Rumors Salon & Spa

I have received excellent spa services here– namely from Katerina and also massage. Excellent pedi’s as well! However, the only time I had a haircut I left unhappy with the service. The stylist spent most of his time on his phone and my short pixie cut was bland and rather matronly looking.

It’s super nice here. Big and fancy. You’re offered drinks (coffee/​tea/​cookie) and they check your coat. Prices vary wildly depending on skill of the stylist however you’ll find the more you pay truly more experienced and professional they are. When you go to Rumor’s you can be confident that you’ll leave with a trendy on point precision cut. If you don’t they have enough staff to get you with someone else to fix it and make it right without it being awkward because the place is huge. I wish they had a downtown Albany location.

I am originally from the capital region and was home a few weekends ago for a wedding. My friend wanted to get her hair blown out at Rumors and I joined her. We were seated in the waiting area where an older woman asked my friend if she wanted something to drink. My friend replied and the woman never asked me what I wanted to drink (sitting right next to my friend). I assumed she would ask me what I’d like to drink after she brought my friends order over. Well that wasn’t the case… she brought my friends drink order over to us and then turned and walked away. I got up and said «excuse me, may I have some coffee please»? She kept walking away as if she hadn’t heard me. Then a man came over and sat in the waiting area and the woman asked him what he’d like to have to drink and she helped him instead of ever coming back to ask me what I’d like to drink. In this day in age, you’d think people would treat others equally without judging them by the way they look or what color skin they have. This woman blatantly ignored me and my friend had to get up and chase her around the corner to finally get my drink order. When she finally brought it over she wasn’t exactly friendly or polite. Needless to say, I will never go back to Rumors for anything EVER again.

***This review is for the spa only***
I wasn’t sure quite what to expect from this stand alone salon and spa in the middle of suburbia, but in the end, I guess it’s just what you would expect. I think the overall experience comes at more like 3.5* but I enjoyed my massage so I rounded up.
I appreciate their amenities although they are somewhat «downscaled,» if you would.
They offer a peaceful reflection lounge right outside the ladies’ changing room which hosts water, trail mix, nuts, apples and tea as well as a couple of chairs and 2 chaises to sit and relax. They offer a sauna which fits one comfortably, maybe 2 (?) sitting side by side? I was told there was a steam shower but it didn’t seem to be working that day as nothing happened when I pressed the buttons per instructions… maybe next time.
Amenities aside, some of the experience was slightly awkward beginning from check in. No one was at the «check-​in» counter and I wasn’t actually checked in just taken to the lounge area by one of the staff. I waited there a few minutes for my masseuse with the relaxing mood lighting and musak.
I opted for a scrub and a massage. The scrub was slightly awkward (in a «we don’t really do this very often» kind of of way) so I’ll probably skip that one next time. I chose the aromatherapy massage which was quite soothing and she did a great job with the pressure. I was impressed with the value for the services a 60 min massage runs just about $ 80! It’s not dirt cheap but you get your money’s worth.

I highly recommend staying away from this place. I’m embarrassed to say that I trusted them and that I thought I was «treating myself» by getting services here.
I first went to get a manicure and pedicure and it was a positive experience. They have very nice facilities and seemingly friendly staff. So I booked a color and cut appointment. I had an extremely unsatisfactory experience during this appointment as they made me late for work when I mentioned numerous times I had to be out by 11:30, they turned my whole head pink when I asked for red and just on the bottom (ombré), and they did a sloppy job cleaning up the dye.
After an embarrassing day at work and contemplating going back the next day to have it «fixed,» I called to cancel the appointment and get my money back. The receptionist then BROW BEAT me into agreeing to come in, saying that they need a chance to fix it before they consider a refund. She talked in circles after every comment I made about how embarrassed and upset I was, and how I don’t trust them. I told her my time was valuable and she said their time was valuable as well. I was about to burst out in tears because she was so rude and pushy when my husband got on the phone, who was a little more resistant to her words. She eventually agreed that if I were to come in, the salon owner would work on my hair. I reluctantly agreed. The next day I went in and the salon owner listened to my story but gave no apologies, just excuses. I was made to feel like I was the one that was wrong. She said red is unpredictable and usually takes SEVERAL applications (even though I asked numerous times initially about the time frame, so much for working with a color EXPERT). She also said everyone has a different version of ombré, even though I made it clear I wanted it from the ear down.
I then spent another FOUR hours in the chair. In conclusion, they recommended I come in again the next week for another treatment and they would call me to book the appointment. At this point I was okay with how it looked and I left feeling relieved that this was over. Later in the day I get a call from an unknown number. It’s a voicemail from the same receptionist asking if I was happy with my hair now and she was calling to book the follow-​up appointment. I was mortified. How could they seriously have that same woman call me, after I told them all the things she said to me on the phone? You can make the guess if I ended up returning the call.

I’ve been getting my hair cut here for the last three or four years. Not because I love the results, but because it’s just convenient for me location wise. What I’ve realized is that if you have easy to work with hair, (not too thick, just straight or wavy), most of these stylists can do a decent job. However, if, like me, you have long, curly, super thick hair that is difficult to tame, the stylists will be overwhelmed and unable to achieve satisfying results. Time and time again I’ve been dissatisfied with my cuts. Despite being very clear about what I want and bringing pictures, I always leave with the same haircut which leaves my hair flat and frizzy. When I ask for a blow out with soft waves, I get a head full of large, shapeless sections that do not constitute waves or curls. I’ve tried a handful of stylists and I’ve had these sub par results across the board. You know something’s not right when you have to come home from seeing a «professional» and fix your own hair. What I’m most outraged about is the fact that today when I asked the stylist to review my client history, she returned to tell me that their computers claimed I had only been to the salon once before. How can a salon give me what I need if they can’t even be bothered to keep me in their computers? I’m officially done with Rumors, and I had to share my terrible experiences over the years. If you want to be treated well, and you want your needs met, look elsewhere for a hair salon.

I went to get my hair cut done. When I called to make appointment, receptionist sounded friendly and polite. It was nice that she asked what price point am I comfortable with. I requested the price to be between $ 40-​$ 50. I could choose from 2 stylists, so I asked who is more experienced with razor cut. The receptionist went to ask her manager because she is not familiar with the term. Then I made appointment.
The place is very clean, stylish, and modern. So you may feel out of place if you are not somewhat made up. Certainly not relaxing, but you may find fun to be there if you like a night club like atmosphere.
Stylist came to get me, and we we chatted about what I like and look at some photos. We agreed on one of the image in her book. She was very nice and good at talking. However, she did not follow my request, so I ended to going back and had my hair fixed.
Their customer service team is very well trained, so they will find the way to make you happy. If you want a great customer service and don’t mind paying $ 40.00 to get not so great hair cut that need repair, this place is good.

Stella was incredible! From the very beginning she really *listened* to what I was saying and the style I was hoping to achieve. I’ve found that it’s pretty rare for a stylist to be equally attentive to my wishes while also being realistic about how to make it happen. She is very knowledgeable too. I’ve never had a haircut turn out so perfectly compared to the picture I came in with – my hair does not typically like to cooperate, but Stella found a way! Thank you so much – I will be coming back! :)

I have gone to this salon several times in the past year. I had an amazing facial with Emma. I have never been more relaxed, and she provided some great skin care tips that have really helped me. Yesterday I had a hair trial for my wedding with Vanessa. She took the time to ask questions and look at photos of not only sample styles but my dress as well to get the full picture. She offered to give me 5 sample styles but the second style was perfect and I didn’t need to see anymore than that! I then had a makeup trial with Kassie. She asked what I normally wear daily and asked for my wedding style. I explained the look I was going for and she was able to create a look that fit me and my style. The staff were wonderfully friendly and helpful. I look forward to a picture perfect wedding day because of these great professionals!

I had the best hair cut of my life by Emily at Rumors. She was amazing. I go again in a few weeks and cannot wait. Thanks Rumors for always being awesome.

I started off with a professional hair stylist but after a few visits ended up a test subject for what seemed like every student in the place. I was Never asked permission and Never given a discount for advancing their «hair school.» I will not go back … the disrespect was overwhelming.

I’ve been getting my hair cut here for years. Shelby is great, but can you guys please get a real TV and an HD signal in a guys shop. Nothing screams I don;t understand buys more than a a lousy signal on a dated TV.
Not much to ask when paying $ 50/​month to get my hair cut.

I went there for the first time last year for a color and cut. I have brown even hair color and I wanted it a red tinge throughout. She left the color in for the roots WAY too long, making the top half of my head look fire engine red. She tried to tell me it was the lighting and it would eventually fade away.
After a few days the ends faded out leaving the top just red. I called up and complained, I came back and she did a treatment to strip the color (but she said that it didn’t strip my hair, I dont remember the name of the treatment). This left my hair feeling like a sticky, messy pile of straw for a couple months after I washed my hair.
When I gently untangled it, blew it out and straighten it looked good, but it didn’t feel like my hair anymore (not to mention that I still had a slight shade of pink around the top of my head).
Worst salon experience I ever had. At least they offered to fix it for free. Ugh.

My husband has his hair cut here and always sees Stacey, who does a consistently excellent job. While the cuts are expensive, my positive reaction after every appointment seems to be worth the extra $ 20 to him.
Getting an appointment is easy, there’s an ATM for folks who need cash for tipping, and he’s in and out of there in about a half hour, looking like a proper gentleman. I have my hair done next door at Rumors, so coordinating haircuts is pretty simple and we grab dinner afterwards at one of the nearby restaurants.

So I’ve only gotten my hair cut here once, I just don’t think I’m cool enough to get my hair done here. This place has a high school «Mean Girls» kind of vibe. Every girl in the salon was rocking big hair and boots the day I got my haircut. A new hairstylist cut my hair for like $ 30, which is a fraction of what I used to pay before I moved. I got what I paid for, but I just wasn’t feeling this place. It was a little snobbish for me.
That being said, my husband gets his hair cut at the men’s side and swears by this place. He loves that he can get his haircut by the same woman each time. Maybe I should be worried but he looks so sexy afterwards that I’m willing to risk it!

I can’t believe their overall rating is 3 stars. The Salon used to be wroth something before the upgrade in 2012. Lisa and Marri are trying to be something they’re not. They don’t have the customer service to match their price and as of recently, they don’t have the skills to match their pricing. When I’m reading reviews, I realize you can’t please everyone all of the time, there will always be something negative some where. But I urge you to pay attention to the details of the reviews. Most of the people saying it was a good experience were one timers, fluke experience. While others with negative reviews have tons of experience at this salon so TRUST it when you are URGED to go somewhere else. At least for your hair.

Called and asked if I could get a same day appointment and they said yes, which is great, but I asked if the available stylist had experience cutting short hair and they said yes to that too, which wasn’t true. Met the stylist in person and she personally told me she had experience cutting short hair (I have a short, angled bob) and she said yes again, then proceeded to prove she didn’t. Too long in the back, too choppy, no finesse or skill really at all. Probably could’ve given myself this cut. Will not be back.

I really like this place despite several drawbacks.
Pros: Price is really decent; very clean, warm and comfortable.
Cons: The staff is very fake nice, transparently so; they will change the person you see without telling you until you get there; never on time for appointments; not really sure if your artist wants you to come back to them.
I’ve gone to Rumors twice now for my nails. The first time I made an appointment for a manicure before leaving town for the weekend, I was on a pretty strict schedule and was trying to squeeze this in. The technician was 30 minutes late for my appointment, while I was 15 minutes early. When she finally came out I told her I didn’t know if I had time to do this now. She offered to just do a polish change and offered me a free manicure at a later date. Totally saved my experience from being terrible with this. She did a quick shaping and cuticle trim, put on my french tips and I was out of there in 30 minutes, barely made it to where I needed to be but it was a nice save.
I made an appointment with the same girl for my free manicure only to arrive and find out she was not there and they scheduled me with someone else. No one called me to see if this was ok, nor did they really seem to care that I was not happy about this. This girl was just as good but I felt like the «polish change» was more in depth than the actual manicure this time. No hot towel, that’s my favorite part! This girl also did not want to do what I asked her, she wanted to use a pink undertone instead of clear. I let her and I even liked it until she went over the white with it, now I have pink nail tips…
I will probably continue to come here because it is right around the corner from my job, the prices are still really good regardless of the shortcomings in other areas and I really do like the salon. I will proabbly not make an appointment with anyone in particular next time as I haven’t found a nail tech I love yet. I am considering trying other services as well like the massages, I’m just afraid of a horrible experience based on what I’ve already seen.

Major kudos to Kolby. I refuse to get my hair done in NYC and make a point of stopping by Rumors whenever I’m visiting family in the area. A few points:
1.) I love the new building — the spa-​like atmosphere is great and I love how clean everything is.
2.) The prices are great. Wash, cut and style for $ 25. Seriously? You could always chose a stylist at a higher level, but I’m very impressed by mine, which leads into my 3^rd point:
3.) Kolby is great. I have an angled bob that needs attention often. She is the only stylist I’ve seen who can give me exactly what I ask for. She fully listens and asks questions as we go. You can feel the energy and effort she puts into each cut. I really appreciate that. Plus, she’s super easy to talk to which makes the time fly by.
I’ll continue to go here as long as I have family in the area. I much prefer the environment at Rumors to the pretentious, artsy salons in the city.

I’ve been going here for probably six or seven years. At first I hopped around a bit from stylist to stylist, which led to mixed results. But for the past four years or so I’ve been seeing Sarah, and I’m so ecstatic with her work that I don’t allow anyone else to touch my hair, not even for a trim. I have very long layered blonde hair that I get highlighted biannually, and Sarah knows exactly what I want when I come in. I’ve had stylists before who try to pressure me to change my style to some short, spiky, drastic cut that couldn’t interest me less – but not Sarah! I get an insane amount of compliments on my hair, and I always refer everyone to Sarah.
Rumors also offers a really great selection of products. Usually I’m pretty wary of buying products from a salon (I think a lot of salons just carry a standard assortment of brands that have a lot of name recognition but don’t really have outstanding results), but I have purchased some of the Surface and Oribe products here and been absolutely blown away with the difference they made. I don’t use sulfates or parabens in my hair, and as strange as it sounds, I think Rumors really supports me in that decision. I’ve been to salons before that are very dismissive of my views on these ingredients, but Rumors has never done this.
I also was here just this past week and had acrylic nails applied by Annie. I was very happy with the result and plan on returning here regularly for fills.
Really, I can’t recommend this salon enough. It’s one of the highest quality salons in the area, and I’ve been to competitors – like Jean Paul in Stuyvesant Plaza – and they can’t hold a candle to this place.