The Best Hair Salons in New York City, According to Allure Editors (2024)

A hairstylist can cut, color, and style your hair—and be your unofficial therapist and confidant throughout the process. They can transform your crown from brunette to blonde (or vice versa) in a matter of hours—and take your day from bad to great in the same amount of time. A hairstylist will go to great lengths to turn braids into art—with not a single hair out of place—and boost your confidence to the point that you can’t help but strut out of the salon. A hairstylist is a hairstylist is a hairstylist—until you spend hours laughing, crying, and metamorphosing in their chair.

But finding that person—the one you trust to bring scissors within a millimeter of your face and occasionally tell your secrets to—isn’t always easy. So often, you have to seek out that diamond in the rough through trial and error, occasionally experiencing a bad chop in the process. And that’s especially true in New York City where there are too many salons to count, many of which are hidden in skyscrapers above.

Though it’s not uncommon for a salon to be perched above the skyline, the allure of that view goes straight out the window without the people inside. In fact, Allure editors are willing to go the distance (quite literally) crossing boroughs and taking multiple trains for their greatest hair days.

Ahead, the salons—and stylists—that we consider a cut above the rest.

Dickey at Hair Rules
Recommended by: Jessica Cruel, editor-in-chief

My first experience with Dickey at Hair Rules (828 9th Ave #3FL, New York, NY 10019) was years ago when I was a baby beauty editor. For years, he has been a go-to for natural hair both on magazine shoots and for editors in the industry. He even wrote a book all about caring for curls and has his own product line called Hair Rules. I experimented with going to other stylists for years after that first appointment but, just like every beauty trend from the 2010s, I made a comeback to Dickey. Two years ago, after a nudge from a fellow curly beauty editor, I arrived on his doorstep with scraggly ends, breakage at the hairline, and an itchy scalp.

As soon as I enter the space, I’m transported back to my early days in the salon with my mom. There’s R&B music playing in the background. Women of all shades sitting under the dryer or in the stylist chairs that overlook 9th Avenue. The salon smells like the citrus and tea tree oil that is blended into his hand-mixed oil treatment, Scalp Ting. The big difference from other salons I’ve visited is that most people here are embracing their natural curl pattern instead of treating their hair with relaxer. Just like with any Black salon, there is laughter and a bit of loving ribbing (“Girl, you got to stop pulling back your hair, what is this breakage at your edges!”) in the atmosphere.

That first day he cut almost three inches off my hair to kick off my reset (I cried a thug tear but it all had to go!). Now, I visit his Upper West Side salon every three months for a trim and scalp treatment. Sometimes I get a silk press, but most often his associate Letty braids me up.

At my last visit, we were all raving about the health of my hair. It’s now grown from just grazing my shoulders to well past my collarbone. The key: Dickey convinced me to start blowing out my hair before doing a twist out. With this additional step, my hair remains more moisturized than when I was using the LCO (liquid, cream, oil) method on wet hair then air-drying.

Recently, I went to a hair event and got a microscope put on my strands, and even at 10X magnification, they were glossy and strong with flat cuticles. When the trichologist asked what I had been doing, I replied, “I’m one of Dickey’s girls!”

Stephen Thevenot & Lionel Atzas at David Mallett New York
Recommended by: Paige Stables, senior beauty editor

When the elevator doors open to the fifth floor of The Webster building in Soho, I can’t help but smile as I step into David Mallett New York’s (29 Greene St, New York, NY 10013) intimate, exquisite space. It glistens with golden accents, sunshine pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and smiles greet me from around the room. Most days it’s Mario Casarella—the salon director and resident floral artist, famous for his ever-changing arrangements that are a focal point of the space—who welcomes me. By the time I’m seated in a chair, my coat has been hung, and a cappuccino (with sugar cubes on the side) and sparkling water await.

To maintain my signature bangs, I’m a frequent visitor and only trust one person to cut them: Stephen Thevenot. He’s been cutting my hair for the past eight years (even before David Mallett expanded from Paris to New York) with extreme care and unparalleled precision. Still, at the beginning of every appointment, he takes the time to have a conversation and discuss that day’s vision.

Thevenot has helped me keep my hair healthy and I have never had to worry about a dusting evolving into an unexpected chop. Over the years, I’ve gone from long hair to shoulder-length, and he was one of the first people who knew my hair was thinning from breast cancer treatment. What I didn’t lose during that difficult time was my confidence—and that wouldn’t have been possible without his support and skill to make even the thinnest hair look its best. Besides being incredibly talented at his artistry, Thevenot genuinely cares. In the chaos of life—and the city—this is one place where time stops, elegant tunes echo through the sound of blow dryers, and the air is filled with joy (and the smell of David Mallett’s luxe products).

When my blonde needs to be brightened, Lionel Atzas has a way of really making my crown shine. Bleaching your hair is innately damaging, and yet Atzas’ thoughtful, detailed approach to painting on color somehow (very magically) minimizes breakage. Greatness takes time, and he never rushes through foils and toners and glosses to ensure there is no brassiness in sight. I always leave with a polished blowout and an even bigger smile than the one I had on the walk in.

Erickson Arrunategui at Bumble and bumble
Recommended by: Dianna Mazzone, associate features director

Getting your hair cut at Bumble and bumble (415 West 13th Street New York, NY 10014) is kind of like trying Joe's Pizza: it's a New York City rite of passage. When I first moved here for college more than—gulp—a decade ago, I applied to the salon's Model Project, which still exists today: You get a free cut, and the salon's trainees get to learn to work with all different hair types and textures. The only downside was that if the day's lesson was how to cut bangs, you'd walk out looking like Zooey Deschanel whether you liked it or not. (I'm mostly kidding; they make sure it's okay with you first!)

Now that I have a grown-up job and prefer premeditated spontaneity, I make appointments at the downtown salon (there's also one in midtown east) with Erickson Arrunategui—when he's not on set with celebs like Ashley Graham and Karlie Kloss, that is. He's one of those rare stylists who actually understands that "just a dusting" means "just a dusting" and has helped me preserve the length of my hair while keeping it healthy. He also uses what I think are some of the best products in the biz for fine hair: Bumble and bumble's Thickening line, which includes Dryspun Texture Spray—my favorite for instant lift.

Raeann Cotto at NYC The Team Salon
Recommended by: Annie Blay, associate beauty editor

I didn't grow up going to hair salons and on the rare occasions when I did, they weren't nearly as fancy as NYC The Team Salon (135 5th Ave FL 7, New York, NY 10010) in Flatiron. After checking in at the front desk I was escorted to my station and offered tea, coffee, or water. I said yes to coffee expecting your regular cup of joe but was surprised when the receptionist came back with a cappuccino in a fancy glass mug. Needless to say, they take very good care of you at this salon.

Recently, I made an appointment to get my first-ever keratin treatment and was set up with colorist Raeann Cotto, who was a great listener during the consultation. She was super knowledgeable and gave me her input but was more interested in understanding what I wanted and needed out of the appointment.

When I do get my hair done professionally, I always feel a tinge of shame regarding how coarse my hair texture is. I almost always find myself apologizing for my kinky coils that have the potential to break a comb. But I felt none of that embarrassment with Cotto. She approached my hair with patience and gentleness that allowed me to actually enjoy the experience.

Drew Schaefering & Trent Matthews at Rob Peetoom New York
Recommended by: Talia Gutierrez, associate manager of special projects

The first time I went to Rob Peetoom New York (101 N 10th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249) was for a facial with Biologique Recherche. There’s a studio for skin-care treatments in the back, and as I made my way there, I couldn't help but look around and take in the upscale, industrial vibe of the space.

When I returned for a trim and highlights, the staff was extremely friendly and I received a thorough consultation to make sure everyone was on the same page. Colorist Drew Schaefering gave me face-framing highlights, and for a cut, I recommend going to Trent Matthews, who cut complementary face-framing layers that are just as flattering when I’m wearing my natural waves as when I style my signature bouncy blowout. I have a ton of hair, so feeling like no one was rushing their way to their next appointment didn’t go unnoticed.

Each seat is in front of large, full-length mirrors scaling at least eight feet tall. As someone who likes to take content during the cut and color, this is a plus, as is the natural lighting that pours in through the airy, open space.

London Michalske at Muze Salon
Recommended by: Eugene Shevertalov, associate entertainment director

Since I first stepped into Muze Salon (41 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011) around 2015—drawn by its convenient location just three doors down from my former Chelsea apartment—I have never looked back…even after moving further downtown. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of working with three incredible stylists (two moved out of town), and my current stylist, the fabulous London Michalske, has been my trusted go-to for well over half of my Muze journey.

Muze is the perfect blend of bustling energy and warm intimacy. It’s spacious enough to feel vibrant yet never loses that personal touch. The atmosphere is always welcoming, filled with friendly faces and delightful interactions—shoutout to Sherwin and his adorable Great Dane puppy for the inside jokes and smiles.

What truly sets Muze apart though is the people who work there. From the ever-accommodating front desk staff to the talented stylists, everyone feels like family. Each stylist I've worked with came highly recommended by the previous one, ensuring a seamless transition. There's no sense of competition here, just a genuine camaraderie.

Michalske is a star in her own right. She listens attentively to my ideas, isn't afraid to be innovative, and always offers her expert advice—even if it means steering me away from a hairstyle that isn’. Her precision in both cutting and coloring is unmatched. She always opts for a scissor cut versus clippers, ensuring meticulous detail every time.

And I have gone through so many hair eras with their help: Super-short cuts to longer styles, every shade of highlights to a bold full head of silver, I've experimented with it all. My favorite moment though was seeing my hair the first time London did balayage highlights. It was exactly what I wanted, stunning and effortlessly natural.

Every visit to Muze is a highlight in itself. It's not just a salon appointment; it's an experience I eagerly anticipate.

Lionel Atzas at David Mallett New York
Recommended by: Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience

Full disclosure, I have only been to this salon once, but I really did love my experience. David Mallett New York (29 Greene St, New York, NY 10013) provides an experience that is both relaxed and elevated. Every employee is engaging and knowledgeable, not to mention infinitely interesting to talk to.

Before I finished my first espresso I overheard French, Italian, Spanish, and English flowing around me. It’s a creative, cultural experience to work with beauty professionals that have such a passion for their craft. Lionel Atzas executed vibrant and well-blended highlights, which is an arduous and lengthy task for someone with as much hair as I have. But Atzas and his assistant were both patient and diligent and I loved the way it turned out—my hair felt silk and soft for days after the appointment.

Read more on haircuts and styling.

• 9 Bold Haircut Ideas to Try In 2024
• How I Extended a Blowout for Five Days
• The Top Hair-Care Trends of 2024 Prove Healthy Hair Is Our Top Priority

Now watch Brooke Shields' hair care routine.

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