Ayten Farrell Salon

If you value your time, your hair and money, DO NOT GO TO THIS SALON!
This Salon is mediocre at best, and based off of my horrible experience yesterday, they simply are incompetent and have no concept of professionalism when it comes to RESPECTING your appointment time.
I’ve actually been to this salon twice before. The first time I went in, I met with the owner, Ayten, for a simple wash and trim. She talked my ears off about «black hair» and how to take care for it, which I get but she just took it too far. Now mind you she’s a European woman who has an affinity for black natural hair. Okay, cool. But I don’t need you lecturing me as if you’re the first white person who have discovered healthy hair care for black women. Thanks lady, but you’re not the first nor are you the best. The only reason I didn’t walk out of her salon then is because I desperately needed a good wash and trim, and so I sucked it up and let the black hair care priestess lecture me while doing my hair. My trim was pretty decent, so I decided to come back a second time for a weave cut, but my weave was cut by one of her other stylist who did a pretty good job.
Now let us fast forward to yesterday:
I scheduled this appointment 3 weeks ago for a simple wash and trim. My appointment was scheduled at 12pm. I arrived at 11:50am as I wanted to arrive on time, and not a minute later, as I value and respect my hair stylist’s time. I wish I could say that this hair salon value and respect their customers’ time as well, but they DON’T. When I arrived no one greeted me, which was fine as each stylist had a client in his/​her chair; however, it would have been nice if someone — anyone — would at the very least make eye contact with me and simply say that someone would be with me shortly. After sitting there for a good 10 to 15 minutes, one of the stylists, Beatrice, looked back at me and asked me for my name. After she realized that I was her 12pm appointment, she informed me that she would be with me shortly. Now here’s my concern: she was JUST starting on someone else’s hair — and we’re not talking about a quick flat iron or a trim. Nope! She was installing a full crochet weave into this client’s hair. Everything in me wanted to leave, but I made the silly mistake in thinking that she, supposed professional, would honor my appointment time and would promptly deliver the services I requested and discussed over the phone 3 weeks ago and AGAIN with her when she took me over to the shampoo chair to wash my hair. Nope, of course not. It was wishful thinking on my end, and I would greatly pay for it.
After she washed my hair, she placed me under the dryer for 30 minutes for a deep conditioner treatment. I suppose she thought that by some miracle, she would be able to install a full weave into this client’s hair before my dryer went off. Clearly not the case. So after the dryer goes off, I wait another 30 minutes before she sends the shampoo girl over to wash the conditioner out of my hair. While I’m patiently waiting, she’s talking it up with her client and the owner, Ayten, who can clearly tell that I’m growing impatient but does absolutely nothing and continues to talk on and on about the origins of her German last name. So after another half an hour, Beatrice has her shampoo girl blow-​dry my hair. Mind you I’ve been there for 2 hours and I’m just now getting my hair blow-​dry? Unbelievable! She finally makes her way to me (keep in mind that she’s still installing this other client’s crochet weave), and begins to flat iron my hair. But wait for it — she has the nerve to ask me for the FOURTH TIME if I want a trim. I say yes I do, then she turns to the owner, Ayten, and asked her if she could do my trim as apparently Beatrice does not know how, I suppose. Like, are you for real right now?! What a waste of time! Mind you, when she asked Ayten if she could do my trim it was going on 3pm AND she too had a client in her seat whose hair she was JUST starting on. So that meant that I would have to wait another 2 to 3 hours for a trim?! No way. I decided to pay and leave.
Total cost for my pain and trouble, you ask? $ 65.00 for a horrible wash, no trim hairstyle. As I quickly exited out, Ayten (the black hair care priestess) mockingly called out «have a good day» — seriously?! I’m the paying customer and yet you’re giving me attitude? Really?! I did my part and arrived to my appointment early and yet I’m treated as if I did something wrong? Wow.
Good people, please save your money and avoid going to this place. This hair salon is overhyped by people who are in awe of some European lady who is willing to finger black hair and hire incompetent hairstylists with little experience who have no concept of honoring their clients’ time. Go to this salon if you want to waste your money and time for sub par services. The only good thing they have going is the music.

As a walk in, they worked me in quickly and did a fantastic job. Incredibly sweet and welcoming staff and my stylist had great incite into what would look best. I came for a blow out but will be back for much more!

I was blown away by the experience I had here. I’m new to NYC and avoided getting my hair done for a while and went to a place in Harlem and had a HORRENDOUS experience. I was very wary about going anywhere else and had my reservations before coming her. Ayten and her staff were extremely professional, courteous, warm, and inviting. On occasion, one would get food and ask if anyone wanted something (water, food, etc.).Her salon is very well maintained and homey, laced with nice music playing and interesting conversation among the clients and stylists. The hair experience was collaborative: I spoke, they listened, and I was advised. My stylist was very gentle and checked with me along the way until the result was as I wanted. I would highly recommend someone going here, it is truly a diamond in the rough. It was money well spent and they’ve definitely made a regular out of me.

I visited this salon after reading reviews and gave it a shot since its in my neighborhood, this is a nice boutique salon… Ayten is a very nice and experienced stylist who can definitely style any type of hair texture I’m 3/​c 4/​a dry hair, she’s very experienced and cares about the quality of your hair I loved her energy def. take a leap of faith and visit.

Ayten is so good at what she does! She truly is considerate of her clients wants when she cuts their hair. I’ve been there twice so far and will continue to go for a regular trim. I saw such a great difference just after my first trim by Ayten. She is far from scissor happy and cuts exactly what needs to be cut. My hair feels healthier and is starting to grow in evenly. If you’re looking for the perfect hair trim that does not make you nervous, see Ayten!

The ladies in the salon are always professional, friendly and courteous. They also really know what they are doing when it comes to hair health AND style. They give you their honest take and work with your concerns and issues. I return as often as I can. My experiences at salons typically was with rude non-​caring stylists who cared only for style and not hair health. Ayten and the other stylists have made me want to go to a hair salon again.

Ayten makes you appreciate your natural hair. She takes care of it and treats it like Gold. She is professional and kind and she trimed my natural hair perfectly. This was my second time going to Ayten and my hair felt amazingly soft and bouncy. Great price and great results.

This was my first time getting my hair cut and not by a barber. I needed something different (my hair was growing but had no shape to it and I never could put it n a style). I was known at work as the woman with the hat. Lol. Anyways I met Ayten for the first time yesterday and it was truly a liberating and joyful experience. Hair is hair but to have someone who understands the frustration of trying to manage my own hair is something special. This is definitely my favorite salon and I can’t wait to come back again!!!

I hardly get my hair trimmed professionally because I always left feeling I got jacked.
But this time I caved in. I normally trim myself but I wanted something professionally done to start of my new year and my needs were more than I could handle at home.
Unilocal reviews lead me to Ayten.
I have thick full head of natural 4C hair and that’s a force to be reckoned with and I feel most salon’ist claim they can work with it but once you sit down they want to unleash their frustration on your poor head. Then my trims always turn into unwanted hair cuts.
So I was really scared for my experience here. I went in Dec’15.
Late day appt so salon wasn’t crowded.
Ayten sat me down and asked if I wanted blow dry w/​wo flatiron. I was impressed automatically by how not «off putting» she was with my hair. (Again just reflecting to other salons that I show up with 4c natural hair, they faces looked pained as they stare at my hair).
My hair was washed by her assistant and through the process I just kept thinking «Goodness gracious, these people don’t know what dragon they just have awoken».
Then I sat under dryer x 30mins for condition. Hair rinsed and now in my chair with Ayten.
Hmmm…l awaited for her to start snagging my left and right with some small tooth comb.
Can you tell I was just prepared for the worst?
To my delight, she seriously blew dry hair like I had silk tresses and I did not feel like my hair was over heated. I was super impressed.
She asked the amount of hair I was comfortable parting with prior to starting the trimming process. I am no ballerina, but I was flexible so she did her thang and I still left with length preserved.
Only negative is that I commuted from Brooklyn. So it’s pretty far for me, but considering I don’t need a trim frequently, I think it’s worth the trip.
It’s cash only.

I absolutely love Ayten and her team. I am a kinky curly natural who went years without a cut out of fear. I took a leap coming to Ayten when I needed my hair done for my baby shower. It was love at first hair do! Not to mention she accommodated me in such short notice. I have been to Ayten twice so far and both times I left extremely pleased. I get regular compliments on how healthy my hair looks now as well as the shape. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed with a nice mix of eclectic music playing in the background. I love that they keep the products legitimate (no unknown mix of shampoo & conditioners in label less bottles here) not to mention the hair process is straight forward in my case it was either curly natural or straight with flat iron? Ayten you have a forever customer in me… Thank You!

Ayten listens and executes very well. I love my cut and hi lights. She is a very nice lady that knows how to deal with my coily hair.

Alright, it’s official: I am a convert :-) I washed and deep conditioned my hair a week after my blowout and trim from Ayten and all my curls came back!!! I had zero heat damage and my ends were in great shape from the trim. And, on yet another happy note, the shape from the trim left my hair looking great curly as well. I say this considering that Ayten cut my hair after blowdrying it (and not all dry cuts are created equal). I am a very satisfied customer and look forward to going back to the salon soon!

Perfect Cut! I have natural hair and typically style my hair myself but was in desperate need of a trim/​cut. I called Ayten and she was very nice and understanding, she allowed me to come with my hair already shampooed and flat ironed so I could simply allow her to cut it. (Many salons told me they had to wash it themselves.) Immediately I could tell Ayten really enjoys her work, and especially loves to cut hair!!! She talked to me about my hair the whole time she was cutting it which was very informative. My hair is now very even and full after her expert touch. Will definitely be back for my next trim!

First time here and will NOT be my last. Walked out looking EXACTLY how i wanted to look. Within 30 seconds of looking at my hair Ayten knew what I was asking for and agreed with the look I was aiming to get. The experience was very relaxing and her attentiveness and sweetness were refreshing. I wanted a quality cut and Ayten exceeded my expectations not only was she very professional and knowledgeable but I walked out feeling BEAUTIFUL and well taken care of! Thank you Ayten!

Ayten is the doggone bomb! I came here for my big chop in May 2015 and I’m a customer for life. All of the stylists are kind, knowledgeable and talented so you won’t make a wrong decision no matter whose chair you grace. They care about the look AND health of your hair which, in my experience, is a rarity. Prices are a little more than I’m used to paying but they use quality products and are all skilled.
CASH ONLY!

Where do I begin? I started transitioning from a perm 8 months ago with the intention of growing my hair to a good length before cutting. A few weeks ago I just got over it and decided to just rock whatever I had grown thus far.
I began researching places for my cut via friends and on the Internet. All of the hot spots had ZERO openings for anytime soon and I was afraid I would chicken out. Finally I decided to Unilocal and came across Ayten Farrell Salon. I was actually skeptical of the many many five star reviews and read every single one including the hidden ones. After seeing how personal many of the stories were I gave Ayten a call and set up an appointment. She was super nice and asked pertinent questions right there on the initial call.
My appointment was this morning and I am happy enough to be writing this now. I am a Aveda, drink tea, and sit in a massage chair while I get shampooed kind of girl. This salon is not that place but Ayten’s warmth and expertise makes up for that times 100. Ayten asked me what I wanted she assessed how my hair fell, she showed me how she was going to cut and she cut in a way that would let it grow out best. She also recommended products, a timeline for washing and co washing and trims and told me how to protect my hair at night. I loved every moment of my experience at this salon and the price cannot be beat. I feel good I look good and I will be back. Don’t let this hidden gem escape you!

I can’t find enough kind words to say about this salon and the stylists! I came into the salon this morning with a hair disaster. I am leaving with beautiful curls and healthier hair. I plan on being a loyal customer of the salon.
My hair had been given a deep treatment that was actually a relaxer at another salon, without my knowledge or permission. I came to this salon and they gave my hair the royal treatment!
They do such an amazing job with cuts and all types of styling. I am so grateful I found this salon. They were not only saviors to my hair physically, but also to me emotionally with their kind words and support as I will be transitioning back to your natural hair again.
Thank you thank you! If I could get 10 stars I would!

I came here on 4÷30÷15 and I had a very positive experience.
This salon is filled with friendly staff and customers who are willing to engage in conversations.
I went for a big chop and Ayten did an assessment for me before she started. Her assistant washed and conditioned my hair and then it was blown out to be cut. She convinced me to cut a lot but not all to see if I liked it first. She styled my hair and then I was done. It took 5 hours total which was a long time, but I had a lot of hair and it’s very thick.
Overall, my experience was great. Ayten is one of those people who you would love to be around because their aura exudes positivity. I love her spirit!
It took me a day to get used to the styling because she didn’t spiral the perm rods, but she took no offense, and she explained to me that she is always willing to learn when it comes to Black Natural hair. I think that makes the salon that much better because she is willing to listen to customers and wants to perfect her craft. I highly recommend this gem of a place, and I will definitely be visiting again.

Ayten is magical. She transformed my heavy, poofy, difficult-​to-​manage pixie cut into what I always hoped it would be: easy to style and adorable! The cut was $ 65, which I think is a steal in the city. She also offered free clean-​ups until I need another big trim.
The salon is on a quiet street, and is intimate and full of the wonderful energy of the amazing ladies who work there. Ayten is friendly, thoughtful, and fun to chat with while she cuts and styles. I immediately felt at home, welcome, and part of the family there.
I can’t sing the praises of this salon enough. I’m looking forward to going back for my next cut, but I’m also happy to know that this cut will last me quite a while.

Ayten is such a sweetheart and a professional. She really knows hair when it comes to health and style. I have 4B hair and I was avoiding salons for the longest because people seem to give me attitude for having to «deal» with my hair texture (see profile picture). There was NONE of that with Ayten. When I sat down, she looked at my hair and told me that she was going to love working with my texture.
When it was time to cut my hair she asked me what my boundaries were. WHAT?! Where they do that at? lol. I told her that I wanted to frame my face so that my hair would look great in my fro and that I wanted nice ends. The shape of my cut really complimented my face and I loved it.
She got my 4B kinky hair straight and shiny! It’s so soft too:-)