Substance Salon & Barberspa in Rutherford, NJ

It's been a few years since I've had a haircut where I haven't come home and nitpicked at all of the incongruities I would see in the mirror. So if you're looking for a barber who will actually listen to you, asses your hair, and cut your hair in a way that is complementary to your facial features, this is the place to go. Beyond happy with my haircut. The most expensive cut I've had to date, but I'll be damned if it isn't worth every single penny! If you're feeling unsure, ask for Nolan, he'll set you up with some instant confidence.

The first time I went I enjoyed this place. I asked for a root touch up and the woman was super nice and accommodating. I did notice a very strong smell coming from the products, which I never really smelled anywhere else, but I can overlook it. What I can't overlook is the fact that on the second, and even third time of getting a root touch up, the color changed. I ended up walking out with a red root when my hair is black. Won't be coming back.

Alexandra has literally saved my hair and I could not be happier with her and my experience at Substance Salon. I had long term Covid last year and a lot of my hair fell out in clumps. What was left on my head was a disaster. I was devastated especially since I've always had a healthy head of hair. I came in for a consult and hit it off with Alexandra right away. She understood so well that our goal was to give me a head of healthy hair again that was easy to maintain. It did not take long. After my very first appointment, I began to feel human again. Alexandra is meticulous and clearly has a passion for what she does. I feel so comfortable with her. I have been getting TONS of compliments on my hair and really look forward to coming to every appointments. It's my 'me' time. I find everyone at the salon very friendly without being 'in your face' and the salon space is really bright and inviting. Everything is always so clean and they play great music. I've been to far more expensive salons in the past and have not been half as happy with my experience.

Had a great blowout/up-do done by Christy this past Saturday. Very friendly and patient- made sure I was happy with the style every step. Will be back, thank you!

The reception when you walk in are the snottiest, most condescending people in New Jersey. They speak down to you in the rudest manner imaginable all while wearing a fake smile. I had to walk in 3 times and beg for an appointment 3 times before I got one. Cannot STAND the front desk staff but Kelly, the hair dresser is amazing. I feel bad for her as she is kind but the people running the place are shameless. After my first hair cut I was given a 20% off coupon. Came back the very next day to have my daughters hair trimmed. A Dry trim. No washing. They wanted $65 for a dry trim. They wanted to disregard my coupon and just have the $65. I had to argue and ask for the manager who was equally rude. After raising my voice and mentioning an online review they finally agreed to accept the coupon and we paid $35 for a DRY TRIM. This place is as overrated as it is overprice and the worst part of it all is they find it great to be "cashless" as in, "your CASH is NO GOOD HERE". I asked "why?" they replied "well, we have been cashless because of the Virus and Lock down". Lamest excuse ever. Do they imagine you can catch it from a dollar bill? NO, they are doing it because they are in lock-step with the powers that be wanting to track and trace each and every single purchase we as Americans do. I hope this place goes out of business and learns that "go woke, go BROKE". Learn some manners FOLKS. You are NOT indispensable.