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Whistle
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
267 E 10th St(between 1st Ave & Avenue A)
New York, NY 10009
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
(212) 477-0631
- Nearest Transit:
-
1 Av (L)
3 Av (L)
Astor Pl (4, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun 12 pm - 9 pm
Sat 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jae M. said: "Damn Mossimo for making me chase him all around Manhattan. He's worth it, though. He's worth it. This place is really cute. I somewhat hate the lighting, but not enough to strip a star." read more »
152 reviews for Whistle
152 reviews in English
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Review from sarah c.
Astoria, NY
1/23/2012
As a CT gal, I was in for quite a shock when it came to finding someone to cut my hair when I moved to the city. Back in December 2009, I decided that a drastic haircut was in my future, so I started poking around on Yelp for a decently priced, cool salon. Lo and behold, enter Whistle.
I had the pleasure of having my hair cut by Tom, who will be my stylist until I move out of the city. I explained in general terms what I wanted (take my long hair and give me a cool, low-maintenance new do) and he worked miracles. He is lovely to chat with and a true artist who can take direction well but can also improvise when the person (moi) doesn't exactly know what I want.
It is in a cozy spot between 1st and A, and the stylists make you feel welcome as soon as you step in. Total A+ in every area across the board. -
Review from Mabel W.
Forest Hills, NY
1/11/2012
Oh Heather, I adore you.
I came here months ago in dire need of a hair cut. I saw many reviews recommending heather so when I made an appointment, I made sure that Heather would be the one dealing with my hair.
She gave me so much great advice on how to take care of my hair. It's been months since Whistle and my hair is growing out nicely.
I'm sure all the hair consultants are very talented but try to get Heather if you can!
You can also come back to cut your bangs for free when they are growing too long. -
Review from Molly O.
Saratoga Springs, NY
11/5/2011
Seriously, y'all. Heather.
I recently had the scariest haircut of my life - scary because I was cutting it all off. I've wanted short hair for a long time but was worried that I couldn't pull it off. Heather reassured me that I could. We looked at pictures, we talked about it, she promised my face wouldn't look fat, and then she grabbed my ponytail and cut it off. Seriously, that was thrilling.
About 30 minutes later, my hair was see-my-scalp short, super punky pixie cute, with enough on top to do a faux-hawk and play around. Heather styled my hair for me and I went out the door, got on a plane, and flew to England. I got off the plane and my hair still looked awesome.
The next morning, after I'd washed it myself, I worried that I wouldn't be able to recreate the spiky goodness, but I did just what Heather had told me to and - voila! - perfect hair again. A couple of days later I wore it combed down and family and friends who had complimented the cut before were all over it again. My head was framed perfectly, the pieces all fell just the right way and it looked, according to my very British stepmother, "quite posh." What more could you want?
Heather is personable, sweet, and fun. She makes it look easy. I appreciate when she has me help style my hair so that I learn how this cut feels and moves. I like that when my hair was longer she would dry it quickly, like I would in the morning, helping me to see where to fluff pieces or tuck others under to achieve the right style. (Of course, if I asked, she would always pull out the round brush and make it special.)
In short, Heather is my favorite. I spend 2.5 hours on the train each time I need a haircut for a reason. -
Review from Valerie P.
Manhattan, NY
10/9/2011
So it has been four months since I got my first NYC haircut, and I found this place via Yelp. I have yet to make my next appointment, but am going to do so very soon!
I had Heather and she was amazing. This was the first time in my life that I felt 100% satisfied with my results when I walked out of the salon.
I moved here from Atlanta, and in a 8 year time span I went to only two different stylist. I am the type to show my loyalty once I am comfortable, happy, and trust what they do; and this usually takes me 2-3 times going back to that person. I lucked out not having to search much these past few years.
This time around, it was the first experience that secured my trust. I was tired of my hair and got 9 inches cut off; which she made the transition easy.
Plus there were two cute dogs running around that made the experience even more fun!
Thanks Whistle! -
Review from Minnie R.
New York, NY
11/2/2011
Whistle is a block and a half away from my place, which is why I started going there. But within just one visit, I became a fan and a loyalist largely due to my amazing colorist, Leigh. I've now been going there for over a year and I always leave happy.
It's a cozy neighborhood place, with a relaxed ambiance, and really friendly (and talented) stylists. -
Review from Eamon U.
Brooklyn, NY
11/1/2011
I recently decided to try growing my hair out a bit longer, and after a while I needed somebody to keep me from going insane. I have very thick hair which really has a mind of its own, so I needed someone to thin in out and reshape it a little bit. Found this place via yelp and decided to give it a try. I found it to be extremely friendly and welcoming, very easy to schedule an appointment (got one for just a few days after I called). Tom cut my hair and he is super sweet, gentle, understanding, and extremely good at what he does. He looked and my pictures and looked at my hair and immediately knew what needed to be done, but was also good about talking me through everything and asking my opinion on things. Walked out feeling loads lighter and looking much better.
Well, as it turns out, about a month went by and I decided a longer hairstyle just wasn't for me, so since then I got it cut back to being quite short like it used to be. Sadly, while Whistle was fantastic, the prices were a little steeper than I can really keep up with, so I switched to another hair salon (Little Hair Shoppe) because I could get a student discount there. But these guys were really friendly and knowledgable so I'd definitely recommend it! -
Review from Kaitlyn M.
Manhattan, NY
9/23/2011
Went in last night for a haircut/bang trim and left looking like Jim Carey circa Dumb and Dumber. I had Angela, who was very nice I must admit and did an ok job on the majority of my hair (read: not great, ok) although I did ask for more movement in the top layers and didn't really get that.
The bangs however are the reason I'm not going back to this salon. I have bangs--rounded bangs--and wanted them trimmed. Not chopped. trimmed. What I got was a short, stubby, shag bang that ends above my eyebrow (google image Dumb and Dumber...or Alfalfa for visual). I actually had to tell her to stop cutting. She wanted to keep going!
For $75, not worth it. -
Review from Amanda C.
10/10/2011
Finally, a salon I can actually see myself going back to. The stylists are all friendly, the service is great and you walk out getting the style you sought, or even better.
There's a range of prices for cuts ($70+ depending on the stylist), colors and clean ups ($15), but I usually pay around $80 for a trim/cut. I make my appointments with Corrine who is one of the senior stylists so she's probably a little more expensive, but well worth it. -
Review from Lauren L.
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Checked this place out after reading rave reviews on yelp. I love the vibe of the place, the people are very friendly and listen to what you want and give helpful suggestions along the way. I got highlights and a cut that were flawless - the best ever. And it was cheaper than many other Manhattan hair salons. I'll be back!
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Review from Jen G.
5/10/2011
I'm not gonna lie, I actually do like my hair. But I am also indecisive, and have probably done the equivalent of beating the crap out of my poor mane during the past 10 years of my life. It's not destroyed, but it's very long, kind of dry, and more than a little confused about what color it is.
So one day last week I decided to throw caution to the wind, abandon my "award-winning" ego maniac stylist in Staten Island, and see if I couldn't find someone in the letter district who could give me some quality hair treatment.
I told them my situation on the phone, and met Aaron, my stylist on Sunday. I was delightfully assuaged, and surprised by the fact that this man was going to leave no stone unturned when it came to learning about the history of my hair. He wanted to know about the natural tendencies of my hair, how I've treated it over the past few years with regard to color, highlight, treatments, cuts and styles, and what exactly I had in mind "artistically" going forward. What? I didn't even know stylists asked you questions like that.
Forget stylist, this guy is a scientist.
On the real, though, he did a really good job on my hair. It actually came out different than I envisioned, but in a better way. If you're looking for someone to save your hair, go to Whistle! Ask for Aaron. The other stylists are also really helpful and friendly, too. -
Review from Susan M.
Manhattan, NY
11/11/2011
Went here yesterday. Saw Corrine for a cut.
She is lovely and patient and was delightful to chat with - but I'm sure if you're not so chatty she would pick that up and go with your flow.
My hair looks great! I just got japanese straightening and wanted a cut with a little movement and life to it. She worked with me and cut the front in stages so I could make a more informed decision about how short to go.
And on the way out she told me I can always pop in when she's there to get a free trim of the front! Very nice perk - and works for me since I live in the neighb.
All the staff are really lovely - the resident dogs are adorable and sweet. And they made me some nice warm tea when I arrived.
Paid $80 plus tax and tips.
I will definitely be back! -
Review from Carol S.
Updated - 6/24/2011
I have been here twice and both times I think were pretty decent, but still missing something. I got my haircut and it turned out pretty nice, although it was just a trim and some bangs. For a $75 haircut I am still thinking it's a little bit expensive. I had Angela, who is the one with the cute doggie in the front.
I decided to give another shot and came back for a coloring. I tried to explain that my Asian hair turns orange no matter what color, so she gave me a darker shade of brown. I know I explained that it needed to be darker so it'd last longer but the color still felt very muted and a little drab. It was nice for work, but I still felt it was blah compared to the color I had before at BonBon. (My colorist left the salon, boo!) I can't explain it but I am still on the fence whether I like my hair color or not, and it's been about a month.
I think it was about $90 for a 1 hair color process, and that's still just way too expensive for me. Especially if I feel like it was just A-OK. I feel bad because Angela was really sweet, but for a 4.5 star review place I sort of expected to be a lot happier.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2011
For a $75 haircut I think this place was decent. I was able to squeeze in an appointment since they… Read more »
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Review from Lindsey C.
Brooklyn, NY
12/22/2011
A friend of mine suggested that I see Lizzie, so I made the call to the salon to set up the appointment. The receptionist I spoke to was friendly and polite. When I arrived they took my coat and offered me a drink. I met with Lizzie, who had super cute hair herself; she was witty and friendly. I brought her photographs of the color I was looking for as well as the cut. She took a lot of time to make sure it was what I wanted, it wasn't rushed at all. The color turned out to be exactly what I had showed her. My cut turned out to be different than what we originally discussed because as we went through I asked her to make slight adjustments and she more than happy to accommodate whatever I wanted. The vibe of the salon is non-pretentious or catty, the all the stylists seemed have great sense of humor and kept me giggling throughout my cut. I'll go back and I'll tell my friends to see Lizzie, it was a great experience all around.
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Review from Jane K.
2/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The rumors are true. Whistle is truly as awesome as Yelp would have you believe.
I recently had a serious hair emergency that was dealt with in lightning-fast time. Fixing and coaxing my hair back into submission, he made my hair better than before the debacle. I'd go to Tom for any and all hair issues or updates. That man knows his way around a head - however difficult the job.
The salon is small, but darling. The stylists are talented, trustworthy and fun to be around. And the best part? The prices aren't gastronomically high but the end results are top-quality. I'm in love. -
Review from Jean P.
Updated - 3/3/2011
It's been a little more than a year since my first review for Whistle, and I have been consistently coming for color ever since.
I'm still here and still happy.
:)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2010
Despite the reviews I was scared. See, you may not be able to tell from the pics in my profile but I… Read more »
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Review from Merrill C.
Manhattan, NY
10/11/2011
Heather does a great cut. We both migrated to NYC from DC, where she used to work at Trim, my fav hair place. Whistle is my NYC go to.
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Review from Olivia O.
New York, NY
12/2/2010
In a nutshell: good haircut with some pretty good angles , but I've had better.
I really wanted to find my NYC salon, I really did. I have completely lost faith in nyc hair stylists. I've tried about 3-4 different hip and supposedly cool salons, and it never turns out as good as when I do my hair in Cali. Why? Let me give some reasons:
1. It's always rushed. No client relationship can be formed when you are on a tight time constraint. Not to mention, a stylist needs to get who you are as a person (lifestyle choices, maintenance levels etc.) and your style. This can't happen over 40 minutes. I get it, time Is money , says new York.
2. Conservative. My stylists have tended to keep it safe.
3. No one can style Asian hair to save their life. It's either too thinned out or too solid. What gives? I don't want fob hair but I still want life in my hair.
Yes I am demanding and picky, and borderline vain, but I think everyone deserves amazing hair & proper "hair therapy." -
Review from Jennifer S.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2011
OK I am here to amend my previous review. Holy PMS Batman! Was I in a crappy mood the day I wrote that or what. I loooove Whistle. They have never given me a bad haircut and almost always give great haircuts. Plus the people who work there are super nice and really listen to try and achieve the look that you're going for.
So let's chalk my last review up to my wearing of epic crabby pants due to recently moving back to the city where my filthy rotten (not literally, he's an insufferable clean freak) ex lives a life of unparalleled douchebaggery.
Thank you Whistle for being consistently awesome at haircuts! -
Review from lauren r.
Astoria, NY
11/17/2010
This place really disappointed me. I've been wanting to go here for a long time mainly because of the outstanding yelp reviews, but after going I have to wonder whether these guys get all their friends to write them reviews. Don't buy the hype!
I went here on Halloween weekend. I had heather, who is repeatedly mentioned in the reviews as friendly and excellent with hair. I got the opposite impression on both counts. the silence was so awkward that I started small-talk-- I'm used to the stylist doing that. She acted completely uninterested in engaging in conversation so I gave up and sat in silence. This is besides the point because hey, she's there to cut hair not to be your best friend, but I felt it necessary to comment given the abnormal amount of reviews on here about how nice she is.
The real issue was the haircut. I told her I wanted something with lots of layers- I got a straight cut. I told her I wanted long bangs and I got no bangs at all. The haircut she gave me was hands-down the worst haircut I've ever paid for. It was embarrassingly clear from looking at the cut that she put no effort at all into it. Then she had the nerve to tell me she was just going to "go over it" with a blow dryer and not style it so that I could see how it would look on a day-to-day basis. Really? When I get my haircut I enjoy having it nicely blow-dried for a few days. Seems like she was just eager to finish. I should have complained but by the end of it I just wanted out.
As a nice finishing touch to the evening, I got to witness her and another stylist (big Asian guy) roll their eyes and make fun of the very friendly customer that had just walked out the door after a cut- apparently her costume idea of a giant's football player wasn't hipsteresque enough for them. Not only did this make me think they were pretentious jerks, but it was also ridiculously unprofessional to make fun of a customer in front of another customer. I wonder what they said about me when I walked out the door... -
Review from Jessica W.
Weehawken, NJ
3/31/2011
I had pretty much the same experience as Lauren, although I didn't experience Heather as quiet or unfriendly. She likes to tell stories and talk about celebrities, etc. Whatever, it passes the time.
I originally went in in Nov. 2010 for a trim on my bangs (and to sort of "test the waters" before considering a full cut/color a few months later.) My bangs were originally cut in a way that made it easy for me to style them to one side, and all I said to Heather was I wanted a trim to update what was already going on. I realized at home afterward that they didn't style how they used to, but I figured, "Whatever, they'll grow out," and I also figured maybe I hadn't communicated something to her...I guess.
So, I went back in January 2011 for a cut and color. The cut really consisted of updating my layers, which is all I really said to her and pointed out that I had, "choppy layers" that had grown too long, so I wanted to bring them up, just below shoulder length. For the color, my roots had grown out brunette and I just wanted to update the color I had (can't remember exactly the name of the color from my previous stylist in Seattle) but I wasn't too particular, just wanted it to match what was already going on with the previously colored hair and to hide the 3-4 inches of root growth showing.
When she was done with my hair, it had been about two hours and I was STARVING and just wanted to get out, so I didn't say anything about the end results of my hair. I also just tend to be someone who is going to think about it before really saying anything. It took me three seconds to realize she cut off ALL my layers, she left maybe one. Not to mention, my hair had been cut previously in an angle, framing my face and ending with about 3-4 inches straight across in the back, but now I had pretty much a bob! She gave me a whole new haircut - regardless of the fact that some people have complimented it (it's not a HORRENDOUS cut) - it's NOT what I asked for. It's ruined my ability to style my hair how I used to with waves and layers. Now it's just straight down and I can't stand it.
The color job was inferior to what I was accustomed to. When I used a hand mirror to look at it at home, the roots were still showing, and it was as though I hadn't had any blending as she had promised. I had asked for highlights, and yet my friends were asking the next day if I'd had my hair darkened...ugh.
For those who say to bring photos of what you want your stylist to do for you I want to point out I brought something more accurate than a photo, I brought my own hair with the cut already built in, and she still got it wrong.
I paid $200, not including tip, for this. I have no problem paying that much for a high quality cut and color. In my opinion, the service I received does not qualify for this classification. For my next cut, I'll be looking elsewhere. -
Review from Cindy F.
New York, NY
1/20/2011
I adore my stylist, Angela. I always leave Whistle feeling happy and refreshed. Who knew you could feel that way after a haircut!
I went to Whistle after experiencing a coloring job gone awry from my last stylist. I saw the Yelp reviews (thanks guys!) and requested to have an appointment with someone that can cut curly hair, and was set up with Angela. She gave me a few tips on cutting, coloring and styling my curly, chin-length hair, and proceeded to give me an awesome cut. My goal was to grow out all of the bad color until it was all my natural color, and I have officially met my goal! She has given me several different haircuts since I have been going to her, including a curly pixie-ish cut, and I have received compliments on all of them. I scheduled an appointment with her for our very first coloring together and cannot wait to see the results.
A few tips about Whistle:
1) Schedule your appointment in advance, since they tend to fill up quickly. Also specify if you want a cut or a cut and color. I usually schedule mine a few weeks in advance and it works out perfectly for me.
2) Bring in pictures of what you want done. It is always helpful to have a picture for reference, since hairstylists are not psychic and cannot pluck exactly what you want done from your brain.
3) Be realistic about expectations. You do not have the same hair as your favorite celebrity. -
Review from Tamar H.
Princeton, NJ
11/20/2011
I am not sure that I want to tell everybody about his wonderful place as it is already difficult to get an appointment with my favorite color and all else person, Angela ..... But, I will not be selfish..... This is a wonderful, low key and friendly place.... I come here from Princeron and it is worth the hassle.... Tamar
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Review from Bridget F.
Queens, NY
1/3/2011
New York City has been the site of some of the worst hair cuts of my life. By the time I got to Will's chair, I was entirely distrusting and cynical. In fact, I was concentrating all my energy into being preemptively pissed off about spending money for a cut I would have to spend the next year outgrowing.
However, this time I was armored with personal recommendations of friends who had been Will's clients for years - friends with some seriously good looking hair. So, in case you don't trust your friends' taste, I will throw my 2 cents into the Yelp universe: you can trust this man with your hair.
Will has all the dexterity you need from a stylist: he can take hackneyed and vague descriptions of potential styles and make the final product look better than imagined, he can stop you from your own tragic imagination (pixie cuts are cute, but really?), and steer you towards styles that work with your maintenance habits - all while keeping you enthralled with his down-to-earth charm.
As far as I'm concerned, Whistle reflects Will's skill and attitude. 5 stars. -
Review from erika a.
Jersey City, NJ
9/7/2011
I wonder how many of these places get such good reviews because they have review-savvy friends that bump up their rating.
My haircut was ok... it wasn't anything to write home about and the service there was as mediocre as you can get.
With so many salons in the city, the search continues -
Review from Alyssa D.
Yonkers, NY
8/11/2010
Okay, so I went here twice.
First time:
- Hair cut was with Tom. Overall good experience. He was friendly, and he listened to what I wanted. I cut off 10 inches of my hair and I LOVED what he did with it. I thought I found my new hair stylist.
Second time:
-There was a lot of traffic. I was running late. I called to tell them I would be 10 mins late. I showed up and was a little over ten. I came in apologized and then asked if he still could take me.
He stares at me, turns around, looks at the clock, turns back to me, and says " i guesssssss i can take you". Seriously? seriousllllyyy?!
NOW, keep in mind this place in empty. So i'm a little annoyed, but I'm like whatever - the first time was good. After my hair got washed, he was all moody with me. I told him if his next client comes in, he doesn't have to dry my hair since i was late and all.
I got in at 1:12. Finished at 1:45. I left looking like a damn wet dog. AND to top it off i left an empty salon. EMPTY! NO CUSTOMER! NOTHINNNNGGG!!!! and do you want to know the cherry on top? i tipped him $20.
idiot. -
Review from Krishna R.
San Jose, CA
1/10/2011
I wish I had had haircuts like this when I was growing up..
got my first cut here on Oct 30 and followup bangs trimmed for free this week... they know how to cut curly hair, and for the price they give you a haircut that will grow with you for quite some time... I came home feeling gorgeous (locks locks locks) neverending and side-swept bangs that looked edgy and cool. I thought the highest layer was a little too high during the cut, but as it's growing out I'm not finding that it's a problem at all. on the contrary, it's flowy and quite natural looking. highly recommended! -
Review from Jacqueline M.
New York, NY
11/25/2011
I went there twice on the recommendation of a friend and received very good cut, highlights and blowout from Corrine. The third time however, I had made an appt for cut and highlights and she said she only had me down for highlights and not a cut. Not true so clearly the person booking appt screwed up. Anyway she told me she could only do one or the other because she didn't have time for both. She wasn't even apologetic. Needless to say I never went back. Very unprofessional.
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Review from angela g.
New York, NY
8/18/2010
I will follow Angela to the ends of the earth. I was super excited when i found out she landed here.
This place is cute and cozy. No frills, no bs. I can buy into that! Plus, it's less expensive then where i had been going.
As far as Angela goes, she just gets it and works with you. She never makes me feel like a heathen with my nappy dry dreadlocked curls. I always leave happy. Hooray for Angela! -
Review from Aelee K.
New York, NY
11/7/2010
It has taken me three years to find a great hair stylist in New York that can give me a cut that really compliments my face shape, but after many trials and errors with other stylists I've finally found one.
Heather Hogan is a miracle worker in less than an hour! She has a keen artistic eye and I completely trust her in making any big changes to my hairstyle. On top of her amazing styling ability, she has such a big heart and a fun personality. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I'm laughing and chatting the entire time I'm getting my cut!
Absolutely nothing pretentious about this place. The entire staff is great and I'm really excited to go back again! -
Review from Yvonne P.
New York, NY
7/26/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Having very thick Asian hair, finding a stylist who is capable of (1) handling a large volume of hair and (2) shaping the hair in such a way that it does not look like complete crap within 6 weeks of cutting has always been a difficult task for me. I had lived in New York almost a year and tried 2 or 3 different salons before I finally decided to go to Whistle.
When I finally got to Whistle, Heather took one look at my hair and told me she would rather re-shape my hair while it was dry because of its volume. I have only ever had my hair cut while wet, so I was initially skeptical. At the end of the appointment, my hair looked great! Heather was not only able to handle the volume of my hair, but she was able to give me a cut that has grown out extremely well.
There is no doubt about it--I will be going back to Whistle for all my future haircuts. -
Review from Maggie P.
6/6/2011
Found this place via Yelp (thanks, crew!) and really like it. I asked for Heather, who I was told was good with redheads. Or, you know, those who want to be redheads. (This girl.)
She was courteous, timely and here's the thing that I really like: She listened to me. I showed her some pics, told her I'd asked for red before and people nod and agree then do whatever they want, which is usually some lame-ish browny auburn. She warned me the red would be vibrant for the first couple washes then it would normalize and she was right. It was a little out there at first but within a week it was totally natural-looking. I get compliments on it all the time, lots of people say they'd never know it was bottle-red if I wasn't so candid about it.
I will note that I'm knocking a star because even though I like the place, the second time I went Heather had to color someone else after she'd done mine and left me in the hands of a girl who seemed really well intentioned but pretty inexperienced. She took a long time with the extra color and wash 'n' dry and I was super late to my evening commitment. I feel bad even bringing it up but I was not super thrilled. -
Review from Kristi R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/2/2010
Let me first state, that I got a good cut, so I am giving it 3 stars and not 2. But for $80, I don't think it was worth it.
I came early right after work and it was my first time in a New York salon. I picked Whistle because of the high rating on yelp and just asked for an experienced stylist that was available. I was booked with Leigh, and I had seen her name mentioned positively on yelp, so I felt confident.
When I walked in on a Friday, the salon seemed busy and when I sat down to wait, I was offered tea or wine. When it finally became time to sit with Leigh, I explained to her that my hair needed a lot of help. I am growing out a not great haircut, I used to be a double process highlight/lowlight (I now use $8 box color), I am 6 months in to a keratin hair treatment, and I use a flat iron or curling iron daily. She rolled her eyes with each new mention of something I did to my hair. I know, I am hard on it, but that is why I came to Whistle seeking help and repair.
She had the assistant shampoo my hair and as I walked away from her she was shaking her head as if she didn't know what to do with me. I came back to the chair and she was sitting down texting on her blackberry looking, barely looking at me with an annoyed expression on her face.
She blow dryed my hair to cut, because it was just so bad to her she needed to see it dry so she didn't take too much off. She cut as little as possible while trying to freshin it up, as I am trying to grow my hair out.
Please keep in mind, my hair is shoulder length and really didn't look THAT bad when I walked in. I just get sucked into the fun treatments out there that make straightening hair in humid weather so much easier. I was told haircuts range from $60-80, and she took maybe an inch off my shoulder length hair, shampooed and styled. I would try several other salons or stylists at the very least, before going back and settling on this place. -
Review from Ryan C.
New York, NY
9/9/2010
I agree with the previous review that this place really is no frills and is very unpretentious, which I tended to like. I felt really comfortable here.
I don't think I can give Angela enough praise for what she did. I look like a completely different person and it was like she knew exactly what I wanted. She even gave me some tips along the way on how to maintain the style. She was very attentive, friendly and down to earth. I found the rest of the staff to be equally accommodating and friendly as well.
I was not disappointed at all and will be going back in the future. -
Review from Lisa C.
New York, NY
1/22/2010
Maybe the girl who answers the phone is disgruntled because she is probably a wannabe stylist who has to sweep up everyone's dirty hair off the ground, but that is barely an excuse for being so shitty on the phone. I called to ask if she had any availability for a haircut today and she said "No" followed by complete SILENCE. "Ok, how about tomorrow?" I ask. "No" followed by more silence. Then a half hearted, "sorry."
"Do you mind telling me when you do have availability?" "Um... like maybe next month".
We all know hairstylists don't usually have the highest gpa in high school, let alone the girl who just answers phones for them, but come on- a little customer service would help. Especially, when you don't know who you are speaking to on the other end of the phone. -
Review from Lama B.
3/15/2011
I simply adore this place. With reservations for an afternoon dedicated to finally chopping off a few of the frayed ends off Nell's gorgeous mane, and me agreeing to trim my hair that refuses to grow past a certain length we decided to stroll down from midtown as it was a unusually warm.
As soon as we got there, we were greeted with water and offerings of tea. I had asked for Corinne who had cut my sister's hair recently. I have short fine hair, but this did not deter her and she did not, as other hair salons try to do, put the quality of my hair down and try to sell me ten million products. Instead she suggested a haircut she thought would make it look fuller and funky, and agreed to a semipermanent dye that would cover some of my hmm...recently appearing umm...not black hairs and make my hair shiny. From beginning to end the experience was fantastic and I totally recommend this place to anyone needing anything as simple as a blow out to a complicated cut. Nelly was equally pleased, as she always is with their work, and we left happy. Yay for Whistles! -
Review from Abigail M.
Brooklyn, NY
11/13/2009
I feel like this salon, or my impression of it, is best represented by its decor. I've walked by it a few times and thought "Oh, those are lovely branches they've painted white and hung on the wall. Those always look nice with [Christmas] lights in them." But when I came in to the salon and discovered they were actually antlers, well my perception changed.
There are tons of salons in the East Village/Alphabet City. Some good, some trendy, some over-priced, some crappy... I mean, you really do run the gamut in this neighborhood. I was afraid this would be an over ritzy/priced salon (with the delicate branches on the wall) but it turns out to have a little quirk to it (since they're antlers). The sheer volume of good reviews on Yelp was overwhelming (those reviews are well earned, by the way). I was greeted by the owner, Will, which was really welcoming; makes me feel like my business is appreciated. And I was offered a drink, which was an added bonus.
And just so you know, my stylist kicks ass in so many countries and languages. Serious Abigail is serious about her hair. And so is Angela. We spent a good deal of time talking about what I want my hair to look like, where I want it to end up (I'm growing it out), what kind of hair I have, how much work I want to do on it in the morning, whether certain styles are viable with what I've got growing out of my scalp, etc. Angela is highly knowledgeable and gave me some great options and we went to work. (Well, she did the work but I feel like it was a collaboration, which is nice. I did grow all this hair so there's my work.)
And what I ended up with was an awesome cut from my once and future stylist.
And future free bang-trims, which I swear are like the free toy inside a cereal box. "Free toy inside! Free toy inside! Don't let your Mom know you do this."
Stanley?
Stanley Spadowski? Come on... you must have watched UHF at some point. Ah well... good hair cut, nonetheless! -
Review from Sarah M.
Brooklyn, NY
1/25/2007
Finding the right hair stylist is not an easy feat.
I have actually gotten up from a stylist's chair and run out of the salon in a panic even before she'd put the scissors to my hair just because her own choice of hair made me nervous.
That all changed the minute I walked into this East Village salon and met Heidi. She's awesome and always does exactly what I want. The first time she cut my hair was the first time IN MY ENTIRE LIFE that I loved a new cut immediately.
The atmosphere is really chill and cozy, you can sip on wine while they snip away yr dead ends, and they play good music (sometimes better than others, depending on whose ipod is in rotation). This is the only place I've ever had my hair cut in New York, and as long as Heidi is still here, I'll keep coming back. Plus, everyone I've met there is so awesome that I'd probably trust them by default. You usually need to make an appointment a few weeks in advance, and a cut is about $70. It's worth every penny.
Trust me.
I have great hair. -
Review from Darbi W.
New York, NY
3/14/2008
Wow. My hair is really, really cute. My hair is always really cute....but after my cut here today with Will, my hair is really, REALLY cute. And I love the vibe. Just a little space with cool people hidden inside.
A French Bulldog to greet me at the door, followed by a no-bullshit shampoo and a fantastic cut. $70 and done. Love it!
I always know a good haircut when it makes me want to stay out longer, do a little shopping, wander around the city....just so I can keep catching a glimpse of my fresh new do in the store front windows. Today was definitely one of those haircuts! -
Review from Jeanne C.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2009
What a great salon. It's very inviting and warm when you walk in. I was greeted by Will, and he took my coat and offered me tea right away. It was great!
Will was very meticulous with my hair. He really spent time texturizing and making sure the layers weren't out of control. I had one really bad haircut last year, and my next three cuts were spent fixing the horrid thick bangs from hell. I was ready to start new.
Although nothing was life changing about my haircut, and was a mere touch up and chopping off two inches, I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation throughout the hour, and not having to worry about what my hair would look like. The staff here definitely knows what they're doing and the confidence shows.
It looked fabulous after styling, but what always gets me is what my hair looks like after I'm all by myself on my own. Blowing, or not blowing, it always falls in the right places.
Can't wait for the free bang trims. I might go back to get my bangs cut even more. I'm going back for a 2nd cut in March, and think I will try something more dramatic. :) It's nice to finally have a stylist after years of whoring it up at random salons around the city!
Oh, and the store dog mascot is the cutest, fattest, laziest pug ever.
I'm content with finally spending $100 (w/ tip) for a cut that will grow out beautifully! -
Review from Lisa K.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 11/4/2010
Been back for another drastic cut! This time it was with Tom. He is such a great stylist! Case in point. I brought in this specific cut from a clothing catalog. It was a real person that was being highlighted that month. I loved that the model was Asian and had bangs, but the cut was really flattering, not just straight hair blah.
So I brought it in to show Tom...he took a look at the picture then did a double take! I cut her hair!!, he said. Wtf? I couldn't believe it. I am getting my hair cut by the exact person that cut the hair of the picture I brought in...when does that ever happen?
It's been a while since that cut, but I've gotten back for free bang trims, and the cut is still holding up well 6 mos later! I am growing it out...but will definitely be back for a trim in a few mos.
Tom really listens to what you want and will make changes to fit your face shape, hair texture etc, everything you want your hair stylist to do! He's funny and quirky and remembers people.
Just another reason why Whistle rocks!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/12/2009
It's been 3 months since I got my haircut. I went there because of all the great reviews and I… Read more »
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