I got the balayage highlight of my dreams from Christy at this salon. The blowdry I got from Mie looks amazing even after I had my hair covered in heavy winter jacket hoodie (it's 3 degrees out) and slept on it overnight. Check out the photos! Here is a more detailed review of L'Appartement Hair Boudoir,
Location: It's located on 57th St between the the fa$hionable 5th Ave and Madison Ave. 2 minute walk from N/Q/R and 4/5/6. Take in all that high-end de$igner store window $hopping (or actual shopping if you're having a great month at work, just don't be late to your appointment!). After signing in at the front desk of building, take the elevator up to the 7th floor, and voila, you're here.
The Salon: As soon as you stepped out of the elevator, you will find yourself in this spacious and super fancy-classy-luxurious salon. There are crystal chandeliers everywhere, gorgeous antique-designed chairs and mirrors, private hair working stations (you will not be seated right next to another client in the room), and of course, completed with the forever-classy Audrey Hepburn pictures and art works. They have this delicous yummy candles lit throughout the whole salon. Oh, and they even go as far as using ACTUAL HAND TOWELS in the restroom, and nicely rolled up, of course.
Checking-in: The front desk check-in is friendly, and didn't look at me twice when I gave them my coupon from one of those discount deal websites. They asked me to change into a robe, and then took my drink order after I sat down.
Christy, the colorist: I came in half-an-hour early for my appointment, and my colorist Christy was able to see me right away. She introduced herself and greeted me nicely with a hand shake. I showed her a picture of what I wanted, and she told me how much she could realistically lighten to my very dark Asian hair. It was my first time here, so honestly, I got a little nervous because I was afraid the colors would come out too dark (happened before in a previous salon). But I decided to trust her anyway since we won't know for sure until we try, right? Balayage highlight technically uses a "foil-free and painted on" method, but she told me she's concerned the dye might dry out before it can reach the ideal shade for lighteniing my very dark hair, so she asked me if it's okay if she uses the foil. For me, as long as the colors look great, she could wrap bacon around my hair for all I care (I told her okay, and managed to save that last comment just for you, my dear fellow Yelpers). She worked quickly and quietly while I emerged myself in magazines and the current top 40 hits in the background. After she was done putting the color in my hair, I was asked to wait for some 15-20 minutes. She came to check on me once, and told me to wait for another few minutes before Mie, my blowdry stylist, came to fetch me for a rinse. It was a little unsettling that Christy didn't check on my hair one last time right before the rinse, but I kept my benefit of doubt anyway.
Mie, shampoo and blowdry: Mie introduced herself, and ask me to follow her to the washing station. She made sure I was comfortable with both of my neck and water temperature. The water pressure was nice and strong, and the temperature stayed nice and consistent throughout (definitely not like your typical NYC apartment shower). After a quick rinse, Christy checked on my hair, and asked Mie to put some toner and glaze on my hair. Mie asked me to wait for 10 minutes, and came back to rinse everything off. After a brief discussion of how I wanted my blowdry (wavy on the bottom, overall volume), Mie started to blowdry my hair. She was friendly, and we had a nice conversion (even though it can be hard to hear each other with the loud blowdryer right next to us).
The Result: My hair was styled to perfection by Mie, and the color came out waaaaay better than what I had expected. Christine came to check on it, and told me I can get the result I want from the pictures with future coloring session to layer with my current color. It may not look like the picture 100%, but I thought my hair actually looked better than any of the pictures I showed her in the beginning. Mie's blowdry stayed strong throughout the day (after wearing winter jacket hoodie over it constantly), and even after a night of sleep! Be sure to check out the photos. This salon is a gem!
Update: Mie's blowdry lasted 5 days for me! read more