Excel Hair Salon — Local services in New York

I went to Excel Salon on 86th after finding a a cut, color, and blow out deal on Groupon. I felt confident going to Excel as I've gone to the sister location on 3rd Avenue several times before for cuts and styles. I came into the salon with a picture of Beyonce to model my desired cut, but I specified I did not want the crown of my hair as light as her's in the photo. Mambo (?) translates to a man what I believe to be my wishes for the cut and style. The stylists (Mambo and an un-named male assistant) proceed to mix chemicals. I was never shown a sample or consulted about the process, but thought certainly they understood my very clear, concise directions. I had misgivings but I thought I should let the stylists do what they are trained to. After five, of what was supposed to be ten minutes, my head is scorching hot and the mixture is leaking out. I ask for help and see for the first time that they've bleached my hair. I don't panic thinking they must plan on adding color. Well, I'm taken over for a shampoo, which was the best part of the experience, and led back to the chair where the assistant begins to cut my hair without asking me any questions about the cut. I speak up and direct him on how I'd like my hair cut. Suddenly the cut is over and he spins me around to reveal bright straw yellow hair on my crown, not at all what I asked for. They take me back to the sink and try to tone it down. This is done twice; the results are mixed. Upon closer inspection at home, my roots are a golden/reddish blonde (better, but still not what I asked for), but the rest of my hair is a significantly lighter honey blonde. Either they didn't understand my directions or they didn't care. It was clear they were tired of fixing my color and wanted to go home (I'd been there 3 hours), and frankly I had lost all confidence in their ability to fix the damage they had done to my hair. I tried my best to try and see the bright side of this debacle, but I just hated my hair and ended up dying it black to cover the Nicki Manaj blonde--not the golden brown Beyonce I indicated I wanted. It was a terrible experience; one I would not wish on my worst enemy. I'm legitimately traumatized by this dye-saster. I don't know when I will trust anyone to dye my hair again. Beware of this incompetent,...

As far as I know it is customary that a customer does not leave the salon with dripping wet hair. Especially in the middle of November in NYC. I came in to this establishment primarily due to the convenient location, opened late and the shampoo and cut special advertised on the chalkboard. They were like a bloke and a half away from home. Upon entering they were pleasant enough however it was not welcoming. I spoke with the person at the front desk letting them know what I was coming in for and she proceeded to let me know the advertised service included just the wash and cut. I said ok and waited for my turn. I was shampooed and swiftly taken to the chair for my cut by a wonderful young Hispanic girl. She did a great job and was a joy to chat with. She completed the cut and sent me on my way. I was baffled when the service was completed. Never in a million years have I gone into a salon and not had my hair dried and styled. I was never even offered the service. I was so befuddled and bemused by these chain of events that I just paid a left. To my chagrin when the women at the front desk made certain to let me know the advertised special ONLY included the wash and cut, what she really meant was that’s all they would be offering me. Any reputable salon would make sure they let their customer know how much add ons cost. I was never afforded the basic courtesy. For some reason the woman assumed I could not or would not pay for an additional service. I have no qualms about saying there was some sort or predisposed prejudice. I would give zero stars if possible. PSA if you do not look like a certain demographic feel free to walk on by, this is not the place for you. The Aveda salon close to Fairways is your best bet. They are POC friendly. For reference this review is from...

OMG today I went for a cut to the guy who cut my hair twice and he literally cut all my hair and left me with a cut that was extremely very short and I went off. Before I requested the cut I told him to cut my bangs because they were too long and I don’t like all the hair in my face but he did not do what I requested and was scissor happy. I could not believe the condition he left my hair in. I had to wear a cap all day at work as I am so embarrassed. I clearly told this man what I wanted and left me looking like a damn boy. I am up in age and I don’t look right at all. I am so angry and he had the nerve to tell me that my hair will grow out could you imagine? I showed him a picture and he did what he wanted. What really got me so damn angry is when he had a mirror to show me the back of my hair omg I wanted to cry and I realized even more then that he messed my hair up. I went to the counter to actually pay for this and showed the woman the picture and I asked her does this picture look anything like what my hair looks like now? Her reply was no it doesn’t. She told me she was sorry and I told her really sorry is not going to put my hair back on my head. The man who cut my hair also said sorry but I told him really you chopped all my hair off my head clearly you saw my picture and know this short cut you gave me was not what I wanted. Clearly the one star is not deserved if I could of gave them none that’s exactly what this place would of gotten. Omg I don’t like how I look. I told them I am extremely picky when it comes to my hair and you messed my hair up. God only knows how much I wanted to use fowl language but I kept it respectful though how I’m feeling still it’s gotten me very mad. My advice if your looking for a salon...