Mark Garrison

I went to Mark Garrison Salon - and had the misfortune of having Maria Palazzo cut my hair - well, the first time more time was spent on my hair and I was satisfied. The second time, she barely took her time, went scissor happy--and over layered my hair...clearly, she didn't care about the finished look nor took pride in her work. With what they charge, a client should not be rushed. I had to go somewhere else to fix what Maria had done--and she is supposedly a senior stylist?! Based on what standard?! One star is too much if you want my honest opinion. Anyone knows that if you have fine hair - you DO NOT over texturize or creat too many layers - it thins it out!! What a rip off and waste of time. I went elsewhere and they cleaned it up nicely. Save your money.

Pros: None

Cons: Everything

Posted 10/29/09

Mark is so talented - worth every penny.

Pros: haircuts grow out really nicely

Cons: none

Posted 10/11/09

I visited Mark Garrison Salon for a haircut with Mark a few months ago and was completely blown away. (no pun intended!) Mark is what they call a real master stylist. He cuts with intense precision and enormous detail and truly gave me the BEST haircut of my life! I have long curly hair and Mark added long layers in just the right places which gave an actual shape to my mane of curls for the first time. And even though it was pricey for me, he gave me such a fabulous cut that after 3 months, I still don?t even need a trim. But I did just go back to the salon for a color appointment with Sam. After studying my features and coloring, he took my over processed, brassy August hair to the most amazing shade of copper. It?s so beautiful and so natural that it really looks like I was born with this color. I feel so fortunate to have found this dream team. In addition to loving everything about Mark and Sam, the salon itself is so lovely. Everything from booking my appointment to the greeting at the door to the great people who assist, was handled with true professionalism and a smile. The salon has absolutely none of the pretentiousness that most Upper East Salons have.

Pros: Amazing experts in lovely setting

Cons: Can't think of any!

Posted 09/14/09

My friend reccommeded I go to Mark Garrison for my next haircut. Mark cut my long, straight boring hair into a hip and easy to manage style. Everytime I pass a mirror I do a double take and have received so many compliments over the last few days I will never get my haircut anywhere else! Mark took into consideration my low maintenance lifestyle but was still able to give me a fashionable cut that literally just falls into place when I wake up in the morning. Ive never had bangs before but Mark knew that they would flatter my face shape and bring out my eyes. And he was more than right! You can trust you are in good hands when you are in Mark?s chair, he will give you the best cut and style that works for you. The haircut is worth every penny and then some. Not to mention he is a sweet guy and is easy on the eyes!!

Pros: amazing haircut!

Cons: none that I noticed

Posted 09/08/09

NOTE-It looks to me as if some of the "Excellent"
reviews of the salon are more like ads rather than reviews. I would guess that they were written by someone who works for the salon
Read them carefully and see if you do not agree.

I had my hair cut by Mark Garrison 3 weeks ago -I was hoping that a bad cut would start to improve after a few weeks- unfortunately it hasn't. My right ear sticks out through my hair - a problem I never had before this cut.
I also have a short chin which Mark emphasized by sloping my hair away from my chin.

When I told Mark I was not pleased with the cut he actually yelled at me and told me I had personal issues. Huh??
I would have thought a professional stylist might actually attempt to fix the cut .

Finally, Mark multitasks when cutting hair- he was cutting other people's hair as he was doing mine.
For $350 I would hope to get individual attention.

On the other hand, Patricia, the colorist ,does an excellent job

Note- I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the
"glowing" reviews of the salon on this site were probably written by Mark himself or someone on his staff. They almost seem like advertisements for the salon.

Pros: Pleasant salon environment;Very good colorist

Cons: Horrible Cut for $350 by Mark himself

Posted 09/04/09

I've been writing about hair and beauty for many years and have been to some of the best salons/stylists in the city. I have very thick, wavy hair and no one could ever make it look right--it was always bulky, frizzy and unflattering. Mark was recommended to me by a friend and after a short consultation, he put me completely at ease so I gave him carte blanche to do whatever he wanted, the only stipulation being that I didn't want it too short. The result was amazing--my jaw-length cut had lift, fullness and beautiful, frizz-free curl. I have never received so many compliments and I'm in the hair biz! I also call it the cut that keeps on giving because it lasts a full six weeks without losing its shape. Mark is truly a genius & I can't imagine ever going to anyone else.

Pros: Mark's the Wizard of Hair

Cons: You may be kept waiting awhile

Posted 07/24/09

Redd did an amazing job on my brazilion relaxer.
I now spend 1/2 the time drying it and dont have to worry about the weather and humidity!!
Will definitly be back again soon ;)

Pros: Great Service

Posted 07/19/09

i was recommended by a friend to see Gianni a jr colorist at Mark Garison Salon, i was hesitant at first because of the "jr" in his title, but he is amazing, i thought my color was nice before i went to see Gianni, but after a few hours of highlights and color my hair looks amazing, i never thought my hair could look so good and natural! If you are looking for great color with someone who takes his time and listens to what you want...see Gianni!

Pros: affordable color from a profectionist!!!

Cons: hard to get an appointment

Posted 06/30/09

I go to Edita and she is amazing. She definetly does the best blonde highlights in the city

Posted 06/30/09

Although $350 may seem like a lot to some for a haircut, it is well worth it! Mark knew exactly what I was looking for and listenedd to what I had to say. He also gave me some great tips and products for stying my wavy hair on a regular basis which have worked amazingly well at home when I style it. I have never written a review on here before, but and am so happy with my results that I wanted to help others in their quest for a gorgeous cut. Once you invest the $ in a haircut/stylist of this caliber you will understand and see what a huge difference it makes! His assistant Bri was very nice and did a great blowout w a lot of body. The front desk people had a bit of an attitude problem, that would be the only negative coment I could say about my experience at the salon. I am looking forward to my next cut with Mark!

Pros: Greatest stylist!

Cons: Atmosphere was a bit random

Posted 02/01/09

A friend of mine recommended Mark Garrison Salon to me a few months ago. I called for an appointment and asked the receptionist to recommend a stylist for a cut and color. I got my color done by Johnny...I was comfortable from the start! He was polite and funny and really listened to what I wanted. After my color I got my hair styled by Maria. She was friendly and professional. During our consultation, we worked together to find the cut that would look best for my face and style. Throughout the process I always felt comfortable to add my opinion and I ended up with a great cut and color! I am so happy that I was referred to Mark Garrison and hope to see Maria and Johnny everytime I go!

Pros: friendly staff

Posted 11/25/08

I have been going to Mark garrison himself for years. Sadly his prices went up thru the years, So I stopped going to the salon. After a couple bad cuts I went back to the salon and asked mark for his help. His cut as always was AWESOME! He assured me that other stylists in the salon would take care of me at 1/2 his price, He said "Maria will take better care of you than me and give you a better blowout TOO!" Wow is he right. Maria is a doll, and cuts just like mark. I love the both of them and the way they get along. The whole staff laughs and teases eachother, just making you feel welcome and at home.

Pros: great staff, no ego

Posted 10/28/08

I have jumped from salon to salon since I moved to new york, never being wowed, until I tried mark garrison salon. I was recomended to MARIA from a co worker, I wasnt convinced that any hair cut was worth $95. Boy was I wrong. Maria was kind, friendly and cared about how I cared for my hair. She had great suggestions and wasnt pushy, And The BEST PART is my hair looks great when I do it myself!!!!

Posted 10/21/08

I shouldn't share my secret but I had tried so many place in NYC for highlights and Marc Garrison is truly the best. And my colorist is Joesph and he is just so incredible. Everytime I leave there I am just so happy with it and it's not a fortune either!!!

Posted 10/20/08

gossipy- rushed-rude and awkward

sofije does good color

maria does haircuts and does not really listen to what the customer wants
i am not pleased with my hair cut. if you are going to pay 300 dollars for a cut and color you should get much better service

Pros: color, location

Cons: service

Posted 10/18/08

I had my hair cut by Redd, and it was by far the best cut I have ever had. I am finally in need of another cut, six months later. My friends noticed it as well. I had been going to Bumble and Bumble for years, but the cut I got from Redd made me a new customer. I found out about the salon by asking a woman whose hair I loved where she got her cut and who did it. I'm very picky about this stuff, and I was thrilled. I even called a week later to tell them. I got exactly what I asked for, only better.

Posted 10/16/08

The staff is super friendly and the service is great. I had the brazilon relaxer and my hair has never looked better!!

Pros: Superior Talent

Cons: None

Posted 09/29/08

I recently had a terrific experience at Mark Garrison Salon. I had sugned up for the color class on Wednesday night and it was terrific. I had a great experience. Each of the students asked what I was looking for and the instructor decided on Horace. He was terrific. The experience was wonderful including the great scalp massage during the wash. The color hightlights came out natural and wonderful. I loved every minute! Thanks for a great all around time!

Posted 09/13/08

My first time at Mark Garrison was a blast! I went in for single process color. My hair had been left unattended for a couple months, so my roots had grown out... Patricia succeeded in giving me a brilliant new hue, even tone, and unbelievable shine. My hair hasn't felt this healthy or looked this good in a long time. The complimentary blowout with Crystal was one of the best I have ever gotten, surviving even the dreadful rainy weather outside. All the staff was incredibly friendly in a very relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Pros: ambience, service, skill/technique, color

Posted 09/11/08

I have been going to Mark Garrison for years, and when I moved in February,-- for convenience I tried another salon. In short, the salon had ruined the color of my hair.

I immediately called Patricia at Mark Garrison and explained what I had done. Patrica was amazing, she fit me in right away, explained what had been damaged and began the color correction process --she even added a fabulous treatment to help rebuild the texture of my hair.

There are times in life where convenience seems the more practical choice- but when it comes to your hair- it's simply not! I appreciate and enjoy the talented professionals at Mark Garrision - and Patrica is definitely one of their best colorist!

Thanks again Patricia--

Posted 08/13/08

This was my first time at the Mark Garrison salon- it was a wonderful experience. The salon is upscale
and appealing; the staff is friendly and accomodating. When I met Mark to discuss my haircut I was
immediately put to ease. I instantaneously trusted in his knowledge and expertise. He seemed to know
what I had in mind and he talked about his ideas. I told him to "do whatever he felt was right for me." I
am so happy that I gave Mark this control because I was so happy with the result. My whole experience
at the Mark Garrison salon was a positive one, from the upbeat atmosphere to the quality service I could
not have been more satisfied!

Posted 08/04/08

A great place for highlights!!! I get so many complements on my highlights, they often mistake them as my natural color. Patricia is the best, she keeps track of what color you get for each visit. This is great because you do not have to try to remember what she did last time...she's fantastic!!!!

Posted 07/24/08

Rachel took my suggestions when she cut my hair. She spent time creating the look that I wanted.
She told me that the haircut would grow out but look good as it did. She was not exaggerating!
Rachel also told me specific ways to care for my hair which is color processed and dry. I have taken all
of her suggestions and am very pleased with the results.
Usually, I like the cut in the shop and then have trouble maintaining it myself. I am so pleased that I got
a workable style that fits me to a T.

Pros: service and ambiance

Cons: getting to the citiy

Posted 07/23/08

Just moved here from LA, had no idea where to find a hair salon. My coworker told me about Andrew at Mark Garrison Salon. Shes been seeing him for a year now and reasured me he's the best. So I went to meet him and consult, by his honest demenor I just had a feeling this might work out. So the following week I had an appointment with Andrew .It was a wonderful experience,he's very detailed and takes his time .I really appreciate that. The color looked so Great I felt so happy. I will be going back there to see Andrew for sure!!!

Pros: Beautiful salon,Seeing Andrew,The Best Highlights, Offer coffee and tea

Cons: none

Posted 07/21/08

In the past, I've experienced some horrendous results after going to model nights at various hair salons throughout the city Some problems I have encountered in the past were: poorly supervised students, snobby/pretentious atmosphere, poor treatment of hair models (who, mind you, are still PAYING CUSTOMERS) and lastly, failure to ask ME what I wanted done to my hair.

Much to my pleasant surprise, I did not experience any of these problems at Mark Garrison. The student was thoroughly supervised by a trained stylist (and even Mark himself!) and I felt like the whole team worked together to assess my hair. They asked me what I want and I got it. The entire staff was extremely welcoming. I really think I got more than a $40 haircut from this experience. Further, I will probably return as a customer of the supervising stylist, Maria (Marie?) she was great!

Pros: Location and Staff

Cons: Long process, but the students were learning so it was understanble.

Posted 07/16/08

Mark Garrison is an exceptional salon in mid-town that blends elegance and service, making clients feel as though they are the most important person in the salon! From the colorists to the stylsts who dry your hair, everyone is exceptional! The staff are very attentive, polite and cater to the clients needs! It is sometimes a bit difficult to get thru the receptionist and they are a bit strong as gatekeepers. As a long time customer I have a rapport with my colorist and he is very flexible to take me despite his schedule!
Overall Mark Garrison has a wonderful staff and I always leave the salon with a smile on my face and a wonderful new look which I get tons of compliments on!

Posted 06/16/08

Prior to coming to Mark Garrison, I had bounced around to a number of salons for my color. But when I was fortunate enough to come under the care of Andrew, a colorist with an astute sense of what color looks good on a client, I knew that I had found a home. Andrew reasoned that my color needed to be lighter to better complement my skin tone. I was a little reluctant at first, more comfortable with a darker color. But, his suggestions made sense and I intuitively felt that he had a good sense of style. So, I put myself in his hands. I'm glad that I did. In the short time that I have been going to him, I have received at 8 compliments. Some from people who don't usually comment about others' appearances. And, once I got away from the darker color and actually tested the water with a lighter one, I could tell the difference. So, I would recommend him to anyone.
Also, I like the salon. It is clean, light and airy.

Pros: In general, I am pleased.

Posted 06/12/08

After trying many high end salons in NYC a friend told me about Mark Garrison and their model program. I decided to try it and was lucky enough to get Andrew as my colorist. Andrew takes time to get your color just right, whether I go in for a root touch up or highlights. I get many compliments on my hair color and have recommended Andrew many times. The salon is beautiful, everyone is so nice, and they let me bring my dog! What else could you ask for?

Pros: Beautiful salon, Nice People, Great Colorist (Andrew), Pet Friendly

Cons: It's on the Upper East Side and I live on the Upper West : )

Posted 06/10/08

There is only one colorist I have let touch my hair in the past 6+ years and it is Joseph, the head colorist at Mark Garrison Salon. He is an absolute genious - people literally stop me on the street asking me about my color. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Posted 05/29/08

I was looking for a long time to find a hair colorist and a salon that is friendly, reasonable and very professional and found Patricia at Mark Garrison. She is the best and always pleasant and very good.

Posted 05/17/08

I have been a MG customer for some time, and enjoyed the services of both junior and senior stylists. I have experienced remarkable results in the model-night program in both the hair styling and color platforms. I have enjoyed the attention of the salon owner on more than one occasion and remain amazed at his incomparable talent and uncompromising craftsmanship. Have had amazing haircuts from Redd, Sanae, Rachel Lee and Tiscia. Patricia is an awesome colorist with outstanding technical skills, a practiced eye achieving consistent and amazing results each and every time. I cannot envision anyone else coloring my hair or venturing anywhere else for styling. Salon is spacious and fresh coffee and ice water are on hand on every floor. I have recommended the salon for years and will surely continue to do so. See you there. Peace.

Pros: Talented staff. Expert craftsmanship. Timeliness. Uncrowded atmosphere. Good location.

Cons: Would welcome 1/2 for my coffee.

Posted 05/07/08

I have been going to Redd for over a year now and Patricia for color, for several years...My haircuts always hold their shape and look great for weeks and Patricias color is so natural people don't even realize I highlight! Great staff!

Posted 05/05/08

I was very reluctant to start coloring my hair, having always liked my natural color. Joseph was recommended by a friend, so i gave him a try. The result was so natural looking that my own mother didn't realize i started to color my hair. Joseph's assistants and the rest of the staff are friendly and very professional. I highly recommend the salon.

Posted 04/25/08

I have been going to Redd at Mark Garrison for a year now and I would never go anywhere else. I am one of those people who has always gone for high end haircuts and been disappointed by the way other hairdressers at other well-known NYC salons have styled my hair; until I saw Redd for the first time I'd always say after a haircut, "I have to fix it when I get home". Redd, on the other hand, always makes me look my best and I push off washing my hair for as long as possible after one of her cuts! She is super thorough and actually listens to what you're looking for, never rushing through the experience. I always look forward to going back for a cut.

Posted 04/23/08

I have never met anyone as passionate about hair color as Patricia. She often talks about new techniques she?s learned and new classes she?s taken. It?s obvious that she believes in staying up to date and, as a result, her clients are very loyal. Her name seems to be mentioned more than any other coloris on Citysearch. The person who used to cut my hair recently left, so I tried someone else and it was disaster!! I came back and Mark fixed my hair. He gave me such a great cut, that he?s the only person I?m going to see from now on. Yes, he?s expensive, but his cut seemed to last longer than most. I usually get my hair cut every 6-8 weeks, but after going to him I went 4 months! Plus, the cut/color I received was so bad that I cried for days. My hair was so fried that it took half a year to get back to where is was before. I will never stray again!! Just as a side note, that was not the first time I tried another salon. I moved an hour and a half outside of Manhattan 2 years ago and have been looking for someone closer. The results were terrible. Now, I know it's worth the drive!!

Posted 04/16/08

I have lots of fine, naturally curly hair. Mark is the best (only) person I have found who can style and cut it so I am happy with the outcome, and for months. I have been travelling to NYC from Baltimore to get my hair done by Mark since 1992. The trip is a pain so I have tried all the recommended folks in Baltimore and Washington, DC - even the famous ones who cater to our First Ladies - to no avail. After a visit to Mark I often get comments from strangers about the shape and fabulous cut of my hair.

After all these years I also need color and Sam does it so it looks great and completely natural. Everyone at the Garrison Salon makes sure you are totally satisfied before they let you out the door!

Pros: style, cut, color

Cons: takes time , expensive

Posted 04/12/08

While I was getting my hair highlight by Patricia she was more like a friend talking so my time there was spent reading a magazine but we got to know each other as friends.I was highly satify with her work my hair came out very natural was not over did with color.This salon is worth going to if you want a perfect change and you wont have to regret that the color came out bad.

Pros: friendly staff

Cons: no parking

Posted 04/08/08

Amazing stylists who know exactly what they are doing. I always leave feeling like a million dollars. Although it is pricey, it is well worth the money to have my hair always looking great!

Pros: Coloring, Cutting, Styling

Cons: Price

Posted 04/07/08

Golan's cuts are excellent. They grow in so well. patricia does beautiful color. It is always very natural! I highly recommend them both.

Posted 04/07/08

I come from a family with BIG hair. My mother and sister both have beautiful and very curly hair. Mark Garrison has cut my mom's hair for years and every time she comes out with a fresh look that makes her curls fall naturally while still giving them extra definition. My sister has very tight curls and has also worked with Mark - she let him work his magic and got a style that was very short which was different for her, but looked amazing. I have gotten my hair cut at the salon and was thrilled with they way my long, thick, wavy - but frizz-prone! - hair turned out. This is a great salon if you have thick, curly hair and want a cut that will help control your hair and also bring out its natural beauty.

Posted 04/01/08

I have been getting highlights from Patricia at Mark Garrison for seven years now. I started going to her in 2002 when I lived in NYC and got the recommendation from a friend of a friend. From my very first highlight, I was a fan. She did an amazing job and my hair color has never looked so natural. In 2005 I moved to Washington DC. I have since tried almost every high end salon in DC looking for someone who can match the results I get when Patricia does my hair and have been disappointed every time. So, I now to NYC every three months (often up and back in the dame day) just to see her - she's worth every penny! The blowdry that's included with every color service is also a major plus.

Pros: Location, scheduling flexibility

Cons: products are expensive

Posted 03/31/08

I have seen a stylist and colorist at Mark Garrison for six years now. After bouncing around from one high end salon to another I have finally found a salon I am comfortable with. I have had haircuts by Mark, Golan and Sanae and have always been delighted by the outcome. Joseph is a master colorist who weaves highlights in the most natural way. He considers complexion, season, lifestyle when choosing the highlight tones and the result is near perfection.

Posted 03/27/08

The staff is terrific. I always feel comfortable when I am there. I do highlights with Patricia. She is really great. She always makes my hair look really natural. I did a lot of research before choosing this salon. I went in with questions and photographs of what I was looking for. Patricia gave me all the correct answers and helped me decide what was right for me. The first time there, I was lucky enough to get a last minute appointment with Mark. I had not cut my hair in a long time, and he gave me what I was looking for. I left the salon that day feeling like a million dollars. While I continue to color with Patricia, I have since cut my hair with Sanae, who I also love. Its not that Mark's cut wasn't great, but he is on the very expensive side, and my style does not need his attention every time I cut. Even though Mark is considered a "celebrity stylist", the atmosphere in the salon is very down to earth.

Pros: comfortable atmosphere, skilled staff, natural looking highlights

Cons: the elevator that takes you from floor to floor is very slow

Posted 03/27/08

I have been going to Mark Garrison over 4 years. Sam has been doing my highlights since then. He is willing to work with you until you are satisfied and he is very patient. I would definitely recommend Sam. I really like how he leaves my hair. Yuki used to cut my hair and he was great, good haircut, timely and great style. Unfortunayely Yuki left and I tried Rosie who was recommended by other staff members, unfortunately my experience was terrible. She was doing 3 people at the same time and result as can be expected not good. Now I cut my hair at a different place. Staff is very friendly.

Pros: nice ambience, great staff specially lady from coat check. She is a great asset, always welcomes you with a smile

Cons: I have to go elsewhere for a haircut

Posted 03/23/08

I've been having Patricia do my color for years, whether its a single process, highlights, lowlights, or a combo of them all and she is wonderful! She puts her heart into her work and is very meticulous. She is very eager to please but will be honest ,if you ask her, about what she thinks would be the best thing for you to do. My only complaint is when the color is done and I go down to the 1st floor to have my hair dried and styled. While everyone I have used tries their best they seem uncomfortable about getting it right and it takes much longer than necessary to leave with a nice "do"

Posted 03/20/08

I went to Mark Garrison for the first time about two months ago and loved it. The people are all very friendly and knowledgeable. I recieved one of the best haircuts of my life and will go nowhere else.

Pros: Environment, knowledge, location

Posted 03/20/08

All of the best haircuts I have ever had have come from Mark Garrison. And, without a doubt, the best and most natural color has come from the talented hands of Lyuba. Lyuba is like a painter. A great master!
She spends a long time getting your color just right and my hair never looks better and more natural.
If only nature had blessed me with such gorgeous color!
Mark has given me some wonderful haircuts in the past. More than once, women have stopped me to ask who cuts my hair. He excels at cutting hair at any length. i have gone from long to short or kept my hair longer. The staff is kind, friendly, and warm. Overall, this is a wonderful place.

Pros: Great cuts and wonderful color by seasoned professionals. Kind and caring staff!

Cons: Sometimes you end up waiting a bit. But everyone is very helpful

Posted 03/19/08

I have been going to Mark Garrison for several years. Patricia is the best colorist. She always makes my hair look so natural and pretty. I always get compliments whenever I get it done. I get my hair cut all the time by Rachel Lee and am a big fan of hers. She makes sure I come out of the salon looking great with a perfect stunning hair cut. The salon itself is beautiful and everyone there makes you feel comfortable making sure you have a drink of water or even a cup of coffee. I always leave happy with great hair !

Posted 03/18/08

WOW! I have been going to Mark Garrisons salon for years now. I no longer live in the city , but it 's worth driving in for the great colorists and stylists. You are always welcomed by a profesional staff. They are polite , helpful and don't ask personal questions of clients or talk about other clients. My favorite colorists are Joseph and Sam. I have been seeing Sam for color latlely because his price is more affordable for me at this time. I think they are both wondeful and I get lots of compliments so I guess others must agree. Rosey is my stylist and I just love her too. She spends as long as it takes to have my hair looking great. Her cuts are flattering and easy for me to do on my own. I guess thats why I still go into the city to get my hair done.

Pros: Talened courteous staff

Cons: Prices freqently rise

Posted 03/17/08

I have been getting my hair cut by Mark Garrison for many years and have never been disappointed. He is extremely talented and I would highly recommend him.
Patricia does great color and I would also highly recommend her.

Posted 03/17/08