Renaissance Curls, New York NY

I went here a while ago and definitely thought that the staff were professional and friendly.

However, I did not feel like I left with any information on how to care for my hair as a whole — which was primarily why I chose to come here and invest in my hair care.

My wash and go lasted two days - though I followed their instructions in wrapping it.

It was frizzy** and my stylist stopped communicating with me after I sat in the dryer. So when the dryer was done, I sat there confused for a while — unsure of what to do or where she went.

The owner was kind enough to finish up my hair for me, though.

**I must note that as a new natural at the time, I thought the wash and go I got was standard.that was until I went to another natural hair salon recently and compared the photos and realized my hair did not come out as great as I thought.

That is why I am writing this review now.

The photo with the emoji was my day 1 wash and go at Ren curls. The photo with my hair from the back was my recent experience at another salon.

One of the greatest experiences I've had at a salon! The most kind and professional people work here. I was instantly welcomed and felt so at home. Like many, I've been looking for a salon in Harlem that specializes in black hair but keep unfortunately having less than good experiences. This location exceeded all expectations. The stylists went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and assist with any of my questions and even recommended some amazing products! They were all knowledgeable and made me feel at ease.
I believe their prices to be fair, and the process of booking a service was seamless. If you are even questioning giving them a try, don't hesitate! They will get you right, leaving fresh and satisfied. This may be my new favorite salon in Harlem.

I love the service I've received each time I've visited. I have been a client for over a year and I'm extremely happy. On my last visit Laura one of the many great stylist there spoke to me about products that can use to further help me on my hair journey.

Tldr: I've been a loyal customer at Renaissance Curls for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that it's the only salon I trust when it comes to straightening my natural curly hair.

From the moment I walked in, I could tell that this salon truly cares about the health of their clients' hair. What sets Renaissance Curls apart is their exceptional ability to leverage various tools and techniques to minimize the amount of heat used during the straightening process. They understand the importance of maintaining hair health, and it shows in their approach.

Not only do they use heat-minimizing techniques, but they also employ efficient products and tools that are both effective and gentle on the hair. It's evident that they stay up-to-date with the latest industry innovations, ensuring that clients like me get the best possible results.

What I appreciate most is the consistency in their service. Over time, almost everyone at the salon has had a hand in styling my hair, and I've never left unsatisfied. Whether it's a regular maintenance appointment or a special occasion, I know I can rely on Renaissance Curls for a flawless finish every time.

If you're like me, someone who values not just a sleek look but also the health of your hair, I recommend Renaissance Curls. They've earned my trust with their expertise, dedication, and commitment to client satisfaction. Thank you, Renaissance Curls for always making me feel fabulous and keeping my hair healthy!

Courteous, timely and professional service. Stylist explained exactly what they were doing as they were doing it. All products used, including benefits and features were discussed as well. I love my curly cut!

The staff is really kind & friendly. I was excited to come in mainly because of their “promise” to “…equip you with the necessary knowledge to help maintain & wear your curls with pride once home. ” (found on their website). However, that promise wasn’t fulfilled in my case. I wasn’t asked about my hair regimen, or given any advice on how to maintain/improve healthy curls post visit.

I really wanted to love this salon but I am not completely satisfied with the service I received. Blow-out + cut service. My trim was good but my hair looked very dull after the service (it is not my normal hair state). I did not see the stylist putting heat protectant on my hair. Also received two complimentary braids which was nice; could have been better if the stylist used some sort of edge control to tame fly aways. I just think attention to detail is very important, especially when you’re paying $100+

I've been here before and the service is excellent! This time, I got my son's hair washed, trimmed, and twisted for the summer. They were patient, gentle, and completed his hair in less time than expected. The appointment went so well that my Mom scheduled a time for herself next month. Our family will be returning for more natural hair experiences. Thank you, Renaissance Curls!

They was very knowledgeable in natural hair care. The stylist was very nice and accommodating.

I had a wash & go plus trim done today by Laura, and was totally blown away. My hair has seriously never looked this good. Laura was very patient explaining every step of the process, showing me how to achieve similar results when caring for my hair at home. She was also very professional, gentle with my hair, and lovely to talk to. I’m definitely going to be a loyal customer from here out and already booked my follow up appointment. The salon was also super cute, clean, and easy to get to. Can’t say enough good things about my experience. If you’re considering booking your appointment, don’t hesitate!

This was the first time I've been to a salon in a very long time after always having negative experiences. Thankfully, everyone at the salon was pleasant and professional from the moment I arrived.

My hair was washed by Sade, cut by Laura and styled by Jalyn. Jalyn styled my wash-n-go and explained what she was doing step by step so I can replicate the style at home. I left feeling good about my hair and confident in my ability to maintain my hair at home.

Most importantly, no one made me feel like my hair was an inconvenience (unfortunately, that has been my lifelong experience having type 4 hair). The salon also sells the products used for styling; which is helpful if you're like me and get easily overwhelmed by all the product options. My next appointment is already booked:)

This was my second time at this salon because I had committed to getting my trims every 3 months by a professional. And mind you, I haven't been to a salon in 15 years. And honestly, this is my spot forever! I loved the entire experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted and check-in was a breeze. When I was getting my hair washed, the young lady (forgot her name) was very mindful about how much pressure she applied when scrubbing my scalp, making sure to not pull when detangling, she literally made sure to ask if I'm okay and that I wasn't in any pain or uncomfortable. She even told me what products she'll be using and each step of the process. All I had to do was sit back and relax. And it was luxurious to me! It's great to just relax and trust your stylist. I know it can be daunting sometimes but they are empathtic professionals and care about the customer. She then did my blowout with care and offered me snacks/water then Laura did my trim. I took advantage of my time by asking Laura some expert advice on a regimen to reach a hair goal of mine and she gave me a simple routine to do which I'm gonna commit to, I promise! And I'm hoping in 3 months time when I return for my usual trim, the health of my hair will be better. For the trim service, Laura first showed me how much of my ends will be trimmed off and asked my permission and I granted. Again I trusted her to do her thing because she payed attention to the shape, the feel and look of my hair. I left that salon feeling 10x lighter, I don't know why! But just know, this is my spot FOREVER! The experience truely put a smile on my face and gave me peace of mind that I was being cared for the right way

Recieved a wash and go by Iesha and a haircut by Laura. They did such an amazing job! Not only did they provide so much insight but gave beautiful results. It was my first time getting a wash and go that I liked. Will definetly come here again, in fact I had booked my next appointment right after my hair was done!

Renaissance Curls offers superb service! I went there for the first time with my hair damaged from a keratin treatment I applied myself, thinking I would need to cut off my precious locks. They saved my hair and I am so grateful! Treatment was very gentle and relaxing, and they explain everything they do each step of the way. I left with great recommendations for products I can use at home and the process of applying. Most importantly, I left with all my hair in tact and so soft and shiny. You will see in my photos the damage I did to my hair and then the end result after my visit. My stylist was Jalyn and she was excellent! I highly recommend this place.

Edit 2/21/23
It’s been a little over two weeks since I had treatment done at Renaissance Curls. I’ve done three wash and go’s since then and my hair has gotten better with each wash. The Olaplex treatment is what was applied to my hair and I am quite amazed with the results - thanks again Jalyn! I’m looking forward to my next appointment at the salon for my next treatment. I’ve added a new photo for reference of the wash and go results.

I booked a wash and go and trim at this salon and I did not have a pleasant experience. Upon my arrival, I stood in the rain for almost 10minutes trying to navigate the bell and I called several times with no answer. Someone leaving the building let me in after waiting outside for a while. My stylists attitude was very off putting. The stylist informed me that she would be blowing my hair out for the haircut. The “cut” was very uneven and I informed her and she said she would even it out once the style was set. At the styling process, the products were very heavy for my fine hair strands. I was placed under a dryer and I was removed from under the dryer with my hair 70% dry. My stylist had her jacket on even before I got up from under the dryer. I felt very rushed and after the drying process the cut looked even more uneven. My entire hair process felt very rushed and I was not satisfied with the results. My hair was wet, weighed down, and very frizzy.

UPDATE: I saw the owner’s response, which I truly appreciate but I was not going to return to the scene of the crime. At another salon today for a trim. The first thing the stylist asked me, “who cut your hair…it’s choppy and uneven”. Pulling hair out to compare to show major length differences in certain areas, especially the front. Now I know for a fact it wasn’t just my imagination from my last review. All I’ll say is, this place is hit or miss because some things are great about them, but moments like these shows how not great things can be. So now I have to get my hair cut, not trimmed, if I want my hair to look balanced. Current stylist assured me that my hair is healthy but if I want it to look right, it will need to be evened out…which means cut. I do too much to ensure the health of my hair to have to get it cut due to a previous bad trim. Not happy at all.

Previous Review:
I have been here before but I’m giving my review based on my last experience. Not sure if it was because it was the end of the day but I felt the stylist was extremely lazy with my hair. I got a trim and wash & go. Firstly, my trim was not precisioned. It was blown out then the stylist just combed and grabbed hair to trim. There was no real parting or sectioning to ensure a precise trim. And I now know for sure it wasn’t a precision trim because when I washed and blew it out my hair at home, my hair was uneven and small sections of ends were neglected to be trimmed. But back to the appointment, once I was taken from under the dryer, I was sent out the door exactly how they pulled me out from under the hair dryer. No fluffing, separating or stretching. I looked like I had on a curly helmet. I’ve seen videos and been in the salon where they at least fluffed and separated clients’ curls, , so I was extremely taken back that they let me walk out the door with my hair looking the way it did. Oh and it wasn’t even completely dry at the roots which everyone knows can make your hair more puffy. The only good thing about it was my curls were set so I could finish styling at home, but after spending over $200, I would have liked to walk out with finished look. I may go back for treatments but I will definitely never get another wash n go there and if I do get a trim, I’ll ask for a different stylist.

I went to this salon this past week on Friday, January 6th early evening for an oleplex hair treatment. And I would have to say did not enjoy the experience as much as I wanted to. First the entrance of the salon was confusing to ring the bell, I called the salon a few times and did not get an answer, I had to DM them on Instagram to get some kind of response, and they responded that way. The Olepex treatment was okay, but nothing special, could have done it myself at home. And lastly, when I went to the front desk to pay, the front desk person was extremely rude, did not even look me in the fast, just hater vibes, and bitter. I thought the salon would be more welcoming, why work at a salon and be a big hater, her vibe was really off and rude. Did not like the vibe at all, felt like I wasted time and money. I also noticed my service was $80 and the taxes were really high almost $20 worth of tax, never gotten that from a salon, didn't get the math on that.

Overall, I will not go back, and I was planning to come back and get a silk press, but just the vibe and experience, I would not come back. It's very disappointing to to see your own kind have such hater energy, be rude, and not carry a welcoming environment, just sad, wanted to like the place, but will not come back. Travel all the way from Queens, and won't do it again, didn't like like the vibe, and especially the rude demeanor from the front desk lady.

Great salon that caters to coily/curly hair community. The staff is very knowledgeable and guide you through the entire process of achieving your desired style. I normally do my own hair, but I come here quarterly for a trim and a wash and go, it's always a good experience. I leave there looking beautiful and feeling empowered to continue to maintain my healthy WNG coils. Besides the great service, the salon is beautiful and the playlist always hits.

I had a wonderful experience and it started from the time I walked through the salon door. Everyone was so nice, professional and personable. Alex was just lovely. She explained everything she was doing and was just a joy to be around. She did the wash, detox, Olaplex treatment and blow-dry. Weena was amazing. Great, peaceful energy. Professional and generous. She asked me how I normally wear my hair, what products I use, how I do my hair, what I'm going for, etc. I really appreciated her wanting to know my routine, which I imagine was useful to her in the guidance and tips/advice she offered She trimmed my ends and taught me how to do my wash-and-go step by step. Knowing I would walk out with a better understanding of my hair, as well as well a wash-and-go technique was one of the main reasons I booked an appt. I was so happy with the results and bought all of the products used for my wash and go. I highly recommend Renaissance Curls. I look forward to returning way before my three month hair trim. I'm going to make a visit once-a-month if/when appointments are available. Renaissance Curls is now part of my self-care routine.
UPDATE: Got a haircut & wash&go with Zoe today (11/23/22). She is amazing, as well. Took great care from wash to cut. Loving my cut today!