I got a great creative short cut, fast work with attention to detail. The room had a good vibe, and they were able to schedule me into a busy day. All in all, my best hair experience in recent years. It's nice to see this flourishing of good salons in the area. I'll definitely be back soon. read more

Richard is fantastic. It took me forever to find someone to cut my hair in a way that looked awesome for less than $50. Every time I did find someone, three months later, they would end up at a different hair salon far away, or for lots more money. Richard is reliable, his aesthetics match mine, and every time he disagrees with me about what to do with my hair, 2 days later I decide he was right. read more

I had a couple swank events on my dance card and wanted to look especially fabulous, so I did my Yelp homework (it's surprisingly hard to find a Back Bay salon that's open on Sundays) and booked an appointment with Liz for a blowdry session. I came in just as they were opening for the day, so I was the only one in the place for a while. First impression? The space/decor is not much to look at. But Liz was attentive, cheerful and chatty, and I relaxed pretty quickly -- I'd rather have a "regulars swing by" kind of experience than feel like I need to be on my best behavior in a fancy spa setting, anyway. I didn't have a firm idea of what I wanted in terms of style, so I let Liz take the reins -- we ultimately decided on a half-updo so the gentle curls she set in my hair would stay in place until the afternoon. I love that she asked me what I thought of what she was doing every step of the way; I really got the impression she wanted me to be happy with the final result. And I was! $32 and I floated away like a princess; I wish I had an excuse to come back every weekend. read more

I desperately need a haircut and walked into Back Bay Hair Designs and Sarah was able to take me right away. Keep in mind, this is 6:45 on Wednesday night and they close at 7! I dont style my hair; I need a low maintanence cut and she was able to make it look natural, healthy and easy to maintain. Sarah was super down to earth, styled my hair with a blow dryer that looked like she had put a flat iron to it. I never felt rushed out of the chair. My problem with a lot of hair salons is that I don't need a dramatic hair cut, just a trim on the ends and they end up charging $65-75 dollars and that doesn't include tip! This place is really affordable AND the cut is great! I am totally going back here for my next cut. This salon is on Newbury so they have talented stylists w/o the pretenious, snobby attitude. read more

I had wanted to get a haircut for weeks, but couldn't seem to find the time to go. Finally, I decided that I couldn't wait any longer and after doing some reading yelp, I scheduled a haircut with Marcus for the next day. I usually wear my hair long, but wanted something different. Marcus took off a few inches, taking the time to explain what he was doing and gave me a great cut that hits just above my collar bone. I love it! read more

Update: Business is moving to Somerville. My stylist, Liz, moved next door to Viselli. Will likely go there from now on. I've been coming to Back Bay for about two years, and they do a great job. Liz cuts my hair regularly, and she is friendly, professional, and great at what she does. Back Bay Hair is a great value for the price, and I would absolutely recommend it. read more

I have never left a yelp review before, and I am not the type to. Growing up with a Cosmetology teacher for a mother instills a sense of obsessiveness about your hair. I have only gotten my hair colored by anyone other than my mom twice, and the first time was not ideal but okay at a more upscale salon on newbury. However, I came here feeling quite distraught about my roots and hair quality and I was delighted to have Jacqui work on my hair. Aside from being a sweetheart, she knew what to do and knew what I wanted and worked with me to pick out the best option. One of my friends said "that's your color, don't do anything else again" upon seeing the results and my hair looks healthier, shinier, and even fuller. I felt at home in the salon, and while it isn't as chic as the other pricy salons on Newbury, it doesn't matter - what matters is the stylists knowledge and skill. Jacqui even could tell that I had gotten a keratin treatment done - OVER A YEAR AGO - but was still able to pick up on it. She also was very kind and gentle to my very, very fine hair that breaks easily. I am so happy with the results :) read more

I've come here a few times to get my hair cut and colored, and while I'm not really loyal to hairstylists about getting my hair cut, I'll definitely keep coming here for the coloring with Liz - she does a great job, and is really consistent with getting the shade that I want. The only reason I'd give this place 3 stars instead of 4 is that it's a little bit pricey given the size and atmosphere - it feels a little cramped, has the sort of generic barber shop look, but has salon prices (a trim for long hair = $40, if memory serves) . Granted, I'm really happy with the results so I keep coming back, but there's a little cognitive dissonance whenever I get the bill. read more

I love getting my hair cut so I go at least every three months. I went here because I was sick of spending 80$ every few months when I really just like the feeling of people playing with my hair. I requested Sarah who was really awesome. My hair is pin straight so its very obvious when something is cut unevenly. She did a great job! I usually go to Salon 350 or Salon Red and I have to say that Sarah did a much better job of doing exactly what I wanted AND for half the price. The only reason why I give Back Bay Hair Designs 4 stars instead of 5 was because she kept trying to get me to try a relaxed perm when I really didn't want to. Also its a little dingy looking but totally worth it. read more

I went to Leon for a major cut and to talk about a color change. He was great, he listened to what I wanted and helped me figure out what was possible with my hair. I decided to wait on the color change, on his advice, but he did a fantastic job with the cut. I'm definitely going back. Edit 3/24/08 - Leon has moved to Brandon Keith Hair, further down Newbury Street. read more

Back Bay Hair gives Newbury Street service, without the price OR the attitude. I have been going to Back Bay for over 10 years and to Jacqui longer. The Owner John keeps the mood casual, but professional. This is NOT your upscale, glitzy salon -- it's a bit like getting your haircut at "cheers", whene everyone says hello and offers a smile, and everyone knows your name. But, the stylists get the same training and have the same techniques and tools as the other Newbury Street salons. And, many of the staff have been there for years -- it's a bit like an extended family. Jacqui is the only stylist who knows how to cut my hair, and she does so with painstaking precision, every time. A few times over the years I strayed -- whether because Jacqui was on vacation or I was having some other hair/timing emergency, and each time it was a disaster and have come back to Jacqui to fix it. The salon is small, and comfortable. The salon is not ovet-the-top "Newbury Street Chic", but then - neither are the prices! It's clean, efficient, comfortable, and friendly. I would recommend Back Bay and especially Jacqui for anyone looking for a stylist -- and who wants the latest styles and techniques in a comfortable environment without the attitude and prices. read more

Walked in here after walking down Newbury St. looking for a "cheap" blowout. Back Bay was hands down the best deal - $40 blowout plus 15% off for first-timers. At $34, this was almost as cheap as my $28 NYC blowout spot. That spot also had a slightly dilapidated look, but my Japanese stylist rocked my hair every time I had an event for 2+ years... so I don't judge by appearance alone. But I digress. Angela, who is new to the salon, took me in to wash my hair. I told her that I wanted a simple blowout with lots of volume. I knew I wasn't paying a lot for her time, and I didn't want to introduce something crazy into the picture that ended up looking... well, too salon-y. 35 minutes later, we're talking about wedding planning while she has pinned every part of my hair unto perfection. She gave me volume, she gave me the sexiest gentle wave - not salon-y at all, and without any direction from me. First thing boyfriend says when he walks in the door - "wow. you look so pretty." thank you, Angela!! She's new to Back Bay and is looking for customers, so if you say that I (Nita) referred you, you'll get 20% off your next service (full disclosure, so do I - but i am planning to go back regardless of discount). Enjoy! read more

I told Jacki I needed a new hair style and told her to let her imagination run wild! The end result was great, all my friends complimented me on my hair cut and asked me where I went. Thanks Jacki! Most recently, Marcus was the one who cut my hair. He is great! I love my new hair cut and on top of that, Marcus is a really friendly guy with an interesting personality. I love back bay hair design and recommend Marcus or Jacki. read more

I went there with my bridal party before my wedding reception and I wish I hadn't. After two stylists playing with my hair, they couldn't do a simple up-do without making it look super cheesy or alien futuristic. They were very sweet BUT super-slow, and two hours later after total frustration, I asked them to blow dry my hair straight, which I could have done myself and not been late to my own party. They are basic stylists--if you're looking for that added touch of style, creativity, edge, or sophistication, I would go elsewhere. You get what you pay for. read more

I met John Piazza at Back Bay Hair Designs many years ago. Whenever I went in to have my hair done, I gave John my requests. When I asked him to rinse the chemicals off the comb before applying the comb to my hair, John respectfully honored my request. I only had to tell him once as he remembered each time. He paid attention. When I asked for a particular color, he gave me that color. He always left it up to me to choose and honored my choice. I visited John in his new location in Somerville recently. His salon is clean, contemporary, and peaceful. If I ask for the music to be lowered, he shuts it off for me. He understands my need to relax and appreciates my need for quiet. I can have a conversation with him without competing with music. John listens well. He is mature, kind, warm, easy-going. As a hairdresser, he knows the contemporary techniques and styles as well as the old fashioned techniques. He cuts precisely and slowly so mistakes are not made. Try him for yourself. I think you will be happy because he aims to please. read more

Today, I had a very unfortunate experience at Back Bay Hair Designs. This is a salon that has been recommended to me by friends who are loyal customers, and I had gone there a few times myself. I arrived to my appointment on time, and was told the hairdresser would be right there - she was just running a little late. Thirty minutes later, I found out no one had actually been in touch with the hairdresser. As I sat and waited, I heard the staff commenting on her tardiness but no one kept me informed or spoke to me directly. Her next appointment arrived and the hairdresser still wasn't there. While I sat and waited, I wasn't offered any information, much less a cup of water or coffee. Frustrated, I left my cell phone number and asked for a call once the hairdresser arrived, and I walked down the block to get a coffee. Nearly an hour after my originally-scheduled appointment, the salon called and said the hairdresser had an emergency (no further explanation), and they offered me nothing to compensate for the fact I traveled to the Back Bay, waited an hour, and wasted my morning. Salons expect you to spend big money for a cut and color, and I'm disappointed that I was treated thoughtlessly and with poor customer service. Besides the waste of time, what frustrated me most is that the staff was dishonest that the hairdresser was running a few minutes late (when, in fact, no one had talked to her). The other red flag is that they didn't apologize, even when I said I would be taking my business elsewhere. I'm sympathetic that people have emergencies, but I'm disappointed there was no courtesy from the staff. I will miss Sara's cuts and colors. read more

Not sure why ppl are raving so much. I went in after reading these reviews for haircut with SARAH. Waited 25 mins. Hair cut was done in a hurry. She kept saying - i can come back for any correction; first thought it was nice- now realize maybe its common neways i had asked for simple trim with layers, i have upto shoulder length silky hair. but somehow she messed up. after first wash it was clear the layers were not in properly, it looked weird. So did a terrible mistake. I WENT back in. I also took a picture to show her and started explaining what i feel abt the haircut. Even before I could explain, she hurried me and had me sitting in the chair and started chopping off the hair. Even without WETTING the hair. Had me out in under 10 mins. She kept saying - I cant do 2 haircuts with same hair at same time. Then WHY THE HELL did you cut it; had u told me, let it grow out then we can correct it - would have trusted you. Now I have butchered hair. short- real short at top- and not even- cannot even tie up. Random un-even layers shooting out in the middle. Price for this $45. Overall this is just a fancy SuperCuts, you go in and pray u come out with a decent haircut. read more

I learned today that my regular stylist, Larry, won the Improper Bostonian's "Most Politically Incorrect Hairdresser" back in the day. Now that I look back on my conversations with him, yeah, he's a bit politically incorrect, but he'll cut your hair like a mofo on fire. All my life, I always wanted cool hair --- It wasn't until Larry that my wish was granted. Don't let the Newbury Street address scare you off. The prices are reasonable and not one person there possesses even a shred of hoity-toityness. In fact, some of them are certifiably insane, which makes the whole process even more enjoyable. read more

Jacqui is heaven sent, and I am very rarely happy with my haircut (i.e. when it's not cut by Jacqui). I currently live in NYC, but tried a number of Newbury salons during my 5 years in Boston, and have yet to find someone who cuts my hair (medium thick Asian hair) nearly as well as Jacqui does. Every time I get my hair cut, I am complimented by my husb, friends, strangers, co-workers, etc. The price is unbeatable, and when deciding to travel the 250 miles to Bos visiting Jacqui is a huge motivating force. read more

I was recommended by a friend and quite liked it at first. Leon cut my hair. He is very friendly and communicates well with his customers when talking about styles, etc. I have thick, curly hair and decided after getting it cut twice there that he just doesn't cut my hair well. I think he cut my hair the way he would someone with straight hair. If you do have straight hair, I would highly recommend him. And like everyone else said, it is very affordable for a downtown salon. read more

An overall underwhelming experience, although I will preface my review by saying I walked in a little timid about getting a haircut and color. I have been loooong overdue for a cut. I had been growing out my hair and bangs for a wedding, and now it was time for something with a little more oomph. I told Sarah to chop off 3-4 inches, even out my growing bangs, and throw in some soft layers without making it too choppy (I like to braid my hair on occasion and didn't want too many ends poking out of the braid). I also wanted to dye my faded brown hair into a rich chocolate brown with a hint of red that you could see when in the sun. Sarah was kind enough to hold a very thorough consultation prior to doing anything and elaborated on the 'science' of hair, which I found intriguing, but a tad overdone. And so the cutting/dyeing begins... The color: very lackluster... my hair looks pretty much like it's initial brown, just evened out, and the red is barely visible. The cut: She chopped off the perfect amount, but when I asked why there were barely any layers, she said that they were there, just very subtle. I've given them a week to grow in and I barely see them. But the worst was that she chopped my bangs that I have been painstakingly growing out for almost a year! They finally got long enough to tuck behind my ears and I simply wanted her to blend them into the rest of my hair, rather than looking like I was trying to grow bangs out. Her first try was unsuccessful (one side longer than the other), so I asked her to try again. Big mistake. Rather than razoring them or angling them, as many hairstylists have done before, she used this "chopping" method with scissors so that they looked more like an inverted staircase, rather than a smooth angled cut around my face. And then, she proceeded to cut Towards my face to - I presume - give it some texture. They just got shorter.... and shorter.... and shorter.... I left fuming and decided to blend and properly angle my bangs when I got home. The left side is fixed, but so much of the right was chopped off that I will just have to wait for it to grow out before I can try to blend it in. It will probably take me 4 months to get them back to the length they were at prior to going into the salon. I had hoped for a great experience, especially with all the wonderful reviews, but overall, I was severely underwhelmed and disappointed. read more

Came in here a couple weeks ago for a simple trim and left really unhappy with the result! The stylist didn't seem to notice that I had layers in my hair so just started cutting everything to one length. I finally realized what she was doing and asked her to trim all of the layers, individually - she seemed surprised and confused. Needless to say the rest of my time in that chair was really stressful and uncomfortable. She did a great blowdry but I'm really unhappy with the shape she's given me. I feel like she wasn't very well-trained in cuts, definitely won't be returning! read more

Guys Don't Do It! After over a year of growing out my hair, getting it trimmed once a month to keep it healthy, I had what I wanted. But, unfortunately I get bored quickly and decided I wanted to shorten it up and do something fun. After showing Christine (?) a photo of what I was thinking I restated that I didn't want it to look like I just got my hair cut and that I wanted to keep about half the length I had. With every snip she commented on me cringing but it was too late. When I thought she'd cut too short and told her she "evened it out" a little more and by the time I was done I would've been better off going to the barber for $15 instead of $45! I was so embarrassed when I saw my wife's reaction and all she could say was "Oh, I miss your hair already..." read more

I went to Jacqui based on her rave review here. She was pretty good and just as described! She had a lot of new insight into my hair (and I thought I knew it all), about the texture and what styles I could easily have. She listened to all my requests (no straight razor on my hair) and did a great job. This is now my place in Boston. read more

This is amazing for the price. I just went and had Elizabeth who was nice, fast, and SO GOOD! All for $38 b/c I am a first timer. Crazy cheap for Back bay and one of the best cuts I have ever had. I have long curly hair and she straightened it - looks amazing. Their products smell delicious too. Only downside is ambiance you def don't feel like you're on Newbury but worth the savings! read more

Called on a whim when I was in the mood to get my hair done. The gentleman on the phone told me I could come right over (which I find in this area is impossible). I arrived after a short walk from my house to very clean salon where I was kindly greeted and the hair stylist got to work. He was friendly throughout the whole appointment and listened to what I said I wanted. My hair has felt and looked great since the cut. I would definitely go back. read more

Cheap vinyl floors and old equipment give this place kind of a dingy feel, not up to the standards their prices suggest. My hair cut was of the barbershop variety. I wish the stylist worked with me a little more to determine what I really wanted. read more

I felt like getting a hair cut and partial highlights one day after going 6 months without. Found this wonderful place. Michele was willing to get me in and was super nice. She did a great job, and I want to keep coming back. read more

Liz is great. It's awesome to find such a good deal on Newbury st, and also such a good quality haircut. She listened to exactly what I wanted and made it happen, even though it was dramatically shorter than my current hair. I will absolutely be going back here for Liz at every future haircut. read more

I had my haircut by Jacquie, and she really is the best! I am so happy with my new style. She really listened to what I wanted, and also gave me some great suggestions and tips. Jacquie was precise with making sure my hair was cut so that I could part it on either side and it would still look great. I feel so comfortable with my haircut- definitely the best I've had in a long time. Of course I'll go back. I'm only sad that I didn't discover Back Bay and Jacquie sooner! read more

Thing I love most about John's haircuts is he always gives me such good haircuts that I can plan anything afterwards!! I have a lot of cowlicks and have had some scary haircuts from other hairdressers. Friendly and bright in the new Summerville location. I just discovered the café Forge, all excellent! read more

Back Bay Hair Designs - Hair Salons Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I decided to try something new to save a few bucks and get a new perspective on my hair (yet again). After playing around on Yelp I found Back Bay Hair Designs and specifically Sara. I booked and appointment and crossed my fingers...but Sara is great! I'll be honest, had I seem the salon before going, I would not have booked an appointment. It looks quite run-down and not that nice (especially given it's Newbry street location), but since I had already booked my appointment I went on in. I really enjoyed my cut with Sara. She really listened to what I wanted, explained what she was doing and gave me lots of great tips! I got quite a few compliments when I returned to the office with my 'new hair'. Also, with the new customer discount you really must try her out! read more

Don't judge a book by it's cover! It's true, the interior of the salon is dated and not like other Newbury salons, but who cares - I don't give a fig about what the space looks like because my hair always looks phenomenal when I leave. I have been going to Jacqui at Back Bay Hair Designs for about 7 years and have always had a great experience. Everyone in the place is welcoming and I feel like a part of the family. Cuts, color, Keratin Blow-outs - I've had it all. No annoying sales pitch for product and very good quality for the price. I definitely recommend Back Bay Hair Designs! read more

If you're looking for a perfect, professional hair salon with exceptional service, AVOID THIS PLACE. I've only been to this salon twice, once to get the keratin smoothing treatment, and then back to complain. First off, the stylist wore a hat. I'm not sure if that's her style or if she was trying to cover up a bad haircut. Either way, I found it odd. I have extremely thick, curly hair, where it takes an average of 1 to 2 hours a day to straighten it. I went in ready to get the keratin, and without hesitation they prepared me for the 2 hour process. I was thrilled with the end results, but after the very first time washing it a few days later, the keratin washed out! A $400 hair treatment that's supposed to stay in your hair for up to 6 months, washed out WITHIN FOUR DAYS. Of course I went back to show them my Afro of hair and how it frizzed back to the nappy curly hair in the heat, and the stylists AND the owner told me that that's how the keratin works!!! Either I missed that in my research, or they're bullshitting me and saying that keratin is supposed to make your hair super frizzy and unmanageable in the sun. They called me a liar and said that I'm making it up. I finally bought the keratin smoothing collection (shampoo, conditioner, cream, and spray, from Treseme at Walmart for $20, might I add!!) and the end result is MUCH BETTER than the $400 I paid for this "salon" I personally don't think this salon should operate on Newbury Street. It's far below the expectations. read more

I was able to walk in on a Wednesday at noon and get a wash, cut, dry, and style in about a half hour. My stylist did a great job and was very nice. One of the least expensive cuts I've had in years ($38 for a cut, with the coupn?) No frills, but nice, cheap, and easy. I'd go back. read more

This place is awesome. All the stylists Ive had are very talented and are also pretty cool to talk to. Favorite salon.

Liz Liz Liz! I can't believe there aren't more reviews on here about Liz. I'd been to this place once for highlights, at least 4 years ago. Can't recall whom I saw nor how satisfied I was. Let's say it went completely fine, but I wasn't sold to devotion. Probably because I stopped maintaining color, and as for cuts, I typically go as cheap as I possibly can... Fast forward to last weekend, when I'd hit an absolutely desperate point with my locks. I'd been growing my hair out for over a year, toward a length I tend to idealize but realistically cannot pull off due to my hair's natural texture coupled with my lack of commitment to learning to style it. I just wash and go, and it often looks like serious crap. I walked in on a whim, actually with the intention of chopping off almost ALL of my hair for the first time ever; like I said, this was born of the desperate sentiment that any change would be an improvement. What I really needed was to talk through my options, weigh my visions against a professional's advice, and get to a fresh, healthy cut. Liz nailed every one of those items. She listened with sincere patience and good humor as I rambled for close to 15 or 20 minutes, bouncing ideas off her and basically telling her everything I hated about my hair as it was. From all my jumbled thoughts she managed to accurately extract some themes and then gave me her honest and optimistic opinion about what would look good on me. She was entirely transparent about what she would do in each case, what the results may or may not be, etc. etc. etc. I immediately knew I was in good hands, ultimately proven true by the cut I walked away with. This was honestly the best hair cut I have had in years. She also gave me the most bangin' blowout. I know I'll never be able to replicate it but it looked so good (I'm not used to this, even coming out of a salon - my hair is tricky!) that I am inspired to bite the bullet and teach myself to do at least a decent blow-dry. Wish me luck. And for the record, even with zero styling on my end, I still love how it's been looking. In short, Liz is amazing. She listens, is sweet, and is exceptionally talented. I highly recommend her and can't wait to return. --Ursula read more

The owner is one of the rudest people I've ever met. I can't tell you whether he's a good stylist or not because I never got to that point. I simply came in to ask a question. After he curtly brushed me aside because he was too busy to talk to me, I stuck around a minute to see if I could talk to another employee. I guess he didn't like me hanging around because he insulted me in front of everyone in the salon, telling me I should learn to take a hint. I left promptly and I'll never be back. With so many salons on Newbury Street, I'm not sure why this one even exists. read more

i got my haircut by nicole @ BBHD it was ok. that girl's got issues! seriously i took a picture if her and she became a total drama queen. i mean she made such a big stink about it, for what? i thought the world of her and wanted just one picture of her, was that so much to ask? i don't understand why she won't talk to me or accept my apologies.next thing ya know, i'm told i'm no longer welcomed@ BBHD. saying it's because it would be akward and everyone would be uncomfortable. they acted like i took a picture of all of them and all i took was a picture of nicole, gimme a break. banned from a salon over a photo, i don't get it. it's such BS!!! and another thing my haircut costed $37- it was goood but definantly not worth that! that's cheap by newbury st. standards-which are very lofty. anyway, if you have that type of money by all means go. otherwise it just aint worth it. BTW don't count on nicole cutting your hair anytime soon she's on her maternity leave. so god only knows when she'll be back. one last thing nicole, i wish you the best of luck and i hope you have a healthy baby! read more