NAGI HAIR NEW YORK — Local services in New York

After 15 years as Kozue's loyal customer, I was deeply hurt and disappointed by how things ended with her. I followed her across three salons, always tipped generously, referred friends, and never had an issue over any of her salons' policies. I respected her skill and professionalism, and we had a long-standing rapport. But since Kozue moved to Nagi in 2020, her customer base grew, and things changed. I remained the same customer, but she became increasingly uncaring, dismissive, and unprofessional.

Over the past two years, she began snapping at me over small, inconsequential things, like booking a conditioning treatment with another stylist at Nagi (when she stopped fitting me into her schedule) or asking about travel-sized sample kits she used to hand out. What were once casual conversations suddenly turned serious, charged and combative. Her tone grew curt and judgmental, and I was often left feeling small or even ashamed for simply asking. The moment came when I asked about the travel kit: instead of a simple yes or no, she made a huge deal out of it, responded harshly and critically, and making me feel like I had done something wrong.

In my final appointment, I had cash and asked whether a cash discount advertised on the salon's website applied to me. Though she initially honored it, I let it go since it was small money. Later in the same visit, I did ask if my services that day qualified for the travel-size kit. In another appointment seven months ago, I had also asked about it and she made a big deal out of it then; that was the first time this became an issue. This time, she reacted sharply with hostility, accusing me of being "very calculative", claiming I liked to "negotiate" over small things. She even referenced a blowout she had given me that day after my haircut (which I hadn't asked for) as if it justified this criticism.

While salon policies evolve and it's possible that my timing may not always have been ideal, my inquires came from a place of curiosity, not entitlement. However, she assumed the worst, and her tone was needlessly harsh, critical and demeaning. She even declared, "I don't care about your tips" as if I tipped her so generously as leverage to get the petty travel-sized kit (as if I cared about it that much)! To have my generosity be dismissed and used against me made me feel deeply unappreciated.

While I accepted that I didn't qualify for the travel kit, I left the salon feeling stunned and disrespected by the interaction. I turned back and asked her to apply the cash discount after all - not because of the money, but to reclaim some dignity after the way I had been treated. She opened the register, threw* a $10 bill at me, said, "I don't have time for this," and walked away.

I texted her afterwards to express how hurt and uncomfortable I felt. After initially ignoring me (like she has come to do), she doubled down on the narrative that the problem was me being calculative, petty, and always "wanting more” (bc I went back for the cash discount), while completely ignoring everything I said repeatedly - that the problem was never about any policy or transaction, but how she spoke to me and treated me. None of my concerns about her disrespect or dismissiveness seemed to register with her. Her response: she only has these issues with me, not any other customers; she didn't care about my business; and I should find another stylist. She then canceled my future appointment.

What hurt most was how quickly and coldly she dismissed 15 years of loyalty, support, and goodwill, with no respect or regard. The professionalism I once admired was gone. As her customer base grew, I no longer felt like a valued relationship, and more like a convenient outlet for her frustration.

Kozue may start off polite and caring, but that can change without warning. If you fall out of favor for any reason, you may be treated as disposable without a second thought. True professionalism isn't just about skill; it's about how you treat people, especially when your business grows and when no...

For the first time in years, I grew my hair out and noticed that depending on humidity it would curl and wave. I liked the volume, but it wasn't permanent and wanted more.

I chose a few salons in NYC and landed here at Nagihair! Came in for a consultation with Kozue and she was very, very attentive and you can tell right away she was detailed oriented, knowledgeable, and confidently experienced. She was collaborative and expressed concerns about my hair, when needed (I wanted highlights but she convinced me it would be too many tones given I’m already salt and pepper). I have Asian hair, but not the straight, course type that needs a down perm, but rather a regular perm for fine hair like mine. I also came with the idea to highlight/color my hair too. I came back two weeks later to grow my hair out longer and the entire process was smooth, she educated me along the way, and the appointment went exactly as scheduled. Being the first time to get a men’s wave/curl perm, I was nervous, but didn’t need to be. I’m glad I did the research and found this salon and specifically, Kozue.

Pix are 65-70 hours later, post perm and before the first wash. I will be washing it this evening for the first time as I wanted to let it marinade longer. Kozue gave me complimentary hair masks products to use regularly, and since then have bought other products to protect and style the curls. Very happy with Nagihair!

Update 6/14/2022. Nine days after initial perm. Since then washed hair twice, started daily leave in conditioner care, and use a wide tooth comb for flow....

This is THE place to go to in order to get the most for your hair done. Not only for personalized styling and a spa-like experience, but also for your hair and scalp health! They take a microscopic look at your scalp to see its health status, and take a custom approach to helping restore it, give you advice on it, whether it's oily or dry, and educate us more so we are more aware of what's going on. Because if a troubled scalp is left untreated, it could lead to hair loss! I felt my scalp was at a low point and I came here for help. Mick made me feel SO welcome, and was honest with me about the care my hair needed moving forward and the cut that would look best for my type of hair (thin). He was so careful with me and the head and shoulder massage during the hair wash was so nice. It literally felt like a spa day for me being there. My scalp felt brand new and after he was finished, i couldn't believe how healthy my hair strands looked. Really smooth, shiny, no frizz whatsoever, and a clear /calm scalp. They equipped me with hair treatment to continue taking care of it. I can't wait until my next appointment tbh, and I can't recommend this place enough, and the lovely people here. Shout out to Mick for saving my hair!! I feel it is in good hands now and this brings...