GiGi Salon Styling Studio – Aveda Concept Salon

I got my hair cut here about three months ago. I have my usual stylist that I’ve been going to for 10+ years back home upstate, but I’ve been on the hunt for someone closer since I moved to NYC a few years ago. I’ve tried many salons and haven’t found «the one» yet, but I haven’t cried over my hair until Dragan got ahold of it.
At the (beautiful!) salon itself I didn’t have a very good experience — service wasn’t great and Dragan insulted my hair (called it «boring» — I have long thick auburn curls that I get compliments on daily). I tried to not let it bother me, or the fact that he wouldn’t stop telling me not to straighten my hair because it was bad for it even though I repeatedly reassured him that I straighten my hair maybe once a year (seriously he must have said it at least 20 times during my cut, so annoying). I did ask for a blow out for a change but told him that I needed the cut to suit my natural curls since that’s how I wear it 99% of the time. My hair looked great blown out and I was so happy! And then I washed it.
My hair has these weird choppy layers that look awful. As soon as it started to dry out of the shower I burst into tears that I spent money to have someone hack at my hair like he did. Three months later I’m STILL waiting for them to grow out. I have to wear it half up most days because the top layer is so poufy and bizarre — any decent stylist should know that you can’t cut curly layers drastically different lengths because of the weight of the hair. This cut brings to mind the time I flipped my hair over and cut it myself when I was four years old. Dragan may act like he’s the best around, but he just isn’t.

Be sure to explicitly state what you want AND DO NOT WANT. I explained what I was looking for in detail (with pictures for examples) but naively failed to mention that I didn’t want layers throughout my hair. The stylist chopped away leaving me with shorter, thinner hair than requested. Straight, and in a ponytail will be the only hair styles for me until this grows out.
Originally I gave the place two stars, but having washed my hair and given it a proper look I am beyond annoyed. The layers (that I didn’t want) are all over the place and completely uneven. My hair is a total mess.

Just had my hair done recently for the holidays with Vanessa who I routinely go to when I want to re-​do my look, and I’ve been getting a multitude of compliments on my fantastical highlights & lowlights even from complete strangers… which actually happens every single time Vanessa does my hair — true story! She has an impeccable eye on what hairstyle will compliment my face and she organically creates a ferosh, new cut & color after we discuss the look we’re going for… she’s a total R*O*C*K*S*T*A*R!

Awesome place, great music and an amazing haircut by Orinda! I would definitely come back.

I’ve worked in the salon industry for almost a decade so i definitely know what i want and how i want it when it comes to my hair. Even while working at a salon, (because i was working) i would book my occasional last minute after work blowouts at this salon. I have very long fine curly hair and i leave here with a tamed and smooth blowout that lasts. Service is fast, attentive and friendly. I’ve seen a few people, but my favorites are Anita and Ana. I live on long island now, and I still stop in when I have a chance between my commute.

Just moved to the area from California and was so nervous about finding a new place. After walking around the neighborhood and reading reviews, I kept coming across this salon. Vickey did an amazing job! I had hair to my shoulder on one side and buzzed on the other. She was able to pull it all together into an amazing rocked out pixie. She even gave ideas about what she thinks would be best for color. Will definitely take her up on the suggestion soon. The salon was nice, other staff was friendly and they immediately greeted me by taking my coat and offering me a drink. The only thing was I didn’t know you couldn’t tip with a card payment. Wasn’t an issue as my bank was close by, but good to know for other new clients.

Great salon and great people. I’m a regular customer here and it is always a great experience. I highly recommend GiGi’s.

I am really disappointed to have to write this. I’m not sure what went wrong. I showed my stylist a photo of the hairstyle I wanted and not only did they not give me the hairstyle in the photo, they failed to cut any length off my hair at all. When I called the salon and asked for a make-​up appointment, I had to completely change my schedule around to make it work. It was not convenient at all, either, as I don’t live anywhere near Astoria. Unfortunately, when I returned, the stylist immediately starting engaging in a gental insistence that it was my fault I did’t get what I wanted the first time. Whatever. So this time I showed them two photos and they still could not get it right. It is short, finally, but still not even close to the hairstyle I wanted. Then, as I went to leave, I confirmed with the owner Mickey that we were good, and he takes a deep breath, smiles uncomfortably, and says «OK, this time.»
It’s very disappointing, because the salon is very well-​decorated, clean, and trendy. Also, the staff are very overall, 98% professional and excellent at what they do, including Mickey and Dragan. (I didn’t get two bad hair cuts, I just didn’t get the ones I wanted.) The only thing I don’t appreciate at all is both of their implications that it was my fault and they were doing me a favor. I’m a teacher and I have never gone back to a salon before. I have better things to do with my life than to have spent all the wasted time causing drama and writing this review. I could’ve gotten my hair cut 10 minutes from my home, for much less money at a barber, and without the attitude!
*For the record, I went there 6 weeks ago, and my stylist Orinda took a long hard look at my photos and got the hairstyle right the very first time on my very first visit there. So, I can’t say anything bad about her. Just wish I would’ve waited the 3 days more to go back to her because I just ended up there anyway on the day I originally would’ve had to wait for!

I have a short haircut, and recently needed to find a replacement for the guy who did my hair for almost 20 years – his prices were becoming too outrageous as his rent went up. I was nervous because before I found this place I suffered through a lot of REALLY overpriced yet crappy cuts in the East Village and Greenpoint (including one where my cutter was so stoned it was a miracle that I didn’t lose an eye, but I digress). I figured I may as well try places closer to home after those disasters.
So, I called the salon and asked who was good for doing a female short cut. They suggested Dragan, and I went with it.
Well…LOVED the salon from the second I stepped in, as well as Dragan’s sunny disposition. I was attended to very quickly; I was getting my wash 5 minutes after walking in. Dragan really knows his stuff, and uses really good technique with layering/​spiking scissors from Germany.
What’s extra nice is that even though they sell high-​quality product to take home, they don’t press it on you – they have enough regular customers and fans to keep them in business.
So, my fellow short-​cut ladies, give Dragan a try! You won’t be disappointed!

Just moved from CA to NY and left my 8-​year stylist. Avoided getting a haircut/​color because I was scared! Finally, I found Gigi salon and the read Kristina’s reviews on Unilocal and took a chance. She’s amazing! I’ve now had 2 appointments with her and she’s just incredible. Perfectionist with highlights. Used olaplex which worked wonders on my colored long hair. And her cut was just what I wanted! Kristina, thank you!

Came here on a whim 3 years ago because its right by my apartment. I made an appointment with Vanessa and I have been going to her even since. The salon itself is always very clean and always busy, certainly a good indication they have a large clientele. Everytime I go, I tell Vanessa what I want and she delivers every time! I’ve had bad experiences in the past with stylists not listening to what I want but have never had an issue here. Full salon experience here too, tea? coffee? Champaign? they have it! A great, relaxing experience over all.

I came here 3 years ago, when I was looking for a European stylist, and was very pleased with the results. I should say I’m European and very picky about stylists, because (excuse the stereoptype but) European stylists take so much more care and attention when they cut your hair. There is no comparison. In the past few years, I only trust European stylists with my hair.
Now that I live in Astoria, I booked another appointment and got Vicky as my stylist. She did an amazing job, she really knows how to cut hair. I have long straight hair and was looking for just a trim. But I’ve been to too many places where they rush to get you out of the salon and leave uneven ends that I have to fix by myself at home.
Vicky made sure the form was perfect. She’s also very personable and positive, and I can’t recommend her enough. I’ll be back for more haircuts :)

I cannot say enough good things about GiGi salon — specifically TINA!
Ok, you know that feeling when you get a brand new pair of running shoes, or a new phone, or something new and clean and fresh and makes a world of difference? That’s what Tina does.
I came to Tina back in February with shapeless, stringy long hair, and she turned me into a star. I then left the city after 3 months for an additional 6 months (meaning I was away from GiGi for NINE months), and came back without having a haircut. Tina tsk-​tsked me for not getting my hair cut sooner, but she still turned me into a stunner. I’m telling you… this woman knows how to cut hair according to your face type. She GETS it. It’s like custom fitting a suit or a dress or something, but it’s your hair.
On top of all this, they use AVEDA products, which I love. You also get complimentary beverages; their coffee is surprisingly FANTASTIC (like, better than what I get at the local cafes), and they also serve champagne, so – ya know, best of both worlds. And there are other drinks, too.
Super affordable. It’s worth it to travel off the island to get as amazing of a cut as a high-​end salon for a much better price. I just can’t rave about Tina and GiGi enough.

Went to Nina for a root touch up, she was absolutely amazing! She glazed it as well in the same price whereas another stylist would’ve charged separately. I will say the the salon is very pricey especially if you have extra long hair like myself. Loving this color.

DO NOT GO TO JAKE FOR HIGHLIGHTS
I’ve been holding out on writing this review because I hate doing this… but I had the worst experience at this salon about a month ago.
First of all, the receptionist is a complete bitch, no other way to describe her. Very unfriendly and I felt awkward and unwelcome coming in to the salon for my first time. Red flag.
I just moved from Boston, so I was already dreading finding a new colorist. I’ve been highlighting my hair since I was 12, and I have never had such a bad experience as I did with Jake.
He seems like a nice guy, and did a great blowout, but he did not do what I asked at all. I told him that I basically just needed a root touchup, because I hate when they grow out (obviously, who doesn’t!!!). Second red flag, I remember him saying «Roots are kind of ‘in fashion’ now.»
He rushed through the entire process. He would quickly finish a foil to go outside and smoke with his friend. I noticed while the foils were sitting that they were not tightly folded, and that they were hanging about ¾ of an inch from my root. I should have said something then, but I get nervous doing that, and I already felt unwelcome in the salon. When he dried it, I noticed that they were far from the root but I kept convincing myself that it was fine.
Also, he did not tell me that he was putting a toner on the color… my old colorist used to do this but she always told me beforehand and never charged me. Jake did it without telling me there was a cost — $ 50 mind you. And I’m sure he only put it on because he needed to somehow tone down the yellow that ended up appearing, rather than a white blonde which I had asked for.
I paid a total of $ 170 for a partial or half foil. No cut, and only one color used. When I asked the receptionist why it was so much she told me about the $ 50 toner charge. I remember saying «I wasn’t told that there was a charge for that.» She quickly snapped, «Well, there is.»
I ended up being so upset that I paid that much and my roots still weren’t fixed. I ended up going back to get them redone, and Jake was not so friendly about it. I could see him rolling his eyes to his co workers in the mirror.
After he retouched it, they were STILL far from the root. I ended up having to get my hair re done less than a month later to fix it. COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY. I wish I had the courage to ask for a refund.
Maybe the other stylists are okay, but this whole experience with the receptionist, and the stylist not listening to my needs was completely unprofessional.

5 stars for Mike he’s amazing !!! He will make your hair wishes come true!!! I found my guy!!! He’s the one!!!
He gave me a long layered hair cut with straight bangs just like in the picture I showed him. I couldn’t be happier!!! He is precise and very talented!!!

Oh no… TENZIN has left Gigi’s. She was the reason I was putting up with their increasingly bad service and raising rates.
Time to look for a new salon.

Kristina is a goddess — I’ve never had a haircut that I loved as much as I do mine! Kristina was the most attentive stylist I’ve ever been to — she asked me exactly what I had in mind, and didn’t dismiss my thoughts (as my previous salon experiences have been like)!
I was greeted warmly when I arrived, and was asked what I would like to drink. Kristina came over and introduced herself, and sat with me while I described what I had in mind. I was then led to the hair washing station, and a lovely gal gave me the BEST scalp massage (and a bit of a neck massage as well) while washing my hair. I would come back just to get my hair washed!
Kristina first trimmed my hair, then blow dried it before cutting/​styling it which was different than I’m used to, but so awesome! She kept checking in to make sure I was ok, and was so considerate and just AMAZING. I’m headed back next week to get ombré highlights done, and can’t WAIT.

I want to love this place because I see all these 5 stars but I don’t. The salon is kept very clean and tidy. The hair washing chairs are comfy compared to your standard ones where you lay down half way. It’s just so much easier to sit up right and tilt back for a wash.
I changed my hairstyle from mid length to shoulder length; cut off about 5 inches. The stylist did a great job but it’s not extraordinary and definitely not worth $ 70+. I don’t know how to justify that price for a haircut that I could have gotten at one of the other local Chinese salons that would charge this same haircut and wash for less than half the price. Regardless of outcome, I’m generally a generous tipper. I’m tip 20%+ no matter who cuts my hair. I spent $ 94 on a haircut with wash with tax and tip. It surely was an experience but now that I tried having a «stylist» cut my hair, I am safe to say I wouldn’t need to try high end salons bc it’s just the same as anywhere else. I only even consider this place because my friend raves about it.
My hair still feels very thick. I wish there were a little more bounce to the back. It looked like a straight cut when it should be more layer. But hey. What do I know right? I don’t cut hair for a living. I pay the price because I am paying the expertise of a professional. Not the best outcome but a pretty decent experience.

I had high hopes for this place after reading others’ reviews. Everyone who helped me was nice but the haircut was mediocre, especially for the price I paid. It doesn’t look bad, but I walked in with a lob which was all one length and walked out with a lob that was a little shorter with layers that are too short for the cut and look choppy.
I also think they overcharge… They charge based on how long your hair is, the choices are extra short, short, medium, long. As I said, my hair is a lob so it’s about to my collar bone… and I got charged for a «long» haircut. Really? I expected to pay $ 50 and got charged $ 60. If the haircut was spectacular I might say it’s worth it, but it wasn’t spectacular so I probably won’t be back.