Biz listens to what you want and works with the hair you have to make that happen. (And she's a great conversationalist to boot.) After years of ambivalence I feel like I can enjoy my hair. read more

The place has a very unique and cool vibe. I love the atmosphere, the music, the decoration, and the fragrance. Overall a good experience. My wife gets her hair done there regularly and she is very happy, despite the above average price. She says it is well worth it. I'm only giving 4 stars because I wast 100% satisfied with the results I got. My hair looked just fine right after my haircut, but just a couple of days later you could see some sloppy areas. My impression is that my stylist specializes in females and didn't have that much experience dealing with some men hairstyles. So, I won't be going back, but my wife is and I feel comfortable recommending it as one of the best hair salons in town for women. read more

I used the following search words for haircuts in ithaca and found nothing. Here they are, so you can know you found the right place to get a good haircut: lesbian, dyke, short, butch, faux hawk, edgy, gay. Meredith cut my hair today and did a great job. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I actually took the bus to NYC one weekend to get my hair cut when it was getting particularly bad (don't judge!) Very glad I won't have to make the trip again. Highly recommended. read more

I have an unfortunate hairline and am used to crying a little bit after getting a haircut. I've been going to Changes for a few months now and I have never before been so happy with my hair. Amber clearly has a deep understanding of how hair works and a sixth sense for turning my abstract feelings about my hair into an AWESOME, cute, retro cut. She really listens to what I want and she is invested in making my aspirations for cute bangs a reality. The best part of the whole situation is that I can go on pretending that I don't care about my hair: it flows so nicely I can just roll out of bed everyday without even looking in the mirror. Yes, that's how good it looks. In all my years, this is my hair it's best. It's doing exactly what I want it to do, and it's effortless. On a side note, both of the ladies who work at this studio have arguably the hardest job in the world: they're young cool moms. All the more reason to support them! read more

Came in for a cut and color (after a color consult) and had a great experience! Biz rocks and did an amazing job. Will definitely come back. Stop searching and make an appointment! read more

Enjoyed coming for a hair color retouch today. Biz was wonderful and efficient and my hair looks lovely! Thanks so much

Update 9/2/2016: I came here recently to get my hair cut, colored and highlighted with Danielle. I could not be happier with how the results came out! The whole experience was very pampering and relaxing due to all these little things that just added up to a nice experience! -She listened to the look I was going for and offered her suggestions on what would work for my hair. She also asked my preferences and how often I style, how I wear my hair etc. -My hair always ends up brassy because I have black hair that doesn't want to be any other color, LOL. She didn't "hard sell" me about this or that product, or not washing my hair everyday which is a nice change. -She didn't pull on my hair, which I know is hard because my hair is a tangled mess most of the time. -She didn't rush my appointment even though I'm sure my allotted time ran a little over. -The atmosphere was peaceful and comfortable so I took a little sitting nap while my hair was being done. -She also showed me how to style my hair. All in all, the price was only $185, which I was very happy about and thought it was more than fair for what I got. I went to another place in Ithaca that charged me $400 and I wasn't happy with the results. I'll definitely be returning and would recommend others to come here too! ___________________________________________________________________________ I came here based on the Yelp reviews. I'm in quite a predicament because I moved here from Buffalo NY, which isn't a super metropolitan hub compared to my hometown of NYC, but is better than Ithaca. I need a new everything hence my trying this place. They were able to fit me in really easily this past summer. I don't remember the stylist's name. Nor do I think she gave it to me. She listened and looked at what I asked her to do, and she did it. She didn't really add any extra flairs. The haircut came out fine. The salon was kinda warm--the AC wasn't on. Everything about the experience was fine, OK, good. What was really nice was that they took personal checks so I didn't have to run to the ATM. I don't think I'd be back just because it was a hassle to find free parking. read more

Imagine: a haircut from friendly Aveda practitioners, in a hype but quiet environment loaded with eclectic local art. Sometimes, you can even help pick out the music! All this can be yours for just $35 at Changes. (For best results, ask for Emma.) The best part? I walked out of the place without product in my hair. That's how you know a great stylist: you look awesome, and it's all you. read more

I am now a second year graduate student at Cornell and it has taken me this long to finally find a hair salon that I liked (and I have been around to a few in college town and throughout the commons). I had no idea this place even existed until I checked yelp. This review is specifically for Amber, and I'm sure the other hair stylists are great as well but I have not yet had a chance to get my hair cut by them. First of all the studio itself is very cozy. clean, and well decorated with all of the usual amenities of a hair studio (water, magazines etc.). Moving on.. Amber was just great! Super professional, friendly and patient she actually worked with you to get what you wanted. First of all, although appointments would be recommended (I did not know this, as it was my first time there) but Amber was nice enough to accept my walk in visit. This time around I simply got a more basic hair cut, but I could see that she would have both the patience and skill to do something more complex. Overall I am very happy with my cut and would recommend this place to everyone looking for a great hair stylist. The only minor downside would be that they don't accept credit or debit card (cash and check only), so be prepared before coming in. I was lucky enough to have enough cash but Amber was nice enough to give me the option of coming back later after visiting an ATM. Overall this place is great if you want a nice professional cut. I highly recommend coming here. read more

Biz is great and makes getting a haircut a real treat

The great Yelp reviews helped me do what I thought was going to be the impossible: find a great hair salon in the tiny town of Ithaca that I would trust to color my hair for the first time! Amber did an amazing job giving me the blonde hombre coloring I've always wanted to try! And a great layered haircut too! She was really nice, patient, and explained the process to me. I love how it turned out I think the price point for the quality of service is great. The place itself is so artsy and unique. It's a small but really chill, fun space. I did a lot of research searching for a hair salon in Ithaca, and I'm so grateful I found Amber at Changes! read more

I recently got my hair cut by Kim and I could not be happier with the results. I did not have any great suggestions as to what I was looking for, but Kim asked me questions with a lot of patience and came out with the best haircut I've had in a really long time. I have wavy frizzy hair and my hair now looks good even if I leave it natural without straightening. Kim also had some suggestions as to what products to use to tame my frizz, but never forced the products on me like most other stylists do. I do not live in Ithaca and only visit once in a while, but I am seriously considering getting my haircuts done here whenever I visit. The salon has a really cool vibe too. read more

I had a small wedding and Amber and Danielle did the hair and makeup for all the women attending. My bridal makeup was exactly what I wanted and it managed to hold up to a lot of crying during the ceremony itself. In the words of my husband, the makeup was worth every penny because it managed to look perfect through a typhoon of tears. They truly nailed the 1940s look I was going for, and my hair held up really well despite the outdoor photos we took in the rain. Both Amber and Danielle styled women of a variety of ages and all of them looked fantastic. I also really appreciated they provided all the shade names and brands of the makeup that were used on my maid of honor upon her request. I booked them both last minute from a different state, and they were so easy to keep in contact with despite being so far away. Their prices were great, they managed their time amazingly so everyone was actually done a little early, and they were just generally really nice people to be around! read more

I desperately needed a haircut and based on the reviews I saw here decided to give Changes a chance. I made an appointment online with Biz and had an absolutely wonderful experience. She spent roughly an hour and a half with me and really took the time to understand what I wanted and what my goals were for my hair. She gave me advice on products I should be using and was mindful of my student budget when she made suggestions. While $50 is definitely more than I'd like to spend for regular haircuts, Changes definitely makes it worth it. read more

Ruth cut my hair today, and it's easily the best haircut I've had in a long time. She spent a decent amount of time making sure that I understood how I wanted my hair cut, which I really appreciated! Our conversation was so great that the time flew by quickly. Also, the nearby parking garage was free since it was the weekend! Can't wait to go back for my next haircut! read more

Ruth cut my hair a few days ago and it's definitely one of my favorite hair cuts I've ever gotten! I came in with a vague idea of what I wanted and she turned it into something I'm really happy with. Also, even though I was the last appointment of the day she took an even extra amount of time on my hair till she was satisfied that it was perfect. The staff there is super friendly and the studio is cool. Will definitely go back! read more

Danielle washed, cut, and styled my hair and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I had been eyeing this hair studio for a while, but never pushed myself to try it. I'm so glad I finally did. It's a bit on the pricier side, but the studio was beautiful and Danielle was super nice and helpful in giving me tips to style my new cut. I'd say the price is definitely worth it. I've already received many compliments on my new shorter hair, and I'm looking forward to going back to Changes! read more

One of the best, if not the best, salons I've been to. Biz started out by talking to me about my hair (thick and curly white girl hair), trying to understand what I was looking for and what my hair did naturally. She laid out a plan for how to achieve the look I was going for that took into account what my hair tends to do. During the cut, she gave me advice on products and styling, but didn't try to upsell me on anything. And the cut looks great! Only bummer was that $50 before tip was more than I budgeted - but she earned every penny. Remember to bring cash or hit up the several ATMs on the Commons. read more

I am a Chinese guy and I was really worried that I couldn't find a salon to cut my hair. I came to Change and had Danielle to cut my hair. I told her what my previous hairstylist did to my hair and she followed my instructions. She was really patient, painstakingly razored my hair and created a nice texture. I am very satisfied read more

Biz is the best. If you have long hair like me and are worried about your hair cutter cutting too much off, don't be afraid because biz does an amazing job and seriously only cuts as much as you ask her too. She was amazing, 100% recommend. read more

I've been to Changes many times since moving to Ithaca and I've had generally very good experiences. Meredith did a great job (she's gone now) and KIm worked a miracle on terrible cut I had done a few months earlier. I like the vibe a lot more than Innovations and Kim really understands how to style short hair. I frequently recommend Changes to my friends who are picky or who want funkier cuts. They're cash only, so come prepared. Also, Kim is really busy, so book two-ish weeks in advance. read more

Amber did my hair today. She did a great job with my blond highlights and cut! She even suggested doing the underneath/bottom with highlights as well (something stylists at other salons don't seem to like to do, probably because it takes a lot of time). She was very sweet and I never felt rushed. I will definitely be back! I used to go to Meredith when she worked there, but now I am very happy with Amber too! read more

This place was so great. Biz did an amazing job on my cut, I'm so happy. Fun vibe of a salon while still professional.

I went to changes and was excited because the interior had a funky, artistic feel and the website was professionally done. It seemed like these were well trained stylists. The hair cut I received was alright, but the whole time that I was there the attitude level was off the charts. The stylist was short with me and made me feel like it was a huge inconvenience for her to have to cut my hair. I don't expect to make a new best friend when I get my hair cut but this girl literally scowled the whole time. I also agree with other reviews that while the cut itself wasn't terrible, the girl didn't completely finish styling my hair, which was annoying because I wanted it to look nice for a special occassion that evening. In the end, the hair cut was ok, but I will keep looking for a stylist who has basic manners and doesn't have such a snobby attitude. read more

Amber colored and cut my hair perfectly. I am a brunette going back to blonde and she knew exactly how to transition me back. The haircut was also exactly what my thick hair needed. I love it! read more

I really enjoyed getting my haircut by Amber! The location is a bit hidden but the salon has an earthy vintage feel that's relaxing and laid back. Amber was very patient in listening to what I wanted- I hadn't had my haircut in almost a year and was looking to get a shorter hairstyle and showed her some samples of what I wanted my hair to look like. She stopped during stages of the haircut to ask me how it was, which I really appreciated. I was tentative to try a new place in Ithaca as I've never had my hair cut here, but I'll definitely be coming back! Thank you, Amber! read more

My haircut experience here a few months ago was ruined for me when it became less of a relaxing in-and-out hair refresher on a Friday morning, and more of a haircutting lesson for the stylist who was cutting my hair. She and the other stylist there had a lengthy conversation about my hair, touching it and discussing cutting techniques while not actually cutting my hair for at least 10 minutes, during which I was not involved in the conversation at all and felt strangely rather like a hair mannequin. I came away from it feeling that the situation had been a bit unprofessional (or at the very least awkward), and as a result I'll probably avoid going to Changes again. Other details: my haircut was about $35-40, which including a washing before and a little bit of drying after. This was my second time there. The first time a stylist named Meredith cut my hair and I was very satisfied with it, but she doesn't work there anymore. read more

I refuse to go anywhere else. Danielle is amazing. She is as intuitive with hair as she is with her clients - she can always tell when I'm in the mood to chat and when I just don't feel like it. Plus, I never leave the place without a huge grin on my face from how good my hair looks. She just gets it. read more

I recently moved to Ithaca from Chicago, and I was a little worried about finding a salon in Ithaca that would be up to my standards, particularly because I tend to go for edgier/alternative hairstyles. I've had my hair cut at once and dyed twice by Meredith, and she did a wonderful job each time. Additionally, both the hairstylists who work there (Kim and Meredith) are very professional and friendly. read more

I love Changes. I've been going to Danielle for a couple years now and am always so happy with my cut! I can't tell you the number if times people ask me where I get my hair cut. I've referred so many people to Changes. Danielle and Amber are great, the space cool, and location convenient downtown off the Commons. Not to mention, it's an Aveda salon! Make your appointment now! read more

Danielle is the only person in Ithaca I trust with my hair. She always seems to know how to achieve the look I am going for, from Zooey Deschanel bangs to a layered, just-below-the-shoulder chop. I've sent my friends from school here. It's tough to find a good hair stylist in a tiny collegetown. read more

I walked by Changes every day for months and eventually thought...yeah, I'd like a change. So I made an appointment with Emma and had a great haircutting and coloring experience. The studio has awesome murals on the walls, they play good music, and Emma is really nice -- easy to talk to and happy to give local tips. I'm still looking forward to trying out a restaurant in Trumansburg that she recommended. The Aveda products are great, too. read more

After reading the reviews online, I decided to go here today, and I am absolutely thrilled about my new haircut!!! Amber asked me exactly what I wanted in the beginning, and after discussing it with her and showing her pictures, Amber delivered exactly what I wanted. The service was excellent, the stylists were very friendly, and all of their products are Aveda. If you are looking for a great haircut and are in the Ithaca area, I would highly recommend Changes! read more

Visiting for the weekend from California and needed a trim. Super cute salon and friendly staff. Amber did a great job with my cut.

Great haircut. Didn't have time to get it blown out completely straight, and they don't take credit cards. But overall satisfied with my haircut! read more

Great place. I made an appointment online (very easily) and got a hair cut by Blitz or Biz I think. She was great. Super friendly and helpful. We talked about what I wanted for my hair and she gave me feedback on my ideas so I had complete confidence in her before she even started. I ended up loving my haircut. Mine was $50 which is a little on the pricy side but she was great. read more

Amber was great - gave me an amazing cut! Went in knowing I needed a change but wasn't sure what I wanted. Amber hit everything on my "must have" list and designed something that really works for me. Been living with the new cut for 4 days and I'm still super happy with how it turned out. I'm able to recreate it at home too, which is sometimes challenging for me! Definitely will be returning. Highly recommended! read more

Fantastic salon! Kim really listened and asked lots of questions about the cut I was seeking, and then delivered one of the best cuts I've ever had. She is a highly skilled stylist. Highly recommend! read more

I just wanted to write that I've been going to Changes for several years now, and I really love it! Danielle is always up for something fun and creative. I feel like she really takes the time to understand what I am looking for, even when I'm not sure. She puts a ton of time and artistic energy into coloring my long hair. In the past it's has ranged from an hour to three hours to get the exact coloring I'm looking for, and she has been amazing with the big projects. It is a little expensive, but I think the care put into the work is worth it. I highly recommend booking an appointment in advance. I am the kind of person who does things on a whim, but she rarely has walk in appointments open, especially for the bigger projects I'm prone to. It's definitely worth waiting the week. read more

I found this salon online and popped in to meet the hairdressers before scheduling my appointment. I asked them a few questions about if they could straighten my hair and the response was 'I am confident I can do your hair.' I had long curly hair that I cut into a pixie. I often wear it straight. I went to my appointment, and ended up walking out looking worst then when I came in. The haircut was certainly not worth what I paid. 50 dollars for less than a trim. To make matters worse, they had cheap blowdryers, their Aveda products made my hair feel like straw, and they didn't even carry a half inch flat iron because she 'couldn't find it.' I don't know what kind of business they are running but the hairdresser assigned to me, Danielle, was certainly unprepared. The hair dresser said her favorite thing to do is blow out curly hair which is ironic because she certainly couldn't do mine. It is obvious the only hair they know how to cut is Caucasian or straight hair. If you don't know what your doing then say so instead of taking on a customer and having her leave looking like she was electrocuted when she walked out! I should post the picture. It was horrendous and everyone was staring at me as I walked out. She did not deserve the tip I gave her. And I find it to be outrageous that I can do my hair better then she can. What do these women learn in beauty school? Obviously not how to cut ethnic hair but instead of owning up to it they lie to you to try to get you as a customer. read more