V Beauty Salon, NYC
New York is a place where people think nothing of shelling out $300 and up for a haircut. I myself remain loyal to a wonderful stylist who sets me back $100 before tip every time I go in. Is it worth it? Yes. I truly believe that it is. However, I’m not a millionaire, and when times are extra tough, there is only one spot and one man that I trust to cut my hair for less. A friend of a friend of a very wealthy friend knows about this place, tucked in the steaming fetid bowels of Chinatown. Sound too sketchy for you? Well, your loss because when you head down to V Salon, my man Ronnie will do you right for only 35 bones.
First a heavenly shampoo with scalp massage is administered by an older lady who knows what’s up. Your scalp will feel utterly tingly with delight. Then! You are whisked away to a chair where Ronnie will ask you what you want and actually really listen. I wouldn’t advise making any dramatic changes–he does err on the J-Pop side of things when it comes to angles, but for a straightforward trim or cut he’s fantastic, fast and never too heavy on the product.
For $35, that ain’t bad-and you can still afford to go get dumplings after.
V Beauty Salon (between Hester and Grand)
75 Elizabeth Street
(212) 966-7767
