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[title]RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hair salons in NYC
LaVar Hair Designs
You might recognize LaVar from the We television show Hair Trauma, a reality series that featured the bickering between owner-slash-celebrity-stylist Ellin LaVar and her two siblings. Although the show’s been canceled (after three years), there’s still plenty of drama, but it typically goes unnoticed by the clients who keep coming back for top-notch treatments. High-end weaves and extensions start at about $500 and are executed in private rooms. The main room is the grounds for shampooing ($55), styling ($60) and more. Keep your eyes peeled, celebrities such as Beyonc, Naomi Campbell and Whitney Houston have been spotted in LaVar chairs. 134 W 72nd St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves (212-724-4492, lavarhairdesigns.com)
Shasha Lee Exclusive
Wanna be treated like a star while getting your hair done? Try this Noho boutique where you can get the same treatment as celebrity clients like Janet Jackson and Nicole Richie. When scheduling an appointment, the receptionist will question you on your favorite drinks and foods so that they can be on hand—or ready to order from nearby restaurants—during your session. When you arrive, you’ll shed your clothes for a cashmere kimono and swap your pumps for a pair of furry pink slippers. And if you choose the most popular service, the steamer (from $35), technicians will create a special scalp-and-hair-cocktail specificallytailored to your needs. Extensions, which start at $100, are another popular treatment. 636 Broadway between Bleecker and W Houston Sts (877-647-7533, shashalee.com)
Wellington Hair Spa
Founder and owner Patrick Wellington worked at world-renowned John Atchison Hair Salon before opening his own space. Stop in for standard maintenance, extensions (from $300) or a KeraCare moisturizing treatment ($30). His clients rave about his professionalism and true understanding of natural African-American hair, and he has been recognized in Essence and on Ricki Lake. 119 W 23rd St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-206-7962, wellingtonhairspa.net)
Ebony Styles Beauty Salon
Jamaica-born owner Mena McNeil has been in business for more than 15 years. Customers come back for, in addition to McNeil’s stellar hair skills, the super-friendly service. (Seriously, the staff couldn’t be any nicer if they tried.) This spacious, clean and airy salon specializes in relaxer treatments ($70 and up) and extensions (from $200). The ah-inducing services and good company will give you that much-needed pick-you-up any bad day of the week. 707 Lexington Ave between 57th and 58th Sts (212-317-8488, ebonystylesbeautysalon.com)
Khamit Kinks
This Brooklyn salon is the place for any type of twists, weaves, locs or braids. Not only have founder Anu Prestonia and crew mastered the standard styles, the team is known for creating new styles such as Casamas Braids, Senegalese Twists, Trini Braids and more. That’s why celebrity clients such as Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey and Queen Latifah can’t stay away. Join them in the ranks of fabulous hair, and treat yourself to loc grooming ($90), braids (starting at $275) or a weave (starting at $300). 327 Gold St between Flatbush Ave Ext and Johnson St, Downtown Brooklyn (718-422-2600, khamitkinks.com)