Mr Tom Chou is a terrific stylist on the upper east side of Manhattan. My husband Bill has been using him for years. He's worth every penny with a terrific staff that is responsive and friendly. read more

Perfection and satisfaction are the only two words I can use to describe my experiences at this salon. Sake is a perfectionist when it comes to coloring, highlighting, keratin treating and styling. I have followed Sake for more than 20 years. I drive 120 miles roundtrip every six weeks to get my hair done by Sake, In all the 20 years I have never had a bad experience hair wise or personal wise. I highly recommend this salon for anyone who wants a great hair experience. read more

I go to this salon every two weeks for a great haircut. I have a full head of hair and quite a lot of grays. So I also get my hair colored.This is also a great place to get a manicure or a back massage. Saki is my hair cutter and he is very accommodating. We usually consult about what I would like and he listens to what is being said. He's not one of those that just does whatever they want regardless of what you want. He even offers a refreshment drink if you are thirsty. Make a day of it because there's also great shopping in the area. You can get some cool clothes to go with your hair style. read more

Hair Espirit - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I love the staff here, everyone is so sweet and helpful. I work nearby and come here on my hour break and I'm always accommodated. Genuinely nice people. My hair is usually styled by someone different each visit, each time my wash and blowout has been beautiful. I recommend highly! read more

Hair Espirit - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Sake, the owner/manager/"chief stylist", is INCREDIBLY rude. (And not even Japanese which I guess he thinks it ritzier -- his real name is Tom Chou.) Very big on the fast lazy electric-razor trim -- which leaves long hair uneven. No, Tom, women's hair requires different methods than men's hair. You don't want to be around for the part where he gets nasty. This is what others are talking about on Yelp; it's not the other stylists who are rude. It's HIM. I guess when you're gonna be that horrible and pretend you're NOT the manager when one wants to complain to a manager, it means you gotta use a pseudonym. read more

Go to Monica. Tell her what you want, listen to what she suggests and then let her know what you want. Even if you go back to what you originally said, she does WHAT YOU WANT. She is excellent and a delight of a person to meet. Prices are good. Place itself is clean and friendly. CALL and make an appointment. Do not just walk in as a new customer. read more

Pros: Sake is truly talented. He is one of the three best hair stylists I had in my life worldwide. You will get a huge amount of compliments on your haircut. Sake kindly advised me on a professional air blower which cuts the time of my blow drys by 50%. It was expensive, but worth it. Cons: Those were the most expensive haircuts I paid for my entire life. It was $100, including a 20% tip. This price included shampoo, haircut, and a blow dry. read more

This salon is a hidden gem on the UES. Sake is the manager/head stylist-I have known him for YEARS and he always does a great job. They have a spa section where you can get your nails done and waxing while you are getting your processes done. You can get Japanese relaxer, Keratin treatments, color, cuts, great blow dry and flat iron and all sorts of up dos, styles and beyond. I recommend this salon. read more

I've been holding out on reviewing this place for over a year, almost because I didn't want anyone else to book up Monica and take away her availability from me (since becoming a New Yorker, I've upped the selfishness!). Just kidding.. I'm sure there are lots of other salons where you can pay double and perhaps come out with slightly better quality? But personally I found that I pay half the price of expensive salons and get just as good if not better results. They understand how to make your color and cut last there. They won't scam you into extra services or paying for extras. I see Monica for both cut and color (single process plus highlights). I have really thick wavy/ curly hair and she does a great job with blond color needs. She listens to what I want and we have a conversation/ consultation first on what will work best for my hair during that particular season and long term. She's also funny as hell. Plus, they have affordable prices (I pay about $50 for a haircut $75 Plus for highlights or color). For me, this salon is perfect. read more

Google "espirit" and you'll find it to mean "vivacious cleverness": Exactly what Sake (the manager) exudes when walking into this UES diamond in the rough. Vivacious with his upbeat demeanor, and clever in his stylistic mastermind (lets face it, not everyone can TAME THIS JEW-FRO!), Sake ("just like the drink" as he said the first time I met him) will make sure your experience is one that has you returning. The salon is always very clean and the staff pleasant. The neck massage while getting shampoo'd may be my favorite part of the experience, followed by being offered a drink while making my hair "high and tight". Always on time and never rushing, Sake will make you feel like you're the only customer of the day. Although a first time writer, I am a long time reader of yelp! It wasn't until my experience(s) at Hair Espirit that I felt compelled to make a profile and write a review myself!! One last tip after all your split ends are dismissed: Snag some Reflexology to complete the adventure and walk out of this Lexington scissor palace feeling relaxed and freshly cut for the weekend!! read more

Not to reiterate what has already been said, but this salon is a one stop shop; nails, waxing, coloring, straightening, etc. I wandered in on a rainy day and came upon Adriana. She was able to point out EXACTLY where my last hair cut went out of control and made suggestions for future cuts and how to style around while it grew out. And as with every hair stylist I see, I ask about my color (i haven't dyed my hair in about 10 years). She was the first person EVER EVER to suggest a glaze/ gloss to my hair to the point that I excused myself to the bathroom to look up on my blackberry just what she was going to do to my hair. As I was deciding on the color (I opted to put a slight reddish hint in the hair), 3 different stylists came over to give their 2 cents. Within 30 minutes, I had a beautiful cut and a beautiful tint to my hair. The service is second to none. In my time there, many "regulars" came and went, and each of us were treated exactly the same. I've reviewed a lot of stylists, but this salon, as a whole, was the best of the best. I just scheduled my second cut with Adriana, but I would feel comfortable going to see anyone if she weren't there. read more

Maybe others at this place are great, but do NOT have Judy highlight your hair! Here's why: I got a Groupon $50 for $100 here, so I thought I would try it out. I have my hair highlighted and my roots were really bad so I asked for a full foil. Judy (who was doing my hair) suggested I do a few low lights, so I got that too. Judy only did the top like 4 inches, which would have been great, but it was WAY too blonde and didn't come close to matching the rest of my hair. She didn't notice this until she was almost done blow drying my hair. So then she went back to put toner in my hair to fix it, and now all of my hair is darker than before to where I almost look like a brunette instead of a blonde like before. It ended up costing me $245 (including the $50 groupon & tip.) This woman doesn't seem to know what she is doing, it took her a full 3 hours to do my hair, and I was unhappy with the result. read more

Hair Esprit has excellent services. The haircuts, coloring or highlights are consistently incredible. I have always seen every client leaving the salon very, very pleased. They have a strong following. They are perfect for evening out coiffes as their hours accommodate. They are also perfect for after swim or excercise sessions for an invigorating shampoo using high quality products which allows the blow out to last. The pedicures are the best I have ever had anywhere. Sake has taken my mess of a haircut and highlights and has diligently made my color last and hair fall as it should with very little maintenance from me. No other sissors can do what Sake does with his arsenal. They offer many services and am eager to try them all. read more

I was SO lucky to find Saki, at Hair Espirit, when I moved to Manhattan two years ago. My hair has never looked better, nor has it ever been easier to take care of, thanks to the Japanese relaxer which Saki recommended. He is incredibly knowledgeable in all aspects of hair care. He gives great haircuts and as a colorist, he is truly an artist. My daughter was so impressed with the way my hair looks, she started going to Saki and is now a devoted client as well. We both highly recommend him! He is the best! read more

I came here for a blow out. When I asked the receptionist how much it would cost she said $38 dollars. Great! I was sat down with a hair dresser and told her what I wanted. I basically wanted beach waves. She said she would blow out my hair straight with a blow dryer and then curl it with a flat iron. Sure! It cost $38, right? Wrong.. When she was done she said oh I forgot to tell you that it cost extra for flat iron. I was kind of annoyed but I was like oh well it's probably only $5. I got up to pay and when I was given the receipt to sign.. My total cost was $63 dollars. I was stunned! I was like it cost $25 to use a flat iron?! I couldn't believe it. I was confused and left.. My friends encouraged me to write this review because they felt like I was scammed to pay more. Anyway, I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else! Also, tip is CASH ONLY. read more

I recently started seeing Sake on a friend's recommendation. He gives a precision haircut and I have had numerous compliments on my hair since going to him. His cuts are less than half of what I had been paying at an upscale salon. I wear my hair naturally curly, no blowout, but my friend blows her hair straight and is also very pleased with her cuts and color. I can't imagine him being rude as another reviewer states. He recommended a good product and even told me it was available at Sephora. read more

I would like to add to the chorus of approvals for this fine salon. I had a LifeBooker certificate for a Keratin blowout. I was warmly greeted and taken on time. Very happy that the salon is open on Sundays so I could relax without running on to the next appointment. Kent did the work and was pleasant and meticulous. If it didn't take 3 changes of subway to get there I would be a steady client. read more

This place is awful. The staff is incredibly rude and they did a terrible job on my hair! AVOID!

You get what you paid for. I've got a worst haircut in my whole life! First of all, the receptionist took a wrong appointment and I had to wait more than 30 minutes for the hairstylist to show up. The salon doesn't look so nice either. I showed the hairstylist numerous photos of what I wanted. I told her many times I wanted to have the volume but she started chopping my hair like crazy. The result? She made a hole on my side of hair!!! It's just a simple bob hairstyle I wanted but the result was so horrible and uneven chopped bob. I wanted to cry! Then the owner gave me difficulty not to refund. I mean, how can I trust them again to go back and fix this mess? I think I will become bold if I do that. Please everyone, DO NOT GO THERE. read more

I was going to purchase their lifebooker deal, $99 for a Keratin treatment, so I called to make sure I could schedule on the day I needed. She said sure and booked me for Friday. She then said, "but you didn't purchase through lifebooker yet, right?" I said no not yet. She then said ok don't, we will honor the same price. I asked if she was sure and she said yes. I hung up, pretty happy. I went to log off of lifebooker.com, and realized that they were offering a 20% discount. So i called back to see if they would match that deal and she said no, and now they only have sunday monday or tuesday availability and I couldnt request a stylist. I asked why can't I purchase the lifebooker and keep my appointment for friday and she said it was a busy day. I promptly hung up on her. Would never give them business. For a small salon, I'd assume they'd bend over a bit to gain new customers. read more

I've been going to Sake since 1990 and my husband and daughter go as well. There is noone else I would trust with my appearance from color to cut to blowouts. Sake often knows what style I want before I do. Perfect for those who are looking for a chance and can't decide. In addition to Sake, everyone is very nice, attentive, friendly and the best hair washing ever - the scalp massage makes you forget you were there to get your hair done. read more

This salon caters to the elderly and has no idea about new styles. Fine for a blow out. The only problem is that the person in charge is extremely rude and entirely unpleasant. My suggestion is that if you want service and are under eighty, go elsewhere. read more

Had an amazing experience here. The staff is great and attentive. Pricing is decent. It is a clean place. Overall I will be going back no matter what. I got exactly what I wanted. read more

I found this place on the app Snailz and I was hesitant since it is mainly a hair salon but they did a really awesome job on my nails!! Also the salon was so pretty and clean it really made the whole experience really great. read more

I had the best hair cut if my entire life! I had so many complements, even people who did not know me stop to tell me about my hair. The staff is incredible from the front desk to the stylist. They make me fell part if the family. And they are honest enough to tell me that my idea for a perm would not go well!!! Absolutely Worth the experience read more

This was the worst $43 I have ever spent on a blowout. I have shoulderlength hair wavy. It takes me 20 minutes to get my hair blown out. It took this lady and I were in some change and left it frizzy and puffy. If a hair dresser depends on the iron to make your hair smooth and not frizzy- run! Never again!!!!!! read more

After being overwhelmed and confused by reading a thousand Yelp reviews of salons, I still had no idea where to turn. Hair was growing, clock was ticking so when I stopped in to buy shampoo I asked about stylists. I was escorted over to Sake for a conversation in the chair. Right away I could tell he knew his stuff. He didn't fall for my classic trick question, either. (Should I cut my hair short? No, no, said Sake, your face will look to round. OK- you passed, Sake!) He didn't change my hair up that much but he expertly fixed the mechanics of my cut which had become so unmanageable. I brought my mother to him as well and he did the same for her. Next, I'm getting color. I'm always a little nervous for this but I know I'm in good hands with Sake. Awesome, positive, no drama person, too. It's not a risk to try him- it's a great decision. read more

This review is more so for someone wanting thermal reconditioning (a.k.a. Japanese Hair Straightening). There's only one person at this salon that does this process and she's wonderful! She thoroughly explains the process before and during the treatment. This is my third time going to her but my first time at this salon, needless to say that I follow her where ever she goes. My friend and I both commute from the Boston area when it's time to retouch the roots. I still save money by not getting this process done in Boston, yes even after gas. Anyways, her name is Arisa. The salon itself is descent and the people are friendly. read more

Worst customer service ever! The guy on the phone was so rude. I just don't have any words to describe it. I know that it could get busy, but why you can't hire a person who will take care about appointments? AVOID THIS PLACE. read more

Really great place for meticulous color and a fabulous cut at reasonable prices. I followed Sake from his old salon and will travel from NJ to see him when I move. Everyone in this salon is SO friendly and helpful - I love going. Plus they give really great scalp massages when they shampoo- a bonus! Highly recommend! read more

Sake has been cutting my hair since 1996. I was searching for a new hairdresser, back then, mine had retired. When I bumped into a former neighbor, she suggested Sake because he was really good at cutting and styling grey hair. I was salt and pepper at the time., and gave him a try. The cut -- first time with an electric razor all over (!) was amazing...i got lots of compliments. When he moved, I followed him to Hair Espirit. Over the years he has guided me in the cut and color...from low lights when my hair got too white (loved it), then dying a very flattering strawberry color -- my first time having dyed hair), and finally a reddish blond. Underneath it all, my hair has turned solid white. Having reached a certain age, and being retired, I decided to stop dying it. Sake and I have always been a team, and we discuss next steps ...he listens to what I would like (if what I describe is not possible, he Comes up with great alternatives). What I particularly like NOW is that my hair is pure white and he has guided me to grow it in a style that is flattering, youthful, and often elicits compliments from those who see it. Hair Espirit has a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone is helpful and friendly. They are open 7 days a week, which is very helpful for busy schedules. Every time I bump into that,former neighbor who gave me Sake's name so long ago, she always comments positively about my hair...and I always thank her -- all these years later -- for recommending him. read more

I have been going there on and off for a few years and always treated well. Today Saki was so rude and condesending that I will never go back. He insulted me and acted like he was the king of Ny and if I did not treat him that way well then he was not going to waste his time on me. It was the worst experience I have ever had getting my hair cut in 50 years. He either had a bad day or is a bad person. I will never know because I will never go back. read more

I've been coming to saki at hair esprit for 9 years and won't go anywhere else. I've never left unhappy (and I'm not an easy customer!). He tries hard to make me feel good about myself and doesn't let me leave until he feels my hair is perfect. Can't wait for the renovation. Hair esprit will be gorgeous. It's also awesome listening to him rock to the music playing in the salon. ps if you're looking for personal advice, he's always there for you. read more

Came here with a LifeBooker Loot deal for a Brazilian Blowout, which is supposed to last 10-12 weeks. Less than 3 weeks later, the back of my hair is a frizzy mess/needs to be flat ironed in the morning. Never coming back here. The staff, however, was friendly. read more

I would highly recommend Hair Espirit and Saki in particular. He has been doing my hair since 1998 - when he was at another salon before Hair Espirit even opened. He does a fantastic job! I go regularly for haircuts as well as highlights and even though I am not a person with naturally "good hair" I receive a lot of compliments on my color. Saki is meticulous and takes pride in his work. He will recommend certain changes to style/color from time to time but does not force his opinion on you. And, he is so much fun! We always have a lot of laughs - he's a great guy. The whole staff is quite nice and Alice does a really good job with mani/pedi and waxing. Prices are reasonable. I moved from the the Upper East Side to Long Island last year and despite having countless salons within walking distance of my new home, I still go to Hair Espirit every six weeks. If you are looking for a new salon, give them a try! read more

I had an amazing experience here. Due to a last minute cancellation, they were able to fit me in for... a perm. Although Saki offered that I might want color or a different cut, I definitely wanted a perm. He clearly has a ton of experience, and he knew right away that if I wanted a perm then I needed a revised cut as well. When the curlers were out and the chemicals washed, he was totally right and I just LOVE the results! The salon stayed open late for me (it took 3 hours!) but no one minded and everyone was joking around having a great time. Many regulars came in, which gave me even more confidence. Everyone who got their hair done walked away looking great. Highly recommended!!!!!! read more

SAKE!!! Hands down the best head of highlights I have ever had...Hair soul mate. I saw him for the first time last week for a cut and full head of highlights/lowlights and I have never loved my hair this much, My Dad's cousin has been going to him for years and I am so happy I asked her who did her hair, Don't book him all up ladies....i need to see him every three months on the dot for the rest of my life!!!!! read more

I've known Saki for years and he is the best of the best in NYC! I would never go to anyone else - trust him implicitly! He is a true artist - I've never seen such a meticulous colorist and the result is always the most natural looking! I plan my vacations and work schedule around him - when he's available - I grab the appointment. If you want the best - go to Saki at Hair Espirit! read more

I've lived in the neighborhood almost all my life, and I can tell you that Hair Espirit is the best value and service around. While I personally go to Saki, who does a great cut and is an exceptional colorist, I have been going there long enough to know that all of the stylists are fantastic. I'm currently moving out of the city, but I have already planned several trips back around haircuts... that's how much I like Hair Espirit. read more

I have been coming here for years for a haircut. Great cut, excellent staff and competitive price. Probably should give five stars.