LaVar Hair Designs | Best Hair Care Salon In New York - New York (NY)

5 /5 Paula Maouyo: I just came across this gem, thanks to recommendations I got after asking for braiding stylist recs in UWS on the Nextdoor app. I have absolutely loved my experiences here so far. I got my hair shampooed/conditioned & then box braids. Marcia shampooed my hair and wow the scalp massage was incredible plus she was so gentle with my edges (which are finicky). Best shampoo I’ve ever gotten. Kim did my box braids, and they were tight enough but not too tight, just beautiful. She listened to what I was going for and asked clarifying questions. Also I love her energy just in general. This whole salon is delightful, clean, professional. I am so glad to have found a great neighborhood spot I can keep going back for many years to come!

1 /5 Nikki Nikki: stop at go, and run for your dear life, making sure your precious pearls around your neck are in place. Shall we start the review now: First Encounter- Katrina is apparently the receptionist. Shes best fitted for a position where she is not public view and not granted customer access. If your first point of encounter for your business lacks professionalism, it is a reflection of your entire establishment. Hence why Katrina is unable to be diplomatic without being spoon feed! Might I also add the lack of phone etiquette. I called to make an appointment and first round of lack of tact. Katrina is rude in terms of scheduling my appointment and pricing. Lynda calls but keeps putting me on hold. I explained to the special education staff that I would be traveling and wanted an appointment before. Suddenly not possible, and they kept messing up the dates. (I have emails. I love documentation. Comes in handy when it is time to sue!) I can go on and on about how this place dropped the ball, at the end of the day cutting straight to the point, LaVar hair design stole $225 dollars from me. I gave them ample notice my flight would not be back in time, both written and verbal. The joke of the matter Lynda calls me last night requesting more money from me stating I lost my deposits, when they had more than 48 hours notice. She emailed me a new confirmation. Not to mention I was literally sick with no voice when I spoke to lazy Katrina. Once again no communication. Now I have to waste my time by going to small claims court to file suit, filing a report with the BBB, look into filing criminal fraud or thief charges against them(I Will If I Can). Please heed my words when I say run, this place is not worth flying in on any airplane or Ubering from any destination. Youve been warned, take my lesson to heart, it was the Mickey Mouse show from first interaction. I kept giving them chances because a friend recommended me to them. At every breakdown dealing with this carton of a salon, my friend kept encouraging me to give them another chance. Chances are you will have your money stolen and left grasping to find an alternative appointment at short notice, and having to crave time out to sue them in small claims court. Run and do not look back! Youll turn into dust with this faux dinosaur. They Get an F!

5 /5 OShika Cacciatore: I found this place doing research after moving back from Arizona. I was used to getting excellent service and dont mind paying for it. The service is consistently excellent and I walk out with my hair looking beautiful. The staff is friendly without having to constantly chatting if you dont want to. I go to Regina for my services, she is nice, funny, and will answer any questions. The atmosphere is nice in a hip neighborhood with everything a lady needs: bubble tea, cleaners, shoe repair, Rickys Beauty Supply and Grays Papaya AND Dunkin Donuts on the same block! They play a range of hip hop and r&b as you relax. You can get a free consultation by appointment and pricing before you book the actual appointment. Katrina and Linda are happy to do that for you. I have been going for a year and will continue to do so.

2 /5 ginuinely loveandlabels: Most recently I went to Twana for her to give me a color on my extensions. A black dye, shampoo regular conditioner and style. I’ve gotten this service from her plenty of times. Over the years this service has reached an astronomically high price. At first this service was about 120.00 about six years ago, not bad. Then Ellen Lavar Warned clients prices would change with no warning to my surprised I booked an Appt and the same service shot up to 170.00. Most recently I went around January 2016 and the price Was $295.00. The amount of curse words I wanted to exchange was illegal. When it Comes to a celebrity stylist your as good as your last job. A celebrity stylist who peak was with huge stars in the 80’s and charges these prices don’t warrant or make sense. Ellen, you are not Ursula Stephens or Kim Kimble. These prices are way Above your caliber. Lastly, the attitude I received from Twana on my last visit Was unprofessional and unnecessary. I won’t be going back. They’ve robbed me Enough. I don’t know maybe the prices are to make up for the lack of clients They now have. I would not recommend this place at all. I will end this one positive Note I love the way my hair feels and smells when I leave here but for these prices No way I work very hard for my money. I will deal with professional who don’t snap At you and don’t try to rob you.

5 /5 Lorna Rainey: While doing some research for a film project, l saw that Ellin Lavar was the stylist to Whitney Houston (among other celebs) and that she owns a salon on the UWS. Say no more! If she good enough for Ms. Whitney and Ms. Cicely Tyson, shes got skills. I made an appt and went yesterday (July 13). I have specific mixed girl hair issues...fine, fragile, prone to breakage and reacts badly to products everyone elses hair loves. Most stylists make a tricky situation worse. Marcia immediately got a sense of my hair and knew what to do. Unfortunately past damage meant some hair was lost in initial comb-out (gentle but thorough) as she patiently calmed my paranoia. Then a shampoo and deep condition w/products my hair loved. A blow-out and low-heat flat iron later and l left w/soft, sleek hair that is healthy and amazing! All this in a clean modern and intimate setting w/ppl who personify caring, experience with a bit of humor for good measure. My hair is a treasure. If you value yours l highly recommend them. I made my next appt already.