Phoenix Hair Studio

I loved this place until I met the scam artist owner Alex. I went to Phoenix because it was reasonably priced for an decent haircut or blowout. The salon is literally a closet and they don’t use any kind of fancy products. It is an absolute no frills salon. I went there for a blowout on a muggy day because I had a wedding in the afternoon. The stylists recommended a updo because of the weather and due to the fact the wedding was in the afternoon. She did not wash my hair and the whole thing took 20min max. She kept telling me what a simple hairstyle it was. She even used my hair accessories. In walks Alex as I’m finishing up. She tells me he’ll decide the price. He tells me $ 80. I nearly choked given there was nothing $ 80 about the bun I just received. On a piece of paper it did say updos $ 50 – 80. I argued a little with Alex that this was 20min hairstyle was hardly worth $ 80, but he insisted $ 80 because all my hair was up. What a joke and a joke of a hair salon. A decent hair salon in Manhattan doesn’t charge $ 80. Unfortunately,

I’m in television and can’t do anything drastic to my appearance. Alex took one look at my hair and knew exactly what needed to be done. My hair looks healthy and amazing! I highly recommend this place to anyone!!!

great eyebrow shaping!

I started having Alex cut my hair a few years ago when he was on Vernon Blvd. Loved him then and love him more now that he is back in the neighborhood! I love the way he cuts my hair, colors my hair, blows it out, Keratin treatment! He is the BEST. I was doing single process coloring myself until last year when he encouraged me to try highlighting. I don’t know what the heck he does but it is hard to see where my natural color stops and his miracle working begins! The best part is that I have gone from having roots at about 4 weeks to not having to have my hair colored for about 3 months. I can’t say enough good things about him and his shop. Reasonable prices to boot!!!

Alex is extremely talented, very fun and did an amazing job with my hair. I had received a bad cut and color previously, and had let it go too long… no judging, just did a great job. My cut and color are fabulous. Alex’s sweet studio is tucked away in LIC, very convenient to the subway and bus stops, and practically next door to Sweetwater Coffee shop, a win-​win! Highly recommend this salon and I have difficult, curly, color processed hair. BTW, they’re good at Brazilian blow outs too and their prices are very reasonable!

I went to Alex last week for a spur of the moment hair cut. I was not disappointed! I walked in while Alex was about to begin with another customer and when I said I was hoping to get a cut, his customer got up and said she would come back later — when does this ever happen?! After I thanked her profusely, Alex went to work. I am always worried about trying new places but I couldn’t wait any longer and I am so glad I didn’t! It has been about five days and I still love my cut. He cut my hair while it was straight, which I was initially worried about, but he must be some kind of hair whisperer, because even at its curliest, it looks great! I am really impressed. If you need a good affordable haircut, I highly recommend you go see Alex.
By the way, the other customer came back and waited patiently while Alex finished my cut, and then informed me that she has been with him for almost 20 years. That tells me a lot about Alex and the quality of his services. I’ll be back!

I am so grateful to my friend for introducing me to Alex and his salon. Not only did I used to pay exorbitant Manhattan prices to have my hair cut and colored, but I truly have NEVER had so many compliments on my hair as I have since Alex has been styling it. And in all the years I’ve been having my hair done at salons, I’ve never liked the blowouts I get after the cut — no matter how high end the salon, they seem to totally overdo it. But Alex’s blowouts are great. He’s the only person I would ever got to and pay if I wanted a special blowout. Can’t recommend this place enough.

This place is GREAT! It’s my third time back to Phoenix Hair Sudio and I will not go to any other Salon. I got my haircut from Alex, who is the Owner as well and he is extremely good at what he does. I rarely write good reviews, but this place deserves one! I was nervous to try another Salon because I have been going to the same place in Manhattan for the last 5 years! But an important meeting popped up and I needed a hair cut right away.
I went to get a coffee and was heading into Manahattan to get my haircut when I saw Alex walking his Dog. I asked if there was anyway he could open up early to cut my hair because I had a meeting in a couple of hours. He told me to meet him at the shop in 20 minutes. He opened early for me and I have already gotten 3 compliments walking back to my apartment.
Before posting this good review I read some of the others. Don’t Listen to the negative reviews, could not be farther than the truth. Alex is extremely attentive, listens to what you are looking for and has many years of experience! His salon is not huge, but the space is intimate, warm and relaxing. I recommend this place to everyone in Long Island City, plus anyone in Greenpoint or Manhattan! It’s worth the trip.
I have never felt rushed while I was there! I feel lucky I found this place. It’s super convenient living in Long Island City and a really good value for the five star treatment you receive inside! I worked for the Ritz Carlton for 5 years as a Concierge and I would recommend this Salon to my Guests.
Thanks again Alex!!!

Alex should have gone into medicine, because he’s an excellent diagnostician. As soon as I sat down in his chair and he started running his fingers through my hair, he was like, «Did you go to Supercuts last time?»
No, smart ass, that was TWO times ago, thanks very much, and obviously I still haven’t recovered. (The full story is here, if you’re trying to keep up:
)
Alex gave a little tut-​tut — not sure if it was directed at me or the previous stylist — and got down to work. Twenty minutes later, I walked out feeling good about myself for the first time in a month, and I’m pretty sure those construction workers were whistling at ME, rather than that chica in front of me wearing her Daisy Dukes.
For $ 20, that was the cheapest therapy session ever. Thanks, Dr. Alex.

Tiny closet of a salon with a hair butcher for an owner/​lead stylist. Avoid.
Living in Long Island City, I don’t have the most options for hair salons. I’ve upgraded from the days of Supercuts and generic barbers to a more salon-​oriented setup over the last 10 years, and have found varying degrees of success in Manhattan. Today, I needed a quick clean-​up prior to an interview the next day.
I showed up after making my appointment earlier today and entered the salon. All told it’s about an 8′ x 12′ closet, with 3 chairs, one wash sink, no AC, and a low 7′ ceiling. But hey, all I needed was a quick clean up on my back and sides, and the owner had a previous salon, so how bad could it be?
Bad. BAD Bad. Owner comes in with his little white dog, I tell him that I want a basic cleanup on the back and a half to ¾ of an inch on the sides where it’s long. All of a sudden large swaths of hair start coming off the back of my head — once one cut’s done though, I know I’m screwed on the back so I let him finish. I reiterate with clear instructions for the sides, then he goes and screws them up too. I said not to touch the top, and he does that too. Doesn’t listen, doesn’t give a f, all done in 11 minutes. I don’t want any styling (not like it was even offered), pay, and get the heck out of there.
The worst part was when the phone rang. He was the only one there, so he answered it, no problem. Then he continues cutting my hair while on the phone for 3 – 4 minutes, taking an appointment. Really?
So I come home and have someone else look at it.. . ow. About half of my hair got left behind in that salon in a shapeup. I have a super-​short cut on the side of my head which my girlfriend will have to fill in with eyeliner pencil tomorrow for my interview because it looks weird and I don’t have enough hair on the side of my head to cover it up now. WTF.
I should have just left after he started screwing up the back, but knowing it was a Monday and most salons are closed and I had an interview tomorrow I stayed. I’m dumb. But you’d be dumber to come here after reading my review.