Moved to CT and needed to find a good salon, and I was super happy to have found Richard Penna! The location has three businesses - La Moda, Richard Penna Salon and Esthethique. Back to the salon...I was assigned to Tito who is phenomenal because he is wicked patient, listens and understands what I am looking for. My hair has been through all the things...bleached, chopped, dyed etc and honestly this salon saved my hair. They also have Oribe products. Everyone is so nice and welcoming, and I have been a customer for a few years now. I'd highly recommend!! read more

Richard Penna Salon - Winter cut. - Hair Salons Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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Fantastic in every way.i will be going back again .I loved the quaint but upscale salon

Richard is a great hair stylist and I always like all the cuts I've had over the years. He is also personable and fun to be with!!

It is NOT what is used to be. For the amount of money they charge the service is AWFUL!! Everyone is on their phones. What happened to customer service. read more

I have been getting my hair cut here for over 8 years. After moving out of CT, I still make the 2.5 hour trek back to Rose every 6 to 8 weeks for some of her magic. The prices are more than reasonable for the service and my hair ALWAYS is healthy. I've tried other stylists who make you look like a celebrity ... that day ... and your hair pays for it over time. I want someone who is in it for the long haul and is interested in keeping my locks healthy and gorgeous no matter what my age and Rose comes through in spades! I would DEFINITELY recommend this salon to friends and family. IT IS WORTH THE DRIVE. I am unsure why Yelp shows me in CA??? (not sure I'd drive from CA - sorry, Rose - lol) I am actually in Rhode Island. read more

Been a client at Richards for over 20 + years, h it was time I did a review,starting with the fantastic gals (Lori) and others at the desk to the gals that wash your hair, it doesn't get any better. The stylist are fabulous, their knowledge of color, cuts, etc are beyond, and they do what ever it takes to make you happy, you come out of this salon looking great. I would highly recommend Richard Penna's to anyone looking for the absolute best. Sheri Stalsburg read more

I can't believe no one has reviewed Richard Penna Salon! I've been going here since 2002 and as long as I live in Connecticut, no matter how far away from the salon.... I will always go here. This place is a tight run operation...it is very, very busy.....but run very smoothly. With 13 stylists, 3 colorists, an extension specialist, 5 nail techs, 3 esthetecians and 4 make-up artists.....they have to be on top of things. For everyone that has ever said "If only I could get a great cut....." this is the place. The stylists are creative geniuses. If you go there with an idea, they will tell you if it's too much of a fad or if it doesn't work with your face and whatnot. They have tremendous pride in their work and it shows. When I go, I first sit down with Sharon, my colorist and we decide what I'd like to have done this time around. I process, high/lo lights and all, and while I wait, I am asked if I want coffee, tea, water a magazine. Sharon is a true artist when it comes to color. I've never been less than amazed with her color choices, my hair always comes out with dimension, and beauty. After, I get shampooed and an assistant takes me over to Billy, my stylist. Billy is wonderful! When I started going to him my hair was at the small of my back, and through various appointments, I've never been afraid to let him be creative..... as creative as sweeping my shoulders and it looked great. He always gives me pointers on how to do my hair if I'm going out to a club or how to wear it professionally to work, or a cute ponytail.... All in all, this is a 5 star salon/ day spa.... if you can get in. Generally if you have a semi flexible schedule, they can fit you in within 2 months. **Richard Penna himself is a stylist at this salon but appointments are very hard to come by. He has had 2 Emmy nominations for his stylist work on daytime television. He as also done the work of various celebrities to include Diane Sawyer, Tony Bennett, President & Mrs. Carter, Michael Bolton...etc. **Another cool thing about Richard Penna is he is very big into giving back to the community and cancer research. He works with wigs and hair pieces to help women get through a hard time in their life....it's very inspiring. read more

Richard. Knows. Hair. The greatest haircuts I have ever had have all come from Richard or Rose. I have moved away from CT, but whenever I come back to visit family, I try to make an appointment with either of them. I always get compliments left and right after visiting Richard Penna, and the cut always grows out beautifully. And yes, Richard has won awards and styled celebrities, etc. His cuts are pricier, being the salon owner, but if you can score an appointment with him, take it! It's so worth it. He can recommend a style that makes the most of your hair, your face shape, etc. He will take your hair where it has never been before. Rose is also awesome. She's up on trends, can recommend a style for you if you have no idea what to do, is a good listener, and cares about her customers. As for colorists, I've only been to Sharon. She's the best. Yes, it is very busy there... but for good reason! AMAZING HAIRCUTS! The front desk ladies are used to the hustle and bustle and are very organized; I've never had a problem with them. I've even ordered gift certificates for my mom by phone and they've mailed them out to me so I can surprise her with them. Bottom line: best salon in CT. Make an appointment stat! read more

Good customer service is hard to come by these days. Worth every penny for every haircut.... I personally see Taylor or Danielle S. Who both have done a fabulous job. The personalities in this place are beautiful, everyone makes an effort to know your name. Truly a wonderful place to come and have a spa day. read more

I have been going to the Richard Penna Salon for many years. Richard is a master stylist. I always walk out feeling beautiful. Sharon does my hair color. Wherever I go I receive compliments on my hair. read more

LOVE Richard Penna, the owner and stylist. He is professional, classy and does a great job. HATE the salon. It is unbelievably tacky: grocery store quality music blaring, gaudy jewelry draped everywhere and TV screens plastered on just about every wall, like a sports bar. Who wants to watch CNN when you're in a spa? Which brings me to their "spa." Today I had, without question, the worst waxing I've ever had - and we're talking about a span of over 35 years. The worst: incompetent, unsanitary, painful. I should have known something was up when I walked in to a room the size of a closet. It was so small the person had me drape my legs over the end of the table so that she could move. I hung there, literally, for about 30 minutes until my back couldn't take it any longer. This person wore big bracelets while doing a bikini wax, re-used the same stick, didn't wash her hands before and after, and the table as well as my body were "protected" by a thin strip of paper that wadded up and stuck to all the wax left on my legs whenever I shifted position. Which brings me to painful. During my bikini wax I told the woman that the wax was too hot. So! The very next strip is even hotter, burning, shall we say, a very sensitive area. I think if you want a place that caters to the older, bleached blond bouffant, lacquered-fingernails-like-daggers set, this is it. If you want something calm, clean, professional and post-1970s, you might want to go somewhere else. So sorry to write this, because Richard Penna really is great. read more

I would never go to this place again. I've never had water fall all over me when getting my hair washed but at this place I was drenched. Then, I paid $40 for someone to blow dry my hair and it was horrible. She left my hair wet under the top layer and there were no waves or anything like they usually do with a big round brush. I could have done it myself!! She rushed my hair and then left for the day. It was unbelievable. I feel like they try to be high end but don't come close to the quality. Just the price. My friend got her hair dyed and she still had strands of white hair and the white hair was dyed light brown while the rest of her hair was dark brown so it definitely stood out. The lady did not match her color correctly. Her scalp and forehead were dyed also and they didn't clean it off well at all. So embarrassing. read more

I too am a big fan of this salon! I'm a natural redhead - though it's more strawberry blonde as I've gotten older. Anyway, I wanted a great cut and a stronger red color, and I did not want someone touching my hair who didn't know what they were doing. I decided to try this salon and was not disappointed. Sharon is an AWESOME colorist! I highly recommend her. Even after I tried a different colorist that was closer to my home and yes, a bit less expensive - boy, was I sorry! I immediately called Sharon who turned a hair color nightmare into a beautiful color. She is fantastic. I see her husband, Robert, for my cuts. He is sweet and listens to what you ask for with your style, but also makes great suggestions. This place is pricey, but it is worth the results, I assure you. read more

I came to this salon during a very sensitive time in need of their wig services and was so touched by the kindness that the staff gave me.

Not the place to go if you like friendly service. Very OVERPRICED. Yes you will get a decent haircut, however nothing worth the money you will pay. Your paying for the glitz and the flowers in the salon. Went there for years. Got tired of all the waiting and the attitude of the people that work there. The stylists really think that are all "THAT". Save your money, there are lots of better places. read more

I have nothing but the greatest respect for Richard, and his staff - from the front desk to the staff that washes hair and preps, to the incredibly gifted stylists.. In spite of how busy they all are - they always manage to make you feel welcome. I would feel lucky to work any of them.Just watching the work they do. People walk out of there looking beautiful. I have worked closest with Richard, Billy, Diane and just recently Rose. Can't say enough about them. And , it goes beyond their talent, (which by the way, is really that good.). After a recent medical challenge I found myself in a very unknown territory..Richard and Rose you guys on such short notice got me in and I left feeling not only better but really pretty again. The spa is also wonderful. Again warm and friendly- My experience with Rosemary was just wonderful. She has such a wonderful gentle energy about her. It translates to her work .I had the most amazing relaxing facial. Can't wait to do it again. And she is awesome with nails. Somehow, they all manage to balance the challenges of a very busy and successful salon, with making you feel like when it's your time their focus is on you. Highly recommend.... M read more

When you give someone 5 stars Yelp adds "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" All I can say it that's an understatement when it comes to Richard. I began using Richard over 25 years ago and have never been to anyone else since; aside from doing magic with scissors he is without question one of the warmest, nicest, kindest people I've ever known. If a great cut is what you're looking for, suited to your face, done with care then look no further. read more

This is by far the best hair salon in Connecticut. I currently live in DC and anytime I am home I always come here. I have been a client for at least 10 years and my mother has been for about 20. you can never go wrong with any of the stylists at Richard Penna. Richard himself is hard to book with, I have never had him because I am in love with my current stylist. But he is very friendly and always has the time to talk to you and compliment your look. A very friendly and busy place. Book in advance! you wont be disappointed. read more

I am new to the salon, having been going to a salon in NYC. Michael cut my hair - and it looks great! Plus, the prices are much more reasonable that Manhatten. read more

About every six months I fly East from Seattle to have Richard cut my hair. Extravagant? Perhaps, but 100% worth it. His cuts are so good the hair pattern continues to look "intentional" for many months after. This is because Richard (and probably others at the salon too, whom I haven't tried) studies the face shape, hair heft, head shape, follicle directions, so many factors they'd be impossible to list here, before making a plan and executing it brilliantly. Of course I'd love to find someone closer than 3,000 miles away to do my hair. I just haven't been able to! Can't wait for my next visit. read more

Billy is my hairdresser and he is the best! My hair always comes out looking great. I went from having my hair done at a place that was doing a pretty poor job to someone who does great work. Great atmosphere and everyone is very accommodating. There is a nail and spray tan salon attached as well. read more

This is quite the hair-dressing machine. And I do mean machine. You walk in, 3 people behind the desk are talking to 7 customers. Eventually you get your turn and sit down for an appointment. Your hairdresser chats with you--mine did for about 3 minutes during which she informed me that "you wouldn't like" the shorter hair length I was asking for--despite me telling her I had worn my hair that length for 5 years--then they send you off to the scrub factory to have your hair washed. What an unpleasant experience--I felt like the woman was scrubbing a filty floor--doused my hair with shampoo and then acted bored as she SCRUBBED far too vigorously for probably 5 minutes--I have thin hair and was seriously concerned she'd damage it, not to mention that having someone pound away on your head is uncomfortable. (I wash my hair daily so it's not like it was filthy and needing extra work.) Then back to the hairdresser for an unremarkable hair cut. The upside? I didn't like the haircut but at least it wasn't so bad that I had to have it recut immediately by someone else. read more

I went here based on the other two reviews to get a cut and highlight. The cut was great, however she turned my hair orange. This was the fastest I have ever got my hair highlighted and she didn't leave the foils on long enough and parts of my hair were orange. I started crying basically. She first tried to pretend it wasn't orange, but then another stylist came over and was like owwww. So she game me some purple shampoo and told me to use it for a few weeks and it should help get the "bronze" color out. And if I still wasn't happy I could come back and she would fix it. I paid $210 dollars for a cut and color and my hair was orange. I would never go back there or let her "fix" my hair. Some 40+ yr old stylist think she is so good she can do highlights in 20 minutes and turns my hair orange. Sloppy unprofessional work. With so many salons out there today I would not choose to go back here ever or would I recommend it. Beware of orange hair!!!! read more

This is the first review I have ever written in my life. I am writing it because it matters how you treat people. Having had wonderful haircuts with Richard years ago, I decided to return despite a greater distance from my house. This time I received a fantastic cut and color by Rose. The cut was so great that I decided to book appointments for my two daughters. Not knowing much about the stylists, my 11 year old daughter was booked with Diane. Right from the start, Diane was rude, condescending and unprofessional. She actually rolled her eyes and sighed when my daughter stated that she wanted a trim, and she acted annoyed during the whole experience. She then spent 10-15 minutes giving the worst cut my daughter has ever had, did not even dry her hair and did not speak to her except to tell her to go when she was done. As soon as she finished, she rushed past us to leave, without acknowledging either one of us. My daughter's hair looked exactly the same, and did not even look trimmed at all, yet wet and messy. All this for $60, which I wouldn't have minded had we received the quality of service and respect I received from Rose. For my daughter's next cut, I took her to CostCutters, which I had never done before. We usually frequent high end salons. However, I figured it couldn't possibly be worse, even if my daughter cut it herself. There she received a much superior cut and was treated kindly for $15. This person should not accept children if she feels it's beneath her. If I was writing this review based on my experience with Rose, I would have rated this salon five stars. It's too bad that three customers were lost for years to come, due to one person's lack of professionalism. It's also too bad because I really liked Rose. However, to teach my daughter that I don't support anyone treating her like dirt, that she should expect be treated respectfully and she has a choice as a consumer, I will be spending my money elsewhere. read more