The importance of good haircut or hair style can not be understated. For many of us, our locks are central to our identities. No matter what style or service you’re going for, here are some local hair salons and barbershops in and around Bushwick that will have you looking and feeling your best.
Described as “a cozy little studio space in Bushwick where anyone can come live their best look,” Queen of Swords is operated by a group of inclusive, devoted and creative women who empower each other and their clients. Queen of Swords specializes in curly hair, natural textured hair and “intuitive” haircuts and color. The studio emphasizes that it creates a safe space for each client. The hair artists also encourage those who struggle with body-repetitive focused behaviors, such as hair pulling, to come by. They will assist with finding the individual’s best look.
Services at Queen of Swords are based on time. It is not expected that clients tip, as the hair stylists already factor that in. In order to determine which stylist is right for you, it is encouraged to view each artist’s Instagram page to check out their work and to view their hourly rates.
Owner Elma Siljkovic specializes in dry haircuts, razored shags/bobs and curly hair. Chenoh, Markee Speyer, Priscilla Martinez, Farrah Kheiralla and shop apprentice, Hannah, work with all types of haircuts and color. Kay Grazioso gets creative with dry, razor and curly cuts, and Sunny is a curly hair and color specialist.
Stylists ask that clients attend their appointments with their hair in its natural state, with minimal to no product. Bringing a few reference photos of your desired look will also help the artists best understand the hairstyle you are aiming for.
Consults of 15 minutes are included in the service, or you can book a separate appointment. Currently, only credit is being accepted. No cash. Each stylist has their own cancellation policy.
To inquire with the studio, email [email protected]. To book an appointment, use Queen of Swords online booking system.
Queen of Swords is located at 177 Irving Ave.
Formerly a one man show, Maxwell’s For Hair has grown since its opening in 2016. In addition to now having a full team in the Bushwick shop, there is a second location in Crown Heights. Maxwell’s currently provides stylist services, which include longer haircuts, bobs, shags and hair coloring, as well as barber services, which involve cutting short hair with scissors and clippers.
This versatile hair shop bases its prices on the type of haircut requested. Stylists and barbers at Maxwell’s are well versed in classic barber cuts, pixies, fades, coloring, curly haircuts, highlights and more. It is asked that clients contact the colorists, Luke ([email protected]) or Jeff ([email protected]) in order to inquire about pricing for color services. Schedule an appointment at the Bushwick shop using Maxwell’s online booking system.
It is important to note that masks must be worn at all times during an appointment. Sanitizing occurs before and after each client. To ensure social distancing, it is appreciated that clients arrive alone. Beard trims are not being offered at this time. An additional $5 surcharge is added to the price of services provided in order to offset the costs of protective equipment.
Maxwell’s For Hair is located at 274 Troutman St. and is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Established in 2010, Tomahawk Salon is owned by a woman of indigenous and mixed heritage, Chantal Savaresse, and is a gender-neutral shop that welcomes people from all walks of life.
Due to Covid-19, Tomahawk recently moved the location of its salon to a private studio that allows styling stations to be six feet apart. Continuing to keep stylists’ and clients’ safety in mind, multiple sinks, bathrooms and hand sanitizers are also available throughout the building.
A full service hair salon specializing in color, Tomahawk “loves turning mere mortals into unicorns and mermaids” with vivid and pastel custom creative colors. Cuts from this creative shop can range from “bold statement making shags, mullets and mohawks to androgynous short to beachy waves.”
Stylists include Kristin Jackson, who is an original team member of the salon. Jackson appeared on season two of “Hair Battle Spectacular” and created every wig for Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” including the iconic heart hair band. Jackson specializes in ombres, double processes, balayage, extensions, dry cuts and curly hair. Donna Rae Williams is another extremely talented hair stylist who has 24 years of experience in the industry. Williams is a jack of all trades, as she can cut asymmetrical bobs, mullets, shags and pompadours, as well as craft short styles with clippers and razors.
In addition to hair artistry, each month, Tomahawk donates proceeds from sales to groups, causes and organizations that are fighting for and protecting civil rights and liberties. Proceeds support Planned Parenthood, Trevor Project, Southern Poverty Law Center, the Environmental Defense Fund and the ACLU. Donation days are announced via Facebook and Instagram.
To schedule an appointment and/or consult, contact Tomahawk Salon by phone or text at 646-399-6873. The salon is appointment only and does not take walk-ins. Tomahawk accepts cash only for payment.
Tomahawk Salon is located at 456 Johnson Ave. Suite 327 and is open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Having opened in 2009, AFG‘s philosophy is all about confidence and hospitality. Upon entering the shop, customers are first offered a courtesy beverage ranging from champagne, wine, seasonal drinks and various teas to different kinds of juices. Once receiving a complimentary drink of choice, clients are escorted to the waiting area, which hosts comfortable leather furniture, a flat screen TV, a chess set and an array of books and magazines.
AFG’s team is led by owner Adrian Fanus, who, at the age of 15, fell in love with barbering when a barbershop opened next to his home in the Caribbean island of St Lucia. Other members of the team include Tim Lord, who has been cutting hair since the age of nine, and Nef Lewis, who began dabbling in barbering at a young age because his friends needed haircuts but could not afford to go to the barber shop.
AFG offers a wide range of cut options for men, women and children. The shop’s services range from $60 for a regular cut to $120 for a “women’s big chop.” Booking with AFG is seamless and can be done here.
Similar to several other salons and barber shops on this list, AFG gives back to the community. Check out some of its past initiatives here.
Adrian Fanus Grooming is located at 651 Bushwick Ave., 2nd Fl and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For fades, shaves and bad advice, look no further than Black Rabbit Barbershop. On the corner of Flushing Avenue and Irving Avenue, you can find this pristine shop with skilled barbers ready to make you look your best. Sip on a complimentary sample drink from the shop’s bar while you wait for your turn in the barber’s chair. At this barbershop, a haircut costs $40, a buzzcut is $25, a shave is $50 (or $40 with a haircut) and a beard trim is priced at $25 (or $10 with a haircut.)
Along with a new haircut, you can also find a range of products for sale, including pomades, pastes, beard oils and body wash to help you look and feel your best.
Reserve your appointment time by selecting the services needed.
Black Rabbit is located at 444 Melrose St. and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
With locations in Bushwick, Williamsburg, the East Village and Los Angeles, Hairrari has made a name for itself in two major cities. This gender-neutral shop was founded in 2010 by Magda Ryczko.
Breaking hair boundaries, Hairrari has a dynamic team that is well-versed in various styles, including long hair, shags, bobs, mullets, fades, curly and textured hair, pixies, undercuts and more. The shop also accommodates kids’ cuts. Full color services are available in the East Village. It is recommended that before you book an appointment with a stylist or barber that you review the team page to discover which artist is right for you.
Pricing is straightforward, with short cuts ranging from $60 to $75, cuts for medium or long hair priced between $90 and $110, a makeover ranging between $110 and $120 and kids’ cuts costing between $45 to $70. Depending on your haircut choice, consults may be included in the appointment time along with other perks, like a hot towel massage. To keep your hair looking as fresh as the day you got it cut, check out Hairrari’s products.
Hairrari is also actively involved in charities, including Planned Parenthood, HMI, LGBTQ Center, The Trevor Project and Black Lives Matter. Another way that this innovative hair shop gives back to the community is by providing free haircuts to those in need.
Covid-19 safety protocols are currently in place at the hair salon, including mandating proof of vaccination and frequent sanitizing and cleaning. At this time, cash and credit card payments are accepted.
If Hairrari is right for you, booking an appointment can be done easily online.
Hairrari is located at 206 Bushwick Ave. and is open Monday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Having opened nearly 20 years ago, Troy’s is a neighborhood staple. Specializing in barbering and hair styling, Troy’s has a loyal client base that consistently returns when due for a cut. The shop has a licensed master barber and beautician onsite for braids, locks and weaves. Troy’s is a clean, positive environment for men, women and children.
To learn more about pricing and appointments, call Troy’s Barber Shop at 718-386-8645.
Troy’s Barber Shop is located at 820 Wyckoff Ave. (Entrance on Cornelia St.) and is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Featured image courtesy of Hairrari’s Instagram.
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