Destination Beauty: Dana’s Loft

Now here’s a little known fact about me: I have pretty much given up on hair salons. *shock* *awe*

Oh, yes! I generally find salons to be a huge waste of time. . . and money. Why? Well — apparently, my hair is the most complex hair type in the world. It’s true! I sit in the chair and instantly, highly-skilled, trained professionals are rendered clueless. Now I have enjoyed a few good experiences here & there (Phyto Universe/NYC is awesome — Ask for Ron…De Ja Vous/NYC does amaze blowouts — ask for David, Eli, or Ricky), but for the most part, I shy away from salons and do my own hair at home.

I am regularly invited to partake in services offered   by celeb stylists, colorists, etc. . . I generally, respectfully decline — these things rarely end well for me. My hair proves to be too challenging for most. And frankly, I tire of sitting there having to walk “professional stylists” through the do’s and don’t’s of combing, brushing, blowing, curling, and styling my hair. It really is a bit much!

Enter Dana’s Loft, a quaint “look-away-and-you-might-miss-it” hair salon on Manhattan’s too-cool-for-school lower east side. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Dana. Yep, “the” Dana of “Dana’s Loft”. She was kind and welcoming. Before putting product to head, Dana asked lots of questions about my hair, styling products, hair care routine, hair goals, etc. Oh, hey now. . . that’s a rarity! Dana’s initial intake process immediately put me at ease. I really appreciate that she took the time to ask about the state of my hair and how I maintain it. It’s quite rare that stylists do this — Instead they tend to quizzically examine your hair, make you feel even more self conscious about your less than pristine ends, and then recommend a host of products to repair your ol’ tired-looking hair. It’s enough to make a girl cry. . . ask me how I know :/

Well there were no tears during my visit to Dana’s Loft — only cheers! And here’s another thing that I really enjoyed during my visit. . . Dana was the only person to handle my hair. Remember the good old days when your stylist handled your hair from start to finish? Well this still exists at Dana’s Loft. . . perhaps it was a slow day or perhaps it was my lucky day — not sure, but it made me feel really good to have my hair handled by just one person. I didn’t have to worry about two or three different people in the mix.

For my visit, I decided to live a little and try out extensions. I’m generally not that girl but every now and then you have to go for the gusto. Dana added a few layers of hair from Creme de la Creme Tami Roman collection (Caution: the website plays music. . . a small pet peeve of mine). I’m rather easy going when it comes to hair so I stressed wanting a very natural look. And Dana executed just that. I left feeling like my exact hair wishes were met. Dana was so sweet, so thoughtful, and above all – extremely knowledgeable. I left knowing that I’ll definitely return. If you’re in search of a super good hair salon experience, try Dana’s Loft.