Maria Bonita Salon & Spa

Had an extremely negative experience trying out this salon for the first time. I was pointed to the waiting table by the owner (who was on her phone at the time) where I waited until 20 minutes past my appointment time. I asked an employee for an update and a glass of water, but didn't speak English and got the owner. The owner was brusque and impolite. My stylist had clearly been double booked, and rather than apologize or try to make amends, he cut my hair in a record 8 minutes, as the client next to me had a timer on her hair color. When I indicated the cut was not the same as the picture I gave him, he said "oh! You wanted the cut in the photo". When I voiced my concern to the owner, she said that it wasn't her problem. Cannot stress this enough. Do. Not. Go. Here. It was such a bizarre and rude experience.

I came in twice (on two separate occasions) for a haircut and highlights. And had to come in another 2 times in order to get the services fixed because they were done poorly. Haircut, for the price, was mediocre. I have very heavy hair and he did not take enough weight off my hair. I have had to make an appointment at another salon to fix this. And they broke my hair when they did highlights and left it yellow. Also, the whole point was to retouch my roots and failed to do so. Also, when you come in within the 7 day policy to get something fixed it is suppose to be complimentary, however the hairstylist Junior finds a way to still charge you again. I paid 500$ and my roots weren't even retouched. I contacted the manager and she said a refund has been made to my account. It has been over a week and I never received a refund. Avoid this institution at all costs! They just want to steal your money.

The manager told me that she will call me back she just needs to talk to the owner. That was last week and I still haven't heard back! This is the worst customer service and hair service I've ever experienced in my life!!! Also my hair is so damaged from being bleached and dyed... for my hair color to look the exact same as it did before my hair appointment here. DO NOT GO TO JUNIOR!!!!!! HE WILL WRECK YOUR HAIR! HE DOESN'T LISTEN TO WHAT THE CUSTOMER WANTS, AND DOES WHAT HE WANTS. I SPENT A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE THE HAIR APPOINTMENT TO CREATE A PINTEREST BOARD WITH HAIR COLOR INSPIRATIONS. I TOOK MY TIME EXPLAINING THAT I WANTED MY HAIR A LIGHT BROWN SHADE (ALSO NON-BRASSY). MY CURRENT HAIR COLOR WAS MEDIUM/DARK BROWN. I SPENT $150 FOR JUNIOR TO DAMAGE MY HAIR AND FOR IT TO LOOK THE SAME? ALSO THEY WON'T REFUND MY MONEY. I'VE WENT TO OTHER SALONS AND DYED MY HAIR MYSELF, AND IT'S NEVER BEEN EXTREMELY DAMAGED LIKE THIS. WAS HE EVEN TIMING THE BLEACH & DYE SESSION? SO AVOID THIS SALON AT ALL COST! There are plenty of salons in Manhattan, do your research and read reviews. Also get someone that is an experienced color specialist. Maybe I should have made an appointment with the other stylist. If that's the case, why did they hire such a horrible stylist (Junior), he's not experienced at all and he's wrecking the salon's reputation! I don't usually complain, but my opinion has to be heard to save someone. If they tell me now that they will refund my money if I take off this Google review, I will reject that. I really want to save other potential new customers their time, money and hair! This was the first and last time I will go to Maria Bonita. Don't base your opinion on nice Instagram pictures (that's what I did), based it off of real customer experiences. *** UPDATE: OWNER REACHED OUT TO ME *** The owner, Fernanda saw this review and texted me. (I'm assuming she got my cellphone from their system.) She was professional and was concern about my bad experience at Maria Bonita. She said that this was the first time hearing about my experience, so the manager didn't tell her. I'm assuming the manager told me that she will call the owner so she can just get off the phone with me and never call me again. The owner mentioned that she will retrain the manager and Junior (the stylist). Which I find a relief. So they can better accommodate their future customers. Also the owner mentioned that I will get a refund for my trouble, which I think that was very professional of her. She handled the situation I went through gracefully. To be honest, I wish I requested any of the other stylist. I would probably be happy. I still can't recommend Junior to anyone, I would never wish that upon someone. The Instagram photos that originally interest me to go with Maria Bonita was from their top stylist. So I would recommend at least trying their top stylist.

Went here for the first time after being recommended. The experience was good very friendly. However the environment is more for Portuguese/ Brazilian people. My hair stylist was a very cool person but being that I don’t speak Portuguese it was a lil difficult to hold a conversation. While getting my haircut he decided to speak his native language with one of his colleagues and was talking about me making me feel uncomfortable. He made a statement that blew my mind and I felt that was unprofessional. He began to laugh and state how everything he said to me my response was “good “ “ all good” and from my previous experiences when ever I do go to a hair salon I let the stylist do there work and don’t make it to complicated. Being that I am not very fluent in Portuguese I did understand and have intermediate knowledge in the language. This was Very disappointing &’ customer service was a 3. Oliver was my last stylist I’ll be ever going to. He overly dried my hair unnecessarily and cut off way to much when giving him instructions to make sure my bangs are long not short. LAST TIME I GO HERE. THE NEXT DAY I WASHED IT AND CHECKED IF BOTH SIDES OF MY HAIR WHEN BEING PARTED IS THE SAME LENGTH AND IT WASNT. Total disaster and upsetting. he cut and didn’t even ensure it was equal he more cared about styling it rather then ensure it’s a even lengths.

Responding to your comment: NOT a FAKE review so stop trying to deflect. Just admit your mistake and move on. Original comment: This place took advantage of my Brazilian student (Luiza) who doesn't speak English fluently. She went in and asked for a manicure and pedicure and they gave her a Brazilian + French + Gel. She walked away with a bill of $360. So many NYC businesses take advantage of people who aren't from here and it's despicable. Also, she got this service done on May 10th and it didn't even last ten days.

I found my new favorite salon - Had an amazing experience with Oliver Francisco and his assistant. They are super friendly, professional, talented. They understood exactly what I wanted and I left happier than I expected I would be!

Awesome customer service pleasant Julianna was the best she massages like she was born to very welcoming great referral from Marisol returning for the next couple of weeks to get lymphatic massage only from Julianna and infrared sweat session im excited prices very reasonable get package save money a gem on Mott Manhatran. Lele is sweet and courteous gave a fan pedicure will return. Noah excellent hairstylists will definitely return.

Maria Bonita is my favorite spot in NY to get my hair, nails, massage & waxing. I changed my hair color various times and now I am blonde. Junior Passarinho dedicated the past 3 years to keep my hair not only beautiful but healthy. My nails are always done perfectly by the amazing manicures that work at Maria Bonita. I am a singer and am usually working events and need to look perfect. If you need professional work & great space & vibe, I highly recommend you twke a spa day @ Maria Bonita. You won't regret it!! ❤️ 🇧🇷