I went in with a Groupon for a cut and deep condition after seeing that most of the reviews were positive. The woman who cut my hair didn't even tell me her name and didn't talk much during the cut. I have long thick curly hair. I very specifically explained I wanted NO MORE THAN 3 INCHES off at the end. If that meant taking a 1/2 inch before shaping that's fine, but at the end I wanted only 3 inches off. I also asked her to thin it out overall. I'm guessing she doesn't have experience with this kind of request because she ultimately took about 6 inches off the length and left my hair feeling very thick. I wouldn't be so upset about the length if it was a nice cut overall but it's totally unremarkable and heavy and thick looking. Hopefully it will be better after washing, that's the only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars instead of 1, because I'm holding out hope. I will never go back here. read more

I woke up this morning thinking that today was a good day for a change. I called Sassoon Studio in Newton Centre to make an appointment and left a message because even though they were supposedly open, noone answered the phone. While waiting for them to call me back, I researched online to find that customers were giving rave reviews to a place near my house called Studio 291. I figured I'd give them a shot. I called and got an appointment for 11am (it was 9.30am when I called). The owner, Cindy, was helpful and really nice. I got to my appointment slightly early and waited while Cindy finished with her customer. I decided to get a cut, color and style (for $75, their current special - you can't beat their prices). Cindy talked me through the color choices and made some recommendations. We also talked about the cut that I wanted. I wanted a drastic change so we decided on a hair cut that would be dramatic and easy to maintain. Cindy knew what she was doing and did it effortlessly. I never even had a chance to feel uneasy about chopping off 5.5 inches off my hair. The service was phenomenal. I was made to feel totally at home and we chatted easily. I had a company meeting that evening and I can't begin to tell you how many compliments I received on my cut and color (it was either that my cut was great or that my previous hair style left a lot to be desired. It almost made me feel as though I was this unkempt individual before :) ) For people looking to bypass the Newbury Street prices but not the service, I would definitely recommend Studio 291. It's a really cute place, parking is ample and to top it off, you'll come out feeling heavenly. read more

When you go to Studio 291, it's like you're sitting in their living room. The place is clean, tastefully decorated and the staff treats you like a long time friend. This was my fourth visit and it keeps getting better and better. I traveled about an hour to get to this salon for a Keratin Treatment. It comes out fabulous and i wouldn't go anywhere else. I even brought my sister with me and we had a great sister day getting our hair done. I would recommend this salon every time. There is free parking near by the salon and it's located in a safe and cozy neighborhood. read more

I had my hair cut at another salon and the stylist massacred my bangs. I called Studio 291, and had an appointment within 24 hours in my desired time range. Mary was kind, supportive and most importantly skilled. I feared no one could fix the heavy bangs I'd been given, but now they are the right shape and texture. I'm giving only four stars because I've had such a short experience. I'll go back again and update. The bang cut cost $10 plus tip. read more

I went in to get ombre' hair, a trend I've been wanting to try. The first time, it was a little too subtle for me. I think she didn't realize that I don't mind a more extreme style. They invited me back the next week to give me the hair that I wanted (for no extra $) They seemed very dedicated to giving me exactly what I wanted. Now I have the coolest hair EVER!!! I am so happy with it, and would recommend this salon to anyone wanting to try ombre' :) read more

First off, the salon itself is all hooked up. The chicks that work their rock, they had alot of talent, ranging in all areas of hair care. I went into the shop unannounced and just looking "BUSTED." Ashley hooked up my hair with some blonde highlights and a cut. I got this done just in time for my trip to Cali. And let me tell you I broke alot of necks with my new hair. Everyone at this salon is really cool, great prices, and I even got some sample products. What more could you ask from a salon? Your hair will look great just trust your stylist!!! read more

I had a groupon for a hair cut and deep conditioning treatment. The haircut was the worst haircut I have gotten. It was nothing but a typical supercut that I could have paid 10 for or better yet done a better job myself. The young woman seemed very inexperienced and almost uncomfortable cutting the hair and did not check for evenness of each side at the end so I left with one side being a little longer which shows if I ever don't part my hair exactly center. Then when it was blow dried I also expect some effort and for them to make my hair look presentable when I leave, it was awful I would have looked better if I let it air dry. I have very simple straight hair that I think it pretty hard to make it look bad so that's amazing. I would not recommend this hairstylist (very young) at this salon. I can't speak for the other women who work there, the salon looked very nice. read more

Just like before, this is still the best place to get your hair done! Mary is absolutely the best of the best - I always leave the salon happy and pleased with my hair and service. Try them out! read more

I love this place and been getting my hair cut here for the past 3 years. Mary the owner is very professional, skilled and does a great job at fitting me in for appointments. She always makes sure I get the hair cut that I want! The place is super clean and friendly - Highly recommend it. read more

I purchased a groupon for a keratin treatment a few months back. Having had the process done before at a different location I knew my hair should respond well to the procedure. The owner applied the treatment and then set about flat ironing it. My hair was frizzy the entire time...it didn't look like that last time. I tossed it off as it being a different formulation and figured if i waited the prescribed time it would look fine. It didn't, It actually looked no different and became difficult to manage. I waited a while and treated it with the keratin infusin treatment i had at home (salon bought) still nothing. Biggest waste of $150. Though the lady was nice I wouldn't go back. read more

Deanna is a hair genius! Her color work is beyond amazing! I came in last summer after I had mistakenly let my friend who was fresh out of School color my hair. I was attempting to go from Black to a brown with some blonde highlights. Well what I got was 10 different shades of ORANGE. I immediately contacted Deanna, who usually did my hair and thankfully she squeezed me in the next day after she heard the panic in my voice. Deanna worked her magic and I left the salon with honey colored hair with beautifully blended blonde highlights. I'll never let anyone else touch my hair again! Do yourself a favor and go see Deanna at Studio 291! read more

Loved this salon! Worth the drive for quality work. I came in with ombré hair and my ends were dead. Kelly was extremely professional and I knew I was in good hands. She thoroughly accessed my hair and we decided on an almost black color. She even deep conditioned it and the end result I couldn't be more happy with. My hair had life- shiny, dark & I am ecstatic with the results! Every lady that worked there was friendly, knowledgable, & knew what they were talking about. You won't be disappointed if you go here. read more

Had a Living Social voucher. My stylist was Alla, she was very pleasant and friendly. She took time helping me select the hair color and style I wanted. I have one of the best colors ever, and the cut she gave me is exactly what I wanted and it looks great! I highly recommend this salon as well as Alla for your stylist. read more

I went here for the Croc smoothing treatment, which is supposed to infuse and straighten hair for 7-10 months until it grows out, which sounds like a keratin treatment only better! However, the Croc is a crock... 1 month later, my hair is back to its original curly, frizzy self, despite using sulfate-free, sodium chloride free shampoo and conditioner. A regular keratin treatment lasts longer than this!! I don't know if it was the stylist's technique or the Croc treatment itself, but I am extremely disappointed and regret spending the money. read more

I recently had a Keratin Treatment with Mary. She did a wonderful job, took her time and my hair feels so soft and healthy. She did an excellent job and I will definitely be going back! read more

Absolutely wonderful salon with great staff. I recently purchased the living social deal for a keratin treatment. Mary did a great job and was so pleasant to pass the time with. I live in the city so it's a bit hard for me to get to Newton for a hair cut, but I am sending everyone I know in the suburbs to her. She is awesome!!!!! read more

I've been going to Deanna since 2008. She's colored me from deep brown, to platinum blonde and every color in between. I'm very particular with my hair and Deanna is the first hairdresser I've ever trusted so effortlessly. She's a master colorist and is genuinely a nice person. I've referred countless friends and family to her and I've only heard rave reviews from everyone after, as I had expected. The entire staff at 291 is pleasant to be around and the salon is always meticulously clean. read more

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I went to this salon after reading a review of it on this site....This salon exceeds expectations...Cindy the owner/senior stylist was warm and friendly and listened to what I wanted done,I walked away with a great cut that I have received many complements on, and this morning in my mail I received a handwritten thank you note from Cindy thanking me for coming to her salon...all around it was an enjoyable experience. read more

I found this salon from Groupon and came here to read reviews. I liked what I saw so I booked an appointment. My stylist was Ala who was very nice and made good conversation. She listened to exactly what I wanted and told me how it could work with my hair color/type and that what I wanted would have to be touched up every 3-4 weeks. Instead we did something different than the original plan...same color, different technique. I LOVE how the color came out and the cut is pretty good too! I thought the price of the cut was quite expensive and I feel like I ended up paying twice for the blowdry with the groupon price (which included blowdry) and the cut price, but I really like how it turned out read more

I love this place! I bought a living social deal back in the fall and it's my new salon. Alla did my hair and she uses a hilighting method of "painting" instead of foil. It grows in so well and looks so natural. Mary the owner is so nice and they treat everyone so kindly here. 5 stars for sure! read more

Such an amazing salon! It's a small space but the staff makes you feel like you have been going there for years. I would recommend this place to anyone, especially for ombre. I was nervous about trying out the trend, but the stylist was able to give me a natural looking ombre which I love! read more

Maybe this place is good for coloring, but for cuts it's worse than any "super cut"!!! After reading reviews here, I was extremly excited to go to this place. I got in at 7pm, they washed my hair, I was in the chair at 7:10 and at 7:20 my haircut was done. I was so shocked and outraged that I coundn't even say a word!!! I normally don't make scenes, so I just left Cindy $7 tip and left. Cindy was very slow when cutting my hair, and it felt as if she was picking out some random spots on my head and chopping some hair off ... She completely screwed up my bangs too, the only good thing is that they are too long, not too short. There was ZERO effort in what she was doing, and ABSOLUTELY no attention to detail!!! Also, when I made my appointment, I asked how much would it be for just a haircut (and I told them how long my hair was). I was talking to Cindy, and she said "30". When my haircut was done, then charged me $35! Why? I don't know. I was in too much shock to argue with anyone. This is by far the worst cut I've ever gotten. I just wasted $42, but most importantly my hair is awful before a very important trip. I was very excited going into this place, and I was almost crying on my way to the car. If you're in a market for a 10 minute cut, this is a place to be awful 10 min haircuts, no effort from the hairdresser, ABSOLUTELY NO attention to detail read more

I can't comment on the coloring, but the cut I received was just barely mediocre...and didn't include a blow-dry! I wanted to get my hair cut last minute last week and I read the reviews here so I gave Studio 291 a call (hadn't been there in a while) hoping that whomever cut my hair last time no longer worked there. When I spoke to the receptionist, she let me know that Cindy had cut my hair last time, and would I like to see her again. No thanks- the last time I came home, everything was uneven, she cut my hair not quite right for my part, and it all grew out in two weeks. I called up Michael's in Brookline and was given an appointment that day, and walked out with a fabulous cut (AND blow dry!) for the same price. I'm not sure why they compare themselves to Newbury salons. The coupons are nice, and it's great that you "hardly ever have to wait for an appointment," but maybe that tells you something about the business. read more

When getting my hair done at another salon fell through, I frantically went searching for another place to get my hair cut and colored. My Pinning Ceremony (for Nursing) was quickly approaching in one week!! And graduation in nine!! Where was I going to find a place to trust with my hair with one of the most important event so my life quickly approaching?!?! I called around. Many places did not have the time for me. Then I spoke with Mary at Salon 291... thank God I found her! She accommodated me immediately, and gave me an appointment with Alla just two days later. Alla did a wonderful job on my hair cut!! Before, my hair was super long, just past my lower back. I wanted a healthy, layered cut with my bangs to come back to life. She did just that!!! Next up balayage. I had gotten highlights before, about 3 years ago I had them done about 4 times and couldn't keep up with it. I loved the blonde but it was a pain to continue to get done. I highly recommend balayage! It's gorgeous, and looks more natural from the start and as it grows out. Alla brought over this giant book with hair color samples, and with her, Mary, and Kelly, we made a decision on what color to lift my hair to. It came out AMAZING! My color choice was great!!! Alla did my cut and balayage, Kelly washed my hair, and Mary blow dried and styled my hair. They were all wonderful to me, and super nice! Also thought I should mention this: another woman was having the balayage treatment done next in the chair next to me. She ended up not liking the first color she chose, as she said it was "too light for her skin tone". Without hesitation, Kelly and Mary helped her find a better color to lift her hair to. I feel that they didn't have to do that, but just shows how much they CARE about their guests! I will definitely be going back to Salon 291!!! read more

Hollywood Hair - Before and AFTER cut and balayage with Alla!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Waltham, Massachusetts

Not only were these the most AWFUL highlights imaginable, it has taken me until NOW to grow them out completely. When I think about how much I paid for this service, I am filled with bad hair rage. read more

Don't give this salon your email address. They will not take you off their marketing lists no matter what and they share their list with other merchants. Had a $75 cut and color special last year and like the old saying goes you get what you pay for. Cut was just OK but color totally faded in less than a week and I had to go elsewhere to have it fixed. The salon owner was out getting lunch when the stylist colored my hair and when the owner came back the stylist, right in front of me, asked her how she should have colored my hair. Of course the stylist had used the wrong shade and type of color. When the owner told her this it was already to late. When I inquired about what would happen with the color the owner told me to call if I had any problems. I admit I did not do this since I was rather annoyed and did not want to subject myself/ my head again to an unsure stylist who asked questions after instead of before coloring. Everyone makes mistakes and I would have just written this off to an inexperienced stylist and forgotten all about it but this Salon keeps sending me emails despite my asking to be removed from their mailings. They also have apparently lent their list to a local tanning salon because now I am getting tanning offer emails with my name incorrectly spelled as it is on Salon 291's emails. read more

I cannot speak highly enough about Mary and Studio 291. I found this studio through Groupon, but am now going to be a loyal customer. The studio is clean, inviting and relaxing. Mary is warm, laid back, attentive and truly makes you feel like you have known her forever. She takes her time with you and your hair and clearly strives to make you completely satisfied with the end result. I could not be happier with my experience and feel grateful to have met Mary and be introduced to this wonderful salon! read more

I had an appointment at Studio 291 where I go often to see my hair stylist Marisa. My appointment was confirmend without making me aware that Marisa had left until she came in contact with me on her own. I think that this was very unprofessional of her old salon to not make her loyal client, me, of her change. Especially considering she now works right accross the street at Newton Hair Company! This is now where I will be and it was agreat firs time experience this afternoon! read more

I had a groupon and got the balayage done couple of weeks back. The first attempt was little lighter than expected, but they were very patient and Kelly made it a shade darker for me. I am liking my hair everyday now :) it is very natural .I also recommended some my friends to studio291! A good find, glad i went to this salon read more

Mary (the owner) is fantastic! She did a great job with my hair and is a wonderful person. I highly recommend this salon! This was my second trip here (first time was through a groupon). I will definitely be back! read more

I got partial highlights here yesterday by Kelly and it was great. I had only done highlights once before, maybe 7 years ago, and wanted something subtle and natural looking. It came out perfect. I'll give them a try for my next haircut! read more

Update: Went to have someone fix my hair. With no context she looked at me and asked, "did you try to cut this yourself?" One star. I went to Alla with pictures, asked repeatedly for the cut to be evened out, and was met with obstinance and anger. My hair was ripped out, I lost five+ inches off my length (instead of two), and my scalp still hurts 2 days later. I asked for a long layered haircut and balayage with Alla. I left crying. Color: This is how the conversation went, repeatedly. Me, "I would like a subtle red or auburn" Alla, "I cannot match your ombre*, that requires foil." Me, "I do not want to match my blonde ombre, just something warm and subtle" Alla, "To go blonde blonde we can't do balayage." Me, "I know, you said the balayage has a blended more natural look. In the summer my hair gets red highlights, so I would like something in a warm / red / auburn tone." Alla, "We cannot match your ombre." Me, "I know. I don't want to." *The ombre was old, most of it would be cut off, and it was only in two small places. Cut: I came in with three pictures and said I wanted a long layered cut, angled back from my face, with side bangs. It was a haircut I have gotten many many times. She said there would be an up-charge because my hair was so thick. Ok. Not ideal, but ok. OUCH! If you are going to charge more because my hair is so thick that it requires extra time / attention / etc. please actually provide said time / attention / etc. I winced and yelped through my blow dry. I know some tangles are to be expected, but this was too much. Pieces of my hair kept getting caught around the handle of the brush and she just yanked. Pieces of my hair got caught in her ring. Yank. Only a few times did she use a clip to hold hair out of the way. Most hairdressers stick several clips in my hair to manage the different sections - I admit, it is long and thick - for the most part Alla seemed content to let my hair get caught in the brush, rip it out of my head, and keep moving quickly through the cut. Once dry, she said she wanted to check the cut. I repeatedly asked her to even it out. I tried to show her where, if you grabbed small pieces from the nape of the neck or from my temples the left side was longer than the right by an inch or more. She said she would even it out and continued to look only at the right side. My right side looks fine - not great, but fine. My left side is flat, heavy, and chunky. And now it is *more* than an inch longer. As she seemed to be wrapping up, I asked again about bangs. She said they were trimmed. Nope. The hair was still past my ear; those are not bangs. And I know she didn't trim my bangs yet because, as anyone who has ever gotten bangs knows ... you wait carefully and check the length. No one wants Julius Caesar bangs. I pulled up the pictures again. She looked, and trimmed some bangs. There is no blending or feathering or point cutting. It's just a blunt heavy line. I then asked about angling it back. She said the trim was done. Ok. 1) I didn't want a trim, I wanted a cut. 2) I said from the start I wanted my hair angled back from my face. She had me stand up to face her and snipped around my shoulders a bit, again focusing on the right side. The left is still heavy, blunt, not blended, and not angled. Also, if you do the bangs dead last, it is pretty hard to blend that angle back from the face ... yeah. This is where that second star comes in. I do think she thinks she tried. Maybe it was just Friday afternoon and she was tired and ready to be done. Problem is, I was clear about what I wanted from the beginning. I did not get a haircut similar to the one I wanted and when I asked about fixing things she got angry. At this point I was in pain, unhappy, and a bit scared of the angry woman with scissors. Rather than taking a breath or asking where we might have miscommunicated, she just said we were done and it was time to pay. After some issues regarding Groupon, wherein I said I didn't know what to do, but did not want to get caught between the Salon and Groupon, Alla said "The balayage is perfect; I don't want money from her" waved her hand in my face and walked away. Unprofessional. I was left with Mary, who, to her credit, tried to calm the Groupon situation. I believe she is the owner. She took my card and asked if I liked the color. At this point I was in tears. No. I did not like the color and I did not like the "trim." I wanted warm reds and got a few pieces of an ashy color I cannot identify. I wanted an actual cut, and had my hair ripped out instead. Time to get ice cream and figure out how on earth to fix this mess. PS - Looking over the reviews, I actually like the cut Mila P has. That is similar to what I wanted. But based on Nyssa B's, Alexandra P's, and Rashi K's other reviews, maybe this is just NOT the place to go if you have long, thick, wavy, or curly hair. read more

I first tried Studio 291 six weeks ago when I needed to have my medium-length bob trimmed. I was looking for someone who knows how to cut texturizing layers that will produce the illusion of fluffy volume. Alla did the job just right. At first I thought it was shorter than I wanted but it kept its shape, was easy to style and looked good for the entire six weeks. Alla knows what to do with scissors and she works hard to get it just right. When I learned she had been to Paris to study the coloring technique of bayalage, I decided to give her a try for these special highlights along with another haircut. She carefully painted the golden streaks on my brown hair with a 2" brush. The haircut looks very stylish and I assume it will be as easy to deal with as the last one. The salon is a small, intimate space with easy parking. The salon owner, Mary, is very pleasant and low key. All in all a convenient comfortable experience. read more

I found Mary after searching for "men's haircuts" in Newton. I saw a picture of a haircut on Studio 291's website and decided to try her out. I had just gotten the last bad haircut from my previous stylist and needed it fixed. I called for Mary and she squeezed me in on a Saturday and not only fixed my hair, but actually gave me the style I was looking for. It's hard to find someone who can give you what you're looking for by looking at a picture of a cut that you like. Mary can do it! The cut lasts as long as expected (approximately 4 wks). I won't go to anyone else and I'm trying to refer her as many people as possible. She isn't very close to me, but I'd drive out of state to see her. She also does color on my hair (as I'm 50% grey) that doesn't look like I had my hair colored. It basically blends the grey and leaves some in your hair so it looks natural and not one color all over your head. Guys, gals, go see her. She gives both my husband and I great cuts! read more

I have visited this location due to its accessibility to my office. I am a big fan! The staff is great and they pay attention to your needs! This is my new place for the perfect haircut. read more

I AM SO SORRY that I ever entered this salon !! Worst haircut I have ever received. I hid in the house for 2 weeks........was so embarrassed!! read more

After having tried many salons over many years, I finally found a hair stylist who could style & color my flat straight hair so beautifully that I am getting compliments on a daily basis from many! Thanks so much to 'Alla Verbich' ...I randomly picked this salon to get a hair style change on my birthday and I couldn't have found anyone better. Alla, I would say is an expert at what she doesn't and very warm & stylish .Mary the owner of the place is very warm & attentive to her clients needs, they have such great customer service that each time I left smiling... Studio 291 is definitely my go-to place for all my hair needs from now and I would highly recommend it to my friends! read more

I purchased a living social keratin treatment for this salon and it was not a successful turnout. I have had keratin treatments at other salons in the past and my hair responded extremely well to them. From the OTHER salons my hair was straight for about 6 months and I didn't even have to flat iron it that much. I would not suggest getting the keratin treatment at Studio 291. It was a HUGE waste of money. I even tipped 20% and feel like I was ripped off. read more

Pathetic - from the service to the end result. I got 2 living social vouchers for my mom and myself since i wanted to treat my mom to a keratin treatment. After about 10 mins of applying the so-called 'formaldehyde-free' keratin formula to my hair, my scalp started itching and it was really uncomfortable during the entire 40 minute wait. After the rinsing, they blow-dried and straightened our hair - the usual process to do a keratin treatment. Once it got time to pay, i pulled out my vouchers to give to them. Mary said that i owe $50 on top of the vouchers since my moms hair is very thick. My moms hair is above shoulder length and is medium thickness-nowhere close to being very thick. When i asked her how she could do that, she said that there is a fine print on the voucher that states an extra charge if hair is very thick. The fine print said: "Valid only for hair up to shoulder length and medium thickness, additional fee charged for longer hair". When i asked her why she was charging me the extra fee since the fine print says the additional fee is for longer hair but my moms hair is above shoulder length, she started yelling saying 'Don't argue with me' and 'Keratin treatments cost $350'. Basically insulting me at the top of her voice. It was a horrible experience in all. On top of that, after mum and i washed our hair after 3 days, the hair was same as before - no proof of a keratin treatment - the hair is frizzy and wavy. I still need to blow-dry and straighten my hair - so basically all that money, dis-comfort and embarrassment for nothing. I would never go back to this place and would never ever recommend anyone to go there for a so-called keratin treatment. Buyers beware! read more

DO NOT GO HERE! The service is awful. The lady that I spoke to is incredibly rude and unaccomodating. I bought a groupon for a haircut with deep conditioning for $35. Since I have long (just below my shoulders) curly hair the lady informed me when I walked in that it would be an extra $25. Though an extra fee is mentioned in the fine print, the wording is vague and $25 additional is absurd considering the total would be almost double the cost of the groupon, and the woman was extremely insensitive. Terrible business and I would never recommend going here. read more