Leo Chau New York

Feb 04, 2025

Leo is incredibly talented! He doesn’t just create great work but educates while making suggestions based on the clients personal attributes and lifestyle. I left glowing and feeling confident. His assistant Victoria was also extremely kind and went above and beyond to guide me through proper washing to styling. Overall incredible experience!

Dec 06, 2024

Leo is by far the best hair dresser I have ever encountered! His expertise in color and cut based on your skin color and face shape is unmatched! I have been going to Leo since 2019 and my hair has never looked better. He is great at listening to what you want to do to your hair but will also provide you with feedback on what he thinks would look best based on your own features. I moved from NY to a different state but still come back to NY just to get my hair done with Leo. I have recommended him to multiple friends and family and they all loved his work as much as I do.

Dec 06, 2024

Leo is the kindest person. I greatly appreciated the way he really listened to my concerns and then gave me the best haircut that I have ever had!

Nov 06, 2024

Had my first appointment with Leo today for a dark ash brown balayage and he 100% delivered!! Super nice and knowledgeable, really took the time to explain the process and manage my expectations. My hair turned out exactly how I wanted and was a very pleasant experience on top of it. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to have beautiful hair :)

Oct 06, 2024

Leo has been cutting and highlighting my hair for a few years, and I couldn’t be happier! He’s incredibly talented and knowledgeable, yet always so kind, calm, and sweet. He’s also cut both my husband’s and son’s hair, and works beautifully with every hair type, color, and length. Whether it's a trim or a complete transformation, Leo delivers exceptional results every time. Highly recommend!

Feb 06, 2024

I rarely leave reviews for hairdressers because everyone says they can do a great job, but few actually understand what colors and cut go well with someone's skin tone and overall look. I've been to highly-rated, expensive salons on both coasts (from California to NYC), and have never left an appointment completely satisfied. I just figured my standards were too high and I needed to settle. I took a chance on Leo because of his reviews, but remained skeptical. From the beginning, Leo was very responsive on IG, professional, and accommodating (moving my appointment up by a week when there was an earlier availability). Not only that, but when we met, he gave me his opinion on what toner color would be best for my balayage according to my skin tone, last longer, and even fixed a terrible haircut from a prior experience that I was too frustrated to deal with. He set realistic expectations that to fully fix the cut would take another 9 mos of growing out the very short layers. But, he fixed the asymmetry and imbalance in the cut which made it feel lighter & easier to style immediately. Mornings now are less of a struggle to get my hair to look decent. Most importantly, he nailed the balayage color I was looking for. Not only does it provide subtle dimension and highlighting, but the texture of my hair after washing is still pretty good compared to other toning experiences where my hair becomes dry, unmanageable, and yellow-tinged after only a few washes. I am still looking to see how my hair turns out after it's fully grown out, but I can say that Leo is a master of color. If you're looking for someone to really deliver on that, Leo's the guy. I'm glad I found him and happy he was so accommodating!

Feb 06, 2024

Leo always does such a great job cutting my hair! In fact, when I’ve gone to get a blow out elsewhere, the stylist specifically pointed out how well my hair was cut and how much thought was put into it. Thank you Leo for always taking such good care of my hair!

Feb 06, 2024

Leo has been my go to hairdresser since I moved to NYC in 2018. He’s helped me repair my super brassy and damaged hair that’s undergone 10 years of abuse and get it back to its natural state, which I’ve loved and enjoyed. He’s truly a hair expert and is always honest with me about colors and cuts that work specific to me. He always keeps in mind your lifestyle and maintenance that’s entailed with every dye. Highly, highly recommend to anyone looking for the best in the city!

Feb 06, 2024

Leo is the best hairstylist I've had! He has an amazing knowledge of everything about hair from health to aesthetics. The first time I saw him I wanted to balayage my hair but Leo suggested I wait a few months since I had some leftover dyed and permed hair and he wanted to minimize damage. Nevertheless, I ended up leaving with a beautifully natural haircut that grew out super well too. I just got a balayage done with Leo today and words cannot describe how obsessed I am with my hair!!!! The color is so naturally blended and better than I could ever imagine and it helps that he takes amazing photos of your hair afterwards too :) I loved especially that both times I gave him a rough idea of what I wanted and he used his deep understanding of hair artistry to choose what would look best on me based on factors such as my skin tone and hair texture (and he talks through it beforehand with you!) Usually I need to give stylists more pointers of what I want and I am an indecisive person so I find that difficult, so it's amazing that he can choose for me and deliver a beautiful end result. I actually first contacted Leo last year but ended up going to another place as he had a long waitlist, but he is well worth the wait! Thank you Leo for giving me such gorgeous hair!!!

Feb 06, 2024

Loved my balayage! Leo walked me through the entire process and the end result was exactly what I had wanted.

Feb 06, 2024

Loved my new hair! I wasn’t really sure what I wanted in a balayage going in, but Leo gave amazing recommendations based on what would be low maintenance, not too damaging, but also a great color for my skin tone / post multiple washes. Also loved my haircut as well!

Feb 06, 2023

After continuously being disappointed with hairstylists, I decided to do some research and I stumbled upon Leo. I always had issues with my dark brown hair being dyed, it would be orange after balayage or not blended properly making it look chunky. I just had my balayage appointment with Leo and I am amazed at the results. He has such an art for hair and his talent is unmatched. My balayage is a beautiful color while also being natural and blended. He’s amazing and I will recommend him to everyone!! I am so pleased to finally find a talented hairstylist that listens to me!

Feb 06, 2023

Finally found my go to hair dresser in nyc! He’s so knowledgeable with the skills to back it up and attentive and recommends the best for you and your hair!!

Feb 06, 2023

He did an INCREDIBLE job and couldn’t be happier, it looks so natural. Can’t wait to go back :)

Feb 06, 2023

I absolutely love Leo. I found him on instagram after looking for a colorist that can work with dark hair. I showed him what I had going on and what I wanted and he explained to me in detail exactly how we could get there and what my process would look like. He wasn’t wrong. From the first appointment I felt like I was in good hands. He really is a magician with the pallet. He just understands different hair types and how the color will affect it. He also recommended products I could use that would help maintain my color. He believes that less is more & wasn’t pushing a bunch of products on me. Just what I needed to be able to get the same salon hair at home. If I could give him more than 5 stars I would- because aside from being a great colorist he is also such a lovely person. I love my appointments with him and look forward to them every few months.

Feb 06, 2023

I first went to Leo back in 2018 with what was the beginning of my blue hair journey. I have naturally dark hair and wanted to make sure I was in good hands that would honestly tell me what color my hair could achieve with minimal damage and Leo did just that! Going on 4 yrs of being every shade of blue with Leo as my partner in crime. Would highly recommend to anyone but especially if you’re doing color. He is the color guru!

Feb 06, 2023

I had been dying my hair for years with at home dye kits trying to cover my grey hairs . Which caused different color tones in my hair (dark brown , black and light brown spots ) . Leo did an amazing job ! He gave me the color I asked for , made my hair tone balance and gave my hair layers that gave my fine hair volume . He was very thorough throughout the whole process . Explained every step as he did it and made sure we both agreed as he proceeded. I am so happy with my my hair color and cut.

Feb 06, 2023

I reached out to Leo for a consultation after years of using box dye (thanks, pandemic). He was extremely responsive and helpful with his suggestions. I can't wait to get my hair done by him someday!

Feb 06, 2023

I travel from Queens just to go to Leo for my hair. He really is a color professional, and knows how to make your hair look its best (as the pictures on Google will testify). My last Bayalage was done a year ago, and it still looks amazing. In fact I just got a trim and it looks like I walked out with a fresh color job. I highly recommend him,, he is a consummate professional. There is a reason why he has a 3 month wait time, he is that good.

Feb 06, 2023

I will not go to anyone else! Leo really takes his time to walk you through the process of styling/coloring your hair. He won’t let you do anything that doesn’t look good for you personally (he’ll guide you if he recommends something different) and he’ll always protect the integrity of your hair. He’s fantastic and can’t recommend him enough! He has tons of clients who love him, so you’ll want to book plenty in advance, but it’ll be worth the wait!! His motto is “if you don’t look good, I don’t look good” and he takes that to heart 😋 thank you always, Leo!!

Feb 06, 2023

It was my first time dying my hair ever, and Leo made the process super easy. He explained each step thoroughly and helped me choose the best color and style for me!

Feb 06, 2023

Leo cut my hair for a number of years until I left the city several years ago. I just moved back and I'm thrilled to be able to see him again. I have naturally wavy hair which I typically air dry and he gives a great cut that works well with my texture. I'm trying to hold off on color until I go more grey, but his coloring skills seem next level. Very natural but still super cool looking which is my jam.

Feb 06, 2023

Leo first cut my hair about three years ago when I asked him to cut off all my hair from a long cut into a very short pixie. After keeping the short look for a couple years and then growing it back out, I decided my next big change would be with color, and there's nobody I trusted more than Leo. Although his books fill up pretty far in advance, I was willing to wait. The balayage he did turned out so beautiful, and I'm so happy with it! I would recommend anybody go to him for whatever color or cut needs you might have!

Feb 06, 2023

Leo is an absolute pleasure to work with! He is truly talented and very knowledgeable in his craft. The appointment started off with a consultation for my hair. During this time he explained my hair texture and hair care to me. Also, while discussing the color he made sure I understood everything he was going to do before he did it and he ensured I was comfortable with it before moving forward. My balayage turned out beautiful. It looks so natural no harsh line or anything and my hair feels so soft and look beautiful! I have gotten so many complements on it. He was able nail the perfect color that would work with both my skin tone and hair color. I will definitely be goin back to him as long as I am in the city!

Feb 06, 2023

Leo is my all times favorite hairstylist. He is very talented individual and very professional in his field. He would pay the best interest with your hair issues and provide excellent solutions.

Feb 06, 2023

Leo is my favorite hair dresser. I was impressed by his skill since 2017. And I couldn't find any hair dresser as professional as him afterwards. No matter the haircut or the coloring process, he always did a great job. He is a great artist because he treated every haircut as his art project. Meanwhile, he is easygoing and caring for his customers because he has the same goal as his clients. And I really appreciate to have a such responsible person taking care of my hair. You will never regret to give it a try.

Feb 06, 2023

Leo is simply amazing and so very kind. I found him on Instagram (IG handle: leothehairalchemist) and loved how he blends colors so seamlessly to your natural hair. Of all the hair stylists that I’ve gone to, Leo was the only one that studied my hair and considered hair undertones as well as how the hair color will fade over time. He’s really great and worth the money but book him in advance since spots fill up quick.

Feb 06, 2023

Leo is the best! He is so detail oriented, and takes the time & care to explain his thinking to you before you make a decision on how to proceed. I've been going to Leo for balayage & cut, and am always so happy with the results. Leo's recommendations are amazing, and always an improvement over my original thinking. I have naturally black hair, balayaged to an icy blonde, and Leo is so careful to get my hair to a pretty color without damage. Love my hair!

Feb 06, 2023

Leo is truly a master of hair craft! He spent 4 hours on my hair from cut to color, explaining his process throughout. I’ve never seen anyone so meticulous and considerate about hair color - he even factored in seasonal changes that would affect my skin tone to determine the best long-term color for my hair. Needless to say, very satisfied with my experience. Will be returning to Leo as long as I live in the city :)

Feb 06, 2023

Leo is wonderful! He's been my stylist since 2017. I initially went to him only for haircut, and he was able to style my hair with me having minimum input while looking great! It's priceless. Then in 2021 I tried balayage and wow loved it! I now come back to him every 3-4 months and couldn't be happier. He's booked out very fast so make sure make an appointment months ahead of time.

Feb 06, 2023

Such a personalized experience. Leo explained why certain colors worked better than others and gave some helpful styling tips as well. I was amazed at how my hair turned out exactly how I had in mind! Will be returning!

Feb 06, 2022

Every interaction with Leo has resulted in a positive experience. He takes such great care of my hair and takes the time to educate me about hair colors and cuts. Leo is a detail oriented person who is passionate about his art. Check him out on instagram and book him asap. He is worth the wait!

Feb 06, 2022

Leo had been my hair stylist for years when I used to live in New York. He is very detail oriented and listens carefully to your needs. I’ve never tried to color my hair but I recommended him to my friends and before they did coloring, he also did a consultation with them to explain everything which says a lot and means he really cares about final result. As for me, I always loved my haircuts and we did different styles. I was always happy and never had a single bad haircut even though my hair is tricky and can be hard to cut and style. Leo is professional and has a warm and friendly personality. I would HIGHLY recommend to contact him but make sure to do it in advance because he gets booked pretty quickly :)

Feb 06, 2022

Leo is a hair wizard and a lovely human being. He has a deep understanding of how skin tones change throughout the year and makes color recommendations (partly) based on shades that complement my complexion that season. He has always listened to my requests, offered honest feedback and professional recommendations, and ensured that I was comfortable with each step of every process. It is clear that he takes great pride in his work. In addition to his expertise, what sets Leo apart is his affability. I felt at ease around him very quickly, considering how reserved I usually am. Leo has a warm, kind energy about him. Overall, Leo is meticulous, extremely knowledgeable, talented, patient, accommodating, professional, and very easy to get along with. I always leave his sessions with healthier, beautiful hair. I highly recommend!

Feb 06, 2022

Leo is very professional and his work is outstanding. He takes the time to explain what he will do, checks in constantly, and really knows what he is doing. I felt confident sitting on his chair from the very beginning. I had my first appointment for balayage 6 months ago and went in for a haircut yesterday. I was pleased with the results both times and plan to be back next year.

Feb 06, 2022

I've been following Leo around the city since 2014 and I wouldn't trust anyone else with my hair, I mean it. I've even recommended multiple friends to Leo and they are all loyal customers now too! The thing is, Leo is a master at what he does. He knows my hair better than I do and I always walk away feeling so confident and fresh. He's extremely professional and kind. I'd follow him to the ends of the earth!

Feb 06, 2022

I’ve been coming to Leo’s salon for almost 2 years now and he is the best!