Jimmy did a great job with my haircut! Booking process was very easy through his website and Jimmy was thorough in consulting first about what I wanted before doing wash, cut, and blow dry with a hair straighten as well. His salon is spacious and Jimmy checked in multiple times about if the length was okay and offered to cut it shorter. He is friendly and talkative but I felt comfortable. Would definitely come back to support his business! Service: 5/5 Price: 5/5 read more

I was recommended Le Gala from a friend of mine and brought my girlfriend to come get her hair done. She dyed it brown and was extremely happy with the results. Jimmy (the owner) and Jake were extremely knowledgeable and professional. I didn't mind sitting around and chatting with the workers either and the overall vibe of the salon was great, I would definitely come back. read more

Le Gala Hair Group - My girlfriend getting her hair done - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The nicest hairstylist in Boston!!! He squeezed us into his busy schedule on a Saturday. Saved us so much time not having to come back to Chinatown again, we are forever grateful. My husband looked a lot younger after the haircut lol I think this will be his go to place now. Pay by Zelle or Venmo. read more

Jimmy was fantastic! I called on Saturday morning and was able to get a Sunday afternoon appointment for a haircut and perm. Best, most natural perm I've ever had (loose beachy waves). I just told him to do whatever he thought would look good and he really nailed it. 100% would recommend. read more

Le Gala Hair Group - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I wish this salon was in NYC bc I def wanna get my hair cut by Jimmy again. Came here during a recent trip to Boston bc a friend highly recommended it. The salon is mostly run by Jimmy alone now so he's always booked of course, but I called ahead of time to get an appointment. I LOVED my haircut and overall just had a great experience for an affordable price. He was very attentive to using shampoo/other products appropriate for my hair since it's been bleached several times. He also provided additional recommendations that would fit me better aesthetically, after i showed him some inspiration photos for my haircut - and the look turned out way better than I even imagined. The scalp massage during the hair washing process was also 10/10 lol. Highly rec coming here and supporting small businesses in Chinatown! read more

Go see Jimmy!! He's so great. Gives a fantastic haircut (45 years of experience!) but is chic and understands how to keep what you want achievable with your hair. If you're half he handles half Asian hair really well too. He's undercharging honestly read more

Jimmy did a great job cutting my hair! My hair wasn't long enough for the style I wanted and he did a really good job at explaining what he thought would be a better alternative until my hair grew out more. read more

How have I never reviewed this recently? This place is amazing! Jimmy is the only stylist who knows how to cut my hair so it doesn't get all tangled when I go home and try to brush it. I've been coming here for years and I encourage everyone to make an appointment! Amazing! 100 stars! read more

I loved Jimmy! Went here to get a perm and got exactly what I wanted. Wasn't even sure what I was asking for, but I did my best with examples of pictures and a description, but despite this he did such a great job providing me with exactly what I was looking for. He was so friendly and kind and even offered to have me come back in the following week to redo it for no charge if it came undone (it was my first perm which may make it harder for the perm to take). He was very knowledgeable and thorough and was incredibly helpful with giving me all the information I needed to handle the perm. Very great experience! read more

Le Gala Hair Group - Perm - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Dude, go learn how to trim hairline smh I've been having the same hair style for three years, so I know how to describe it to a stylist. It's actually my first time to argue with a barber, I was so mad when he finished. Stylist was a fine person, he might had a rough day, and having me as his last customer of the day at 6pm is tiring, but come on what is this... $34 for a hair cut at Chinatown is okay, but definitely other places could've done a better job. read more

Le Gala Hair Group - Dude, go learn how to trim hairline smh - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I am so in love with my new perm, color, and cut! The prices are just unbeatable and Jimmy is the best at what he does. I've been going to him since my high school days (over 10 years already). I used to hate getting haircuts and was always afraid to go too short. Jimmy has always made me feel comfortable with change and reassured me to go out of my comfort zone. I will never go to another hairdresser because it's actually really hard to find one who actually listens and is so personable. read more

Le Gala Hair Group - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Love Jimmy! I have been going to him for many many years. I have complete trust in his judgement. I will bring hair photos from magazines and he's candid and honest and will tell me what will look good and what won't which I appreciate. He's always said, "if you don't look good, my salon doesn't look good". That's his business motto. Visit Le Gala! read more

I have been coming here on and off for 10 years seeing Jimmy. I made the mistake and went somewhere close to my work to get some foils and OMG worst mistake of my life. They bleached it and then charged me an arm and a leg of the chunkiest, brassiest highlights. I came in to see Jimmy and he fixed it and my hair is looking so much healthier! Thank you thank you! read more

ZhenC did a fantastic job as always! The place is nice and clean. And is the best barber shop in downtown Boston.

One of the best in boston !! U know it's good if it's been in business for 37 years .... I always come here to fix the hair when someone else messed it up lol it's just I always have the kids so not able to always make it here 1st choice lol read more

Ok. BEST hair I have EVER had. After showing Jimmy some pictures of what I wanted the perm to look like, he recommended a regular perm (as opposed to digital perm). I was a bit hesitant because all my perms previously (have had about 4-5 previously) were digital perms at the recommendation of the stylist (was told they would last longer, were easier on the hair etc) which apparently are not true and digital perms are pushed a lot as they generate more money. Anyway, I was really sold on the fact that regular perms take only 1-2 hours whereas digital perms were 3-4 hours. The perm came out looking a bit tighter than I liked right after it was done, however, by the time I walked home, it had dried and settled a bit into PERFECT waves. Glad I went with Jimmy's recommendation and will never go back to digital perms again. read more

Le Gala Hair Group - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Stella is awesome. I am glad I listened to her advise that my super straight hair needs tighter curlers to set my perm. My curls came out bigger which was what I really wanted. I would have docked one star because there were some locks (the hair that is at the very bottom, towards the nape of my neck) that didn't take the perm at all but the perm was so cheap, I can't really complain. I think next time I will ask them to leave the perm on longer so that all the hair being treated will take the perm. Everybody was nice and smiled a lot at the salon. They even gave me free Diet Coke. As I was getting my perm, I noticed that that had TVs everywhere and they were playing a video of a Chinese popstar. I thought that was pretty cool and he was actually great. My favorite part was when they were washing and massaging my head. That was really relaxing. read more

Le Gala Hair Group - I got my beach ready permanent waves thanks to Stella! (I know it's just Spring but heyyyy!!!! I gots to have my hair did!) - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Jimmy rocks! From a fine shampooing with skillful neck/scalp massage for free, to deftly cutting my hair into long and elegant but light-feeling layers capable of being tied up for work (a request too often ignored) that always grows out gorgeously - after years of waiting way too long each time to get cuts in Taiwan, I finally have a trusted stylist in Boston! read more

I got my hair cut today and was reminded of Ling. She cut my hair for a long time when I worked in the area and I really miss her. I would go during lunch to have a quick cut. The head massages were the bomb which I missed today. Prices are great and I may need to make the trip in when I need a basic cut. She is also a great person with an awesome personality. read more

I just came for the first time after my aunt's recommendation. Before going to Le Gala, I made the mistake of going to somewhere close to my house. They used the wrong scissors on me. When I got to Le Gala, I was surprised at the service. Jimmy is INCREDIBLE. I showed him a picture and he knew right away it wouldn't work but gave me some great alternatives. He's so talented at what he does and he's so personable. I'd totally recommend coming here! If you do, get Jimmy to do your hair. read more

Second time back, and Jimmy did a great job as usually! Always fun to talk to, and had a great perm to go along with it. Would definitely recommend! read more

Jimmy is the best. $34 pre-tip, so market price. He gave great input on how to balance out the weight/texture of the sides. And he redid the cut a few times to make it perfect. He's also a genuine guy who was a war refugee, worked for decades, and just recently sent his son to Yale (congrats!) Great story, great haircut, great times. read more

How do I love Le Gala? Let me count the ways: 1. An ex of mine introduced me to Le Gala five years ago, and I love the place so much that I refused to give it back to him in the breakup. 2. I moved away from Boston three years ago, and have lived in DC and NYC since. I STILL go up to Le Gala for my haircuts and refuse to let anyone else near my hair. 3. Jimmy. Jimmy is UNBELIEVABLY talented, experienced, and really receptive to your thoughts on style. He's given me reliably compliment-fetching haircuts, and I've always been happy with them. He will remember you from visit to visit, and will keep in mind your haircare routine and your personal style philosophy. He's well trained in dealing with a lot of different kinds of hair. I have South Asian hair, but it never phases him to switch from typical straight Asian hair to mine. 4. Ling is also fantastically talented. Her cuts are always edgy and trendy without looking trashy. She gives great advice on maintenance of her styles, and is dedicated to making sure her clients know how to look great even on days when they're not coming to Le Gala. 5. PRICE. When I go for my cuts at Le Gala, I spend less than $50, and that includes a $10 tip. There is absolutely no beating the price, and I always end up looking like I've paid for a $200 NYC haircut. 6. Location - There are lots of great Shabu places and cheap markets nearby, so its easy to make a day of it if you're already in Chinatown. Bottom line: I almost don't want to write this review, because I don't want this place to get so crowded that I have trouble getting appointments. This salon is seriously a diamond in the rough. Once you try it, you'll never let anyone else cut your hair again. read more

Oh hells yeah, this place is the shizzle for hizzle or whatever the kids are saying on the streets these days. I was recommended this place because I'm cheap, I wanted to do a walk in, and I was lured by the promise of scalp massages and coffee. So off I went into Chinatown, flopped down Essex street, and walked in for a cut. The location is well laid out, clean, and has little flat screens that usually play videos, although this time they were off, probably because it was pretty slow that day. I got my hair washed, then my scalp massaged at the same time. I'm normally not one for massages, but I'll be buggered if I wasn't putty in the hands of the washer. While I was ready (and willing) to become one of Chinatown's worst hair styled demons, complete with fashion mullet, dyed orange hair, and wispy sideburns (all for science), I met Stella, and she gave me a great haircut, and was offered a drink, but sadly, I was too full of Dunkin Donuts to drink any complimentary coffee. After my hair got cut, I was washed again, then styled. Nice! I used to go to Delleria on Comm Ave, but I think I found my new spot. To put it how much I like 'em, I gave more than 20% for a tip. Woo! Oh, and just so you know, the owner of Hot Gossip on Newbury trained UNDER the owner of this place. So basically you're getting Newbury St. hair cuts at chinatown prices. Hell yeah. read more

I've only came to this place 3 times, the first two was mediocre, however the 3rd time was terrible. I was dragged to this place by my sister because she loves this salon for who knows what reason (she's a loyal customer of 5 years). Never have I ever came out of this salon impress. First, their shampooing was harsh but who cares about shampooing right? All I wanted was a nice ombre for my cousin's upcoming wedding. I asked them multiple of times if they know how to do ombre and of course they said yes. Clearly I was wrong. The process took so long and in the end, my hair looks like it's dipped dyed, and that's not the worst part, my hair dyed was uneven/ patchy. Anyone who walk by can see it in my face that I was furious and the hair stylist obviously couldn't miss that because my face look like I just smelt cat piss throughout the whole entire hair curling process. I can tell that he was trying to curl my hair, without me instructing him to (he didn't even ask!), hoping that it will look like the picture I showed him. I paid $120 for it + tips for damaged hair. In the end, I am still not impress. Oh, on the other hand, they also destroyed my sister's hair. It's now 1/4 blonde on the top of her head and the rest is red. IT LOOKS LIKE SHE' S BALDING!! She look like a long lost twin sister of Gollum from Lord of the Rings. She paid $110 + tips. I would show you a picture proof but we went straight to CVS to get a L'Oreal hair dye box for $8 and redyed her hair (brown) on the same day. read more

Got my bi-annual hairchop(one in the summer, another one in the winter). It always hard to find a good salon to cut Asian hair. I usually just wait until I travel to Asia or SF or Canada (Toronto or Vancouver) to cut my hair. My hair was getting really long and I couldn't wait any longer to cut it short for the summer. I was back in Boston for a weekend and had lunch around Chinatown. Decided to give Le Gala a try (it's right across the street from Chau Chow City). Judy was my stylist, she was very helpful with giving me ideas for my hairchop. I told her I just want it short for the summer. She gave me an initial cut to little bit below the shoulder...I was like...hmmm...let's chop some more off. She was glad that I want more chop off and went ahead to do her thing. After an hour, I got my summer cut that I wanted. Short and easy to take care of. $30 for wash and cut (plus tips). Will come back next time. read more

This salon recently had a major staff change.. If you care about your hair,then you probably care about your stylist, and you want to stay loyal to that same stylist. I've had my hair cut by Judy for TEN years in a row now and now she's not there anymore! The guy who owns this place said that Judy no longer cuts hair because of health reasons.. I later found out that she's actually at a new upscale/modern salon in Malden called S.O Hair Design that blows the socks off of Le Gala. Why did this guy lie about Judy? I have no idea. It's not good for business that everyone on his staff quit, but it's probably worse for business that he lies to customers he's seen for TEN years instead of doing the helpful and honorable thing by passing on the referral. Karma is a bitch, I don't see this place lasting much longer. read more

Let me start out by saying that I live in NYC -- but I think I'll be back for my next cut. On a friend's recommendation, I saw Stella last week. She definitely knows her hair. Within a couple of seconds sitting down in her chair, she spotted the flaws of my last cut and explained how the too-thin layers would have to be fixed through various future cuts. She's very conscious of how strands behave and will ask you about your styling habits, then make recommendations accordingly. In my case, she gave me no-fuss layers that fall nicely on its own because I'm a wash-and-go kind of girl. When I said I wanted short bangs, she warned me that my hair falls on the heavy side and that I'd have to style the bangs if I want to keep them out of my eyes. It's been a week since the cut and her words seem spot on on both accounts. At $30 for a cut and shampoo, a 4-hour bus ride is definitely worth it. I was pleasantly surprised by the scalp massage before the cut and appreciated a rinse after. Nothing more annoying than an itchy neck from fallen hair! read more

Stella was my hair stylist. I gave her 2 stars for taking me in a walk-in on a Tuesday evening after work. Now if only she would give me a hair cut and I would be more inclined to give her a few more stars. She looked at my hair, gave it a few tossed and said that she could help to bring "it back to life" again. Whatever that meant. I believed her. ... Only to be disappointed only about 12 minutes later. All talk and fluff. She had someone washed my hair for about 5 minutes. Then Stella started to toss my hair around for a bit more again with her fingers. She took her scissors and snipped a few snips. She probably spent at most 4 minutes "cutting". She spent about the next 3 minutes tossing my hair around some more while blow drying it. I looked down at the ground but barely saw any hair from the cut. Before I realized it, Stella said it was done and the bill was $35. I should have a better response, but I was stunned by the unspeakable moment that I just gave her the money and walked out. My hair looked the same as it did before I went in Le Gala. And with $45 less, I felt that my hair looked worse. Moments and money wasted like this always make me think twice about going to hair salons such as Le Gala. Once was a mistake, and never have I gone back. read more

I'll admit it: I've always been lazy about haircuts. I hate spending lots of money on them, so since high school I've mostly cut my hair myself or gotten a competent friend to do it for $5. However, I read a review in the Weekly Dig a few years ago and decided to give the salon a try. My original stylist was really very good, especially for the price, although his accent was hard for me to understand. However, he left for another salon, and I started going to Stella a year and a half ago. Stella is hands down, far and away, the best hairdresser I have ever had. She knows how to cut my hair, she knows how my hair behaves--it's incredibly thick, yet the individual strands are fine, and naturally wavy--and she'll tell me if I'm trying to make a change that I will probably regret because it goes against my hair type. She does a very thorough job. Because my hair is so thick, I used to always have tons of uneven strands right after the cut that the stylist had missed, but that's never happened at Le Gala. For a typical haircut, you will have your hair shampooed and conditioned, followed by an amazing scalp/temple/neck massage. Your hair is cut, then you go back to rinse out all those little bits of cut hair that might be sticking around. Then, another round of precision snipping to make sure everything's perfect, and a thorough blow-dry/style. I have never been disappointed with a cut here. I've also never had a problem getting a walk-in--I usually wait 15 minutes tops. I've converted both my boyfriend and one of my male roommates to going to Stella. read more

i just went to the hair salon today after reading so many good things about this place. My hair stylist was Judy, she was very nice and professional. She gave me her professional advices about my hair and gave me a really hip and cute cut which matchs my face and hair. i think this place is pretty good b/c they give you free tea/soda/water. their price is pretty cheap 30 for the cut and then you pay tips to the stylist and the hair washer. one thing i want to mention is that i left my visa card at home and only had a discover, which they don't accept. they said i could just come back and pay them another day, i even offered to leave them something but they said that i don't have to. ended up that i found an old check in my wallet and i gave the check to them. pretty cool.... read more

Definately not recommended and wil not go back. I had Stella cut my hair and she was awful!! I have tried so many hair salons but none of them took only 10 minutes to cut my hair. There was no trimming at all! The only difference is that my hair is an inch shorter than before and my $35 is gone. I could have done by myself other than spending the money! Stella doesn't have any real skills, plus she was impatient and rude, trying to get it done quickly and move on to the next customer. I would say save your money do not waste your time and money!!! I would suggest read the negative comments instead of the positive ones. Who knows who wrote these "good" comments. Negative ones can pretty much tell the story. That was the mistake I made. I should read the negative ones before I go, because I had exactly the same experience as one lady who left a negative comment before!! read more

Whenever I leave this salon I feel like a rock star. I walk down the streets of Chinatown with a little swag because in my head I'm that girl in the shampoo commercial ~ my hair is flowing in the wind in slow motion all bouncy and shiny. That's how a great haircut makes you feel, right? The bums down the corner hollarin' about my haircut must validate this point. I found this place three years ago, I've had fantastic haircuts that worked well with my hair type and face shape. They also ask what look you are going for, and give you an honest opinion. I've had both Jimmy and Judy and the cut seems to get better and better as the weeks go on. read more

I have been going to this hair salon for almost four years now. That shows you my loyalty. Having the "asian" hair in Boston is an issue. I mean come one this isnt San Fran or LA. Ive done the rounds in Newbury and to no avail my hair came out like crap. Then came Le Gala! I shouldve thought of it that Asian people know Asian hair but i guess I had to spend hundreds of dollars first until i realized that. Ling and Jimmy are the two stylists that I go to. Theyre both amazing and they more important part they listen to you! They would never let you out of there looking awful. If you suggest a style and they think it wont look good they will tell you so you can make a better decision rather than do it and have you get out of there disappointed. It's the only place that I trust with my hair and sometimes I just come in with no particular hair style in mind and just ask them to do their "magic". The staff is friendly as well. try it out if you havent found your "hair salon" yet. read more

My coworker recently got bangs at Le Gala, and they turned out so cute that I dragged her over there today so I could explain the kind of bangs I wanted and then get them myself. Stella took one look at both of us and told me point-blank that bangs like that wouldn't be wash-and-go on me because I had a major cowlick and fine, wispy hair (while coworker's is stick straight). She then explained that if I did it, I'd just have to blowdry them to make sure they kept the bang shape instead of splitting apart at the cowlick site. I appreciated her up-front assessment and decided to go for it. After she created bangs, I decided to go whole hog and add an angled bob (bang trim = $5 and haircut = $30). A shampoo, head massage, cut, rinse, blowdry and refinement later, I walked out of there feeling like a cross between Brittani from Top Model Cycle 16 and myself from 1986. Four stars for the location, price and Stella! read more

This was the fastest haircut I've ever had! They took longer to wash my hair and give me a lovely scalp massage than they did cutting and styling my hair. But I'm pretty happy with the results. I liked that I could totally relate with Stella, my stylist, who like me is a 2nd gen Chinese American who grew up in Boston. And I totally appreciated that they understand my hair - hella thick/course, and a little wavy. I think Stella might have been the first stylist to ever say that she thought I was lucky to have the hair I have. Nice long scalp massage, fun stylist, and an ego boost... what more can a girl ask for? read more

I found a hair dresser who is talented, gives good hair advice, and most importantly gives me a good haircut! I've been getting haircuts from Stella for about a year and a half. (So, about 4 or 5 times I've been). I have always been satisfied with my haircut. I love how she wants to curl my hair at the end of the appointment. It makes me feel like a rock star. For $30 includes the wash, cut, and style -- this is a great deal. The hair dressers are experienced. They also speak English. Also, no appointments are necessary which is great for spur of the moment hair cuts! read more

It has been a couple of weeks since I went to this place, and I'm still waiting to fall in love with my haircut. I know it sounds great that your hair gets washed twice, but honestly, it just means less time is spent on your actual cut. My cut was done in maybe 10 minutes; it felt like I was at Supercuts. My biggest issue is that the haircutter told me that she would cut a few inches, showing me how much she meant. *deep breath*. Okay, I wanted a very small trim, but if that's what you need to do to get my hair in shape, it's what you need to do. ... Well, it ended up being much more, and I left with my hair devastatingly shorter than when I walked in. I actually cried a lot. Why? Because it took me over a year to grow out the amount of hair she cut. It wasn't necessary to take that much off, it really wasn't ... And even if it was, at least I'd like a nice, even, shaped cut. It doesn't even look good. My "layers" somehow don't work and just look funny. One side of my hair flips in consistently, the other flips out. I don't care that this was $30. It was not worth my money. I learned this the hard way. Don't go here! read more

I went to another salon in Chinatown first (based on Yelp review). The 1st salon was empty but the lady up front told me I have to come back in 30 minutes. I didn't think it was reasonable so I decided to try my 2nd options on Yelp lists. I'm so glade that the first option didn't work out, because I love my hair experience at Le Gala. I walked in and asked if there is a wait for hair cut, and the told me. "No, you can be service right now" Yah!!! I was super happy and even tho the salon was quite busy. My stylist her name was (Judy). On my she was so good and listen to me well on how I want my hair cut. (She also provide her professional options to make my hair outcome to become perfect) During my hair cut, I asked her couple questions and she was very nice and helpful to provide me some suggestions on what to do with my hair at home. Ending up the price was only $30 for cut, wash and styles. One thing I was sad about is I lived so far away from Boston, If not I had found my the one salon and stylists. (checked out the picture I uploaded, I always has straight hairs and Judy styled become curly with only curly iron --- amazing) read more

Le Gala Hair Group - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I made a hair appointment the morning of, and they were good enough to take me for a busy Saturday morning. I didn't want anything complicated (just a trim), but it was okay. The hairwash was okay -- I don't think they even used conditioner. Jimmy cut my hair, and he did a pretty thorough job, though it was really fast! He did listen to my concerns and did adjust based on what I wanted. For $35, it is what it is. Shrug. read more