Louise O’Connor Salon

OC61 is probably one of the best hair salons in the city. I am really picky about my hair because I have curls, but my hair always looks beautiful when I walk out of this place! I go to Stephanie for haircut and Jennie for hair gloss (this is brilliant!). I highly recommend trying the gloss because it makes your hair look so fresh and bright. The services are pricey, but not as high as Warren Tricomi for example, AND the quality is much better.

+2 stars is for a somewhat accommodating manager and friendly enough staff. I had a Gilt voucher for a $ 70 haircut that expired 3 years ago. The voucher’s fine print said the value was valid 5 years after the expiration date, so I thought I would give it a try. When I explained my situation, she was reluctant at first but acquiesced and scheduled me for an additional $ 65 (not really a deal anymore, but I needed a haircut). Her reason for not honoring it was that the stylist who issued the voucher was probably long gone and that stylists come and go often (is this a bad sign?). If that’s the case, they really need to remove the 5 year extension.
Anyway, the –3 stars is really for the haircut and the shampoo guy, who had a pretty bad attitude and shuffled his feet around as he swept the floors seemingly annoyed at I don’t know what. The rest of the staff and stylist were professional — my stylist was nice enough. The main problem really was the haircut. There was little to no consultation. I couldn’t believe that the bohemian chick gave me a 90s bob. 2 weeks later, I found a salon in Brooklyn. End rant.

I’ve lived in NYC for almost 20 years and this salon has BY FAR delivered one of my best New York experiences. I stumbled upon a gem with my stylist, Raisa Cabrera. Not only is she one of the best colorists/​stylists I’ve had in my entire life, she’s got such a magically sweet personality. I now have the best stylist in town and a new friend. :) Take my word for it!

Just saw Jennie for a single process color and she knocked it outta the park! She listened to what I wanted and knew exactly what to do. I love my hair and would totally recommend her to a friend.

Wonderful, as always! Louise does my cut. Melissa does my color. I live in Maryland and read about OC61 Salon in InSyle magazine years ago. When I called to make my first appointment for a day when I was visiting NYC, it was like I had been a client for years. No pretense, but rather a warm, welcoming experience when scheduling my first appointment.
That was 7 years ago, and I have been making the trip from Maryland every few months since that time to have my hair done. They are that good! Thank you Louise & Melissa and the rest of their staff for always making my appointments one of the highlights of my visits to NYC!

I purchased a GiltCity promo for OC61 because of the positive reviews that were posted. However, I was still wary since I’m used to frequenting Asian hair salons and was concerned that maybe my colorist at OC61 would not get it right. I was nervous that maybe it would come out too brassy or too blonde.
So, I really didn’t know what to expect, but decided it would be a nice opportunity to check out a new hair salon, and at a discounted price. Also, the fact that there was already an assigned colorist for the promo deal made me figure that they were just trying to provide more clientele for a new staff member (one who was maybe less experienced?).
It’s been a few days since I’ve gotten my highlights done and I have to say, Tiffany (my colorist at OC61), really hit the nail on the head. I told her I wanted highlights that looked like Jamie Chung’s, and showed her a couple of pictures.
Still, I wasn’t sure what to expect and tried to reserve any judgment until the very end.
The hair washing girl, Amber, was also great. Both her and Tiffany were very friendly and made me feel comfortable whether it was in casual conversation or in silence while being serviced.
The only part that really threw me off was at the end when Amber asked me if I would like to get my hair blown out. I said, «No, thank you.» I sat there for 10 minutes, confused about why they had both abandoned me after washing the bleach and toner out of my hair. It then dawned on me that it was going to cost me extra money for them to simply blow dry my hair. Amber pointed to the drawer with the brushes and hair dryer.
To me, that was a really awkward and confusing situation. Seriously? They couldn’t even blow dry my hair? I wasn’t asking them to style it in any way. I get that I purchased a GiltCity promo (which, by the way, wasn’t all that cheap either), but I’ve never had to blow dry my own hair at a salon before, especially not one that’s rated with $$$$. My whole experience at OC61 up until that point was wonderful — I expected that service to follow through until the very end, especially at a high end salon. That was the only disappointment I really experienced and the only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5.
Other than that, everybody at the salon (including the receptionist) was very friendly. No pretension whatsoever. And most importantly, I really do love my new highlights and Tiffany did a fantastic job.

OC 61 was a great experience. I highly recommend Zane for color. I was in between colonists and colors. I had quite a bit of root and was not quite sure what color I wanted to be. Zane was extremely patient and showed me several examples of different colors. He really took the time to make sure that I was going with the right color and gave me his expert opinion as well. I’m really happy with how the color came out, it’s blended perfectly and wasted well. I’m definitely going to see Zane again.

Great location, easy to find and best of all… Penny James. I’m always a little nervous trying new stylists, as my hair is long and straight, and a bad cut shows like a neon sign.
Penny spent time talking to me about what I looking for — easy to style & just as easy to wash n’ go — the cut she gave was fabulous, and I’ve had so many compliments. She also spent time showing me some new tricks that I can use to make it look more interesting for formal events, which I’ve already tried out. I cannot recommend her enough, and will definitely be coming back!

Brand new to NYC and got the Gilt City deal for highlights with Tiffany. My highlights turned out perfect. She has highlighted hair herself and knows how to do it right. They were quick, amazing service all around, and I love my hair. Looking forward to my next visit.

Melissa was awesome! Sooooo nice, easy to talk to, and she genuinely listened when I was describing my hair woes. She gave me blonde highlights and no one has done it better. Seriously, I can’t find one spot where there’s a gap or misapplication of color, and that N-​E-​V-​E-​R happens. Everything about my experience there was as I would’ve wished: I was greeted, someone took my coat, I was offered something to drink, my shampoo (s) by the assistant was heavenly, they were gentle when combing my wet hair out… seriously, the little things mean so much. And since it was my first time there I received a complimentary blowout from the totally rad Stephanie.
I will definitely be going back to see Melissa. Honestly, her focus was 100% on me when she was working on my hair. Her demeanor made me feel as though I could completely trust her, and from my results, I know I can! The price is double what I was used to paying, but it seems worth it considering there is no worry factor. I also don’t like the fact that a blow dry doesn’t come with the service, which I found odd since I’ve never had that experience before, but I guess that’s how it’s done in NYC.

Came here with a Gilt gift certificate before the holidays and had the pleasure of experiencing a hair cut with Valentino.
I have very thick and full long dirty blonde hair. Valentino told me I was one of the thickest/​fullest he’s ever cut. he was talented and focused thoroughly on cutting my hair, making sure everything was even, while creating a ‘masterpiece’ that both looked good and was functional. I went out saying goodbye to thick-​hair-​caused-​headaches and hello to a beautifully crafted, light-​weight and manageable new ‘do’.
I typically get very anxious before getting my haircut, even more so with someone new, but from the beginning it was clear that he was talented at his craft. He spoke very little (.letting me relax) and was very focused throughout the 3 hours I was there. Although my hair is very healthy, he helped me decide what products to stop using and some I could experiment using (similar products and their competitors) to get specific styles and looks with my new cut. Note *He told me to order them online because it would be cheaper than buying them there. (yes. this has never happened to me before either). Towards the end, some of the stylists came over and complimented me on the cut.
The only sad part is that the cut is without a doubt pricey. But the price undoubtedly matches the value of this level of experienced and trained stylist. But little me, will have to stretch out visits until I make more dough :(but that’s just NYC for you!
Overall, «I heart v»
… and you will too!

I have just moved here from London. I used Unilocal to find this fantastic salon! My highlights were expertly done by Tiffany! I also decided to treat myself to a hair treatment which has left my hair really soft. The colour is very natural and Tiffany was very bubbly and knowledgeable.
I had Momo blow dry the hair as I didnt have time for a cut. I am booking for a cut next week! Very good atmosphere and no pushy sales treatment to buy hair products!

Love this salon, highlights there are the best I’ve ever gotten… only reason it gets 4 instead of 5 is that it’s so freaking expensive! Laurie is a genius though. Seriously.

I love this salon so much! First off I had an amazing brazilian keratin treatment there and my hair looks perfect. I also love the music in the salon which I was not expecting from a salon on the upper east side. The place is beautiful and the staff are professional, stylish, and friendly. Also, the receptionist guy is extremely hot and nice. I would recommend this place to everyone.

Great Salon! I make the trek up from the East Village because I cannot live without my color gal, Elle Kinney. She knows magic! She can select the exact shade of color that will make your skin glow. She is the ultimate in understanding complimentary color. She gives me dreamy blonde highlights with such depth that I adore. I get so many compliments on my hair color, sometimes even from strangers which is extra fab. And she always listens to exactly what I want — which is not barbie blonde Miami highlights. Elle is truly talented. You really MUST ask for her when you go.

I cannot speak for everyone at the Salon — actually I can barely speak for anyone at this salon. The UES is an awful place to go, but if you’re going there to get a haircut and your stylist is Ayumi, then it is absolutely worth the trip.
I give this salon 5 stars for having the good sense to have a stylist like Ayumi around. She won’t be around for long, so if you get the chance, make an appointment and ask for Ayumi. She isn’t easy to get as she mostly works editorial chasing fashion shows around Europe and NYC, and her name is often in small type in Vogue, but she is worth waiting for. Don’t get me wrong, you will pay for this haircut, but it will be worth every penny. I have never left the salon without having people ask who did my hair and, on 3 occasions, have had my picture taken by complete strangers so they could have their stylist replicate the cut… nobody can replicate her cuts. She works with your face and gives you the most unique, flattering chic cuts that fit YOU.
Her eye is incredibly refined, her sense of style is unique and miles beyond hip, and she is one of the most humble down-​to-​earth people I know. I have been having my hair cut by her for over 5 years and she has never done me wrong.

Laurie Daniel, at OC 61 is who you want to go to if and when you are ready to make the leap to or from BLONDE BOMBSHELL. I have been her loyal client for over 5 years and she is definitely NYC’s best of the best. She has taken my long locks to various shades of golden blonde, cool red and caramel tobacco-​like brunette. Never did my hair suffer any damage, and all colors were pro all the way. This was especially so when she highlighted my ebony roots during my blonde phase (about 4 years). Anyone who knows about hair can comprehend how savvy a colorist must be to pull that one off in a classy and natural looking way.
I have compromised in the past with my hair before going to Laurie and have always regretted it. She gets two thumbs up from a NY girl with serious hair color commitment issues:)