Chiang Mai Hair Salon Review: New York New York

I recently got the courage to cut off my long wavy blonde locks, but I didn't want just anyone to hack them off. New York New York Hair Studio, a professional Chiang Mai hair salon located in the posh Nimmanhaemin area west of the Old City, took great care of me and left me feeling confident in my new look, all for a little over $15 USD, including tip!

Western Hair Care Offered at New York New York

New York New York has been open in Chiang Mai since 2011. Vera Ramasute is the artistic director and owner and was professionally trained in New York before bringing her talent to Chiang Mai hair salon scene. She works on site with her team of stylists and provides trims, cuts, styling, and various processing including hair color, straightening, and body waves. New York New York also provides waxing, OPI nail color, and MAC makeup services.

New York New York is easily recognized by its comic art building front and Marilyn Monroe figurine. Located on Soi 13/2 right off of Nimmanhaemin Road, it sports a look right out of New York City. A big thanks to my fellow travel blogger, Liz from Pause the Moment, who recommended I go to New York New York after her wonderful experience at the reputable Chiang Mai hair Salon a few months earlier.

My Experience at the Chiang Mai Hair Salon, New York New York

I chose to go to New York New York because I wanted a stylist that had experience working with fine wavy hair and not just dark thick Asian hair. I also wanted to be able discuss the style I wanted in English and not resort to miming and guessing. While I could have gotten a haircut for $5 elsewhere, I didn't want to run the risk of not being able to effectively communicate the style I wanted!

After an initial rough cut to get rid of some length, my stylist methodically cut my hair, adding layers throughout and texture to the ends. Two assistants then used a product for curly hair, finger twisted my hair, and then blow-dried it using a diffuser so I had my natural curls back. Even though I had 10-12 inches cut off, the result had me smiling.

Additional Perks

Easily made an appointment over the phone
Timely and professional service
Comfortable hair washing stations with head rests (not just neck rests)
Well executed and intricate haircut
Good hair products selection (and I didn't feel pressured to buy anything!)

Bottom Line

I was taken very good care of from start to finish by New York New York's team of stylists. I loved my experience there and will be going back there when I need a trim. The haircut was 450 baht and I tipped 50 baht, so the total cost came out to a little over $15 USD!

For Those Who are Curious

Here's a little background information on why I took the plunge and cut off my long locks at this Chiang Mai hair salon. Two months ago I decided to do something daring with my hair and go ombre.

This was the look I was going for:

This was the look I got:

I did NOT get this processing from New York New York but from another Chiang Mai hair salon. I went back a second time to get it fixed, but I never got the look I truly wanted, neither in blending nor color.

Unfortunately, two bleaching processes within days of each did extensive damage to my hair. Not only was I embarrassed to wear my hair down because it didn't turn out the way I wanted, it was so rough it would get instantly tangled. I resorted to wearing my hair in a bun or braided most days. Worst of all, the total cost was 4,000 baht or roughly $130, and for all that money I wasn't able to confidently show off my hair.

For those with medium to fair hair looking to lighten your locks, do not assume that a professional salon can deliver products suited for non-Asian hair. Do your own research on the brand of coloring to decide if it is compatible with your hair type. I will be sticking to my natural color for now, but when the time is right, I might give New York New York a try with highlights! I am thrilled to have finally found a go to Chiang Mai hair salon.