VL Studio Haircutters

40 haircuts later, I would like to report that this place is Still Good.

really liked this place. The haircut for men is at 14 $, which after 3 $ tip was 17 $. The guy, from Tajikistan, was really nice and talkative :) Make sure you bring cash, as it is the only payment accepted

Don’t be fooled by the older reviews.
This place used to be my go to until I started to realized the two Russian women getting more complacent and not heeding or following any direction.
Like any salon, you let them know what you want, and it seems things are going well but you’ll stop them and say ‘oh that’s good, no shorter please’ and they’ll nod and agree with you but continue (and after going past the point of no return) they say they did what you asked.
They work on getting you out of their chairs as fast as possible — in order to sit and read, and that means your hair ends up being uneven and done in a very sloppy manner.
Unfortunately you’re left with a botched haircut and an inability to do anything about it — and they usually act as though they’re not quite sure what the problem is (potentially a language barrier but unlikely)
The salon has gotten dirtier in the past year: clippers are overwhelmed with hair, nothing ever seems to be disinfected before or after a haircut, and every outlet, chair, and surface is covered in a ridiculous amount of hair.
The price point can be enticing but you’re far better off finding other barber shops in the neighborhood (there are plenty) where they will pay attention, take their time to ensure an even well done haircut, have a courteous overall experience, and leave satisfied with your haircut.

When I left, I definitely had way less hair than I started with. My haircut also didn’t look like I did it myself. It’s the best price in the neighborhood, and they met my low standards, so they’re good enough for me!

I’ve been going to the same barber here, Lenny, for YEARS.
They used to be on First Avenue in the East Village, and, after trying a bunch of other local places, I ended up going back to Lenny all the way West on 7^th Avenue.
Can’t really speak for the other hairdressers, but, Lenny is the best! And, how can you beat the price!!!

I’ve been going here for years and love the place. Great haircut for $ 14, best price in the city and the Russian speaking staff are always friendly and welcoming. It’s certainly not a fancy salon, but I don’t need much. If you’re looking for a no frills down to business barber for little money, this is your spot.

This place still rocks. I bring them less hair these days and a bit grayer, but still my hair lady makes me look oh so guapo!

I’d guess that the barber learned to cut hair in the U.S. Marine Corps, except that she is Russian, so that story is unlikely. Still, she must follow the USMC sexual misconduct policy, because I feel like I got raped.

By far the worst haircut I have ever received. I wouldn’t even go here if I wanted my head shaved.

I have been going here for quite some time and I love the place. You usually don’t have to wait too long to be attended to and the stylists are flawless in their cutting.
Highly recommended and VERY affordable.
Plus if you are in a hurry… they are FAST…
Love this place!

New to NYC and was just Unilocaling around for an inexpensive place to get my hair did. Also trying to avoid the hype of the expensive Big Apple and the salon’s it has to offer. From past experiences in LA I’ve found many well qualified barbers who will put up with my demands and try to accommodate me as much as they can. Luckily I came across VL Studio in Chelsea who was willing to do the same. Got the salon look for a barber’s price. Had the lady do me up; she’s excellent, will prob be going back.
$ 14 + $ 5 tip, well worth it

If you’re like me and have no specific preferences other than «shorter, please» for your haircut, no reason to go anywhere else. They don’t make mistakes, they’re quick, they don’t even push your head around. Just came back from another great haircut, tipped $ 5 on the $ 14 cut just for feeling good.

This has been my main barber shop for two years. They are good and the barbers are consistent, unlike a lot of budget shops. I have had plenty of worse experiences at 5x their price.

get you hair did by Glen. He is the man!!!

If you are looking for a very inexpensive hair cut that looks great this is the place. You will be in and out of the chair in no time but your hair will look great.

You get what you pay for here. If your favorite barber is booked up or you need a really quick, simple touch-​up, this place will work.

I walked out of here looking a bit like a younger, more handsome version of George Clooney. All for $ 12.

Don’t get your hair cut by Marat, or else you’ll end up looking like Leroy Gibbons from NCIS:
But, what a good price!

decent cut, not great. quiet, semi-​rude barber. tons of other barbershops nearby. I’d likely go to them next time, just because the barber here kinda creeped me out, but decent cut and definite value play deserve 3 stars.

Great place… compelled me to write my first Unilocal review!
FYI, men’s haircut has now gone up to $ 12…but good, fast service, clean place. I recommend Frankenstein looking dude who looks like he has one eye — while he looks scary, dude knows how to cut hair.