A balance of order and earthiness infuses this even-keeled Midtown salon, opened in 2002 by Hong Kong-to-New York stylist Yan Chia. Hailing from varied beauty and fashion backgrounds, the spot’s unimposing veteran snippers recognize both what’s working in a customer’s style and what requires sculpting, then execute an appropriate cut with relaxed precision. Among their most specialized services are foil-free hair painting, scalp moisturizing, and a Japanese aromatherapy conditioning treatment that’s light on scent but concentrated to saturate and smooth the hair cuticle through a steam process. Also a Salon Chinois signature is Japanese thermal straightening, which caters to the location’s largely professional clientele. Serene and elegant, the salon treats lunch-hour escapees with deeply reclining chairs at the sinks and brief scalp massages as part of the shampoo service. — Michele Lippman
Bridal
At Le Salon Chinois, renowned stylist Yan Chia tames frizzy hair with
of-the-moment Japanese and Brazilian straightening treatments ($100 an hour).
Then he’ll sweep hair into a glamorous updo for the big day. Haircut and styling
start at $75. Custom spa packages are also available, one floor up. Spend more
than $100 at the salon or spa and they’ll throw in a free manicure.
7.3
"Recommended" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10
First of all when I called to make this appointment the receptionist was very nice and accommodating, plus when i went for my apt she was REALLY cute! First I went to see Jose for highlights and he worked with my skin tone and my eyes to create the most natural wonderful color. and when i went home all of my friends really admired my color. But the most relaxing part was after i got my highlights i received a shampoo from Jose's assistant Calvin, it was the best head massage of my life! I would go back just for that! After my highlights i went to see Ilda for a haircut. I barely even had to tell her what i wanted, she just knew! I walked out of that salon looking like a million bucks! I will be going back every time i need anything done with my hair I just don't trust anyone else like i trust salon chinois!
Yan was SO nasty and so unprofessional. I usually like to give people the benefit of the doubt and am super super friendly to people working in spas and salons (I work in beauty so I know how tough it can be). However there is NO excuse for blatant rudeness. I was made to sit for my appoint for almost an hour, and I think she just forgot about me all together. For about a good 20 minutes the receptionist was nowhere to be found and the phone was ringing off the hook. When I was finally graced with Yan's presence she acted like I had done something wrong and I was inconveniencing her. It was just an awful experience. Not for nothing, but the entire place is kind of cheesy and I will NEVER go back there again.