(917) 472-5390

189 Orchard St (Houston Street)
New York, NY 10002 40.7217 -73.9885

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Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Downtown

ARENASALON.COM

Hours:

Tue-Sat 11am-7pm

Last updated 4.16.09

Category:

Beauty Salons, Barbers

Payment Methods:

Gift Certificate, Cash, Check

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Arena Salon

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Space – The massive-sounding name of this Lower East Side nook is a clever play on the owner's first name (Rena), not on the salon's size. Housed in a ground-level storefront and decorated with Oriental touches, Arena is a cozy, neighborly place where friends routinely drop by to sit and chat. Decidedly un-snooty and unintimidating, it's also become a regular spot for a diverse, unisex clientele. – – The Services – Owner/stylist Rena Anastasi is known for her unique piece-y color technique; using clients' own hair color, she paints on the hue of choice. The process…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
Anastasi admits she's not a lover of flowing locks, so adventurous long-haired ladies may be talked into trying a face-flattering shorter look.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “She immediatly put me at ease - this place is attitude free and has a relaxed atmosphere where Serena gave my best haircut to date!”
  2. “Fresh technique / easy-going atmosphere”
  3. “It was a totally different experience for me walking into this salon from the others I have tried, super cozy and a warm friendly reception from everyone there.”
  4. “The warm, intimate, welcoming atmosphere coupled with friendly stylists always result in a satisfactory experience.”
  5. “find the atmosphere incredible and look forward to my appointments; a time to relax and rejuvenate.”
  6. “As you walk into Arena, this little hair salon located in the Lower East Side, you are greeted by the charming owner, Rena, and the positive atmosphere.”
  7. “This place is non-pretentious, cozy and do the most amazing cuts and color.”
  8. “have always loved my haircuts,and color that Rena does for me the best haircut and color i have ever had, friends always comment on how great my hair looks, i always feel like a new women to face the world, London born smiling Rena has created a beautif”
  9. “The salon itself is very comfortable and casual with an Asian influence.”
  10. “The entire atmosphere was so cozy, I was right at home.”
  11. “Arena's staff have the capabilities of highly skilled professional stylists in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.”
  12. “The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “Besides the great music, other great haircutters/colorists, nice cup of tea and warm vibe - I love Arena!”
  2. “the salon is peaceful, serene replete with green tea and good conversation.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “The end result was a fresh cut and color!”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “it is a great place to have your hair done.”
  2. “It is a very nice place but a little funkier than where I would normally go.”
  3. “Great girls, great cuts, great place”
  4. “This is such a great place to go if you want a boost.”
service
100.0% positive
  1. “It's like beeing pampered in your own living room, since the place is always so warm and friendly.”
  2. “Now all there products are eco friendly which is great to know.”
  3. “In the past, I had a problem trusting people with my hair, but after a good consultation I felt at ease.”
  4. “Absoulutely loved the place and the people.”
  5. “The prices are decent, the service is great, and the results are why I keep going back.”
  6. “Arena's staff have the capabilities of highly skilled professional stylists in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere.”
  7. “It was a totally different experience for me walking into this salon from the others I have tried, super cozy and a warm friendly reception from everyone there.”
  8. “The quality of the cut and colour were excellent, staff really welcoming and friendly and I left feeling good.”
  9. “Just when I thought it couldn't get any better they've gone eco and now only use eco friendly products.”
  10. “Rena and Destiny are wonderful people!”
  11. “Unlike many other salons, Arena is small, quaint and the staff is very friendly.”
  12. “The staff is fantastic, friendly and attentive.”
  13. “The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed.”
  14. “love arena the salon is so cute and staff is so cool.”
  15. “Everyone was super friendly- no attitude whatsoever.”
  16. “high quality service, friendly and personal in a great neighborhood at a price that is worth it”
  17. “had the best haiircut ever here and it's eco-friendly too”
  18. “The warm, intimate, welcoming atmosphere coupled with friendly stylists always result in a satisfactory experience.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “high quality service, friendly and personal in a great neighborhood at a price that is worth it”
  2. “was referred to this salon by a friend who got a great short haircut from one of the female stylists there at a good price (I think around $70.)”
  3. “We're on the same page and I have now found someone who can cut hair well at a decent price.”
  4. “It is no frills but so is the price and the most important part is that Arnulfo is as talented as any person could be.”
  5. “will be paying for my haircuts now -- a $70 NYC haircut isn't worth it if you have to feel like you're bothering someone to get them to give you a decent haircut.”
  6. “The prices are decent, the service is great, and the results are why I keep going back.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “He gave me one of the best cuts I've had in a very long time.”
  2. “But I recently had to go to London at the last minute for a big meeting, I didnt have time to get a cut so I went to a respectable looking salon there.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/14/11

Destiny was great!

by jca76 at Citysearch

I made an appointment through Lifebooker on a whim (it was close to my office, so I could run out on my lunch break). Destiny and the woman who washed my hair (whose name I can't remember, unfortunately) were both very friendly. Destiny listened to what I wanted, explained what she was doing as she went along, asked how I felt about using various products on my hair before doing so, and gave me exactly what I wanted. I was so happy with how my hair looked when I left the salon. Almost a week later, I've been so pleased with how good my hair looks even with minimal styling. I'd definitely go back at full price the next time I need a haircut!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/29/11

Where have you been all those years?

by Avan2ra at Citysearch

I know what I want when it comes to my haircut (short, pixy, with long bangs) and all of the previous hairdressers never quite got it right. After extensive research, I decided to give Rena at Arena Salon a go. Rena, (she is the owner) definitely knows her craft and she gave me the exact cut I asked for and did it so effortlessly. It is the best cut I’ve ever had; NOT KIDDING.

What I especially liked about the experience was how calm, cool and pleasant Rena was. We had a lovely chat while she worked her magic. No attitude, no coorsion, no selling of product and no criticism.

It turned out that one the photos I brought along to show as an example was actually of one of Rena’s clients – what are the chances? So, if you are anything like me, unsure of where to go to get that perfect cut at an affordable price (for NYC!) – you need to go to Arena. I hear that all the stylists there are also very talented. I am thrilled that I found Rena. Thank you J

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/17/10

I had the best haiircut ever here and it's eco-friendly too

by Jassy at Citysearch

This is such a great place to go if you want a boost. The quality of the cut and colour were excellent, staff really welcoming and friendly and I left feeling good. I'll definitely be back.

I wanted to try it out because I'd heard it was an eco-frleindly salon - it's refreshing to find that they use all natural colours and have a real committment and passion for protecting the planet and ourselves.

Unlike some salons that I have been to they really listened and helped me think through what kind of look I wanted -

I love that they are positive about silver hair - I didn't want to just cover up all my silver hairs but I wanted something to brighten it up and they have a great approach - adding some cool coppery colour which I love.

  • Pros: friendly, fun, great cut - I came out of here feeling good
  • Cons: none
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/05/10

Well kept secret

by annabev1 at Citysearch

I have followed Rena from Salon to Salon for almost 20 years. She is the BEST! Everyone who works in the salon is great too. Rena is amazing with color. She takes time to listen to what you want and knows what will work for you whether it's conservative or trendy. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better they've gone eco and now only use eco friendly products.

Highly recommend this well kept secret on the lower east side.

  • Pros: Laid back atmosphere, friendly, attentive staff
  • Cons: Still looking!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/03/09

Simply fantastic stylists!

by CSMobileUser3 at Citysearch

Overall fantastic experience. Destiny is an excellent stylist and gave me the perfect cut and color to suit my personality. She asked what I was looking for, acknowledged my input, concerns and put effort into getting just the look I wanted while still making it funky and totally different. I won't go to anyone else. Highly recommended!!

The Details on Arena Salon

Place Categories:

  • great second cut
  • great place
  • best short haircut
  • great caramel color
  • best rena
  • best highlights
  • fantastic staff
  • fantastic stylists
  • incredible entire atmosphere
  • wonderful erica
  • decent price
  • great music taste
  • great colorist
  • super friendly everyone
  • most amazing hair dresser
  • good consultation
  • recommend highly
  • great approach
  • unique new look
  • love arena
  • eco friendly products
  • great whole experience
  • great vibe
  • best whole salon
  • great high quality service