Rose W.
Yelp
I love Astor place as an institution, but it's important to mention that it really depends on which hairstylist you get. The main point of this review is to say-- steer clear of the hairstylist Bella. I've only had positive experiences at Astor place until today when she cut my hair. She is very warm and sweet, which is why I feel bad writing this review, but i feel it is important to warn people of what may happen when Bella cuts your hair. Bella will disregard your wishes in order to cut your hair how *she* feels is best. Today I ended up with really poorly done layers, when all I asked for was a simple trim. I'm a person who is anxious & unadventurous when it comes to haircuts. I have never requested layers or any other kind of styled hair. I was very simple in my request that I just wanted her to cut off a couple of inches. It was beyond upsetting to realize that she had made her own aesthetic choice for my hair-- one which I did not want or request-- without consulting me or even mentioning what she was doing. On top of that, she cut my hair far shorter than the trim I requested, and the layers (if that's what she was attempting) look terrible so now I have to spend more money to go somewhere else and get it fixed. I have a friend who had a bad Astor place experience, but I couldn't remember who it was that cut her hair. After this happened, I asked my friend if she remembered the name of the woman who butchered her hair. Turns out, it was the same hairstylist-- Bella. She is a really kind person but if she cuts your hair, make sure to give her the most explicit instructions possible or she will go off script and do whatever she wants to your hair. Such an incredibly frustrating and violating experience.
Go to Astor place hair, but do not go to Bella. If you do go to Bella, just be careful and be very very very clear about what you want. Don't give her room to improvise without your permission.