I don't normally write reviews, but felt the need to do it here. I showed up on time for an appointment I had with Chris. I was told that Chris was "14 minutes away" which was unfortunate, but I figured I'd wait since I'd heard good things. 30 minutes after my appointment time, Chris still wasn't there. The disrespect for my time was something I've never experienced anywhere. Being late alone is a problem, but at least let me know you're going to be 30 minutes late so I can cancel or grab a coffee. The receptionist was really friendly, and I'm sure they do great haircuts based on other reviews, but the lack of professionalism and respect will make me never go here again. read more

I came into asa's after an extremely long and tiring day at work today and walked out 3.5 hours later with the biggest smile on my face! Everyone there is super happy to be there and excited to get to work on your hair! I didn't schedule an appointment, they just happened to have the time available and I was taken care of right away! There's no pretentious atmosphere that I find most hair places have, which is a welcome change. The stylist took her time with my hair and was very attentive during the bleaching process-just a retouch on the roots-and she minded my cartilage piercing the whole time so I would experience any discomfort. Overall the excellent service and price point is unbeatable in the Cambridge area! read more

ASA Hair Design - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Best hair cuts I've ever had Highly recommend Asa Hair Design to everyone. My stylist, Chris, is a creative genius. He does wonders to my hair. read more

This is the first review I've ever written for Yelp! I've been tempted before, but after having a really great experience at Asa Hair Design today, and realizing how outdated their reviews are, I'm finally taking the plunge. Here goes. I called to make an appointment at Asa and was greeted by a friendly soul who offered me some options and quickly booked me for the next day. I arrived and was warmly received by Nina, who seems to be sort of my ideal stylist-- warm and full of advice, but not intrusive or overbearing. She talked to me about my hair and the cut I'd like, listening carefully, and offered me a magazine to flip through while she clipped away. Perfect! When I looked up later, my hair had been freed from straggly ends, and Nina, after giving me some advice about styling, asked me if I wanted anything special. I emerged from the salon soon after, into the Cambridge sleet, with beautifully curled, tousled hair-- really a miracle given my stick-straight tresses. Nina did such a great job and, further, really seemed to enjoy her work and loved giving me advice. I am definitely going back to her. Pros: *great great deal. my shampoo, cut, style, and blow-dry was only $45. *good location. *despite being in the Garage, the space is cozy & pretty. *the staff is super-friendly & warm. *full service: tucked into the salon are a really great spa (so I hear) and a shiatsu masseuse. *Nina is fantastic! Cons: *n/a. read more

Well I felt good walking into the salon...but have kind of felt like crying the 5 days since! I wanted a cut and color, and felt confident that we had decided on a perfect shade for me. Saw samples and even a photo, great! Somehow that didn't translate into what I received. Multiple shades darker, and not even the correct tone of reddish brown that we discussed (or that was being excitedly spoken of during the processing.). Best part? The top half of my hair isn't even the same color as the bottom half! It's an interesting look, to say the least. I will never return to Nina (I believe this was her name, but I tore up the card soon after getting home out of depression.) It's a shame I didn't get the great experience everyone else had here. Also- why are the mirrors so high that I can only see my nose and above? Was my chair just crazy low? read more

I scheduled a last minute haircut before going home for the holidays, since I couldn't make it over the river to my usual guy. Their prices were good, their reviews were decent, and they're close to my office. All good things in my book. However, overall, my experience here was...odd. First, when I walked in, my stylist noted that it was hot in the studio, and asked if I wanted to remove my sweater. Fine, but I asked if I could have a robe. She hesitated, and I hesitated -- sweater chicken. Finally, I gave in and took off my sweater, revealing my tank top underneath. At which point, she blinked, said, "Oh, you have a tank top on - let me get you a robe." Odd. We went through the usual consultation (cleaning up my medium shaggy layers, cutting new front bangs), wash (great massage, btw), and began the cut. At which point two things happened: 1) She kept commenting about how she disliked razored and thinned cuts (being Asian, this is something that I do pretty frequently to my hair); and 2) She kept telling me that it would be fine if I "needed" to come back for her to correct it at any point. Why would you speak negatively about my current hair cut, if I haven't expressed any displeasure with it? Why would you continually hint that the cut you're giving me may not be right the first time? Again, odd. She did a just okay job with my layers, but sadly my bangs weren't great - first they were too long, then they were too short. I figured that I'd give it two weeks, then decide if I wanted her to fix it all. Two weeks has now passed, and instead of going back, I've decided that I'll just trim my bangs myself. I suppose that says it all. read more

LOVE THEM!!! I have curly hair and people always try and straighten it before they cut it. So many stylists have no idea what to do. But Gina was great, she had some great ideas and did a great job. I feel totally at ease when she cuts my hair and trust her ideas. read more

All five of these stars go to Geeta, an amazingly talented hair stylist and one of the sweetest people I've met since moving to Cambridge. There aren't many stylists in the area that know how to deal with the unique intricacies and challenges that come with Asian hair, but Geeta is a pro. She listens attentively, doesn't rush through any of the details, and makes sure you leave completely satisfied and looking your best. I don't know what I would do without her! Make sure you call ahead as this place gets busy (especially on Friday and Saturday afternoon). Prices are reasonable ($35-40) compared to other options around Harvard Square. read more

Chris cut my hair and made it look better than it has in ages! He is experienced and an excellent conversationalist. He's just a genuinely nice person and made my experience fun and worthwhile, which is hard to do with a measly haircut! The cut was $45...a great price for a true professional! Originally, I was going to go to Alfred Harvard Square Salon because it had great reviews, but when I called, they were a little rude (+ a cut there is $60!!!). Looking for a cheaper (and friendlier) alternative, I decided to call ASA, located in the Garage on the second floor. I think after five years in Cambridge I've finally found a salon I'm willing to go back to. It was great. When I got there, I was asked if I needed anything and chatted with the receptionist. He was very friendly and fun to talk to. Even the shampooing was great and included a little "massage". Overall, my haircut experience was actually fun, which was unexpected. I think I'll go back for some coloring in the next few months. I would definitely recommend it! read more

I have been to quite a few salons in the Cambridge area and the ASA salon has been the best so far. It's very easy to get to due to its central location in Harvard Sq. However, not sure about parking if you are driving... The salon is located in the Garage but on the second floor so you're kind of separated from all the restaurants and clothing stores (a good thing in my opinion). The place is nice, small but clean and welcoming. OK the hair: I have had two appointments here, one for a cut and one for highlights. I had Dougie both times. Overall it was a very pleasant experience! My impression is that Dougie has had a lot of experience, has a good intuition about what will work for you and your look. I am really happy with how my highlights came out, it is just the look I wanted! I think he is good at understanding what you want but also adding the professional expertise/suggestions for those of us who don't. I didn't feel like the process was being rushed and I had some really nice conversations with him. I think this ties into all of his professional and life experience, but he is actually a really interesting person and nice to talk to. So all in all I would definitely recommend this place, especially for highlights. read more

It's hard for me to give this place anything but 3 stars because I typically judge a salon on the cut, but I didn't even get that far at ASA Hair Design. Unfortunately my stylist didn't show up on time because there must have been a miscommunication about the time. I waited for 30 minutes and gave up. But you know what, miscommunications happen. We're all human, and I have no hard feelings about that. What bothered me about Asa is that it seemed like no one knew what was going on. There was no receptionist, and the hair dressers that were manning the desk were more concerned with what they were going to get for lunch, then the fact that I was waiting there. Then when I asked whether I still had an appointment, the woman I spoke to when I arrived looked at me confused as if she had no idea what I was talking about. It seems like this salon is very disconnected, everyone fends for themselves and has no interest in helping each other out. I don't like the lack of team effort here which is what really turned my off from Asa. Also, the style of the salon itself needs some organization. There was a massage chair I nearly walked into when arriving. This place needs a little TLC. read more

Asa recently came to my rescue when some hack at the Hair Cuttery nearby gave me a mullet and I needed it fixed ASAP! I called three salons in the area looking for a same-day appointment and luckily Asa had one that worked with my schedule. I got there at my appointed time and had to wait about 5 additional minutes for the stylist to finish up. No biggie. I was greeted by Geeta very warmly and I sat in her chair and asked her opinion on the best way to fix my hair. She was genuinely sad for me when she saw what someone else did to my hair and promised to fix it. About 40 minutes later I walked out with beautiful hair that looked EXACTLY the way I wanted it to look! She managed to take a horrible situation and turn it around completely. Best of all, the appointment only cost me $45, which is a real steal in Harvard Square! Geeta was super nice, very personable and sweet, and I definitely would not hesitate going here again for haircuts (and maybe color too!). read more

Every few months when I go to have my hair cut and colored I'm looking to have the full experience. I want it to be like a relaxing visit to the spa. My appointment with Dougie was just that. I left feeling refreshed and in love with my new locks. He agreed to meet me a bit earlier than usual which I really appreciated. He's only in Cambridge two days a week and with my work schedule I would not have been able to meet him otherwise. He was warm and friendly throughout the appointment. I cannot stress this enough!! He had lots of interesting stories to tell and I was constantly entertained. Dougie had a lot of good ideas for my hair so he worked with me in determining the best plan of action. He cut off the bottom few inches of my hair, and added some nice subtle highlights. My hair is still long, it's just healthy now and I no longer have unsightly roots :) He also styled my hair with way more volume than it has ever had before. It was a little overwhelming at first, but it calmed down throughout the day, and by that night my curls had the prefect level of bounce. I now know a great new way to pump my hair up! Also worth noting, he gives a great scalp massage when shampooing your hair! Just remember that if you want to leave a tip on your credit or debit card, that you have to tell them before they run it! You can't just write it on. If you forget you can just tell them and they will re-run it. read more

I went here on a whim while day tripping with me one in Harvard Square. I poked me eager Gulliver (A Clockwork Orange reference) in the shop and a hipster dude greeted us. He was cool and "axed" the hair stylist, Nina, if she could take me and she came out to look at me to size up the job and said it was doable. It was a half-hour wait so Mo and I went to Newbury Comics in the meantime. We returned and Nina washed me locks and started to cut oh-so carefully and slowly taking a long time to cut. Easily the longest cut ever but she did a bang-up job on me locks. So much so that Mo decided to have her flaxen locks done as well. Nina was big on layering our cuts and this seemed to be her forte. Mo looked unicorn AF and totally prom ready! All in all, it was "prawly" well over a two-hour stay for us, but worth it. The place is hip and a cool place to chillax. A total recommend! Get your Gullivers over to ASA ASAP, you droogs! read more

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The worst haircut I ever got in my life. I repeat, the WORST. I deeply regret paying a tip, they should have paid me for fucking up my hair. All I asked was a trim. I simple, basic, trim. They managed to completely butcher my hair, which came out uneven but also making my hair look like a sheet of brick or something. In other words, my hair now looks like craggly brick. I It's hard to mess up my hair, given that it's straight, thick, and just perfect. I have been selected as a "model" for trainees because my hair is that easy to cut and that hard to mess up. And this "professional" who charges $75 for a cut, manages to completely mangle it. I don't even know what to do with it, probably will have to shell out another $75 somewhere else to get it to an acceptable shape. Never go here, never ever. read more

I have lived in Harvard Square for quite afew years now. Originally, I used The Flame barbershop. George there was pretty good at giving a solid generic men's cut for $15, but I wanted something more. I went for a while to Liquid Hair in Back Bay. The cut was more youthful and I was OK with it for $50. Then I heard about Shag's in South Boston. Better still and I was happy to pay $60 plus tip, but then my hair dresser there decided to move on. I needed a haircut and swung by ASA, just up the ramp from Newbury Comics at The Garage. Chris was willing to stay after his usual 7pm stop time that night to give me a cut. This was MY BEST HAIRCUT EVER and definitely less expensive than Shag's. Chris and the manager/shampooer named Victor make everyone feel comfortable (my wife goes to ASA now too!) They are all very easy people to be with. The best. read more

I had a really pleasant experience at this salon. I called to see if anyone had canceled on a day with terrible weather, and they were able to see me shortly after. I'm not sure if it was because I was the only customer there, but Chris the stylist and the shampooist whose name I missed were really attentive but not in an overbearing or forced sort of way. Chris listened carefully to what I wanted and verified it by looking through a few pictures with me (ones that were from this decade, no less) before jumping in. I think a lot of times people get cuts that are *close* to what they wanted but not exactly right becasue the way they describe it is slightly different than how the stylist would understand it. Looking at pictures may seem old school but I think it really made a difference. The cut is a little shorter than I was anticipating, but the style and shape of it is so perfect that I'm actually glad it will take a little longer to grow out. I've found that most of the time stylists get pretty close to what I think I'm describing, but this was the first time that someone actually nailed it. I have to note the decor - it's this odd little combination of rustic and urban with flattering lighting. I can see why this salon has such high reviews - I left with an awesome haircut and I actually enjoyed my time there as well. read more

I have been going to Asa for years......enough said...maybe not.....I am always complimented on my hair, in particular the color. I am a red head and as everyone knows this is the most difficult of colors to get right in the business. I consistently come out of Asa Hair design with a great feeling and I know i look good. People tell me all the time, your hair shines like glass, or is that your original color, it's absolutely beautiful! What I like about the salon is it's layed back feeling. I have had my color done by Nina, Gina and Chris all with amazing results. For an added bonus they now have a skincare salon on the premises. I come all the way from the suburbs to Asa salon in Cambridge, and that is the reason why. Superb, consistent and extremely kind people. You won't be disappointed! Go To Asa Hair Design read more

I got my haircut from Amanda, who is super friendly and makes you feel comfortable. I wanted to go from pretty dang long (down to the middle of my back) to fairly short (just above shoulder length). I couldn't find a picture of what I had in mind and didn't know how to describe it, but Amanda pretty much nailed it. I have straight Asian hair, FYI. It cost $55 not including tip. I've been here once before, and I don't remember my previous stylist's name, but she was great too. ASA will probably be my go-to salon as long as I'm in Cambridge. read more

I am very picky with my nails! Rita has been doing my nails for many years ever since I moved to Cambridge. I am so happy she was able to relocate to Asa as this location is very close to me. Rita is very gentle and takes her time and always makes sure my nails are in great shape, edges clean, and cuticles completely gone. She is never in a rush and is very detail oriented. Many places I have been to in the past the girls are hurrying to finish on to the next customer. If you are looking for quality work, this is the place!!! read more

I haven't had a professional cut in a long time but was finally ready to treat myself so called Asa on a friend's recommendation. They had an opening same day, right after work for me which was perfect. I saw Nina and she talked to me about what I wanted (nothing drastic, just a cut) and checked in during the cut to make sure she wasn't going to short for me. The blowdry gave my stick straight, limp hair life and beachy waves! I haven't been that happy with a cut in a long time. read more

This place is not actually easy to find, it is on the second floor of a mall... Gina is calm, nice and patient, she takes her time which might be good sometimes, but for me, I did not like the results. It kinda wasted my time, 70 MINUTES working on my hair, really??? Doesn't it mean that she cannot do it right for men? I am a man though, maybe she is good for girl styles, idk. I was really embarrassed by my hairs since it was too short (I could cut my hair like that myself in 5 minutes, using a machine). I really wish never went there and I DO NOT recommend this place FOR MEN. read more

Nina took me as a last minute client and stayed late for me. I wasn't sure what i wanted, but she had helpful suggestions and a lot of patience! It was my first time at Asa, but plan on becoming a regular. The cut was perfect, the salon is friendly and comfortable, and the price was as advertised and very reasonable. read more

TO THE POINT REVIEW: PROS: Respectful of customers time, being time efficient by not handling too many customers, taking too many breaks or having a lack of organization which means I'm out the door faster, unlike other salons. Friendly staff overall, so I never felt uncomfortable. To be more precise, Dougie who was my hair colorist was engaging but not excessively where I couldn't enjoy my pampering time. Beautiful dye job. Not too expensive. Accessible via the subway CONS: Better to take the T here because you will pay like $8.00 for parking w/ a discount I am of African decent and came to Dougie for a hair dye job. I wanted more of a caramel blond color but I received a bronze blond shade, however to date this hair color is the most complimented compared to priors. The highlighting job was done beautifully. However the straightening of my hair,(I am natural aka no relaxer) was decent but I've experienced better straightening results at Black hair salons. However when consulting with Dougie about hair colors, he was very open to my wishes to satisfy me as a client but would also give feedback to choose best color for me. I definitely will be back for future dye jobs. read more

Welcoming and lovely space. My stylist, Nina was equally welcoming and lovely. My hair looks great and she gave me wonderful advice and encouragement to try new styles. read more

I went to ASA Hair Design yesterday evening for my first haircut since moving to Boston a few weeks ago. I was nervous (as I always am when trying out a new salon), but it turns out that my fears were completely unfounded as they did an amazing job! I got a haircut from Dougie, who was wonderful - a true haircut artist. I have long hair, and he gave me perfect "long layers". He was fun to chat with, and really made sure to customize my haircut to what I wanted (which I have learned is not always the case at some of these salons). Apparently he also does coloring, too, so I will likely be returning in the future for highlights. I highly recommend Dougie and this salon! read more

I have seen Chris for more than a decade for cut & color. He is the best. He's an experienced stylist, attentive, a great person, very skilled and I was referred to him for his ability to create highlights & lowlights that look so natural. On top of this, the salon space is beautiful and warm in Harvard Square (in the Garage), is uniquely small enough to feel like you get individualized attention, yet not too small. The others on staff are terrific as well, Nina, Victor, and more. I decided long ago I would never go anywhere else. Try ASA. read more

I went into Asa's this morning to get a hair cut. Granted I hadn't been to a salon in over two years and my hair had grown significantly. I called first thing in the morning, two hours before they open and I was able to schedule an appointment for the same day. Rene worked on my hair and she did a fantastic job. I've had shoulder-length hair before and it's difficult to make the cut look clean and professional. Rene did a great job with the cut and I was very impressed. Moreover, she was very kind and friendly. I cut off about 5-6 inches and had a shampoo and blow-dry with the cut. I was charged $65, which is reasonably priced considering its prime location in Harvard Square. I would highly recommend Asa's to anyone and I plan on returning for my next trim. read more

I have been going to Chris for a while and have always had a good experience with both the cut and the color. It is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. They don't do much children's hair but he was the only one I trusted to fix my daughter's hair after some self inflicted bangs. She had a great time. It's nice and quiet there so it was a good choice for my daughter. read more

I had a very bad experience here. the stylist was nice but her hands were shaking the whole time and my layers were uneven. blow drying session was a nightmare. she kept pulling my hair so hard with the brush it was painful. the only positive aspect: lower price. read more

Disaster! My hair is nearly a full inch longer on the left side than on the right. I had Gita. A very sweet woman, but she has just no skill at cutting hair. I have been methodically growing my hair out for 3 months. I asked her to cut off no more than a 1/4 inch, but she couldn't get it right. For A FULL HOUR minutes she trimmed, very slowly, bit by bit, until finally her next appointment arrived. When I put my glasses on, it was evident she had cut way too much off, and had turned me into a lopsided poof ball. Unquestionably the worst haircut in well over a decade. read more

Chris is a gem. I left with a skip in my step, and money still in my pocket.

Dougie and Svetlana are my two new favorite people!

Nina is the best. She gave me an excellent haircut! Not only did she give me a relaxing head massage while shampooing my hair, she also made me feel great during her service by tending to me. She gave me insightful tips for better hair care. I left feeling like a celebrity with ironed-curls I didn't even ask for. Of course the curl was temporary, but a really great touch. I got compliments everywhere. For $55+tip, I'd definitely go back again in the future. Reserved over the phone, a few days ahead. read more

This is a great place to get a haircut. I've been getting my haircut by Elizabeth. She is pleasant, easygoing and does a great job. They work with all hair types and there's a stylist for everyone. When she first cut my hair I freaked out because, even though it was exactly what I asked for, I had never had it cut that short before. But once I got past the initial shock, I was pleased with how great it turned out!! From what I hear, Chris is an amazing hairstylist and colorist. Many people adore him. read more

Still love Chris and all the staff and Asa...just got a new haircut (I'm often pretty boring in my hairstyle choices) and it looks GREAT and Chris did EXACTLY what I wanted. The highlights are amazing, as usual. Most of the world thinks it is real blonde hair! Cannot recommend Chris and Asa more highly!!!!!! read more

Good service, friendly people and great work! I came here on a whim when I decided last minute to get my hair done for my bachelorette party. I saw Nina who did a great job, was really nice, and I can't wait to go back for my haircut! read more

I highly recommend Gina for shiatsu massage. I was flying from SF to Paris on vacation and stopped in Boston for the day. While at Harvard campus, i walked in and made an appointment. It was one of the best treatments i have ever had. I felt amazing afterwards, plus i didn't have to take my clothes off or get oiled up and then need a shower. And, she does amazing hair cuts too. Multi talented and very friendly. My mini spa day was so much fun, that i will definately be back when ever i am in town again. Until then, thank you so much and all the best! read more

I've been getting my hair cut by Chris on and off for ten years now. When he finished my last cut he said that he wanted my boyfriend to say "Wow!" when he saw me. My boyfriend said wow, and so did his colleagues. Clean, without pretense and reasonably priced. If your hair needs a great pick-me-up, run to Asa's! read more

Chris is super nice. Great haircut for reasonable price. I continue to go back as a loyal patron.