UPDATE 4-26-2026: ~ AVOID ~ Do not roll the dice on this shop, or you will be sorry. I should have read the earlier review by S.O. who had had the same experience as me. The photo speaks for itself. Do not be fooled by the planted 5-star reviews of this business from single-review, fake accounts. The moment I entered their store and saw the run-down state of it, I should have turned around and left. She doesn't like my review that exposes the disaster that she created, so she calls it fraudulent. Do I need to show my ID and the card that I paid the bill with? I even gave her $10 tip for the nightmare that she created. She never asked me a single question to find out what I liked and didn't. She just took out her clipper machine and rummaged through my hair with a vengeance. She was in a rush to get me out of the door, so she could get to her old customer, whom she had double booked in my slot. It's not your decision what hair length I should have. Where I had asked to keep a 2.5" length, she kept only 0.5" and cut an extra 2". Where I had asked her to keep 2", she kept 0.5" and cut an extra 1.5", where I asked her to keep 1.5", she kept 0.5" and cut an extra 1". And instead of apologizing for the absolute disaster that she created, she is lecturing me! ______________________________________ UPDATE, April 25: I woke up this morning to an absolute disaster, 24 hours after my haircut, by far the worst cut I have had in years. Lowering from 2 stars to 1. I was supposed to have a passport photo taken in the next couple of days for an upcoming overseas trip. The photo will remain in the passport book for 10 years!! I could not have been more specific about what I wanted. I had drawn on paper the style that I wanted and had written in numbers the length of hair that I wanted to keep on different parts of my head. This was not a case of verbal miscommunication; it was the case of a hairstylist gone rogue, who decided on her own what cut she wanted to do, without asking me one question. _________________________________________ ORIGINAL REVIEW, April 24 - First time there and quite disappointed. Maro cut my hair in a rushed manner and paid no attention to what I had asked for. A few minutes after I sat in the chair, another guy walked in who apparently had a booking with her for the same time slot as me. She had double booked the slot and was rushing to get to the next person. When I entered their store and saw the run-down state of it, I should have turned around and left. When I go to a new hairdresser for the first time, I take with me a sketch drawn on paper that shows the cut I want and specifies in inches, written in numbers on the sketch, the length that I like to keep in different sections of my head. I do that, in order to avoid verbal miscommunication. I showed it to her, she took a two-second look and seemed dismissive. She ended up cutting an extra 1" to 1-1/2" more than I wanted. I have to wear a baseball cap 24/7 for the next 6 weeks to hide this disaster. read more

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I had an outstanding experience at Custom Cuts! I needed a haircut near my school, and was a bit nervous since I'm a guy with a difficult curly hair texture. But once I sat down and showed Maro the style I wanted, I could immediately tell she knew exactly what she was doing. She's extremely skilled, detail-oriented, and easy to talk to. It's also a family-owned business, so the whole place has a warm, welcoming vibe that you don't get everywhere. I also appreciated the complimentary hair-washing service, which made the whole experience even better. On top of the excellent haircut, the price was way better than I expected, considering I was being cut by a licensed hairdresser with over 30 years of experience. Everyone at Custom Cuts was super friendly and the atmosphere felt relaxed and comfortable. I'll definitely be coming back and recommending this place to my friends. read more

Custom Cut - Business Card - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

Maro is the magician with scissors! Place is nice and clean. And this is my first time reviewing because it's review worthy! read more

Custom Cut - Hair Cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

Worst men's haircut ever. I asked for a trim, just a little off. I ended up looking like I had joined the military. The place also smelled of cigarette smoke. Take your chances if you want but I won't go back. read more

I was a regular at Custom Cuts when I lived in the area. I had been bleaching my hair for years, and it was looking very dry and frizzy. Tamar was giving me regular cuts to bring out the best in my naturally wavy hair, and she also talked me into growing out my color. She helped me so much in getting my hair back in shape. She also did an excellent job with the color for my husband, who is mostly gray and wanting it covered. We had a great experience, and I highly recommend her. The salon has a friendly and intimate vibe and Tamar and Maro are very friendly and easy to chat to. read more

Tamar is a great hair stylist and great at what she does.. I leave extremely happy every time.I recommend her to anyone male or female.

Awesome mother and daughter salon! I love coming here. They are both excellent, hardworking, and I always enjoy our conversations too. I will keep coming back to Tamar and Maro, they are the best! read more

Been cutting my own hair since the beginning of the the pandemic so there was a wee bit of whee going on. Maro have me a great cut, evening out the wheeeness and adding some body to the cut. She's so nice and lovely to talk to! Couldn't upload my new haircut photo for some reason, sorry! read more

Good haircut, good price, good advice. Went back and got a deep conditioning treatment which did wonders for my hair.

Best salon ever! I am adopting Maro!! She went above and beyond, taking me last minute, and gave me a beautiful cut. I have long and thick hair that was heavy. She lightened me up beautifully and I love the way my hair falls right now. I wish it could look like this everyday. Thank you Maro! I can't wait to see her again! read more

Custom Cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

Simply the best from hair styling to the mother daughter team. you walk in as strangers and leave thinking you have a new best friend and YOU DO. they are both pros in their field highly recommend read more

It was my first time at Custom Cuts as I was looking for a local salon. Tamar was wonderful, very attentive to how I wanted my hair cut. It came out perfect. Very personable experience, and the price is very reasonable. I'll definitely be back. Thank you! read more

Based upon the reviews on Yelp, I tried Custom Cut. Mora gave me a PERFECT cut, just as I described. I have limp and fine wavy hair and after Mora's treatment and cut you wouldn't believe that was the same head of hair. I will definitely be back! read more

Custom Cut - Beautiful Hair Cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

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Maro was super nice and she gave me a great haircut at a reasonable price. I'm definitely going back to her from now on!

Dropped by after work today to get a haircut, and this place is an absolute gem. Maro is very communicative and knows what works for different hair types. I came in with a lion's mane and left looking like a CEO. I can describe this place as somewhere that feels like home. Very much recommended. read more

Solid place to get a good hair cut in Waltham. Great service and very friendly staff and the prices are very reasonable. It was not too busy on a weekend morning. I will definitely return to support this family-owned business. read more

Excellent choice if you are looking for a brilliant haircut. Tamar cut my naturally curly hair perfectly. This was my first time in Custom Cuts and I am so happy to have found it and Tamar. My hair is growing out beautifully- because Tamar really knows what curly hair needs. Looking for a great haircut? Look mo more. read more

I would love to give my hairstylist Maro, at Custom Cuts, in Waltham, five STARS!!!!! I recently visited her shop, and as usual, she never disappoints! Once again, she has done an outstanding job with my color and cut. I have been going to Custom Cuts for several years due to the welcoming atmosphere that makes my experience enjoyable. Maro, without doubt, has the capability and talent working in a very professional and yet personable and caring manner. THIS is NOT easy to find these days. She takes the time to listen to me, and offers suggestions that complements my style and face. I am genuinely grateful for having such a compassionate, exceptional, and accommodating hairstylist!!! Looking forward to my next visit! Thank you Maro!!! Barbara read more

This salon has a very different aura from other salons that I've been visiting. The warmth of the family atmosphere greeted us right away when we opened the door. I've been looking for the right hair salon for me and my daughter since we moved to Waltham last year. I was looking for a salon that was not only good at treating adult customers but to treat kid customers too. After several months of browsing and consideration, finally I gave it a try today to bring my picky 5 years old girl a haircut. She LOVED it! She loved her new hair! Tamar and Maro successfully put a big smile and a feeling of satisfaction in my daughter's heart Not only the little girl who is super happy with her new hair, but mom&dad who were with her at the salon also got a lot of knowledge about how to take care of her hair from Tamar. She is so kind and has tons of knowledge about how to take care of your hair. This hair salon definitely will be our primary hair salon. Not only for our young girl but also for Mommy too. Maro and Tamar, Thank you so much for giving us not only an awesome haircut service but also excellent customer service! read more

My mother and I have been going to Maro for the last 3 years. She's a wonderful and friendly person and a great stylist! Highly recommend!

I stumbled on this salon when desperate to have my bangs trimmed one day. I had been getting my hair cut at a high end salon in Boston but didn't want to go in for just bangs. Watching Maro trim my bangs was watching an artist at work. I was so impressed. Needless to say, I now only go to Maro for my haircuts. She is really, really good! read more

Looking to support a business closer to home, I chose Custom cuts for my first haircut since everything reopened and had a great experience! Tamar is super nice and offered suggestions on a medium length cut that feels great. My female partner has since gone to her for a short hair cut and had the same positive experience which is saying a lot considering she has gotten her haircut from various barber shops to pricier salons this year. Tamar knows all hair types and we will both certainly be returning. Oh and as someone who works in a hospital, I can attest their COVID cleaning procedures are top notch. At 1 client per hour the place was super clean and felt safe. Thanks again! read more

My new favorite hairdresser. My hair was in pretty rough and neglected shape and she brought it back to life again. Everyone has been complementing me on my haircut these past few days. Recommend Custom Cuts in 2023! read more

Tamar is the best! She worked with me and my hair cut phobia excellently. I have extremely long hair and she knew exactly what to do. Would pay hundreds experience and she is so affordabl! read more

I received a wonderful short hair cut by Tamar! She is so knowledgeable and a great hairdresser! I strongly recommend this salon!!!!

Great haircut and pleasant experience! My hair was quite long and very damaged originally. I just wanted to cut out the damaged part but I didn't know what hairstyle I want. Maro recommended the length and the style to make my hair looks fuller and I'm really happy with the final look! read more

Custom Cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

Excellent haircut at very reasonable price. My hair stylist was experienced and listened to what I wanted done. Highly recommend this salon. read more

Very bad experience.. to begin with, when I tried to tell the stylist/owner how I wanted my hair done she told me "don't worry I have 35 years experience" - so she was going to do it the way SHE was used to not the way I wanted it. I was seated giving my back to the mirror "because the dryer wire will not reach otherwise"!!! When I offered to move she said all the chairs are like that! In the end my hair was NOTHING like I wanted it and I was told it's because my hair is in bad shape!! I have had my hair styled every week for decades and I know what is possible and what is not, and what I like and don't like.. but in this salon what you want is not important, not even worth hearing or trying to do! Will never go back there again. read more

Traveling a lot and my hair needed a good cut and conditioner. I called and got an appointment , everything was done efficiently. Maro washed, conditioned and cut my hair. She is kind and cared very much about doing a nice job. We had a delightful conversation . she mentioned some good products for me to use this summer on my hair , to control frizz. My hair looks lovely! The shape, volume and texture feel so good. I felt welcome from the moment I entered the salon. Having grown up in a small town. I like to be a customer in a family business. I like the personal effort that Maro and Tamar contribute to the atmosphere-kind, hard working and welcoming. My services were great. Thank You, Anna Erin read more

Tamar and her mother are partners and hair experts. They are knowledgeable in all hair textures, colors and styles. It took me 6 years to discover her. I have ethnic curls and when I walked in with a full mop disaster, I did not see the apprehensive nervousness that I have been subjected to my entire life when I walked into hair salons. I mean, I'm used to paying a lot of money, only to leave crying over a hideous hair do almost $100 lighter. I will now ONLY go to Tamar at Custom Cuts. read more

I went looking in Waltham on a Sunday looking for a women's haircut. I checked the yelp on this one before I went in and only saw one review, but it was good so I took my chances. I knew exactly what I wanted, and had a picture with me to make sure I got what I came for. Basically, an angled lob. I was greeted by Maura (?), who was very nice and told me she could do what the picture showed. And she did! It was PERFECT, exactly what I wanted. That woman really knew what she was doing! Plus, since I was going to a MUCH shorter length than I've had in many years, she made a big effort to make sure I could see the length as the cut progressed. I think this is a mother-daughter business based on our conversation, and the daughter is there most of the time. Apparently they do coloring, so I will probably go in for a dye & gloss sometime soon. In the meantime, my boyfriend will test out the men's haircuts and I will make him write a review to let y'all know how that went ;) extra-reasonable (my wash, cut & blowout was $35) place that does a good job. I uploaded a pic of the cut if anyone is interested. read more

Custom Cut - Angled lob - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

I have tried many places locally, but this is by far the best. The salon itself is small, but Maro is amazing! I have never had anyone discuss various ways of cutting my hair, rather than just cutting off the amount I ask or what they feel is best. She took the time to help me decide the length, style, etc. and the TeaTree Experience is amazing. I felt so relaxed after. This place may not be close by, but I will definitely be returning there for the next hair cut! Or maybe just for some TeaTree massage/mask to keep my hair this soft and healthy. Thank you, Maro. My hair looks and feels amazing!! read more

Custom Cut - Best hair cut experience ever! - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

TLDR: awkward length hair turned best haircut ever! Amazing service, and only $20. This is my first time writing a review because I couldn't possibly not. This place is outstanding! I will go here for every cut for the rest of my life of i can. It doesn't look like much, but let me give you a quick walk through of my experience with Maro. I called the day of for an appointment, and after giving me a time asked if I could come at 645 instead so they could really spend time with me even though they close at seven. I'm growing out a pixie and dont have long hair in the front or on top so after we talked for a while I said she could give me a new pixie that would grow out better and she got serious and said if I want to grow it i can't do that. Well cut it then I can always go shorter. The cut is incredible. I wanted a whispy hairline on my neck and she nailed it! Are was so excited about it she put product in and took pictures from every angle while doing small adjustments with pomade. She even did a few small cuts after to perfect it and was sooo happy I couldn't help but glow too! I can do a lot of styles with practically no effort. She said I can come back for touch ups any time. The best haircut I've gotten maybe ever, at least in 6 years and at a super awkward length and all for $20!!!! I'll add pics if I figure out how to from my phone. read more

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I have a salon out in Framingham that I like, but I needed a haircut and was looking for something closer to home and decided to check out Custom Cuts. My experience was rather disappointing. I was a first time visitor checking out the place with a Groupon, so it's possible that they took a little less effort because of that. When I arrived, I was taken back to have my hair washed, which was fine. The first surprise was afterward when I learned that a different person would be doing my haircut than the person who washed my hair, and she hadn't even seen my hair before it was washed to see what my existing style looked like. After briefly discussing what I was looking for, the haircut itself was very quick. That alone isn't bad - I've had insanely fast haircuts before that turned out lovely - but I was quite surprised when she finished and sent me on my way without even parting my hair so I could really see what it looked like. I don't think I'll be returning. read more

I booked a same day spot with Maru on a Monday and she was absolutely the best. Very knowledgeable and very good at understanding what would work best for me. I tried the keratin treatment that is on special for $25. I would highly recommend it, my hair feels amazing. I will be going back and trying color and also brow shaping next with Talin. What a hidden jem can't give enough thumbs up read more

I had a few 30 minutes appointments with Tamar but the haircut only lasted for less than 10 minutes. I felt really rushed. I told her to slow down but to no avail. The place is also messy. I am not sure how it gets so many positive reviews. Do not recommend. read more

So glad I found this place!! I saw Tamar the last two times and she's amazing. She's incredibly friendly and also funny. She makes you feel at ease. I got a one process color, a conditioning treatment and a haircut. It was very reasonably priced and she does everything with great care. She gives great advice on which shampoos to use and which to avoid. I even convinced my boyfriend to come here since I saw a ton of guys also getting their haircut here. He had his haircut somewhere in Belmont before and they butchered his hair. Tamar's mom who co-owns it fixed his hair and it looks amazing. I definitely recommend this place. I get the same quality haircut and color as I did when I used to go to Safar on Newbury Street. read more

I went there with my wife . The worst haircut experience i have ever had . I got my haircut which took around 7 mins and she asked " Do you want me to cut with scissors or machine . My answer was with scissors pls. But ridiculously she didnt accept my answer , she did what she wanted. It was super annoying .even i am not gonna talk about which she dropped scissors 2 times and 3 times comb. i went home to wash my hair.( i saw a huge mistake on my head ) i went there back for fix the problem . The scissors which she used for cut my hair still on the counter with my hair on it ( after 1 hour ) Even when i got home i used my cologne because they didnt use any antibacterial things for my neck . read more

My priorities in getting my hair cut are simple: great cut, thirty minutes or less, minimum frills. Also my hair is thin and easy to work with, so I don't really need much when it comes to a haircut. I looked for a cost-effective place on Yelp and found Custom Cuts. Custom Cuts is a small, family-owned facility and when I came in only Tamar & Maro were there. There are no frills, just the necessities, and their prices are unbeatable. Tamar cut my hair in about 25 minutes and basically told me my hair's history and issues and how to fix them in that short time. I think I said two words because I was just amazed at her knowledge. She then gave my hair a quick dry so it was still mostly damp, which I love because she understood that avoiding damage is a huge priority for me. As my hair air dried throughout the day, the cut itself looks amazing. The hair is healthier and bouncier. I am truly amazed that I got all of this for a $16 Groupon. I'll definitely be coming back. read more

love this mother daughter owned place- Maro is so fun and offers common sense care tips for my long curly and often dry hair. affordable, locally owned, great people! read more