CONFESSION:  I’m a beauty care racist.
OK, well maybe the “racist” phrase is a stretch…but I like to say that I have an “Asians Only” fly zone when it comes to my face & hair.  Meaning: you gotta be Asian to touch it.  (clearly, that’s not 100% the case, since the fabulous Keri Blair actually does my makeup for all my photo shoots)
But when it comes to hair, the Asian pre-requisite is a MUST.  I’ve gone out of my comfort zone many times and I’ve NEVER been able to find someone who understands the ethnic nuances of my locks. (believe me, I’ve tried!)
I used to make a Hair Pilgrimage all the way out to Bayside Queens to visit a Korean Salon out there called Hair Club IB. But when I had short hair & had to get frequent cuts, it became too cumbersome to haul ass over there.
My homegirl Helen has been going to a mysterious Chinese guy named “Gary”.  After hearing her rave about how amazing he was for years, I finally went to him and I’ve been devoted ever since.

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown (Mott & Hester), is Mess Salon.  They’ve recently undergone a heavy renovation to the salon, but the same hairstylists are there.

Admittedly, the clientele are predominantly Asian, but I do see several non-Asians in there for cuts & perms.
Now, meet Gary:
←hi, Gary!
Doesn’t seem like there’s much to him, but don’t let the appearance fool you! Yes, his English is a little broken, but despite that, the most important thing is that he LISTENS TO YOU!!!!   He takes direction SO well — he does exactly what you ask him to do (which is such a relief — how many times have you been butchered by stylist who takes “creative license”?)
A few other things about him:

• his cuts get better and better as they grow out
• he’s honest (he dissuaded me from getting short bangs once, and I’m forever grateful)
• he respects your hair goals and helps you reach them (I told him I wanted to grow out my hair and he suggested I go for a layered cut as opposed to an angular bob so that it would require less “trims” to maintain the shape)

Here’s my before:

and AFTER:


COST: $30!!!!  (can’t beat that!) + tip
They also offer a full range of Digital and Regular Perms.  (you know I’ll be hitting that up as SOON as my hair is long enough!!)
So if you’re like me and have an “Asians Only” Policy (or if you just want to try someone great, who is SO affordable)….go visit Gary @ Mess Salon.