SALON LOLA in Brooklyn, NY

I really have thought about writing this about 5 times, only because maybe it will help the salon provide a better experience for others. I've been to Salon Lola 3 times in about 10 years (since they first opened). The first time I had asked for light pink hair, had photos to share, and it took 2+ hours longer than Lola said it would take (6.5 instead of 4), forcing me to cancel my dinner plans with friends in town from CA. It ended up being bright hot pink, and I remember feeling so gaslit by her going over and over, "No, this IS pastel pink"... it was very odd to be argued with considering I had photos as examples. I just paid and left, feeling frustrated that I was annoying her. I didn't return for about 3+ years when I was in a pinch, thinking maybe she just had an off day that time. People love this place so why not. I requested another stylist in case, and that person was great and I loved the cut, but I really didn't feel comfortable in the studio. For an hour, Lola talked non-stop, pretty negative and "blunt" in her words, about all sorts of stuff, including micromanagement critiques of the person who was cutting my hair (but not about my cut - things like what music she listens to, how to take money, what went wrong with the person before). It was just a blanket of negativity... I left feeling really heavy, and my stylist was pretty down... which doesn't feel great when your hair is literally in a sad person's hands. Lola's presence was really domineering over the employee. Lola then also about difficulties with her dogs, her neighbors and the neighborhood, some old band drama, crime, stress... We all have hard times, but I just felt like I sat in someone's therapy session. Just not what I anticipate when I go to treat myself to a nice cut and blow out. I didn't return again for another 2-3 years, because again - I had a work event sprung on me, and my usual salon had no slots. I had an incredible cut from this woman (I don't even think she's there anymore) but it was the same exact vibe as it was during the second visit, except this time, she talked all about a CLIENT who was there for a cut when I walked in that had just left (happy and smiley). She talked for 20 minutes about this woman, and it was just unkind to gossip about a client, especially someone she seemingly liked. It was personal stuff about her partner, her dog, her job, and what Lola's take on her personal situation and what would help her if only she would just be strong. I was SO uncomfortable. It's so unbelievably unprofessional. I didn't say a word during my cut from that point forward. I wasn't about to have the next clients know the gossip in my life and the owner's hot takes. It wasn't just this client. She pivoted to talking very negatively and openly about an old employee, never naming her, but the other stylist (not mine) there knew who it was and was snickering too. The whole vibe was just "mean girl", even though my hairstylist wasn't participating.. just doing that nice pandering thing like, "Yeahhh..." when someone is uncomfortable. I don't understand it - Lola is very good at hair, and she has a spirit that puts people at ease, but each and every time I've been in there, I leave feeling so icky because of how negative Lola's energy is in that small studio. I just can't go back. It would be better if she took time to train and critique her employees during training meetings, and maybe spend time outside of work to discuss and process personal issues (we all have them, no shade).

I scheduled a haircut with Keyonna to chop off all of the dead, dyed hair at the ends. I also expressed by concern for the frizz and stated that I didn't know what to do with it. Keyonna was very attentive to this concern throughout and explained what she was doing to combat it while styling, and what I could do at home that was low-maintenance like I wanted! Additionally, she was mindful of what I didn't like in haircuts at other places, where they would layer it too intensely and leave my ends thin, so she did the opposite of that and I'm really impressed with how it turned out. The salon itself was small but intimate and still felt very classy despite the size. It was just my hairdresser and me so I don't know if it would be loud with other hairdressers and clients surrounding us but I quite liked the vibe. She even offered me tea, which was delicious! I will definitely be making Salon Lola my go-to.

Been there twice and they just have no clue how to deal with my hair. The last hairdresser gave me the worst blowout and she as surprised to see my hair was curly after she washed it. Couldn't tell when it was dry. ‍

I just moved back to Brooklyn, and away from my long time colorist. Lola matched my color exceptionally, a multi-color affair covering gray and reviving red. It's an adorable salon and I'm really happy with my hair.

If I could give it a 0 star I would. The owner was late to my appointment and offered no explination or apology. And had the nerve to charge an exorbitant amount after she left my hair looking like I stuck my finger in a socket! Curlyventure salon in the city saved me and my pocket from this place.