Shampoo Avenue B — Attraction in New York

I went in on Friday March 15 for a balayage and keratin treatment with Alex. My hair is dark and long, and I called the salon in advance to ask if both treatments could be done the same day. They told me it would be fine. I showed Alex pictures and a video of how I wanted my hair to look like, and she said she could do it. They charged me for it. But the color of the highlights Alex gave me is totally off, very faded and brassy. My hair looks like it’s been a while after I had the balayage and keratin done. At first, my hair turned out very yellow. She was then trying to convince me it looked nice. I complained because it did not look at all like the pictures I showed her, and she told me she could do a gloss treatment right there, but that she would not dry my hair again so I’d have to leave the salon with my hair dripping water. She literally said this. I accepted to have the gloss done at the moment. Unfortunately, the result was even worst. From yellow, my hair tone now looks redish and orange. The back of my hair is the worst part. Not only the colors are horrible, but the placement of the highlights is completely uneven. It doesn't help that on the front, one side of my face has very wide highlights and the left side has thinner ones.

Upon checkout, I was charged $552.55 total and left a $50 cash tip, now regretted. I wanted to give my hair a day to see how it turned out. I took these pictures the same day I got the treatment done (yesterday) and today. I called the salon to ask for options this morning because I’m so frustrated. I spoke with a man who identified himself as Joe on the phone. He was very unprofessional and rude. Both Joe and Alex attempted to deflect responsibility, citing my “22-minute tardiness” to the appointment and proposing another gloss treatment, despite its ineffectiveness at this stage, as temporary solutions. After all this, both Alex and Joe offered me to come back only offering me a toner, but not a real color correction. Joe admitted this would not fix or lighten my color at this point. I asked for a refund and they refused as well.

If Alex didn’t think she could do what I asked for, she should’ve told me upfront, not after my hair didn’t turn out the way we expected. I’ve had balayage done before. I know what is possible to achieve and what isn’t for my type of hair. I showed Alex the pictures of my hair when I had that previous balayage. She told me she could do it. Now they’re giving me excuses. Beware that if you have dark hair like me, this place is not for you. You will leave feeling frustrated and scammed.

On top of a terrible hair job, this whole experience feels like a big scam. Paying $600 for such dissatisfaction and mistreatment is unacceptable. Save yourself the disappointment and stay AWAY from Shampoo Avenue B!!!!!!!!!!!! There are many great salons in NYC why bother wasting your money...

I chose Shampoo Avenue B because the reviews were largely positive. Their instagram looked reliable and I was only getting a haircut - no color, no multiple appointment endeavor, just a simple haircut. When I arrived, I wasn't greeted by smiles or friendly service, but I wouldn't be writing this review over just unfriendly service; I understand the deal I made with hospitality when I moved to NYC. I am writing because I received the worst haircut I have ever gotten in my life. My hair had a hole around the ear (something you learn to cut around day 1 of school), no texture (jagged edges and no fade into the layers), blunt and uneven cut, 3-4 inches shorter than I asked her for and reminded her about while she was cutting, etc. I was donating my hair, and instead of the salon saying they had no idea how to do so, they assured me they could continue with the process with no issues. My stylist was really nice and I am not here to drag her, but no one should go to this salon for a CUT and have to receive the outcome I did; realistically, the salon shouldn't have employees who can't do a haircut, any range from trim to bob, well. Possibly the worst part of my entire experience was that other stylists, the receptionist, everyone in there saw the train wreck that was happening around my head and no one said, did, or offered anything; they heard my stylist apologize to me mid-cut and just continued to stare at me. Then, while I was checking out, the front desk woman had the audacity to ask me if I was happy with my cut (as if she hadn't been watching the massacre unfold before her). I find this tactic unfair considering the deed is done but I said to her "Ummm I am not sure. I think I need to sit on it a bit and see it after it settles. Way shorter than I asked for so I am just feeling uncomfortable." She said okay and proceeded to tell me what I owed. Why ask me the question, hear my response, see my eyes wet, and then do nothing? Instead of the salon recognizing the bad service I was receiving, hearing my thoughts, and offering me any sort of understanding, I paid full price for my haircut and tipped over 20%, because I am not a monster (also my stylist was a lovely person, this is just not her calling), and left. Cheeks red, eyes welling, I ran home. I implore the salon to re-evaluate the stylists that they have on staff. No matter the level of stylist a customer books with, a haircut shouldn't be a dicey ask at a hair salon. I also implore the salon to care about the customer's satisfaction when they leave. Needless to say, I will not be returning and I encourage potential customers to do some digging before they choose...

I recently moved to NJ. Moving to a new area always comes with hassle of finding your Go-To businesses all over again. It is time to sit down, do google/Insta search, read reviews and take the chance to try them out.

I'm very particular about Hair Salons as I feel I do not have tons of hair to begin with and on top of that they take forever to grow long so, personally, it is very important for me to find a stylist that matches my needs (cut and/or color).

So, I did all the steps I mentioned above and found Shampoo Avenue B salon in NYC. Then came the task of selecting a stylist! Based on Google reviews and what I needed to get done, Amanda seemed to be the one. I made a hassle free online appointment for Foilyage and a hair cut. The salon had about 8 stylists on the day of service, all wearing masks and had clients spaced out. 100/100 for complying with COVID-guidelines.

Amanda is a very humble person you can come across. I love the stylists that take the time to understand what the person sitting in chair wants but at the same time suggest the clients with alternates (if necessary) that would go better keeping in mind health/volume/length of hair, face cut, maintenance and bang for the buck. At the end of the day, I love to know from an expert and Amanda will do all of the above for you!

She had to do massive color correction on my hair as I wanted something very different than what was going on in my hair (pictures). I tend to ask a lot of questions during the process and she calmly gave me insightful answers while working on her magic. She was very accommodating as well. I had initially made an appointment only for Foilyage and cut and completely forgot about root touch up service for my grays. She adjusted that in as well and did not compromise on the quality even with a time crunch created by additional on the spot service. Highly recommend her!

I love their reward program as well where you earn points on every service! You can redeem those on next visit. All in all a very good experience. Price is fair for level of expertise, product use and...