Hands down the best salon I have been to in my 20 something years in Boston and Boston area. Professional, talented, warm and friendly. The full package. Lauren is my gal for all hair everything! Cuts, color, grey coverups, highlights. After my first time going to her, which was two years after "Covid " hair, I would have been fine with her giving my mess of a mop a buzz cut! Fortunately, that's not what happened and I walked out walking on a cloud of happiness. When I walk in, about every six or o weeks, I just tell her "I'm in your hands" and the results are always spot on to the time of year, season and mood! Hail to all here, but especially to Lauren! read more

Essentials Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Belmont, Massachusetts

What a change in this place. Gorgeous interior. Clean and spacious. Not honest in pricing and If you want to dispute, happy to share screenshots. I spent $350.00 on treatment I did t know I was getting. And left an $80 tip. But I questioned the price. Was told by my hairdresser "I don't know off the top of my head0 and was sent a receipt with the breakdown. I emailed the salon to get an explanation, and this is what I received back: HI Leslie, It's confusing to hear that you are bothered by the price of your services today. The pricing is based on services rendered and very straightforward. We would never charge extra if you were sitting "longer than necessary" and I would also be curious what you are basing timing on. We don't typically give a step by step quote... we use our professional judgement on what your hair needs to look its best. I would recommend letting your stylist know budget restrictions before the appointment to make sure we can accomplish that goal. Best, Megan Brennan Essentials Salon read more

Julia Gagnon is amazing! I initially went to her to correct a botched haircut I had received the previous day, and she did an incredible job. I have since been back to her several times, and she has exceeded my expectations in every way. Julia is the only person I trust with my hair! read more

The dye on my roots is uneven and looks messy, and was also not what I asked for. When bringing this up I didn't receive the brightest attitude. I also got my curtain bangs touched up and the trim was very sloppy. Overall not happy with my hair at all. read more

I can't say enough great things about Elizabeth Driscoll! The salon itself it absolutely lovely; every employee I ever come into contact is super sweet and friendly. It is a very welcoming place. Liz introduced my hair to balayage and she got the color spot on. I recently was undecided about whether or not to chop my hair to above my shoulders. I showed Liz two pictures of a cut I loved- one straight and one wavy. She 100% delivered. I adore my hair and all my friends who voted against it changed their minds haha. I trust her judgement implicitly. Bonus is that she is a wonderful person and I love getting to catch up with her when I come in! I always walk out feeling like a million bucks, and to me thats how you should feel after getting your hair done! I won't let anyone else touch my hair. Thanks Liz! read more

Jess is the BEST! She truly cares about the health of my hair which is so important to me. She keeps a close eye on my foils so my hair never over processes. Whenever I leave her chair, my hair looks beautiful, healthy and fresh. She is also an expert with balayage and I'm now obsessed. I've never received as many compliments as i do now... and i am prepping for my wedding so it is great timing! Visit Jess, you won't regret it. read more

Essentials Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Belmont, Massachusetts

A little horrified to realize halfway through my wax that she was using the same wooden stick to apply the wax the entire time. http://stellar.ie/beauty-fashion/heres-why-double-dipping-at-the-salon-is-gross-and-can-cause-you-harm/3913 read more

Kelly is lovely. I like to be quiet in the chair and Kelly was a match! She was cheery and pleasant and gave me space. It is hard to find a hairdresser who doesn't force small talk or chat your ear off. I would highly recommend Kelly if you would like a haircut for a good price with someone calm, professional, and unassuming. Thankful I found her! read more

I give one star because the hairdresser was really nice and did a good haircut, but my second experience was devastating. I went to get my roots done, she didn't dry my hair, so I didn't notice until I went home and dried my hair that my roots were red! I have dark blond hair. It looked AWFUL. I spent 2 more days re-arranging my schedule so she could continue to try to fix it. With the top of my head red and the bottom blond, I had to wear a hat to work for 2 days, which is so unprofessional where I work. The third day it finally was toned down to an orange-brown, but I can't wear my hair up or the roots underneath look too orange. She said that she thinks a red dye was accidentally put in the hair dye box she used. With me having to go in 3 days in a row, rearrange my schedule to keep trying to get it fixed, and now wait for my hair to repair from all the dying before going somewhere else to get it fixed, they could have at least offered me a refund. read more

The Essentials Salon is what I look for in a salon. Everyone there is friendly and welcoming, the space has great decor, and the services provided are 5 star. I have lived in Boston for 10+ years and have never gone to the same salon twice but I have finally found my home! Jess makes me feel comfortable and that I will always leave happy. She will always listen to what I want and ask questions as needed. She has a great creative eye and is attentive to detail! Kristin has created a fun and educational space for me to explore with new make up and eyebrow techniques. I have been seeing Kristin and would recommend her to everyone I come across. She can look at you and help navigate you to where and what you want to see in yourself! She has not only guided me but educated me on what to look for, what to do, and my options! Thank you to the Essentials Salon for letting me find a home in a salon! read more

Megan, the owner, is fantastic! She is a true artist at hair color. She has been cutting my hair for years. Thank you Everyone! Patti read more

Called Essentials for an eyebrow wax appointment and I was able to come in right away! Kristen did my waxing and she was very friendly and did an excellent job. read more

Jess is an absolute magician when it comes to color...balayage especially. I have very dark hair and have always wanted to go lighter but feared it looking unnatural or, worse, orange! Jess and I talked through what I wanted and we landed on the perfect color that would work with my tones and not be too damaging on my hair. The appointment was such a treat -- Jess is so friendly and great to chat with -- and at the end I left with a new hair color that I am 100% obsessed with. I have received countless compliments on how natural and perfect the color placement is. After looking for "my stylist' for years I finally found her. So excited to keep playing with hair styling and color with Jess. Thank you! read more

OK, I can technically only give this a 4 so far because I've only started going here recently when my hairdresser moved over here. Jess is a five-star stylist! I've been seeing here for over 3 years, and she even did my hair for my wedding in September. Otherwise, Essentials looks promising... clean, well-decorated, no hair chemical smell. I would definitely like to try their waxing services, the prices look pretty good! I'm hoping I can bump this up to a 5-star rating soon :-) read more

Vanessa is AMAZING for balayage. I went to see her after finding her Instagram (@vf_socialstylist) and seeing all the amazing work she's done. She runs promotions for new clients so it was great to get 30% off an already reasonable balayage price for the Boston area (less than $200). Vanessa is an absolute sweetheart and very knowledgable. I showed her a picture of what I want, and in a little more than an hour, my hair looked identical to it. She doesn't push you to buy expensive shampoos or products, and doesn't pressure you into booking another appointment if you aren't ready for one. For anyone looking for a great balayage at a reasonable place, Vanessa is an amazing person to work with. read more

I've been seeing Jess Feeley for a little over a year. I started seeing her at her old salon, which I also liked, but it was super busy compared to Essentials. Essentials as a salon is maybe only a 4-- just because it's in Belmont (super far away from me) and their website is WAY BEHIND the times (the website just annoys me from a personal perspective because I'm in marketing) That being said, this salon is an amazing secret, so I probably shouldn't even write a Yelp review about it!. I want Jess all to myself. Reasons Jess is great: 1. She has a great personality, tells fun stories, is relatable, but not overbearing 2. She works with me to give me what I need, most notably when I told her that I needed to figure out a way to make services less expensive. (She came in with a whole plan for what we could do). 3. She's accessible. Jess and I are friends on FB, she follows me on instagram, and we're connected. Maybe Jess just does this because she likes me, but I think she does it so she can check out how my hair looks, be accessible if I need to reschedule or have questions, and simply keep up a relationship with me outside of the salon. 4. Services. Jess gives me the best hair cuts and colors I've ever had. read more

The most important thing I can tell you is that there is a parking lot, approximately two doors down (when driving toward the stoplight), on the right. Turn down the driveway, and... viola! Parking! If you miss it, like I did, you have to wonder how the heck the city of Belmont thinks anyone can get their hair done in under an hour. (I have a lot of hair, and genius takes time.) I've been seeing Deidre for a couple of years now. I can honestly say that everything she does with my hair looks way better than anything I have ever attempted on my own. She also keeps me from doing the same thing over and over (if left entirely to my own devices, I'd probably have the same hairdo I sported on my first day of kindergarten). Deidre is also a genius hair washer. I hate when people use a super light touch - I like the head massage. Deidre is very good at this. If I had time, I would drive over there every time I wanted to wash my hair. Anyway I like that, if I want to chat, we chat. If I want to read a book, she lets me read. It's never awkward or stilted. I've been to stylists that insisted on trying to carry on a conversation when I was trying to just read or work (and said as much), and it can be awkward. I've never had that experience with Deidre. I also saw Molly to have my brows done. I barely even noticed what she was doing. We were just chatting. The idea that someone can sit there and rip hair out of your face without you even noticing is.... well, that's pretty awesome. read more

I have been going to Jess for a little over a year now and followed her to Essentials, the entire staff was welcoming before I even saw Jess. The salon is clean and very well kept. it is in a great location(with parking!), I live in Brighton and will be moving to Cambridge and I don't worry about having to switch salons because I am moving too far away. Jess has always been so great with knowing what will look good and gives tips on how I can style it myself, because of course it never looks the same when I try to make it look like she did! I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a great stylist. She is also easy to talk to, many times I wish my hair took longer to do so we can sit and chat more! I recommend Essentials Salon and Jess, to anyone looking for a wonderful salon, with a great atmosphere! read more

This salon is the best kept secret in Belmont... beautiful, clean, comfortable, and the staff is so friendly and accommodating. Essentials is like getting a Newbury St haircut at suburb prices. LOVE. DEIDRE is amazing. She has been my stylist for 3+ years, and has always helped me find the right style, cut, and color. I have recommended her to MANY friends, and would literally let her do anything to my hair. It always looks fantastic. Deidre has helped me explore new styles, always at a pace I was comfortable with. I highly recommend her for weddings or special events, or for anyone looking for a new stylist who will get to know you and your specific needs. read more

Jess is the way to go for your cut and color! I've done it all with her - correction from another salon, balayage, highlights, lowlights, cut... She's the best and I highly recommend!! read more

Go see Lauren! Lauren Gore is a talented colorist who has been coloring my hair for over 15 years. What I like best about her besides her great personality is that I will come in with pictures and ideas and she gives me realistic advice based on my hair texture, etc. I have never left feeling like she went too light or too dark. Lauren consults before mixing to make sure she understands what I want. I get bored often and she helps me think of the big picture. For instance, when I tell her I want a short cut, she reminds me that summer in New England is not too kind on coarse hair and too short would require a lot of work on my part, which I am not interested in. I live in S. Plymouth, Ma and although we have many salons, I stick with Lauren not just because of her flawless techniques, but her consultative nature which is so important. I always leave her chair feeling great. I am going to try a keratin and a foil&glaze next time I see her. Can't wait! read more

I booked an appointment and was told that I would be seeing Deirdre as the person I saw before was on maternity leave. When I got to the salon they had a difficult time looking up my appointment but after a few minutes were able to do so. It wasnt until after I was shampood that i realized she was with another client at the same time. She spent 15 minutes in total on my cut, didn't even offer to blow dry it, announced we were done and ran off to the back of the salon. Had I known she was with another client I would have just come back another time or if it was communicated to me that she double booked I would have just come back. If you are looking for a professional that can communicate with you so you can make an informed decision go elsewhere because you may end up paying $80 for a bad haircut and walk out of the salon with wet hair. I also called the salon and asked to speak with the owner, Meghan, to let them know communication was an issue. When she called me back she sounded an awful lot like Deirdre and minimized my experience. Never again. read more

This review is for Kristen. I was in a desperate need for a facial and happy that they use Dermalogica products since I have been using Dermalogica for over 8 years. The facial was sooooo relaxing (I practically fell asleep) and my skin felt so clean! A few days later I came back to get "lash lift" for my eyelashes. I am so happy with the outcome! Kristen is really nice and easy to talk to. The salon is clean and everyone is pleasant. Consider me a regular client now! read more

This review is for Kristen. She is the brow whisperer. She knows alot about skin too.

My hair is very fine, but there's a ton of it. It's always hard trying to achieve a low maintenance style (a must for someone who's always overcommitting her time, and now with a small child at home!) For a long time, I settled for haircuts that were "okay" - cleaned it up, but I never loved the outcome. Enter Deidre. She is AMAZING. She always makes my hair look awesome, she always cuts it exactly right, and whenever she wants to try something new it always comes out perfectly. She could probably suggest anything to me at this point and I'd go for it - her judgement has never been wrong. She's also pretty much the nicest person ever, which helps. The talent in this place is insane, and I always walk out feeling amazing. It's kinda far from where I live, but nowhere closer can take care of my hair the way D can. I love Essentials! read more

This is a review for Kristen K and the magic she worked with my eye brows. I am following her to Essentials from the salon she was at previously, because she is THAT good at what she does. If you want perfect eye brows for your face, book an appointment with Kristen! read more

My stylist had a baby so had to find a new salon, which anyone who goes blonde knows is a horrifying experience. Stumbled upon Deidre's work in instagram and loved what I saw. She is fantastic with blondes. Nervously booked an apt. but am so glad I did. She gave me exactly what I was looking for. Love my hair. read more

I had such a great experience here that I've finally signed up so that I can review this place! I had a color correction with Liz and she did an amazing job. I came in with multicolored hair and she not only managed to get it to the color we wanted but also managed to get it to an even all over color. Liz was great about making sure that we were on the same page as to what color I wanted to walk out with and about the costs of everything that we were doing. All in all, despite the fact that I'm living in CT right now I am definitely coming back to have Liz to do my hair from now on. Cost was great too: 160$ for a color correction that involved bleaching my hair a few shades lighter, dying it and then toning it. read more

I had an awful experience here. I went for a consult with Jessica Feeley that I knew from friends- I wanted a black to grey ombre and was quoted for $295. I made an apt for the following Saturday at 9am- I was there for 6 hours in which my hair was stripped top to bottom TWICE. It damaged my hair and caused breakage. Black covers everything and there was no need to strip my hair on top but ok go on. 6 hours later- $360 in we are finally done with it looking NOTHING like the picture. The grey I was satisfied with but the top had black, red, and blonde in it. A whole mix of colors but yet my hair was stripped twice for what?! Go on, she proceeded to tell me that there was a SMALL chance the gray might turn a different color. Ok ok... I didn't even get a great blow dry it was still damp but for $360 and an almost $50 tip that's the least I could get coming from a high scale salon. So I proceeded to tell Jessica I didn't have my glasses to see how my hair came out but that the grey looked good. Within the half hour of getting home I told her I didn't like it and I needed to get it fixed. Her response "Sure. What days work best for you? Just to warn you, it's going to get rid of some of the Ombre effect if we go all black on top. Let the color oxidize for a couple of days until your appointment. I just left the salon so bear with me while I'm driving to make an appointment " let the color oxidize for a couple days? Ok the next day it being Sunday my hair turned GREEN.. With blonde. Wonderful. Jessica said she wouldn't be able to see me until Wednesday with it being the week of my 25th birthday and I need to walk around with green hair for four days. I have to pay $120 to go to a random salon and get it fixed. I call essential salon on Thursday since they've been closed due to the blizzard to speak to the owner Megan who stands by Jessica- states she did everything correctly they will not be fixing my hair, offering a free service, or returning my money. Stated I could write a bad review! I've gone thru many drastic colors and have gone to different salons and have NEVER experienced such a pricey unprofessional salon that didn't nothing that I asked for! Such an awful experience. read more

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I never write reviews... I feel this one is a Long time coming! But Deidre has never disappointed me. My sister went to her for years before she moved to Michigan and did her hair for her wedding and everything looked stunning! So collectively both my sister and I have been seeing Deirdre for years! She has the best personality and always makes me laugh! She has by far done the best shades of blonde on me and she always knows what to do. I completely trust her! Overall though the salon is unique clean and everyone is friendly. I'm sure all the women who work there do an amazing job and they make you at home by chatting with you getting you water and doing whatever to make you comfortable! Never had a problem here and worth every cent! read more

I went to Essentials Salon last night and had a cut & color by Deidre and I could not be happier with it! I moved to the Boston area a few years ago and have struggled to find an affordable salon with a hair dresser that I like and trust. I'm happy to say I think I've found both! I had Ombré coloring that I wanted brightened/freshened up and a few inches cut off the bottom. Deidre was awesome when it came to listening to what I wanted and making sure I was happy with the color and length. I'm thrilled with my experience and will recommend Deidre to any/everyone! The only somewhat negative comment I have is price (but that is more because I'm a stingy Midwesterner who thinks everything is over priced in the Boston area) that being said my cut and Balayage/Ombré highlights came to around $200 without tip which is one of the better prices I've found and based off my first experience Deidre's work is worth the money! read more

After being introduced to hair stylist, Liz, at a friend's wedding and being thoroughly impressed with her skills - I decided to give the salon in which she works, Essentials, a try after 20+ years at the same hair salon. Essentials a beautiful salon with a cozy feel. The salon has a comforting and sophisticated vibe and it is imemediately clear that the owner takes pride in her business, and wants to keep all clients comfortable. The staff (front desk & alternate stylists) are always friendly and accomodating and the service prices are similar to other boutique salons and reasonably priced. Liz is warm, patient, and listens to your requests all while giving an honest opinion/alternate suggestions. She has a bright personality but talks *just* enough which always allows for a relaxing time in the chair. I've had partial highlights, single process color, and wash, cut and blow dry all by Liz and always feel like a new person leaving the salon. She really does a great job and I couldn't be happier. I highly suggest Liz T. as a stylist and Essentials Salon! read more

I followed Jess over from another salon and was told by a friend (who was told by Jess) that I'd get 50% off my first service. I waited a few months and called to make my appointment. I asked if the 50% was still available and whoever I spoke with went and asked the owner. She said no problem, so I went ahead and scheduled my appointment. After the service, I was charged full price and let them know it was supposed to be 50% off. I was told, "Ohh sorry, that ended." I let them know that I confirmed this before scheduling and was assured it was fine and she checked with Jess, who again said, "It ended, sorry." This is not right. You cannot promise one price at booking and change it AFTER the service. I'm not sure why these two thought it was ok but it was very awkward. For this reason, I will not go back. I will not condone shady business practices. read more

Megan, the owner, is my hair stylist, recommended to me by a friend. She is soooooooo sweet and gives me a great haircut. The shop is clean and pleasant, and everyone there is always very nice. Last time Megan was on maternity leave, other stylists in the shop cut my hair on various occasions and I was equally pleased with the outcome. Love the single-cup coffee maker too! read more

I looked on their web site because I wanted to buy some products there...it said it was open from 9 to 9. Sure I didn't call but their web site didn't say they weren't open. I arrived and they were closed. I don't understand. ALWAYS CALL before you go!!! Very disappointing. read more

I was referred to Kristen for Brow Shaping (so happy I was!). I have always settled for quick waxes just to clean my brows up, but Kristen spent the time discussing the best shape for my face and working towards a thicker brow. Excited for lots more services with her coming up. read more

Molly has been doing my hair for 3 years now and I followed her to essentials. The salon itself is great and full of life. Everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming at the salon. It also is very well decorated with a great vibe. Molly is a superb hair stylist, she always does exactly what I ask of her and helps guide my down the right road for my styling/color/cut decisions. I've never left unhappy. I've also had eyelash extensions done from Colleen and they came out awesome, well worth the money, nothing beats being able to wake up and not fuss with mascara. read more

Kristen does the most amazing eyebrows! She is meticulous and I don't let anyone else touch them.

Today for the first time had my hair cut by crystal.she was really friendly and had a good personality.she gave me a great hair cut i love it. i will def be going back to her.also the salon was very clean, not noisy and she took me right on time. read more

Megan has been my hairstylist since 2001 and she is wonderful - does a great partial hilight by foil and always love my cut. The new location on Trapelo Road in Belmont is a testament to her dedication to style and dedication to a quality experience for her clients - all the ladies are so wonderful in the salon, it is a pleasure every time I visit!!! TOP NOTCH PLACE! read more