Mary is pandemic magic. I cannot say this enough. She helped me feel like myself again. Everyone was correctly masked and I felt totally safe. She even made my 6 year old who now never leaves my side totally comfortable and safe. Such an an incredibly positive experience. read more

When you go to Apsara, you don't just get a haircut. You get a whole experience. My stylist was Mary, who was recommended to me by my very good friend. At the start of my appointment, Mary first provided me with a consultation period. She talked to me about what hairstyle I wanted, what my hair was like, and how much time I wanted to dedicate to the upkeep of my new style. I really appreciate this aspect of my appointment, because not only did I not know what I style I wanted going in, it shows that Apsara really cares about their clients. She took my needs and concerns into consideration and made suggestions, which helped me to help her cut my hair to exactly what I wanted. In essence, she helped me figure out what I wanted! I went in with long hair, which is priced at $60 for the head stylist. It is definitely on the pricier side, but I was more than happy to pay for the end result! I absolutely loved my experience at Apsara and will definitely be returning to Mary! read more

I totally cheated on my hairdresser. After years of going to the same salon, I decided I needed a change of scenery. My boyfriend has been having his hair cut by Mary for the past few years. He has followed her from the Beehive to Apsara and even sought her out when she was between salons. Yeah, she's that good. What sealed the deal is this salon's rates are determined by hair length rather than gender. I'm not going to bore you here with a rant about gender discrimination, just know it is floating around in my head. So, what makes Mary a good stylist is not only her ability to wield scissors, she really listens to you and she gets to know your hair before she starts cutting. I totally love my new style. She put a lot of effort into creating fine layers so I can wear it messy or smooth. She even gave me some helpful suggestions for coloring my hair at home since I can't really afford professional color right now. The salon itself is really cute and it is in one of my favorite neighborhoods. Everyone who works here is very personable, they will make you feel welcome and take good care of your hair. read more

Well, I will happily say that I am the male friend that recommended Brie to Sarah D. (oh, that rhymes...) I came here for my second haircut ever in Philly. I went to another place a couple months beforehand and wasn't happy at all with the cut, so I decided to check out Apsara based on its overwhelmingly positive Yelp reviews. Yelp reviews don't always mean you'll love the place as much as everyone else but in this case I was completely satisfied. Brie was great in the consultation and she seemed genuinely interested in addressing my demands with my hair, which can be somewhat anal. The right side grows out at a slightly different angle than the left and both sides get poofy if not cut correctly. Most people mess it up entirely, or they give me a haircut that grows out all right but looks like crap for a couple weeks. Brie was patient and meticulous in her work and gave me a cut that looked great when I left, and continues to look good. They have a referral program, and hopefully I can convince my sister to pay them a visit even though she's more loyal to her salon (which is more expensive!) The prices are also pretty good, I should say. $30 for short hair like mine isn't "cheap," but I was paying more at similar nice salons with skilled hairdressers in Bloomington, Indiana, of all places. I'll definitely be back again in a month or so! read more

I went here based on the Yelp reviews, and Nei was my stylist. She was a lovely person, and I had a really pleasant experience with her and at the salon, but this is a very bad haircut. I've been getting my hair cut the same way for 5-10 years and have never had a really bad haircut until now. I'm not entirely sure what went wrong. I think that we had a hard time communicating about what I wanted (it was clear from the beginning that my words weren't having their intended effect)-- but also some of her techniques seemed like they just weren't doing good things to my hair-- and the techniques were much different than those of other hairstylists I've been to. Near the end of the haircut, I realized that things were headed in a very bad direction... but I think my attempts at intervention ("could you maybe make that more even? Focus on this section?" etc) actually ended up making things worse. It's really so bad that it's become a joke with my friends. The two different sides of my hair are uneven in maaaany different places, and the layers are cut in way that makes them still out at odd angles. It's a mess, but it's so short that I'm waiting a few months before going somewhere to get it fixed. Maybe this was just an off-day. It looks from the reviews like my experience was unique, and I thought everyone I met at the salon was friendly and made me feel at home. So: 2 stars for great people, 0 stars for the cut. read more

I get my hair cut by Brie here. When I first went in, I kind of tested it out by just getting any eyebrow wax. I guess I was kind of nervous because most of the reviews I read on here and on message boards were from people with short hair (I've got long hair, past my shoulders). So when I finally went in for a cut, I was so pleasantly surprised by how great my hair looked. Brie cut in some layers and a couple visits later, help me fix my (home-cut) bangs. She's the bomb and so friendly. Oh and just a side-note, Mallory really makes my visits great. If Brie is wrapping up with another client, Mallory is always there to sit and chat and make you feel at home. Love this place! read more

I am going to join the cacophony of joyful voices praising this place. I used to enjoy the services of Brie and Mary when they worked elsewhere. Brie has been styling my hair since she was working through school and I've trusted her for years. I followed her to Apsara and I'm so glad I did. They are SO BUSY... and yet, I've never had to wait more than a week for an appointment. They are SO TALENTED! They actually listen to what you want, and you can trust their opinions. They will tell you what they think, and all of the time, they're right. It's a laid back atmosphere, but a beautiful clean salon with good music and really enjoyable people. I have recruited many, many people to go to this VERY reasonably priced salon. The great thing is - if you recruit 3 people, you get a free haircut!! They don't want money or fame. They want you to look, honestly, the very best you can. If you are paying through the nose for a sub-awesome haircut, think again. Give some truly talented women your hard-earned money! And they will make you GORGEOUS. read more

Mo is a bangin' lady. I've gone to her twice now, and each time I got more dramatic bangs. The latest time I got thick, straight-across bangs -- a risky move! And I LOVE them. She did a great job. She's just all-around fantastic. I like that I can tell her what I want, and she'll advise me on how to make it workable for me. Highly recommended. read more

Beautiful salon, friendly atmosphere and best of all....Brie!!!!! I got another fabulous cut and my eyebrows done. This is the first time I have ever gotten my eyebrows waxed. I've always been nervous that I'd look either a) permanently surprised or b) terrified. My eyebrows look great. Brie waxed the rebellious ones and trimmed the crazies. It looks very natural. The salon is so welcoming and comfortable. Mary is so nice and Brie, of course, is as fabulous as she was when working at the Beehive. I'm am SO glad I found her! Yay! read more

I agree with the others on here. Brie was recommended to me by a male friend of mine. She was laid back, friendly and confident with her scissors :) I like the atmosphere - fresh, hip and clean. I left feeling sassy and beautiful! THanks! read more

Came here last minute because I realized I needed someone to do my hair for a glam 1920s style wedding. Ankaleto (excuse my spelling) did a great job. She took her time because she wanted to make sure it was done right. Finger waves are not easy! It turned out great and I got a lot of complements. Nice job! read more

Apsara Cutting Edge - Up do for a great glam look. Thanks! - Hair Salons Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

So I went once for a wedding party, and if you read my old review you'll see it was a truly great experience. Recently, I went back for a personal hair cut and color. I had Mo - who did my hair for the wedding also - and she remembered me! Which was awesome!! When you arrive, they take your coat and offer you coffee, tea, or water. They are so very sweet! The waiting area is really comfortable. I went in right on time for my appointment. One thing I've noticed about Mo and all of the ladies that work here (only really interacted with Mary and Brie) is that they are REALLY intelligent about hair - they KNOW what they are talking about, and they are all pretty phenomenal. The salon is wonderful, airy, pretty, and well maintained. Their prices are also VERY reasonable and the service is fantastic. I'm a big fan. I also love their later hours - which totally help during the crazy work week. read more

*UPDATE*: since my review the owner has reached out to me and offered me a full refund for my experience. THereofre i can give them one more star: for resolving the issue and good customer service =) Where do i even begin with my experience here? I wanted to go to a salon near my apt so i wouldn't have to walk far before my bday dinner celebration. I called to make an appointment for a blowout (wash and style) only and left feeling less than pretty. Though the staff at Apsara was great in handling my appointment timing and scheduling, the actual experience was horrendous. I came in last week as prep before my birthday dinner. While i was getting my hair washed i wasn't feeling relaxed. She was pulling and tugging on my hair i didn't know what to feel. I kindly mentioned that she didn't have to pull as hard as she was. I inquired as to when she started working there... her response? 2 months. dear god. Moving towards the styling chair as soon as i sat down i felt uneasy. She barely blow dried my hair. She used a blow dryer from like the early 90's and it was on the lowest setting possible. Before i go on i have to note that i have thick hair. To "style" my hair the woman used a wire brush and NOT a beautiful round brush you would think to use. Going section by section my hair fell flat all around. OH how could i not mention that this entire time i am facing AWAY from the mirror. it was like she knew that after i told her how i wanted my hair to look AND she knew it wouldn't come out that way, she nonetheless had my chair facing away so i wouldn't stop her in between her process. back to my hair. After a poor blow drying process and the use of the worst hairbrush known to man, my hair was static and sticking to my face and NOT beautifully blown out and styled. to give me 'soft curls' she used a straightener......... not even a curling iron. By the end of it i just told her to pin my hair up and let me go. i was mortified and upset. I got home and styled my hair on my own.... what a waste of time and money. $30 i'll never get back. i will never be going back here. nope. sorry. BYE read more

I've gotten my hair cut by Brie maybe 4 or 5 times now and each time it's been really wonderful. I have very thick, long, wavy, sometimes curly hair. She always listens carefully to my issues, what I want, and delivers. Not to mention she's just straight up cool and it's always a delight to 90 minutes (yep, that's how long it takes) with someone who feels like a good friend. I think it's about $55 for a haircut and blowdry. I go about once every 6 months and it's always been a good experience. One time after a haircut when I felt like the bangs/hair framing my face was a little off after I blowdried my hair myself after the cut, Brie happily squeezed me in and fixed it up for me. Truly, can't think of better things to say about Brie and Apsara! read more

This was the first hair salon I've ever gone to where I filled out a (short) questionnaire before getting my hair cut. The plucky, friendly owner Mary is genuinely concerned with giving you the best possible cut. I told her all my peeves, not the least of which being that I don't like when it looks like I just got a haircut. (I'm a guy who likes to rock messy, unkempt hair.) Mary took my comments and questionnaire into consideration and then proceeded to give me the best cut I've ever gotten in my entire life. No exaggeration. And it was only $25! I normally hate getting my hair cut; I hate the week of hating my reflection that usually follows. But I'm actually looking forward to my next one at Apsara and the many more to follow. read more

I've already written a review, but it's been a while...so I thought I'd continue to keep my 5 star rating for them. I've been going to Apsara for 3 years now. Mary knows my hair, knows what I like and I don't have to say a word. I just sit, smile, enjoy my head massage-hair wash and sip some wine while I get a cut. Mary is booked solid these days, so I opted to go to the new Jr. Stylist: Nei. She is very sweet and still learning. I admit, I was nervous, but Mary was in the next chair over coaching her through. My cut took about 45 minutes; I did appreciat her being careful and she did a fabulous job. I tad different from Mary's style, but I really love it!! Nei, great job girl! You're a great new addition to Apsara! ~Kim S. read more

I stopped in here the other night without an appointment to get my eyebrows waxed solely based on the reviewed I read on Yelp. After checking in with the front desk and very short wait, Jade came to greet me and fix the mess I made of my caterpillar brows. She was extremely friendly and did a really great job cleaning up my horrendous brows for a mere $10. The woman at the front desk gave me a price listing for all the services - the prices looked very reasonable. I've been spreading the word to my friends and will definitely be returning here in the future for a haircut and possibly a color. Thanks, Yelp! read more

Our whole family goes to Apsara Cutting Edge. I get my hair cut by Mary, and my fiance and son see Enkeleda. Mary does a fantastic job listening to clients, understanding not only what style they want, but how much maintenance they're willing to do at home. Enkeleda is so patient and playful with kids, and she gives my son a great haircut. Highly recommend the salon! read more

The only place I get my hair cut. This is it. Have a full head of thick but fine hair? Hmm, do you? I do, and prior to Bree's amazing skills and infinite patience, I scoured the city paying anywhere from $15-$65 (go ahead judge me, I did) for a mediocre to terrible cut. She creates texture and volume from nothing. It is literally in the top 5 of the most awesome things I have ever seen. Super fair prices, great staff, fun location, awesome haircuts. Bam. read more

Nei ombre'd my hair last week and I love it more than I thought possible. Nei and I came up with the perfect color to complement both my skin tone and dark hair color. It was an enjoyable three hours and the price of a double process included a trim, blow-dry and curling wand styling. My husband and kids all get their hair cut at Apsara as well. We have been happy with many of their stylists over the years. The prices are reasonable, the place is down-to-earth--no pretension--the atmosphere is warm and the conversation entertaining and intelligent. I could even bring my dogs there. As a former New Yorker and Brooklynite, my standards are very high and I'm mighty critical when it comes to hair stylists. I highly recommend Apsara to anyone looking for a long-term stylist solution. read more

I have been getting my hair cut by Enkeleda for almost a year now and I wouldn't think of going anywhere else! She is welcoming, professional, and meticulous when it comes to giving the perfect haircut. She's accommodating and listens to what I want, but she isn't afraid to give suggestions and help you find the perfect style for your face shape and look. She is amazing! The whole salon has a friendly environment and I always come and go in a fantastic mood. Highly recommended! read more

I made a few visits a while back and found them to be over priced for the quality, but in need of a haircut i recently scheduled an appointment a week out. I received an email the evening prior to my appointment asking if i could change my time. I replied that I could accommodate it. The day of the appointment, they called me ten minutes before my originally scheduled time, saying they were no longer able to take me at the time THEY had requested the night before, and that "they would see me in ten minutes!" Obviously, i was not planning to be there in ten minutes since i'd already changed my work around to oblige their request. Honestly inconsiderate and unprofessional service. Would recommend to no one. read more

I started going here after my girlfriend suggested it. I have never really cared much about my hair and usually just went to the local Barber for cheap. After going here I guess those days are over. It is definitely more expensive than what I used to pay but it is really worth it, they just raised the prices though. I get so many compliments on my hair, it's great! Brie is awesome! She is really easy to talk to and she always remembers me even though I only get four haircuts a year. read more

Sad to say, the third time was NOT the charm here. I wasn't able to see Bree (she was on a leave) and went to someone else. I Ieft with over processed, overbleached, yellow hair, several days later it's still dry and frizzy and looks terrible ;( I do have to say I wrote an email to inform the owner and she called and left me a nice message and offered to have me come in and fix it, but I'm beyond repair and don't really want to go back. read more

This is definitely a long overdue review, but it's better late than never. I've been coming to Apsara for about 4 years now ever since moving into the city and absolutely love it. The prices are not outrageous (which is necessary to consider when you get your hair colored every few months) and the stylists are talented and super positive and friendly. I get my hair colored and cut with Mary, the owner, and can't say enough good things about her. I typically keep my hair longer than shoulder length and highlight it from a dark brown to a light blonde, which always takes some time and a lot of hair color. Her coloring skills are great in that she can keep my hair and the level of blonde I like but also brings in warm low-lights to avoid making it look over processed from years of bleaching. Her care for the customer and giving them what they want are also particularly noteworthy. I've often come in uninspired and not knowing what to do with my hair and she will always have something to suggest and will make it look gorgeous. Only one time did I find myself wanting the color to be a little blonder than it was and when I called Mary, she fit me into her schedule ASAP and didn't charge for the extra highlights. I highly recommend Apsara! read more

This is a super belated review, but I've been thinking about it and actually made a Yelp account just so I could sing Aspara's praises. I went here back in April with mid-back length hair and an inkling to chop it all off. When I went in, I still was on the fence. I told Nei I was considering a big change and her face literally lit up, which is the exact reaction I needed to take the plunge. I took off 12 inches (locks o' love!) and could not have dreamed of a better cut. Not only was she totally professional with her suggestions and input, the cut was technically awesome. Great layering and it's growing out beautifully. The salon is awesome, everyone is super friendly (but not overbearing). This is absolutely my new Philly salon and I'm excited to come back and try something new! Go, now. That's all I can say. read more

Mo recently left Aspara, so I am following her to her new salon, Mockingbird Salon on S. 13th Street. Mo is a phenomenal stylist, and even though it has been more than 3 months since my last cut, it still looks good. I found this salon on Yelp a year ago when I really needed a new stylist. The first time I went Mo sat down with me to find out what kind of cut I wanted, and she gave me a cut that was perfect. Since then she has done a really good job, but I really wish I had taken a photo of that cut, because she hasn't been able to do it again. This is a great salon - everyone greets you when you go in, like they saw you just yesterday and were waiting for you to come back. I had an experience when I was late for my appointment and asked if they could squeeze me in. They told me no because of the timing - doing the cuts between coloring, between perms, between drying and styling. They didn't take me late because it would have screwed up the timing. That explanation was fine with me, because I would want them to do the same when I'm there. read more

Mary gives the best hair cuts I've ever gotten. I've been going here for a couple years now and I couldn't be happier with the consistently excellent service. Mary is very precise and attentive to my preferences. Unlike other hair salons that I've been to, she never tries to get me to buy their hair products or extra services. Also, the atmosphere in their studio is very comfortable and friendly; I feel welcome and promptly attended to every time I visit. I'll keep getting my hair cut here as long as I live in Philly. I found this place on Yelp and I'm happy to add to the several positive reviews that got me to go there in the first place. If you're looking for a new salon that will really cater to your preferences and help your hair look its best, I highly recommend that you give Mary and her team a try! read more

I waited until I had my second experience at Apsara before I reviewed it fully! I first went about 6 weeks ago and got full-on blunt bangs, thanks to Mo and all the others on Yelp who raved about her. She sat down with me and we talked and she made me feel very comfortable. Certainly not like some pushy stylists that have their own vision for you! I've since been back to get a bang trim and I can say I heart her and I heart my haircut. I'm so happy to have found a great place! The one thing I noticed very different was that she dried my hair completely before cutting it. Of course I don't have any knowledge about this stuff, I just thought it was interesting and different. I'm used to getting it cut then seeing what turns up at the end! Their staff is super friendly and always want to accommodate you upon arrival. I'll certainly keep coming back! read more

Definitely give it a shot! After a few years of spending a ridiculous amount of money on a simple cut at a trendy salon, I welcomed the recommendation made by two girlfriends to go to Apsara. Both of their cuts looked great and they only had positive things to say. I finally settled on going from a medium/long straight cut to a short stylish one. Making an appointment was easy, pricing was definitely reasonable, the staff was so nice, and the cut was perfect! I saw Bree who was able to figure out exactly what I wanted by asking a few questions and checking in along the way. While I didn't have any coloring done, we talked about what I usually do, and I wouldn't hesitate to go to them. They know what they're doing! read more

This place is AMAZING. I actually started a Yelp account to say how great this salon is. I like to cut my hair short, and have had a few epic disasters doing so. Now, I won't go anywhere but Aspara (and Mo) because every cut has been perfect. She has a vision, and I look all the better for it. read more

Went yesterday. Top notch experience. So used to Super Cuts that I feel like an idiot for walking by this place millions of times. Enkeleda was fantastic. I look like a real adult, especially right before getting married. I trust my hair shortening/styling to Apsara. The best! read more

This place is so weird. They have a price scale according to hair length but it's ass backwards. They charge MORE for long hair, even if you're just getting a trim and LESS for short hair, which takes forever to make it look good. Makes no sense. They are super pushy about it too. They judge which category you fit into, "short" vs. "medium" vs. "long" and then charge you accordingly. It doesn't matter how much skill or time was actually put into each cut. There is also a pretentious and fake vibe from the stylists. It's a little intense. Don't go here if you want a relaxing cut. It's a very stressful experience. I gave three stars because the stylist I had didn't screw up my hair. read more

I've meant to write this review for quite some time, but being the procrastinator that I am, I waited and waited and waited, until now. Better late than never, I guess. I first visited Apsara about a year ago. At that time, I was going through a rather difficult time with my hair. It was falling out...in huge chunks! It wasn't diffuse either, I was losing hair in about 4 focal areas, some the size of a quarter and others the size of a fist. I had alopecia areata. My personal remedy at the time was to simply forgo getting a haircut and allow my still intact hair to cover the areas that were missing. But eventually, it reached a point where I started to look ridiculous and needed a haircut in the worst way. However, I was, to say the least, quite apprehensive about my situation, and felt the need to venture beyond my neighborhood barbershop. I needed skilled hands and a skilled eye. So I went to yelp in search of a helping hand. It took me nearly a week to decide on where to schedule my appointment. I read a ton of reviews running the full spectrum of salons and barbershops in Philadelphia before deciding on Mary and Apsara. This may sound like hyperbole, but in all honesty, it was the best decision that I could have possibly made. I was just so nervous at first and not only did Mary recognize that and listen to my concern, she was very skilled. She cut my hair in such a way that my hair looked great and my gigantic bald spots were not noticeable. Not only that but my hair still managed to look great growing in, which in my mind is the true mark of a great haircut. All this in spite of several areas of scalp that were completely devoid of hair. Since then my hair has finally filled back in, however, I still go to Mary and Apsara and cannot imagine going anywhere else. Skilled hands, a skilled eye, and a kind ear. read more

Well, Yelp wants me to update my review, so here you are. Since my first review and my first haircut, I've been coming back to Apsara and Mary for over a year. The girls are just as friendly, the shop is just as cute, pleasant, and clean, and my hair looks just as awesome as it did back then (actually better--see below). Prices have gone up a bit, but that's understandable now that they've built a nicely sized client base and are trying to get more customers to see the junior stylists. It's busier but still easy to get an appointment if you call ahead. In October, I decided to chop off all of my hair. I'd never done anything like that before and I probably wouldn't have done it if I didn't have a stylist I trusted as much as Mary. It looked awesome, it's easy to care for, and I've never been happier with the way my hair looks. Can't recommend this place enough. :) read more

The worst hair cut of my life. Extremely nice staff though, but lets be realistic, we do not go to the salon to chat and be friendly. I am sorry, I don't want to be mean, but please learn from my experience. It's like going to super cuts and paying 4X the price. read more

I'm writing this yelp review for my boyfriend because he doesn't yelp. I found this place for my boyfriend when we first moved to Philadelphia this past fall. He has been here twice to get his haircut and both times it was just OK but was enough for him to stick with them. However, most recently, he made an appointment to get his hair cut and a last minute work conference call came up and went on longer than he anticipated right before his appointment. He got off the work call about a few minutes before his scheduled appointment time and called them immediately to let them know. He apologized and suggested that he was only 10-15 minutes away and can rush over there immediately. The receptionist said "No" and that his stylist was too busy. Really?! He's scheduled for 1 hour and it usually takes less than 1 hr to cut his hair anyway. So then he asked if he could reschedule and the woman on the phone said yes but he would have to pay an appointment cancellation fee of 30% his haircut cost. He said "No" and the next day walked around the corner of our house and found a hair salon that took him as a walk-in and did a great job. Apsara needs to reassess their "Appointment Cancellation Fee" on a case by case basis. Would it have been better if he never gave them the courtesy call to let them know and just showed up 15 minutes late? I understand it can be frustrating and bad for business if clients cancel on you all the time, but he's never canceled or missed an appointment before and isn't in the habit of doing so. It's a shame because I was just about to switch salons to get my hair done there as well. I want to trust my hairstylist and and have a good relationship with them. My boyfriend and I have been loyal to our last hair stylists in LA for years because they help make our lives easier. I was able to call my hairstylist personally on her phone to make an appointment and if I was going to be late or early, I let her know and she found a way to squeeze me in or reschedule without a fee and I would end up tipping more to make up for it. read more

After I posted a picture of my new haircut & coloring from Aspara online.... a guy I had a crush on from high school (and mind you, that I haven't spoken to in nearly 10 years) messaged me to tell me that my hair looked great. It was that good. I'll definitely be going back. It is pricey, but worth it. read more

I can't recommend this salon enough. First, I got an amazing haircut here. Bree cut my hair, and she was friendly and laid-back. We actually talked in detail about how I wanted my hair: the front, the back, etc. I know this usually happens, but this felt pretty thorough. Second, the price is right. Times are tight, and Apsara charges by length. I have short hair, so this is as cheap as it gets for a real salon experience. Third, if you get three friends to go in and get haircuts, they will give you a free haircut! I am 1/3 of the way there, so if you are feeling generous, say Gilly K. sent you there. read more

Finally! A stylist, owner and salon that gets me! I am very impressed with the time Mary took with me to learn what type of cut I was looking for and then also sharing her knowledge of my type of hair. I am thrilled with my haircut. The vibe in the salon is very Zen and professional. See ya again in 2 months! Oh, and thank you! read more