Salon 804

Rochelle has been my stylist for in excess of 10 years. She has styled me when my hair was long and relaxed, short and relaxed, she has colored by hair, we have tried weaves and now we have transitioned to a natural hairstyle. She has done it all while keeping my hair healthy and «fresh». She is the consummate business woman who has weathered the craziness of owning a hair salon/​business while providing a clean comfortable environment at an affordable price point.

I visited this salon on 5÷15÷16 for wash, deep condition, and trim. A hairstylist by the name of Derrick was assigned to me and honestly, I am extremely dissatisfied with his service and the salon etiquette as a whole!
I am a hairstylist, but wanted to be pampered so I chose to go to Salon 804. Being a first time customer, I had certain realistic expectations especially with the reviews I read about this salon. I was asked what service I wanted but there was no consultation. I feel, especially with natural hair, one was needed to get the stylist up to speed on my hair growth history.
Derrick took me to the shampoo bowl and proceeds to detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb from root to ends. I had to explain to him that my hair is really course, tightly coiled, and should be comb from ends to roots just to ensure there would be no tension on my scalp. This should have been a sign from me to stop him and leave, though I didn’t. After I explained to him the proper way to comb my type of hair, he wash, deep conditioned, detangled and rinsed my hair.
When you blow dry anyone hair, the proper way would be to section the hair, add in-​leave products (which should include a heat protector), detangle and blow dry. That was not done to me or anyone else who had their hair blown and dried! Yet again, another sign for me to get the hell out of there, but I allowed him continued. I explain to him that I did not want a hair cut; I just wanted him to trim my split ends.
When he starts to cut my hair I realized that he had not section off my hair to ensures that each section is being cut evenly — something that I learned in cosmetology school and as a hairstylist assistant. With my back facing the mirror, I was unable to see exactly what he was doing. After it was all done there was not cross reference to ensure that everything was even.
As soon as I looked in the mirror I knew my hair was not cut even. When I explained my concerns, he assured me that the trim was done properly. I paid him because I was provided a service, but I did not included a tip.
***I would also like to add that the owner was present and did not stop and guide her employee on the proper steps when caring for natural hair.***
I live in the area so I was able to run home and flat iron my hair, to see the lengths for myself. After I finished pressing my hair, I was horrified. It was clear that my hair was cut, uneven. The right side of my hair was completely chopping up, the back of my hair was the longest and the left side was short and long. My hair should’ve been cut in a 45 degree angle which would have left some length at the top but instead the length was in the back resulting in short pieces in the front.
I ran back to salon and ask to speak with the manager, Rochelle. I showed her my cut and explained the situation in hopes that she would at least attempt to fix it. Instead, she looked at me and said, «I don’t know why you came to me because I didn’t cut your hair.» I was horrified; is this how one conducts business?
Derrick called me over and I explained to him that my hair is not even while showing him the disconnection. He explained that he cut off what was needed, but ignored the fact that the cut itself was not even. He «attempted» to fix it by cutting more of my hair. This time, the right side was shorter, but he was insisted that it was even.
I am really big on supporting black own business but I would not recommend this salon to individuals with natural hair for few a reasons: lack of salon etiquette, hair care education and customer service accommodation/​satisfaction. I was extremely disappointed with how management handled the situation. I have worked in two salons and whenever there was a client with a complain, management stepped in to fix the issue and assure the customer was satisfied in hopes of a referral and return.
I shouldn’t of ignored all of the red flags, but I have definitely learned my lesson! I have returned to my original stylist to correct the cut but now I have to install a weave because my hair is just too short.

I have been coming here for a little while now. I am always happy when I walk out. Rochelle is pretty fast with the hands and my hair is always looking healthy when she is done.

Rochelle is very nice and professional. Her hair cutting skills are amazing. She did a bob for me and I was more than satisfied. I got compliments on my hair up until the day I switched it back up. The shop was clean too which is always a plus.

My friend recommended I see Rob (a few people I know have gone to him) but he no longer works here. However, my friend let me know that Derek was also very good so I made an appointment with him.
Sigh, so I haven’t had my hair straightened or trimmed in a year (blasphemous?) maybe lol. But I’ve been rocking out with doing my own hair (or my roommate) in natural and protective styles. I had a less tHan desirable experience at carols daughter so I’ve been avoiding letting anyone in my hair.
So I called salon804 on Friday and was able to get an appointment with Derek for Saturday afternoon. I got there at 12pm on the dot (when I thought my appointment was scheduled). A stylist at the door greeted me with a warm smile and asked who I was there to see (this was nice-​definitely doesn’t always happen at salons). I went over to introduce myself to Derek and he let me know that the appt was actually for 11! I definitely heard 12. Sigh. But that’s neither here nor there because neither of us dwelled on it and we got to work. I’m always expecting the worst with salons but he kept proving me wrong. He didn’t do much talking and I was grateful.
He started off by combing out my hair (had a Bantu knot twist out). He was gentle but thorough. He washed my hair thoroughly (it definitely needed it) and conditioned it. He was a little rough– but I liked it?! lol. I turned down a deep condition because I did one myself a week before. He then combed my hair and twisted it in sections. Then he sat me under the dryer. Ahhhhh. I had flashbacks of Dominican salons. I thought he would leave me there for hours. But just as I started to get impatient he told me to come to the chair. My hair was slightly damp and he blow dried it out. He then went through with a flat iron.
Time for the trim!!! Ahh another point where I was sure this was going to be a mistake. But I asked him to do a minimal trim and that’s what he did! Thank you lord! He put some moisturizer, bumped it under and sent me on my way. I was done in about an hour and 40 minutes. Efficiency! Yes!
I will continue with no heat after this for awhile but I’ll definitely go back to Derek!

Ghetto Rudeness!
I spoke to the owner Rochelle a few weeks ago and we have had dialog since then. We made an appointment to come in to discuss employment on Friday. She came in 2.5 hours late on Monday for the appointment and NEVER apologized for the misunderstanding and lack of communication. This was the worst potential employer meeting ever! She had the screw face on when she initially came in the door to the salon and never once apologized.
Actually advised me to do hair in my kitchen. She also said I am just not feeling your vibe. EXCUSE ME??? So unprofessional, disrespectful and rude. I have never had a meeting with a potential employer like this ever in my 10 years of doing hair and owning my own salon.

She obviously does not know the Lord to come out and speak to someone in this manner and she is supposed to be a professional celebrity stylist. Incredible rude New Yorkers’ is all I have to say.
If this is what NY has to offer for salon owners, No Thank You to Your Rudeness! She did me a favor because with a attitude like that we certainly would have had a conflict. I don’t know how she maintains the 2 stylist and 2 assistants she has there.
So if you are looking for a professional owner and stylist in a upscale salon… THIS IS NOT THE PLACE! I will never recommend anyone to go here ever for services or a professional experience.
Result: Salon 804, The worst unprofessional salon I have ever been to!

Good for those that want a weave but not for those that have real hair. Lots of heat and brushing– there is no sense of hair care or hair health. I thought I would leave bald. However, the weave’s and hair cuts are on point. I will not go back because I dont wear weaves.

This is a pretty good salon that I’d definitely recommend. This was actually my first time going to a black salon and it was a worthwhile experience. Definitely a different feel from the Dominican salons I’d go to. They carry the Phytospecific Relaxers which is how I found out about this place and they’re a bit far from where I am in the Bronx, but not too far off which is fine by me because I came here mainly for a touchup. They did a good job turning my annoyingly dense, frizzy, tangled at the roots hair (I had been stretching for 6 months), to a smooth, silky feathered straight style. I’m extra happy that the relaxer used helps to strengthen the hair and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. The only thing that kept me from rating this 5 stars was that considering how delicate my hair is (very prone to breakage with excess manipulation!), I did not like when my hair was detangled with a wide brush because of the extra breakage my hair would have to go through. Maybe it was my fault too for not expressing that particular concern.
Otherwise, good service! Was offered water when I needed it, I left the salon with friendly compliments, the stylist was friendly and helpful, did not have a long waiting time for my appointment, and the style left me feelin fab!

Salon 804 is one of Harlem’s hidden gems. I’ve been a client for the past few years and I highly recommend this salon. Rochelle (the owner) is not only a great business woman, author, stylist and public speaker/​educator but she is also a giver – she has organized clothing drives, prom makeovers, food drives, readiness seminars, mentor programs and the list goes on and on. Every year she comes up with new innovative ideas to help better our community. Rochelle has dedicated her time and skills to assist others in their quest for greatness. She doesn’t just talk about it, she gets it done. Check out her organization ‘Project Gyrlz’.
The staff at Salon 804 are a talented group; funny. They know how to turn a frown upside down lol. In addition to Rochelle, the other stylist whose work I’ve admired is Lucy. She is truly a gifted stylist.
Quality hair care, weave, precision cuts, hair coloring, perms, trims, etc… …Salon 804 is the place to be!

I wish I had seen the Unilocal reviews before making an appointment with one of the stylists. There is a long wait regardless of making an appointment & as others have stated, the salon is filthy & staff is unprofessional. I too witnessed the staff arguing with each other (though not over food) but «borrowed» styling tools) & my stylist’s assistant seemed more interested in taking random breaks between washing and conditioning my hair.
I made the mistake of going twice because I was desperate. While my stylist’s assistant gave an amazing scalp massage during the 1^st visit, he left me reclined at the shampoo bowl for 17 min!!! Yes, I pulled out my phone & time checked because I was NOT getting a treatment or deep conditioning — just a basic wash & style. 5 min feels like a lifetime, let alone 17, when you are just staring at a dirty ceiling for no reason other than someone disappeared or had something better to do than rinse out your hair.
On my 2^nd visit, I made the even bigger mistake of getting a touch up. While applying my relaxer, the assistant also applied it to sections that were already relaxed & not just to the new growth (Strike 1), then proceeded to use the SHARP teeth of a rat-​tail comb to «really work it in» (Strikes 2&3). I stopped him the minute I felt the comb teeth. Rule #1 in doing a chemical hair service is NO SCALP FRICTION OR ABRASIONS!!! If you can’t scratch and get touched up, why is it ok to run the teeth of a comb through hair with relaxer on it!!!
Excited to get the application over with and rinsed out, I was beyond shocked & heated when he inexplicably left after applying the neutralizer shampoo and ½ rinsing it out. After 8 min (yes, I time checked again for fear my hair would fall out), I asked if someone could finish rinsing me or find him. He returned and acted as if nothing happend or was wrong.
The «cherry» on top of this amazing visit was then having to wait 32 min while I watched my stylist type away on her cell & chat with other stylists. She then said «Oh, I didn’t know you were just sitting there!?!» Ummmm you looked at me twice! Needless to say, that was my very last time @ Salon 804 and will NEVER go back.

Im happy to be the first to write an official review on Salon 804. If you are looking for all of the comfort of having your black hair done by people who have been doing it for years, and doing so in a healthy alternative way, then you’ve come to the perfect place. This is my first visit here and I knew from the minute I met my stylist, everything was going to be alright. In the heart of the new cleaner Harlem, 1 Ave and 2 blocks (4 minutes) from the ²⁄₃ (125^th street), the place is bright, airy, clean, and most of all, still a little bit of soul. (No ghetto loudness, no craziness, just great hardworking stylists) The co-​owners are from VA, but are NYC vets with their speed and style.
My hair: I have relaxed hair (which I relax about every 2 – 3 months), I traditionally go to a dominican salon, but today is my birthday and I really wanted finger waves… AND I want to go to a black hair salon who knew what they were doing. (I’m from the midwest so I’m picky). By the grace of the good Lord, I happened to find this Salon 804 on google. I called and spoke to a little girl (I knew I was calling the right place, haha, it’s a black thing), then receptionist, who made the recommendation that I see Rob.
There was no book reservation. A little unsettling at first, but went with it. Found out later that each stylist takes care of their own client.
There was a little morning snaffu, and a little bit of a wait, but I could tell if that had not been the case, he would have been their before me. He is all about his work.
I was warmly greeted by one, washed by another, and once Rob arrived, consulted and styled, and under the dryer in under 10 minutes! (Finger waves… Yes, He’s that good!). He used an alternative method that I’d done before, that I was thankful for because it’s healthier for your hair and scalp… and I didn’t have to ask. He just did it. (Huge thumbs up)
While here, I’ve seen a relaxer, set, style, and walk in. All looked stylish, clean, and fast.
VA in NYC. I love you for it, and I will surely be back.
Big Hug,
STL in NYC.

After 15 years of using a single colorists styling… I decided to have Rochelle, the owner of Salon 804 dye my hair at their new location.
Apprehensively, i allowed my stylist Rochelle to dye my hair… and I was blown away.
The color, style and cut of my hair went beyond my expectation and I will definelty go back within 7weeks!

I just got a sew-​in from a lady in Harlem and it was horrible. She didn’t style or cut it like I wanted her to.
I was eating at Dougie’s on a Sunday afternoon and saw Salon 804 across the street. I never heard of this place but I decided to try it out. I walked in and asked for my sew in to be shaped, styled, layered… whatever and Derek knew exactly what I wanted. My hair looked fabulous when I walked out.
He had a great personality and did an excellent job, but I give it 4 stars becuase it’s a bit pricey.

The male stylist that did my hair can style hair but he lacks professionalism. He would show up late and would completely forget about appointments. He clearly did not have an appointment system and could not remember when to show up to do my hair. This happened on two occasions and I will not be back.

Rochelle is the best. After reading the reviews I decided to take a chance and made my first appointment. First let me say I was 10 min late within two mins i was getting a wash by Rochelle’s assistant, or should I call it a wash and head message. Then off to the the dryer for 30min. Everything was on point and moved along nicely. Yes the music was playing, yes the girls where chatting and having fun, after all its a beauty shop and HARLEM beauty shop at that, not a library. I found it lively and generally I’m somewhat conservative. By the time I got to Rochelle’s chair she was able to tell me the issues with my hair cut from a previous stylist I was not happy with. I didn’t have to say much. When it was all said and done I was feeling myself. I looked great with a tight, sleek cut. It was a bit pricey than what I was use to paying, put you really do get what you pay for and it was worth every dime. Rochelle also gave me really great advise on how to maintain my look longer.
Great Job

The services are OK, but there is too much gossiping and food eating for my taste… I like to go to the Salon as a treat and Zone out :)

I walked into this situation with high expectations and just knew my hair was going to be on point! I’ve been wearing weaves for about 11 years now so i am pretty knowledgable when it comes to weaving and how its suppose to look. I was tired of traveling all the way to Brooklyn from the Bronx so I deciced to try Salon 804. I made an appointment with Robb on a sunday, told him I was going on vacation that friday and needed a weave. I ordered a malaysian closure (which costed me $ 140) and asked Robb before even coming in if he knew how to apply it. Robb answered yes. My appointment was for 4, he did not start weaving until 5:15.
I told him even showed him pictures of how I normally wear my weaves. Robb did a terrible job at the closure, first of all did not have glue to apply the closure so he sewed it down and it looked wiggy and tracks were showing. Once he was done it was about 11pm he chopped my 22 inch malayian hair to about 14 inches after i told him just layer the top. What is with these stylist chopping ppls hair? (real or fake) I decided to just go home and see if I could salvage the hair, paid him $ 300 (which i think is ridiculous for a weave, especially when I’ve paid half the price and the outcome was way better).Got up monday morning sooooo unhappy with my hair I called Salon 804, told them my delimma they advised me to call Robb as mondays are days he takes appointments only. I told Robb I was very unhappy with the hair and it needed to be fixed. He «squeezed» me in that day, I had to buy new hair which costed me another $ 109 so i could add the length back he had cut. He advised he did not want to use the closure I had purchased, he c losed the weave himself. It came out ok… nothing more than that not $ 300 worth!!! I could have went to any salon in Brooklyn and got this same weave for half the price and they would have known how to apply the closure I purchased. When it comes to my hair i do not have a problem with spending money as long as I am happy with the outcome. I am back from vacation after 9 days of having this weave in and tracks or loose and it just looks horrible I will be taking this out at the end of the week going to Brooklyn to get it redone… If you have a short cut or natural hair Salon 804 is great… for weaving… I suggest keep looking its a waste of time and money!!!

Absolutely HORRIFIC. I saw the so-​called stylist Jawarra and he is absolutely TERRIBLE at cutting real hair. My hair was bob length when I got to the salon and left with choppy, butchered, 3″ shorter hair. I had been growing out my short tapered hair cut for a little over a year. I asked Jawarra to add subtle layers for a little movement while leaving the length. My hair is now choppy and at least 2−3″ shorter than what I asked. My hair is completely butchered. For the love of god, if you have real hair do not see this stylist.
I was largely pissed off because as many stylist do, he tried to tell me I wasn’t clear about what I wanted. Then his argument changed each time I addressed him with my concerns.
1^st argument — I asked, why is my haircut now unbalanced. The longer side is completely shorter than the side that was once shaved.
2^nd argument — He claimed I told him to cut the back shorter. Why would I ask to cut the back shorter if I’m growing out my hair?
3^rd argument — He tried to convince me that my hair was damaged. If it was damaged, why is my hair cut unbalanced?
4^th argument — I sent him a picture of what my hair looked like 2 months prior to his hair cut. Jawarra tries to convince me that I «styled» my hair incorrectly? So you mean to tell me, you decided to cut my hair the way YOU wanted after I asked for subtle layers.
Ladies steer far and clear from this stylist. I’ve never been soo adamant in my life to stay away from a stylist as Jawarra. How do you go in with healthy, full hair, to short choppy layers which now looks damaged. Seeing is believing, I have pictures for the proof.
I’m pissed off that I even have to put a rating up for this stylist.
My recommendation, go with Shelly or Derek. Go to Jawarra if you want an unintentional Emo haircut.

I thought Salon 804 was great. I went here after a recommendation from a friend. And I must say, they do bangin hair! My stylist was nice & talkative even tho it was my first time there. She walked me through my cut to make sure I was comfortable. As far as the salon being ghetto, I didn’t think it was. It’s your typical salon: music playin, tv on, people eating lunch & talkin bout celebrities. I’m defintely going back!

SALON 804 is too ghetto
they blast the radio all day
they gossip like crazy
the guy who did my hair stopped to hit the blunt while he was doing my hair
the guy who did my hair also asked to be paid so he could go send for a bag of marijuana
they curse a lot
I was told to run an errand for the stylist (could you get me two stocking caps right quick, pls)
I overheard another stylist say, «oh no, she is just too much» while im playing in my hair…(a style which id never had done)
this salon has wonderful stylists that are good at what they do. the service just sucks. It is not a professional atmosphere.
I feel bad cause the owner has a book out and gets good publicity. But if you are a professional and you go there. you will hate it… its not relaxing at all. and they will keep you in there all day. went in at 1 came out at 6
ill say this if you ever go in there go to the first stylist chair, she works and gets out of there… maybe shes been there so long it doesnt phase her… she doesnt talk much to anyone she just does her thing. If I ever went back, id go to her.