I've been to several salons between Portsmouth and York and was never satisfied with my hair. Then that changed when I found Nicki at Boston Hair. She got my cut just right, but what really stood out was the color. It's the first time I've felt like someone truly understood what I was going for. The result was natural, flattering, and exactly what I had in mind. Nicki is experienced, attentive, and is a talented stylist. It only took 8 years for me to find her. Oh, and the salon is lovely. Nice and bright with lots of windows. Great vibe. I definitely recommend! read more

Today was my first time at this salon. The salon is very easy to get to because it's right across the street from the parking garage on Fleet St. and also around the block from the smaller lot by Hanover St. I saw Lauren for my single process color and haircut. We talked about my color and cut and Lauren was right on par with exactly what I wanted. She was very nice, welcoming and open to what I wanted. I started with unevenly colored hair, long root growth and old faded dye on the other bottom half. I was looking to be rid of the faded reddish color and start going lighter so that eventually I can have a much lighter brown. The color came out nice! It's a nice lighter brown and looks a lot more even. The haircut was just what I wanted, shorter and a little layering with texture. She gave me options of styling it and parting it differently. Very happy that I found this salon and a stylist I am happy with in Portsmouth! My fiancé will be going for his haircut there next week! read more

I've been twice for a haircut, second time I also had my hair styled for an event. Both times I liked the haircut- it isn't the best I've ever had but it looks good, lays nicely, and it's a clean and bright salon where they treat you well. Also they have cookies. read more

Best haircut I've ever had. I have naturally curly and temperamental hair. Most places I've tried before fail at adding layers, and fluff my hair to death so I leave with the poofy hair-triangle look. Lauren cut my hair, and she did a fantastic job. She added a lot of texture and gave me a very flattering cut that I love. It looks great, and I've never walked out of a hair salon actually feeling awesome about my hair before. She really knew how to handle the curls, and gave me some great styling advice after she was finished. I highly recommend In Boston, I know I will be returning! read more

I chose this salon for my wedding day do and they blew me and my girls away. Our stylist (her name is escaping me but she was cute with ample amounts of ink and piercings) worked wonders with everyone's hair. The price was great and they didn't try to rake us over the coals just because it was "wedding hair." This was a fun, funky place where, if I lived in Portsmouth, I would most likely sign up to be my salon of choice read more

I am pleased with a new salon I have been trying out as of lately. The staff is friendly, funky, creative and knowledgeable. I have gone to Silvie twice now, and she has my hair figured out! We first tried putting multicolored high/low lights in it, but my hair was already damaged from doing my own color (bad, I know), so she went back and dyed it my natural (or close to) color. It's much darker, but it's the healthiest my hair has looked in years. My boyfriend loves my hair so much he says he might not let me go light again! That speaks volumes, as he loved me blond. But then again, he said as long as it's my head- he loves it. :) I love the shampoo and conditioner that Silvie recommended, and she was so sweet in giving me her hair protein spray to try out. Smells amazing too! Going back on the 16th of March for a trim! I highly recommend giving In Boston a shot if you are looking for a change. read more

My hairstylist, Jemma is fantastic! She is so good at what she does and I have finally found a hairstylist that I am faithful to. I never quite understood why women would stick with the same hairstylists, when I normally would go for those factory-like hair salons for less like Hair Excitement. I needed a change and was ready to commit to a hairstylist that I loved. I asked around and it kept bringing me back to In Boston Salon. I don't really quite understand the name of the salon because it causes a lot of funny confusion when I tell people where I go to get my haircut. My hair is pretty easy because I don't do much to it. It's straight, thick, coarse on the bottom, but I do often feel like when I leave salons that if I could cut my own hair, I could do the same thing that any stylists have done to mine. Jemma, on the other hand, has techniques for layering, really takes the time to consult with me and see what I am looking to do, she even refuses to color my hair because she really likes my natural hair color. Now, this is a true mark of a loyal hairstylist who is looking out for my interest and just her personal financial gain. Regardless, don't be discouraged if the wait to get your haircut will be a few weeks because she is highly coveted in the seacoast, but it is worth it. The salon is gorgeous and well-maintained. read more

The ladies here are incredibly healthful. My hair was a disaster and was basically 2 different colors on top of each other. It was awful. But i went in there for a consultation and 2 of the ladies there were very helpful and gave me and idea of what they would do to fix my hair. They got me in the next day and they blocked off time from 2 - 430 and i was done and out just before 4. I left loving my hair and still today. I shall be returning. read more

I had the same hair stylist for nearly 10 years before moving out of state left me looking for someone new. I never thought I would like anyone as much or be as happy as I once was with my hair and then I found Nikki :). Not only is she funny and adorable, but she is a great stylist. I look forward to each and every appointment! I am NEVER nervous when I want to make a change because at the beginning of the appointment, Nikki takes as much time as is necessary to understand and confirm what I want. That is the way a stylist should make you feel -- confident and comfortable. I have so much fun when I am there the appointment just flys by! She is also so knowledgeable about products that I am curious about and great at answering questions I may have about changes to my hair routine. I am so thrilled to have found her and can't wait for my next appointment! read more

If you need a root touch-up, go to Nikki Ray! She does a great and thorough job and is very nice and easy to talk to. She answers all your questions and makes sure you leave the salon loving your hair! I would definitely recommend her and the salon. read more

I currently live in San Francisco and have family from NH - then realized upon arriving on the east coast that I needed a haircut desperately! I looked on yelp for a nice salon in the Portsmouth area and came across In Boston (I'm so glad I did). I got an appointment with Loni and she was wonderful! She spent extra time with me before, during and after, to make sure everything was perfect. I didn't have many expectations or needs so gave her the reins to have fun and make it sassy. All the products and care she put into my hair were wonderful - and the head massage too! I left very happy and would love to return next time I'm back on the east. Thanks a million, Loni! read more

I have been coming here for years; and during this time visited two different stylists. They are both incredibly talented, intuitive, personable, and do a fantastic job. I have had the best haircuts of my life here and can't imagine going anywhere else. It is a place that no matter who cuts your hair, you can have complete faith that they won't cut you unwanted bangs, layers, mullets etc. As a bonus, you also get a birds eye view of downtown Portsmouth during your haircut and they offer a drink when you arrive. I wholeheartedly recommend In Boston and am looking forward to my next visit!! read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!! Was in the area for a wedding and my boyfriends mom and I wanted some girl time. we went to get our hair done, and In Boston was highly recommended to us. Could not be happier with the way they did both of out hair, and we got compliments all night!!!!! thank you so much! read more

Love it! It's a little tricky to find because the sign doesn't correlate with the actual door to the salon-it's a couple doors down from Starbucks. Was able to get an appointment within a couple days. They made me a cup of tea when I got there, which I really needed since it was freezing out! I got a fabulous haircut from Nikki and I barely gave her any direction. I can appreciate that! Overall, a very pleasant experience. read more

Very happy with my cut and color....Nikki is a miracle worker! Highly recommend!

I travel to Portsmouth from Tyler, TX, every 6-8 weeks to have my highlights, hair cut and styling by Laurie Roarke at In Boston Salon. Laurie is the only person I have found who really knows how to make my color look completely natural, and I always leave her salon feeling & looking like a million bucks!!! I highly recommend In Boston!!!!! read more

-------Overpriced------------ I used to go here all the time. There is a new owner, which has been nice because the old ones were rude and obnoxious. However, at 40-50 for a MEN'S haircut, they are waaay overpriced. The atmosphere is nice but the last few visits they had a dog running around the salon. Please, if I'm shelling out this kind of money, leave the animals at home. Lastly, prices have gone up over time there. And my stylists attentiveness to my needs went down. My last visit I asked for subtle brown highlights and left with 3 blonde stripes on my head that she slapped on in a couple minutes. I could have done that for myself and saved 90 bucks.... but then again, I don't want to look like a mutant skunk. Sorry In Boston, but I won't be going back..... read more

This salon is exactly what a salon should be. The staff are all so friendly and so professional. I feel so welcomed every time I walk in. Sandra is my hairstylist and I couldn't imagine going to someone else ever again. She listens to my ideas and thoughts on my hair, and always knows the best way to cut and style it. Best of all, she is one of the nicest people I know, and really makes my every 5 week visit with her something to look forward to. Laurie, the owner, is a really great person too. She's so friendly and did an AMAZING job with the new location's design when they moved. The salon is always filled with regulars no matter what day or time I go, which is a great sign. If anyone asks where I get my hair cut, and I say In Boston, they squeal back their love of the salon too. It really is a gem in Portsmouth! read more

I spend a lot of time in the area, and decided to see if a salon around here would suit my needs. I'm wary with letting new-to-me stylists have a go, since my hair is super thick, but with fine, wavy strands that I wear both wavy and blown straight. I need a cut that lightens the load but maximizes the curl factor. Plus, I'm not a fan of when you ask for it to be trimmed because you're trying to grow it out and you walk out with hair 3 inches shorter. Nicki was wonderful - she listened to all my concerns, made recommendations and my hair came out just the way we discussed. And we had a nice chat to top it off. Next time I need a cut when I'm in the area, I'm coming back. read more

I stumbled upon In Boston by chance after a streak of haircut misses. First of all, I love the atmosphere of the place. It's airy and relaxing, with an exposed brick wall, hardwood floor, and great decor. Most importantly, I leave with a great haircut every time. My stylist takes the time to listen to what I want, and always has great advice regarding what would best suit my specific hair type. I trust her completely, which is a first for me! Although I don't live in Portsmouth, I still make the trip here for all of my haircuts. It changed ownership last year, which really suits it well! They now offer Pureology products (great stuff!) but will never try to make you buy anything. The price of a haircut is also very reasonable. Overall, this is a wonderful place. Everyone that works here gives off the vibe that they love their job, and this translates into happy customers. If you are looking for a truly amazing cut, I highly recommend In Boston! read more

This salon has always been terrific! It is now at a new location, as the old building was sold. The decor is fun and the place is spotless. Laurie has been doing my hair forever. She listens to me and always gets it right. I now NEED color and I get so many compliments, even on a bad hair day! This is a great place. My daughter comes from NYC to have Laurie cut her hair Judi read more

In Boston is just wonderful. My stylist Gemma is so great helping me figure out exactly how to realize the look that I want. She's great with cuts (whether it's the long mermaid hair I used to have, or the new mohawk I am currently rocking) as well as some amazing color. The atmosphere of the studio is wonderful, with complimentary coffee and other beverages, and everyone is super helpful and friendly. It's also very reasonably priced. I would never go anywhere else. read more

i am so happy i decided to try In Boston- with every single review having 5 stars, i decided this was the place to go, and now i know why! i had a mess of a grown-out ombre, with blocks and patches of awful orangey box color. i showed nikki pictures of what i wanted (something that was attempted before at another salon and didn't give me the results i wanted) and she really took the time to understand what i wanted and explain what would be best/how she would do it. i felt totally at ease letting her go to work, which is something i can't say very often. i am absolutely thrilled with the outcome- after 4 hours she got all of the yellow/orange out of my hair, and made me look absolutely amazing. i feel so much more confident and like myself again! i highly recommend nikki and will be back to see her in the future. she really took the time to make sure i left happy. read more

I was able to get a last minute appointment with Mary to get a trim. She asked me what I was hoping for (I'm growing my hair out), I told her (and I have no doubt she listened) then she made a few suggestions of her own. Mary really took her time cutting my hair. I had mentioned that I needed my eyebrows done and she made it happen, even allowing me to interrupt my appointment to fit it in. The end result of my time with Mary? Awesome! I honestly couldn't be happier. She styled it fabulously too. And when I mentioned that I wished I could style my hair that way, she took the time to show me how (notice I said 'show' me how and not 'tell' me how). If I were staying in the area Mary would be my go to every time, no question. Sylvie did my eyebrows. Again, Awesome. The shape is great, they look great, and she uses hard wax which was much less painful than the softer wax with the cotton strips. All around outstanding experience. Yay for Mary and Sylvie!! read more

If I could give no stars, I would. So disappointed. I scheduled this hair appointment before coming home from NYC, and was only in Portsmouth for a few days. I scheduled my whole last day around my hair appointment, and 15 minutes before my appointment, they called and cancelled. There was no compensation offered, and instead, I took my business to another salon in town a few doors down. I understand that things come up, but if you are going to say on your answering machine that you require 24 hours notice before cancellations, return the favor to your customers. read more

Great experience with Sandra. My regular stylist (not from In Boston) was out of town for six weeks. I had a wedding coming up and could not wait for her to return. A good friend, whose hair always looks great, suggested her stylist (Alex) and recommended the salon in general. I couldn't get an appointment with Alex soon enough, so I booked with Sandra. I was extremely nervous about a stylist other than my own but there was nothing to worry about. Sandra did a great job! She listened to me, asked lots of questions, and was able to interpret my needs based on my hair, short and curly, and my limited abilities with styling tools. I told her up front that I needed a back up stylist, but was not interested in permanently switching salons.She was just as attentive and professional as if I were a long term customer. The salon was busy, but I never once felt rushed or ignored. My hair came out so great that even my husband noticed and said how pretty it looked. Just or note - it is on the 2nd floor of a very old building in downtown Portsmouth. If you have trouble with stairs, this might be an issue. There may be an elevator (doubtful), but I never asked Looking forward to my stylist being it of town more often, now that I have a back up stylist. Somehow my husband's name got linked to this account, but he did not write this review, I did. Jean F. read more

Last week I went to my regular hair dresser and was really bumming about my hair cut. She didn't want to cut layers into it because my hair was too long and she thought it wouldn't look nice. I finally convinced myself to look elsewhere and that's when i found In Boston. Nicki listen to my concerns about my hair.... she put the layers that i wanted and I swear she was reading my mind. I left there wanting to give everyone i met a hug. And honestly, I felt like i just won the lottery! read more

Recommended by a friend, I got the best haircut and highlight that I've had in a long time. Mary was professional, relaxed, and provided good advice. Love the view out the 2nd story windows! I already have my next appointment. read more