Business Details
27 Years
experience
Eco-Friendly Hair Salon in New Haven | Karma Salon
Founded in 1999 by Cheryl McMahon, Karma Salon has established itself as a premier destination for eco-conscious hair care in New Haven, CT. Our studio combines a relaxed atmosphere with a commitment to sustainable beauty, utilizing organic products from Davines to ensure both client satisfaction and environmental responsibility. Cheryl brings over 25 years of expertise in styling, color specialization, and editorial work, having served clients from across the globe and contributed to major fashion events like New York and Los Angeles Fashion Week. Recognized as one of the nation's top 100 salons by BE Magazine, we prioritize personalized service, offering complimentary consultations and tailored hair solutions that enhance individual beauty.Our team's dedication to community extends through philanthropy, including wig styling for cancer survivors and partnerships with organizations like Matter of Trust. With a focus on innovation and integrity, Karma Salon delivers high-impact, low-maintenance haircuts, transformative color techniques, and keratin treatments that align with our mission of creating good karma for clients and the planet alike. We maintain rigorous professional standards while fostering a welcoming environment where creativity and sustainability thrive. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our use of renewable energy-powered products and a client-centric approach that values transparency, ethical practices, and long-term relationships.
Services
Haircut
Blowouts
Hair Color
Highlights
Ombre
Balayage
Keratin Treatment
Permanent Waves
Wedding Styling
Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of expertise in editorial and salon styling.
- Our team uses 100% organic, eco-friendly Davines hair care products.
- We provide personalized consultations for customized hair solutions.
- Recognized as one of the nation's top 100 salons by BE Magazine.
- Our philanthropy includes free wig styling for cancer survivors.
Services
Haircut
Our expert stylists create low-maintenance, high-impact haircuts tailored to facial structure and bone structure. Using precision techniques like dry cutting and razor work, we design styles that evolve naturally between appointments. Clients require minimal styling products and effort while maintaining shape and elegance.
Balayage
This hand-painted highlighting technique creates natural-looking dimension with gradual color transitions. Our stylists strategically place light and dark tones to mimic sun-kissed effects, offering long-lasting results that grow out beautifully without harsh regrowth lines.
Keratin Treatment
This protein-infused service reduces frizz and curls while improving hair texture. Applied in sections and heat-sealed, it provides up to six months of smoother, shinier hair with reduced styling time and enhanced manageability.
Wedding Styling
We specialize in creating timeless bridal styles and party-ready looks for special occasions. Our team offers on-site services with a $300 hourly rate, including a $250 non-refundable retainer for wedding bookings.
Color Correction
Our specialists address problematic color results with customized solutions. Using advanced techniques, we neutralize unwanted tones and restore hair integrity while achieving desired shades through precise color formulation.
People
Cheryl McMahon
Expert Stylist, Color Specialist, & Hair Healer
With over 25 years of experience, Cheryl McMahon specializes in editorial styling and color transformation. She has worked with major fashion events and television productions while maintaining a loyal clientele at Karma Salon.
Questions
What services does Karma Salon Salon offer?
We provide haircuts, color services, balayage, keratin treatments, wedding styling, and color correction. All services use organic products and personalized techniques.
How do I book an appointment?
Call us directly at 203-777-6333 during business hours. We don't accept online bookings to ensure personalized service for each client.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Gratuities cannot be added to credit card payments.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations require 24 hours notice for haircuts and 48 hours for chemical services. Missed appointments incur full charges.
Do you use eco-friendly products?
Yes, we exclusively use Davines organic products formulated with renewable energy and sustainable practices.
Are there package deals available?
Save 20% when purchasing six haircut appointments in advance.
Reviews (7)
Deena Nicol-Blifford
Jun 09, 2021
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Jane has been cutting my hair for years and she rocks! She and the staff is Karma are professional, talented, and incredibly kind! And now they are going above and beyond with their COVID safety precautions. Everything is proceeded and spaced out well, with all surfaces being fully cleaned before and after each guest. I felt very comfortable during my most recent visit.
Katrina Fowler
Feb 07, 2021
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I saw Brook yesterday after spending months being totally bored with my hair. I loved how she took the time to figure out what I would realistically want to deal with in a cut and style. She was so knowledgeable about the products the Salon carries, which smell amazing by the way! In the end I got an awesome cut and some tips on styling, and I'm incredibly happy that I went here. Best haircut I've gotten in a while!
Anna Edwards
Feb 06, 2021
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I've been to Karma a number of times, and I'm honestly worried about eventually moving, because I won't be able to go there anymore. Jane cuts and colors my hair and does an insanely good job. My hair is tough to work with and she nails it every time. I originally came to her because I made the cardinal sin of attempting to color my own hair in a pinch. You know the deal. it ended up tri-colored (and not in a nice, fun highlight kind of way. more like horizontal stripes across my head. not a good look).
She put in some solid time and I ended up with an absurdly good looking balayage that I couldn't have even imagined would have been the outcome. She's been my go-to ever since and she's a rock star. Highly recommend - if you want to see their work, check out their instagram: karma_salon_nh
She put in some solid time and I ended up with an absurdly good looking balayage that I couldn't have even imagined would have been the outcome. She's been my go-to ever since and she's a rock star. Highly recommend - if you want to see their work, check out their instagram: karma_salon_nh
Alyssa
Feb 05, 2021
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I went to this salon as it seemed to be a great place with good reviews. Honestly the worst waste of my money. I was promised, by Jane, that my hair would look exactly how I wanted, and left with half my hair one color and the other half another. The haircut was uneven and all different lengths, a five year old could have done better. I went back to speak with the owner, Cheryl, and was met with an unprofessional attitude and yelling while at the same time blaming the poor work of her staff on my hair.
The owner then proceeded to chase me out of the salon while trying to take pictures of me. I wouldn't waste your time, there are plenty of far better salons in the New Haven area who are actually professional and know what they're doing.
The owner then proceeded to chase me out of the salon while trying to take pictures of me. I wouldn't waste your time, there are plenty of far better salons in the New Haven area who are actually professional and know what they're doing.
Ash Ley
Jan 28, 2021
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I'm new to New Haven, and desperately needed a haircut after almost 2 years without a professional one. I booked an appointment at Karma and was very satisfied with my experience. Katy was friendly and gave me exactly what I asked for. My hair looks and feels great and the price point was very reasonable. I'll be back!
Amy Thompson
Jan 16, 2021
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Karma is great salon, and I have been seeing Cheryl for over six years. I love the salon and my cut and color from Cheryl so much that since moving to Hartford, I still drive down to get my hair done there. I feel so relaxed there like going to a spa. I have been going there many years, and I was nervous about going to get my hair done during COVID, but Cheryl explained to me all of the protections they are taking to keep us all safe while in her salon.
Some of the protections include not having anyone inside the salon until their chair is ready for them, no people waiting in the waiting area. The number of stylists and customers is purposefully reduced to limit interaction. During my last appointment it was only me, Cheryl, and one other stylist in the space while I was there. There are plexiglass walls installed between the chairs and everyone is masked in the space.
I have been to the salon three times in the past seven months and so far I have had a good experience and always felt safe coming in. Because this is one of the few places I go during COVID, I look forward to going in, and it still feels like going to a spa.
Some of the protections include not having anyone inside the salon until their chair is ready for them, no people waiting in the waiting area. The number of stylists and customers is purposefully reduced to limit interaction. During my last appointment it was only me, Cheryl, and one other stylist in the space while I was there. There are plexiglass walls installed between the chairs and everyone is masked in the space.
I have been to the salon three times in the past seven months and so far I have had a good experience and always felt safe coming in. Because this is one of the few places I go during COVID, I look forward to going in, and it still feels like going to a spa.
Harsha
Dec 17, 2020
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I went to Karma salon to fix my COVID haircut ( I had cut my own hair in a straight bob fashion, so you can imagine how well that went). Brooke, my stylist, was one of the friendliest and most knowledgeable stylists I have ever worked with. She was able to diagnose the issues with my hair (it is thick and coarse in texture) and was able to cut it so that it would not look bushy at the ends and would instead look sleek and well-shaped.
In addition, she was so effortless, graceful, and was full of recommendations for places to see in CT. I left with a haircut and a new friend! The haircut was also extremely reasonably priced for the quality of the cut and the expensive products that were used in my hair (including a soothing tea tree shampoo and conditioner and lots of heat protecting products). Definitely check this place out! PS: They are really cautious with COVID stuff. Everyone is wearing masks and seats are separated by plexiglass. I was told that they spray-clean the place with disinfectant every week and wipe down the seats after every customer.
In addition, she was so effortless, graceful, and was full of recommendations for places to see in CT. I left with a haircut and a new friend! The haircut was also extremely reasonably priced for the quality of the cut and the expensive products that were used in my hair (including a soothing tea tree shampoo and conditioner and lots of heat protecting products). Definitely check this place out! PS: They are really cautious with COVID stuff. Everyone is wearing masks and seats are separated by plexiglass. I was told that they spray-clean the place with disinfectant every week and wipe down the seats after every customer.
