I almost never post reviews, but every time I go to this salon throughout the years, the staff never fails to perform an amazing job on my hair, facials, pedicures, waxing, and manicures! This salon is fantastic, and the staff is all incredibly kind and helpful. They make you feel at home, and the pricing seems extremely fair to me. Amarilis, the esthetician, gives highly thorough facials that remove all dead skin cells and leaves your skin glowing and healthy. I'm forever thankful to Maria Chavez, the shop's owner, for transforming me into a new person each time. read more

Three generations of Santos women have frequented this salon. Back when it was Roman Coiffeurs to now as Salon Maria. When I tell you I feel like a woman again thanks to the special people here. Thank you Amarilis, Kenia, and Maria! read more

Lilo did an incredible, attentive job with my haircut. I usually get a straight across trim to be safe, so I was a little nervous about adding layers. He gave me just the right amount of long layers, keeping the shortest layer exactly at the length I preferred. He also took the time to nicely style my hair after the cut while showing me how to use the brush/dryer to get the same look. Thanks so much, Lilo! read more

I have been a loyal customer of Salon Maria for the last 4 years. I come in for a haircut and a blow dry every three months or so because I love the work they do. Not only are they incredible hairstylists, but have created a comfortable and family-oriented enviornment. I always feel welcome and relaxed while I'm there. Every employee is kind and attentive. I've created a really wonderful bond with this team of people over the last few years and wouldn't dream of getting my hair treated by anyone else in the Boston area. read more

I wish there were zero stars. I usually never write negative reviews, but this one takes the cake. I was looking forward to a mani/pedi after ages being broke. So I thought I would treat myself. First of all, the salon gave me an appointment early morning (9 am) on a Saturday. I was there on time, and we got started. First of all, the pedi that was done first did not involve any scrubbing of my feet. Literally, the lady only washed my feet and simply applied a new nail polish. I was stunned that my pedicure took only 10 mins. Then came the shellac manicure. Where do I start ? Again, no attention to detail, no scrubbing, no nothing. The lady didn't even cut my nails ! She used a file and literally sanded away for 20 mins. It actually makes my nails brittle and I told the lady. Still she didn't understand me. When I told her I wanted my nails round and short, she still kept making sharp edges/square tips. When she didn't understand me, she gave me the nail file and said do it yourself ! I was pretty irritated by that point and I couldn't even ! But I kept my calm, and just corrected it to what I wanted. Then came the actually nail painting part. I really want to show the crappy job done on my nails. The edges aren't clean, a few nails are not cut straight, and it's just a really bad job altogether. Never going back again. read more

I used a groupon for shellac manicure and I requested a french add-on. The salon look clean and professional so I had a good first impression. I was told about the $5 extra charge for a French manicure , so I assumed my technician had nothing else to say about it. Unfortunately, I had to learn from experience that she did not have the proper training and experience to do a French manicure. My nails were messy and not done the way I've seen other professionals do French manicures. From far away/arms length they looked okay, but definitely would never go here for a French manicure again, especially since she asked for the extra payment. My friend had the same unfortunate experience with her French manicure, but her pedicure was done well so I will leave 3 stars. read more

For those who are considering this place for the groupon deals, I'd recommend calling and asking if they'll let u pay the groupon rate in person. (Especially since groupon keeps 60% of the sales) That said, I found this place on groupon and bought the deal for a shellac + regular pedicure with Anna. She is fantastic! I paid an additional $5 for French tips on my toes (it's vacation season and I wanna be as low maintenance as possible haha) Not only was the service high quality, Anna was extremely personable. It was high quality because I usually come home and find minor issues but not with Anna. It was also high quality because one of my nail was injured and the bottom was "missing." I did not have high expectations when I came especially because I tried really hard to smooth it out myself already. Anna was gentle and patient and now... I can't get over now normal this finger looks! All in all a wonderful experience and definitely worth the original $80 price tag. Looking forward to Anna's blow dry next week! read more

I got a Groupon for an inexpensive shellac manicure and used it today. I'm giving them three stars, because I had to wait about 20 min. And I had an appt. Also, this is a no frills mani. Your hands aren't even put in water at any point. So, of course, there is no wax or perks. Simple, but pretty quick. We will see how it lasts! read more

Got a shellac manicure from Anna (they had a groupon deal going on), this may be the best shellac I've ever had done! Day 2, no sign of any wear-and-tear; nails look beautiful! Also she was very meticulous and spent a while making sure they were perfect! Before I left I booked another appointment in 2 weeks! read more

love love love Tom. Has been doing my hair for many, many years and his listens to what you want and he is fun and wonderful to chat with. Highly recommend! read more

Best/ favorite. Family owned/Woman owned business. Lovely and fun/funny, great staff. I started a yelp account just to recommend. Switching to them from my Newbury/Back Bay regular place. Also- I saw one of the reviews on here- knowing this place, taking 2 steps to the front desk or asking anyone to clarify what you'd like, they would be more than happy to help clarify or answer any questions. read more

Tom is excellent. Truly a professional and artist when it comes to highlights. He is also pretty reasonably priced! Don't be fooled by the fact that this place looks like more of a nail salon than a hair salon. As long as you get Tom, you are in good hands. I had gotten my dark blonde hair highlighted with a partial highlight in various places in Boston, but wasn't totally happy with any of them. I went to Tom right after one of the worse highlights I'd gotten, and told him what I didn't like about it. He listened carefully, and then spent a lot of time (and color) to fix what I didn't like. The result was really pretty, natural highlights. He even put some highlights in the bottom even though I only paid for a partial, because I told him I might wear it up for an upcoming wedding I was in. Tom takes great pride in his work and is a perfectionist. He wanted to make sure I had his contact information, and would come back if I saw a piece later that was not perfect. This interest in working with you, combined with the technical mastery to create exactly what you are looking for color-wise, is why I very highly recommend Tom. read more

I highly recommend going to Salon Maria for a gel manicure. I came in with a Groupon and I got no problems and it was easy to use it. I Would recommend requesting Maria herself because at first the the lady that did my nails didn't do as good of a job but Maria did a really excellent job my nails look fantastic I am so happy I hope that I could continue going to the salon for more gel manicures in the future I also think they have really good prices. A+ read more

I tried out Salon Maria because it is near me and they had a Groupon for a shellac manicure and regular pedicure. I had never had a shellac manicure done before, and I barely get my nails done, so I'm always apprehensive when I walk into a nail salon. The ladies were friendly and did not mind that I was clearly clueless about the process. I had Ana, who chatted with me as she did my pedicure and focused as she did my manicure since my nails are short and can be difficult to paint. Overall I'm happy with my nails and I booked another appointment to go back in 2 weeks to refresh my shellac manicure. I'd recommend this salon to anyone looking for a good beauty salon in Brookline. read more

In need of a mani-pedi I looked on Groupon to see what salons they currently had vouchers for in my area. I saw one for Salon Maria and checked Yelp for reviews - which were predominantly positive but with some major exceptions. I noticed that many of those who said they had used Groupons at this salon also mentioned getting 'dry mani-pedis'. One woman said when she asked why there was no soaking - or any water at all - involved she was told it was because they had found polish lasts longer on nails that haven't been soaked. Turns out THAT is NOT the reason this salon is eliminating the soaking step - as well as other steps such as massage, buffing and polishing feet, etc. - for their Groupon customers. I LIKE having my feet soaked and the dead skin scrubbed off before my nails are done. The buffing and massage feels great and leaves my feet feeling fresh - that is what makes it a Pedicure and not just a polish change. So I called Salon Maria to ask whether they ONLY do dry mani-pedis, or if the more traditional wet type are also available there. The woman who answered had a very thick accent, which I was totally unable to understand, and she didn't seem to understand what I was asking her either. I asked if there was someone else I could speak with, and she gave the phone to a man. I explained what I was asking about, and he said 'Oh, of course we use water and soak your feet'. I said what about hands and he said they soak hands as well. I told him I had just read the Yelp reviews and that many of them mention NOT having any water used or any soaking at his salon. And then came the REVELATION: He said 'Well, OF COURSE, we don't use any water for people using Groupons. We do less for them and spend about 1/2 the time we do for people who pay full price.' I told him that's not the way a Groupon is supposed to work. The whole point of buying one is to get a specific service for a reduced price. Not a LESSER service for the reduced price, because then there's NO 'DEAL' involved - which is what Groupon is all about. He told me 'All the salons do this'. I said, 'No, they don't. I've been using Groupons to get my nails done for at least 5 years and I've never encountered this situation before. I always get the same service that is advertised, with or without a Groupon.' i.e. - a mani-pedi at any given salon is no different when I go there the first time with a Groupon than it is when I go back (if I liked the place) later, without a Groupon. In an obviously annoyed tone he said 'Well, that's how we do it HERE'. I said I would go elsewhere, and hung up. Then I called Groupon and reported the conversation to them. The man I spoke to assured me that the way Groupon is SUPPOSED TO WORK is that you get the promised service for a lower price in exchange for paying for it in advance. He also said he would report the problem to the proper dept. at Groupon and something would be done to correct it. Not only are Salon Maria's owner(s) unclear on the concept of how Groupons work but they also don't seem to understand the idea of building customer good will. Groupons are one way for a business to expand their customer base. They allow people to try a place at a reduced price, and then IF THEY FELT THE SERVICE PROVIDED WAS EXCELLENT, they would go back and pay full price the next time. But if the service they got was of lower quality than expected, or they received a different (lesser) service altogether than the one for which they purchased the Groupon - as in the case of Salon Maria - it seems pretty unlikely they would ever go back. Customers who have gone to Salon Maria with Groupons for 'A Classic Manicure and Pedicure' have just been getting polish changes, and perhaps a bit of shaping - although one woman's review said the beautician handed her the file and told her to shape her nails herself - which shows incredible rudeness and a total lack of understanding the concept of customer service. One reviewer said she was shocked because her 'Pedicure' only lasted 10 minutes and used no water nor had other normal pedicure services. I've never had a Pedicure last less than 45 min., and an hour is more usual. So when the man I spoke to said they spend 1/2 the time for Groupon customers that they do for full price customers, I'd say he was grossly understating how much they reduce services provided to Groupon customers. You can get a polish change on hands for under $10 at most salons, and on feet for $10 - 12, or $20 for hands & feet together. Which means the $34 Groupon for a 'Classic Manicure and Pedicure' actually cost more than the NON-GROUPON price of the service that Salon Maria substituted for what they were supposed to provide those customers! Those who got less service than what your Groupon was for should ask Groupon for a refund. OR DEMAND THAT SALON MARIA GIVE THEM THE SERVICE STATED ON THEIR GROUPONS. read more

I have been going to Tom for my color and cut for over 5 years. I am in my mid twenties, and I want to keep my hair youthful, natural looking, and chic. Tom does it all! His highlights and low lights (I do a combo) are thin and close to the scalp, so they look VERY natural. So natural that I only have to go every 3 months or so....I have gone to other places where it is so unnatural that the second your hair grows a little you immediately need to go for a touch up. Not with Tom - it's awesome! His cuts are great - he gives me exactly what I ask for every time. He gives out his personal cell number, so it is always easy to get in contact with him and he always makes himself available to his customers! All of my family and friends now go to Tom because they are so impressed by how natural my highlights look and how healthy my hair is, even after years of highlights!! Thank you, Tom! read more

nice, quick, friendly service. good quality for the prices. got my hair colored by tom for the first time ever, so was pretty nervous about how it would turn out. he listened and was very attentive to what i wanted. however, it did not turn out how i wanted, and i didn't like it. i went in almost the very next day and tom was so kind enough to fix it for me free of charge, so they really value satisfaction and are super reasonable and nice. would recommend:) read more

Previously known as Roman Coiffures, this is a great family-run business and neighborhood gem. Maria has renamed her salon and is giving it a facelift by updating the equipment and furniture. I had never been there before but everyone makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door. I used an Eversave voucher that expired 2 years ago to get a pedicure and it was fabulous! Anna was attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. I also received a card that will allow me to get a manicure and pedicure for $40 my next visit ($18 off regular price). Thank you!! read more

This is William W. I am updating my most recent review which was not very kind or very fair to Salon Maria and to Tom who not only cuts my hair, but also my wife Elizabeth's hair along with coloring. I was too quick to judge during our 1st visit.Shortly after our initial visit my wife returned to see Tom because of the mistake of the previous salon and the incorrect information they had given me for my hair color. Tom has corrected the error and my hair has never looked better...I am so happy with the outcome ( Elizabeth ). As for myself (BILL) I continue to receive great haircuts each and every time from Tom. We apologize to Salon Maria, Tom, and the entire staff who has treated us wonderfully despite my initial review. If you are looking for great results along with a reasonable price and a friendly staff this is where you want to go. Sincerely.. Wliiam W and Elizabeth read more

Make an appointment with Tom! He's awesome and did an amazing job! He did such a great coloring job and the best haircut I've ever had. He's an expert!! read more

Worst manicure & pedicure I've ever gotten. I asked for a third coat and she wouldn't do it, finished and my black manicure was see through! She was still reluctant to put the third coat on! Then for the pedicure (if that's what u want to call it) she dipped my feet in water, dried them, stabbed me repeatedly while doing my cuticles, was running out of lotion but was too lazy to get more, put the polish on my toe nails as well as my toes (didn't bother to take it off either) and that was it. It was so bad, I left and went and got another pedicure read more

I purchased the groupon and decided to try the place. I went with Shellac French Manicure and let me tell you I had the best manicure experience ever. The shellac lasted me for 4 weeks. Anna, who is extremely detailed oriented, very positive and knowledgeable did really good job. Maria who is the owner of the salon is very welcoming and pleasant to talk to. I already scheduled my second appointment for the mani and padi experience with them again. I highly recommend this place. I have become their regular. The prices are very affordable and the quality of products they use are amazing. I give them 5+ for the service and hospitality. read more

Tom has been doing my hair for many years. He gives great cuts and does gorgeous color. Besides being a first-rate stylist and colorist, he is a warm, kind, and delightful person. I always enjoy spending time with him. read more

I got a Groupon for partial foils, a cut, and blow dry after doing some research and seeing good reviews for Tom. Unfortunately, I won't be coming back. I was getting partial foils, not my first time, and asked for something that looked natural with my dark blonde hair. What I ended up with were borderline bleach blonde zebra stripes and a straight line cut across my back that looked super blocky in front. To top it off, Tom even said himself he can't do a blow out. He used an old, falling apart brush and half heartedly dried my hair before somewhat poorly straightening my hair and, two-and-a-half hours later, sending me out the door. Not being from the Boston area, I made an appointment to go home and get my hair fixed. Thankfully I was able to get some of the damage fixed at my home salon (lots of toner and a couple inches off to make a nice, layered cut), but I definitely won't be back to Salon Maria. read more