I happen to have a friend who I run into around town and her hair looked great last time I bumped into her and when I asked who did her hair she told me George at First Impression in Little Silver, across the street from Little Silver Pharmacy, I could not place it, but have driven by the place for the last nine years without ever making note of it. I called them and made an appointment. First Impression is owned by a Husband and Wife who called me back to ask if I could stop by to meet with George so he could look at my hair before our appointment to see how long and what was wanted. I stopped by he was pleasant, but really what has always stood out for me is that he is concerned about not me, but really about my hair. He tested a strand on a machine that he has, it snapped immediately, he told me my hair was over processed, and that he could not do the color as I wanted. He told me that he would have to cut quite a bit off, and it would take a while (6-8 months) to get my hair healthy. He was honest and stood on his principals which I found interesting, this was not about money, it was about my hair and how I could look my best without further damaging the hair I have sought to change to be thicker, fuller, brighter long ago. I had some reservations, sure because why I had not heard of him before, and how come other salons were not concerned about the health of my hair?? I also, had a major event coming up ...the wedding of my step-daughter in three weeks and did I have time to change my hair so drastically. Well, I kept my appointment and although it was not perfect because we had to do this in steps, I can tell you I could not have made a better decision to get my hair healthy. I am not a bleached blonde anymore, but more a beautiful, gentle, tone of blonde with highlights, and my grey shine here and there...which I am liking too. The other part of this is that he has helped me take my hair to a place no other hairdresser could, once I left he gave me the instructions and tools to keep it going. The tools are not a $300 flat iron, $65.00 bottle of shampoo or hair product, but a $5.00 curler that comes with 3 of them and you roll them so easily I almost feel like kicking myself for being so gullible to have purchased so much hair products that sit in my closet and I could easily set up a shop because I have so many. No pins, just take the roller when hair is damp, roll it and then blow dry on low to finish drying. My hair is full of body for at least two days and I cannot thank First Impression/George for carrying these. I love my hair and it took many years for me to find George. Now a bit about Georg, he is engaging, passionate about what he does, loves to be creative, and respectful at all times. George is real. George has worked in London and Europe, taught classes on cutting and such. George owns his salon, did most the work on his salon himself and is proud of it. George and his wife are animal lovers, they care for the feral cats and the cats are on the porch sometimes when I arrive for my appointment, they have a beautiful dog and George loves that dog and dog loves George. The dog is shy and timid to the clients but watches Georges move and I have seen George in his car with his dog in the passenger seat which always makes me smile. I think that says a lot for these individuals who care deeply about how they contribute to what they believe in. The other thing you have to know about George is that he is a bit like the Soup Guy in Seinfeld show. You make an appointment, you better be on time, cancel before the day comes or if you miss it, good luck on getting a new appointment. He does not tolerate anyone who does not have consideration for him as a professional or a being and I have to say I admire that immensely about him. I fear the day I cannot get an appointment with him and for the first time in my life I feel like my hair has an advocate, a protector and someone who will do their best for me. I am fearful that as I write this review that others will make appointments with him and that he will be harder to an appointment with but I have to remember that as George shared with me the good in protecting my hair that I must do the right thing and let the area know of his talents. George has taught me that when that day comes and we part to look for the person who is going to do just that ...the best for my hair and not do what they consider vogue, hot, costly or to make their ego inflated. Thanks George! read more

George is a tremendous hair stylist. I am Indian in ethnicity and have thick, curly hair. He knows how to cut my hair so that it looks great straight (because I regularly straighten it). He also taught me how to create large curls with a straightening iron (though he does this better than I ever could). He is a true professional and I always leave his salon feeling beautiful. I moved into Manhattan and still come to his salon in Little Silver; I can't go to anyone else. I think that says it all! read more

Where do I start? I found George Low strictly by chance, when I Googled 'best hair colorist in NJ'. I mean he had over 80 reviews with 5 stars, and as I'd come to find out, all well-deserved. I hit the jackpot when I found him. First let me tell you that I have very fine, thin wavy hair with an unnatural growth pattern (it grows forward from the crown; ugh!), which is difficult to cut. From the moment I met George I knew I was in good hands. He immediately makes you feel comfortable and at ease. He listened to everything I loved and hated about my hair, and to what my routine was and how much time I was willing to put into it. He painstakingly helped me pick a beautiful auburn color that looked natural and sat with me the entire time my hair was processing, constantly checking it. He fixed my uneven layers and showed me how using the right products and right techniques made all the difference. In short, he educated me about MY hair in ways that were invaluable. And as if that wasn't enough, George actually called me the following morning to see if I was happy with everthing he had done. I mean who the heck does that? I've gone to well-known salons in NY and never been treated as well as I was by George. He loves his craft and he's passionate about it. YOU are his only focus when you're there. And I walked out with 3 products, 1 hair styling tool, a color and a cut for half the price of what I'd spent in the city. Run, don't walk to First Impression Studio. You won't be disappointed. read more

The BEST HAIRCUT EVER AND COLOR !!! George was able to give me exactly the haircut I have wanted for a very very long time. He also changed my hair color to a color that better suited my complexion. My family loved the cut and color too, He was able to cut and fix the last bad haircut that was given to me in layers and made it look blunt, shiny ,healthy and fuller. He was the BEST !!!! Thank you George. BAB read more

Love love love. I first went to First Impression 30 years ago when they were on River Rd in Fair Haven and I was a little girl. I continued with them until I graduated from college and moved away. My mother has continued to see George exclusively and with unfailing loyalty, and has gotten consistently great color and cuts for 30+ years from George. She gets ridiculous numbers of compliments on her hair, and I am convinced her hair is a huge driver for how young she looks! I am now in the area again, and saw George for a cut and highlight. My last colorist had let me get way too blonde over time due to excessive highlights, and my hair had become very damaged. George took the time to carefully evaluate my hair--its natural color, how I'd gotten to the current situation, what I like and don't like, how I style (or don't!)-- and make a recommendation to rehab my hair. He carefully worked on my color to bring it closer to where it should be, and gave me a fabulous cut that restored movement and health and suited my low-maintenance requirements. Throughout, he educated me on why he was recommending what he was, and taught me about the technical elements. As a very curious person and a bit of a control freak, I loved this "peek under the curtain"! George did a terrific job. I cannot recommend him more highly! read more

Best haircut that I've had in a long time. George was very knowledgeable, and gave me tips to improve my hair. I also got hot rollers that he advised me to get. My hair has never looked or felt this great! read more

I have gone to First Impressions Studio three times. Twice for keratin treatments and once for a zombre and undercut. This is the only salon I've used since moving to Monmouth County. Each experience has been excellent and I've been very pleased with my results. Each visit George takes the time to sit and discuss what I want done and his recommendations. George is a perfectionist, professional, personable and takes pride in his work. Going to First Impressions Studio is always a relaxing experience as I know I can always count on great results. I look forward to going back and will be booking my next appointment as we speak. read more

I had lived in the area for a few years looking for a hair salon when I found George and his wonderful salon. I was incredibly grateful George is creative with the scissors I left the salon with my hair all bouncy Curly, I was so happy. I have since moved from the area but I do go there whenever I have a chance to see George and his scissors. I had even recommend some of my colleagues to go see George and everyone that did was extremely happy! read more

I agree with the reviewer who said George is like the "Soup Nazi"-he is! But that is only because he is a professional and takes pride in his craft. He is very genuine and is concerned about the health of your hair. No one has worse hair than me..I have fine, messy looking hair..I went to see George when a hairdresser turned my naturally brown hair orange after years of thick, almost white highlights. George took care if it with a very blunt haircut and added brown highlights...I would have never believed I would love the color but I do!!!! It is sophisticated because of the simplicity of the color and cut. Do what George tells you to do to get your hair in good condition and you will be very happy with the result. George does not rush or cut corners, nor is he out to sell you expensive, unnecessary products. I highly recommend him!!! He is a miracle worker. read more

Wow - a client of the practice I'm with came in with the best haircut!!!!! I asked her where she got it and she said George at First Impressions in Little Silver. I'm on my way to make an appointment! Was the best haircut I've seen in awhile in this area. read more

First Impression is an unpretentious studio tucked inside a charming white house on Church St. in Little Silver. You get a glimpse into the "realness" of the owners when you pass by the plant lined driveway as you enter the back parking lot. On the porch you will often find the outdoor cats, and inside is their beloved and docile dog. I have been going to George for several years and am frequently asked where I get my hair cut. As has been noted by others, his guidance to clients comes mostly from an interest in what is best for each individual's hair health, combined with the right style choice. His typical client is much younger than I. I'm in my 70's and have had gray hair for over 30 years. Living in NY until recent years and being in the fashion world, I wanted to keep current looking. It became tediously repetitive to hear each NY salon owner try to convince me to color my hair. I have no interest in frequent trips to a salon for color maintenance. George picked up on that immediately and never suggested color. He keeps my hair looking shiny, healthy, and "young" with a modern edgy cut. He introduced me to a flat iron, advised me where to buy a reasonably priced one, and taught me how to use it at home. George's artistic talents are not limited to hair, as can be observed around the salon. He's a gifted carpenter and sculptor. FYI: Though generally cheerful and chatty, don't be late for your appointment, or you'll likely see his dark side. read more

George is a master with a pair of scissors! I have now had two thoughtfully sculpted haircuts that give lift and fullness to the back of my head. George has also worked carefully to bring out the natural beauty of my silver hair. My haircut is short but feminine, perfect for my athletic competitions. Pure artistry at work! read more

Asked for a balyage hair look not only did I not get the look I wanted she made my hair orange it was the worst experience in my life I will never go back! read more

George is amazing! If you want a real cut and color you must make an appointment ASAP because he's always booked.

Unhappy with my hair, I was referred to George by my friend who has been trying to get me to switch for a long time. I finally did and am so glad and lucky to get in. he was booked months before the holidays. My hair is dark brown and I should not have blonde hair. we decided on 2 tone colors instead of just bleaching like my old stylist used to talk me into and always over coloring it, it looks so natural now. its not as blonde as it used to be but its overall a softer color. It looks so great and I love it. And also, it feels less dry and fried. My experience with George was a great one., read more