Sam Brocato Salon

Cannot say enough great things about this place! If you’re looking for an affordable place to get your hair cut that still offers a luxurious atmosphere, Sam Brocato is the best! I get a wash, cut and blow dry (with complimentary wine and scalp massage) for $ 80, which is a steal considering most Manhattan salons will set you back at least $ 100 for the bare essentials.
I’ve been going to Penelope for about a year and a half and she’s professional, friendly and does a great job.

I went to get my hair color fixed after speaking with Jenna the manager. She paired me up with Mary and her assistant who listened and did exactly what I wanted with my hair. The team at SB salon is very sweet and attentive and fixed my hair making my blonde highlights looks natural and sun kissed. Thank you ladies for taking care of me and fixing a hair disaster.

I’ve never written a review before, but I had the best experience at this salon. Alyssa is amazing and bleached my thick, black, Asian hair to platinum blonde. Although she was unsure how light she’d be able to get my hair in one day (w/​o destroying it completely), I was constantly reassured that she wouldn’t let me walk out with orange hair. She was extremely patient with my hair during the 7 hour process. I was shocked that Alyssa was able to get my hair as light as she did. Even the other employees and Sam himself were impressed with the work Alyssa accomplished. Not to mention my hair feels very soft and not damaged at all. I don’t know what kind of magic she did to get my hair this color, but go to Alyssa! She is an expert colorist and will not let you down!

BEST SALON I’VE EVER BEEN TO! This salon is absolutely amazing and I must commend *Nina* for her incredible job with my hair! I just got a trim, but I had choppy layers and she managed to fix the debacle that was my previous haircut as well giving me perhaps the best blowout I’ve ever gotten (gave me those soft curls that are so hard to come by these days).
As far as the salon itself – it’s beautiful within. Very modern and crisp look, a ton of space, great lighting, and most importantly – very clean! The staff was very warm and polite, and as per my observations of other stylists, they really seem to know what they were doing.
I would recommend Sam Brocato salon to ¹⁰⁄₁₀!

John C. cut my hair and it was great– great service, great conversation, and my hair looked awesome! Will definitely go back!

1^st time here and had a wonderful experience. Unpretentious, friendly and accommodating staff. My stylist, John Carden is such a talent. He has been cutting my hair for years, and I follow him where ever he goes. Salon + John= success!

Best hair cut iv had in a long time ! John was excellent, very attentive and focused and professional and talked me through the whole thing ! Never thought cutting off half of my hair would be such an easy, pleasant experience !!

Having used salon apprentice, I was partnered with advanced apprentice stylist Nina. She and her instructor consulted with me, they listened to what I wanted, to help give me an amazing haircut. I am extremely happy with it. I really liked the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. I was a little late for my appointment and I appreciated the fact that I was not rushed at all, it wasn’t an issue like at other places

I have had my haircuts at Sam Brocato over the past year+. I have worked exclusively with Natalie, and have never received more compliments on my cut! She knows my style inside and out, and makes tweaks as needed according to my moods. The salon itself is wonderful, clean, and very spacious. I have always felt warmly welcomed and pampered. As for Natalie, she keeps me laughing for the entire hour, asks me about the progress in my life, and is genuinely interested in getting to know me — I look forward to my cuts and a chance to catch up and relax.

Just had to let the world know that I have had my second phenomenal hair cut and style by Chris! He is amazingly talented and extremely attentive to what you’re trying to achieve. Great salon and the greatest stylist!

I went to this salon in 2012 and received THE BEST color of my life, but it took me 4 years to realize it ;)
I saw Kristin in 2012 and she gave me my first ever balayage. After years and years of getting balayge and glazes at other places, I was looking at old photos of my hair and realized I needed to go back.
I called and they instantly had an appointment available for me! I love that a salon can have such high quality colorists and still find ways to fit you in on a short notice. I went this morning and explained to Kristin that I wanted to match my root color and apply it to my highlighted hair to do a reverse ombré effect. I was tired of going to the salon every month for root upkeep and spending $ 200 every time.
I am INSANE about my hair and practically have panic attacks until the color is finished, but with her I felt so at ease. She matched my root color perfectly and even added in some warmth so it wasn’t so ashy. She seamlessly incorporated it into my existing color, also adding in additional highlights at the ends. It looks 10x more natural. The best part is I don’t have to go back every month — only if I want to incorporate more blonde down the line, or change the tone with a glaze. After it all, I paid $ 235, but will save myself so much money in the future.
I will only be coming back to Sam Brocato and seeing Kristin going forward!
Ah, AND they give you a mini massage when you first get there ;)

The first time I came here, I was enthralled by the ambiance of the location and the all around good environment given off by the Salon’s employees. I walked to the counter and was greeted warmly by the receptionist (who I can’t recall her name at the present time, apologies) and was checked in for my appointment immediately. They offered a robe to cover my clothing from getting dirty or wet while I got my hair done and immediately offered me water with a cucumber twist to it. (I have never in my life had cucumber flavored water before but I assure you it is life changing.) I sat over in the lounge area for what must have been a minute because my stylist was ready to go!
Which brings me to the best part of my time here: My stylist, Chris, was welcoming and quite energetic when he approached me. He first showed me around to see what options were available in the facility and then took me over to the shampooing station. There was an option for me to use the fully reclined shampoo station which is like laying down in your bed while you have your hair washed. (I highly recommend this option if it is available to you; it is quite comfortable.)
Moving forward, he (Chris, in case you forgot already) washed my hair thoroughly and offered a leave in conditioner option which was quite luxurious on my scalp and much better once my hair was blown out. It left my hair silky smooth to the touch. I also decided on getting a hair cut done on one of my last visits with him. He was able to give me an even layered bob hair cut with body and movement. With every step of the way, Chris was attentive to my opinion of how I wanted my hair and delivered exactly what I wanted.
I came back multiple times not wanting anyone but him. On my many visits to Sam Brocato Salon, I have been nothing but welcomed and given full attention to what I’d like. Chris does a swell job when ever I come to visit and recommend booking him IMMEDIATELY! And even so, the other stylists are great as well. For example, I had my hair dyed because I had it dyed a horrendous green color. The woman (again, I can not recall her name at the present time, apologies) who took care of the process was sweet and took good care to make sure my hair was the same color on the top as it was on the bottom. She did an amazing job as well and would recommend her if I only could remember her name. OOPS!
Anyway, great place to check out! Looking forward to my next visit.

I’ve been here about 5 times for different services: balayage/​ombré, hair cuts and single process dyes. The dye jobs and haircuts I’ve gotten have always been good — nothing overwhelming (except for Mary’s balayage — she’s fantastic) but the services have been good enough to keep me coming back.
But the last time I went was the most disappointing of all. I, like many other women this season, cut my hair into a bob a few months ago. And I, like many other women, regretted it and missed my long hair. My hair has grown substantially since, but I needed a cut to help my hair look better as it grows — mainly some face framing pieces and layers. I specifically told Xena, the stylist, not to cut anything off the length since I’m desperately growing my hair and she said she would just «brush» some off to clean it up. I agreed, thinking it wouldn’t even be half an inch since she used the word «brush.» She cut off about 2 inches or more and I feel defeated and like all the months of growing my hair have been for nothing. My hair was about 2 – 3 inches past my shoulders and now is just at my shoulders again, in that awful «in between» stage whereas before it was a cute long bob. The worst part is, I paid $ 175 to purposely have this terrible in between stage cut that all women hate. Not coming back despite thinking this salon was «the one.» Good colorists here, though. (One thing I would say about this past single process dye is that I asked for my hair to be lighter than my usual almost jet black hair, the colorist said sure thing, and it’s still the same color as my natural hair. But whatever — it looks nice and my grays are covered so I can’t complain).

Wonderful salon with a friendly staff and a lovely space. I’ve been getting my hair cut by Chris regularly for the past year or so, and he always does a fantastic job. I have thick hair and he always provides the perfect cut for what I’m looking for and what would work best with my hair. Highly recommended!

I absolutely love love love this place. From the moment you walk in, you are in haven. It starts with a gorgeous soho space, beautifully designed, spacious and trendy. You are greeted at the front desk and if you come often enough, they will know your name :)
Once you place your coat on a hanger, you are offered a beverage, a refreshing water with cucumbers, a cappuccino from a nespresso machine, now you can start to let the world fade away and enjoy the experience fully. Once you are seated, you are offered an aromatherapy neck massage that is truly relaxing, the lavender oils opening up your senses. The problem is just that its never long enough LOL. Now you are meeting your expert stylist, a person so well versed in hair care, coloring and the latest styles that you will be hard pressed not to love it, I love it every time and only wish I could get down here more often.
Lea H is the best hair stylist in my opinion. Not only do I love my hair cuts, they are easy to maintain and I’ve finally learned how to style my own mane for those extra special occasions.
My only regret is that I didn’t find this place before my wedding, if I had, I would actually enjoy my wedding album instead of cringing every time I see that awful wedding up-​do a-​la-​80s.
Its very hard to find a great stylist and colorist, give this place a chance and speak up, tell them who you are and what you like, they do get it, believe me ;)
Last thing I must mention is they have a great website, where you can book your services and track your appointments.
THANK YOU Sam Brocato
PS they have their own product line that is pretty good, I definitely recommend the leave-​in conditioner and the serum.

First, I’d like to tell you how I found out about Natalie…
I was walking down Houston Street exactly one week before my wedding. I was feeling downtrodden about my hairstylist options (for reference – I had loved my stylist at Bumble and Bumble but after she left I was never very satisfied with my haircuts) when this 20s something with the most beautiful haircut zoomed by me. Her hair was different than mine (hers was perfectly straight and mid-​length while mine is long and wavy/​unruly) but the precision of the haircut completely hooked me. It was perfectly layered – great movement but seemed to fall right back into place. I chased her down and she told me to absolutely go to Natalie.
Now, I’d like to tell you about my experience with Natalie…
Even though the haircut of the woman on the street was beautiful, I wasn’t totally confident Natalie could tame my mane into wedding shape. I called Sam Borcato to explain my situation/​hesitation and they told me I could come meet Natalie for a consultation. Although I was nervous, I was immediately taken in by Natalie’s warmth and attentiveness. She was so laid back and easy to talk to and really took the time to understand what I was going for. Watching her cut my hair was like watching an artist. She was extremely meticulous – even pulling out a stool so she could cut my hair more at eye level.
Long story short, the cut was FANTASTIC. I’d say the best I’d had in at least four years.
It’s been three months since. I went back again today and had another great experience. So great in fact that when I ran into my neighbor just now, she stopped me just to say how nice my hair looked. I gave her Natalie’s contact and thought you Unilocalers out there should have it to :)

I’ve reviewed before (love this place and have been going for years) but just went a week ago and had my first hair cut with Lisa. Honestly, it was probably one of the best cuts of my life. She really listened and give me exactly what I wanted (and, honestly, more!) Very happy!

Great location, great atmosphere, great staff, and the greatest haircutter I ever had. Great cappuccinos too (LOL). ok, ok that’s not why I go there though, but I have been getting my haircuts by Lisa Lord, and they just keep getting better. I do not even have to to tell her what to do. I’m that comfortable and I get tired of repeating myself, but she just knows what to do after you go a few times. Don’t mean to toot my own horn but my hair looks like it came from a magazine. No matter how much you do to style your hair or what good products you use, it has to have a good base cut, which Lisa Lord manages to do every single time. Its a bit over my budget for me, but my hair is very important to me. And the proof is in the pudding they say, well I literally get tons of compliments on my hair everywhere I go, even from random strangers. Last one I got, «Is your hair always this fabulous?» Um… yea, thats becasue Lisa cuts it fabulous every time.

I just got back from getting my hair colored at Sam Brocato and I will DEFINITELY be returning! The salon itself is immaculate and very glam inside. My colorist was Cody/​Chris (one person, introduced himself as Cody but I overheard others calling him Chris, still unclear). He was a sweet angel and we talked the entire he was doing my hair. He also made me a delicious cappuccino while the color was setting. I believe he is a new colorist at the salon, and was under a watchful eye, but after the appointment I trust him 100%. I went in with lighter brown hair that had been previously highlighted, and wanted to go darker for the fall. I explained that I just wanted chocolate brown all over, but Cody/​Chris suggested going lighter over the preexisting highlights so the color wasn’t flat. Boy was he right, it looks amazing. I unfortunately didn’t have time for a blow out as I was running late for work, although it might have been worth it to just quit and stay there for the extra hour!

After a year and a half of great haircuts from Chris, I’m sorry to have to write this review. My last haircut was probably the worst haircut I’ve ever had. A few weeks ago I came in with pretty layers that Chris gave me the last time, and after asking for the same cut (because I loved it so much!) I walked out with a choppy lob type cut that sticks out in every direction and looks uneven when it’s behind my shoulders. It was not what I wanted or asked for, by a long shot. Props to the staff at Sam Brocato who kindly let me come in to have it fixed. However after returning to Chris, pointing out the unevenness and asking why he cut my hair like that (with no answer), my hair is still uneven looking and choppy in spots. Sadly I’m going to have to find a new stylist to give me the haircut I asked for in the first place. I will not be back.

I’ve been going to Sam Brocato Salon for about 3 years now. Not only do I get cut and color at Sam Brocato, but I also hired them to style my hair as well as my bridesmaids for my wedding. Mary is an amazing colorist and an ombré pro. She worked with me to gradually build my color at the pace that I was comfortable with. I get my cuts with Penelope who is always a delight and really listens to any concerns I have regarding my trims. For styling, I work with the talented Lisa Lord. She was amazing throughout the wedding planning process. She effortlessly made accommodations to my hair style during my trial. She was extremely easy going when planning our timeline and on the day of the wedding when styling 7 women by herself. I happily recommended Sam Brocato to friends and colleagues and have heard nothing but positive feedback.
Also, I can’t write a review without mentioning their products which not only am I addicted to, but I have created a monster with my mom (who lives 8 hours away) as well. From their dry shampoo to their hairspray to their gloss — we can’t live without our Sam Brocato products!

Amazing service and one of the nicest salons I have ever been to. Chris is fantastic and talks you through the whole haircut.

By far the best salon I have been to! Went to see LEAH and she was attentive, pleasant and fun to talk to. Her attention to detail is amazing and I’m in love with what she did with my hair! I wanted to keep my length as I’m growing it out a bit and she shaped it perfectly and its growing out just how I wanted it to. Thank you Leah!!!

Marissa is a beautifully talented soul. I’ve been a client of hers for over ten years, with a few years break in between when I moved to LA. Really nuanced, detailed color. So happy she is here!

I wanted to get my hair lightened subtly and a trim. I heard about this salon from an article featuring Blake Lively going here. The receptionist on the phone was super patient with me when I was indecisively booking what I wanted.
Kimalyse cut perfectly to the long layers I wanted and only cut off a little over an inch like I asked for. Totally amazing!
Christina colored my hair (face framing highlights on naturally dark brown hair) exactly like I wanted in the pic i showed her. Not cheap or yellow looking, and not too subtle. Just right! These girls are amazing! Definitely coming back!

I just visited Chris at Sam Brocato for the third time and simply put he is absolutely wonderful. I’ve lived in NY since college and am now 26 and finally found someone who listens to the cut I want.
Chris is great about talking through the cut with you and consulting before he actually begins, he listens and really does a great job. He also recommends the products that he uses during your service, I went from never using anything in my hair when blow drying to using two great products as well as a shampoo recommended by Chris. I have found other times that stylists really push the products on you Chris doesn’t force it but I am happy I took him up on his suggestions.
I am someone who used to dread getting a haircut and now I look forward to it! Each time I visit the salon the entire staff is warm and welcoming.

Had a mixed experience here. It was my first time at the salon, and I came purely bc of Unilocal reviews. I have curly hair and am not into the Devachan hype, so I found that this place had good reviews for curly cuts. Had an appointment with Annalisa and unfortunately came 20 minutes late bc of the f*cking subway. I did call to tell them that I was running late and the person I spoke to seemed understanding. When I arrived, she and I talked about what I wanted done and right away, she told me that she wouldn’t be able to blow out my hair bc of the limited time. I asked if there might be someone else who could give me a blow out, since hello, I came to get a haircut and style, and I can air dry my own curly hair for free– everyday. The guy at reception came over and again tried to explain that bc I was late, they could not accommodate me because they were completely booked.
So I thought this was a very unwelcoming first impression. During the haircut, I kept thinking it was so unprofessional to punish me by depriving me of a service I clearly came for, and would be paying for. When I went over to check out and pay, with wet hair, another guy at reception (who I apparently spoke to when I was running late) was extremely helpful and found a stylist, Natalie, who could quickly squeeze me in for a blow out. She didn’t even hesitate, even though she had a client (getting highlights, so she had some time) and was so sweet about it. I really appreciated that he had asked her and that she was so willing to help.
Finally when all was done, the manager checked me out — and without a complaint from me, offered me a 15% discount for the «confusion.» I was really impressed with her and how professional the helpful guy at reception, and Natalie were.
But would I go back? Probably not. In the end, it wasn’t even that great of a cut or blow out. So it was strange and stressful for nothing.

Money Money Money
The first experience was nice unfortunately my stylist quit …
I was expected something as good the 2^nd time
Unfortunately
After the fake kindness
Come the fake experience
Why? Under pretense that the «stylist» is experiences they charge 40% more (of course this information is given at the end.)
Unfortunately after 10 years of different Salon all around Europe my grade for this one was one of the worse…
After the illusion I realize they maybe know how to make money… to take care about hair it’s not really that

Just wrote management an email:
Hello there,
I just wanted to take a moment to tell you what a pleasant experience I had at your salon this past Saturday.
Your facility was lovely and sparkling clean, and the staff was so welcoming. I must have been asked four times if I would like a coffee or tea — I was a little sleepy, and I think they could tell!
My stylist was Chris Medina, and he is a gem. The shampoo and hot towel treatment was fantastic, and I have never been more pleased with a haircut than I was on Saturday. Chris listened to me closely, but I think he heard more than what was being said, and really sensed from me what I wanted. He was meticulous making sure my layers were even, and the blowout was great.
I will make sure to recommend Chris and Sam Brocato salon to my friends and family, and will be returning in a few months for another cut!
Best,
Erica

Just finished bushed getting a cut from Rachael and I have to say this was one of my favorite salon experiences. The welcome I received at the door to Rachael’s thoughtful and engaging chat — not to mention the cut I’ve been wanting for several years — left me walking away with a new salon and amazing new stylist. Totally in love with the fact that’s former salon is too far away — made me step out of my comfort zone into a great new salon!

***************UPDATE****************
Kimalisa no longer works here, she now works at Arrojo on Varick Street
***************UPDATE****************
I LOVE this salon. I have seen two people there: Kimalisa for a cut and Isabel for color. My hair is long so it is hard to keep things interesting. I decided to go for purple and I absolutely love, love, love it.
The salon is very nice and everyone is very friendly. Kimalisa is so sweet and really does care about your hair. Whenever I come in she is always very willing to listen to what I want and will be honest about what she thinks will look good on me. She is also very diligent and always takes her time. Attention to detail is important with hair. Before Kimalisa, I did not even care who did my hair. Now I know why! I wouldn’t go to anyone else now.
Isabel is also very patient. The entire process took hours and she was so great about always checking up on me and letting me know what she was doing. The color is amazing! And it lasted for a very long time. Kimalisa and Isabel are the ultimate tag team, and they have done wonders for my hair!