I read the previous posts with interest and some amusement. I am a loyal client of this salon and have been for as long as I can remember. It's a busy salon because it is superb at what it does. I've never seen anyone walk out of there looking anyway but fabulous. The owner runs classes and expects each employee to do their best. The cuts are perfection and stay perfect for weeks and even months! I've watched my friends and relatives go to expensive salons and they may look good for a week or two but then, their hair looks a mess. The cut isn't done correctly and loses it's shape in a matter of weeks. They go back or search for another stylist wasting time and money. If you don't "like" the staff, why not talk to the owner? Do you want a new friend or a professional who will do an excellent job? I don't hire a technician for his personality, I hire that person for their expertise. I'm sure the owner would want to know if a staff person was rude- it's a business and seeks to serve not annoy. Be a grown up - you've paid good money and have a right to express your views. Nobody should wait until they have 5 bad experiences without talking to the owner! It's a very busy salon and I'm sure there are times when workers call in sick and others have to pick up the slack. That may explain one poster's experience. As for the crying assistant; if a stylist or assistant isn't up to par and can't handle a busy day well, s/he isn't up to the task and should probably find another job. Too bad all less than competent workers aren't dismissed in this world- maybe they'd learn they need to change their attitudes/grow up or just work harder/better! To the lady who wants to blow dry her hair, well, no high end salon allows "do it yourself" drying. If I owned a salon I wouldn't want someone walking out with a lousy blow dry. As to the woman who looked 20 years older- I wonder if she told the stylist what to do and then didn't like it. If you don't like your hair go back the next day and find another stylist or find another salon where someone will do what you want. That stylist may not be a good match for you. I can't imagine anyone there having attitude and saying she knows better.... I think Kenneth Wildes is a first class salon without the hassles of Newbury St. I may not like the decor, the chairs, the bathrooms or whatever else but, I'm not going there for those reasons. I'm going for a fabulous haircut/style and that's what I get. Always! read more

I am absolute beside myself reading the negative reviews of KW Salon. This place is incredible and if you haven't tried them then you are missing out!!! I have been going to Kristin Wildes for my hair for over six years. She is the wife of Kenneth and an extremely skilled stylist in her own right. I am a difficult client. I don't take care of myself and I am a totally jeans and t-shirt mom of three boys. The Salon always treats me like a princess. Rude? Stuck up? NEVER. Wildes Salon is real and grounded and I have never been made to feel less than or anything other than welcomed and pampered. Kristin has the amazing ability to tell it to you straight (yes, I'm going grey and my hair is thinning) and to be supportive, comforting and innovative as she works miracles to make you look your best. She KNOWS how to cut to maximize your best features. Even more impressive, she understands individuals and hair growth so well that your haircut looks even more fabulous a few weeks after a cut then when you walk out of the salon feeling like a million bucks. When friends come in from out of town, I bring them to Kristin. My husband now is a loyal client of Kristin's. And I haven't even talked about Kenny yet. Kenneth Wildes is a genius. He knows hair and has an incredible talent and dedication to his craft that is truly rare. Is he intense and passionate? Yes. Will he go to the ends of the earth for his clients? Absolutely. Kenny is an avid learner always pursuing further education and pushing himself to acquire the latest techniques and the best products. When they can tear themselves away from their family business, Kris and Kenny attend hair and fashion shows in NYC to keep their skills sharp and styling current. But they are secure in their skill-sets and never abandon their principles or deny the teachings they've gleaned from thirty plus years of experience or their naturally internalized sense of sophistication. Are they gorgeous stylish people? Yes. And I would hope to find these qualities in my hair dresser. But at Kenneth Wildes you'll also be cared for, respected and treated with sincerity. So my hunch is if you were told that your money's not green enough for Wildes Salon, you're a pretty difficult, unhappy, unkind complainer and perhaps slightly unbalanced. If you are a genuine person looking to feel and look fabulous and get a fantastic value for your money, go to KW Salon. And that's the truth. read more

I'm writing this because I've just come from my first foray out of the house, amidst the Coronavirus shelter in place orders. It was to Kenneth Wildes, and to be honest I was a bit nervous. I've been heading to Newton for more decades than I care to admit to see my friends at Kenneth Wildes. As a transplanted New Yorker I searched for years to find a salon that had the same level of expertise as the ones I was used to. Then I found Kenny and his team! Over the years, my haircuts (expertly executed by the beautiful and talented Kristin Wildes) have prompted countless comments from perfect strangers, and the color (flawlessly executed by @stevendoesmyhair) makes me look like the "natural blonde" I know I am! So after more than two months In my house, my hair was in urgent need of some help. When I heard they were opening up I made an appointment, although I admit I was a bit hesitant. Immediately on arrival I was greeted by a masked assistant who took my (masked) temperature, offered a clean pair of latex gloves, hand sanitizer, a plastic bag for my jacket, a clean smock, and then pointed the way upstairs. Upstairs the stations had been rearranged to allow ten feet between them, spotless plexiglass dividers split the hair washing sinks, the fans spun quietly overhead, windows flung open to the early summer afternoon breeze. Spotless, masked, gloved and distanced. When my color was done, I was shown down the opposite flight of stairs for my cut- again, sparkling clean, plenty of distance, and plexiglass dividers and shields wherever needed. The care that Kenny and his team have taken to reimagine what a top notch salon experience can be amidst an unsettling time reflects the level of excellence they manage in everything they do. If you're in need of a great haircut or some fresh color to lift your quarantined spirits, this is a wonderful way to pamper yourself a bit in a safe, thoughtful environment. read more

I will admit I was apprehensive about getting a haircut due to safety concerns around COVID-19 but Kenny, Kristin and the team at the salon have created an environment that made me feel very safe and they welcomed all of my questions about their new protocols. It is clear they take all re-opening guidance seriously, will modify as new guidance is put in place and also take the time to listen to you about what you need to ensure your personal safety. When you arrive you call them from the parking lot and they ask you to come to the door and they escort you in. You must be wearing a mask, sanitize your hands, get a temperature check and then you are seated. Separate entrances for arriving and leaving, touch-less transactions for payment and the salon itself is spotless with ample space among clients! Kristin cuts my hair and she is, as always, willing to go the extra mile to ensure you feel confident about your experience while you are there. I could not have asked for a better experience and booked my next appointment for one month from now. I left the salon with an amazing haircut and look forward to my return. This salon has their safety protocols down and their customer service remains top notch. read more

I have been a customer at KW Salon for several years. I always booked my appointments with their top stylist and colorist Sanela. She is extremely talented, and a consimate professional. Recently, Sanela left under unhappy circumstances, and is now continuing her fantastic work at Lord & Ladies at their flagship location in West Roxbury. However nice Kenneth Wildes salon might be, it is NOT the same without her. I have run into many of her fellow clients from Newton who have also followed her to Lord & Ladies, and we all agree. Sanela is a master, and the new salon is a fantastic place to be! I am so relieved she remains local because I would be lost without her! Also, I totally agree with Jennifer B.s post (I do not know Jennifer B., but noticed her post here). Lizzie B.'s post describes several experiences I had with the KW Salon front desk staff. They are ridiculous with scheduling and accomodating appointments. All I had to do was leave a message for Sanela to contact me directly and we were always able to fit an appointment in. Sanela is very accomodating. I imagine other stylists at Kenneth Wilde might be helpful too, but stay away from the front desk! Hope this is helpful to you. read more

My true story: I moved to Boston from Chicago in 2000, and soon embarked on a mission to find a great hair salon. I quickly became depressed by how difficult it was. Over years, I tried at least 10 places from Newbury to Wellesley and one haircut was worse than the next. I wanted a short, hip look for my super curly hair, and even with photos to guide them, no stylist would listen or deliver what I wanted. Finally, a friend told me about Kristen at Kenneth Wildes. I went there about 6 years ago, and have been happy ever since. She is totally great, cares about my feedback, and does a beautiful, careful cut each time. Kristen makes me look younger, pulled together, and NOT like a suburban mom! The salon itself is friendly, always on time, spotless and bright. I've brought my daughter there too, and she's always had a great experience with other stylists. Time after time, this place earns 5 stars. I have no idea how some folks have given Kenneth Wildes bad reviews, as in my years of going there, I have literally never seen anything but topnotch service. I am so glad this lovely salon is there to solve my hair issues! read more

When it comes to hair, I'm complicated. I'm 24, I have very long, very curly and hard-to-tame hair, and the beginning of grays. Of late, I also felt that my color was morphing from a warm, medium brown to a flat, dull shade. Enter Kenneth Wildes Salons. To start, this is a high-end, luxurious experience, from the desk through all aspects of everyone I dealt with. This was my first foray into color. Steven (master, maestro, maven ...) was so careful that this was my first color appointment. He explained every step he recommended and made me feel so comfortable. First, a one-color process to cover my burgeoning grays; then, the most amazing Balayage highlights with an ombre touch! I have gotten so many compliments from my own age group on up! Kristin shaped my inner Medusa into a thing of maintainable beauty. She is a sculptress that can cut hair to grow into a look that continues to be amazing. I have referred a bunch of my friends here and get very high marks on the service they've received. Kenneth Wildes Salon is the only business to which I trust my tresses. Don't look anywhere else! read more

I am in a unique position being in the skincare/beauty industry and get to visit many hair/skin salons on a daily basis. I have been seeing Kenny, Kristin and their team for a number of years now and would not go anywhere else for my hair cut and color. Nathaly has turned my natural brunette color into the most beautiful honey blonde that no one believes I am not a natural blonde! That is how good she is. Kristin cuts my hair and somehow her genius makes my fine hair look like it is full of body and double the thickness. I leave Kenneth Wildes looking and feeling like a new person. Upon reopening after quarantine, I was beyond impressed by the sanitation procedures and extremely smooth way they made you feel extremely welcome, but extremely safe/clean at the same time. Kenny truly is a genius whose passion for the industry and his passion to pass on his mentoring to his team is a wonder to see. They carry the best lines in skin and hair care and will advise properly how to care for your hair at home. An amazing place, with amazing people. Love them read more

The short message is: Sanela is the best! I have been going to her for color and cut for oh so many years, that she feels like family. When ever I walk out of there, I receive incredible compliments (including from the owner!) . I have short curly hair and have been to other stylists years ago wandering around lost unable to find a person who understood those curls. And then lo, my eyeglass person referred me KW for color ( to Diane who was also fabulous). A new young stylist, was assigned to me and it has been a match made in heaven since. Sanela has a way with the scissors that is magical. She is generous with her time and with figuring out the best approach. The assistants are polite and always give an extra scrub to make sure I get all the color off my skin. I only wish I had an event to go to every time I go there, as I leave feeling like a million bucks. Sanela rocks! And once I lost a treasured piece of jewelry of sentimental value, she spent the time to look after work and found it after no one else could locate it! my hero! read more

I've been getting my haircut by Shawneen for years now. I use to see her at the previous salon and I've always been completely satisfied with/how she cuts/styles my hair! Not to mention they blow away the very expensive haircuts I've had on Newbury St. First things first, when I walked into the salon I was immediately greeted by Jessica(the receptionist). She was very professional, alert and even took my jacket for me! Then I was greeted by Shawneen and as always took me to her station first to sit down and talk. She always takes just enough time to catch up on the last haircut and to make sure its working out or to suggest a new style. She sits and takes her time and actually LISTENS to me when I explain to her what works and does not work. Shawneen is focused and up to date. The entire staff was very polite and respectful! The assistant even offered me a beverage. I really enjoyed my visit this past week at Kenneth Wildes salon and I already booked my next appointment (she gets booked quickly)! read more

Kristin is a true artist. From the first time she cut my hair, people began asking where I get my hair cut. When I sat down in the chair she immediately understood the kind of cut I had and could assess what would look best with my face/shape of my head, how to best part my hair, etc. She is by far the most talented person I have been to in the Boston area, and I tried hard to find the best person over a period of several years. I give presentations regularly in my professional work, so a good haircut matters. Apparently she is known for having a knack for cutting curly hair, but I have thick, short, straight (with a little wave) hair. It is difficult to find people who are skilled at cutting short hair for women in Boston, because most women in this area wear their hair long... The reality is that Kristin's just good at understanding and cutting hair no matter what type, I think. If you want someone who *truly knows what she's doing,* see Kristin. Bonus: she's enjoyable to talk to! read more

I have nothing but good things to say about the Kenneth Wildes salon. I am only living in Boston for a temporary time period, but know I will have to come back to get my hair taken care of. All of the stylists at the salon treat clients like family. Here is who I see at the salon. Steven: my master genius colorist. I have very dark hair and he is able to add tones to it and make me feel like a Victoria's Secret model. He also cuts my hair and can diagnose the right cut for the style I wear and the amount of work I can put in. Michael: fabulous haircuts. Very unique style of cutting and literally does the best blow dry ever. Tom: junior stylist on the rise. Takes a bit of work to get him talking but so sweet and takes his time to be sure he gives you what you want. My blowdry lasted days! Lois: sweetest woman in New England and is a great waxer. Takes her time to be sure she gets everything. Tweezes and all! I would trust any of the stylists there to take care of me! Love this place. read more

I just had a cut and color with Nathaly yesterday under the new Covid 19 protocol. The salon did a fabulous job of keeping us all safe. I waited in my car until the salon called me to tell me to come in. I was greeted by a masked and gloved receptionist at the door and given hand sanitizer as she took my temperature with a touch less thermometer. I was handed a smock and went directly to my stylist who greeted me and started my hair immediately. I waited in the chair for the color to set and was washed and rinsed by my stylist who then took me to a clean chair to have my haircut. There were 2 other clients there when I was there and chairs, countertops etc.. were wiped down with disinfectant frequently. I paid with a credit card which was returned to me in a plastic bag. So happy with how careful everyone was as we embrace this new normal and return to salons.Thanks you everyone at Kenneth Wilde for following the protocols and making it safe to return to my magical hair stylist! read more

I was in CVS one day and noticed someone with a great haircut. I asked who cut her hair and she said that she had it cut at Kenneth Wildes, by Sanela. I immediately made an appointment with Sanela. She has now been styling and coloring my hair for over three years. Sanela is not only a remarkably talented stylist and colorist, but she is a lovely, caring person. She spends time talking to me about what I want to do with my hair and if she doesn't think I should do something, she tells me. And I value her opinion. She is ALWAYS right! If she ever decides to stop working, I don't know what I would do! (I had been to nearly every salon in Boston and the suburbs, but rarely exited happy about my cut or my color.) I find everyone in the salon to be courteous, friendly and very accommodating. I rarely have to wait more than 5-10 minutes, but if I did, it would be worth the wait, as Sanela makes me feel very special every time I am in her chair. read more

I have had read alot of negative feedback concerning the quality, and service @ KW. Before you form an opinion based on a few disgruntled customers. The business of beauty is ALL based on not whether the job was done according to the customer, and the end result is contingent on looking in the mirror and being happy, or unhappy with way that you look. Put youself in that position, go ahead. Not so easy after all. I have the pleasure to know at least 1 person who is an employee there. These people are professional, polite, and balance andkindness with grace. And lets not forget you are entering a high end establishment with the best in the business. So before you come on here and piss and moan, I suggest supercuts, located @ thousands of Wal-Marts and strip malls everywhere in the country. But something tells me you will be back @ Beacon Pl. in Newton, that is if you want to look great instead of garden variety........JS read more

I just read some of the reviews below and was shocked. I've been going to Kenneth Wildes for around 2 years now and have been nothing less than in love with this place! When I call for an appt, the receptionist is always helpful, and when I arrive they are so warm and welcoming. They take my jacket, offer me water, etc- wonderful customer service. I was never a loyal customer, always going from salon to salon because I hadn't had that "walk out of the salon feeling like a superstar" feeling... until I got my hair cut by Karen at KW. She is SO professional, knowledgeable, really nice and we have such a great rapport. She always remembers what we chatted about at my previous visit, and my hair always looks phenomenal. I am REALLY happy with everything about this salon. I have never been disappointed and continually to tell my friends to get their hair cut here, so now I'm telling you all, too... GO!!! read more

I had an amazing experience at Kenneth Wildes Salon! I came to the salon as a new customer who had a hair tragedy and was in desperate need of help! My long blonde hair was very damaged, broken and needed major color correction. Upon calling the salon, I spoke with Marisol, who is one of the most wonderful and helpful receptionists at the salon. She referred me to Stephen, Master Colorist. I met with Steven for a consultation and instantly felt at ease and confident that Stephen could help save my hair. Every visit to the salon after this was greeted by smiling Receptionists, Stylists and Assistants wanting to help. Everyone was so nice! I also had an amazing hair cut done by Shawneen. I had a wonderful experience every time I returned to the salon and my hair is so healthy and happy now! Thank you Stephen and staff!! Xoxo Kristi Bouchard read more

I recently moved to Boston and I walk right by those Back Bay hair salons, get in my car and drive to Kenneth Wildes Salons. Steven is the best colorist in the area. My hair is soft, shiny, and strong. I'm a brunette and over time, my hair had gotten too dark and was damaged from coloring. Since I switched to Steven, my hair is the healthiest it's ever been. Kenny has been cutting my hair and honestly, he has shaved 10 years off my look. My hair is very thin, but you'd never know it after one of Kenny's cuts. I have so much volume and bounce - I look like I have three times as much hair! The salon is located in Newton Centre with easy parking. The front desk is helpful and polite. They hang up my coat, get me coffee, and checked-in and checked-out as quickly as possible. I highly recommend the salon, definitely 5 stars! read more

I have been going to Kenneth Wildes for about 7 years. My stylist is Sanela. She has done wonders with my hair. I have thick and somewhat temperamental hair. Prior to seeing Sanela I had short hair and was certain I could never wear it on the longer side. But, she has changed that for me and now I have chin-shoulder length hair (depending on the season.) Her cuts are always great and they also grow out so nicely. You do need to book appointments ahead of time. But, if you just plan for that, it's doable. Plus, there have been times when the front desk staff/Sanela have gone out of their way to figure out an appt time that works for me. I would highly recommend that salon and absolutely recommend Sanela. read more