The Beehive Salon

10/08/2008 Posted by OriginalBondGirl

Bean, the owner of Beehive Salon, first took my naturally light brown hair to a shiny, dark and ultra dramatic hue to create my Bengali Princess look for my traditional Bengali Wedding in Central Park followed by my reception in Dhaka, Bangladesh. No one in Bangladesh would have guessed that my hair is naturally much lighter. The hair coupled with my tan had me passing for a Bollywood actress. When I returned back to New York I needed a change and wanted to go back to California blonde. Bean didn't set unrealistic expectations. We were thinking that caramel highlights might be all that were attainable for round 1 since my hair was so dark. Caramel would also have been fine, however, my hair turned out a beautiful, rich and believable blonde. It far exceeded expectations, and was a huge splash! I went back for round 2 in order to get it "perfect" for some upcoming events. I'm always very anti brassy and/or orange tints in highlights...and I know what I like. She has turned my hair into that beautiful cool, natural and glowing blonde that I adore! I have had my hair done all over the globe and by some very notable stylists in Los Angeles (Beverly Hills and West Hollywood), San Francisco, Seattle, Buenos Aires, Paris, Capetown, etc... Bean's talent is amongst these global top-level colorists. She took me from a Bengal Princess to a Swedish Barbarella. I love to be a chameleon and she certainly makes that a reality. Bean has placed Williamsburg, Brooklyn on the style circuit.

09/29/2008 Posted by Nadine28

I am from Germany and moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the beginning of the year. As you can imagine it was very hard for me to find a good and reliable salon in this mega-city jungle of salons. I was very spoiled by the salon I used to go to for many years, especially when it came to color. The highlights I got there into my natural brown hair were always very nicely balanced and perfectly matched my skin tone. My first highlight sessions in New York, although I went to highly rated and expensive salons were kind of disappointing. My hair always looked to bright, to reddish or just not in balance. Despite from that it became very frizzy. All in all a less than enjoyable situation....One day I was in the need of a quick hair-fix as I was booked for a model-job the next day and I thought to myself why not give one of the neighborhood salons a try (motto: it can't get much worse). This is how I got to the Beehive. This was the luckiest thing that could happen to me. Bean, the hairstylist and I guess also one of the owners of the salon, gave me the most beautiful highlights ever. She took so much time in figuring out what I really wanted (I am not a native speaker) and explained me the different approaches she would recommend so that I could choose from one. I never got such a thorough consulting before and felt in very good hands. The best thing was that the color (she used three different honey/brown shades) turned out better than I expected and I left the salon just happy and sooo relieved! And even now two weeks after my hair looks fantastic, elegant and not frizzy at all. I am very impressed with her and her skills. On top she is a very nice and friendly person! Two Thumbs up!

Pros: Best highlights ever, very good & torough consultation, nice staff, down to earth atmosphere

Cons: can't think of one

09/25/2008 Posted by naranyc

I had Kay cut my hair last Monday and I absolutely loved it! I like cuts with a touch of edginess, volume, and movement. I gave her a picture of a cut I would like and expressed concerns that I may not have the face/head shape for it. She assured me that it would work and made modifications to fit the styled cut to my face/head. She was very thorough and detail oriented—it was such an enjoyable experience to watch an artist at work creating her next artistic piece. I’m a picky person who tries to find a balance between getting an amazing, fresh look without breaking the bank and have not gone to the same stylist consistently, but I will definitely go to her again.

09/20/2008 Posted by cc428

went for my first haircut here yesterday and loved it. nice open space and very nice people. haircut by katie, who did an amazing job. i've had the same boring ridiculously long hair for over eight years and wanted a change. she cut the most amazing shaggy long bob that perfectly compliments my face...and was easy for me to blowdry the next day - and it looked just as good as when she did it. all i told her was i wanted to go short and gave her a ballpark length, then we talked for five or ten minutes about what she thought would be good, then she took her time and gave me the perfect haircut. very different from what i had but not shocking or overly trendy. will DEFINITELY be going back for my next haircut!

Pros: Thoughtful stylists who take their time, good price ($50)

Cons: Bad shampoo person

09/16/2008 Posted by chelseacoucou

Not only do I love my haircut but in addition the salon is comfortable and well designed, the staff is friendly, and my hairdresser Eileen was extremely knowledgeable about haircare. She listened to me and gave me exactly the cut I wanted and also added some techniques that no other hairdresser has ever done before. Throughout the cut she went above and beyond by offering some wonderful advice on how I can take better care of my hair and she answered all my questions. Highly recommended.

08/20/2008 Posted by Jharrism

I first heard about Beehive Salon while interning last fall at BUST Magazine, and since going have not looked back. I remember their old shop on Lorimer, a cute little place with a mega-retro feel and vibe which pulled me right in (free coffee and tea always helps make a girl feel welcome too!), and their new salon has kept the retro spark while revamping it with sleek, modern elements. The big green couch in the front is a comfy place to sit and finish your lunch on your way to get your cut (the staff didn't mind me eating in the salon), and the staff were really friendly as we chatted about various vegetarian sandwiches in the area. I have had the same person cut my hair each time I've visited the salon, Kay, and she has always done an AMAZING job. Kay's approach to hair is an artistic one, framing the hair for your face by gently taking it section by section and shaving (yes shaving! I highly recommend it! It looks hot and daring) and layering to create a unique beautiful style. I can honestly say I have seen no one else with my hair, and in New York that is saying something. I always get so many compliments on my hair, which helps with the confidence one needs when looking for a job, an internship, or just life in general. When I first met Kay, what struck me the most (aside from her own cute haircut) about her was how much in depth she talked to me about what my ideas were for my hair before she even looked at her sissors. I told her I wanted something bold that would play up my facial features, and did I ever get it! At first, I admit, I was nervous about cutting it short (kind of a 20s short, asymmetrical, bobish inspired do) with one side of my head shaved down underneath the longer section, but now it's a look I love! I can tuck the hair behind my ear to show off part of the shave. Most important of all, Kay made me feel comfortable and after all the great work she has done on my hair I really trust her.

Pros: Great hair and cool people!

Cons: Expensive, but worth it if you want a cut from someone you trust with your hair.

08/19/2008 Posted by spkinmymind

I have never posted before, but wanted to share about my experience at The Beehive Salon. I must start out by saying I absolutely love my haircut!! I went in with straight long hair to about the middle of my back looking for a complete transformation and I got just what I was looking for. I now have a short cut a little longer than 'pixie' length with a ton of style. I took in a picture which Bean, my stylist, looked at but tailored the cut to my hair. It's perfect., so easy to manage and I have gotten so many compliments on it!! There was only one downside to my experience...the cost. As Bean was cutting my hair she mentioned lightening it up with some highlights that would be about $65. Granted...she did spend a lot more time than I anticipated and did a fabulous job with the color (and did quite a bit more than I think she originally thought she would), but I ended up being charged the full $150. I was so happy with the way I looked I was kind of in a daze and thanked everyone and left, but several blocks away realized that I had been charged so much and it was just too late to go back and say anything I thought. So....to sum everything up I HIGHLY recommend The Beehive Salon and I am so happy and excited about my haircut and ultimately think it is worth the cost, but just know going in that it isn't cheap. Thanks Beehive! I will definitely be back and will tell my friends to head out to Williamsburg for a great haircut and fun salon experience!

Pros: Great haircut, fun atomosphere

Cons: A little pricey

07/10/2008 Posted by HeadTripper

I went to Beehive, specifically to have my hair cut by Marlene, who had given a friend a terrific cut. I wanted a similar style -- no, I wanted the *exact same thing* (allowing for the differences in our hair type) -- and even came armed with a photograph of said friend, should my own powers of description fail me. Marlene did a beautiful job, was very personable and good humored, and gave me EXACTLY what I wanted. I'm very picky and somewhat of a control freak but I didn't even have to go into my usual spiel. It was like she read my mind. It was a truly relaxing afternoon. My only regret is not taking before and after photographs because the difference is amazing. Regarding appointments: I had one within 24 hours. Maybe I lucked out because it was summer, a weekday, before 5 pm. I was given a complimentary make-up session by Sean, who was also very nice. The music playing was groovy, the temperature comfortable. I liked the bathroom -- blue sky/clouds wallpaper. The cut cost $50. The L train $4. Very worth it. I knew about giving tips in cash from reading all the whiners here but had I not known this in advance what would the big deal have been? If I'd been short on cash I'd have gone to an ATM on Bedford Avenue, not blown a gasket. Had I more time I would have checked out the spa downstairs. My Beehive experience was perfect and I plan to repeat it. Thank you, Marlene!

Pros: Efficient and capable stylist, relaxing ambience.

Cons: None.

06/19/2008 Posted by juliasays

I have been going to The Beehive Salon for almost 2 years now, but I recently had my first trip to the new location off the (yupster) Bedford stop. All I have to say is 2 serious thumbs down! I became a loyal Beehive customer b/c I got an awesome cut and color for a semi responsible price, atleast by NYC standards. Well, when my double process and cut came to $195, I was shocked! I normally pay $165. When I said something to the receptionist she seemed unsure of how to answer and, though, was very pleasant, still looked at me like I had 5 (unstyled) heads. If that is the case, I suppose my old stylist (who has left) didn't charge me for toning. It would make sense for a stylist to take care of their loyal clients or hell, even to get loyal clients! The jump in price wouldn't have bothered me if I received the kind of service I am used too. I am a double process blonde which all your color-fiends know is high-risk. Forget about the damage, it doesn't always take well. It is slight but my roots are not as light as the rest of my platnium blonde locks. Also, while drying my hair, my new stylist tells me there isn't much else she can do to style my hair without using a flat iron and a flat iron is $20 extra. $20 extra for a flat iron! This is Brooklyn...who doesn't use a flat iron? I'm sorry, but that is outrageous! So basically, I left a salon paying $195 with only a mediocre root touch up, a trim, and my hair looking like I should be heading back to a salon. One is suppose to leave a salon ready to show themselves off! I on the other hand, rushed home to style my hair. What one cannot do with a hairdryer isn't my fault and I shouldn't have to pay $20, especially when you are already charging me almost $200! For the record, I blame no one but management. The staff was lovely and charming as usual. You will still get a great cut and color at Beehive, but the home sweet home vibe and high standard of customer is totally gone! It is most certainly not the same Beehive.

Pros: still good cut and color

Cons: not nearly as awesome as the old Beehive

06/18/2008 Posted by peachykeengrrrl

CAROL gave me an awesome haircut three days ago. Waited a few days to post the review so I could be sure that the cut turned out exactly the way I wanted, and it did! Came in with long, unmanageable wavy hair and came out with a short 'do that's cute and very easy to maintain, a cross between a bob and a shaggy pixie. Carol listened to my instructions, gave helpful suggestions, and stopped throughout the cut to make sure I got the length and style that I wanted. I've never had a more flattering haircut. I've been to the Beehive about a half dozen times now, and I've never had a bad cut, but Carol's definitely the best. Will be going back for sure.

Pros: Excellent stylists, pretty new space

Cons: In Williamsburg