Creations Home We create the style of your dreams. You dream it. We weave it! Beautiful We customize haircare regimens for your hair texture and needs. We haven't met a curl pattern we can't handle! Styling Make them stop and stare. Let your hair do the talking! Make every hair flip count! Your Glory Confident, beautiful and happy are the feelings we want you to feel when we care for and style your hair.
Life is too short to have boring hair. Let's create something exciting! A technique that, for the first time, made weaves look completely natural. In 1979 Essence magazine featured the new look, bringing Ellin LaVar instant international recognition and acclaim.
Life is too short to have boring hair. Let's create something exciting! A technique that, for the first time, made weaves look completely natural. In 1979 Essence magazine featured the new look, bringing Ellin LaVar instant international recognition and acclaim.
Services
Prices can change without notice and/or deposits. We charge full price for hair service appointments not cancelled 24 hours in advance and we charge full price for weave and braiding appointments not cancelled 48 hours in advance. Lavar Hair Design Saloon in New York offers hair care, hair styling, and hair colouring services.
We wouldn't be where we are today if not for Ellin LaVar. Those people who are not in our business really believe that creating hairstyles is a simple thing. It takes great time, energy; innovation. Ellin LaVar, has brought Fabulous to the, African American church and especially the pulpit. All I can say is Amen, Praise the Lord, Thank You Jesus and Hallelujah.
I see Black women trending toward hairstyles are in line with their budgets. I am not a big fan of trends I believe that a person should wear whatever style makes them look and feel their best. Trends are not good for everyone. You should create your own style. Have a consultation with a new stylist before you make an appointment.
Reviews (24)
Lorna Rainey
Jul 26, 2021
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While doing some research for a film project, l saw that Ellin Lavar was the stylist to Whitney Houston (among other celebs) and that she owns a salon on the UWS. Say no more! If she good enough for Ms. Whitney and Ms. Cicely Tyson, she's got skills. I made an appt and went yesterday (July 13). I have specific mixed girl hair issues...fine, fragile, prone to breakage and reacts badly to products everyone elses hair loves.
Most stylists make a tricky situation worse. Marcia immediately got a sense of my hair and knew what to do. Unfortunately past damage meant some hair was lost in initial comb
Most stylists make a tricky situation worse. Marcia immediately got a sense of my hair and knew what to do. Unfortunately past damage meant some hair was lost in initial comb
Paula Maouyo
Jun 19, 2021
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I just came across this gem, thanks to recommendations I got after asking for braiding stylist recs in UWS on the Nextdoor app.
I have absolutely loved my experiences here so far. I got my hair shampooed/conditioned & then box braids. Marcia shampooed my hair and omg the head massage was everything plus she was so gentle with my edges (which are finicky). Best shampoo I’ve ever gotten. Kim did my box braids, and they were tight enough but not too tight, just beautiful. She listened to what I was going for and asked clarifying questions. Also I love her energy just in general.
This whole salon
I have absolutely loved my experiences here so far. I got my hair shampooed/conditioned & then box braids. Marcia shampooed my hair and omg the head massage was everything plus she was so gentle with my edges (which are finicky). Best shampoo I’ve ever gotten. Kim did my box braids, and they were tight enough but not too tight, just beautiful. She listened to what I was going for and asked clarifying questions. Also I love her energy just in general.
This whole salon
Jackquelin Grant
Jun 02, 2021
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Susanna Seifu
Mar 19, 2021
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T. C.
Aug 20, 2018
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Tawana is a good stylist and she's super nice (I'd generally recommend her) but I was very DISAPPOINTED in my 2nd (and last) experience at this salon. I arrived early at 5:30pm and didn't leave until 10pm. I was there to get a blow out and press for natural hair. When I arrived, the receptionist told me that my stylist was running behind but that it was not the stylist's fault. I said that I would stay because how was I to know just how long the delay would be? By 6:30pm, the receptionist was about to leave and, before doing so, only offered me 10% off for my troubles (which
Shalequa L.
Nov 21, 2017
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I just came from getting my hair done and I completely happy. I went to Regina since a coworker recommended her. I emailed her for an appointment and she responded in less than 24 hours and told me her availability. I was able to see her in a week.
The receptionist we're very professional and helped me out since I was a first time client. They have lockers you can put your things in and they give you a robe to wear. They have music playing the whole time of your service which I loved
Regina sat me down to see how my hair was and asked me what I wanted done today. Then she took me over to
The receptionist we're very professional and helped me out since I was a first time client. They have lockers you can put your things in and they give you a robe to wear. They have music playing the whole time of your service which I loved
Regina sat me down to see how my hair was and asked me what I wanted done today. Then she took me over to
Joan A.
Sep 08, 2017
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I recently moved to a new city and to say that I miss LaVar Hair Designs would be an understatement. Finding the right stylist who understands your hair and can give top notch service consistently is no easy task. I've met two such stylists in my entire life. The first moved back to the Dominican Republic in 2010. I spent the next 5 years searching and finally was introduced to Regina!
Here are the things I search for in a salon - cleanliness, professionalism, healthy hair, great haircuts, and dynamic styling. The entire staff can deliver on all of those points. The salon is CLEAN - from
Here are the things I search for in a salon - cleanliness, professionalism, healthy hair, great haircuts, and dynamic styling. The entire staff can deliver on all of those points. The salon is CLEAN - from
Nikki Nikki
Aug 28, 2017
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Stop at go, and run for your dear life, making sure your precious pearls around your neck are in place.
Shall we start the review now:
First Encounter-
Katrina is apparently the receptionist. She's best fitted for a position where she is not public view and not granted customer access. If your first point of encounter for your business lacks professionalism, it is a reflection of your entire establishment. Hence why Katrina is unable to be diplomatic without being spoon feed! Might I also add the lack of phone etiquette.
I called to make an appointment and first round of lack of tact. Katrina
Shall we start the review now:
First Encounter-
Katrina is apparently the receptionist. She's best fitted for a position where she is not public view and not granted customer access. If your first point of encounter for your business lacks professionalism, it is a reflection of your entire establishment. Hence why Katrina is unable to be diplomatic without being spoon feed! Might I also add the lack of phone etiquette.
I called to make an appointment and first round of lack of tact. Katrina
Ronnette Cox
Jun 26, 2017
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Christina S.
Apr 07, 2017
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Ginuinely Loveandlabels
Sep 27, 2016
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Most recently I went to Twana for her to give me a color on my extensions.
A black dye, shampoo regular conditioner and style. I’ve gotten this service
from her plenty of times. Over the years this service has reached an astronomically
high price. At first this service was about 120.00 about six years ago, not bad. Then Ellen Lavar
Warned clients prices would change with no warning to my surprised I booked an
Appt and the same service shot up to 170.00. Most recently I went around January 2016 and the price
Was $295.00. The amount of curse words I wanted to exchange was illegal. When it
A black dye, shampoo regular conditioner and style. I’ve gotten this service
from her plenty of times. Over the years this service has reached an astronomically
high price. At first this service was about 120.00 about six years ago, not bad. Then Ellen Lavar
Warned clients prices would change with no warning to my surprised I booked an
Appt and the same service shot up to 170.00. Most recently I went around January 2016 and the price
Was $295.00. The amount of curse words I wanted to exchange was illegal. When it
Natifah R.
Jun 02, 2016
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I came here for the first time yesterday, LOVED IT. From the minute you walk in you notice the great selection of music playing, a lot of the girls and some clients were quietly singing along lol. The staff is very professional and since its apt only there was no wait for anything. From start to finish I was very relaxed and comfortable. Regina was my stylist and I loveeee my new hair cut! I don't think they're too pricey only because their prices are the norm for most african american hair salons and it was WORTH it.
Billie R.
May 11, 2016
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I LOVE this salon and location. I always feel right at home. I've been to a few salons that are really good at one thing but not the other. Regina gives me cornrows, sew-ins, color, relaxer, braids and recently transitioned me to natural. It can get a little pricey but it's worth having a hairstylist that I trust.
Dana G.
Aug 30, 2015
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This salon is top notch!!! I have been looking for a place like this for years. Everyone I interacted with from the very first phone call was extremely professional. The staff is also very friendly and welcoming. Regina is just spectacular and a very pleasant person! She listened to what I wanted, and gave me exactly that. I could tell from the minute that she started cutting my hair that she knew exactly what she was doing. She cut my hair perfectly with the first go around, and she didnt need to touch anything up. She's very gifted at cutting hair, I highly recommend this salon for any hair
Helisse P.
Aug 20, 2015
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I have been going to LaVar Hair Salon for years. I am extremely particular about my hair and was looking for a salon that specialized in haircare on all fronts, as I wear my hear weaved.
Since becoming a client, I have referred numerous people to the salon, all who have left satisfied. On top a promoting a warm and inviting environment, Ellin and her staff specialize in comfort and catering to their clients needs and schedules.
Although I have seen and been in the presence of numerous 'celebrity' clients over the years, and even now, EVERYONE is treated equally and there is absolutely
Since becoming a client, I have referred numerous people to the salon, all who have left satisfied. On top a promoting a warm and inviting environment, Ellin and her staff specialize in comfort and catering to their clients needs and schedules.
Although I have seen and been in the presence of numerous 'celebrity' clients over the years, and even now, EVERYONE is treated equally and there is absolutely
Jacqueline G.
Apr 07, 2015
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Regina is a great stylist. 4 stars because I've never had to pay so much to get my hair done ever. But it was in bad shape when I first went to Regina this year. I go to her for maintenance services only. I wish I could adford to go on a regular basis. Staff are polite and professional. And I have spotted a celebrity there before but I won't say who because I'm sure she appreciates her privacy. They have a water machine and snacks to munch on which is nice. Would recommend especially for women of color who are looking for a great hair salon in UWS.
Updated review. Less stars because
Updated review. Less stars because
Kendra D.
Dec 16, 2014
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Denisse G.
Aug 12, 2013
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No other salon compares! Trust me, I've done my exploring and have gotten to the point where I rather have my hair busted by own hands then some strangers.
Anyways...
This salon is so put together and the staff is friendly. I always feel comfortable and I like how they cater to natural hair women. I don't have to hear any negative comments and/or sighs while my hair is being done. My go to girl is Regina! I just love her and not a soul does my hair like her. I get hair pressed and trimmed and every time my hair comes out A1. It literally feels like silk and I never get heat damage
Anyways...
This salon is so put together and the staff is friendly. I always feel comfortable and I like how they cater to natural hair women. I don't have to hear any negative comments and/or sighs while my hair is being done. My go to girl is Regina! I just love her and not a soul does my hair like her. I get hair pressed and trimmed and every time my hair comes out A1. It literally feels like silk and I never get heat damage
Nina S.
Dec 19, 2012
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I love my shiny, silky beautiful hair! Thanks, Angela! I'm not a big beauty salon type but these ladies treated my tresses like royalty. They were gentle, professional and courteous....enough to have me coming back in the future. I will say that I don't have much to benchmark them off since I frequently do my own hair but I was still amazed. I have natural hair so I did a wash, press and cut...it was $168. After reading these other reviews, I was prepped to spend $300. Sorry, in NYC, that's a drop in the bucket! I'd take quality service any day over a dominican blow out that
E. C. T.
Jul 25, 2011
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I've been going to LaVar Hair Designs since I was in college and I must say that every single time I leave here, my hair is LAID yet bouncy. Additionally I receive compliments and request for my salon information every time they do my hair. I ADORE my stylist Marcia; she is absolutely the kindest and, more importantly, adept stylist to ever touch my tresses. The place is not overly spacious but is always sanitary and relatively quiet (which is a MUST at a salon for me).
There are, however, a few drawbacks. While they don' seem to officially double book, there is usually a 10-15 min
There are, however, a few drawbacks. While they don' seem to officially double book, there is usually a 10-15 min
Katie S.
Jun 09, 2010
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RUDE.
I just called to ask what it would cost to have my hair extensions taken out (just two rows - very simple work, but I can't see the back of my head so I'm not doing it)
The receptionist ACTUALLY SAID "Did we put them in?" "No." "Then why don't you just go back to who put them in?"
Um. Excuse me? a) That's not your business b) I no longer live in the city where they were put in and c) if you took them out and I liked your service, maybe you'd have new customers because I'd start coming to you.
She then more than doubles the price
I just called to ask what it would cost to have my hair extensions taken out (just two rows - very simple work, but I can't see the back of my head so I'm not doing it)
The receptionist ACTUALLY SAID "Did we put them in?" "No." "Then why don't you just go back to who put them in?"
Um. Excuse me? a) That's not your business b) I no longer live in the city where they were put in and c) if you took them out and I liked your service, maybe you'd have new customers because I'd start coming to you.
She then more than doubles the price
La La J.
Sep 02, 2009
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After reading the reviews, I decided to try LaVar after finally giving up on my Fort Greene Brooklyn salon that took way to much "Time". I only waited about 15 minutes before I was seen. UNHEARD OF in an African American salon! I received a relaxer and a fabulous cut. My hair is shiny and falls beautifully and I finally look like the chic adult I always knew I could be. My hair looks just as good a week later. The prices are high (to be expected) - the whole thing cost me about $190 with tax - but if you can't afford that normally, get your hair relaxed elsewhere and go for a wash
Stephanie O.
Mar 09, 2009
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I hit up LaVar Hair Designs last Wednesday for a dye job. I expected to see the same excitement that took place on the We show, Hair Trauma (reality show based on the salon). It wasn't like that at all as it was a slow day.
LaVar is a very nice salon on the Upper West Side near the B/C/1/2/3 trains with a nice and pleasant staff to match. It's a very clean establishment that caters to African-American hair as well as other races/ethnicities. Everyone that walked into the salon left looking like a million bucks [including myself ;-)]
I was taken care of by Shannel. She did an excellent
LaVar is a very nice salon on the Upper West Side near the B/C/1/2/3 trains with a nice and pleasant staff to match. It's a very clean establishment that caters to African-American hair as well as other races/ethnicities. Everyone that walked into the salon left looking like a million bucks [including myself ;-)]
I was taken care of by Shannel. She did an excellent
Chavaughn R.
Oct 29, 2008
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After weeks of debating I recently decided to cut my hair. The Lavar Hair Designs salon was definitely the place to go. The stylist who worked on me, Reggie, did a fabulous job! He did a thorough consultation - asking me what looks i liked, how short I wanted to go, and reviewing pictures of various styles and the end result was fantastic.
Although the cost was a bit pricey (for me) it was worth it to go to a clean, professional salon with a knowledgeable, courteous staff.
Although the cost was a bit pricey (for me) it was worth it to go to a clean, professional salon with a knowledgeable, courteous staff.
