I can't even begin to tell you how great Ben is. He was so flexible and was able to scoot up my reservation by chance which worked out perfectly. He's always booked and busy and when you go to him, you can see why. He really allows hair to be his masterpiece. I always let stylists know that aside from thinning, my hair is fair game for them to do whatever is best and Ben did not disappoint. I found my new haircut spot and I'm so thankful for his services. He truly is an artist. If you're looking for a perfect place to cut and style your hair and then grab a bomb ass donut from doughnut plant a few doors down, then this is your place. Donuts and gorgeous hair, what more can you ask for read more

Ben gave an excellent cut, was efficient and very focused on the details. I would absolutely recommend him.

I booked this appointment on Lifebooker TWO weeks in advance, well aware of the 24+ hour cancellation policy (read: if I cancel less than 24 hours in advance I get charged between 50-100% of the cost). Fast forward to right now, I am already ON MY WAY into the appointment when I get an automated call that the appointment has been "cancelled by the provider". Ben did NOT reach out in person (and didn't answer at first when I called him), although he cancelled less than 45 minutes before the start of my appointment. I called him and he simply said "something urgent came up". I would at least expect a call from him in person in that case, especially within an HOUR of the appointment. I was so excited, saved up money, and took the day to get this done and now I have nothing to show for it. So so so frustrating. read more

Came here for the wash + cut Groupon, had a pretty mediocre experience. Was there midweek + midday, was a pretty empty place -- yet I still felt rushed the entire time I was there. He asked what I was there for, I said I got the groupon, he said okay you go for wash and I said 'yes and straighten after?' to which he said 'okay'. I got the 5 minute wash and 'condition', and then sat back in the chair. He believed that when I said 'straighten' that that's all I wanted, pin straight awful hair, and didn't ask once for any sort of style. He said he was going to dry before cutting, so I figured he would dry the hair and then cut/find out what kind of style I wanted. Instead he straightened my hair with a flat brush which of course left me with incredibly frizzy hair. When I said that I didn't want completely straight hair he said he'd have to charge extra to use curling iron. He also didn't offer to put any product in my hair so the moment I stepped outside to the heat + humidity, my hair looked like a rats nest. Was not worth the price at all and I will not be returning. Edit: And to the owner, I've been nothing but honest in my review. Your response was incredibly rude, but unsurprising from my experience. read more

I can attest that all previous reviews are truths. If I lived in NYC, Ben would be my hairstylist hands down I would not see anyone else. I needed a cut and partial highlights and needed to be in and out within 2 hours to catch a plane. Not only did Ben schedule me in for the next day (apparently if I had told him it was an emergency he would have seen me the same day I called), his time management was so on point. If I had all day, I would have liked to spend more time with Ben because he's so meticulous and educational. Ben gives his opinion whenever is needed and explains to you when you hair just can't do what you want it to do. I got a hair cut that was what I wanted but only as far as my hair could accommodate if that makes any sense. He also recommended me a product and told me to go buy it on amazon cos it's was the cheapest there LOL! read more

Ben was patient and listened to the style I was looking for. He then shared some suggestions about which style would look good on me. After 1 hour, I came out with a modern and clean hairstyle. As a first time customer I got a Groupon but his full price rate is reasonable as well. read more

I found Ben through Groupon, but will definitely be going back even without one. Ben gave awesome advice on how to best work with my hair, plus the best haircut I've had in years!! Highly recommended! read more

I was glad with my haircut and layers! Ben was absolutely kind and listened to what I really wanted. Although the final result wasn't exactly what I was looking for, I can see that he has good technique. read more

Ben is excellent and I couldn't be happier with my new cut. I highly recommend visiting him - I definitely have found my new spot!

Today I had my third haircut with Ben, and he never disappoints. I have very long hair and when I ask him to only cut 3-4 inches, he doesn't try to convince me to cut more, as other stylists often do. I also have bangs, and it's easy to ruin the whole look of a haircut if the bangs are wrong, and Ben is extremely careful to get them perfect. He blowdrys my hair perfectly and it makes it very shiny. I highly recommend Ben. He is very sweet, very polite, and very professional. read more

Was going to book the Groupon but he said he would charge me the same amount as the Groupon thankfully. He has very gentle hands and listens to what you want. He didnt go away from what I wanted and kept making sure I was comfortable. Keep up the good work. read more

Ben did an amazing job and was a pleasure to work with! I was looking for a new hairdresser that was close to my new job (old hairdresser was great but now an hour away) and found Ben via Yelp, which was pretty risky. But there was a Groupon so I thought, what the hell I'll take the risk. I am so glad I did! My hair has seriously never looked this good. I got highlights and a haircut. My highlights look amazing, and Ben matched the style that I've had for a while perfectly, just with a glance at a few photos. And the cut is possibly the best cut of my life, shorter than I would have asked for but gives my fine, thin hair so much life! Plus he was concentrating on my hair, which allowed me to read while getting highlights, and was really friendly and polite and gave me great tips about products to use and how to take better care of my hair. The only reason I'm hesitant to give this review is because it's a small salon so it feels like I'm giving away a great secret. read more

Ben is fast but I didn't feel rushed. Great cut. Will come back.

Came to Ben on a Groupon for a wash, condition, cut and blowdry/style and Ben was great. He cut my hair so it was healthy and made suggestions while also asking me permission first - he wasn't going to force me to cut more than I wanted even though I really needed over an inch off since I had a lot of split ends. Ben also recommended some hair care, products and was very careful and diligent while cutting. Made sure to measure constantly, eyeball length, etc. I plan on coming back for a balayage/ombre for summer! read more

Ben is extremely meticulous at his craft. He has great energy, is completely relaxed and incredibly accommodating. He makes sure you are content with the outcome and it is evident he loves what he does. Yes.. it took a few tries to get in but he has a limited schedule and fills up fast clearly because he is amazing. Totally worth the wait and the return. read more

Best haircut I ever got! I love it! Ben was amazing he is a completely a gentleman. He asks all the questions takes your life an routine into consideration! Go to him you definitely will not regret it! read more

I originally called Ben before i bought the groupon to see if he was available that day. However he was all booked so i didn't buy the groupon. However, he texted me back to let me know he had an opening and he said I didn't have to purchase the groupon and that he would give me the same rate. Ben was amazing! I was nervous about getting a haircut but he talked me through the whole process to reassure me. I totally recommend Ben! read more

Very easy to communicate with, efficient, great price and knows how to cut Asian hair properly!!! Will def be coming back A+++

1 year later, still 5 stars. I have never had such a compassionate and attentive hairdresser. Ben has helped me go blonde, purple, and now gray. Still giving me the best haircuts I could ask for. Still incredibly personable. read more

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Ben is very gentle and knows what he does. Very cautious on what I am looking for and always make sure I am fully satisfied with my highlights and haircut. You are the best! Thanks Ben! read more

I did not lie about our interaction and I was not 25 minites late....I was 15 minutes late and you were the one who changed my original appointment from 11am to 11:15am the night before. There was no conversation about wash and conditioning because you told me to have a seat once I walked in and you telling me that it would have to be fast because you had another appointment. So the only person lying here is you. And no you won't see me after covid-19 because I only do business with true professionals. read more

Ben is great! Super friendly guy; always in a good mood. I've been going to him for 7 years. Even though I don't work in Chelsea anymore, I still travel down there because he's the rare stylist who knows how to cut my hair. My hair is super straight, and if it's not cut correctly it can look like someone hacked at it with a machete (and yes, I've definitely had a few of those cuts before I started going to Ben). He always explains to me exactly how he is cutting my hair, and why he's doing it that way. He also asks me if I want the same thing or want to try something different. Very knowledgeable. When I need an appointment, I just text him, and he gets back to me instantly, and is always willing to accommodate my schedule. Easy breezy. I would definitely recommend. read more

I love Ben! He's the only one I let cut my hair in NYC :) talented, a good listener, and super friendly!

I was very nervous about using a salon I didn't know anything about but Ben put me at ease as soon as I walked in. He had great advice about the highlights I wanted and I'm shocked at how well it came out. He was very sweet and I will definitely be going back! read more

Ben was simply amazing. I went in there hoping to find a hairstylist to contain my ridiculously frizzy hair. Not only did Ben take the time to listen to my concerns and explore my hair, he looked at the shape of my head, asked about my daily habits, and together he and I came up with a plan to tame my unruly frizzy hair. I've definitely found a stylist for me, and I will be going back. He offered a lot of really good advice and tips and tricks for keeping this thing tamed, and he didn't try to upsell me on any products or anything. I asked him when I should go back, because I've had a lot of stylists tell me that I MUST come back in three weeks or three months, but Ben simply said, "come back when you need to." Hooray! read more

The appointment was slightly unconventional. I have a unique color as the result of multiple different colorings in the past. I was a first time customer from Lifebooker so it took us a while to figure out how to match my current color. At one point, Ben even suggested I go buy the toner I normally use down the street instead of using his own. This confused me at the beginning but the great thing about Ben is that he was very kind and patient and willing to work with the plan/outcome until I was happy. I especially liked the cut, which he did dry. And I never felt like he was rushing my appointment to work with anyone else. Overall, it was a unique experience but I am very happy with the end result, especially being that it was at a discounted price. Also, as a side note, know that you may be looking for a salon with a different name than Studio@Ben on the outside. read more

I found Ben through a LifeBooker deal. I showed him a couple of photos (of Taylor Swift and Jane Birkin, because I'm hair-ambitious and a bit delusional), and he was able to perfectly emulate their style in a way that really flattered my face shape. I was pleased by how pleasant and friendly he was, and how he worked quickly and efficiently, but still took all the time necessary to blow-out my tediously thick hair. It's been a couple of months, and my cut still looks great! Would definitely recommend. read more

Ben is a master. He chopped of my hair in 20 minutes and I left the salon looking like a diva.

Ben is absolutely FANTASTIC! Originally I was going to buy it through Groupon, but I figured they receive such a low percentage I'll just call instead. He moved to a new location (249 W 23rd St) and they were so welcoming. . I've never had a hairstylist who taught me so much about my own hair! I'm pretty low maintenance with my hair so he walked me through each step. Most stylist would recommend you to come back within a few months or so, but when I asked Ben he said, "Whenever you don't feel beautiful, come back and we'll make you feel beautiful again." Such a kind-heart gentleman. I will always come back here! read more

This was one of the best haircut experiences I have had in NY. Found Ben through life booker and let me tell you, this deal is worthy of a $100-150 experience at any salon in the city and I've tried a lot of them. Ben was super accommodating and knowledgable. I brought with me some pics and he carefully reviewed them, looked at my hair and suggested a length modification based on the texture of my hair. This was a cascade bob haircut and he worked on it for almost an hour and achieved a great result. On top of all that he was extremely polite and friendly. I am super satisfied and will be coming back. read more

I've been to many different hair stylists in the city, and I've never had a more detail oriented, meticulous, relaxing and personable experience than with Ben. He began with shampooing and conditioning my hair and left them oh so very soft. He listened carefully to what I wanted and even took the time to reduce the length in stages so I could see the desired result, and decide whether wanted it to be shorter. He spend an additional half an hour on blow drying and styling, not rushing for even a second. At the end of my appointment, I came out extremely happy and satisfied. Definitely going back! read more

Ben is Amazing!!!!! After losing my former hair dresser, because she moved out of state, i have been in search for a new one. I have had so many bad hair cuts!! I have very very straight fine hair, but a lot of it. Ben sat down with me asked me what i wanted, looked at my hair told me what would work for me and my hair. He explained everything he was doing and putting in my hair. I have NEVER been happier with a haircut. i will never go to anyone else. read more

I desperately needed a new cut and I found Ben on yelp and all the reviews and ratings were true. He was great! I went in with a couple photos and he was able to give me the cut that I wanted that looked best for my face shape and hair texture. Ben knows what he's doing! read more

I wanted to know the price for coloring my hair before I make an appointment since I have very long hair, so I sent a text message to the number. The person replied asked me whether I have heavy hair or not, I wasn't too not sure the "heavy hair" mean so I replied to him "I have lots of hair I guess". He then replied me that "he doesn't do long and lots of hair because it takes too long and will be too expensive". How the heck do the stylists tell such a thing to customers? I am surprised at the moment but after I saw the reviews of the place in yelp, it kinda makes sense. People who have long and lots of hair, avoid this place. read more

Ben was amazing! He's sweet and thorough. I just moved to NYC and am glad I found him. He gave me exactly what I wanted and I didn't even know it at first!! Definitely recommend. read more

I have been going to a Salon on LI for over 12 years with the same person. My hair is curly thick and long so in terms of "hair styles" there isn't too much for me to ever do other than some layers in front and trims. I am very set in my ways and resistant to change but my friend kept telling me to try lifebooker after all "it's just a haircut" So i found a deal for Ben and after reading the reviews on Yelp which were very positive I decided to buy the lifebooker. The number listed is his cell so the first time I called I was a bit confused in terms of making the arrangements because he asked me for time but didn't take my name or number. I was like Okkkkkk hahaha but then I ended up calling back twice after to see if I could get in sooner since there had been a change in my schedule and Ben gave me a new time. The building is nondescript with a simple printed sign in the front that says "249" I realized it's not really a "salon" it's a place where different hair stylists see clients and probably pay the owner of space a fee. There is no receptionist etc etc. That doesn't really exist on LI so once I realized that I think it made me relax a bit because I was quite anxious to go to a new person/place. It's a decent space but you won't be getting the whole "salon experience" which honestly for price was fine. He washed my hair it was a little crowded in that area at the moment but not uncomfortably so. I had given him a rundown of what I wanted which was to trim, give me layers and add some movement and lightness back to my hair. It was just so long and so thick it was totally weighed down and gross but i do love a long length so i asked him to keep that in mind. He asked me if I wanted him to take out some of the thickness and I said sure, to which he said ok then i am going to dry you first. Which was new to me. I have never had a haircut after the blowout. He worked quietly and seamlessly only commenting on how strong my hair was and tough to dry. Welcome to my life Ben! As he finished drying he whipped out a belt of scissors and began thinning out my hair like a wizard - he was so methodical and focused I had never seen anything like it. I asked why he didn't use a razor or shearling scissors like my reg hairdresser does and he explained to me that it's not the right technique and people who use those two options don't really know the proper technique to thin out hair. And it's true I stopped letting my reg guy do it cause he was absolutely horrendous at it. He also said the reason why he dried it first was because he can't feel the thickness of the hair as he is thinning it if its not dry. And that alone blew my mind cause it's such a simple concept and at that moment I finally realized how incompetent my hairdresser has been all these years. Sometimes being loyal doesn't work to my advantage. I saw him thinning away and trimming ends but he moved so fast and seamlessly it also looked like he wasnt doing much. But i had decided i wanted a follow up color appointment. So I asked him if he does color as well and he goes "i was going to tell you about it after - cause I want to focus and concentrate on your hair and make sure it is even." I literally almost fainted. He won me over in that moment for real. So he finished up and said ok now run your fingers thru your hair ... the length looked only slightly shorter and my hair looked full of volume like it always does but I swear it felt like half of my thickness just vanished. and then i looked down and saw all the hair! I have never experienced anything like that. I did think to myself i do wish i had a few more layers more for a visual effect rather than the lightness and movement which I got back as soon as he was done with the cut. I don't know if he is a mind reader but he said - "I held back on the layers because i want to get to know your hair and didn't know what was enough/too much so I can add more next time" To which I simply replied can I make an appointment for color ASAP! hahaha So I am seeing him in a couple of days again for color and will prob ask about Keratin too. There is a good chance I am never going back to my LI hairdresser and that I am sticking with Ben. I really really recommend him for haircut but I am confident he will be just as great for color! You can't beat his expertise for that price! Thank you Ben!! read more

I've been looking for a new stylist since my previous one left NY so I purchased a Groupon for a cut and partial highlights with Ben. Ben had his work cut out for him as I have died black hair and I know how difficult it is to lift the color from a box dye job. I was looking for something subtle and sexy and he definitely delivered. The red highlights are soft and perfectly placed. He also gave me a very flattering cut and really listened to what I wanted and knew exactly how to work with my fine, wavy hair. I think I've found my new stylist. Thanks Ben!! read more

I have been going to Ben for over a year now and I am beyond lucky and thrilled to have found him. I have gone to over 15 hair stylists in my lifetime and finally settled with Ben. He is amazing, detail oriented, knows what looks right, a perfectionist, not too overbearing - perfect. Every time I go I am ecstatic with my hair. Highlights, toner, cut. He does exactly what I want, takes his time, and does beautiful work. Thank you, ben! You're amazing! read more

First time getting a haircut with Ben and had a great experience! I'm the type to always avoid haircuts because I'm almost always never satisfied with the cut. Ben was quick to understand what I wanted and explained what he was going to do while providing great tips on what products are good for my hair and how I could take care of my hair better. He has a lot of experience and great knowledge! Extremely liked that he didn't hard sell me on anything. Normally other places would start off with saying my hair was unhealthy and needed all sorts of treatments. He is also quick to respond via text. The overall experience was very interactive so it felt like the time just flew by. Already looking forward to going back for my next haircut! Tips: have photos of what hairstyle you want, he shares a salon space with others (at first I thought I was at the wrong place), make sure to ask him for advice, he seems to be more flexible on weekends, he speaks cantonese! read more

I'm tempted to keep Ben a secret, because he is a real treasure. He deserves all the praise he is getting. Not only did I get a great cut, but Ben matched my color exactly. He told me he didn't just want to make me look good, he wanted to make me look gorgeous. He is meticulous but not slow, and a very kind person. I am thrilled with the results and will definitely go back to him. read more