Damian West

You MUST visit Josh for the best hair style or color in the Village!
She is adorable, and SO professional, it's so nice to visit her.
Josh truly has changed my whole outlook on my "image" and I'm excited to see what she comes up with next!
The salon is a beautiful space, with a nice garden area.

Pros: Friendly,

Posted 11/05/09

My hair was damaged from several years of bad highlights. It was bleached, looked terrible with my skin color and was very dry. I'm getting married in a few month and was worried that I wouldn't be able to get it in good shape for the wedding. I want to Spresa and she worked magic on my hair! It looks so much more natural, healthier and is finally the right color.

She did such a great job!

Pros: nice staff, great salon

Cons: none

Posted 07/29/09

Damian West is a lovely salon in the West Village that keeps up the integrity of what the WV is known for: Charming artsy spaces on quiet tree lined blocks peppered with antique stores and fashionable boutiques. Upon entering you are greeted by the staff and offered a drink as you sit on the cushy couch in front of the fireplace and pet the friendly grey & white cat, Boo Boo. You are immediately put at ease from the hustle of 7th Ave. As you flip through magazines (although I never even get through 3 pages before I'm swooped up by my stylist) and gaze at the always gorgeous floral arrangement on the coffee table you feel as if you're sitting in a friend's living room. A very elegant friend! They use Davine?s products (earth-wise shampoos and conditioners), of which I?m a big fan, that smell divine. The upstairs room is big, airy and full of light with raw brick walls, rustic mirrors and lighting fixtures and views to the blissful backyard garden.
The biggest draw for me are the stylists themselves, one in particular Seth Silver, who is the reason I know about Damain West in the first place: I followed him there. Seth is everything wonderful you want in a stylist. He is gentle and caring but the words that best describe him are confident precision. His experience and extensive
knowledge of hair is evident, he is easy to talk to and most of all I trust him to make me look my best! I?ve sent friends to Seth and all have walked away happy.

Pros: Seth Silver

Posted 04/23/09

I've been seeing Seth for the past few years and am consistently amazed at the skill and artistry he displays. Seth is a consummate professional who has an amazing insight into how his techniques fit each client - and it shows both in the salon when we're together (his candor and appreciation to make every one in his hands look amazing) and out of the salon (I can't tell you how many compliments I've received on the color and the cut).

Highlights, haircut and blowouts have almost become a ritual for me with Seth - and I really appreciate how he can turn a look to grow and mature from season to season, and tailor it for events and holidays in between. His dedication even reaches to how I care for my hair out of the salon?it?s a testament to his craft and, in my eyes, very rare these days. I've referred many friends to him, and not one has been disappointed (even though I wanted to keep him all to myself!).

I've been to a lot of stylists/salons in the city, and am so glad I have Seth to rely on to make my hair and I reach full potential! Thank you!

Pros: Seth's skill, the salon is beautiful

Cons: None

Posted 04/22/09

I was a bit skeptical when I first starting going there (at the suggestion of my wife) but now I can't imagine getting my hair cut somewhere else. Would definitely recommend to anyone else. Friendly atmosphere. Good people. Always pleased with my haircut. Awesome music to listen to while you get your hair cut.

Pros: Bailey is great. Been going for years to get my hair cut.

Posted 04/20/09

Having the best hairstylist is like having a good therapist and fashion stylist
in one. If you are looking for someone who is very experienced in cutting many
types of hair and expertise with color techniques, Bailey is the perfect person
for you at Damian West in the West Village. The salon is in a fabulous town
house in a two floor space and has an out door patio to enjoy during a warmer
weather. The owner, Spresa and the staff are accommodating and friendly.
Bailey has been my stylist for over ten year plus, since he was in San Francisco
at a salon in Pacific Heights. As long as I have known him, he is very in
tuned, always up to date with the styles, a perfectionist; his schedule is
always booked and very knowledgeable guy. To top it up, he is an ossum
stylist with an edge, loves Brazilian culture, speaks Portuguese and
has an ossum body.

Pros: You get your money's worth

Cons: Always busy-so book ahead of time!

Posted 04/09/09

I have had my hair colored at the most prestigious salons in NYC and can honestly say that Sija at Damian West tops them all. Two months ago I saw a woman with stunning hair and inquired where she got it done. She directed me to Damian West. I went to Sija because I wanted both a coloring job and the brazilian keratin treatment, which she was able to do in one day. I was frustrated with the way my colorist at Bumble & Bumble had been placing highlights and was happy to try a new person in a new place. I am so happy I made the decision to change people and places. Sija has a keen aesthetic sense, she really understands how to make the color look natural yet enhanced. I never used to get comments on my hair. Nobody used to notice my hair in fact. Since Sija did my hair two days ago, I have gotten literally a dozen compliments. I love my color. I also love the hair treatment which is expensive. The coloring is very price I must admit. I can't wait to go back and get another mini-partial from Sija and am excited to see what the brazilian hair treatment will be like once I wash it out. I must say my hair has never been silkier.

Pros: Knowledgable and talented staff and tranquil location

Posted 04/01/09

everyone was really nice and helpful. the staff is very professional . i will go back but i will be more verbal about what i want.

Posted 02/23/09

I have been going to the Damian West Salon for 4 years now. I found them by an add in Lucky Magazine and boy am I glad I went in and became a loyal client! Bailey O'Neile cuts, colors and styles my hair and I couldn't have been paired with a better hairdresser! He is amazing at all of the crazy things that I come up with and laughs about the different colors I want to try! The salon itself is located in a beautiful town home in the west village with an outdoor patio for warmer months. Everyone there has always been so welcoming and hospitable; a must for anyone looking for a salon to call home!

Posted 02/13/09

For two decades of maintaining my mermaid length flat long hair, I needed change but change was the scary part. Not until a co-worker referred me to a hair stylist Name Bailey at West Village called Damian West. The ambiance at the salon was friendly and welcoming. Bailey (the stylist) took his time to consul me and advised my drastic change to a very stylish above shoulder cut. At first, fear came to mind and was reluctant to cut my long hair that I had for this long. With Bailey's confidence, expertise and encouragement I took the leap to a new look. He even mentioned to have my hair donated to a worthy cause (Locks Of Love) for disadvantaged children with medical hair loss, which I did. With my new short hair look, I have no regrets cutting my hair, especially from a great hair stylist like Bailey who took the time to listen and advise me on how I needed this change. Sure enough! Family, Friends and Co-workers were all stunned on how great I looked. They now go to him too, because of my new look I also found a great looking boyfriend that is heads over heels for me. Thank you Bailey, you Rock!!

Pros: Great Energy, friendly staff, Kick @ss Hair Stylist

Posted 02/08/09

BAILEY!!!!!!! I love to change my look from season to season and he is a fabulous stylist who turns all my crazy ideas into reality. I walk out feeling confident and radiant. Damian West Salon is such a delightful get away. So accommodating in all the amenities they offer. Such a gem in NYC and Bailey is purely amazing.

Pros: Great overall service

Cons: None

Posted 02/07/09

First I have to mention Tamara she is wonderful as a person and amazing as hair designer/dresser . She cut my hair four time so far and all of them were amazing. She listens,suggests and listens . I have to say this is very refreshing because when I'm there I know I'm in a good hand.
Second the place is really cool and beautiful. And its always busy but in a very serene way.So you walk out feeling rested and looking beautiful.
highly recommended

Posted 11/29/08

Tamara styled my hair for my wedding and she was an absolute all around superstar!!!! Not only is she a master at creating hairstyles, but she went above and beyond at my wedding to make sure that all aspects of the day were perfect. Aside from creating a gorgeous and flawless hairdo, she helped me get ready and made sure that the set up of things was done properly. As if her talent, and hardworking self weren't enough, she was also a pleasure to be around. On your wedding day during the preparation stage there is a lot going on and the stress level is high. It is extremely important that you surround yourself with people who are easy going, competent, patient and pleasant. Tamara is all of these and more. I cannot say enough good things about her. Her care for her craft is so apparent in the results - my hair has never looked better!! She is professional and reliable and I can't wait until I have another event that requires my hair to be done, so I can have Tamara do it again. Everyone should use her!!!!

Posted 10/02/08

The salon is beautiful and the service is amazing. I started with Seth doing an extreme color correction (which turned out better than ever), and on the next visit decided to get a haircut with him for a wedding I was in - perfection! I decided to get hair extensions after seeing his segment on NBC - his superior technique and advice on maintenance was top notch - and my hair looks better than most Hollywood celebrities! The disaster he started with has turned into something more beautiful than I could imagine.

Everything from start to finish is consistently excellent - Seth is a consumate professional who knows just what he's doing and how to do it. He can sense what his clients need and works with me every step of the way. Highly recommended and you will not be disappointed. The salon in general is a peaceful getaway from the city in one of my favorite neighborhoods.

Pros: Seth, the salon, the location

Posted 07/27/08

I've been going to Tamara at Damian West for about 5 years now and find it very hard to go anywhere else. I can show up, tell Tamara a vague idea about a haircut I saw on the street and she'll turn out a fabulous cut that lasts 6 months without looking shabby - so budget-friendly!

Posted 06/04/08

Damian west is ok. I really liked the hair dresser I saw there, but she left, so i've followed her. My only complaint was it wasn't the most friendly of places. best of luck in ur new location

Pros: Fairly priced

Posted 02/16/08

I've been going to Damian West for 2 years. I always walk out with a well defined haircut. Tamara has given me a Louise Brooks bob and a Meryl Streep silkwood shag and she is always right on. Her cuts grow out beautifully which allows me to hold off for a bit if my budget is tight. She is the first stylist I feel I can talk to because she is so down to earth. Very talented and confident without the ego! The place is hard to spot on the block and the salon is nice enough but I mainly go there to see Tamara.

Pros: nice garden

Cons: Ambience could be warmer, music often too loud.

Posted 02/03/08

Tamara is sooooo terrific; I always love the haricuts she gives me. She can really tailor your hair to what you want. I had different looks for my high school reunion, a family get together, some weddings, whatever. Terrific cut, excellent coloring [it looks really natural - not with those big lines of color popping out], great blowout. It's like going to dinner at someone's house when you know they're a great cook - I never worry about what's on the menu because it's always fantastic! Plus, awesome kitty cat to play with!;)

Pros: can make appointments in a reasonable span of time/ great stylists

Posted 01/31/08

I have tried them all...Fekkai, AKS, Robert Kree, etc and hands down Damian West has the most talented people in New York City for color and cut. I constantly began receiving compliments on my color once I started going to Spressa and have never been happier with my color. She is an amazing talent. The space is incredible too. I can always count on a fabulous, long lasting blowout as well. You can usually get an appointment without too much lead time which is really nice. I would highly recommend this salon to anyone looking for a GREAT cut, color or blowout. It is the best kept secret in the west village......

Posted 01/20/08

i miss Tamara!! She's the best!!! She can feeel what you want! Still my favourite place amongst the very many other fancy places that I've been to throughout Asia and the states! Chic and not uptight! Total west village style!

Posted 01/16/08

I can't say enough good things about my stylist, Josh
She (YES, Josh is a girl!!) is a darling who always has a smile on her face!!
She always gives me a great hair cut!!!
She can brighten up anyone's day with her positive uplifting vibe, and her infectious laugh.
It's a pleasure going to her!!

Pros: Beautiful garden area!

Posted 10/27/07

So happy I managed to track down Josh. She used to work at Jason Croy salon, and has recently moved to Damien West. She has given me the best haircuts I've ever had, great color too, and it's always a pleasure to go and see her. I've recommended her to so many friends, and they all sing her praises also.

Pros: Atmosphere, Josh, location

Posted 10/27/07

I had been going to Damien West since they were located on W. 10th Street, and funny how "the sisters" can't even pretend you look the slightest bit familiar to them. Yes, they are very rude, but I was willing to overlook that. (after all, who really cares what those arrogant women think of you). However, one Sunday afternoon (they were testing Sunday hours), Spressa - who looked bored - OFFERED to do highlights on me while I waited for Marco (who is great, btw) to finish a haircut. Reluctantly (I've had bad experiences with color) I accepted. She did a fantastic job. Again, she OFFERED to do my highlights whenever I wanted them. "Just ask for me!" she said brightly. OK, maybe she wasn't that rude I thought. And, as the owner of the salon, she wouldn't even accept a tip - that time. It was a great experience. However, I went back to her three times since then to have highlights. Each time she was ruder than before, and actually acted annoyed and put out that I would bother her (the OWNER) for highlights. Best yet, she accepted a (generous) tip EVERY TIME. Didn't even try to protest and barely thanked me. Owners of salons are flat out not supposed to accept tips - it's bad business etiquette. My fault for offering, but it's an awkward thing not to at least TRY to tip an owner. It's apparently not awkward at all for Spressa to accept a tip. While I did love Marco (his haircuts were great and he took time to explain how to style them on my own... he even remembered me each time which is something Spressa can't be bothered to do), I stopped going to Damien West the day that Spressa rushed through my highlights and did't even check them. She had someone else remove the foils and never checked her work. The best part, she was just a few feet away from the register when I left, and didn't even turn around to look at me, she just called out what I had done so they could be sure to charge me. They've always been rude, but this was the final straw.

Posted 10/20/07

I recently moved away from New York City and I still wouldn?t even think about changing solons ? Damian West is really that good. I started seeing Bailey about 2 years ago and my hair has never looked better. People I don?t even know have come up to me to ask where I get my hair done (I?m really not joking). The color and cut always come out phenomenally and I never have to worry about my roots looking bad, even when it?s been months between visits. Bailey?s attention to detail and perfect execution are beyond compare and I have never left feeling anything but 100% satisfied. I have friends who pay three times as much at other solons and they complain about the outcome almost every time. The atmosphere is spacious with large windows and good lighting and the staff is always polite and helpful. Anyone looking for a new hair salon should definitely head to Damian West.

Posted 10/10/07

Having been a client of Brian Smiths for over 3 years now, I am still amazed when people ask me where I get my hair done...being a guy that is quite novel to have happen. His technique is superb and the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful designed salon all add to the Cool Cut I always get. It is centrally located and close to all trains and a plethora of great placess to eat and drink. Make sure you ask for Brian!!!!!!

Pros: Great services, it is pretty to look at and works with most budgets!

Cons: Can be busy-not a bad thing though! Book in advance!!!

Posted 09/27/07

I am Tamara's client for over three years now. Every time she has a good suggestion for me, be it about my hair length or color. Tamara's haircuts stay sharp for a long time and they look super good. She is great at creating a very natural chick look. Damian West's prices went up sharply over the past three years so it's not a cheep place to have a haircut. As much as I like to splurge on my hair I might have to think twice if I want to spend $110 just on the hair cut... and that's without tips.

Pros: stylish, understated haircuts

Cons: expensive, prices go up all the time

Posted 09/24/07

At the risk of sharing something I?d like to keep all to myself, I?m going to say it: Damien West is the best hair salon in the city. And this is coming from a former fashion/beauty editor who?s been to them all -- the up-town, over-priced, tragically hip salons with attitude for days that keep you waiting for hours. For years, I followed the star stylists and colorists convinced that that?s what I had to do to have great looking hair, and yes, my hair was good, but not that great, and there was always that feeling that my business wasn?t appreciated. Then one day I wandered into a little storefront hair salon in the west village (my neighborhood) and since then, everything has changed. First, the service is terrific (I?ve never had to wait) and so are the stylists who?ve all done time at those up-town places but they?re just cooler and friendlier. In fact, the whole place is cool in a very low-key, unpretentious way. Spressa's in charge (she?s also a wiz with hair/color) with help from her sisters including Sija (also a stylist/colorist) and Bea. Meanwhile, the prices are a lot less than what you would pay up-town and the results are better. Back when I had my first haircut with Brian (I?m still with him) I was nervous to let them do my color. I was still going up town thinking no one but the woman I was seeing would get it right. And then one day I just said, go for it! I now have the color I should have been born with ? a mixture of brown (my own) and auburn. And I don?t even have highlights. That?s how gorgeous it is. And to think I hesitated! And now that the salon is housed in a two-story townhouse around the corner with a garden (it?s not unusual to see women with foil in their hair hanging out back, reading, chatting or having a glass of wine and the boyfriends/husbands love that too -- the atmosphere is glorious: spacious with high ceilings, beautiful wood floors and magnificent French windows that open out on the garden out back. What more could you want?

Posted 08/16/07

Love Damien West. When I first say Bailey 6 years ago, he took a botched short haircut, through the growing out process to long hair again, all without ever having the awkward "growing it out stage." Since then my hair's been long, short and everything in between. All along, I had natural looking color to go with it.

The place is gorgeous as well. Hip without being cold or pretentious. You feel like you're visiting a friend's house, rather than a business.

Pros: Great people without attitude - you always feel valued

Posted 10/31/05

I went to Niki on a recommendation from good friends. The staff was extremely friendly and made me feel very comfortable. Niki really listened to what I was looking for, and I left with an excellent color and cut. The attentiveness of Niki and everyone else was amazing. Though a bit pricey, I would absolutely go back.

Pros: attentive staff, excellent color

Cons: price

Posted 09/17/05

After having a few disastrous cuts, I found Brian at Damian West. He is great at translating my conceptual ideas into reality without me needing to give specific instructions (i.e. "make my hair more fun," rather than "I want my layers to start here"). The salon itself is unpretentious and laid back, and the price is right.

Posted 08/25/05

What a mistake I made in going to Damian West. Both my haircut and the highlights came out very differently from what I'd asked for. The owner's attitude was superior and dismissive. She made me uncomfortable and I would never recommend this salon.

Posted 05/19/05

My roomate loves her haircuts from this place, but I HATED mine. My cut did not compliment my face structure AT ALL. However, I saw the exact same cut (they seem to dole out the same 2 styles to everyone) and it looked fabulous on her....If you have straight hair, maybe you'll like it. Wavy or curly hair- STAY AWAY!

Posted 06/01/03

Damian W. Salon is a mellow environment - very little pretense, not intimidating, nice vibe. Had a haircut (changed styles completely), hair color and highlights - all with the very skilled and gracious Shelley. Totally left it all in her hands as I immediately felt an intuitive sense of trust with her. Haircut is great - color is good to great (we'll see how it survives overtime (as colors can fade over time) The whole process was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I was remiss in thoroughly investigating the price structure. Surely, it was no more than other salons around town. Overall, a very good experience - I will be back.

Posted 01/08/03

I got the clip-on hair extensions. They are $125 a row and the average person needs at least three rows. They dye the extensions to match your hair color and they clip right in. Although expensive, these are so much fun! Make a consultation first. The entire staff was really nice and laid back.

Pros: Friendly staff

Posted 12/29/02

good but not great. friendly. not very attentive. not the best salon i've been to.

Posted 12/15/02

the haircut i asked for might look like this after it had grown out for four weeks.

nice people. bad cuts.

Posted 12/13/02

I went for a haircut and hair color and was not pleased at all, even going back for re-work on the color. The haircut was good, but I felt not as good a value as other salons.

Pros: Great neighborhood

Cons: Ineptness, No eye for coloring, Bad attitudes

Posted 10/24/02

I had a plan to chop off about a foot of my hair. I put my locks into the hands of Tamara and even though I was still in shock from the change after the cut, I realized later that I couldn't have asked for a better style and cut. Tamara's instincts and abilities are great.
The atmosphere is low key and very down to earth.

Posted 08/19/02

I found the receptionist (alos the owner) to be extremely curt and rude, and the cut I got was average at best.
I would not recommend it.

Pros: near my apt

Cons: rude, bad cut, not a bargain

Posted 08/16/02

After years of Madison Avenue disaters (and a small fortune), discovered Damian West. Not only is the price right, they have expert colorists who were able to correct years of hair abuse. More importantly, the stylist really listened to what I wanted and I ended up walking out looking and feeling great.

Posted 08/11/02

a great replacement if not first choice for anyone looking for good service and a good haircut. diana really knows how to capture what's wanted...

Posted 08/05/02

Had to find a new salon after 9/11 -- this one is awesome.

Pros: friendly, flexible, fun

Posted 08/01/02

Shelly, Shelly, how do I sing your praises? I heeded the advice of previous posts here and booked an consultation. That experience alone was enough for me to book for a color AND cut, which wasn't my original intention.

This is a woman who understands reds and individual people's coloring and tones. She also gets curly hair, another challenge, as I can let it air dry in the summer heat!!! (curly girls will understand) into a nicely flowing style. The overall experience was great, the staff is attentive and sweet. After traumatic soul-searching this past year, my shriveled heart has warmed up again to the idea of "the positive salon experience".

Heed my advice and see this woman if you have hair like me. Just let my book my appointment first.

Pros: Nice, calm ambiance, Skillful staff

Posted 07/23/02

The staff is incredibly friendly and attitude-free, the space is a bit cramped but cozy nonetheless, the price is very affordable ($50 for men's haircut) and, best of all, Nikki gave me a really awesome haircut while engaging in an interesting and very fun conversation. Worth every penny.

Posted 05/30/02