LW Salon

While a little hard to locate, LW Salon is a great find in Midtown. Once you get to their fifth floor location, you are quickly transformed into a nice salon setting and greeted by a gracious receptionist. I found this salon on Unilocal after reading great reviews about Dwayne and seeing photos of his work. I came in for a blowout and had a few different options of where to go, but none which name-​dropped stylists on their Unilocal pages and I didn’t want to take the risk.
I visited LW Salon on my lunch break and was a little anxious about time, which was not a problem after all. I was seen immediately and the whole process took about an hour more or less. I liked the products Dwayne washed my hair with and was able to smell it throughout the rest of the day. He applied product to my hair which I SUSPECT ended up weighing it down as the day went on. I’m not sure if it was a protectant or a leave in conditioner, but when i style my hair, i rarely apply product besides finishing hairspray and argan oil only on the ends. Either way, he began styling it in round brush curls, which I said I wanted from the picture on Unilocal.I think my hair ended up being too smooth because the curls weren’t holding too well and he had to pin curl them up after each section. Honestly, I know this is all my fault because I should have just told him I don’t put anything in my hair. I’m VERY product knowledgeable and know by now what works and what doesn’t, but I also wanted to let him do his thing.
When he unpinned my hair, it looked awesome. The results were exactly how I wanted them to be. I tried very hard to shield my hair from ANYTHING while walking back to work and then to the bus after work. However, by the time i’d walked to the bus it was much more limp than when i’d left the salon. AGAIN, this is only my experience and MY hair type, which although thick, is surprisingly soft and can sometimes resist curls with smoothing techniques. Before I went out, I just hit the ends with a large barrel curling iron and a LOT of dry shampoo and I was cured. Even complimented on my blowout.
I was charged $ 47 and had to leave to find an ATM to go back and tip, so be warned that you must bring cash for tip. For a treat-​yourself service, this was a good one. Despite my personal hair struggles, I was pleased with my service.

Excellent salon, another Vive winner!
I feel terrible, but I forgot the person’s name who did my hair. He was amazing!
My hair was shiny and gorgeous and it still looks great today. I really recommend this salon!

I went to LW Salon today for the first time and was greeted by a friendly face right when I walked in. Don’t let the 5^th floor location fool you, this salon is modern and hip. My appointment began promptly and I feel so privileged to have had Dwayne do my blowout! He took his time with each strand and the end result was nothing short of fabulous. I feel so beautiful today. Thank you Dwayne!

My mom had a great experience here. She has very coarse hair and is picky and she loved it. We got a same day appointment and they did a great job. Cheers!

I haven’t treated myself to a professional cut in a long long time. I was heading on vacation for 2 weeks and decided to treat myself. I knew of John Cotton as an acquaintance through mutual friends and I’ve seen his work. I knew john was the one to reach out to! Boy did he take my outta control, gel down semi long hair and turned it to something I’ve never rocked before! Wow! Reasonably priced and so worth it! Treat yourself to John.

So sad. Came here for a press and a haircut and walked out looking fly. Washed my hair and it’s totally heat damaged. Half of my hair is straight. Women with natural hair beware. It’s going to take me two years to grow my hair back– one year for the four inches cut off in my trim, and another year for the 6 inches of dangly, stringy ends. Crying.

Just got my hair blown out and curled at LW Salon and love this place. Really cozy salon and a warm friendly reception. In a bit of a strange building but when you walked in, it was pretty and modern. I asked for beachy textured waves and Dwayne did an amazing job. He used salt spray to give it that beach feeling, curled my hair up with volume and texture, and gave me exactly what i was looking for. I walked out with an amazing head of beyonce hair. We even sang together to an awesome playlist. Coming back again the next time i need a blowout. Thank you Dwanye!

(My appt was on April 30^th; I’m just now getting around to writing a review!!)
Very nice, clean intimate space with cute, trendy décor. I got Mahesha, who was warm, welcoming and very professional. I also appreciated how all the stylists dressed… Never mattered to me before, and I don’t think I ever bothered to care or notice, but everyone looked so well dressed and put together: lol:
I was scheduled to get a half head of highlights and immediately, Mahesha stated that she was a healthy hair colorist, and would attempt to give me highlights without using bleach. But after asking about my hair color history she said she’d use bleach and the lowest developer to lift my hair. She asked me what color I wanted, and even though I wasn’t 100% sure and told her I was flexible in the warm honey/​caramel brown family I was looking into, she continued to show me pictures and asked how I felt about placement and thickness of the highlights. Despite me being so nonchalant and «it’s cool/​whatever sounds good» about it, she wanted to be sure and have a target shade in mind, and I loved that.
She worked so quickly applying them, and continuously checked their development. Once it lifted enough, she washed twice thoroughly, applied toner, applied a deep conditioner and began to blow dry my hair. While it was still damp though, she wanted me to see if I was happy with the color in the natural daylight; she said she’d be okay adding more toner if I wanted to tone it down, but I told her it looked fine, and once she finished the blow dry, I could see the color was perfect.
Speaking of the blow dry; she showed me which products she was using and recommended some great cheapie ones for my hair (Tresemme and Garnier Fructis). My blow out was swingy, shiny, light and pin straight. She then proceeded to fix and trim the haircut another stylist gave me, and pointed out some areas of breakage that she could soften and blend with some long bangs. But she never went in and did anything without my consent first, and I LOVE the bangs she gave me. She used a great heat protectant on my hair while flat ironing (my hair never felt dry or ‘starchy’) and gave me a deep side part that I could easily pull my bangs out from.
Bottom Line: Great, professional enviroment, quick (had a consultation, highlights, toner, deep conditioner and blow dry/​flat iron done in just 2 hours) and LOVE my results. Pricing is reasonable as well; I will definitely be back.

I have mixed feelings about this salon visit. I got some awful news just as I was leaving for my appointment so that may have colored my opinion. I planned to get cash before leaving but since I got some devastating news before leaving home, I totally forgot. I ended up getting cash about a block away from the salon and arrived about 8 minutes late. I needed cash for tips as the confirmation email I received stated cash only for tips, but they accept major credit cards for services.
I had booked the night before while traveling back to NYC, expecting the $ 50 blow out for Beauty on a Budget. I was asked to email a photo of my hair before being assigned a stylist. I wasn’t sure if I should be happy or afraid. I sent the photo and called back to book. I have tightly curled hair (4a if you’re into hair typing). I was assigned to Mahesha.
For some reason it didn’t occur to me that the salon was on the 5^th floor of what appears initially to be an office building. I should have been prepared for that since I have used Hair Rules which has a similar set up. I arrived late and was helped promptly once in the salon. Mahesha took my coat and gave me a claim ticket and an LW salon cape to put on. We went to her chair so she could assess my hair.
The salon is well appointed with hardwood flooring and nice lighting. My hair was wet when I arrived, pulled into a curly ponytail with a silk scrunchie and covered with a baseball hat. I had done a protein treatment and deep conditioning the night before since I’d been in a wet bun for a few days during a work trip and I needed to wash out all of that product. I wanted a blow out since my last straightening (a week prior) frizzed up in 1 day. I had roller set and flat ironed at home but it didn’t turn out that great so I wanted a more sleek look.
Mahesha took me to the sink after assessing my hair. I’m not sure what products were used beyond a moisturizing shampoo. I noticed some Paul Mitchell, Hair Rules and Mizani products. At the chair my hair was combed out and sectioned to prepare for blow drying. This is NOT a natural hair salon so do not expect some of the hair practices you may be used to at a natural salon like combing from ends up to the roots, denman brushes, or any strand by strand detangling (you can expect that at Adore Salon in Brooklyn).
My hair was blown out on the hell setting with a round bristle brush. I felt my scalp burning a few times and jumped. Mahesha said something about my hair holding heat. I don’t know really know what that means but I was reminded of my time in the Dominican salons where they set the blow dryer on Hades.
The blowout was finished fairly quickly and then my hair was flat ironed. Prior to that Mahesha did point out that I needed a trim and should get that done in 5 – 6 weeks, although I had gotten a trim the week prior. After examining my hair with a mirror and feeling the strands (before flat ironing) I did agree that I need another trim. I was burned multiple times by the flat iron, the larger Hai and the smaller one. After being burned, I closed my eyes to avoid jumping as the flat iron got close to my edges. It didn’t work though. I got burned a few more times. Mahesha put some curls in my hair but they just didn’t hold. She re-​curled a few times and touched up my edges with the flat iron a few times as well and said she would not «torture» me anymore. My style was done by 2:53 pm (we started around 1:10 pm). I would not call it torture but it was a bit more painful than my usual appointments with the blow dryer burns and flat iron burns.
I paid $ 80 + tax and tip. It’s my mistake for not confirming the $ 50 natural blow out Beauty on a Budget pricing; however, those appointments are only for junior stylists who may or may not be familiar with your hair texture. Mahesha is a senior stylist.
I had no curls by 4 pm and my roots at the front of my head started to frizz by the time I got home. However, it was humid outside after raining for days prior. I hope to get a few days out of this flat iron, which is all I need since I’m getting braids installed while my hair is still straight.
I’m not sure what’s going on with my hair and heat set curls. When I got a blow out in February at H2 in Brooklyn, my curls fell within minutes as well. Wet set curls do hold though.
I’d recommend H2 over LW Salon if you’re natural. The pricing at H2 is about the same at $ 55 — $ 75 for a blow out (junior stylist being cheaper). Be sure to confirm pricing, unlike me, if you book LW.

I had a wonderful experience with Shan. She was warm, friendly, and did an amazing job on the blow out and cut of my natural, curly, poofy hair (there are more adjectives to describe my hair but you get it.)
Apart from leaving there feeling absolutely glamorous, I also didn’t feel abused like I have at other salons around NYC where women with naturally thick and/​or curly hair are treated like a burden. Shan didn’t try to suggest that I alter my naturally curly hair with some kind of treatment – the main reason I had to finally leave my last salon. (They would suggest it every time even after I said no.) I tried out LW after randomly finding it on a stylist directory website, and I am so happy I did. I will be making my return appointment soon.
PS: The staff is an all-​around professional, skilled, kind and upbeat bunch, and I felt so comfortable from the moment I walked in.

I had an early morning in the office and no time to get ready for a holiday party I have this evening.
At 11a I called to make a last minute blow out appointment after reading the rave reviews on Unilocal.Consistent 5 stars and half a block walk from my office had me hooked.
I walked in and was immediately pleased I had chosen LW. It felt like a serene oasis above the midtown chaos.
The staff is genuinely lovely — no pretentious or forced awkward conversation. Just nice, talented people.
As for my blow out — well this place is definitely my new go-​to.

I cheated on my regular stylist at another salon for a year by going to L & W occasionally, but now L & W is my #1! In terms of styling and being pampered, L & W does it best! Looking fabulous in no time flat. It doesn’t get better than that. Smooches.

Because of Mahesha Woolridge, the hair near my hairline is noticeably more uneven and broken than before my first visit to the LW Salon.
I am an African-​American woman with past shoulder-​length, very fine, type 4b hair. It is not coarse, and my hair tangles easily when wet. I have not used a sodium hydroxide relaxer for about 14 months.
On Wednesday, November 19, 2014, I patronized the LW Salon for the first time. Everyone at the salon was very polite.
Stylist Mahesha Woolridge washed my hair, blotted it with a towel, and did NOT part my hair into sections. When it was still very wet, she inserted a wide-​toothed comb into my hair at the hairline (above my eyebrows and forehead). Then she forcefully ripped the comb through my tangled hair toward the crown of my head while asking «Does your hair shed a lot? Did you realize that you need a trim?»
Twice I asked her to part my hair in sections and to detangle each section starting at the ENDS of the strands — not at the scalp. At first Mahesha seemed confused. «Sections?» Then she insisted that my hair was not breaking because she was using that wide-​toothed comb.
Rather than repeat my request a third time, I declined further service and left the salon.
Leona Wilson promptly called my mobile telephone with inquiries, an apology, and a discount offer.
I observed 4 other African-​American women at this salon during my visit: another client, the receptionist, and 2 stylists. All of them wore their hair shorter than collar-​length. Was it cut short or just ripped out?

I called last minute for blowout on a saturday and they schedule me right away. My guy a pleasant and charming from Guyana a total professional. Thank you so much you saved my life.

I don’t normally get blowouts in Midtown or even blowouts in general, but I knew I’d be in the neighborhood and wanted to get my hair fancy for a special event later in the day. Found this place through Lifebooker and decided to give it a shot for the decent $ 33 pricetag.
I was kind of a hot mess on the way there — I was running late and called to tell them. They were totally understanding. Then, when I arrived, I realized I didn’t have any cash to leave a tip. So I had to go back out and get money. Still, they didn’t seem annoyed. I had to wait about 10 min to see my stylist Dwayne, and the lovely and beautiful receptionist offered me some water with lemon.
First of all, I love that LW is a Paul Mitchell salon because I’m a fan of his products (all cruelty free too). Second of all, Dwayne is the bomb. I said, «I want to look sexified.» (Yes, I said that.) And he looked at me with a glimmer in his eye like he knew EXACTLY what I meant.
He really took the time to capture that look for me — blowdrying my hair, curling it, and then pinning the curls to help them hold. It took a little longer than I was expecting, but I left feeling like an absolute goddess.
Like I said, I don’t normally get blowouts, but the next time I do, I’d totally trek to Midtown to have Dwayne do my hair. So worth it.

I found LW off Lifebooker and took a chance because it was only 1 block away from my office. Convenience is key for a lunch-​time blow out! Clean, well-​decorated, salon. Lifebooker didn’t process my request, but they gave me the rate anyway without question, with the guarantee to keep it the next time I come, too.
Dwayne took care of me today and he was wonderful! A good, strong, shampooing, and a relaxing blow dry that looks great, but not like I tried too hard. Perfect as a stress reliever.

I honestly fell in love with the entire staff. They are warm, kind, funny, and welcoming. I came in for a Bridal appointment and they nailed everything I wanted on the first try. I was so heavily impressed.
I have natural, curly hair. Dwayne begun the process of shampooing, conditioning, and blowing out. He did it so effortlessly that I almost felt it was too good to be true. My hair was soft, shiny, and beautiful.
Leona Wilson followed with trimming and styling based on pictures I provided. I wasn’t sure my hair would hold the style because it felt so silky smooth. She styled and pinned it and then I sat with Jennai.
Jennai is so sweet and kind. She knows what she’s doing and gives good advice. I provided her with some pictures and she was able to understand what I envisioned. She did a beautiful job. And, the eyebrows! They were perfect.
Towards the end, LW unpinned and styled my hair. It was GLAM. The style held so beautifully. The whole process was perfect beginning to end.

One of the best Brazilian keratin treatments I’ve ever had performed by one of the most competent stylists, Mahesha. My normally wild hair is smooth, shiny, bouncy and predictable and I was told that the keratin treatment is formaldehyde free.
Mahesha was highly competent, as well as the first stylist ever Not to burn my scalp while blow drying my hair and delightful to chat with.
I will definitely return to this Salon for this and other services!

I never write reviews but after my last visit I want to. I’ve been going to Leona since I was 19, I’m 26 now, she’s the only person I allow to relax or cut my hair. In all these years, in different locations, Leona has never had an off day where it seemed she rather be someplace else. Now that she owns her own salon one can tell that her credo is to help transform her customers into something beautiful. She does this with positive attitude and her welcoming staff. I’ve also had the pleasure of having Mahesa color my hair once and she too was professional and welcoming. I definitely would recommend this salon to anyone who loves their hair and appreciates positive vibes whilst getting their hair done.

Patricia moved here from Bloomingdales… Much calmer experience and nicer atmosphere. More one on one time and you don’t feel rushed because there is someone waiting to be next literally right behind you like at Bloomingdales. Everyone was nice and welcoming.
Entrust your face at this salon!