisingly, the results have been amazing, and she's thrown herself into the process with the same skill and care she applies to her cut and color. \r
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I can't say enough good things about this place ? run, don't walk, away from all those other overrated chop shops and I promise that you'll never look back.
Pros: Excellent quality of work and products, Amazing Value, Ambience
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