TLDR; MAUREEN IS GREAT FOR WAVY HAIR! Went to Phil's Hair Design after a series of lackluster or actually bad cuts for my wavy hair from different stylists in town. A lot of stylists who do curly or wavy hair are expecting a lot of time into maintenance, which I just won't do and am very up front about. And all of my haircuts recently had given me an 80s-type shag despite me being very clear that I wanted to avoid that at all costs. Maureen listened to what I wanted, weighed in on what she thought would work for my hair texture (2b) and face, and cut my hair beautifully! A life saver. read more

Phil's Hair Design is an excellent hair salon. Phil, Maureen and all the hairdressers are friendly, professional and fantastic. I could not be more pleased. You will not be disappointed. All the best. read more

I don't usually leave reviews, but I have to leave one today. To make a long story short - Maureen is the one you must see if you're not satisfied with your hair or if other hairstylists have messed up your style. Today was my first visit, and I know I'll keep coming back with my family from now on! She has such a heartwarming, down-to-earth, and genuine mindset that you don't often find nowadays. I value that so highly. Her cutting skills are especially superb! Thanks so much Maureen! from J read more

Phil gave me a FABULOUS haircut while I was transitioning to silver/grey. She was creative and thoughtful and I have always loved going to Phil's. Everyone is friendly and kind. It's a super little gem of a hair salon! read more

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Amazing value and they are curly-hair friendly! Maureen was lovely and I've recommended them often

I went to Phil's after a bad curly cut from someone I have been going to for over a year . Maureen not only fixed my curly cut but gave me a beautiful cut! It was Just what I wanted and she listens to you and tells you what she is doing . Don't expect frills like you are on Newbury street but you get a good cut for a great price ! Thank you Maureen! read more

Maureen leave me feeling beautiful every time. I appreciate how receptive she is to what I want.

Laura highlighted and cut my hair 3 times now. Totally satisfied each time. She is a great conversationalist, very relaxed, knowledgeable, and friendly. I've heard she only works Saturday's now and gets booked up easily, so book ahead of time! read more

So I was long overdue for a haircut, try almost a year (that's a lot for chicks!). I called this place based on Yelp reviews, and mentioned the name I had read about - but that person was on vacation. Regardless, the woman on the phone said "I can take you tomorrow!". I was really surprised that she could book so quickly. My appointment was with Ruthie, and she was an absolute doll. She's very keen on what's "in" in hair fashion, and can do anything from a crazy modern cut to the simple and traditional. Before we started, she asked questions and made sure she understood the style I was requesting. She asked specific questions about the bangs and the ends and the layers... all the little things to make a cut perfect. It's really great to have a stylist take the extra time to make sure you'll get something that'll make you happy. Now, here's where my personal bonus points come in. The story is, I've never gone to a hair salon without having my piercings tugged on (eyebrow, ear, you name it) by a pick, comb, or clip. I usually give ample warning, only to get a comb tugging through 5 minutes later. So I warn Ruthie about all my piercings, and hope for the best. How did it go? Amazing. No pulls at all. Ruthie gets the extra points for paying extra special attention to all my piercings and not latching a single one throughout the entire session. At the end of the cut, she pushed her hair behind her ear to show me that she had about 7 rings going down her cartilage and gave a wink. Hurrah! It's the little things. edit: she's amazing with color! read more

Great little local shop! Been coming here about a year now, and every time I am very happy with the results and the price. Decided to go shorter this time and Maureen gave me exactly what I asked for, plus a great blow out. read more

Phil's Hair Design - Asked for just below shoulder length with light choppy layers! - Hair Salons Near Me - Brighton, Massachusetts

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Maureen has been doing my hair for over a year and has transformed my once brassy hair to a nice ashy-ish color. Everyone that works there is delightful and welcoming. I never feel pressured to make awkward small talk and look forward to spending time there even when I know it'll be a few hours. Note- it's not a "fancy" salon that gives you wine and instagrams your hair. It's a solid neighborhood place to get a quality hair cut/color/style and be cared for all at a decent price. read more

Phil's Hair Design - Hair Salons Near Me - Brighton, Massachusetts

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My roommate recommended this place to me when I moved here. Specifically, she recommended Maureen. My roommate had just gotten her hair cut into a gorgeous long bob with an ombré. Maureen was very good my first two visits when I needed a trim- which was just my blunt shoulder-length hair and bangs. Just the other day, I decided to be daring and get a pixie cut! I showed Maureen the picture of the cut I wanted, and she went to work. The result is fabulous!! She also gave me some good styling tips and product recommendations. Phil's is now my go-to hair salon. The prices here are also reasonable. My cut and hair dry was about $40 including the tip. read more

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Like most of the people here, I followed Ruthie to Phil's Hair Design. She is my Mecca for Hair Stylings. I've been with Ruthie for about 2 and a half years now and she truly is FANtastic. I have been growing out my locks for donation since we met and finally I was ready to take the plunge into the ultimate 8 inch chop. Per usual, the conversation was fun and she did a great job. I suggest Ruthie to pretty much all of my friends because she really listens to you and always pulls off the ultimate cut. I left Phil's with a cute bob that, per my request, I can still pull up into a pony tail (a necessity when you are an exercise freak). I can't say I was surprised to leave with a smile since Ruthie never disappoints, but knowing how hard it can be to find a hair dresser that is affordable AND awesome is a rare commodity and I feel so lucky to have found one! Additionally, Phil's in general was fantastic. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The place is small but clean and professional. There's only on-street parking but it really is a breeze to find a space (plus you can always be a bandit in the YMCA parking lot down the street...they probably don't like but whatever, YOU HAVE BEAUTIFYING TO DO!). The price won't break the bank either. I'm not sure how much color is but my cut was only $40 and it was Quality with a capital QUALITY. I'll say it again, quality. Phil's in General and Ruthie in specific get two thumbs way, WAY up. You can be sure that so long as I am in the Greater Boston Area I will continue to visit. read more

I'm not exaggerating when I say I got the BEST HAIR CUT OF MY LIFE at Phil's Hair Design. I had Maureen work her magic on me. She really knows what she's doing when it comes to cutting and styling curly-wavy hair. I came to her after getting a terrible haircut that thinned out and eventually damaged my hair altogether and she was able to shape it and reconstruct the body of my hair after my first visit. Maureen really takes her time and finds the right products for you to use. Also she is incredibly sweet and makes great conversation! I constantly get compliments on my hair ever since I've been going to see Maureen at Phil's. I would definitely recommend anyone with curly hair, or any hair type to this salon. The quality is great and the prices are very reasonable. So nice to have such a little gem in Oak Square! read more

I followed my stylist Ruthie here since she left her last place. It was my first time in Phil's and I was so impressed. The place is adorable. I love the modern stations with full length mirrors. The exterior has a cute pastel facade. I have been with Ruthie for a year and she does great highlights, cut, everything. She listens to what you want and doesn't disappoint. She is up to date on the latest products and colors. My foils always come out awesome and she puts your mind at ease by telling you what would look best on you. She does the best blow-out I have ever had. I always plan something special after I go in cause my hair is the best it ever looks that day. They use great products in the salon too. I had my hair rinsed with some moroccan oil that made it feel like silk. The owner is sure to swing by and offer a trick or two during your haircut. Prices are reasonable and service is great. Thanks for the beautiful hair! read more

Words cannot express how passionate Ruthie is about her work, and how well the end result is. 1. Ruthie istens to your story. 2. Ruthie takes her time doing your hair. 3. Let's face it, you won't find anyone better. Go Ruthie!!!! 4. REALLY good with cutting hair ie angles, bangs, layers . She knows it all. Not to mention she got my jet black hair a beautiful cool blone. MAGIC. Kinda wish I could put pictures on here. read more

I found Phil's by looking at salons near Oak Square, and saw great reviews on it. They were all true. Definitely deserves 5 stars. Erin cut my hair, and she was very patient listening to my ideas on my new haircut and color. She did an excellent job, and i'm very happy with it (also SO glad I didn't go to Newbury street to pay like $200 for the same thing I got for less than half of that!) I highly recommend going here if you want something new and need a stylist who will listen (and is talented enough to actually make your hair look like what you describe). read more

Ruthie is the best hair dresser! Finally, after spending 18 months looking for someone who knew how to cut short hair, I found Ruthie. I've been using Yelp to try out different hair salons. And this time it paid off! She was friendly and got me in right away. But, most importantly, she knew exactly how to cut my hair. She is talented! Highly recommended! read more

I just moved to the area from NYC and am very wary of going to new stylists because I have very fine hair and can be very picky about cut and color. After reading reviews on Yelp I decided to try Phil's and was incredibly impressed. Maureen did an amazing job with my cut and color! I wanted something really specific for color and she took the time to discuss options, look at photos, make recommendations, consult other stylists at the salon, etc. She did my color and I wasn't 100% satisfied because I wanted to achieve a very specific look. She patiently helped me make adjustments (twice!) and it came out absolutely fantastic in the end. The cut also looked great. She was able to take off exactly the right amount and gave me nice long layers too. I couldn't be happier about my experience at the salon and with Maureen, specifically. I will most definitely be back! read more

Sarah is a wonderful hair dresser-- we completely changed my haircut and she did a great job capturing the look in the photo I gave her while tailoring it to suit my face. Prices are very reasonable. read more

I had to actually create this account so I could post a review! I couldn't be happier with my experience at Phil's. I had Maureen and she was wonderful and took good care of my hair. I walked in with basically clown-red hair and wanted it out. Little did I know that red is nearly impossible to get out! Maureen worked wonders on my hair. It did take some time as of course, and I didn't make an appointment for a long day of trying to get bright red out! So I apologize for anyone who's appointment was a bit late due to my hanging around as we did color and highlights PLUS a hair cut! A week later I went back for a small color touch up and my hair is amazing. So nice to have that awful red color out! I know sometimes appointments don't always start on time, but know that it's probably only because they're making sure everyone is properly taken care of and shmucks like me that walk in with a huge hair job to do that set them back! Also, it was amazingly affordable, considering that I was basically getting a color correction (I didn't know I needed.) I thought I'd pay twice as much as it ended up being! I definitely will be back! Thanks Maureen! read more

I'm new to the area and didn't bring the color information from my previous stylist. I called Phil's the day after Christmas and left a message saying I wanted to get my hair cut and colored. I got a call back from Maureen and she was able to take me the following day. She suggested a great color and gave me a beautiful cut. She said if I wasn't happy with the color, to call her back and she'd fix it. I'm very happy with the color, and the cut! I am looking forward to going back and will certainly recommend Maureen to anyone looking for a place to go in the area. read more

I've been going to Maureen at Phil's for about a year and a half, and haven't been disappointed. I love the atmosphere in Phil's all the stylists are friendly and I always seem to pick up some good neighborhood news! Maureen is great she really understands my hair, which I think is a little tricky, and she is patient and always offers that I come back in if something isn't working. I get my haircut and a partial foil highlight and recommend Phil's to anyone in the area for a great style at reasonable prices. read more

I've been going to Erin at Phil's Hair Design for about 2 years for hair cuts. I used to live in Allston but now live in Somerville, and I gladly make the longer trip because Erin is great! Every time I go, Erin asks what I would like and really actually listens to the answer. I've always loved my cuts from her, and she is also so sweet and fun to talk to. Also, the hair cut is just $40, and the quality is way better than more expensive cuts I've had on Newbury Street. Definitely go to Phil's and ask for Erin! read more

If you are looking for a new hair salon and hair stylist, this is the place for you! I stumbled across Phil's Hair Design via Yelp when I first moved to the area two years ago and I am so thankful I did. When I first walked in, my hair was a bleached-out, damaged mess. Maureen has helped me return my hair to its beautiful, natural state. Maureen herself is an incredibly kind and thoughtful person who deeply cares about her clients. Not only is she a great person, but she also provides an exceptional service. Every haircut I have received from Maureen has been a pleasure. Also - she will only recommend a product if she really feels like it would work for you. The keratin spray she used on me is now a staple in my beauty return. Can't go a day without it! read more

Guys, Girls, go to Phil's Hair Design. Why? Arlene! I gave her very minimal direction ("It has no shape because it grew out! Wah!") and she turned out a hair cut I love. She explained everything she was doing patiently and effectively. She was kind, funny, and the perfect amount of chatty and zen. She was even a cheerleader if I said something self-deprecating. Best of all, I saved money by using Yelp (I was a first timer) and I finally got my hair cut without driving 4 and 1/2 hours home because I didn't want to pay a crazy price. This was totally reasonable for our area. The salon is clean and cozy. I will definitely go back and hope to see Arlene again! read more

I gotta add to the chorus here. I just went to Phil's for the second time (my first visit was with a stylist who is no longer there), and had my hair cut by Arlene, who is a doll--and who also knows her stuff. I like my long-ish hair layered ... but subtly so. For some reason, I have had a lot of difficulty finding a hair stylist who doesn't translate this into "Jennifer Aniston circa 1994." Arelene did the job perfectly, listening to what I had to say, then making recommendations that resulted in exactly what I was looking for. On top of all this, she was efficient and entertaining to boot. For $40 (before tip), this is hard to beat in the area. I won't be going anywhere else anytime soon. read more

After multiple bummer experiences on Newbury I decided that I'd just get some style in the neighborhood when my hair hit the point of unruly... I'm so glad I did! I went to Erin, and for the first time in YEARS someone listened to what I wanted, and then executed it wonderfully. Not to mention they got me in last minute on a Saturday afternoon and I felt fresh and fantastic for the rest of my weekend. The cut was back in March, and is managing to hold its shape 10 weeks later, but I'll be heading in soon for a trim. This time, rather than anxiety, I'm actually excited! read more

I have to admit that I was nervous about going to this tiny salon in Oak Square. I am overly aware that a Newbury Street address doesn't guarantee good hair, but I have to admit that I usually put a little stock in that theory anyway. I shouldn't have worried at ALL. I called Tuesday, and managed to secure an appointment with Ruthie for Thursday afternoon - fantastic. My hair was a total mess - grown-out roots and six months of split ends creating a frizzy mop of gross hair. Ruthie looked at my (wavy) hair, looked at the picture I brought in of a straight cut, and correctly deduced that I tend to go with low-maintenance waves when it's hot and humid, and blow it out straight when I can. She brought out the color book to make sure we were on the same page when I mentioned "auburn" highlights. I ended up with perfect hair. I got my blonde highlights and auburn lowlights that give my hair incredible dimension. I've examined them in all lights now and I love them. Despite my gross split ends, Ruthie managed to only take off about an inch and a half, but lightened everything up with lots of layers. my formerly heavy hair is volumized, yay! She blew it out straight and I loved it that way, but I let my waves out today and they look so much better. The layers really bring out the curls and minimize the frizz. Ruthie is very talented and very personable. I greatly enjoyed my entire appointment and I LOVE my results. Best thing? A half-head of highlights and a fabulous cut only cost me $114 before tip. Try getting THAT on Newbury. read more

Phil's is wonderful, and their staff is great. I have never left unhappy. I have been coming on and off for years, usually on but sometimes if I didn't have an appointment and they couldn't squeeze me in I would try somewhere else; they can be very busy! I have had several of their hairdressers and always been pleased. They are down to earth and professional and experienced! If you're a woman who lives in Brighton, it's a must try. read more

Phil's (short for Philomena, the Irish owner) is simple. It's not the frou frou salon where you're paying $$$ to get offered a chai tea and sit in a pretentious environment being judged on wearing a sweatshirt. It's a salon where your money goes to a great haircut, friendly staff in a normal, barber shop environment. But most importantly, the hair cut. I have THIN and fine hair (at 23, eh) and every other hair salon has messed it up by insisting they know how to do layers on thin hair. Well, it never works. I'm so relieved to have found a place that will cut my hair accordingly and blow drying to look better than I could have imagined. Maureen's my favorite but everyone else is just as good. I'm never going anywhere else. They'll usually fit you in when you need it the price is right! read more

I'm really lazy when it comes to my hair maintenance. It had been maybe a year since I had it cut and I was growing out some bangs which weren't quite blending well. Arlene did a stand up job to make my bangs seem a thing of the past! And she cleaned up my layers and didn't pressure me into doing anything crazy. I'm lazy so my hair needs to stay easy breezy. And Arlene delivered! If I hadn't moved to Atlanta I would have defiantly gone back. read more

Ruthie is one of the best hair dressers I have ever been too. If I could give her 10 stars I would. I went back last week to have color done. The cut was the same as last time. My hair is long, so long I have to stand up when they cut. It is wavy and hates being curly or being straight. I swear it has a mind of it's own but Ruthie seems to be able to tame it. So I had a couple of inches taken off. Then it was the color. I have been known to get bored and just box dye my hair a random color on a whim. So I am brave when it comes to color but with a wedding in less then 5 months and engagement pictures in weeks I needed to to all be one color and to look nice. It was an undertaking but boy she did a great job. Here is a secret my hair is naturally almost black ( very few people know that) and combined with my very fair if not pale complexion when it is natural I look like I am going goth. My hair is now a medium brown with some reddish undertones and looks as natural as could be. It is beautiful. She did a fantastic job and I will be going back before the wedding for some touchups! read more

I went here after reading all the amazing reviews on Yelp, and I wasn't disappointed. I had Ruthie work on my hair after years of VERY blonde highlights, and she was diligent and took a ton of time in helping me tone down to a more natural color. She even offered for me to come back in before leaving for vacation (3 days later) if I was still not happy. I loved the cut she gave me as well, with very little direction from me. The environment is clean, relaxed and down to earth, a refreshing change after going to an uber snobby salon in the Financial District for over a year. I'll definitely be going back! read more

Go to Ruthie. She knows her stuff and will cut your hair the way you want it while still giving you great input and advice on what will look good. She's the only hairdresser that I trust will always give me a good haircut. She is also quick, which I like, as I don't really enjoy getting my haircut like I would if i was getting my nails done. P.S. make an appointment as she has a limited schedule! read more

Phil is awesome! She's super friendly and sweet, and gave me a great haircut! I was also able to make an appointment for the same day that I called. read more

I recently moved here from Chicago where I saw the same stylist for my cuts/colors for the last 12 years or so. Needless to say I was nervous and skeptical about finding a new stylist in a new place. I came on Yelp to find some new places, and Phil's obviously has the best ratings and is a 5 minute drive from us, so I decided to make an appointment since I just needed wanted to do a small style change. I called to make an appointment and they got me in the next day. It turns out that I was scheduled with Ruthie, who has some of the best reviews (even though I didn't know her name until the very end of the appointment - I probably should have asked). Anyways, she sat me in the chair and asked me what I wanted to do, and I told her that I just wanted to take my shoulder length hair to an angled bob - but I was very specific that I didn't want a lot of length taken off the back, and I really liked the length in the front. She listened and told me what she was going to try - and then shampooed me. She was super sweet and totally understood what I wanted, and didn't mind sitting and listening to me ramble about it. She cut my hair and then dried it - but we both decided that it was still a little too long in the back, so she cut it a bit more dry, and then after we were both satisfied with it, put some layers in it. I was so happy that she listened to me and was ultra-conservative with her first cut, and she wasn't annoyed that I asked her to take off a bit more once it was dry. Needless to say - I love my haircut. It's exactly what I pictured and wanted - which is tough for a perfectionist like myself. Ruthie was super professional, very sweet and really personable, and I'm sure that she'll be just as great at coloring my hair when I go back in a few weeks for that. Love this place! read more

I give MYSELF one star for trusting yelp with my precious hair. I give Phil's Hair Design one star for hacking off my locks and creating a weird, unwearable style in their attempt to layer my hair. I went to another hair stylist at a different salon about a week later so I could take my hair out of the ponytail I'd kept it in ever since and stop feeling dismal and helpless every time I looked in the mirror. The new stylist couldn't fix it, but did her best (she thinks Phil's Hair started doing a bob on me - seriously, a bob??? what does that have to do with long layers???!!). My hair now makes sense, but to get it there the new stylist had to cut my hair into a shorter length with shorter layers. Super pissed. It's going to take me a year to grow my hair out. I had the same experience as yelper Ann S: uneven, choppy, lawnmover layers. Gals who need medium to heavy layers, play it safe with your beautiful hair and go somewhere else. read more

Fantastic haircut. Understood hair type (Asian guy hair). Great price. I called one Sunday afternoon looking for someplace to deal with the shag that's on my head. Arlene picked up the phone instantly and had me scheduled for 2 hours later! I feel as though I'm one of those guys who gives vague descriptions of a general hair style I'm going for ("ya know... like a textured medium look... not too short, not too long, etc"). Nonethless it was clear that Arlene intuitively grasped what I was trying to say, added on her suggestions and started going at it. Throughout the whole time not only was she just great to talk to, but also was explaining what she was doing, why, and what my preferences were. On top of that was someone who clearly understood hair types and knew what to do with my rather thick, short, kind-of curled, asian, hair. It was a simple 30 min trim and cost $22, which I consider pretty good considering the quality. read more

It's all true. All of the rave reviews. I've very very picky when it comes to my hair -probably because it's easy to cut my hair badly (this thick and wavy/curly) or at least without any real style. I haven't found a good hair stylist in the Boston area in years. Ruthie was great. She gave me a very versatile cut so that i could wear it straight or curly and she gave me lots of ideas and tips. My hair has grown out really well too and I'm going for my second cut this weekend. read more