LaVar Hair Designs | Best Hair Care Salon In New York

"I give ellen & the staff members 5 diamonds. There is no room for improvement. Lill Scotty"

"While doing some research for a film project, l saw that Ellin Lavar was the stylist to Whitney Houston (among other celebs) and that she owns a salon on the UWS. Say no more! If she good enough for Ms. Whitney and Ms. Cicely Tyson, she's got skills. I made an appt and went yesterday (July 13). I have specific mixed girl hair issues...fine, fragile, prone to breakage and reacts badly to products everyone elses hair loves. Most stylists make a tricky situation worse. Marcia immediately got a sense of my hair and knew what to do. Unfortunately past damage meant some hair was lost in initial comb-out (gentle but thorough) as she patiently calmed my paranoia. Then a shampoo and deep condition w/products my hair loved. A blow-out and low-heat flat iron later and l left w/soft, sleek hair that is healthy and amazing! All this in a clean modern and intimate setting w/ppl who personify caring, experience with a bit of humor for good measure. My hair is a treasure. If you value yours l highly recommend them. I made my next appt already."

"I just came across this gem, thanks to recommendations I got after asking for braiding stylist recs in UWS on the Nextdoor app. I have absolutely loved my experiences here so far. I got my hair shampooed/conditioned & then box braids. Marcia shampooed my hair and omg the head massage was everything plus she was so gentle with my edges (which are finicky). Best shampoo I’ve ever gotten. Kim did my box braids, and they were tight enough but not too tight, just beautiful. She listened to what I was going for and asked clarifying questions. Also I love her energy just in general. This whole salon is delightful, clean, professional. I am so glad to have found a great neighborhood spot I can keep going back for many years to come!"

"stop at go, and run for your dear life, making sure your precious pearls around your neck are in place. Shall we start the review now: First Encounter- Katrina is apparently the receptionist. She's best fitted for a position where she is not public view and not granted customer access. If your first point of encounter for your business lacks professionalism, it is a reflection of your entire establishment. Hence why Katrina is unable to be diplomatic without being spoon feed! Might I also add the lack of phone etiquette. I called to make an appointment and first round of lack of tact. Katrina is rude in terms of scheduling my appointment and pricing. Lynda calls but keeps putting me on hold. I explained to the special education staff that I would be traveling and wanted an appointment before. Suddenly not possible, and they kept messing up the dates. (I have emails. I love documentation. Comes in handy when it is time to sue!) I can go on and on about how this place dropped the ball, at the end of the day cutting straight to the point, LaVar hair design stole $225 dollars from me. I gave them ample notice my flight would not be back in time, both written and verbal. The joke of the matter Lynda calls me last night requesting more money from me stating I lost my deposits, when they had more than 48 hours notice. She emailed me a new confirmation. Not to mention I was literally sick with no voice when I spoke to lazy Katrina. Once again no communication. Now I have to waste my time by going to small claims court to file suit, filing a report with the BBB, look into filing criminal fraud or thief charges against them(I Will If I Can). Please heed my words when I say run, this place is not worth flying in on any airplane or Ubering from any destination. You've been warned, take my lesson to heart, it was the Mickey Mouse show from first interaction. I kept giving them chances because a friend recommended me to them. At every breakdown dealing with this carton of a salon, my friend kept encouraging me to give them another chance. Chances are you will have your money stolen and left grasping to find an alternative appointment at short notice, and having to crave time out to sue them in small claims court. Run and do not look back! You'll turn into dust with this faux dinosaur. They Get an F!"

"I found this place doing research after moving back from Arizona. I was used to getting excellent service and don't mind paying for it. The service is consistently excellent and I walk out with my hair looking beautiful. The staff is friendly without having to constantly chatting if you don't want to. I go to Regina for my services, she is nice, funny, and will answer any questions. The atmosphere is nice in a hip neighborhood with everything a lady needs: bubble tea, cleaners, shoe repair, Ricky's Beauty Supply and Gray's Papaya AND Dunkin Donuts on the same block! They play a range of hip hop and r&b as you relax. You can get a free consultation by appointment and pricing before you book the actual appointment. Katrina and Linda are happy to do that for you. I have been going for a year and will continue to do so."