What clients say about Substance Salon & Barberspa in East Rutherford (NJ)
Every aspect of the experience at Substance is top notch from reception to hair wash to the haircut. Manny listens to your needs as a client and walks you through what’s possible and what works best for you. More than just a barber, wouldn’t go anywhere else.
The attention to detail was impressive, and Manny made sure everything was perfect before we left. My son walked out feeling confident and really happy with his haircut, which says a lot! It’s not always easy to find someone who connects well with younger clients while still delivering such a high quality result, but Manny did exactly that.
Between my wife and I in the year 2025 alone my credit card has charges for over $2,600 at Substance Salon. When I first started seeing Nick Ricarte the hair cuts were 50$ for 1.5 years, then one day he was upgraded to Level 2 and the price went to 75$. I continued to come, and continued to tip a consistent 25-30$ per cut. My schedule was every 4 weeks I got a haircut. On a previously scheduled day I had a medical emergency at work and missed an appointment, Nick was too good to even answer my text message apologizing or any opportunity at a reschedule. He did however have the front desk send me a text stating that if I wanted to be seen in his chair again I would need to pay the full 75$ fee for the service.
Out of principle I never returned. That policy is not clear anywhere, and a 100% no show fee is excessive. During my time there, the skin on the back of my neck where the skin fade was being performed every 4 weeks was developing what I thought were ingrown hairs. It wasn’t, it was transferred to my hair follicles by Nicks filthy uncleaned buzzers. Confirmed by my dermatologist today. I’ve had a new barber for 5 months, nothing, not even a razor burn.
I’m disgusted that I was exposed to that for so long, I’m appalled that these people don’t train people how to retain good clients. It is a master class in overpricing your self worth without providing the service you are claiming you do. And in a dirty environment.
I would never ever recommend any aspect of his services or client relationship capabilities.
Please, if you have curly hair do NOT enter this salon! I went in with long curly hair and left with a crunchy bob. From my experience and looking at previous reviews, stylists here will easily cut off 6 + inches even when I asked for a slight trim to remove split ends. My before and after speaks for itself. They don’t do any kind of traditional curly cut technique, instead scrunching your hair a few times and leaving you under a heat lamp for your hair to slowly frizz up. No leave in, no finger coiling, no diffusing, nothing at all.
I’ve already reached out to this salon to resolve this but they will just send you 1 message saying refunds aren’t in their policy and completely ghost you afterwards. Luckily I was able to dispute the charge with my bank to get my money back- so be prepared to do that when they butcher your haircut.
(And Substance please don’t respond to my review publicly when you haven’t returned my messages from the past week privately.)
I don’t even live here anymore — I moved to Texas — and I STILL come to Substance anytime I’m in town. That’s how good it is. I absolutely love this place. Consistent, welcoming, and always amazing results.
I recently came into this salon and had my hair absolutely butchered. My whole look was completely changed without my consent. I asked for a trim and an undercut. Ended up losing about 10-12in off my hair. My hair which used to hang to just past my shoulders now doesn’t even pass the bottom of my ears. Years of growing out my hair only to have it completely ruined by a so called professional. The main issue about this place is ego. They do not, I repeat DO NOT care about what you want. All they care about is giving you whatever cut they think is best for you based off of celebrity trends. Thanks to this place for the next 12 months I’ll be wearing hoodies and hats.
I had an amazing experience at substance salon. My 16 year old son had not gotten a haircut in about five years. Manny was exceptional. He took the time to listen, offer suggestions and styling tips and help to choose a manageable hairstyle that suited him. The transformation was truly remarkable. Manny is clearly very skilled and passionate about his work and the fact that he spent time to listen to my son meant the world to me. The environment of the salon was welcoming and professional. I would recommend to anyone looking for top level styling experience.
Substance Salon is truly my favorite—an absolute gem that has stood the test of time. What sets this salon apart is its unwavering commitment to excellence. Manny has always had an incredible eye for talent, consistently hiring only the best artists—professionals who take real pride in their craft and care deeply about their clients.
I recently started seeing Jill, and I couldn’t be happier. She’s incredibly talented, attentive, and made me feel confident and heard from the moment I sat in her chair. My hair has never looked better. Cheers to the whole team for a happy & healthy New Year ahead!
Jill is the best! Glaze, cut and blowout every three months and she always does a fantastic job. The salon is always clean and timely & follows up to book my next services. Will always recommend this spot.
Jana did an amazing balayage on me! The color is seamless, natural, and exactly what I wanted. She’s professional, kind, and really knows her craft. Highly recommend!
First time getting a haircut here and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. Manny is a master at his craft and well worth the price. He gave me suggestions after I showed him what I was considering and he worked with me to get a perfect new style.
First time at the salon & I got a beautiful cut by Jill. The vibes here are amazing and all the staff is so sweet. The offered me coffee immediately when I came in. I can’t wait to continue to come here and continue my hair journey with Substance
Had a really great experience at Substance - Jack was really attentive and took care to understand what I wanted in a trim/haircut, and he was also very friendly. He worked quickly and skillfully, and fixed up my layers perfectly! The rest of the staff were also very kind. Would definitely recommend :)
Loved my hair done by krissy! I came in asking for a purple ombré and lavendar money sign and it came out beautifully! I was also given wispy layers.. I’ve always gotten compliments ever since! I’ll definitely be coming back. Krissy and the staff are the best when asking for what you want and showing them pictures! Ill def be coming back for krissy and future touch up and hair colors!
Had a great experience at this barber shop! I went in with long hair and wanted a big change, and they did an amazing job. The barber listened carefully, gave great advice, and executed the cut perfectly. Highly recommend!”
I’m not a new customer and I was pretty satisfied with the service I was receiving. I scheduled my hair cut appointment almost a month in advance. On my way to the salon, I was asked to come in 15 minutes later - not a problem, could grab a coffee and a snack. Got there, was asked to take a seat. 15 minutes later I decided to check how much longer to wait and I was told at least 15 more minutes. It looks like Selena G. decided to squeeze a customer in between appointments and failed at her time management skills. I just walked away. I understand things happen and people run behind the schedule but this was not the case. Weird thing - the salon didn’t try to do anything to fix it. I guess that’s how much they value the customers.
I absolutely LOVE when I have to go to Substance for my highlights. The salon is so clean and bright. It's very relaxing and my hair comes out amazing every time !! Jill is a true artist ✨💫so glad I found her 💛
I was referred to Jill over a year ago to correct my color/tone and she did such an amazing job, I’ve been booking with her ever since. Substance is always accommodating with scheduling and also love that I can schedule online. I’ve been to salons where they overbook and this is not that type of salon which is refreshing. So glad I was referred here!
Substance is my go to salon! The owners are local, lovely people who know how to create an atmosphere you will want to return to. The stylists are wonderful, kind, talented and make you feel right at home. They go the extra mile to make you look glamorous and feel pampered! I am a regular for many years, have recommended this beautiful space to friends and family and will continue to do so. Whether you need a color boost or a world class blowout- you will not be disappointed! Substance rocks!
The front desk was very accommodating, I enjoy coming here to get my hair color and all of my hair health needs for many years. From NY Fashion Week looks to special family functions, thank you Substance Team 🤍💯💯💯 !!!!
I've been going to Substance Salon for over 9 years and seen them grow not only with talent but also as a great business. They are very personable and their customer service is amazing. Since then I've moved outside of NJ to NYC and people call me crazy for traveling 2 hours twice a month to get an extra dose of sexiness!
946 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford, NJAuto repair shop
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