Monday, October 28, 2013

Extravaganza Hair Design

Well, this is like a lot of other places we have found Yelpers either loving or hating some place..again in this case the people who like it are in the majority--but just barely

Extravaganza Hair Designs

3.5 star rating
35 reviews Rating Details
Category: Hair Salons  [Edit]
1169 2nd Ave
(between 61st St & 62nd St)
New York, NY 10021
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
(212) 207-4343
Nearest Transit Station:
Lexington Ave./59 St. (N, Q, R)
Lexington Ave./63 St. (F)
59 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Hours:
Mon, Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Tue-Thu 10 am - 10 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Good for Kids:
No
By Appointment Only:
No
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35 reviews in English

  • Review from

    • 36 friends
    • 44 reviews
    Astoria, NY
    10/14/2013
    Love Ema! She has consistently done a great job with my hair, doesn't force small talk yet is very cordial, and always listens to my incoherent statements for what I want (I'm horrible at describing hair and aesthetics in general). Will be back again!
  • Review from

    • 18 friends
    • 5 reviews
    Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY
    6/20/2013
    So, I got a Groupon for a haircut from this place, and though I love my normal salon around the corner, I gave it a try because I have a pixie and the constant maintenance can be expensive. I was apprehensive because, for a place being advertised as supposedly giving haircuts worth $100, it looked like a typical hole in the wall salon, not really a high end place (my regular place's haircuts range 50-80 depending on appointment time, and looks more chic).

    The personal manner was fine - the woman who cut my hair (chair closest to the back) was perfectly nice and there was nothing egregious about her sevice (though I overheard another woman who came in angry because her colorist hadn't shown up because of a personal emergency, so I imagine he must be very good because she was saying she came all the way from Soho, and she seemed very disappointed).

    However, I not only have a pixie but I also have very dense, thick hair that sort of requires an aggressive approach because there's just so much hair; the woman cutting my hair was a little timid and after a point basically said she was afraid to cut anymore. I said, ok, fine, it looked alright (although the bangs were still very dense, in part because she cut after washing instead of before, so the sheer density of my hair was sort of obscured). She loaded my hair with pomade (I'm not sure she really knew how to apply it - she kept looking tentatively at the other stylist) and ended up applying it like gel, so I got home with a really greasy lank pixie. I ended up rinsing my hair to get out most of it and still had a lot of pomade in my hair.

    I realized a couple days later that the stylist had just left too much hair on my head: a super thick, almost bowl-like, textureless pixie; like a Beatles mop top circa 1964-65 - not my look (it just looked heavy and old-fashioned). I tried to mitigate some of the denseness myself with a pair of thinning shears I had to trim my bangs, but I personally didn't have the confidence or expertise to cut the amount of hair left to be cut, so I just sort of resigned myself to it for the next month. I finally went in to my regular place today, where they perfectly thinned my pixie into something much more comfortable and manageable for summer, with a much more modern shape.

    So while this place might be good for the average haircut, I can't recommend it for pixies, especially if you have dense thick hair like I do that needs aggressive thinning. I also really don't think the services were worth $100; the haircut seemed like it was worth the price of the Groupon - about $45 including tip. From the reviews (which I hadn't looked into beforehand because I've generally found good deals on Groupon, before I had the pixie), it doesn't seem like they actually charge that amount anyway, so I feel a little overcharged.

    Not a fan. Won't be back.
  • Review from

    • 27 friends
    • 5 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/17/2013
    Walked by and saw sign for 99$ cut n highlights and got an amazing job by young girl who left before my second time trying this salon out. Shaaron gave me gorgeous highlights but there was no special and toner was extra. Was excited to see a promotion on lifebooker n made my third and last appointment. Apparently Shaaron doesn't participate with any deals. The only reason I bought it was because of him and the other stylists were not an option. How can u offer deals on lifebooker and exclude your main colorist with no mention of it? He did my hair reluctantly and they were just as great but I sat around a lot while he worked on his other clients. We agreed next time I would speak with him to schedule. Called twice n while quick to book impossible to get a quote! Maybe 100$ maybe 200$ he told me. Really??? Maybe never!
  • Review from

    • 17 friends
    • 2 reviews
    Oradell, NJ
    Updated - 11/24/2012
    You will be shocked to know that when I returned to the salon, Peter, the manager told me that he would fix my hair but only if I paid him $70 and removed my yelp review! Not only had I been walking around for the last 2 months with the worst color of my life, he now wanted me to pay to fix it!!

    As I wrote in my earlier review Peter told me to wait a month and a half so that my hair was not as weak from the initial highlights. So why is it that when I returned just about  a month and a half later (Sunday the 18th of November),Peter tells me that I will have to pay for his services because it has been too long. I was shocked!  He said that it wasn't his responsibility to fix other hairdresser's mistakes and that he had kids at home. He didn't seem to care about the fact that I had paid for a service I didn't revive.

    When I complained, he promised to have the owner call me on Monday (6 days ago) which hasn't happened.

    I went to see another hairdresser who couldn't believe the poor job they had done on my hair and fixed it beautifully.

    I will not be visiting this salon again, and I urge you to also not risk it.  At this point I am furious with this company and will be filling a complaint with the BBB.

    IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR HAIR DO NOT VISIT THIS SALON

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 10/8/2012
      TRAUMATIC.

      I have had a horrifying experience at this salon.

      From the reviews on yelp, I went on a… Read more »
  • Review from

    Wilmington, DE
    11/6/2012
    What a horrible experience.

    I've been trying my best to deal with a devastating loss throughout the past month.  Getting my haircut is the first thing I've done for myself since then, and I was looking to have a nice and calming experience.  This was the total opposite.

    This place earned 2 stars instead of 1 because the woman who greeted me and shampooed my hair was trying to be accommodating / tactful.  Otherwise, this was horrendous.

    I wasn't greeted as I walked in - everyone aside from the shampoo woman looked at me like I was an alien.  I waited 15 minutes after my appointment time to sit in the shampoo chair (any longer and I would have left, which would have been the right decision).  I was worried that the guy about to cut my hair would be rushing through it, but all seemed fine at first.

    The girl in the next chair complained about the highlights setting into her hair, and my stylist helped her, mid-haircut.  He was gone for about 5 minutes, and when he came back, he started chopping away - even though I told him I just wanted a trim.  I also said I part my hair on the side, but he insisted on parting it in the middle and saying it would be fine.  He moved incredibly quickly, which made me feel uncomfortable...

    ...but here's the dealbreaker:  he checked his phone a bunch of times and then answered a phone call in the middle of the haircut!  He talked for a few seconds and said he needed to call the person back, but COME ON.

    He half-blow dried my hair (why does everyone do that?) and it was really scary looking as it was half wet, half dry and frizzing.  The shampoo woman asked if everything was good, and I muttered 'I guess so' - she said I could call the manager if anything was wrong.  It's a nice gesture, but needing to make such an offer is not right.

    Don't bother.
  • Review from

    • 99 friends
    • 7 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    Updated - 1/31/2013
    Update... Got my color done (it had been six weeks).. Had three different celebrity friends say, "Whoa...never seen you look this good!"...in a three hour period. People stopped me on the street. I am SO not kidding. And this is not a paid, or "friend of", thing. I have gone to every big, overpriced posh place in NYC, and gotten  brassy color by people who treated me as though they were doing me a BIG favor. To get beautiful,uber flattering color, by someone who is thoughtful and has no attitude, is SO nice. Going back tomorrow to get keratin treatment and a cut.
    I love when places and people are undiscovered gems. I can guarantee that Moshe is going to get 'discovered" soon, the way Kate Capshaw Spielberg's colorist did, or the way Courtney Love discovered a great makeup artist for her tour, off YouTube tutorials.
    Anyway, enough raving. You get the point.

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1/1/2013
      I had a wonderful experience here. Just terrific.
      I mean, it's not exactly the Ritz: it's kind of a… Read more »
  • Review from

    • 15 friends
    • 22 reviews
    Astoria, NY
    4/21/2012 1 check-in here
    I bought a lifebooker loot for partial highlights and haircut... i've done this before in other salons, and some of them make you feel like they arent doing their best with your hair because you arent paying full price.

    NOT THIS PLACE!!! I had Moshe work on my hair.  My appointment was 2pm but I got there early and was taken FAST.  Moshe introduced himself to me and listened when I told him what I wanted.

    Moshe worked meticulously on my hair. You can tell he was giving it his all, he paid attention to what I wanted and improved it too!.  He's very detailed oriented and even gave me tips on how to take care of my hair and what type of style is best for my face shape.

    When I was done, I had other stylists AND customers comment on how beautiful my hair was.  I gave all the credit to Moshe for everything. I literally walked out of the salon feeling like a movie star!

    I totally recommend this place!!!

    PS: my profile picture was taken after a visit here! :)
  • Review from

    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews
    Manhattan, NY
    4/14/2013
    This is the absolute WORST place to go if you have CURLS.  Not to mention that the guy who claims to know how to work with curly hair is completely inexperienced and does not have the slightest idea or know how.  To add to his negative review, he was the rudest, most disrespectful and obnoxious person/hair dresser I've ever encountered. I did not get his name, but he has the middle chair....
  • Review from

    • 179 friends
    • 272 reviews
    New York, NY
    12/16/2009 2 photos
    I made an appointment because of the $20 haircut for first timers, but too bad they had no idea what I was talking about! Even though I asked about this deal over the phone when I made the appointment, I had to "prove" the deal by showing them on my phone and they did not seem very happy about it.  I came in the salon and was greeted by a bored looking receptionist who told me to wait for about 5 minutes.

    My stylist was Liana and she was really nice.  She gave me a trim but cut off a bit more than I would have liked. (about 2-3 inches for a trim)  She also didn't seem very happy about the $20 deal haircut and then she asked me if they wanted me to "get a blowdry." I was thinking "I'm not going to walk out with my hair wet!"  So they blow dried my hair and charged me $35 for it!!! So basically the $20 haircut + $35 ended up being $55 total, and not including tip. BOO.  I still gave her a $10 tip so the whole thing ended up being $65.

    The part I didn't like was that they didn't tell me that the "styling" part was $35 and it was NOT styling! Basically my hair was scrunched with gel and it looked EXACTLY how it does when I do it at home. It took 5 minutes and it cost more than my haircut???  I told them I wasn't going anywhere special, so why would I want a $35 "styling"???  Shady!

    I usually tip the shampoo girl but she was SOOOO BAD!! I was scared every second of the shampooing, which sucks because I usually love that part! The shampoo girl was the same bored looking receptionist and I felt like a 4th grader was washing my hair.  She was literally scratching my hair with her fingernails and it just wasn't a pleasant experience at all. Strands of wet hair kept slapping against my face so my makeup was streaky afterwards.

    Liana was really nice, I give her that, but I don't think I will be going back.  There was nothing memorable or unique about this place that would make me want to come back.  Remember if you go back for the $20 haircut, you will really have to prove the deal somehow AND be careful for the $35 "styling" fee!! (Why wouldn't they remember putting up this deal on yelp???)
    • front
    • inside
  • Review from

    • 106 friends
    • 78 reviews
    New York, NY
    12/1/2010
    Despite the good Yelp reviews, I should have known better when I walked past two guys that looked like Jersey Shore extras on the way in.  And I really should have run when I realized that one of them was my stylist Ariel.  But I decided to give it a shot.  The receptionist was nice, but I agree with the commenter who said that her long nails are ill-suited for hair washing - the experience was more painful than relaxing.

    I've always had long hair, but this summer I got a razor bob at Bumble & bumble (which was excellent!).  I wanted to grow it out, but it was time for a haircut.  I asked him to keep most of the length (no more than a half inch off), and said I wanted a blunt cut.  He insisted on layers, and - silly me, used to trusting stylists - I accepted, with one caveat: Make sure it doesn't look choppy.

    So he cuts my hair, sullenly, bordering on rudely.  I told him in advance that I never blowdry my hair (it is fine and straight and doesn't need it), and thus I wouldn't be getting it blowdried at the salon.  Despite that, he tried to pressure me to do so at the end (likely because it costs an entra $30 or so).  I declined again, put on my glasses and checked out the result.  Even wet, I could tell that it was shorter than I wanted, but I tried not to panic.  As I was looking at my hair in the mirror, I was also greeted by the horrifying sight of Ariel picking at the skin on his fingers with the scissors he just cut my hair with.  I know he saw my eyes pop out of my head, and when I said "Excuse me?" with a cocked eyebrow he looked at ME like I was the one being disgusting.  Really, DJ Pauly D??? REALLY?

    Despite that, and being FAR too kind, I still tipped generously and went to do some shopping.  An hour later, there was no denying it.  My hair was a bunch of different lengths, all shorter than it should have been, and it was CHOPPY.  Indeed, the only word to possibly describe it was choppy.  I almost cried.  And then I almost went back to the salon to demand my money back.  Finally I decided to just stay away and tell Yelp about it.  Yelp doesn't usually lead me astray - maybe some of the other stylists have their shit together, but Ariel is a sullen mess who either doesn't know or doesn't care what he is doing, and that is simply unacceptable.  As is picking your skin with scissors behind your client's head.  *vom*

    Now I just have to hope that Sam Brocato lives up to the hype and can transform my hair into something decidedly un-choppy.  Wish me luck!
  • Review from

    New York, NY
    1/18/2010
    A very good stylist is hard to find.  In fact, it's almost like looking a relationship. Once you have worked with an amazing stylist, like that first love that you lost, you will end up comparing all the stylists you go to to that one that you've lost.

    In my case, I still have mine but he is 3000 miles away in Los Angeles.  After visiting various places during the 4 years that I have lived on the east coast, I finally found Ruben and I have followed Ruben around the city to his new home, here at Extravaganza.

    This guy is like Edward Scissorhands - fast, talented, and will carve the latest and greatest hair styles as his scissors move lightning fast around your head.

    He knows the latest trends and textures my hair just right.

    The salon itself is great too.  Peter, the owner, is the friendliest guy you will ever meet - even offers you a cup of coffee while you wait.

    I've found my home away from home for haircuts.


  • Review from

    • 32 friends
    • 220 reviews
    New York, NY
    3/13/2012
    I came here for a hair cut on a sunday afternoon with a lifebooker deal.  I got the first appointment of the day because I didn't want to wait as is typical for middle of the day appointment.  For some reason, Sundays must be popular for haircuts because when I got there the place was packed and I was told that I would have to wait 30 minutes.  I ended up rescheduling and coming back in the afternoon which is fine, I guess.

    I came back in the afternoon and had an Asian man cut my hair.  I wish I remembered his name because he gave me an amazing hair cut!  I am Asian and got a perm last summer (when in asia...), and he cut around the perm such that the curls at the end were still prominent.  Over all, I was very happy with the way it looked.  Of course, this is based on a very low standard given that I have consistently gotten my haircuts at $20 places in chinatown.

    Recently, I wanted to return for a touchup, only to see that their price on lifebooker has gone up.  I ended up going elsewhere and got an equally good haircut.  While this place was good, it is quite out of the way for me and there are just too many good salons in the city!
  • Review from

    • 12 friends
    • 73 reviews
    New York, NY
    10/8/2008
    After going to a place in alphabet city for years, I was getting sick of the trek all the way down there from midtown east and decided it was time for a change anyway.  I found Extravaganza through yelp and also saw the good reviews on citysearch.  Only a 10 block walk from my apt, I thought I'd give it a try.

    Peter was also my stylist.  I only wanted highlights to touch up my roots and a simple trim, but was open to suggestions.  We stuck with the trim, but Peter suggested adding lowlights.  He really took his time with me, and even threw in a conditioning treatment for my super-dry hair.  More than three hours later, I left very satisfied.  My hair was so soft I couldn't stop touching it.  The prices were very reasonable (especially for Manhattan).

    I noticed a lot of repeat customers coming to see the other stylists, and all seemed very competent.  The salon itself is nice but small and not super-fancy, but you will leave feeling and looking great.  I'll be back.

  • Review from

    • 79 friends
    • 6 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/12/2011
    I really have never reviewed a business before, but I just cannot help it, I'm too angry.

    Just went to get my roots touched up (on a Lifebooker deal). They didn't have my appointment in the books and were very rude. Barely paid any attention to me unless it was time to pay. Very uncomfortable atmosphere.

    Worst of all, my roots now look way more red than my regular dark brown. Terrible job.
  • Review from

    • 4 friends
    • 50 reviews
    New York, NY
    Updated - 8/17/2010
    I realized last night that I have been going to Peter for 2yrs! So it was time to refresh my review...
    its no secret that I'm in love with Peter and I'm quick to tell everyone about him:)   so 2 years later, I still make the trek to the upper east side and I still love my hair. Extravaganza is not your bells & whistles salon - its small, its laid back, casual... There have def been some stylist that have come-and-gone quickly because they weren't up to par...so i understand why there may be some less than quality reviews. But be assured after 2 yrs I know this.. Peter is amazing and Judith & Michele are solid (I always see happy clients).

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 11/28/2008
      I moved to NYC 6 months ago and had to leave my stylist of 3 years! I have always gotten compliments… Read more »
  • Review from

    • 22 friends
    • 57 reviews
    Brooklyn, NY
    9/30/2011
    This place is fantastic! I booked a $35 deal on Lifebooker last minute (the night before actually) when I knew I would be in the city.

    I arrived for my appointment a bit early. I was surprised when my hair stylist, Sharon introduced himself to me. He said that while I was waiting, they would do a conditioning treatment, so I relaxed as I got a really nice hair massage while the woman was washing my hair.

    No complaints from me. She was absolutely amazing. I felt like a pet, LOL. Wish I could get a head massage like that every night. It was so super relaxing.

    The place was a little small and tight. I am a tall girl, so I like bigger areas myself, but hey, it's New York, what can you do?

    I asked to use the bathroom and was really impressed with the overall cleanliness of the place.

    When Sharon finished up cutting another woman's hair, I relaxed with a hot cup of tea they had gotten for me and enjoyed the fabulous clubby, dance music.

    Sharon did a quick job cutting my hair after asking me what I was looking for. My hair was long and I needed a bit of a trim, so he cut a few inches off. Not too much, really. He was super fast and amazingly friendly.

    It did seem maybe he could spend more time, but hey it's a $35 hair cut, I was exhausted myself, so no worries.

    A blowdry was included and it still looks fabulous a day later. Highly recommend this place. I think these guys are super in tune with their customers. One woman asked for the music to be turned down because it was too loud and they were happy to oblige.

    Give this place a try! It was a wonderful deal & a super pleasant experience. Thanks, Sharon!
  • Review from

    • 17 friends
    • 23 reviews
    New York, NY
    8/28/2012 4 check-ins here
    I had tried plenty of salons in the city before Extravaganza, Extravaganza is the first salon I am truly happy with in terms of price and service offered. Discovered this salon in mid 2010 when I moved into the area. I have my hair done by Sharon, always. He is amazing! I got a full head of highlights and low lights. Sharon gave me great advice on which color suits me and it worked out great. I get tons of compliments for the cut and color. He is very detail oriented and through and very attentive. I had my appointment at 10 am and walked out at 1.30 pm, so I suggest you plan in some time, but trust me, it is totally worth it! I'll keep on coming back and recommending them for sure! :-)
  • Review from

    • 5 friends
    • 18 reviews
    New York, NY
    10/23/2009
    I've been going to Extravaganza for about a year or so now and pretty much know most of the staff, but earlier this week I walk in to some new faces, namely, Liana. I was kind of wary about trying someone new considering my hair is a workout (according to Judith!) and really just wanted everything to go well.

    Well, to say the least, Liana is awesome! Peter never fails to hire great stylists for the salon. She gave me a great cut without taking out the length of my hair (I haven't had a real cut in about 3 years and I'm reluctant to part with it). She blow dried it smoothly and it's kept its great shape and body throughout the week.

    I love Extravaganza! They never disappoint!

  • Review from

    • 4 friends
    • 4 reviews
    MIDDLE VLG, NY
    9/28/2011
    My first time there, I got my hair colored, got a haircut and a blowout too.  I was assigned to Sean, who is 22 years old, and looks it! lol. At first I was reluctant to have him do my hair, but his confidence and talent won me over! He was amazing! he did a beautiful job with it all, and threw in some free services, like a deep-conditioning and eyebrow dying .   He even went next door and bought a bottle of wine and served me a glass...! very attentive, very talented, even charming, and through LifeBooker I got a great deal. :) I will go back.
    Juliana
  • Review from

    • 7 friends
    • 5 reviews
    New York, NY
    Updated - 10/20/2012
    Update: I thought it over & decided to call Peter to take up his offer to fix my hair because all of his positive reviews. I went in yesterday and although I thought I was making an appointment with Peter but ultimately I ended up getting my hair fixed by Gina. When I came into the salon and Peter was very apologetic and saw that my hair was lighter on one side than the other.  He said no worries and listened to me about how I wanted to fix it.  He was awesome! I felt slightly uncomfortable that Moshe came up to me and told me that I should have gone through him to get my hair fixed but overall he seemed apologetic and wanted me to be happy with my hair and even gave me a quick blowdry. Gina did an amazing job dying my hair and I would highly suggest going to her for ombre color. Extravaganza definitely redeemed itself, especially with the help of Peter and Gina (:

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 10/2/2012
      I bought a bloomspot offer ($89 ombre hair color and cut) last week for my birthday and scheduled an… Read more »

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