Toy Apple Beauty & Barber Salon — Local services in New York

I'm giving this place 5 stars based on affordable salons level of establishments. It was the first place I found that had an affordable shampoo and blow dry. Other salons are charging $20-50, and I was charged $12 for my super long hair.

I'm in town traveling and just want a quick shampoo and blow dry and I was so happy to find this place right across from my favorite massage spot (Canal Bodywork/massage). A little older Chinese woman greeted me and asked if I wanted a cut and I told her just shampoo, she said $12 because I have long hair and I of course said yes because the price was the lowest I could find anywhere.

The place is very old and run down, it smells a little of urine inside, but honestly everywhere in New York smells a little of urine. They don't use fancy products like you would see in other middle/high tiered salons, it's a basic salon for basic needs. Quick, affordable and convenient! That's what I wanted and that's what I got. Nothing crazy over the top.

She had me place my backpack and remove my jackets and had me sit in her little shampoo bowl, she placed a towel on my neck/shoulder area and a plastic wrap as extra protective layer from the water. I laid back and she began to wash and clean, she shampooed twice and then conditioned. She was gentle and thorough considering how long my hair is. She squeezed my hair dry and then wrapped it in a towel and walked me over to her chair.

The products I saw on the counter were tresemme(a Brand I actually love using at home) and it was cluttered and messy. But honestly I was expecting this considering we are in China town and a mom and pops salon! It didn't bother me, I'm happy to support small businesses through this pandemic.

She began to hand maneuver and dry my hair with the blow dryer. It's a basic hair dryer, after she did it for about 5 min. She switched to a roller brush and wide tooth brush and began to blow dry my hair in sections. She was very thorough. Because of my length, it took about 15-20 min for the drying process. She used NO products. Which I'm happy about because I don't really use products. I'm sure if I asked she would have something. I thought my hair would turn out frizzy but her hair drying skills made it come out super smooth!

She was quiet through the process, didn't talk to me. But smiled. Her name is Tai. Such a sweet lady. At the end she told me how pretty my hair looked and indeed it was gorgeous and silky smooth. I would definitely come back and recommend it for a quick and affordable shampoo and blow out if you're visiting down or need a wash after a massage!

Thanks Tai, you were wonderful and so sweet and kind. I...

I found this historical Chinatown franchise by way of videos that highlighted the ancient and sadly dying art of Asian / Chinese ear cleaning / picking. I made it my business to deal directly with May, who is as charming as she is genuinely kind and loving. I immediately knew I was in expert and caring hands. May was extremely generous with her time and conscientious in her approach to this artform. Similar to acupuncture, the individual's touch is as important as their knowledge of how, when and what pressure to apply. This experience was relaxing and improves many aspects of your senses. Although I did not plan to get a trim and shampoo, I decided to do so after observing how kind May was with me. I am glad I did as the shampooing process is very thorough and you also receive an amazing head / scalp massage that invigorates and probably opens up energy channels, not to mention stimulates blood circulation. After all was said and done, I noticed how my skin was much brighter. I will be returning and taking family members. These are the businesses that deserve our patronage as their prices were not raised exorbitantly even though inflation pressures are real. Further, May and the entire staff are selfless individuals who are not robbing those who support them. Politicians and policymakers the world over have a lot to...

So great and lovely! For haircuts, I’ve been able to sneak in without an appointment (though they do take if you want to call in advance!). Bring a haircut photo to non-verbally communicate your vision.

There’s a bit of a language barrier but as a shy person I love it! You get the happy energy of listening to grandmas chat in the beauty shop, without the social anxiety pressure of being expected to chime in.

I have quite long hair, chose a cut without a wash, blowdry included. I misheard my stylist the first time and thought she said “$30” when she really said “$13”—but for me, $40 including tip is still an amazing deal for a ladies haircut, so that’s what I chose to pay.

Come here for a cheap haircut, come here for the sweet and caring vibes, come here for a taste of “the real NYC” (support small Chinatown businesses!!!) and a quick bubble tea break on Doyers St after. Tip heavy and try the ear cleaning!

Mei = the top dog/ear cleaner (off work on Wednesdays) Tai = darling haircut boss everybody there =...