The best part of getting a haircut is having your hair washed. Nothing beats sitting down, with your head turned back as someone shampoos and massages your head. Pure pleasure. I am cheap, I am lazy I do not get my hair cut as often as I should but when I do I expect nothing but the best in the cheapest possible way. After finding out that I already washed my hair earlier in the day the hair washer refused to do more than wet it. No massage, no shampooing. The hair cut wasn't even that great. I was standing the entire time as she cut my hair! Never again. read more

Have you ever been lounging around with friends in Davis Square when you realize you desperately need a haircut? It happened to me. In the past, I had tried Salon Femia, but I called them and they were all booked up. To the internets! I found Mario's, saw it was nearby, and called. They said I could come right over. My appointment was with Carla. She washed my hair, then cut it and then dried it so we could see how it looked. I liked it! It was $35 for the whole thing. Since that day in March 2010, I've gone a few more times (I'm cheap, so I don't get my haircut too often). Just went again today (as always with Carla). I'm feeling pretty! I really like cuts from Carla because she's nice, if a little quiet, and knows how to make me look cute every time! read more

I had such a pleasant experience at Mario's. I got my haircut about 6 weeks ago, but decided to write a review now because it has stuck with me! I am not "totally" sure if it was Mario who cut my hair, but it was an older gentleman. He took care and time to do it right. The hair washer was also very kind and made pleasant conversation. The haircut was done very well! I have very difficult cowlicks to work with, but it was an easy job for him. The hair product I bought from him was also great. I asked about it and he did not become a salesman, he said if you like it come back and buy. I decided to buy it anyways, and found it was cheaper than online prices! I will definitely go back here. A really friendly salon. These are too rare! read more

I first started going to Mario's last year but not for any hair services but because they sell the Neuma shampoo and conditioner products so I buy it from them. The salon I normally get my hair done is all the way in NH so just yesterday after needing a haircut badly I figured maybe Ill try Mario's every time I go in there everyone is always friendly...so why not. Now sometime a year and a half ago (at a salon that will remain nameless) I attempted to have the ombre done on my extremely long dark brown hair...well... it was a nightmare it came out almost bleach blonde with sharp lines...I looked like a skunk! I attempted to fix it and dye it dark to cover it then I was just letting it grow out. But after a while I couldn't stand looking at it anymore. That's when I went to Mario's, he dyed the ugly coppery blonde color to a dark brown to match my hair and he also cut about 6" off. I noticed he took pride in his work being precise trying to only cover that bad color and not my whole head. Then when it was time to cut he measured exactly what I wanted cut off with the comb to make sure it was what I wanted. He also gave me a few instructions on how to take care of my hair in the next few days. I had a nice experience here and I was very comfortable, not too nervous (like I always am when I go to a hair salon). The prices weren't outrageous either which is always nice. I felt like they were reasonable prices. I will definitely go back again. read more

Came to Mario's for the first time last weekend and thought it was fantastic. I had Zen for a brazillian and she was terrific - didn't hurt too much and she was friendly and made me feel really comfortable. And it was only $35! I'd definitely recommend Mario's. read more

Just like the rest of the reviewers here, see Rosa for your Brazilian. She was great -- no fuss, efficient, and nice as could be. Personally I like chatty waxers because I can concentrate so something other than that constant ripping - - and once I got her talking the experience was so much better. You can't get a better wax for the price and really, with no money but still spending, I couldn't ask for anything better. Check out Mario's!! read more

My experience at Mario's was great! I was having a hard time finding an available stylist for New Year's Eve a couple weeks ago. Literally I called 30 places that were either booked, or did not have experience with curly natural black hair. When I called Mario's the receptionist was very friendly and helpful, she said she had someone that could tame my wild hair. Hurray!!!! The appointment was at 3pm and when I arrived a nice woman washed my hair ( I bring my own shampoo and conditioner, since most salon products dry out my hair) and she chatted me up about her daughter being mixed race as well, and asked if the products that I used helped with frizz and manageability. My stylist was Zenaide and she did a fabulous job on my hair!!! I have never gotten so many compliments on it! She was able to get it so straight and soft to the touch. I became vain over the next week, haha, and every time I saw a mirror I had to look at my flowing locks. She knew exactly what she was doing, and did it well. Although it was a bit pricey for a week to week straightening ($45, plus a good tip $10) I will definitely be coming back for special occasions! I suggest going to her if you have mixed race, curly, kinky, hair. read more

Looking for something better than supercuts but less than $50, I gave this place a try. The guy literally cut my hair at different lengths on each side. At the time I thought it must be an optical illusion or something -- there's no way a competent barber would not notice that the lengths on each side were totally different, right? So I figured that when I went home and combed it out, everything would be normal. Not so. So, I guess it's back to supercuts for me. On the positive side, it sounds like the brazilian waxes are pretty awesome. read more

I went to CU in Ball Sq. on a Friday morning, and they were booked up. Fortunately, Umberto told me that Mario's in Davis Sq. would probably be able to take me (he used to work there). Sure enough, Zen took me and gave me a nice trim and a blow-dry. Great conversation, too! Sure, I'm used to a more flat-iron look from the salon, but my Mom's going to love it and that's all that matters today. Also, a quick brow tweeze that didn't hurt a bit, and I'm all packed full of confidence. I'm grateful they took me, did a nice job, and treated me well, and that's why I'm giving them a 4. read more

Customizeable pricing for hair drying cut and wash as optional

Alan is great. I've had two color and haircut experiences. The first was amazing, the kind of stuff that dreams are made from. You sit down, exchange a couple of genuine sentiments, the hair happens while you flip mindlessly through fashion magazines asleep with your eyes open. Then poof, it's all over. A small and wonderful miracle has happened, all for $80 or so bucks. The second experience was not quite so magical, but this guy is so cool that I'm sure his mojo will be back for you. Go already! read more

I often go to fru fru salons for my haircut. Who doesn't love a nice vibe and someone spending 45 minutes to meticulously cut your special hair? Had to do a vibe check on myself though, as I am actually a broke grad student that objectively cannot afford $80 haircuts. Decided to try to Mario's on a whim, and though it's not deeply glamorous, it truly gets the job done! I kinda wanted to not like the haircut Mario gave me, as it maybe took him 15 minutes. But I went home, and it's very very perfect? I'm a little shook. Guess this is my place now! read more

I had a horrible experience here getting a hair cut. This lady (don't know her name) seemed to have zero clue as to how to cut hair. She made me feel very uncomfortable. She even had to ask someone else why her razor blade wasn't working, and it was because there was NO blade in it! She then took an electric razor to the ends of my hair, how horrifying! And when i asked her to use a product that would help increase the curls she said, "uh, i don't know, hang on" and literally went and asked the receptionist what she thought, then asked me if i thought what she had was good enough. At this point i just wanted to get out of there and didn't care what she put in my hair! Also,during my haircut, the receptionist washed her hair in the sink herself, then came over to chat w/ the hairdresser while toweling off her head and explaining she just needed to wash her hair because it gets so sweaty and gross! WTF? It was so awkward and unsettling i never want to go back. Maybe its ok to get a wax here, but i'd say stay away for a haircut! read more

Mario is a great guy, and is the only person who knows how to cut my hair the right way!

I feel like I've been on a life-long search to find the perfect haircut. My girlfriend used to make fun of me all the time because I used to say "I want my hair to be like a THING" without any game plan of how i might make that happen. Mario has sculpted some sort of brilliance atop my head and I'm very grateful. My hair looks great from haircut to haircut...he's crafted it such a way that my hair just grows out absolutely perfectly. But enough about me. read more

Went there for full body waxing ( except brazilian), Sabrina is amazing. Definitely recommended.

I walked in and was fit in right after a scheduled appointment. Staff was courteous. Peppi was my stylist, and he did not disappoint. Highly recommend this place to both men and women who want a high end haircut without exorbitant prices. read more

My husband and I have been going to Mario's for the past two years and only have good things to say. We get our hair cut by Mario and Zen, and they have always been very friendly and professional. We love this place! read more

Pepe is my guy. I've been going to him for almost two years now and I have no reason to look elsewhere. Always a nice shampoo and a very friendly staff. As far as haircuts go you can't do better and the price is incredibly reasonable. read more

I have been to a few places to get my hair cut in Boston, and I have to say that Maria at Mario's is absolutely wonderful. You tell her what you're looking for in a cut, and she provides.. She's super-friendly, but when you have those days when you're looking to silently unwind and not converse while in the chair, she's pretty good about that, too. I also have to say that Rosa does the best eyebrow shaping I have encountered in my entire life. She is affably pleasant in demeanor while simultaneously barbaric with waxing strips and a set of tweezers. Fine hairs, beware. The best part? Eyebrows at Mario's are only $8! read more

Note: This review is only for Rosa's Brazilian waxes. I have been going to Rosa for about three years now for Brazilian waxes and she is amazing. Quick, efficient and thorough. She has clearly been doing this for a long time and knows what she is doing. I had been to a other places/people in the past, but no one did as good a job, was as quick, or as painless. read more

Ok, so this was first time I went to SALOOOON. I went to Mario's without appointment, as if I did some crime. Girl on counter got confused whn I said I am here for haircut. Thn someone frm behind said Ohhh he is here for haircut. Gosh!!! I m used to cheap haircut for $10. Here I paid $30 for hair cut. the difference between cheap n SALOON haircut was nothing. Plus girl who was cutting hair never bothered to talk to me. I think...no!!! I am sure I m not goin back... read more

Carla has been cutting my hair faithfully for approximately 16 years. I think I might be her first customer. Carla always listens to what you want and is always very professional. She takes her time, doesn't get distracted and makes you feel like you are the only one she cares about. Mario's is a comfortable place to go and the people are always welcoming and friendly. I would highly reccommend Carla when you go to Mario's. read more

I've gotten brazilian waxes by both Zen & Rosa. Both of which will not be seeing me again. They were very sweet & talked to me the entire time (only reason I gave them stars) but not only was it a horrible waxing experience, it was also way over priced. Rosa said over and over that she was the cheapest around but there is a place right in the square that does brazilian waxes for $35. Rosa is $60 & charges $25 extra to do the outside of your butt cheeks. So now we're up to $85 for 45 minutes worth of pain and to get home and find that there's STILL hair that wasn't removed. After three chances, I finally pulled the plug on Mario's. read more

My family loves Mario's Salon. I've been going to Pepe for many years and now my children do too. They love going and look forward to their haircuts. read more

Visiting and took a chance on Mario's for wash and blow dry. Medium length, thick, graying, dyed hair. Mario did a FABULOUS job. Better than my usual in Portland and for less cost. He was also gracious and polite. read more

I've been in Boston for 10+ years, and it took me a very long time to find my "regular" haircut place. I probably went to about 10-15 places in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. Eventually, I found my way to Mario's Salon and got my hair cut by Peppi, and that has been my regular place ever since. Growing up in New Jersey, I went to a "barber" so it felt a little strange going to a "salon" at first, but the price is comparable to most of the "barbershops" I've gone to around here, and Peppi would have fit right in at the Italian barbershop I grew up going to, so I've gotten used to going to Mario's and now I can't imagine going anywhere else. I've probably gotten my hair cut by Peppi ~30 times now, and it's been perfect every time. His attention to detail, and consistency, is amazing. So, if you're living in the Somerville/Cambridge area and you still haven't found the right "regular" barber for you, I would definitely give Peppi a shot. (Also - You're going to want to make an appointment, which is different from the "walk in and wait in line" experience you get at a barbershop, but it makes it easier to plan your day, since you know exactly when you're hair is going to get cut.) read more

I have been getting my hair colored and cut at Mario' salon for years and I love the salon. Everyone is really friendly and the wash is awesome after the color. Pe Pe is really great stylist and takes great pride in each cut time after time. read more

I've only been to Mario's to visit Rosa to get a bikini wax. I was traumatized a few years ago after I shelled out $65 at a fancy spa and had an awful experience with this cold woman who looked like Nicole Kidman from the Golden Compass. Needless to say, I was anxiety ridden when I got to Rosa. Rosa is hilarious. She automatically puts you at ease instantly because she is easy to talk to and is able to crack jokes about the, ahem, sensitive situation. An example is when I made an "Ow!" sound she goes, "Honey, I know. I'm pulling hair out of your skin. It's going to hurt". I died laughing. The experience was also not nearly as painful as the previous situation (which is what I was most paranoid about) and was very reasonably priced! It only cost $35 as opposed to the $65 I had previously shelled out. Also, it lasts about 4 weeks (depending on what you're rocking... unfortunately, I'm dark Irish/Italian). For the cost of razors, depilatory creams, after creams, etc., that NEVER worked, this is a bargain. Rosa has made me a bikini wax convert. I've been twice in the past two months and definitely plan to keep up with it with through the summer with Rosa as my waxer. read more

I used to be one of those New York City-style Brazilian bikini wax snob types. But the tremendous service that Rosa did me today has opened my eyes to the existence of skillful - and perhaps even BETTER - bikini waxes outside of the NY metro area. Holy cow, this woman is a pro! She's also wonderfully friendly and disarming. She makes sure you leave that little room pleased with the de-fuzzed state of your nether regions and generally happy for having met such a lovely woman. Go and check her out - at $30 a pop, these bikini waxes are well worth the trip out to Davis. read more

Mario gives the best haircut i've ever had...Customer service here is top notch!! Everyone in there is so polite! Went here for 2 years, I was sad to leave but i moved to san diego. will be back when I visit...you can't go wrong with Mario! read more

Mario's is located steps away from the Davis Square T-stop - super convenient. The salon is clean and bright. The prices are very reasonable. Cut and single/process color for under $100. Eyebrow waxing for a mere few dollars. Zen has been cutting/coloring my hair for just about 10 years. She's WONDERFUL, especially if you have long hair. I'd strongly recommend trying this place! read more

I got a Brazilian wax here from Sabrina. You cannot beat the price - it was only $35! It was painful, but that's to be expected. She did it quickly and was very thorough. It was done PERFECTLY. I'll be back (Schwarzenegger voice :). read more

I've been going here for four years and it's been amazing the whole time. Pepe cuts my hair and I trusted him to chop off a lifetime off long hair to my first short cut! He wasn't judgmental about my super thin hair or that I'm not super regular with getting my cuts done. Everyone is welcoming and the regulars seem to have been coming for ages. Sabrina recently did some color and was friendly and very proficient! read more

I've always been told there are two things you will always need in life: a good mechanic and a good barber. Mario's Salon is where I get my hair cut and has been for the past 5 years. It's a consistently good hair cut and it's reasonably priced. They take their time, accommodate your schedule, make sure you are happy and feel good. Not much more you can ask for if you ask me. read more

Mario's was very accommodating in getting me a wax appointment today. I called and 30 mins later I was able to walk in for my arm and underarm wax. Walked in and was greeted very nicely. Unfortunately my wax experience was the ultimate worse in the 10+ years I have been getting waxed! Zen who waxed me was very sweet and courteous. However the 30-40 mins of wax time was very unpleasant. As Zen would go back and forth from the side table where the wax was to the table I was laying on, some strays of the wax would land on my pants. She was very nice to apologize for it and wipe it off with cleaner as it would happen. I am quite understanding the first time it happened, okay the second and third time it happened. Finally I asked her to please place a towel on my legs and waist so it would not spill on my clothes again. That did not occur, until maybe the 5-6 time, she finally placed the same type of paper that was underneath me on top of my legs and waist. Unfortunately she also used that now to place the dirty wax strips and wax container on. On both sides of my head were dirty wax strips and wax everywhere, I was afraid it was going to get in my hair.. not a very pleasant wax experience! Zen was very accommodating in going back over and re-waxing places that she missed and I asked her to go over again. However when applying the wax remover at the end, she only applied it to one arm. She then used the dirty wax strips that were laying on my lap to wipe of the excess wax remover that was on my arms! Also, what happened to the other arm and underarms! When I mentioned this to her she gave me the bottle of wax remover so I could remove the wax on my own. By this time I have now sat up and wax is all over the table sheet underneath me. So she tears the sides of the paper so I could sit up and swing my legs around without getting wax all over my clothes. Okay fine I appreciate that, so now I stand up apply my own wax remover, and Zen starts to clean up! She is applying a new table sheet and cleaning up her wax table, while I am still trying to remove the wax! I asked her for a towel so I can wipe the excess wax remover off, she hands me the towel from the floor that she used to cover me in the beginning that had wax on it! I was really hoping that this would be my spot to get my regular waxing however I just cant handle the unprofessional experience! I get my arms and underarms waxed regularly every month and half, I am new to the area and would have loved to continue coming here, but in all my experience I have never walked out feeling like that. I count myself as a very giving and understanding person to things but this took the cake of unprofessionalism! Zen was very sweet and polite. However she gave me the worse wax experience ever! read more

I got a brazilian wax from Rosa after reading the reviews here on Yelp and she lived up to my expectations. She was quick, the waxing wasn't very painful, and she made sure to get all the stray hairs out. She's friendly and plays nice music, too. Highly recommended! read more

I go to Rosa at Mario's Salon in Davis Square for all my waxing needs. She is quick, efficient, affordable, professional, and on top of it all, fun to talk with. I get a brazilian once a month and get my brows waxed while I am at it, for a grand total of 47.00 (not including the tip she so deserves, of course). She never leaves a SINGLE hair behind. I kid you not. The whole vibe of Mario's is amazing anyway, because its an established family hair salon with lots of regulars and totally random walk ins that add to the awesome experience. If you need a good waxing, see Rosa. You won't be sorry. read more

Mario's Salon is the perfect place to go for either a quick haircut or for that perfect color. The staff here is friendly, attentive and seems to know exactly what you are talking about. It is convenient to get to with the red line located right across the street. Zen did my daughter's hair for her wedding. The bride looked gorgeous! Waxing is fairly inexpensive and the chocolate wax smells great. I have been coming here for years, as has my husband, and we both see Peppe. However, we have seen other stylists in this salon and all are excellent. With the remodeling there is WIFI and tables and chairs to sit and have coffee and watch the world go by. Great job Mario and Peppe on the paint colors and remodeling. PS Love the WIFI!! read more

I have been a customer at Mario's for about 5 years now and I am still as happy with the service and skill as the very first time. The salon is spacious and bright with a no-frills sensibility that makes me feel like I am not being marketed to. The staff is friendly and helpful across the board, and I want to specifically call out Pepi, who has been cutting my hair since my first visit. I'm not a guy who gets really concerned over fashion trends, but I know what I like to see in the mirror. Somehow, despite my complete inability to express what exactly I want, Pepi takes the mess I walk in with and turns it into something that feels both fashionable and personal. You can tell by his calm focus that he's been working those shears for 30 years, and that's what I look for in any craftsman. I wouldn't even think of going anywhere else. read more