YAROK Beauty Kitchen

It’s taken me a long time to decide whether or not to post this review because I can’t decide if it’s a fair commentary on the salon or if I just experienced a perfect storm of circumstances that led to a less than satisfactory outcome. With that said — I do feel that I overpaid for the quality of service.
I booked a last minute appointment over the summer and was grateful to get in. Everyone was lovely. It’s a small salon and the vibe is very chill and friendly.
The colorist that worked with me seemed distracted by another customer (who was very disgruntled and unhappy with her service — I happened to walk in towards the end of this interaction — should have been my first warning!). He started putting in foils, saying he would come back and touch up with balayage. He went to deal with the other customer and never did the balayage so I essentially paid $ 250 for a half head of foils with very little hands-​on time. They looked fine, just not what I expected for the price. It should be clear that the price alone is not offputting (I have since found a salon where I am happy to pay $ 600 for highlights and $ 200 for haircuts). I think I probably just caught this stylist at the end of a really bad day. Perhaps it was just bad luck.
When I got home, I noticed I was charged $ 75 for the blowout which I knew would be extra (maybe not that much extra!) but just flagging that this is more than the typical $ 50 most places charge.
Loved all the products!

I was hoping this place wouldn’t be great. I got a one-​time discount and needed a last minute haircut before vacation. Their normal prices are really high, even by NYC/​organic standards, so I was hoping to use the discount and go back to my normal salon.
But, Ian (I think that was his name?) did a killer job. My hair cut completely compliments my head, looks fantastic with minimal styling effort (magic!!) — everyone agrees. My new facebook default got more likes than any post in the history of my facebook, haha.
So, now I’m pretty much ruined for other salons and need to start saving up for my next haircut.

I hate to have to give this place a low rating, the people were all very sweet and the concept should be applauded.
Maybe I should start from the beginning. It’s payday and I have an important meeting. Unfortunately, my scalp is having a serious reaction to the suddenly winter-​like climate: dry, flaky, itchy — I’ve even got a couple little sores scattered on my scalp. Not a pretty sight!
Now, I fancy myself an amateur apothecarian, and essential oil blended hair masks of coconut oil, olive oil, greek yogurt & honey (or some combination therein) are a common occurrence in my house. But for this problem, my usual solutions were falling flat, and I needed a haircut anyway, so I decided to splurge — thinking I might get a few useful tips from the experts along the way.
I’m the first (and only) customer, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming after making it through the seriously stinky lobby & elevator (evidently a lobster restaurant opened next door and their trash alley feeds into the building).
I let them know that my primary reason for the visit is the scalp treatment, and after a brief consultation choose a standard blend billed as perfect for «challenging» heads. Bingo! As the concoction is blended, my stylist confers with me, I need a simple trim with some light styling, something to give a bit more body to my fine, straight hair.
The adorable fuzzy dog escorts me back and forth between stations, following me around like, well, a puppy dog, and licking my boots the whole time. It’s pretty damn adorable.
The scalp treatment is good, the head massage feels nice… though it is hard to truly relax with the pseudo club music playing on pandora, but it’s early and I realize the staff is probably trying to get energized for the day.
The cut goes without incident, and I am pretty satisfied at this point. Then comes the blowout. Now, I’m a low maintenance lady, the only blowouts I get are during my annual haircut, so I’m not too versed on best practices, per se. By the time my blowout commences, my hair is 90% dry, and the stylist spends a good 15 – 20 minutes shaping my hair on a high heat setting. My scalp starts burning at certain points throughout the blowout, the hair dryer is less than 6 inches from my brain… And I reason with myself, «if a model can handle this, I’m not complaining!» All in all I’m satisfied with the experience, nobody is perfect and if I never say anything to let them know, how could they know?
The problem was when I got home… I inspected my scalp to see even more flakes than when I left for my appointment! They did tell me that these kinds of treatments are cumulative, the results are greater the longer you do it. But I’ve already been self administering similar masks to much greater efficacy for years. Then I notice all the broken hairs along my crown… little inch long hairs sticking straight up to the sky. I immediately think back to the blowout, he spent at least five minutes blasting those hairs on the top of my head to make the cut look good.
And the cut. I know you are supposed to withhold judgement for a week, but I seem to have gotten the «rachel.» In 2015. It looked great styled, but after last night’s citrus rinse (to defuse the vinegar smell that lasted longer than the essential oils), I’m left wondering what to do with this cut… as I am not, nor have I ever been, a very good blow dryer.
To make a long story short — kidding! — I’m reminded that usually, we can do something better and cheaper on our own than if we pay a premium for a service. I can’t help but think I should have done my usual head mask, gotten a cheap but stylish east village cut and spent the rest on a massage. I’d have more money in my pocket, less flakes on my head, and be free of this kink in my neck to boot.
Now, I know not everyone has a mini assortment of essential oils in their medicine cabinet, but simply slathering your scalp in honey and yogurt can do wonders, add a bit of olive or coconut oil and your scalp will thank you for days. So will your wallet.

I was in search for a salon that provided hair coloring that was nourishing and organic based for my curly tresses. I also needed a stylist that could handle blowing out my curls without fighting with my hair.
I found exactly what I was looking for and more in Yarok Beauty Kitchen. The salon has a relaxing ambience and the staff were all hospitable.
As I walked thru the doors I was greeted with open arms. Mordechai Alvow provided my consult. He felt the texture of my hair, requested feedback from me as to my understanding of his products and provided the reassurance I needed to move forward with the process of organic hair coloring. My stylist, Alyona, provided names for all the products she used on my hair as well as explained how each product worked to improve the health of my hair. She also provided me with one of the best blowouts I have ever received in NYC. Most people fight with my thick curly hair as they blow my hair out but Alyona took her time and sectioned the hair out, she proceeded to blow my hair out without burning my scalp.
My hair looks and feels healthier than when I entered the salon. I highly recommend this salon and definitely will return. The staff know exactly what it means to provide excellent customer service from start to finish.

I got a gilt city deal for five blowouts, and went for the series. I was there midday and it was quiet. I was lavished with attention, first by the friendly doggy* who ran to me and then by the staff :). The head massage during the washing was heavenly, the products smell amazing and then after my blowout they gave me a complimentary reiki/​massage/​guided visualization treatment with eddie. Next time i am there I will happily pay the $ 20 for 15 minute treatment with him.
PRODUCTS: Normally I would dislike the amount of product-​talk that was ongoing throughout the process, but while other salons are hawking third party products, a major draw of this place is the «kitchen» aspect, they are brewing up some fantastic products with herbal ingredients and yes I bought some, which is totally unlike me, but I really liked the stuff I got «hair whip» texturizing cream that smells amazing and makes my very fine floaty hair get a little more «dirty» in a good way.
I signed up for the scalp and hair treatment too. This treatment was nice but i cannot speak to its pampering effect because my appointment was being used to train a new staff member it was somewhat less than relaxing to be spoken of as a specimen in the third person.
A few things to be aware of for your appointment:
1. there is a very friendly little dog here :)
2. this place is on the sixth floor of a building with a single slow broken elevator serving many many busy floors, so
a) add ten minutes extra time to wait for the elevator. but
b) you can take the stairs if someone opens the door to the lobby but
c) you will be locked in the stairwell when you get up to 6, but
d) you can call them to unlock the door if you have phone service in the stairway.

Mordechai is amazing! He’s the kind of stylist that twirls you around in the chair a couple of times, give you a good look over, and knows EXACTLY what to do to make you look absolutely stunning –like you just walked off a runway. No kidding that many of his clients are fashion and entrainment’s elite. I’ve had treatments, highlights, cuts, styles and they were flawless every time. Mordechai has even spent time showing me how to style with a curling iron and clips when I get home, so I can recreate the looks he showed me. I use the Yarok 100% organic products (shampoo, conditioner, leave in conditioner, and mouse) at home and I love them… couldn’t imagine going back to anything else. With respect to the location, it’s in the heart of union sq area, a half a block away from Sephora… how convenient :) The Yarok vibe is really zen, lots of tones and greens. Very relaxing place to spend an hour or two. I love Mordechai and Yarok. Book to see him and you won’t be disappointed.

I have thick dark hair that grows very fast. This is the first place where the color doesn’t damage my hair as I have to have the roots done so often. Everything they use is organic and non toxic and smells delicious. You might have to wait for the elevator but it’s worth it. I can’t afford for the owner Mordechai to do my hair but everyone leaving looks amazing.

I came here with a LivingSocial voucher and I liked this place a lot. The staff was friendly and helpful. Lisa cut my hair and listened carefully to what I wanted and did a great job. And I REALLY appreciated that she didn’t push any products on me, just gave me information about what they provide. My hair looks really good and smells amazing — and I like that they use green products («Yarok» means «green» in Hebrew!).
I would go back, but the regular cost of a haircut is so pricey! They did offer a 15% return discount, but since it normally costs $ 125, I still don’t think I could afford it. If the prices were lower, I would definitely return.

I tried this place for the first time a few months ago with a living social coupon. They demanded the living social voucher # as soon as I booked the appointment. When I walked in, the owner didn’t even say hello — the first thing he said was «Can I have your living social voucher?» Jeez…
The stylist was not friendly and seemed to be annoyed about cutting my hair. She was silent the entire haircut (there was another very friendly stylist there chatting away to a first time customer, so not ALL of the stylists are awkwardly quiet.)
After the haircut, I asked the stylist how much is the normal price for the hair cut so that I could tip on that. She wouldn’t tell me the price and just hastily said «Well, most people give $ 20.» Oh, do they really?
In the end, despite the social awkwardness of the place, I got a good hair cut. I even bought the mousse which was $ 25 and works well. Had the experience been more pleasant and welcoming, I would have given more stars.

I came in on a Living Social deal. Relatively easy to book an appointment and was taken on time. My stylist was Theodora. She consulted with me before she touched my hair. She had a very good understanding of what I wanted and delivered the perfect haircut. I purchased one of their Yarok (Green) products. Looking forward to using it!

First: I visited Yarok with a Living Social deal.
I was a bit hesitant but after perusing their web site I was attracted to the fact that they use exclusively organic products. TRULY organic products NOT Burt Bee’s fake organic.
Despite a little mix-​up on my appointment time (mostly my fault), I loved my experience at Yarok. Why?
–Products left my hair soft and manageable.
–Stylist (Theodora) was a little standoffish at first but then really warmed up and turned out to be really nice.
–She asked me what I wanted (haircut) and followed it to a TEE. AKA Was NOT a hacker… I love my long hair and absolutely HATE stylists who are scissor happy.
–Vibe was very laid back and minimalist décor (only 1 sink) but it was nice.
–Stylist gave me the BEST blow out I’ve ever had (soft curls at the end, straight throughout most of top)… looked awesome and voluminous.
I would totally go back and pay regular price– AND I rarely say that about places I visit with deals. If you care about the environment and the health of your hair, I suggest you give this place a try. However, know what cut you want– it may avoid any unhappy endings.
Oh– they really promote their line. They are great products (are used in your hair during styling) but STOP talking about them so much… it’s not like they are super cheap so do I have an extra $ 150 to drop on hair products right now? No… so shhhhh. I do, however, want to buy them eventually!

Being new to the NYC area, I was still searching for a good stylist. As some of you will understand, this is easier said than done, in some ways similar to finding a good therapist (as we all know a good cut can brighten your entire outlook on life). I decided to take advantage of a living social deal for Yarok after reading the few positive reviews I could find. I am SO HAPPY I took a chance! The salon is in an odd building (as are so many NYC «finds») but soon as I walked in I felt relaxed by the minimalist setting and welcoming receptionist. I think there are only 2 – 3 stylists which made for a more «intimate» experience (i.e. not the usual hustle/​rush vibe of larger salons). Theadora lead me to a chair and took her time getting a feel for what I wanted then it was off for the wash which included an *amazing* scalp massage. They use their own product line which left my hair feeling light and healthy. The cut itself is perfect– exactly what I wanted and all wrapped up in about an hour. I was so thrilled that I’ve already made my next appointment. I would *definitely* recommend Yarok (esp Theadora) to anyone who’s ever thought their hair deserved a little more special attention…

Horrible! Worst haircut of my life! I walked out of there with mix between an 80s do and a mullet. She didn’t know what she was doing. She kept cutting and cutting even after I told her to stop. She was EXTREMELY unfriendly! Never again! Now I have to spend money to get this mess fixed somewhere else!

This place is awesome. Very low key, great services, fair prices and super friendly staff.
I get my haircut and color from Theodora. For the first time in my life I am loyal to a hairdresser. Not only she does a great job, but my hair never felt healthier, fuller and growing faster.
I also use their products (all organic and with no unnecessary fillers like most products out there). Love the «feed your youth» particularly.
This place should be packed. I don’t understand how people have not found about it, but it is really a hidden gem.

Expect wonderful service and great results with your hair. The hair/​scalp massage was an euphoric experience and the blow-​dry was well-​done. Have been to lots of similar places to get treatment and blow-​dry, and this is the best yet.

I got the moisturizing scalp massage and blowout about 2 weeks ago and my hair is still glossy and healthy. The whole thing was so relaxing and I loved it! It’s actually a really nice gift too.