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Salon Ishi

70 E. 55th St., New York, NY 10022 40.760571 -73.972428
nr. Park Ave. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
work212-888-4744 Send to Phone

Reader Rating:
6.4 out of 10
|
10 Reviews | Write a Review
Type: Hair Salon
Services: Hairstyling, Makeup Application, Manicure/Pedicure

Photo by Elliott Kaufman

Map Rate & Review

Hours

Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm; Sat, 8am-6pm; Sun, closed

Nearby Subway Stops

E, V at Lexington Ave.-53rd St.; 6 at 51st St.; E, V at Fifth Ave.-53rd St.

Payment Methods

Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Profile

Salon Ishi takes hair care beyond the standard cut and color, with advanced treatments designed to heal and protect damaged locks. The slick, sophisticated space, done up in halogen lights, orchids, and acoustic panels that absorb sound, bustles with clients, many of whom swear by Ishi’s renowned hair-straightening procedure, which lasts for six months. The street-level salon has a second floor with additional style stations, as well as small private areas where clients enjoy signature Shiatsu head, neck, and shoulder massages with shampoos. (Shiatsu manicures and pedicures are also on the menu.) Since opening the space in 1992, pony-tailed owner Ishi has been importing the best Japanese treatments, as well as ionic blow driers and a salon-wide water purification system designed to remove chemicals. Clients fill out a questionnaire before one of fifteen stylists suggests a cut or a procedure; the latter could be the Water Treatment, during which the level of moisture in hair cells is measured and balanced, or the Intensive Keratin Treatment, in which keratin, protein, elastine, and collagen are applied to hair to eliminate frizziness. Many Japanese products are exclusive to the salon, including the Seeds Tea Clay Hairpack by Armino, which unclogs the scalp to control dryness and oil, and Collabo’s Thia conditioner, a rich protein treatment. — Chrissy Perisco

Extra

Packages of four are offered for many treatments, including the Protein Treatment, Water Treatment, Intensive Keratin Treatment, Ionic Treatment, and Straight Treatment (for in between straightening).

Quality:	5

Service:	3

Selection:	3

Value:	1

Last April, Ishi "accidentally" charged me twice for a $700+ service. After reviewing my credit card statement, I called the salon, but was offered no apology. This month, I called to schedule a haircut; I had just returned from a trip overseas and was unable to schedule a cut with my favorite salon. I figured I would give it another chance. Ishi himself then accused me of not paying for my last service. To be safe, I called my credit card company, which ensured me that the payment had been received. Given that Ishi had not mentioned anything about an outstanding payment until then, after nine months had passed, I canceled my appointment, too wary of the salon's business practices to ever go back.

Salon Ishi

Good Haircut, Very Expensive, Obnoxious Attitude

lisajune from 10024 | Posted on 1/8/09

Overall Rating: 105 (Mixed Reviews)


Quality:	7
Service:	5

Selection:	5

Value:	3

I've been going to Salon Ishi for many years. Ishi gives a great haircut. However, there are two serious complaints - the outrageous cost for a haircut and Ishi's attitude. He charges well over $200 for a basic trim. Plus, he only spends 30 minutes with each client. And he often has one of his "assistants" blow out my hair. Ishi is also obnoxious and inflexible. He acts like he is superiour to everyone else and is not very accomodating around scheduling. On a brighter note, Eli is fantastic with blonde highlights. He is upbeat and listens to his clients. His mentor, Idalia, is another story. Don't go to her! She used toner on me when I specifically asked her not to and my hair turned yellow, not the ash blonde that hightlights are supposed to look like. When I complained, she kept saying that it would look better when I got home. Needless to say, I had to go back to get it fixed. I went to Eli. I'd go to Eli over Idalia any day.

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