As a woman with very simple, long straight hair, I generally go for cheap haircuts, but decided to go with Plan B this time as I rarely get my hair cut. Hair cuts are currently $50, which I initially freaked a bit at (thinking the $$ meant no more than $40), but with a $10 Harvard student discount, the price was reasonable. Despite being a small salon with only 2 seats, they took me as a walk-in right away, and were kind, friendly, and personable. My hairdresser (apologies, I forget her name!) took my plain, straight hair and somehow really brought out my natural color and shape. I really enjoyed it! read more

I went to Plan B to take the plunge for red hair...not knowing what I wanted other than a general idea...and came out with an amazing color! Liz is friendly, approachable, and great at what she does. I've been back several times since that day and will continue to. Great customer service, well worth the price. read more

WhO WOULD EXPECT A BLOW DRY WORTH 45$?!! geez, a treatment is only 30 and you charge me 45$ for a blow dry! I am literally shocked. Everything else is fine it's just the price is outrageous. People, ALWAYS ASK HOW MUCH THEY CHARGE BEFORE GETTING YOUR HAIR DONE. Thanks god they did not charge me for having a cup of water in the shop. read more

I was inspired to write this review more than a month after my cut there when I saw the owner Rick's response to other people's critiques of his salon. I too did not appreciate the way I was treated. I was rushed into the stylist's chair, my stylist spoke to all the co-workers who stopped by to say hello (it made me very nervous he wasn't paying attention to his work) and the stylist insisted that I needed a different cut than what I asked for, but eventually relented and cut my hair in a way he was sure "wouldn't work for me". While I appreciate someone's honesty and I do want to hear if a cut is heinous, I didn't like being talked down to and huffed over when I "got my way". I wanted to complain that day but didn't know what to say. How do you complain about someone's tone and their degrading attitude? But then I saw the way that Rick replied to some other of these reviews that he didn't like and I thought "oh, that's where the attitude comes from". I will definitely never come back to Plan B and actively recommend that someone I know never go there since they have an owner who thinks it's acceptable to blast random people in a public forum. read more

Had my hair cut by Rick last week. I'm picky about my hair and he was great. Accommodated all of my requests and had great conversation while he worked. Most importantly, the haircut passed the girlfriend test, so I'll definitely be going back. read more

Total disappointment, I should have called right away and said that I was not happy at all with the haircut. I got, but I got too busy and when I wanted to call. The five days or four you have to call them and let them know that I was not happy. Were over :( so, i have to say that this was partially my fault. I have a long hair and ever since I moved to Boston. I cannot find any good hairdresser who can do a great job with long hairs. I have had gone to even to the most expensive salons on Newbury and Copple Plaza and I still cannot find someone who can do a great job with long, shine, straight hair. Europeans are much better in working with hairs and also they charge you the right price and do not exaggerate as these hair salons do it. read more

I have been to Rick twice for haircuts and I will keep going back to him. The first time I went I saw him finishing up with a girl who went from very long hair to a pixi cut and he did such an amazing job. Both times I have showed him pictures of what I wanted and he talked with me about what I was going for and he came through perfectly. I was previously in a hair stylist rut and now I am so happy I found Rick! I highly recommend him! read more

Really really upset---I should call the salon and argue about this but I feel really taken advantage of. Whenever I make a hair appointment I ask how much it will cost. I work in healthcare and I am in school full time and money is very tight for me. When I called to book the appt. they told me it would be $68 for the color. I had a discount from my job so the color would only be around 50 dollars. At the end of the visit when I went to pay the women who cut my hair told me $105, which included the "glaze", I was NEVER told I was getting a glaze...but worst of all I was never asked if I wanted a glaze. This is something that cannot be reversed, so there is no reason to go back and get it fixed. I should have said something at the time but I was in shock. I should have known she was doing something sneaky because she wasn't being straightforward with the cost, she kept telling me different prices and wouldn't give me eye contact. In a time of recession, salons should not scame money from their clients, they should provide above average service. I am writing this review to prevent others from being scammed, just make sure to ask exactly what you are getting before you sit down. You should be able to have a choice, and I was never asked if I wanted a glaze, this was an optional treatment that completely covers every strand, when I mentioned in the beginning of the service that I still wanted some of my natural hair color to come through. Just bummed. read more

It is an average salon with average service. No major cons or pros. I have had one hair cut with the owner, Rick (i am not sure of the name). I have long, thick, wavy (beautiful) hair, and wanted a phenomenal hair cut, but instead came out with a very average hair cut, a trim, and some layers in the front. Nothing special, the kind of hair cut one can easily get anywhere, I expected more from an experienced owner, who claims to have been in the industry for years. Gosh, why are great, talented hair stylists so rare? Please recommed one. Price is really not an issue, I think, a good stylist is worth his/her weight in gold. read more

Deirdre is awesome! She matched my color perfectly. The owner (Rick?) was super nice, too! If you are looking for a place to go, where you can just sit down and not worry about what is going to happen to your hair... this is it! Highly recommended! read more

After years of being away from Cambridge, I have returned and gone back to Rick Fogarty. He is still the best hair stylist I've ever encountered, from Los Angeles to Shanghai. He perfects my angled bob hair cut every time (I'm always getting compliments). Also, the balayage highlights are such an amazing deal if you do the Friday Night Lights special. That I'm still going to Rick six years later is a testament to his talent as a stylist, as well as the friendship we have built. (He's so damn fun to talk to!) read more

I am such a cheap chicken - after being with the same hairdresser across two salons for years, I felt like it was time for a change after my last appointment. But a) I was sending myself on a big guilt trip as my hairdresser is really nice, and b) I just didn't want to spend the money. I could (cheesily) write that what I needed was a plan b . . . only I didn't even have a plan to start with! Until I checked my email and found my Daily Candy Boston in my inbox and a review of this new salon Plan B in Harvard Square. The initial visit to the web-site screamed $$$ and if that was the case I might as well head to Newbury St (which I swore years ago I would never do). However I managed to convince myself that an e-mail inquiry wouldn't be a huge deal. Rick was back to me in less than a day with an offer to look at my mangled mane and give his take. Next thing I know I am moving from consultation to appointment to hair I didn't know I could have - all in one afternoon. Rick is honest, patient (and you need to be with my picky concerns), and understands what you want - but somehow manages to make some small subtle changes that any other hairdresser couldn't get you to agree to - and the results are great! It's a shade darker than usual - but it looks more natural. The cut? Amazing! Absolutely recommended!! read more

Made a last-minute appointment with Plan B (it was really a plan B for me after a failed color correction at a different place that left my hair fried and multi-colored). Janelle worked really hard and fixed my hair at an extremely reasonable price, making it all one beautiful shiny color and doing a great job on blowdrying it. She also cut my bangs and made them look cute. Thank you, Janelle, you totally saved me! I will be a permanent customer now. read more

EDIT - NEWER HAIRCUT REVIEW: I also have good things to say about Janelle's haircuts, as well. Recently, at Pyara down the street, I had my hair absolutely mangled (we're talking a crooked mullet that was much, much shorter than I asked), with bonus attitude thrown in. That experience ended with being yelled at (literally) for not loving the mullet (I didn't even ask for a refund), plus a description of why "my lifestyle needs to be fixed." WTF. Janelle patiently fixed the mess to where I was looking like a tasteful, responsible adult again, and in a way so that it grew back nicely. Obviously, after my previous experience, I was really jumpy about haircuts, and I'm really grateful that Janelle tolerated my stress, and calmed me down. It was a lovely, no-stress, no-pressure haircut that resulted in the look I wanted. I was also happy about her integrity and lack of upselling. Because the Pyara stylist had chopped off all my highlights (see below), I was wondering how to get them back, and I'm happy that Janelle was honest, and suggested that I highlight only once my hair grows back to it's normal shape. Janelle does a really good job of working with the look the client wants, rather revolving around what the salon or stylist wants. It's a really good fit for people who know their hair, have a personal style, and know what they want. OLDER HIGHLIGHT REVIEW: I really liked my experience at this salon. I had the Friday Night Lights, with is a promo for highlights on, well, Fridays. I'm very happy with the highlights - they're subtle but visible enough to liven up my complexion. I *wanted* a very natural highlight to the color that my hair sun-bleaches to, so I intentionally didn't want a color process after the lightening. The goal was the sun-bleached look I had when I was a kid and was outside a lot, and my stylist (Janelle) certainly achieved it. At $60 + tip, the price was definitely right. Obviously, not everyone likes the natural color their hair bleaches to, so keep that in mind. I was really happy with the lack of upselling services and products, and the understanding that some of us have budgets. I also got a really useful tip for a skincare salon, so that was a bonus. :) read more

Just an update on my Plan B experience... Doritt has since left Plan B. When I made my first appointment after Doritt's departure, I was nervous to start with someone new. The staff at Plan B booked me with Jadie and assured me I would be happy, and they were RIGHT! Jadie understood me and my hair right off the bat. "Long layers without looking layered..." and that's exactly what she produced. I've gone to her four or five times now, and each hair cut is my new favorite. What's even more important than the initial hair cut, is that my hair grow out VERY WELL. Jadie's not only a good hair dresser, but a fun and spunky person to chat with!! Love her style, and I always look forward to my hair cuts with Jadie! read more

I had a great color treatment here before my wedding and look forward to going back.

I've been getting my haircut by JD for years now. She is fantastic and also gives me exactly what I want. Having straight hair can result in some poor attempts at giving me body, but JD always does it right. read more

I think I have tried just about every salon in Boston and Plan B is by far my favorite. Rachel is great, my cut always comes out nice, and the balayage last forever and looks very natural. read more

I'm not really sure where all these people with bad reviews went...but CLEARLY it wasn't to Plan B Salon. the only other explanation would be a general bad attitude. REGARDLESS, I am in LOVE with Rick and his whole team at Plan B Salon. I have curly/wavy fine aweful hair....or so I thought. I originally went to Plan B Salon with a voucher I purchased from Gilt City. I've been living in the burbs for the last year or so and cannot find a good salon. I traveled 45 minutes to get to Harvard Square and every minute was worth it. When I arrived at the salon, everyone was super friendly and very accomodating. I hadnt waited but 2 minutes when Rick sat me up in the chair and talked to me all about the Balayage treatment and how I could optimize the color in my hair. No one had ever bothered to talk to me about MY hair and what was best for MY look. Rick took the time to walk me through that. After receiving a wonderful Balayage treatment, the color in my hair was WONDERFUL! :) After my color, I got a cut from Doritt, and absolute GEM! In line with my experience with the color, Doritt was all about MY hair, what was good for MY look and was super friendly and professional. When I left the salon that day, I felt like a million dollars. I had fantastic color and a wonderful new cut that made me feel great. Overall, my experience was fantastic. Needless to say, I now make the trip in every 6-8 weeks to Harvard Square because knowing that I'll be happy, treated fairly, and not over-charged for the work, is well worth the drive from the burbs. Thanks Plan B Salon for giving me my hair back!! :) read more

I had just heard from my employer that I could color my hair any color I wanted, and having wanted to go teal for a while now, this place seemed perfect when I saw a review here from someone who already has her head teal. It seemed too perfect. Being overzealous and impatient, I called Plan B the same day to ask whether they did fashion colors and to ask more about it. Janelle talked with me on the phone to answer all my questions, and even had me come in the same day to do a "test strip" to see if my hair bleached to the necessary blond color they needed to go full teal. Janelle at least spent a half hour with me just talking with me about coloring my hair as well as doing the test strip (my hair was dyed a couple of weeks prior and didn't let up well). That 30+ minutes cost me nothing. I scheduled for her next available slot, and Janelle could not have more accommodating (there were some scheduling complications on my part, and she said that I could always cancel first thing in the morning if the appointment didn't work out). My hair looks great given my hair has been dyed multiple times before and I have dark hair to begin with. Janelle (and everyone there) was friendly, attentive, and informative. I would highly, highly recommend this place. read more

Jadie did a great job on my blonde highlights! She did exactly what I told her to. That means everything in a hairdresser. AND she is way cool to talk to and really made me feel comfortable. I finally found someone I like and trust to do my hair in Boston after a failed attempt on newbury st and one in the south end. I will be going back to plan b to see jadie from now on! read more

I've been going here for years, and even though I moved a bit farther away, I still come back. Jenelle and Rachel are wonderful! I go in for a hair cut a couple times a year (layers and trim), but come in about every 6-8 weeks for a bang trim (which are complimentary). I usually show a picture or a style I'm going for, and it's always come out exactly like I wanted it to. Plus, they are just friendly and warm, so it's enjoyable to visit. I am so glad I found this place, and plan on coming back for many years! Highly recommend. read more

This salon is the BEST! I have been coming here for years, first as a grad student and later when I returned to Cambridge for a job. I am always impressed with their ability to fit people in with short notice, their ability to cut hair quickly, and their outstanding finished product. I have reviewed this salon before when Liz was there, and I wanted to return to let site users know that Plan B is still doing impressive work. In addition to these great qualities, Plan B is one of the only salons in the ENTIRE Boston/Cambridge metro area that does the balayage technique. It is mystifying to me why more American salons prefer highlights to balayage - balayage looks more natural and grows out better. Needless to say I'm happy that this salon does this service, and does it well. My stylist is Janelle and she is outstanding. She's friendly, professional, punctual and has a great memory! She also is great at trying to understand exactly what you want with your style. I trust Janelle so much that I had her cut and balayage my hair in the weeks up to my wedding - with great results! I'd like to see more Plan B salons pop up around Boston and Cambridge - they do great work! A+++ read more

I went to Plan B for an asymmetrical bob this afternoon. I'm very pleased with the experience! Jadie cut my hair and she did an awesome job. She also gave me pointers for maintenance and styling and let me know what to expect in terms of "growing out" issues (like what sections of hair would probably flip out and need to be styled inwards). She also took her time with thinning out my ends because my hair is very thick and heavy. The price was pretty reasonable considering some of the other salons in Boston. Location is super accessible - only 3 minute walk from Harvard Sq. T stop. I will definitely be coming back for my touch ups! read more

I do not recommend the owner, Rick for curly hair. Very disappointed. He gave me a really bad hair cut that gives me the dreaded triangle-head. I'm now going to have to go to another salon where they know how to do layers, $90 down the drain. He also put on a glaze that served to cover up my balyage. So all in all the experience is going to cost me more money. What a waste. read more

I've been meaning to write this review for a few months but then I remember the nasty owner comment replies and think that should have been my first clue. I was really hoping this place would knock my socks off. I went in for a cut and balayage. I left in tears and with a glaze stain on my new shirt (and $250 lighter). Liz could see that I was upset and told me next time would be half-off but there won't be a next time. I've gone to Shag since, where they fixed the rusty orange mess left by Plan B and earned a devoted customer. read more

I made my appointment with Rick having read some of the reviews here. I had full highlights done in California six months ago and I needed renewal. I took Rick a photo that shows what exactly I want and I repeatedly told him that i want bright and blonde, very rich highlights especially at the front and on top of my head. It was alarming at the very beginning that he told me since he was a balayage specialist, he has not done highlights *for years*. The way he wrapped the folios was very clumsy , I could tell he was not doing this often, in fact I could tell he has not done it for years! and I don't know what kind of coloring material he used....I ended up leaving the hairdresser with half as many highlights I had ( rather than a renewal). When I gave Rick feedback, he was angry...He charged me 85 dollars for 1 inch simple trimming, with no layers, and I ended up leaving his salon with the worst coloring job I have ever received in the USA. He may be a good stylist but this man is a bad colorist and he is overcharging for what he is giving you. My feedback is stay away from this salon. F. read more

I went to Plan B because of the great reviews and blonde photos I saw. I was specifically looking for a salon that could do great natural blonde. My stylist was Jadie, she was awesome! Easy to talk to, very knowledgable about the products. On customer service I would rate 5 stars. However, my blonde color once I got up from the sink looked orange. I let Jadie know I was concerned and she put a glaze over it, when I got up from the sink the second time around it looked slightly better. Like I said Jadie was extremely accommodating and I was hoping the color would grow on me, unfortunately when I see my hair now (2weeks after the appointment) it just looks golden/orange, when I was looking for a more white/blonde. I'm disappointed by the color but the cut was great! My roommate went to the same salon a few days later and had amazing results! Just bummed I couldn't love my finished product as much as I was hoping. read more

After I wrote this review i heard from the owner Rick. He wanted to make make my experience better and offered to do a two week keratin treatment to help smooth out my curls. I took him up on the offer and was very pleased. He clearly cares about his clients and knows what he's doing. He also reshaped my hair, to make the cut/style more pronounced. I think I just had a one-off experience with one of the stylists--curly hair is more difficult to work with so I will grant her that. I am thinking of going back to do highlights -- the salon offers a very good promotion on Friday evenings. read more

Typically I see Rick but because I was desperate for a cut and it was just not his day in the salon I saw Janelle. Now I have two people I can see who both do an excellent job on my hair. I could not be happier with my cut! Love this salon. read more

I've been here twice-- once for a balayage treatment with Rick and most recently for a haircut with Rachel. I've been getting my hair done in Chinatown for years and was nervous about making a change, but am thrilled that I did. The folks at Plan B really understood my hair. I will definitely be back! read more

I had such a great experience at Plan B with Janelle! I had a terrible experience with hair color recently at another salon and my hair was a mess. After that, I igrnoned my hair for several months and I had bad roots, a dark band after that and then a mix of faded colors. She worked really hard but fixed everything to make my hair look great. Its been 48 hours and I am still so thrilled with my color. This is my new go to place for sure! Thanks so much Janelle! read more

I have been going to Rick at Plan B for 3 years. He does a great job with Balayage and his cuts are beautiful as well. He is a very nice and caring guy and am glad I found him after going to several other places in Boston and Cambridge that I was not happy with. Have referred several friends here. Am moving 400 miles away in a couple days but would almost consider flying back just to get my hair done here! read more

Balayage (highlights) + toner + cut to correct color (from DIY dye job I had done). I had a great experience here with Rick the owner. I needed to correct a band of black in my hair which resulted from me dying my hair and basically double processing a section of it. I had first been down on Boylston a few days before and had stopped into Athena Salon 425 Boylston where a girl analysed my hair and suggested using foil and bleaching agent where I had double processed then putting in permanent highlights in some areas and a base color everywhere else. That seemed a. like a lot of damage and b. super expensive.....so after reading yelp reviews I called Rick, spoke at length with him on the phone and booked an appointment for the following day. As it turns out, he uses a technique called balayage to put in highlights (which is what all the stylist do in France) and it looks much more natural than what I see most people in north America with (which is this super streaky look). http://www.videojug.com/interview/the-hair-color-process-2 He did that, and so he didn't have to lift out the double processed hair at the end of the day because he blended it in using the balayage technique (which saved my hair from being damaged). He then applied a toner which gave me this wonderful shine and covered my grey hair etc. At the end he cut my hair and overall what I liked about Rick was that he listened to me, in terms of my limitations for color, hair length, my goal in terms of growing it out - and within the confines I set out, he still had good suggestions, good ideas to not just do a blah cut but to do something stunning. He has a great sense of color and form. I think a lot of people could go to hair school and learn techniques, but I don't think one can really learn a sense of color and style. Either you have it or you don't. Rick definitely does. I also really liked the atmosphere there. When I arrived I was ratty and they immediately offered me coffee, water and a biscotto - which I gladly ate. Then I languidly paged through vanity fair and chatted with Rick as he applied the color. I would really suggest Plan B to people of all ages. read more

Rick, the owner, took me in on short notice and did a fantastic job fixing some uneven highlights for me! He used the balayage method and it looks pretty and natural! I'll definitely be coming back. read more

Called to schedule highlights, and I had an appointment within 2 days. I saw Rachel: she is sweet, listened well and produced great results. The color was beautiful and natural, recommend. read more

After trying many salons in both Cambridge and on Newbury Street I have happily landed at Plan B with a wonderful stylist by the name of Jadie. I have actually been a client of Jadie's for many years and she is trully exceptional! I am so glad that she is now working at Plan B - the staff there are great and the Salon is cozy, clean and not too pretentious. I have referred many friends and co-workers to Jadie and they have always been happy. She is an excellent stylist and gifted colorist! read more

A friend recommended Rick at Plan B, so I popped in last minute on Saturday afternoon and he was able to take me right away. I will say I spent a bit more than I would of liked, but it was worth it. I have been in Boston for nearly 3 years and have had a hard time finding the right stytlist. I have long layers that I have been trying to grow out and had a hair colour disaster, so it is a bit dmamaged. Rick carefully trimmed off the minimal amount without chopping it off, but still providing a good refresher. He also did an awesome job blowing it out and my hair is really tough to tame. So far I am super happy so far, color will be the true test, but I will definately be giving Rick a shot based on my first experience and the other yelp reviews. Oh and btw... Rick was really friendly as was the receptionist. Thanks Plan B! Fingers crossed for next time... read more

I have been going to Plan B for over 2 years now, and can't believe I hadn't given them the 5 star review they deserve before! The staff is attentive, helpful, and creative. They make you feel great even when you walk in with unwashed hair, and make you feel amazing when you walk out looking fabulous! I love Liz, and can't imagine having my hair cut or colored by anyone else... read more

Pricey ($170 for partial highlights and a trim - without tip), but the result is okay. Nothing fabulous, but a good trim and an okay color (didn't cover as much of my hair with foils that I'm used to nor did I sit under any heat which worries me about how long the color will last). The salon is clean and bright and the staff was very friendly. I was surprised my stylist (Rachel) didn't use a straight iron or any product before letting me out the door. For this price, I would expect to walk out the door with my hair fully styled. read more