Cosmo Bleu

Stylist (Cole) — 4 stars
Receptionist/​Scheduling Service — 1 Stars
Cosmo Bleu is a good example of what you would imagine a nice salon in Princeton, a white, relatively upper-​class town, might look like. Everyone is super friendly. My stylist always shakes my hand after greeting me, asks to take my coat/​backpack/​whatever for me, and offers me coffee/​tea before I get my hair shampooed. This part of the experience is great. However, it does not make up for the terrible scheduling and service issues I have had at the front desk. Every time that I’ve come here, I’ve had to deal with an egregious delay, and both times, these were handled quite poorly and rudely, without much consideration for the customer.
To give two examples, one time I came, and they told me originally that they were running a little late (maybe 15 minutes), and then updated to tell me they were going to be even later, suggesting that I just walk around for a bit and then come back. After more than a half hour of literally just killing and wasting my time after I got there on time, they were finally ready for me. Sigh.
Example #2. One morning I called at 9:30 AM to ask if my stylist had any openings that day. They said 10:30 AM, and I quickly got ready to make my appointment. I got there on time, only to be informed that they were running so late that I could not see my stylist for my appointment time. I truly don’t understand how you can lack the foresight for something you are scheduling only ONE HOUR away, but somehow, they just got so behind that I could not even have my appointment slot after showing up. To put salt on the wound, they offered another stylist I could see, but for $ 10 more. Come on. I decided to reschedule for later in the day, but I walked out deciding if it was worth ever coming back again (to be honest, writing this, I’m not sure if I plan on going back). Maybe they feel like it’s okay to treat me like I’m really flexible because I’m a university student here, but if that’s the case, that’s kind of ridiculous – they have wasted more time from me walking and waiting than I have spent in there getting my hair cut. Having to go back after showing up only to get rescheduled is literally a half hour gone for me. If they’re going to be like this, the least they can do is learn to take clients’ phone numbers so that they can reach out and let them know before it’s far too late. Unacceptable.
As for Cole, the stylist I see, I have few complaints about him. He comes off as pretty knowledge and is very professional to work with. I come in, show him a picture (I have what I would describe as K-​pop-​y Asian hair), and he makes it happen. The haircut never feels rushed, and he makes an effort to cover all the bases, even offering to account for things I might not think of (e.g. shaving sideburn fuzz). If there’s any complain I do have, it would just be that the haircuts never feel very sustainable. Sure, after going to salon and having a professional style my hair, I walk out with my hair looking a lot like the picture I came in with. The problem isn’t so much that I’m too amateur to style my hair with quality… it’s more that the haircut’s shape represents somewhat of a shortcut. To achieve the look, the hair might be cut extremely specifically to one style (e.g. the bangs are heavily biased to only be parted to one side), which can be frustrating to deal with a couple of weeks after the haircut, since the hair’s grown out to a point where the original look isn’t there, but you still have these super specific features that limit what you can do with it.
With that said, if I stop going to Cosmo Bleu, it’ll be because it’s not worth paying $ 40+ to have as much time as I spend getting my haircut also getting wasted in the process of waiting and rescheduling.

No names mentioned but this is the worst hair color job ever. The stylist looked at herself in the mirror more than at my hair which would explain the horrific color I had to leave with. She thought it looked good. Still dealing with the disastrous damage 4 months later. My already thinning & fine hair was so damaged that my new salon thinks this could take at least a year to «fix». I have had to cut 3 inches off length to make the layers look presentable. The highlighted areas were so bad they were almost white. Still dealing with that damage. I was not going to write a review but I feel so cheated. Trying to grow your hair out of a short cut for 2 years only to have someone destroy it is pretty upsetting.

I moved to Princeton from NYC where I was spoiled by great hair salons and nail salons. I was skeptical about this place. My hair is fine and needs volume in a bad way. It’s not just about the layers, you really need to know what you’re doing! Cole turned out to be fantastic. He cut my hair twice and both times I was thrilled. Very professional, modest and gentle. Considering the area, the salon is not overpriced.

I went to Cosmo Bleu for a keratin treatment, and it simply did not work. There was a visible difference for less than a week, then my hair went back to its normal frizzy state. When I called to ask for a re-​do or a refund, the manager (who was quite rude on the phone) would not give me either. Mind you, these treatments are certainly not cheap, and I’m a grad student with very little income. I paid over $ 200 just to be disappointed. I wouldn’t send someone to this salon unless I wanted them to be cheated and swindled. The owner kept trying to find excuses about why she didn’t need to refund me, but if the service isn’t rendered, the customer’s money should be returned — no matter what. Like if you agree.

This has been an unbelievably wonderful experience in finding a GREAT salon for my wedding! I always, always say that the mark of a GREAT business is when things don’t go perfectly the first time — how do they handle it? adeptly or does the interaction spiral out of control? Well, i could not be in hands, and neither will you if you come here.
First, to start off with I need to say that the Bridal Coordinator, Denise, is just impeccable — she assisted this very nervous bride and has coordinated a network of complex updo’s, blowouts and braiding situations, as well as makeup for a smattering of family, friends, nieces and for me, not to mention the trials that had to work around my demanding schedule — a herculean task in and of itself!
Next she helped me through the scheduling of trials. Mind you, my first trial turned out okay, but not great. I would be remiss to point out, that this was ENTIRELY my fault — i showed up to my trial not only without pictures, but without actually having given my hair any actual thought (i know, i sound absurd!). So of course the trial didn’t yield the final result. No worries whatsoever. All along i knew i was in GREAT hands. We scheduled another trial for the following week and that one went perfectly! I could not have been happier!
Lastly, Denise assisted me with coordinating MANY MANY appointments for my family members, sisters, sisters in law, nieces. Let me add that organizing my family is like herding cats. Denise coordinated us all (12 of us!!) in short order and in logical orders — the day is going to be so so smooth because of her efforts!!!
Everyone that you encounter in this salon is excellent to work with and kind and engaged (ha!) even with clients (like me!) who really don’t make it easy for them! I had a wonderful wonderful experience and am THRILLED that i found them. I look forward to updating this review post-​nuptials!

This is a great salon— very professional, nice atmosphere… where when I called for an appt for the first time I had the great fortune of being paired with Kasia who I’ve been going to ever since. She’s a genuinely talented stylist who listens very carefully and even when the request is different or poorly articulated she gets it perfect every single time. She also does wonderful updos (elegant, trendy, not too fussy). I’ve never written an online review before but having recommended her to my friends who have come back to me super happy and having just had another great experience today I can’t help but write this first online review now.

I had an absolute TERRIBLE experience at this salon last time i went. I have been coming to Cosmo Bleu on and off since high school for 15 years or so. I had recently moved back from San Francisco and needed to get my hair colored (highlights and single process in between). The salon was very busy so perhaps this is why but the dye and highlights were left on too long. I started to get nervous as it had been about 45 minutes which is a long time to leave bleach on someones hair who doesn’t want to be bleach blonde! But I couldn’t find my colorist. After she finally rinsed it out and applied a toner I almost lost it to see my hair was green and grey. She quickly took me to the sink and started vigorously scrubbing my head saying the toner reacted funny. The whole time she was whispering to another stylist and I kept asking what’s wrong? «Oh it will be fine» she said. She re-​applied a new toner and at this point any sign of my highlights were gone and I had a green tint on my hair. I was in tears!!! You can see what I am talking about in my pic. At this point they couldn’t even comb through my hair it was so over processed and knotted up. The owner came out to look at it and said add a couple more highlights back in that should help. Help it did not and i left the salon after 4 hours with a tangled green mess of hair. I have never been so appalled and to top it off they charged me full price for this service! $ 230 for green, over-​processed, tangled hair. Needless to say, Cosmo Bleu you have lost a long time customer. I will never trust you with my hair again.
Hi Denise,
Still waiting to hear from you.
Thanks,
Jen Allen

Avoid this place at all costs. What a terrible experience. They completely screwed up coloring my hair and the owner was so rude about it, acting like ehh whatever, mistakes happen. Do not go here.

First time customer and was given Shaun as my hair stylist for cut and color. He was absolutely fantastic evident by his knowledge of hair styling… sincerity and fantastic personality. He did a complete make over and I am so appreciative. I will certainly be back!!!

The customer-​oriented stylist Damian gave two polished $ 40 (pre-​tip) haircuts to my long hair.
After tip, the classy haircuts were $ 48 each. This price included shampoo, haircut and blow dry.
I also had one haircut with the friendly stylist Elle. Elle did a great job with the voluminous blow dry using top-​notch products. Nevertheless, I truly preferred Damian’s haircuts, which were more layered and sophisticated.
The salon was clean with a comfortable waiting area with several magazines. Bathrooms were available.
We parked on the street or at the affordable public parking nearby.

I usually go to the city for my hair but didn’t have the time to get there so I very nervously took a chance on going here (I’m a fake blonde, as any fake blonde knows getting your hair done somewhere new is terrifying)
The receptionist very politely and amiably put up with my babbling and highly recommended Elle – to which I will be forever grateful!
Elle made me regret having ever gone through the hassle of going to the city. She corrected the coloring I didn’t even know was wrong and now my hair color is perfection.
I can’t understand the bad reviews every woman walking out of there looked happy and had great hair.
The salon is relaxing and calm and the staff is polite and courteous. Literally the most enjoyable salon experience I’ve ever had and plan on having every 4 – 6 weeks :)

I’ve been going to Aguri for years for haircuts. She does an excellent job listening to what the client wants rather than pushing her own agenda. Recently I’ve tried highlights, and she has a talent for color as well. I do wish they would update the décor, particularly the seating and area around the sinks. The fluorescent lighting make me feel edgy.

i don’t understand all the negative reviews? Must be a random account of a competitor. anyway, I wanted to give a review because I got my roots done jan 20 and I had a wonderful experience. I had Elle again and she’s just perfect! my hair was in a pony and a bun & my head felt a little sore from it and when she massaged my hair during the shampooing omg it just felt like heaven, my head felt more relaxed and it was just perfect. the coffee here is great too! my hair had been a little dry and damaged from going black to strawb blonde so Elle gave me this keratin shampoo and conditioner which is better than the stuff that I used to purchase from those beauty stores. I have like 9 various shampoos and conditioners but I mean this stuff beats the rest. I think the conditioner is just heaven. my hair went from brittle to thick and soft. I highly recommend it for people with easily tangled and brittle hair. this smells very lovely and its sulfate free. love Elle shes really communicative, listens to my hair & shes patient and super nice and has great recommendations! shes the real deal. I hope people are more open because this is a very nice salon. always been great

This place is a major joke. I went in to try to go from dark hair to blonde and left with ashy embarrassing two tone, splotchy, and brassy hair.
Albeit my hair was professionally dyed dark brown but left untouched for nearly five months to transition. After a second visit the next day for «corrective service» I was told that my hair would fall out if I wanted to achieve any sort of blonde in it. Which is not only absurd, it is laughable. Thank goodness I called my regular salon in the NYC area to explain the circumstance. They also found Cosmo bleu’s verdict amateur and humorous. I should mention that I’ve been dark brown to blonde for nearly five years without any issues in the past and shockingly (sarcasm intended), I still have all my hair.
These girls are young and snotty lacking any responsibility for skill that they may have not developed just yet. When questioned as to why I left with this embarrassing result, I was met with winces and vapid responses. Also being told «good luck with that» as I walked out. Oh and I should mention that they expected nearly $ 200 for this result.
The manager was not helpful either telling me I «should have had a consultation first». Well that’s nice after the fact. Great business skills. Long story short, be very careful if you are seeing a «colorist» here. It seems like they are ill equipped to service.

I’ve run the gamut of top NYC salons and tried a few when I relocated to the area with no luck finding comparable color and style options. Colleen does fantastic work, hands down. Natural highlights, well done shaping and she gives life back to hair. Just a fantastic, youthful air to her work. Highly highly recommend.

Aguri is the absolute best!!! I have long curly asian hair and I came in looking for natural balayage highlights but emphasized I hate the streaky uniformed highlight hair. She creatively took pieces of my hair and used the ombré technique to achieve natural highlights. Obviously some people want their hair to look done but I love that mine is barely noticeable.
I highly recommend her as she is patient and will work with you to achieve the look you want.
TIP: they do not allow credit cards to tip… so make sure you have cash for your stylist.

Kathy has cut my hair for over three years– she’s an amazing stylist & makes her clients feel at ease. She’s attentive and listens to what you want considering your lifestyle– I’m a graduate student, low maintenance, and she knows how to style my hair perfectly (layers that are not fussy for my thick asian hair).
She also participates in New York fashion week styling models. She definitely knows what she’s doing!

It’s truly amazing to me that this place considers itself a high-​end salon. I left that place looking like one of the following: 1) it was 1985, with my feathered, chunky-​layered uneven mullet (any «high-​end» stylist should know that even if I had asked for it, curly hair does not do well like that); 2) that I was a blue/​gray-​haired, bridge-​playing 85 year-​old granny; or 3) that a prepubescent aspiring hair stylist hacked into my hair on a whim at a junior high sleepover. I asked the stylist to «fix» what I thought was a bad cut from another stylist there 6 weeks earlier (I chalked that one up to lack of experience, both in cutting and in life), and left with the worst cut I have EVER had.
Also, having had my roots retouched several times here successfully, this stylist totally changed the color of my hair. Even I, who is NOT a stylist, knows that you don’t leave color on the entire head for a half hour, same as the roots, when all you want are the roots done (should’ve done a pull-​through at the sink for 3 minutes only!!). It’s now several shades darker than the color I actually wanted. I will never, ever go back to this place. It seriously needs to take itself down a notch on thinking it’s a «high-​end» salon. Could’ve gone to Supercuts for the same Supercrappy style I now have to wait to grow out. Sigh.

Another amazing experience with Damian today. Full highlights (plus some… long story), trim, and blowout. He does a PERFECT job with all three. But, as always, the best part was the witty banter. I laugh more with him than I do with any of my friends. Just go — see Damian. He’ll make you gorgeous and happy.

I recognize that it could be considered unfair to give an establishment a poor review based on my experience with one of their employees, but since hair cutting is a skill based trade I should think a salon would ensure that it is comfortable with each stylist representing it; therefore, based on that implicit support I, without hesitation, rate at 1 star and affirm that I’ll never return here again.
As for the haircut, I’m a guy with short, simple hair, so I shouldn’t expect someone to have much trouble cutting it. The woman left patches uneven in length, and insisted all was okay when I asked her. All in all, I would have rather foregone a haircut for awhile longer, than to have gone here and I certainly wish I hadn’t paid 40 bucks for a haircut that was dramatically worse than many, many cuts I’ve had at Great Clips for 12 – 14 bucks.