Hippie Empire Salon

where do i start...phew, too many issues from rude staff to lies and using my photos without consent.

I honestly think Autumn the stylist I dealt with might be mentally unstable. Sadly I think she may own the salon.

Anyhow, just poor communication skills in setting up the appointment. No one responded my text messages, just IG. On IG I asked for a range for how much a rewtist would be and all she could say was "$60 and up."

Then when I arrived 12 minutes late, someone barked at me to wear a mask. Mind you there is a 15 minute grace period and I let her know in advance that I was running late. As she washed my hair she spilled water all over me and when I asked for a towel she ignored me. Ironically, because of the mask policy I couldn't even drink water. So after almost 3 hours, I left the salon parched and thirsty.

Additionally, it started getting cold and I had to put on my hoodie. This was a BIG deal to interrupt her for 30 seconds. She was huffing and puffing, clearly annoyed.

When she put me under the dryer and I asked how long I'd be under she wouldn't tell me. She just said "until it's dry." So I had to get up to look despite my hair already being dry. Nonetheless, I continued to be kind and respectful.

At the end I noticed she was snapping pics so I asked her if she was taking photos. She claimed just to show me, which I appreciated because the salon barely had any mirrors. I thought it was weird that she didn't even ask to take my photos but requested she send them to me.

Despite all this I still tipped, which went unthanked. I will say I really did love how my hair turned out. She also gave me a number of hair maintainance tips to prevent my locs from falling out.

Now here is why I am writing this review... I get home and it turns out she posted the pictures on both Instagram and Facebook. When I raised the issue, telling her to take down the posts and refund me, she didn't acknowledge lying to me or violating my privacy. She took the photos down, but we all know nothing can truly be deleted from the internet. Also Autumn did not refund me AT ALL.

In fact she started bringing up random issues she had with me like I showed up in work out clothes so people thought I was unsanitary and I was supposedly 25 minutes late but she still took me and gave me extra time.... all signs of mental instability given that I messaged her when I arrived and there is a timestamp clearly showing I was only 12 minutes late.

To top things off she had the nerve to say that she didn't accept my apology for being late. Wow...I will never go back to this place. The prices are affordable but the disrespect is too much of a cost. Save yourself the hassle.

I am more than happy with my hair after visiting Hippie Empire. I had a beautiful day experience and Christian made sure I was taken care of and comfortable. I would recommend this salon to any and everyone!

I actually loved this salon, the braider that did my hair and was very disappointed that I even have to write this review,I asked for a partial refund for my box braids over locs because my mom and I found messed up braids throughout my hair ( there was more braid in the back I just can't reach to take picture). They offered to fix my hair but I told them I lived far away ( so my mom or I will just fix them) and for $200 it should of been done and checked over the first time, so I would like a particle refund ($25-$50) but they refused. What really irritates me is the braider told me she was going to make the braids bigger so she could cover my locs and THEY AREN'T COVERED. I got a text from the owner after I asked again for a partial refund ( inserted) which she also refused. I could never understand businesses that mess up and can't even throw in even $25 to keep a customer. I blame myself tho because when I contacted the owner to get these braids done she wasn't available the day I wanted and said the other braider was busy, even tho she was not and tired to offer me other days she was available because I was 'her client' ( I don't think that should matter if your not available on the day the customer wants). From then I saw the bad vibes and with bad vibes ,bad things follow. But you know you live and you learn on to the next salon

Thank you Ms Autumn for restoring my beautiful crown at a reasonable price and such great service! Despite the rainy weather that day, you truly brightened it and I'm forever grateful. The compliments are coming like crazy...
Now, I must admit I'm a little biased about having my hair and scalp scrubbed (darn near to the point of orgasm...*sigh*) by my previous stylist so I did subtract one star. I apologize, but there are few who are willing to take it there at the shampoo bowl. No biggie, though. I enjoyed every minute of my Hippie Empire experience otherwise and can't wait to come back!

I have lived in jersey for 9 yrs and I couldn't find anyone to do A good job on my Locs. I was surfing the internet one night and I came across Hippie Empire. I didn't know anything about the area, I just knew it was closer to me in jersey city than going to Brooklyn or Queens. I love the atmosphere, I felt very comfortable. Autum did my hair and i love it!!! Miss Autum did a beautiful job! This will now be my place to go to get my Locs done!!!