Hot Mess saved my wedding... twice. Two weeks before my wedding, the makeup artist I had previously hired dropped out. A friend of mine recommended Hot Mess and Max fit me in right away for a trial with Chelsea. While more expensive than I had originally hoped to pay, the trial was 10x better than the previous one, so we booked. Chelsea came on site to do bridal party makeup and was a pleasure to be around with her bubbly personality. We all looked amazing, and she even touched up my dads skin a bit. As she was packing up, she overheard us having issues attaching the fresh flower comb in my hair that my florist had made. As I began to have my one and only bridezilla moment, Chelsea on her own called the Hot Mess around the corner in Long Branch (in the wave hotel) and ask if they could help. They said come on over. Forty five minutes before the limo was coming to our hotel, my maid of honor and I jogged over to Hot Mess in our white silk pajamas. The staff teased and sprayed, even were able to attach some broken flowers that we thought we lost in the struggle. Five minutes later I was fixed, and they didn't even want to charge me. I tipped, thanked them, and we ubered back to my hotel. We were dressed and in the limo on time. My make up and flower comb lasted the whole night. I wish I could say the same the same for the train of my dress. Thank you so so much Chelsea!!!! read more

Honestly I was so so so so happy with how my hair turned out, as someone with a terrible habit of only getting my hair cut once a year, I always like to try someplace new for the chop and I am so happy that I tried Hot Mess and found such an amazing stylist! I came in armed with an album of photos after hours of pouring over Instagram trying to find exactly what I wanted my hair to look like and I left the salon with literally everything that I wanted, not only does my haircut look like how I imagined my hair would look like in my mind, it looks better than I ever imagined it would look. My haircut looks so good that I had friends asking if I also got it highlighted when I haven't had it highlighted in a year, the layers and shaping of the cut added back so much dimension and movement to my hair that it changed the way my grown in highlights look in the best way. Sincerely, I couldn't be happier with my haircut after visiting Michelle, She gave me the exact cut I wanted while making sure my hair is healthier and happier, and she put so much attention to the little details of the cut and how it would sit when I style my own hair to make sure I would have the bangs of my dreams. If you want an amazing haircut that will make you feel like all hair days are good hair days go and see Michele, I will forever book with her now. read more

Hot Mess Studio is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend them for anything you need: from hair, to makeup, to nails, and everything else in between. My wife and I just got married this past weekend and Hot Mess Studio made our hair and makeup process so easy, seamless, and stress free! Jess and Janelle did an absolutely amazing job making my wife and I look and feel so beautiful on our big day! Through our trial prior to our wedding, and on our wedding day, they were both so kind and attentive. Rachel and Claire took care of us and our bridal party with blow outs at the salon the day prior to our wedding and were also so wonderful! And Max and Vikki kept constant communication with my wife and I through our planning process to set up the best day ever. We always bothered them with emails and phone calls, and they always took the time to help us and accommodate us in any way they could. Everyone at Hot Mess Studio is absolutely incredible. My wife and I cannot thank you all enough for being such an integral part of our big day and making it that much more special and stress free! read more

I am extremely picky with my nails. I will drop nail artists left and right if they're not the way I want. However, I could never give up Karla at Hot Mess. Karla is always always always so wonderful. Her energy is contagious and she's makes me feel right at home every time I'm there. Even if I don't see her for a while, she remembers things about my personal life or stories I've told her in my past visits. Besides how great of a personality she is, she always SLAYS my nails every time. I came to Karla for the first time with beat up nails and wanting a gel manicure. Instead of doing that, which would have made her more money, she gave me alternative options (all cheaper) with the integrity of my nails her only intention. Any artist or stylist can up charge you and not care about the outcome. Karla is not one of those people. She truly cares about how my nails come out and how healthy they are. Her attention to detail and time she takes to make sure everything is perfect is something I truly appreciate. I couldn't recommend Karla or Hot Mess more! They are wonderful! read more

I have to say I'm so disappointed upon my return to hot mess, I'd been coming here for years and while there was always a layer of disorganization I dealt with it because I liked my stylist(s) (Even when she wasn't available they had another girl or two that did the job just fine) and I really am easy to please. But after taking a year or two hiatus while at school my return was so disappointing. No one other than the owner is still working there from when I was in last. It was always changing around in there (staff/ products/ services etc..) but this time The vibe has gone from fun yet slightly hectic to straight up confusion and honestly uncomfortable. I chalked up the owners complete lack of interest in me walking back in the door to maybe her not recognizing me, but can't ignore that she had a girl with CLEARLY not enough experience do my hair (at full price!) I'm not one to post negative reviews but it has cost me so much money trying to fix it. There's clearly a reason the best reviews on here are from years ago read more

I just want to say this is by far the BEST salon I have ever been to, I am not one to write reviews but I absolutely love this salon, first off the salon owner Tara is extremely talented and super friendly and such a sweetheart I got hair extensions and felt like a new woman when I left that place, the girls in the salon are so trendy and super knowledgable and just made me feel like I knew them forever they were great! I'm telling you if you are a person looking for a new trendy, modern Look for yourself then this is tha salon for you, I have found my salon and I will be a life long customer I was extremely pleased with my results and Tara's honesty and compassion in her work shows you can tell they all love what they do and I can't wait to go back go to this salon and you won't want to go anywhere else! Thanks Tara I LOVE my new hair!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Tara is the most wonderful human ever, she's incredibly knowledgeable, highly skilled, intuitive and gifted at what she does. She not only treats the aesthetic issues but works to solve the root of the problem like a detective and offers a multidimensional approach to address your issues. She's absolutely amazing! She's so nurturing and leaves you feeling completely safe and cared for no matter what your hair or skin concern may be. I've never felt that level of trust in my hair stylist or aesthetician before, you'll see what I mean immediately upon meeting with her! Beyond 5 stars! The other stylists are also incredible, they all have years of extensive experience, they offered me guidance and chimed in to help and everyone at the salon at the time I was there had smiles on their faces so the entire team rocks! Love this place so much. read more

I called and left a message on Tuesday (they close on Tuesdays) hoping to get an appointment for Wednesday. The receptionist called me first thing Wednesday to let me know she could get me in, in as soon as an hour. I was thrilled. I saw Alex for a partial foil hilight and she was a doll. Friendly, smiley and I had her full attention. She meticulously foiled me (more thoroughly than I am used to) and took good care of me while I waited to process. After a relaxing and comfortable shampoo she blew me dry. My color was great! Vibrant and exactly what I asked for. The salon is cool, feminine and a touch edgy. It's got an urban vibe and a feeling like they could make my grandmother look tre' chic or give my cousin a mo hawk. I will absolutely return to Alex in the near future. read more

I came to Hot Mess Studio as part of a bridal party for my best friend. I have been IN LOVE with the way they do my hair there ever since I was introduced to the fabulous team over there on Cookman Ave. I have SUPER curly hair and can never do anything with it. They were able to "tame the beast" (my hair) and make it look awesome. Being as I have really curly hair, I don't trust just anyone with my hair. The way they cut my hair was perfect...exactly what I asked for. Their price is very reasonable for their services. They also do an awesome job with makeup. They honestly LISTEN to what you say and what you like and don't like done with you hair or your makeup. They are caring and each one of the ladies are amazing! Thank you HOT MESS STUDIO! YOU ALL ARE AMAZING :) read more

So great to be back today for the first time since February. I arrived early and had no trouble parking. I was greeted at the door and reminded to wait to be called for my appointment. My temp was taken and questions were asked as I was given a wipe to sanitize my phone and a bag to stash my belongings. Tyler worked a relaxing massage into my shampoo. My haircut with Tara was secluded and masterful as ever. Simone was especially calming and attentive with my mani-pedi. Bonus, I was able to watch Legally Blonde reflected in the plexiglass divider she worked around to give me a transformative manicure. I scored a Hot Mess tee and Shhhower cap for myself, some products to gift my daughter, and not to be forgotten - a tee from Style Rocket for my husband. A fabulous day out. read more

I have been going to this wonderful salon for about 4 years..You can't go wrong giving this salon a try..All the girls who work here are very talented and have a great passion for their craft. Laura does my cut and color and I have never been happier and I am very picky having always gone to the trendiest and upscale salons in Manhattan..She really listens to you and clearly loves her work..She also cuts my husbands hair and he couldn't be more pleased..I travel an hour to come to this salon but it is worth it to me. You can come in feeling like a Hot Mess, but always leave feeling pretty..All the staff is very friendly and skilled at what they do..You will not be disappointed. if you give this establishment a try...I highly recommend.. read more

I not only look forward to the amazing haircut I will receive each time I go to Hot Mess Studio, but also being there is like getting the BEST haircut while hanging out with your good friends. Every time I leave there, I not only look my best but I feel my best. The hospitality you will receive and the beautiful atmosphere of Hot Mess is an experience of itself. Marci who has been cutting my hair for over a year now always exceeds my expectations of what my hair will look like! Tara the owner is always welcoming and treats you like family. There is no question that if you are looking for a great haircut and experience, book now and see for yourself!! read more

My first visit at hot mess salon and I had Natalie as my stylist- from the very start she was so great with communicating what we were going to do with the cut and color of my hair. I came prepared with photos to show her what I wanted to have done and she truly exceeded my expectations! Going to a new salon for the first time can be a little nerve wracking and I am the type of person who never likes to cut too much off my hair but Natalie communicated so well with me and I absolutely love the end result! She was also incredibly kind and friendly throughout the appointment and really nice to chat with, I'll definitely be going back ! read more

Would have been five stars... but the receptionist has got to go. When you work at a front desk having a nasty look on your face and looking people up and down isn't welcoming or inviting. Pregnant or not it's no excuse. That's the first person you see when you walk in. Overall I'm actually really happy that I didn't decide to be deterred and walk out because of her. I got my nails and toes done and it was the best job I've ever received. The nail tech was attentive and you could tell she really loved what she did. I will absolutely come back but next time I'll just head straight for the pedi chair and skip the nasty greeting. read more

Hot Mess Studio is the absolute best place in the state of New Jersey or Tri-State area to get any type of service you might need. Color, cut, blowouts, skincare, waxing to name a few-it is all at Hot Mess along with the best service you could possibly receive. Tara leads her team of professionals in a manner almost lost today. Caring, friendly and outgoing service is at the core of their work. Combined with their amazing skills in making you look and feel beautiful, you can't go wrong in this happy place of beauty creation. Hot Mess Studio is a very special place that will help you feel your absolute best-inside and out. read more

Well I moved 2 years ago in Farmingdale NJ and just recently retired from Staten Island where I was getting my lashes done. I have been inquiring in my community and my neighbor so graciously recommended Kat from Hot Mess Studio. I was reluctant at first because I have been with Wink Studios for the past 4 years and never been anywhere else but couldn't afford to do the drive every 2 weeks just for that so I called and made an appointment. Needless to say the staff was very welcoming and Kat was amazing. She did a fabulous job and I have been going to her ever since. She is the go to girl if you want beautiful lashes! read more

I used Hot Mess for my wedding hair and make up in April and everything was done flawlessly! I was so sad to take my makeup off at the end of the night because 14 hours later it still looked perfect. My whole party's hair and make up held up all night and looked beautiful! Everyone came in with relatively flexible inspiration and the team executed everyone's vision perfectly. I planned with Max and Vicki throughout and I have to say the entire salon is employed by wonderfully kind, talented and helpful people. I'm so happy I chose to work with the Hot Mess team for my wedding day. read more

When my previous hairstylist switched careers I began my search for a new stylist. I also needed to find a new salon as I had followed my previous stylist to a salon far from my home. I found reviews online for Hot Mess to be positive so I booked an appointment with any available stylist. I am happy to say my initial appointment was with Natalie and she has cut and colored my hair since. Natalie is fantastic. My hair looks great and she helps by proving suggestions when I am not sure exactly what I want. The salon as a whole is wonderful. Everyone is very attentive. read more

I know that what I like is a little wild for some "classic hairdressers" but i feel like i was convinced to go way more conservative than i wanted. I tend to be a push over in the chair so i guess i can take partial blame, but i felt super judged (? if thats the right word) when i explained what i wanted was a bold fantasy color and a really edgy cut. I cant tell if she just did not know how to do what i was asking for or if she genuinely thought it wasnt a good idea.... but it was pretty clear that what i wanted was not this salons desired look. I wont be back read more