Xsquared hair studio — Local services in New York

I was debating on whether or not to write this as I don’t normally leave negative reviews, but I feel that my experience was poor enough to warrant one. This is my third time here, but unfortunately I will not be coming back.

Even though we made an appointment for two people, my partner waited for 2 hours to get his haircut. No one greeted him or even glanced at him, or told him how long he would have to wait. It felt like he was being ignored since his $35 haircut is less money than the people getting their hair colored, whom they did focus on and make conversation with.

As for my haircut, I felt that my request wasn’t listened to— I showed pictures of bob-style haircuts, and said I wanted chin length hair with layers. This was the same exact request I gave the last time I went there, which he did listen to. He even said, “Same cut as last time?” So I assumed he knew what he was doing. However, Justin gave me a pixie cut this time, which is most definitely NOT chin length— it’s going to take months to grow out, and I feel hideous :( When he asked if the haircut was fine, what was I supposed to say? If he could add my hair back on? The damage was done— I held back my tears and simply gave a silent nod. I did not voice my disappointment at the salon as there were other customers there, and I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. It took 3 hours and cost $145 for single color dye plus the haircut.

Worst of all, my partner got scrapes and razor burn all over the back of his neck— even though he told Justin the razor felt too sharp and was hurting, Justin said that the blade needs to be sharp in order to cut hair. However, you could clearly see the bloody cuts on his neck. We went to Walgreens afterwards to get disinfectant since we were worried the razor wasn’t sanitary— the razor had fallen on the floor, which is most likely why it was cutting up his neck. I attached a photo of what it looked like the day after for reference.

We paid+tipped for our service, but left feeling very unhappy— neither of us will be returning or...

I called the salon around 10am and asked about same day appointment (on a Thursdsy) and I was accommodated with an appointment at 12:30pm for a cut. When I got there Justin's assistant gave me a wash and asked if I was interested in doing colors because she realized that my hair hasn't been processed. I talked to her and Justin about my concern of damaging my hair with bleaching and chemicals, and they suggested that I do a simple process of color without bleaching, assuring that the color is reddish and mixed by Justin himself. Justin talked to me about the style of cut I wanted and recommended that I go a little longer than I originally wanted based on the shape of my face, styling habits and level of maintenance, to which I said "as easy as possible". I was initially pretty skeptical about how it'd turn out, but went completely with his recommendations thinking "oh well, if I don't like what he does I just won't come back again." After they applied color and washed the first time, there was barely any color on and Justin immediately told his assistant "no, this is not how it's supposed to be, we have to do it again." Apparently it's not typical for color to not go on, but because my hair was near virgin and fine, it just didn't stick. Second time around, the color showed and he was relieved and said "I was about to go yell at my supplier lol". He then went ahead with the cut, and just as he recommended, it turned out great and I loved it. They were able to be flexible and accommodate my "cut only" appointment into a coloring appointment for 3.5 hours (longer due to the repeat process) and accepted Zelle and Venmo as payment format so I didn't have to run to the back for cash. They were easy going and I would...

Justin was so amazing with my haircut and I am super satisfied with my new hair! I showed him a picture of what I wanted, which was a layered long haircut with bangs that will be easy to maintain, and he delivered!!! He kept the length to my desire and did not cut more than was needed. This was a huge point for me because I wanted to keep my length and I am very picky about my hairstyle. Nonetheless, Justin was so precise and meticulous with his job, and I was truly amazed. It was just a simple haircut but it made a huge difference and my hair feels so much more lightweight and professional.

I currently live in San Diego and was only visiting New York to see my sister, so I wish Justin was closer to home so I can see him for my regular upkeep. I am not exaggerating when I say Justin was the best hair stylist and haircut I have ever received. If I was in town for longer than a day, I would have gotten some hair coloring or balayage since Justin seems to be an expert in that field as well. In any case, 10/10 would recommend Justin for your...