Professionals who listen to their customers, I think I just found my hair salon! Lila helped me out and she was very sweet, and able to find the right style for me! I went in confident that I was going to get a great haircut and it exceeded my expectations. Though I would say perhaps to bump up the duration of the head massage but she threw up some free product use on my hair so no complaints there. Plus there's tons of meter parkings right across - always a huge plus for me. read more

I want to love HC Studio. It is extremely convenient - right by the Brookline Village T stop and a short walk from my apartment. They display local artists' work and play indie music without being pretentious. I went to see Melinda 2 or 3 times. She is a sweetheart and very friendly. She did a wonderful job on both my cut and color everytime. That being said - everytime that I went there I was there MUCH longer than necessary. The first time, I was kept waiting with the color in my hair long after the timer went off. When I took a look around, I noticed that Melinda was socializing with a friend that had come in to visit. I was sitting there for so long that another hairdresser finally came over to check on me. Plus, I'm sure I looked pretty aggravated after awhile. In the end, I was at my appt for 4 hours total for a trim and single process color. The final result of my appointment was so good, I decided to give Melinda another chance. It must have been a fluke right? No, the second time I went to see Melinda the exact same thing happened. It was terribly frustrating. Months and months later, I decided to give HC Studio another shot. The location is just THAT convenient. I went to see a new stylist, Kerri, for a simple haircut. I had full bangs a couple years ago and loved them, so I asked her to do that. I asked for them to not be too thick. Well, I can't really describe the result. They were very thick, uneven....just a mess. I nearly cried when I got home. I'm still having problems with them weeks later, because she took too much hair towards the crown of my head. I'm trying to grow them out and it is going to take some serious time. I know others have had very positive experiences here, so don't go based solely on me, but I've had more than one negative experience so it should be noted! If you don't mind possibly losing an entire evening or afternoon, definitely go see one of the regular stylists. Melinda definitely knows what she is doing. Good luck! read more

I went in for a color and cut with very specific ideas about what I wanted, including pcitures of the exact color I wanted and the cut I wanted. I wanted a very light ashy blonde with some lowlights woven in to cover my overly yellow blond hair, Instead I got an all over darker blonde color which looks absolutely nothing like the picture I wanted and absolutely nothing like what I very carefully went over with the stylist. Also, for my cut we agreed that she would only take off a half an inch. She took off two inches; I measured both before and after. I also requested a shaggy piecy look and instead got a very staid soccer mom style. I have had better haircuts at Supercuts. I am totally disgusted. I paid good amount of money for this and my hair looks awful Update: I contacted the salon after writing this review to see if they could fix my color and cut. I have been back twice now. I have been very, very clear about what I wanted. I was there today and stated very slowly and clearly that I wanted lowlights, that I wanted mostly my natural color back with just a few very light blond highlights. I stated very clearly that I did not want my hair to be a yellow blond. So now my hair is more yellow than ever, there a maybe a couple of lowights which are not my natural color at all and are mostly underneath, making it look like I have dark roots already. My hair is exactly what I stated I did not want. The owner offered to correct it again but I am done with this people. While I would have to give an A for effort, for sheer incompetence I would have to give them an F. I would like my money back. read more

I've been to HC Studio 7 times now. 6 of the cuts have been with Lila, whose haircuts run $41 plus tip. I really like the way Lila cuts my super thick, fairly straight hair, and how she understands that I'm not super chatty while getting my hair done. The studio is really clean and nice, they have complimentary wine, and the products make my hair smell good. read more

Great experience! I saw Valerie, who listened very carefully to what I wanted to do with my hair, which is medium length and pretty fine, so I always have issues getting any body into it. But Valerie did a great job - I am very happy with the cut, and it was only $55. I also appreciated that the receptionist was up front with me about the price before I scheduled my appointment. Other nice touches: when I arrived, they offered me a selection of coffee and teas, and during the wash, Valerie gave me a scalp massage. Great way to start my morning! Valerie also mentioned that HC was renovated in August. I don't know how it looked before, but it's very chic and relaxing now. I would recommend HC to anyone! read more

Well, I found it extremely scary to get my hair cut by someone new. But. I did it, and my hair looks great! If a bit shorter than I anticipated, though, I am growing it out, and it needed evening out in a bad way so I understand why, I just didn't anticipate it. My hair looks great though, super shiny and not soaked in product. The salon is nice, very cozy. It smells GREAT in there. Not chemically at all. I was also impressed to hear that they do rotating exhibitions of local artists. Yay! I love it when businesses branch out into the community like that. Donna listened to me, and took my overly chatty neurotic self in stride. I liked being back in a salon where your stylist does your shampoo. That way you really have time to talk to them about what you want to do and get comfortable before they start chopping away. I was especially grateful for this set-up because it has been so long since someone new cut my hair. They have a great selection of products, which she did not try to push on me, though she did make a point of using all natural products on my hair when I mentioned that was my preference. I think the line was called Momo... I can say that I will definitely be replacing some of my Aveda staples with this stuff. I loved it, it is very light and effective and does not leave a product-y feeling on your hair. However, just yesterday I got a note from a nice yelper telling me that Sonya is at Pyara in Harvard Square...so, now I am feeling really torn. This was a GREAT haircut, for a very competitive price literally around the corner from my house, at a local and independent salon. However, it just wasn't the same. That said, I'll definitely be back. Maybe I can alternate cuts depending on my mood and wallet girth. If you are looking for a great haircut, at a nice price, without the Newbury Street bullshit take a trip to the village, stop at kookoo cafe for a coffee and a treat and come here. You will be happy you did. read more

I just got a great haircut with Chris; he is a pro when it comes to changing styles, going from long hair to a new modern look or simply getting a clean, modern looking haircut! My hair is semi curly and I needed someone with extensive experience to style it properly. It was very easy for him to understand exactly what I wanted and his advisee was right on the money! He is one of the top stylist at the salon and I can see why it is worth the money! read more

I'm cheating on Station 8. It's so hard to be hair-monogamous ... shhh, don't tell. I followed the advice and asked for Melinda when I called, and it was one of the better decisions I've made lately. Melinda worked miracles with my hair. It's difficult, wavy, and long. She gave me a marvelous medium-length cut, perfectly layered. The ends of my hair have never felt so CLEAN, and my bangs are gorgeous. I hate getting my bangs cut because they've been screwed up one too many times before. But they's lookin' sexy, and the blow-out was the best I've gotten. Thanks, Melinda. The shampoo was relaxing and gentle; I love that the chairs have a reclining position for ultimate comfort. Minus one teeny-tiny star for incorrect prices on the website. Only a tiny difference but it would be nice to update, forplx. Still, a great experience. read more

I got my hair cut for the first time in 2 years at HC studio. Grace did my hair and it came out great. I'm a fan. read more

I would like to add my voice to the chorus of people praising these stylists for going out on a limb with unusual styles. I went to Melinda with some pretty badly self-hacked hair and left with a cute-but-distinctive "chop" (I've never heard that term, but someone else used it in a review and it seems apt -- somewhere between a pixie and a bob). She was also a great person to hang out with for a half an hour. Each day that goes by, my hair looks better. I will withhold a 5-star rating until I have repeat visits that were this awesome. _____________ I just bumped up my review to 5 stars because I have now been going to Melinda for haircuts for five years! I love her. HC Studio continues to be great as well; their gallery-like vibe lends support to local artists and they are generous with the free beverages. read more

So, I'm going to preface this review by saying I left my stylist behind when I moved. I loved said stylist - I always got edgy, cute cuts no matter if I was growing my hair out or wanted to try something new. Strangers would approach me to ask who cut my hair, she was that good. So, I was reluctant to go somewhere new, and I am ever in fear of the dreaded "mom cut." But, I grew desperate. I've been trying to get some length back and it had been 10 months since my last cut. I tried HC based on friends' reviews and yelp. What I got was the mom cut. Horrors! I tried my best to describe what I wanted, and told her what kind of cuts I had in the past and liked. (Very short, asymmetrical, razored layers, etc.) I was disappointed that this cute, hipster stylist couldn't make my hair look as good as hers. Based on the clientele I saw in the salon, they see more women in their 30-50s, keeping in mind that this was a Thursday afternoon. I'd say if you have a traditional cut, this would be an excellent choice. The service was indeed great, and all of the stylists were obviously booked and in demand. However, if you're looking for something with a more modern/current edge, maybe go elsewhere. This will get me through some interviews, but when I want to make any significant changes I will try a different salon. read more

Melinda. Enough Said. Except that I am going to say more, because that's what I do. It's pretty clear from everyone else that Melinda is a rockstar. She's always friendly and talkative and makes the whole haircutting experience pretty exciting. The first time I went to her, someone else at a different salon had butchered my hair; Melinda not only fixed it, but made it look absolutely phenomenal. Now that we are heading into warmer weather, in a slow, boston sort of way, I am going to have Melinda do some color for me, and I have no doubts that it will be as shiny and rich as much snobbier hair salons can provide. If you want chic environment, reasonable prices, and the best haircut of your life....MELINDA. read more

One of my favourite salons in the world and the only one I go to in Boston. They offer not only excellent cuts and colour but the Kenra treatments as well. A well kept secret among Boston's ladies. I was recommended to go to Jen after a colour disaster at Dellaria in Newton. She repaired the colour and condition of my hair in 2 hours. I now go to Jen and Chris who are both excellent colourists and stylists. Chris also does Kenra treatments. Easy parking and across the street from Brookline Village T stop. Has great wifi too. Tip:- Its worth booking ahead as they are in demand. read more

I have a hard time trusting people with my hair. It's finicky and difficult and so when my former stylist moved to Virginia and then I moved to Boston, it seemed like a better idea to just color it myself with supplies garnered from another stylist and cut it myself. Then I ran out of dye. Then my hair got into a state that could most kindly be called "unruly." A couple of friends of mine recommended HC Studios and, in particular, Kerri. One girl got the cut I usually go for (bob, bangs, aggressive straightening) and the other liked to try out all sorts of colors and styles. I liked both of their hairstyles so I went for it. I AM SO GLAD I DID! First of all, HC Studio is convenient by both the D-line and the 66 bus. It's beautiful inside, like a spa, and you get a robe and choice of beverage upon checkin. I tend toward late morning/early afternoon appointments so I've only had the water, but wine and cocktails are also offered. The first time I saw Kerri, I knew we'd get along. I don't remember what color her hair was then, but every time I go it's something different (this last time acid green, which perfectly matched her nail polish). I was being indecisive about color at first (I can't remember the last time I had a blank canvas to play with!), so I got my cherished one length, chin-length bob with bangs, all natural color. It was flawless! Emboldened by my great cut, the next time I went I decided to try out red. The color was impeccable. It was simultaneously natural and theatrical. Which was just what I was looking for. My most comfortable color is black, so the next time I went, I decided on a slightly different cut (more shaggy) and just had red accents (Joanna from Catching Fire was my muse). I usually switch it up a little every time I go, and Kerri is never phased. She passed what could be considered the ultimate test today when I decided to let summer win and just get a cut suited to my curly hair. She gave me exactly what I was looking for! I like to look around at the other stylists and clients while Kerri works, so while I've only worked with Kerri, it looks like all of the stylists are talented and great. I also want to note that the shampoos I receive here are the best I've ever had, with thorough head massages that have me practically drooling in my chair. Check them out! read more

I've had great experiences at HC Studio, both before Covid and now. Everyone at the salon is friendly and the staff is great. They take the Covid protocols very seriously, so you feel safe going in to for whatever hair cut/coloring needed! read more

I saw Samantha for the first time this evening and thought she did a terrific job! She spent some time clarifying what I wanted and then shaped and trimmed my hair as we discussed with skill and verve! read more

I love love loved working with Marina on my hair and makeup for my wedding. She has excellent style and is open to any ideas. Plus she is just fun to talk too. If I wanted something changed, she was all too happy to accommodate!! If you are looking for a great salon for everyday or a big event call Marina at HC Studio read more

I will be leaving Boston in July. I will miss many places, but none as much as I will miss HC Studio and the goddess of hair, Melinda. Both times I've been to HC Studio, I made the appointment that day and ended up coming in less than an hour later. Yesterday, after a brief consultation with Melinda about the cut (thank you for being so intuitive!), Andre washed my hair. Not to be over the top, but this was an orgasmic experience. I am seriously considering going in on a regular basis just to have my head massaged by this man. What I love about Melinda is that she really understands how my hair works and how to make it look the best that it can. I have very coarse, thick hair, and lots of it. Therefore, it requires a lot of thinning out and layering. Usually this can result in breakage (if a razor is used), and when it grows out, it gets bushy in weird places. Not so with Melinda--it grew out really well. The other things I love about Melinda are that she is really friendly, easy to talk to, and very attentive to detail. I am considering trying out color next time. read more

I recently had an appointment with Andrae. He was AMAZING! I went in, not really knowing what I wanted to do with my hair, and he was able to ask enough questions to get to know me (and my hair) and give me an incredible color. I was nervous having someone new color my hair, it had been a while since I had color done, and he really knew just what to do. He listened to what I said about my lifestyle, and what I thought I was looking for, and then used his knowledge of color to compliment my skin color. He also did my friend's color, and she adores it! Andrae is quite impressive at bringing out the right colors and finding exactly what you want, even if you didn't know you wanted it. I was happy with my color when I left the salon, which is saying a lot, usually it takes me a few days to get used to. read more

i love HC studio! I've had my hair cut twice here, both times by Melinda. The first time was in October, and in addition to offering me water or tea when I checked in, they were also offering beer and wine -- I desperately wished I wasn't spending the day studying, because I can't imagine a much better way to spend an hour than with a glass of wine and someone playing with my hair! Anyway, I have curly hair, which I do like, but I can't ever get it cut in ways that are all that exciting. I asked Melinda to try something new but not crazy drastic. She basically thinned out the bottom a bit to try to give it more "style." A couple weeks later, I realized I didn't love it, and she cut it more for free. I just had my second haircut a couple weeks ago, and I love it! It has volume and style, and looks great. Melinda is also awesome -- she's super nice and chill, she is happy to converse when you want and just cut your hair when you want. Like other reviewers, I've also spent a good amount of time talking about vegan baking and cooking with her, and raving over Veganomicon. Melinda is also COMPLETELY affordable -- in fact, she's really a steal. I'll keep coming here as long as I live on this side of the river! read more

Love this place! It's in Brookline Village across from the train station and close to the Kookoo Cafe. Love Kerri! Guys-go and get a cut from Kerri. Warning, they just remodeled and for a guy, it's a little too "White"! But don't let it stop you from going to see Kerri. She can cut hair in her sleep. She worked magic when I wanted a "new look". It was totally different & it fit! She also encouraged me to take it to another level that I had in my head to cut it all off! Now my friends freak out when they first see me. It's great fun. Everyone at HC Studio is really helpful & friendly. I always feel good after Kerri cuts my hair and after all isn't that what we all need. read more

Ruthie is amazing. She is my favorite hair dresser in the greater Boston area, and I have tried a lot! She does the best caramel highlights on my dark brown hair -- I have literally received compliments 6 months out. Although I think her specialty is curly hair, I have always loved the way she cuts my straight, thick hair (that grows forward). For cut color and partial highlights, the price runs around $230. The salon is literally across from the T, with plenty of parking, And they serve WINE! Its as good as it gets. Disclaimer: Despite her magical skills, I do cheat on her because I am a lazy, last minute Leo and you need to book her in advance -- so dont hold her responsible if my hair is not uber fabulous. read more

Even though I am a dude, I'm pretty nervous whenever I get my hair cut by someone new. So when I moved to Boston, I was looking for someone who does a good job. I found these guys on Yelp, and they had good reviews, so I went in. I got my hair cut with Melinda, and they all do a fantastic job of making me feel welcome. The haircut was great, too. And relatively cheap! ($35). I would definitely reccomend this place. read more

Super friendly and professional front desk and a gorgeous salon. Everyone is super friendly and the place is spotless. Have been having my hair cut and highlighted by Dez and never had a bad appointment. Complimentary cocktails too!! read more

Heading to Brookline for the appointments can definitely be a pain, but it is totally worth it. They renovated somewhat recently and it came out wonderfully. The decor is clean and bright. The people who work at the reception desk are friendly and attentive. There is always metered parking available across the street. All of these positives aside. Melinda is what makes this place really special. She is the absolute best! She is very skilled and her attention to detail is incredible. She's very personal and professional and does a great job with consultation. She really listens to what you want and provides great feedback before ever even picking up the scissors. I have always been extremely happy with her work. I do not want anyone else touching my hair. Ever. read more

I've been to HC studio twice now and I'm sold. The atmosphere is cool and clean and everyone is super nice but professional. I went to Megan for a pretty major haircut and she rocked it. I've been growing my hair out in order to donate it, and it was my first time seeing her but I brought a picture of what I had in mind (of Jessica Alba no less - setting the bar high) and she nailed it! She handled the donation part awesome as well, got me a glass of wine and made sure I wasn't too traumatized, then she explained the cut and what would work with my hair. She also styled it the way it was in the picture and talked me through what she was doing so I would be able to at least attempt replicating it. I was pretty sure I was going to hate having short hair after chopping 8+ inches but I totally love it! TLDR: Megan did an amazing job - I highly recommend her. I will be going back to her in the future! I think the cut was around $57 plus tip. read more

What an awesome studio. Great cut, love the product I got and the stylist told me to just stop in if I needed any tweaks in the next few days. The first time cut promotions are amazing. Definitely take advantage! Got a free deep condition and 30% off a shu umera product. Oh and there's wine. read more

Another recommendation for Melinda! A friend had suggested HC Studio when I was asking around about a new salon. After reading the reviews here, I figured asking for Melinda would be a safe bet. I'm so glad I did! She was really sweet but not overly chatty and clearly knows what she's doing. My hair looks and feels so much better and I've gotten multiple compliments on it. Also a plus - the shampoo and scalp massage done by one of the assistants almost had me drooling. Its more than just a quick shampoo and rinse. read more

This is a great salon - a warm and friendly atmosphere with affordable rates (my haircut with Melinda was $45) and fantastic service. I made an appointment with Melinda based on the Yelp reviews left by others -- I had to be patient since she was booked out for 3 weeks when I called. Melinda was worth the wait! She listened closely as I explained how I'd like my hair cut and made great suggestions. Since I'm growing my hair I was so pleased that she didn't over cut it and she did a FABULOUS job creating wispy layers and giving my hair a great new shape. I will definitely be back - Thanks Melinda! read more

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, totally affordable, and the best cut and colour i've ever had. Melinda is probably God's gift to my bangs, no joke.. and i'm not just saying this because they plied me with delicious cocktails. My hair looked even better the next day. I have no problem booking a month in advance to make sure i get in with her - i couldn't in good conscience go to another salon now. Melinda. MELINDA! The best. read more

I've been to HC a few times as I followed my stylist Michelle there from a different salon. I've recently lightened my dark brown locks to a light brown/dirty blonde and I love it (first time professionally coloring my hair). Michelle did an amazing job with my color and I get compliments every day. I went for a quick blowdry at a salon near my job and even the stylist there kept raving about my natural looking color and highlights -- that's when you know it's good! Also, I can't remember the name of the lovely girl who washed my hair BUT IT WAS THE BEST SCALP MASSAGE EVER. seriously. read more

This was my first visit to HC Studio. Everyone at the front desk was very nice and welcoming. They had a little welcome packet waiting for me when I walked in with some information about the studio which was very cute. They also offered me something to drink while I waited which only ended up being a couple minutes. My appointment was with Lila. She was super friendly and easy to talk to during the entire appointment. She quickly got a grasp on what I was looking for and made some excellent recommendations without being pushy about it. She gives an awesome scalp massage! I came out with a great haircut that she styled perfectly. They also use very nice, high quality products. Overall I'm super happy with my experience and will definitely be coming back again. Thanks HC Studio! read more

Melinda has cut my hair a few times and she is the absolute best! I have super thick, kind of curly hair that is sort of a nightmare to style. A lot of stylists have trouble with my hair, but Melinda knows exactly what to do. She always gives me great cuts that are easy to style. She does an awesome job giving my hair a really flattering shape and she makes my bangs look perfect. Plus, the prices are good, the studio is cozy, and you get free tea! read more

It is always a little scary to try a new salon and stylist. HC Studio has this great policy of offering a free consultation for any serivice you may be thinking of trying. I found this to be a fantastic service. I have been going to Grace for several months now for both color and styling. She is wonderful. She really listens and gets it right every time. Also tried the keratin treatment with Ruthie. It worked great especially for the three weeks I spent in Florida in March. No worries about frizzes at the beach. Fabulous!! If you are looking for a casual, classy and comfortable salon, you will love HC Studio. read more

Receptionist could be be more accommodating to new customers in booking an appointment. Does not help customer acquisition.

I explained to the receptionist that I am TOTALLY disabled and completely dependent on my caretaker who was running late. She said no problem just come when I can. I hadn't left my house in a month bc I am in so much pain. When I get there everyone there is staring at me bc i have a lot of trouble walking and then the receptionist said they can't take me! They said they called and left a message two mins ago. TWO MINS!!!! How does a diff of two minutes determine if I can get a haircut? I live three blocks away and we drove. They should've taken me. Then the receptionist says I was an hour late. I said my appt was at 3:45 and it was 4:15 AND THEY TOLD ME TO COME. She said yeah that's an hour. Look I don't expect hair salon receptionists to be geniuses but I expect them to be able to read a clock. So then I leave a message for the owner. She calls and leaves a message and says she'll call later. She never did. The next day I leave her a message to call me back. She NEVER did! I wanted to give them a chance to apologize and make things right but they're not even good enough to do that. So if u want a salon where the receptionist iq is over 70, people w disabilities are respected, and the owner can figure out how to call a girl back and avoid scathing reviews all over the Internet go to Sanela!!! read more

I was told by a friend that I should come here and schedule an appointment with Kerri. Unfortunately, she was unavailable and I desperately needed a cut/color so I booked with Desiree. When I called they encouraged me to come in for a consultation first to determine how long it would take for the color to process. I came in on a Saturday for a 15 minute consultation and it seemed as if things would go well. BOY WAS I WRONG. After she colored my hair, she proceeded to give me the worst shampoo I've ever had. I've had more relaxing shampoos by assistants. At one point I feel a gush of water go down my back, which I later found out resulted in a giant brown stain on my white sweater. When it was brought to her attention she said "I can recommend oxyclean" and then proceeded to criticize me for wearing white to a hair appointment and not taking my shirt off before putting on the smock. I've never had my clothes ruined at a hair appointment so this was extremely frustrating to hear. She also had me wait 45 minutes after shampooing my hair to cut another client's hair. She said this was because she thought it would take longer for the color to process, despite me coming in earlier in the week for a consultation FOR THAT EXACT REASON. When it was clear she couldn't give me the cut I wanted, she stopped, saying I could come back and see another stylist. I literally left the salon in tears. The only reason I'm rating this 2 stars instead of 1 is because of the front desk staff. They were nothing but lovely and gave me free products for the wait, a coupon for a free relaxing something or another, and a promise the manager will call me to discuss what happened. Desiree was downright rude and instead of being apologetic for her multiple mistakes, was just defensive. read more

I don't think they know how to deal with Asian hair at all !!! The designer insisted his way and did not listen to me when he gave me a cut. HELLO~ IT'S MY HAIR~ COME ON ! I was asking for a reshape trim. But now, I got a flat, thick, wig-like style. For the price I paid? I can have much better service in Chinatown, twice ! Over all, I will never go back again. Try other place, Asian girls. Seriously! read more

I had a cut and color done this morning by Allison and I love it! Also, I accidentally screwed up my alarm this morning which made me about 15 min late to my 8am appointment. I felt terrible that I was late but the staff was so nice and understanding about it! I'll definitely see Allison again for my hair :) read more

I've been coming here for the past 5 years or so. I had started by trying a new stylist each time. I didn't have a preference and was open to trying new stylists and every single haircut was fabulous! It didn't matter which stylist they set me with, it was perfect and then Lindsey cut my hair and I have been going to her and only her now ever since. She cuts and colors and always does a perfect job. She gives honest feedback on coloring process and always makes sure we are doing the most healthy option to keep my hair the best it can be. I have very long hair and Lindsey does the best job at making the cuts last while not cutting too much. She has great integrity in her work. Highly recommend. read more