The Secret Garden Spa

I carefully reviewed the Secret Garden’s website prior to making an appointment. I requested a «master colorist», read everyone’s bios and even reviewed the salons Instagram.
I have chest length, dark/​medium/​light blonde hair with highlights — all various degrees of blonde (no brown, etc). Also, I am naturally fair. I say this because I didn’t come into the salon with the expectation of going from brown hair to blonde hair. I also have very good, healthy, naturally pin straight hair.
I explained to the «master colorist» that I don’t like the golden blonde and yellow tones in my hair and wanted to be white blonde. I emphasized that I DO NOT want ANY yellow/​gold. I also showed her a picture of a platinum blonde with no yellow undertones. Literally if you google «platinum blonde» similar pictures will come up. I said I would be happy with either a ton of highlights of that color or a full head of that color — whichever she thought best. She saw the picture and said OK. She advised me that she would do my roots (they needed to be done as they had grown out) and then do a toner over the whole head and maybe highlights «next time» I came in. I didn’t understand why she kept saying «next time» (my hair is not damaged either) but I knew I had been clear with what I wanted and she was the «master colorist» so I told her whatever she thought needed to be done was fine as long as my hair looked like the picture (not yellow).
After 10 min of her dying my roots (total time with «master colorist» was MAYBE 15 – 20 min) and then the girl who washes my hair putting toner in and washing it, I saw my hair wet and could already see yellow with brassy highlights (hello — it’s summer, I want it to look decent wet also!) and then as another girl began to blow it out I began to see see golden/​orange where all of the highlights were so I pointed it out to «master colorist» (the baby virgin hairs at my crown were a decent white blonde shade). She told me that she thought the highlights would tone a different color and not be so orangey and then proceed to laugh and say «just don’t focus on that part» and turned and walked away. I was really taken aback as I really don’t like to complain but I am paying for a service. I wasn’t penny pinching or trying to rush anyone. I thought she would then fix the orange part and at the minimum the yellow. Even I know you can’t expect to throw one color or toner (or whatever she did) on a head with various colors and expect them to just all end up one color, without doing ANY work. I mean I came to a professional for a reason. She literally walked away and started with another client. At least give me a game plan? Nothing.
Ultimately, I am not doubting her ability as clearly she has worked there for years and I think she could have fixed my hair and I could have left happy but for some reason she just didn’t want to do the work required. She began helping someone else as soon as she was «done» with me. When I left my hair was more yellow than when I went in. Did I look horrific — no. But did I spend $ 140 + tip and my Saturday and leave the salon with yellower hair than I started with, when ALL I wanted was the get the friggin yellow OUT — yes. I could have thrown my money away and been less aggravated.
After researching, making an appointment two weeks in advance, driving an hour from NJ to Staten Island, showing a pic of what I wanted, getting her affirmative that she would do it, giving her another chance by letting her know I wasn’t happy and then having her dismiss me…
I will not be going back to that salon.

I adore this place– great energy, services, décor, and products. It’s my oasis and Melissa is the best– I’ll definitely be coming here regularly. I did derma rolling and micro current and I already look lifted and younger!

Makeup and lashes for prom for my daughter wow! Speechless. They did a great job. Everyone is so nice and wonderful. My daughter was so happy and that’s all that matters to me. The price for the bundle was perfect.

Decided to try out the spa for a massage after receiving a spa finder gift certificate. Was throughly impressed with Robert. In addition to a great massage, he shared some helpful movements to keep my posture better and prevent slanting as well. Would recommend him and go back.

I just got my hair done this morning by Kristen. Such an AMAZING experience. She was beyond friendly and made my hair look fabulous. This is actually the first time that I left a salon feeling 110% happy with the way my hair looks. The ambiance was divine and I was relaxed the entire time. I will MOST DEFINITELY be returning to The Secret Garden and recommending them to everyone I know as well :)

This was my first time at this spa and I had a great experience. I came in 20 minutes and the ladies were very nice and professional. I had to fill out a form just wanting to know more information about yourself (name, address, allergies etc). Since I was there early one of the receptionist took me to the waiting room upstairs. The room is totally zen! statues of budda, complimentary tea & water section and a sound artificial fireplace. The greatest part about the waiting room is that they had another little room with a massage chair. That was heaven on earth. Ten minutes I greeted by a guy name Robert. He is super sweet and he gave me points on how to work on my posture since I work in a office.
I got the stress fix massage. It is for 75 minutes and it is for the following:
1. your back and lower back for 20 mins
2. legs and feet for 20 mins
3. shoulders and spine for 20 mins
4. neck area for 15 mins
after the massage, rob spoked to me a bit about how to relax on my own. I loved for whole experience! I will def come back.

Went to Kristen yesterday for a baylage treatment on my hair. She did an outstanding job, as did her assistant Tasha. Both were super friendly and made my first experience at Secret Garden a success.

LOVE this place!!! I have come in for a few spa treatments but mostly cut and color! My hair always comes out awesome and I get so many compliments.
The place is clean and uniquely decorated! The staff is down to earth, friendly and attentive! To top it off the prices are great!
They have a forever customer! :)

I have never got a haircut where the stylist doesn’t check on me when I’m done. Her assistant blow dried my hair and that was it. I left her tip with the receptionist. As I was walking out I saw her and she said bye. When I got home I layered the front section of the hair myself; I specifically said I would like layers and the front section should be well blended in with the rest of the hair. I got one chunky layer (I have very straight hair and I looked like a mushroom with volume around the ear area and then straight) I have gotten a bad haircut here in the past and I went back to get it fixed, but this is something I absolutely hate to do! I’m just going to deal with it this time and in the future I am definitely taking my business somewhere else. At least if I receive this kind of service is justified by the lower price.

Recommended by a friend, Yasmin did my color, great, professional, friendly, cute cozy place. Will go back and recommend it’s a small jewel on forest ave.

Came here for a last minute couples massage with my fiancé. The place feels like it’s in someone’s house. Not feeling the cleanliness.
The staff was super friendly and professional though.
The massage, well, my finances was good. She loved it! I walked out of there with more pain than before. And for the next week I had a stiff neck.
Overall, it’s a cheap place if you are looking for it. Normally not too booked up.

Again I cannot speak highly enough of the service provided. After years of seeking out a place where I wouldn’t be disappointed I’ve finally found it.

The salon is very nice along with everyone that works there. I went to see Cathy
For highlights and cut. She did a really beautiful job. It highlights looked natural and I was really happy with the finished product.

I am a long time customer of The Secret Garden. And every time, it has been a relaxing experience. From when the space literally had 3 chairs above a clothing store to the sanctuary it has become, Vivian and her amazing team have truly created a beautiful haven for their customers. I started going to Lauren when she was a Junior stylist, now, truly a master at her craft, i continue to be happier and happier every time I go see her. Also, I personally haven’t colored my hair, but my mom does, and Lauren is also her colorist, and her hair is perfection every time!

Bought a Groupon Deal for a $ 39 Deva Cut and Style for Curly Girls. I called on a Thursday and was easily given an appointment the next day. Despite my arriving 5 minutes late, I was greeted by Alyssa Locasto who is Deva certified and listened to all my concerns about my hair. After an hour of cutting, cleansing and dry styling, my curls are shiny and new. It was an AWESOME deal, and beats having to go all the way to the city for a Deva cut. They even sell the products! The salon is the cutest little cottage looking place, staff was friendly and attentive. Alyssa hooked me up with a new look at a FABULOUS price, and I’ll be going back here from now on! What a wonderful experience! :)

I came here for a girls night out with three of my friends. It was my first time here. Upon entering, there is jewelry and other items for sale. It also looks like a Victorian house, not your typical spa. We were brought upstairs and were able to sit on the couches for a bit. They took two of us in at a time for our services, leaving two to talk. A glass of wine was offered to each of us and water was available at all times that you can take on your own. There are multiple services you can try. I tried the massage, which was relaxing. We were able to talk on the couches after our services were done as well. It’s nice they encourage getting together for an hour or so and good to do before your wedding with your bridesmaids!

I got a Deva cut at this salon with Patty, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Patty is great, and really understands how curly hair works (being a curly girl herself), and I have to say I got the best hair cut of my life. Highly recommend her! My mom also got a micro current facial here and loved it as well.
The salon is really pretty and the staff are all really nice and friendly. I honestly have absolutely no complaints, and I plan to return. Also, they give you 10% off your next visit if you book the next visit the same day you were there. I’m not sure what the negative reviews are all about, because the Secret Garden is fantastic. Try it out!

I visited The Secret Garden Spa last weekend, six months after getting a bad keratin treatment somewhere else (that I will not name). I was skeptical about getting my curly hair done on S.I., as the Island has been known to be the land of straight hair. Alyssa listened to my dilemma and talked me through my options, then she cut my hair and styled it in a way that I can again wear my curls. I’m really happy, and I will definitely go back!

This is a mixed review.
First, I received a gift certificate for $ 300 Secret Garden Spa and visited for my first hair appointment for (a blow out) in February. I really liked my hair stylist — she even talked me into a glaze that I liked. During the same appointment, I had a manicure that chipped before I even left the place. So, thumbs up for the hair; thumbs down for the manicure.
Two weeks later, I make an appointment for a facial and body scrub. For some reason, the receptionist marks me down for a ½ hour facial, instead of a full hour. The ½ hour facial may have been one of the worst spa experiences I’ve had for $ 65!!. Here’s what it consisted of:
1. Technician asks me questions about my skin. (4 minutes)
2. Soaked cotton ball to clean face. (1 minute)
3. Cold Mask. (10 minutes)
4. Soaked cotton ball to clean face. (2 minutes)
5. Steam (11 minutes).
6. Soaked cotton ball to clean face. (1 minutes)
7. Applied cold cream. (1 minutes)
My teenage niece could have done this for free. BUT, the worst part: while she has nothing to do for the 21 minutes, she is sitting behind my head TEXTING! I couldn’t believe it.
Then, I get escorted into another room for the body scrub (never had one before). The room was freezing and the ice cold scrub didn’t help. I was counting down the minutes for this to end, which came rather quickly since it was ½ hour only (another $ 65). Also, the technician sounded like she was going to need to be resuscitated during the treatment — breathing heavily as she worked. Very distracting.
When it was all finished, I had problems checking out because there was a problem with the gift card (eventually resolved with «we’ll call you»), and I did mention my disappointment to the receptionist who said the owner would call me. That was weeks ago. I’m assuming I won’t hear from her.
Since I still have $ 50 on my gift card, I’ll return for a hair appointment, but I’ll reserve my spa indulgences for a different establishment.

I have had the same hairstyle for the last five years. Same cut, same color. So when I finally decided to chop off ²⁄₃ of my hair and dye it, I was scared. I know, I know. It’s only hair and it will grow up but I was still super nervous. I went to The Secret Garden after my sister suggested it after getting her hair done a few weeks ago. Lisa is the name of the girl I went to.
I am so happy I listened to her! Words cannot express how happy I am with the results. Lisa was amazing!!! If you come here, I definitely suggest making an appointment with her. She’s really sweet. I know some hairstylists who will let you talk and then simply do what they want. Lisa listened to exactly what I wanted. She did make some suggestions but never did anything with my hair without talking it through first. The girl Kristin who washes hair is really sweet as well. I was stuck at the salon for a little over three hours and they made it fun.