Crimson Hair Studio

Visited Crimson when I was visiting my friend in Philly. He got an great haircut from Laura. Service was excellent and Lisa their front office gal is a doll.

My first time at Crimson and I will definitely be back! Aja is amazing I absolutely love her! Super friendly and very talented stylist, and I am so happy with my hair!

My review is for Aja! For years I jumped from stylist to stylist until I met her about 6 years ago. As her career advanced and she upgraded salons, I have loyally followed her every step of the way without thinking twice. Whenever I leave the salon, I without a doubt feel like a million bucks every time. Even if I’m not due for a cut, I’ll seek her out for a blow out for an event and she always squeezes me in to her busy schedule. Her brush set blow out is unparalleled. Schedule your appointment with Aja. Thank me later.

Love this place and my stylist there. I have been a client of Aja’s for the past 7 years, across three salons, and have entrusted her to color, cut, and straighten year over year. She’s super knowledgeable about all things hair, and treats my appointments as consults. In other words, we talk about what I’m looking for and she somehow translates that into a cut and color that fits my lifestyle and my needs. I travel extensively and have a lot of opportunities to «cheat» on my stylist, but I don’t. I would– and have– recommended Aja without reservation. She’s the best and appropriately priced for the location and quality she delivers.

Wow. Let me preface this review by saying that the haircut I received was probably the worst haircut I have ever gotten in my life. (I created a Unilocal account just so I could write this review).
I decided to try a new salon and pay a lot more than I usually do for a haircut after reading the good Unilocal reviews for Crimson and in particular for Aja. I had been a few months overdue for a cut and was also looking to change it up a bit by adding color/​getting a balayage done. I was impressed with many of the reviews I read that stated how talented Aja was particularly with balayage and how much she values her clients. Maybe it’s because I was a first time client, but the haircut she gave me was not only underwhelming but it was honestly awful. However, everyone else at the salon was very nice and the salon was very well-​decorated and clean. I originally made two appointments: one for a haircut and then one for balayage but I have already cancelled my balayage appointment because I would never let Aja touch my hair again.
Consultation:
I found Aja to be a little rude and impatient. I think the fact that I was still a little unsure about exactly what colors I wanted in my hair pissed her off because she had an attitude the second she realized I wasn’t set on what [colors] I wanted. I showed her some ideas of what I wanted and she dismissed many of them saying, «Um why would you want that?» Then when I asked her if she could explain the difference between ombré, balayage and color melting, she responded «STOP Googling things!!!» and proceeded to not even try to answer my question.
The cut:
I paid $ 100 total (including tip) to have my hair chopped awkwardly into two different lengths. I asked for layers to frame my face and what I got was a cut that looks like she was trying to give me a bob but then halfway through another client came so she just left it the awkward way that it was. I always thought of layers to be gradual and soft. I guess I should have specified that I DIDN’T want harshly chopped layers or two awkward lengths of hair but I just figured that I didn’t need to. I have already made an appointment with my former hairdresser to fix the atrocity that she created. I am probably going to have my hair chopped to the shortest length of hair she cut which would essentially be a bob (and I haven’t had hair above my shoulders for over 10 years now because I don’t like my hair short). The actual haircut was about half the time it took for another girl to blow dry my hair. I feel like she rushed through my haircut in order to go meet with her next client (might’ve been due to the fact that she was late for my appointment) and didn’t even make sure that I was happy with it.
The only good thing that came out of this very unpleasant experience is that I am starting to change my mind about bobs/​short hair.
Side note: Don’t ask her what balayage is. Any time I asked her anything about balayage, her response was «Um. It’s like balayage.» Obviously, I have googled «balayage» but I just wanted a response from a hairdresser who is supposedly a balayage pro. Silly me. Balayage is obviously um like balayage.
EDIT (in response to Nicole A.‘s comment): After the consultation and going into the cut, I knew that I would be paying $ 75 and I would have had no problem with paying $ 75 if it had been a quality cut. My issue is that I don’t think that the quality reflects the price at all.

I am leaving 5 stars because of my experience with stylist Aja. I have long, thick, unmanageable red hair. I always knew deep down it *could* be gorgeous, but spent the first 26 years of my life with frizzy time consuming ugly hair. Then I met Aja, and she finally showed me how to achieve my hair’s full potential. Where other stylists just used thinning shears, Aja cut and styled my hair so now it falls complimentary and proportionally to its weight and length. Where other stylists just used a deep conditioner, Aja recommended a gloss treatment that makes blowdrying easier. My husband is constantly rolling his eyes because wherever we go someone always stops me as says «you have such great hair!». I feel guilty saying thank you– because it’s really all because of Aja. Aja is highly trained, highly experienced and super talented. if you have good hair, and need it to reach it’s full potential– go see AJA!
Oh, and side note– do you know how I found Aja? I looked on the salon’s website and I picked out the prettiest girl. Because you know what that tells me? The girl with the best hair and the best makeup and that takes the best care of herself, she will know what I want! Just saying… if you go to someone who has hair like a skunk… well, you know what you are gonna get.

I haven’t gotten a haircut in 7 years (yes I know– gross) so I was nervous about where to go. I was looking through Unilocal reviews and found this one had pretty good ratings so I thought I would check it out. I called and the receptionist got me an appointment the same day. It’s on the second floor of a building so you have to get buzzed up. My hair stylist was Laura and she was very nice and actually listened to what I wanted to do with my hair. I am very happy with my haircut, which was $ 60 (without tip) for a wash, cut, and blow-​dry. They accept credit cards but ask for tips in cash. Overall, Crimson is a very nice salon with a personable staff and I would definitely go back.

Francesca is absolutely brilliant! When I moved to Philadelphia I was unsure about finding a hair stylist that was on part with my stylists in CT and New York City, but she far exceeds anyone I’ve gone to in the past. I couldn’t recommend Crimson and/​or Francesca more highly!

I did my hair with Emily and it was horrible… It was just horrible. The color wasn’t right, and she was emphasizing that my hair was dark so she couldn’t get it lighter AFTER SHE WAS FINISHED. She did this super weird orange color on me. I have showed her pics about what I want, if she couldn’t do it on dark hair, she should inform me BEFORE she started. She told me to «trust her» and blame everything on me later. My requirement was simple, just to make it looks normal and they refused. They asked me to pay more if I want to get it done. Well, guys, trust me. They will tell you how good they are and once they put color on your hair, it’s gonna be a sad story. Don’t go to this place. The receptionist was EXTREMELY rude. You can go to this place if you want to pay them to ruin your hair and endure their rudeness in the meantime.

I came for a men’s haircut before my wedding. I had previously just been going to places in the $ 20 – 25 range and getting so-​so cuts (and sometimes awful cuts — I have very straight hair and imperfections show up). At $ 35, this place was definitely in a higher tier and I can only compare it to the lower tier. You get what you pay for: I got a much more careful and detailed cut.
Francesca did a great job of my cut. She took the time to get the details right (texturizing the top, doing a thorough job on the bangs). I’ll be permanently upgrading to this higher quality tier — for an extra $ 10 it’s totally worth the peace of mind. Maybe my excessively straight hair is just more challenging to cut. Haircuts used to be a stressful experience that I dreaded, but not anymore!

I usually hate getting haircuts; they’re ranked up there with going to the dentist and getting a colonoscopy as one of my least favourite routine tasks. But somehow, Crimson has managed to alleviate my fear of going to the barber. My hair cut looks great, was relatively quick (in and out in about 30 min), and the service was fantastic. Becky cut my hair, and I would highly recommend her to anyone else. I’m not a very small-​talk-​ish person, so most of my haircuts usually go on in awkward silence; Beck was very friendly, however, and though we didn’t talk much, I still felt very comfortable and at east the entire time.
Two notes: they do accept ccards but tips are cash only. And I’m not sure if this applies only to returning individuals, but Becky informed me that neck trims were free.

This salon rocks! The décor and vibe are great. But most importantly, Emily Breslin is a master! Intricate haircut, babylights/​ombré = new outlook on life. Plus she is super nice!

I’ve been looking for my go-​to Salon since moving to Philly 3 years ago, and I was just never able to find THE ONE. I’ve bounced around from salon to salon that had good reviews and just none of them ever clicked on all levels with me. I can now say, I FINALLY found it!!! Crimson Hair Studio is just simply awesome, from the warm and open space to the amazing staff, to the fair and competing pricing – I could not be happier. I called and made an appt that was long overdue for a cut and color (my last one being 5 months ago…) and was signed up to see Francesca. She is wonderful! I told her to brighten up my hair for the summer and that I was thinking of cutting my long hair into a «angled LOB», and other than that told her to do what she wanted. She gave me an even better outcome than what I was imagining – I am now obsessed with my hair! She did such an incredible job. I literally can not wait to go back in a couple months. Highly, highly, highly recommend this place!

Just moved to Philly for the summer and I need to get my hair done. I’m very picky when it comes to hair dressers, and I’ve been seeing my lady back home for the last 4 years so the bar was set pretty high.
I found this place randomly and noticed Em profile and thought she looks like she knows how to get down with some funky colors. Made an appointment with her, and fell in love! Very warm and friendly personality and her color was on point!
I had been trying to get silver hair for the last couple months and she nailed it. I’ll be returning!!!

UPDATE: i just added another star to their rating because the haircut i got from francesca is good. i don’t like to fuss with my hair at all. i usually put one or two styling products in it and let it air dry. i must say, it still looks good (it’s always hard to tell if it’s really what you wanted, when they blowdry and style it after the cut).
OLD: i’d say more like a 3 ½ star experience. i know i’m the minority here… i’m just a customer service snob (i used to work in cust service for 14+ yrs before moving to philly). that being said, my experience wasn’t bad… just not perfect.
walked up to the building and had to use the intercom to let them buzz me in. that was kind of cool. cute interior, friendly greeting. my stylist was francesca. she listened to what i wanted, which was just a trim and to thin out my hair… i know boring, but it needed to be done.
i was asked if i wanted anything and i asked for coffee black. then i got shampooed. that was great. when i went back to the chair, there was no coffee. having skipped my usual cup before leaving the house, i could’ve really used it :/​
then the awkard first-​time client/​stylist conversations… except it wasn’t awkward. just not engaging. idk maybe i just needed some caffeine in my system.
well, the haircut is good. francesca did a good job. when it was time for me to pay, i felt like the same friendly receptionist was a little awkward… i asked a couple questions about a product that i was purchasing and she answered me like i should’ve known the answers already. it was a little weird and i felt a little brushed off at the end.
whatever. the haircut is good and the location is convenient. maybe i’ll give them another try when i’m caffeinated.

This is a review for my awesome stylist Emily! Crimson is awesome too. :)
The exposed brick walls give the salon a beautiful interior and they have all kinds of snacks and tea and drinks to munch on if you arrive a little early.
Emily is a doll and a mastermind. She has been my stylist for a while giving me wonderful haircuts and most recently I took the plunge in dying my hair too and now she is my colorist.
She listens to what you want while giving you suggestions too since she knows more about your hair then you do.
I highly recommend Crimson and Emily!

I have to say, I finally found my «go to» hair salon. I was searching for a new place because I wasn’t happy at the other salon I was going to, and that’s when I found Crimson. I read all of the reviews and booked an appointment with Laura — I couldn’t be happier! My husband loves my new haircut, but more importantly, *I* love it! I love the vibe of Crimson; from the exposed brick to the red tool boxes. All of the people I met during my appointment were very nice, and accommodating. That’s definitely a breath of fresh air in Center City, especially from the other salons I’ve been to. I recommend anyone who hasn’t found their «go to» salon yet, to try Crimson. I’ll definitely be back again and again!

Wow. This was one of my best hair cut salon experiences. EVER. First, schedule your appointment with Becky. She’s awesome. Professional consultation. Listens to details. Provides suggestions. All scissor cut. NO CLIPPERS. That’s very important for a good haircut. They offer you a relaxing hair wash. Clean bathrooms. Even provide you with a gown to put on exchange for your shirt so you don’t get hairs on them. Brilliant idea eh?! Come check this place out. Really good pricing too. See ya there!

Love the vibe of Crimson Hair Studio: exposed brick walls, shiny-​red Craftsman tool chests, coffee/​tea/​water available (and Halloween candy in the right month!), and noticeably as many men as women getting their hair cut/​styled!
Francesca listened to my vision and created a completely secure, funky/​wispy updo for me, which, for both the trial and the event itself, help up all day and all night (with plenty of dancing and hugging!).
She then helped me donate the bulk of my hair through Pantene and gave me one of the best shorter haircuts I’ve ever had: styles easily and the front is actually long enough to get back into a ponytail (an execution first!)!
PS. No tipping by credit card, so don’t forget some cash!

I have been looking for a hair salon since I moved to Philly 2 years ago, and I think I finally found it. After looking on Unilocal,I decided to give Crimson a try. I had Beck as a stylist. She did a great job! I got a partial highlight and hair cut. It was very reasonable for the area. She was super accommodating and did an amazing job. I will definitely be returning and would recommend it to anyone, especially Becky. Also, if you are a new customer you get 10% off through Unilocal your first time. It is a great deal. They had a lot of appointments available.
The salon itself has a cool vibe with exposed brick walls. Everyone there was really friendly and made me feel comfortable. Great salon!