Design Studio

My husband & I recently relocated to Johnson City and badly needed our hair done. Not knowing anyone, we landed on Design Studios primarily on positive Google reviews for Sam’s expertise on curly hair. He didn’t disappoint. I only needed to tell him my preference and show him a few pics and he expertly took over. This was the best color job I ever received (and I’ve been to high end salons in NYC)!!! Also, he knew exactly how to handle my curly hair type and, for me, his cut was perfection. For my husband, Sam again showed his professionalism, recommending excellent hair growth product (we are already seeing results) and giving my reticent husband the cut he prefers (and likes) with very little input. Thank you,, Sam! We are lucky and grateful to have found someone in JC with so much obvious expertise. You’ve earned our trust- we will see you again in a few months!

I was in this salon roughly a year ago, but I need to share my experience. First of all this is not a salon. This is a pageant business run by a man that does hair services on the side. Also, the photos are not correct and not even of the same building that the "salon" is in. The actual "salon" is not nearly as nice as the photos on google, and is run down and feels halfway done. I came here because the reviews were good and they could get me in on a Saturday, and I wanted a silver money piece with a small silver peekaboo underneath the nape of my neck. From the beginning, I could tell the stylist wasn’t going to give me what I wanted and I wanted to leave, but I also didn’t want to be rude. Mind you, I have natural hair that has/had no dye on it. When I came out of the bowl, my hair was YELLOW. And had orange splotches. I explained to him that again, I wanted a silver/platinum color. He said that he "didn’t want to do a toner because it was more work." I insisted again, and instead of a proper toner he just put purple shampoo on my hair and let it sit. I left with absolutely not what I wanted…AND HE CHARGED ME 180 DOLLARS. 180 dollars for two bleached pieces in my hair. And then on top of that he told me he would only take cash, and wouldn’t accept my card payment. So I had to go to the ATM, get 180$ of cash, and pay this man. Overall the whole experience was creepy, and I found it super sketchy that they wouldn’t accept a card payment especially after totally botching my hair. I will include photos of what I asked for vs what I got below.

Sam and Jose are the best ever! Sam cut and styled my very very curly hair to absolute perfection. I am 66 years old (in a couple weeks). I have NEVER had such a perfect haircut for my type hair. I HIGHLY recommend Sam and Jose. The shop is welcoming, great conversation and a lot of smiles. If you're looking for perfection....give this salon a try. You will never go back to your old ways. Love this shop and have definitely decided this is the one and only who will cut my hair forever more. ❤️

My first time coming here and definitely not my last. I was waiting on Jose and Sam was very sweet . Jose did an amazing job on my hair from the cut to the styling. I was amazed that I didn’t have cash on me and I told him I would be back with cash, he said that was fine very trustworthy. I was so excited and happy that I forgot to ask what kind of products he used on my hair. If you’re looking for a great stylist, a great owner and a very nice to go then this is the place for you. My husband loved it.

So yesterday I happened to call to be able to get a last minute hair wash and Trim. Sam was able to squeeze me in for a last minute appointment. I was already very nervous for past experiences with getting my hair cut. So before I went in I looked at all the reviews and photos, I felt like it was gonna be great.. so I took a chance. I went in it was exactly like the pictures and very welcoming. Well Sam had me go to the shampoo area to have my hair be washed, I tell him before he got started I was already very nervous since I have never been here and explain how I am wanting my bangs to be cut.He reassured me that everything is gonna be great. Well He was very forceful on getting my head back in the sink, wonderful wash though very thorough and great products But then when he was done my hair was soaking wet and didn’t dry it or even wrap it in a towel. So when I got up my back was soaked and my hair was still dripping. That was only the beginning, I sit in the chair and explain what I wanted in detail to my bangs, to my face framing and to the cut. Well while he was brushing very aggressively to the point where he kept brushing over my eyes and I just noticed he was rushing to just get it done. Well he beginnings cutting my bangs I explain that I wanted side bangs and that I part my hair off to the side. Well he parts my hair down the middle and begins cutting straight across. I ask again these are side bangs correct. He said "yes this is just how I cut" so I said "ok you seem to know what your doing" so I leave it and he continues crossing my bangs back and forth over my eyes. Well I continue to have patience’s. Well he gets my bangs all cut, face framing done. Face framing perfect. Then begins blowing drying my hair very forcefully and aggressive. It started to look alright and he noticed my bangs were very thick off to the side and he tried to thin it out did nothing but make it worse. During the last moments off getting my hair dried he forcefully pushed my head down to my feet to get under my hair dried while sitting in the chair. Well when we are all done I fix my part and play with it. It looked pretty good I felt happy, but once I got out to my car to see it and play with it. There is a huge chunk of my bangs on one side cut straight across, no blend to my face framing, just a big chunk gone. I was horrified and disappointed. I have very long, blonde thick hair so it’s very noticeable. Very clean place but I wouldn’t recommend coming here. Sam was very aggressive, and not the most respectful. Honestly did not do what I wanted or even try to listen when I noticed something was not right.I have had many terrible experiences but this was by far the worst of it all.

Big shout to Sam! Started by asking him over the phone if he knew anything about naturally curly hair. No hesitation, he said absolutely. Then he got me in as quickly as possible and the result was fantastic. He washed and cut my hair for a great price while also putting me on a new product that was cheaper than what Amazon had it for. Overall, it was a great experience and I will be back.

Today I had the very good fortune of reconnecting with Sam the owner of the salon. To say I was pampered is an understatement. When I sat down I told Sam I didn't really know what I wanted. Luckily he said " well I do" and he patiently told me what my hair needed and told me the cut and style would open up and frame my face taking years off my appearance. He explained color technique and did beautiful lowlights. After a superb cut Sam showed me that I had the option to air-dry because the cut brought back natural curl. Afterward he did a blowout that left me with shine, volume and bounce. I'm thrilled with my new style and encourage anyone who needs a good trustworthy salon in a relaxing atmosphere, don't hesitate to make your appointment, you won't be disappointed! Best stylist ever!