Let’s face it: Not all salons are created equal. I used to go to salons frequently as a child, getting everything from a classic blowout to a relaxer. But once I started by curly hair journey, I learned there’s an art to perfecting the best shape, curl definition and style. Whether you're just starting your natural hair journey or you're already a seasoned pro, finding a salon that caters to your specific mane is a must. The specialists at these salons are also trained to teach you how to take care of your curls once you get back home. From Ouidad to Rezo Haircare, here are 21 curly hair salons in NYC to visit for your next wash, trim or color.
The 21 Best Curly Hair Salons in NYC
A list to care for your crown
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Published Apr 15, 2024
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What Are the Benefits of Going to a Curly Hair Salon?
While many salons say they work with all hair types, that's not actually the case most of the time (trust me, I've had way too many mishaps). The curly hair salons on this list are dedicated to your curls and coils. As such, they follow specific techniques to cut (hello, curly cut), color (like clouding) and style these hair types. As mentioned, these trained stylists also take the time to teach you how to perfect your routine at home, and help you figure out which curly hair products you should buy from your local beauty store.
What started as a small salon in the ’70s has since expanded into a national hair care brand with two flagship stores in the city. When curly clients enter “The House of Bumble,” they feel as though they’ve walked into a chic department store-café fusion. From trendy cuts to meticulous styling, guests will leave with a greater appreciation for their mane after leaving the salon.
Fast Facts
- Location: Meatpacking, Midtown East
- Price Range: $85 to $460+
2. Hair Rules
Celebrity hairstylist Dickey has been called the “texture guru” by celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna and even former First Lady Michelle Obama. He started his career with a product line and a handbook to understand natural hair before opening a salon of his own in 2003. Hair Rules stylists are there to focus on your individual needs and specific texture. As their site states, "Our number goal is for you to leave Hair Rules feeling confident about your texture so you see it the way we do: a crown to take pride in."
Fast Facts
- Location: 828 9th Avenue, Suite 1, New York, NY 10019
- Price Range: $50 to $3000
3. Ouidad Salon
This popular hair care brand also has multiple salons across the country. The flagship salon in Midtown is known for reforming your curls using a signature Carving and Slicing technique—a trademarked method of cutting wet curls at an angle, preventing that triangle-hair look—and offers multiple hair treatments (like the Triple Threat Hydrating Treatment) to boost moisture, reduce frizz and strengthen locks. They even hold a training academy for aspiring hairstylists at the same location.
Fast Facts
- Location: 9 East 19th Street, New York, NY 10003
- Price Range: $70 to $505+
Creator Carolina Contreras, aka Miss Rizos, started a movement to educate and bring awareness to Afro-curly hair in Latin America and the Caribbean. It sparked demand within the community and the opening of her first salon in the Dominican Republic back in 2014. The salon's popularity led to the opening of a second salon in NYC. Although the salon excels at providing the staples in curly hair care (i.e., wash and go, finger coils and trims), it’s the extra time stylists take to educate clients on best practices to keep their curls looking and feeling healthy that really makes it a great place to visit.
I started my curly hair journey in 2015, however, I didn't enter my first curly hair salon until 2021. Miss Rizos Salon was the first time I got to see a stylist who specialized in my hair type and texture. The experience was very eye-opening as my stylist walked me through every step. And to see that most the products used were BIPOC-owned was a nice bonus. Overall, the service was so helpful—plus, the results were 10/10. I've never seen my hair look so healthy before!
Fast Facts
- Location: 1604 St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040
- Price Range: $75 to $288+
5. Honey Salon
From scalp treatments to natural hairstyles, this Harlem salon offers a wide range of services. You’ll find a collection of products catered to curly hair and a team of hairstylists ready to bring your curls back to life. The salon even offers complimentary mimosas, coffee or tea, so you can have a pleasant experience as you get your hair done.
Fast Facts
- Location: 174 St. Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10026
- Price Range: $25 to $300+
Whether you have type 2A or 4C curls, this Chelsea salon works with each client to find a stylist who knows your hair type best. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the services they provide. The staff caters to each client’s specific needs with a free consultation before you even book an appointment. They also offer makeup, skincare, braiding and coloring services.
Fast Facts
- Location: 220 W 19th Street, Fl 9, New York, NY 10011
- Price Range: $30 to $350+
Courtesy of Rezo Haircare
Owner and stylist Nubia Rëzo has over 40 years of experience in the curly hair world and opened her first flagship salon in 2020. Here you can get her signature rëzocut (which maintains your length and shape) and I was fortunate to try it firsthand last year. Each stylist goes through the rëzo Academy to replicate Nubia’s signature techniques for every client. During my consultation, I was able to tell my stylist exactly what I wanted to achieve with my curls. After the most amazing deep conditioning treatment, my stylist spent time trimming and styling each curl. I came out looking like a million bucks. Note: If you’re interested in getting your hair cut by Nubia herself, be prepared to book way in advance (we're talking four weeks out) and paying around $350+.
Fast Facts
- Location: 226 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10001
- Price Range: $30 to $350+
Even if your goal is to simply get a wash, cut or color, this Staten Island location takes it one step further with their one-on-one consultations, where you can talk through exactly what you can do to transform your curls. This includes a special service called “How to Style Daily” where you’ll discuss every last detail—from your curl pattern to porosity levels—so you get a truly customized routine that works for your hair.
Fast Facts
- Location: 23 Navy Pier Ct, Staten Island, NY 10304
- Price Range: $25 to $300+
Another star in Staten Island, this luxe salon is packed with talented stylists who work on curls, coils and waves. Opt for a standard wash and style or get a glaze coat of that color you’ve been eyeing all year. Unsure about which service will work best for you? They also offer a free consultation for newcomers to get you started. And if you have any kiddos, the salon welcomes children 12 and under to get a customized curly cut (with a wash and style included).
Fast Facts
- Location: 702 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10310
- Price Range: $25 to $200+
10. Spiral (x,y,z)
Spiral (x,y,z)’s creator Lorraine Massey might be familiar to some in the curly community. She was one of the pioneers of the curly girl movement, started the popular Curly Hair Method and founded Devacurl. Now, she owns Spiral (x,y,z) and uses her iconic techniques at her Tribeca salon, which features a host of services (like scalp detox treatment) and a cleansing station, where customers can actually lie down to get their curls washed and treated.
Fast Facts
- Location: 139 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013
- Price Range: not listed
Courtesy of Headchop
Here’s your sign to finally get the big chop or at least a curly trim. This hair studio is all about the dry cutting technique method that focuses on styling your hair based on its natural state. Aside from cutting, the salon offers coloring services including “Free-Hand Painting” which follows your curl’s natural pattern and movement, so you get seamlessly blended (read: not streaky) highlights. Oh, and if you’re due for some brow grooming, you can add that to your appointment as well.
Fast Facts
- Location: 86 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- Price Range: $45 to $350+
12. Curls Are Fun
Stylist and educator Antonio Berducci uses his 18 years of experience to make you feel right at home in his chair. He’ll cut and style your curls to perfection, but also teach you how to manage them from home. As for product recommendations, Berducci often uses and carries Curly World, Ouidad and Innersense to cater to all curl types and textures. The salon also offers services for men, as well as bridal makeup and hair appointments.
Fast Facts
- Location: 269 W 39th St, 7 Fl, New York, NY 10018
- Price Range: $55 to $610+
Courtesy of Christo Fifth Avenue
One of the OG curly hair salons in the city, Christo Fifth Avenue has been at the forefront of elevating curly locks for over 22 years. The founder, Christo Curlisto, has been coined the “King of Curls” for treating, styling and educating others on how to perfect their look at home. The salon provides a mixture of cutting and color services, as well as bridal services to help you get ready for your big day.
Fast Facts
- Location: 35 West 45th Street, 3 Fl, New York, NY 10036
- Price Range: $150 to $1250+
14. Filament
This East Village spot came onto the curly hair scene in 2015 and continues to be a favorite for New Yorkers. All the stylists follow classic techniques like the Devacurl's dry cutting method (which focuses on trimming curls in its natural state) and offer additional services, in case you’re interested in, say, straightening your curls without damaging your locks or styling an updo for a swanky event.
Fast Facts
- Location: 336 East 5th St, New York, NY 10003
- Price Range: $15 to $250+
From curl maintenance to protective styles, this Midtown studio is ready to help with all your natural hair needs. If you’re concerned or even curious about hair health, this is the spot for you. Every stylist will work on improving and maintaining your curls, while building up your confidence for at-home care, which is especially helpful when you’re beginning your natural hair journey. The salon also provides braids, locs and detangling services, too.
Fast Facts
- Location: 127 East 59th Street, 3 Fl, New York, NY 10022
- Price Range: $25 to $1500+
16. The Curl Suite
This NYC staple wants you to rebuild the relationship you have with your curls. Created by owner Alex Mnayarji, we recommend trying her “Curl Puzzling” cut that eliminates any unwanted bulk and density from your locks.The salon also specializes in color, so you can try that money piece trend—or get partial front highlights. The possibilities are endless here, but regardless of what service you choose, a stylist will walk you through the whole process.
Fast Facts
- Location: Manhattan, Staten Island
- Price Range: $20 to $315+
17. Leslie Ellen Curly Hair Salon
Owner Leslie Ellen Abbate has been a stylist for over 15 years and has recently relocated her salon to the Flat Iron district, featuring services for all curl patterns. As she stated on the salon's site, "Every client is so special to me. Whether you want a cutting-edge style that will turn heads at the club or a professional look that's stylish and up-to date, I will work with you to find the right cut and color for your lifestyle and hair type."
Fast Facts
- Location: 13 West 17th St, New York, NY 10011
- Price Range: $50 to $500+
This Harlem salon is committed to caring for your curls and coils. The licensed stylists will walk you through the steps of reviving and maintaining your natural hair, while empowering you as soon as you leave the chair. If you're a new client, prepare for an extensive consultation (virtual or IRL) to assess your current hair condition and needs, so you can have a regimen that works for you. Popular services include the curly cut, wash and go and even styles (i.e., cornrows, flat twists and twist outs).
Fast Facts
- Location: 2376 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, 1 Fl, New York, NY 10030
- Price Range: $30 to $500+
Celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen has styled for over 15 years and has a star studded clientele list that includes everyone from Rihanna to Kerry Washington to Mary J. Blige. In 2013, she added salon owner to her resume when she opened "Ursula Stephen The Salon" in Brooklyn. With an 'Urban Post' aesthetic, the salon is all about unique cuts, colors and treatments for all hair types. Aside from curly cuts, the space also offers blowouts, loc styling, extensions and makeup looks.
Fast Facts
- Location: 66 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
- Price Range: $25 to $900+
20. The Mona Cut
Although Mona Baltazar has straight locks, she mostly specializes in cutting curly hair. Baltazar has over 20 years of experience and is known for 'The Mona Cut.' This dry cutting technique is tailored to fit each individual's hair texture and movement. You can get the service done by Baltazar herself, or book with one of the salon's amazing stylists (who were taught under the owner through The Mona Cut Academy).
Fast Facts
- Location: 526 Seventh Avenue, Fl 5, New York, NY 10018
- Price Range: $50 to $339+
21. Salon Bohemia
Salon Bohemia is one of the OG hair salons in the city that has catered to all hair textures since its opening in 1987. Owner Wendy Smith created a salon on the foundation that 'hair is hair.' Whether you have curly, wavy or straight locks, this salon works with (and not against) your mane. They specialize in cutting, coloring and styling, as well as other services like blowouts, waxing and bridal looks.
Fast Facts
- Location: 437 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
- Price Range: $40 to $450+
What Are the Different Types of Curly Hair?
There are three different types of curly hair: wavy, curly and coily. When you break them down even further, you can learn more about each curly pattern. Here's the breakdown:
Type 2: Wavy
- If you are 2A, you have loose waves that bend towards the mid-length to ends.
- If you are 2B, your waves start to form towards the crown, almost like a S-shape with more texture throughout.
- If you are 2C, you have a mix of wavy and curly locks. It continues to have that S-shape, but more pronounced and tighter.
Type 3: Curly
- If you are 3A, you have a loose curl pattern with well-defined S-shape.
- If you are 3B, you have more volume with tight, but bouncier curls.
- If you are 3C, you have tighter curls that resemble corkscrews and may not always be well-defined.
Type 4: Coily
- If you are 4A, you have tightly coiled curls with a defined S-shape.
- If you are 4B, your coils follow a zig-zag pattern with less definition.
- If you are 4C, you have a tighter Z-shape and less defined of the bunch.
