Full disclosure: I'm going to hold back on my rave about Revive because I really hate the idea that the word could get out...way out...about this fabulous little "sleeper" - and then I'll never be able to get an appointment again without waiting an entire month. However, I'll do my best to let my higher "sharing self" win out at least a little bit, and tell you about my fab experience here, Revive, on my SECOND visit there recently, actually transformed my appearance, my outlook on my entire self- image, and therefore has contributed to some positive changes in my life! A few friends told me about this laid-back, but very lovely central Chelsea salon setting, and about the wonders of stylist Andrea's work. My FIRST visit to Revive last August was my 'testing the waters" experience...so I went with a mostly unchanged style...but I liked the people, place and the RESULT (not to mention the price, which is appropriate for the quality), so 2 weeks ago, I returned. This time, I was determined to lose the "standard-issue, middle-aged lady" haircut that most other stylists always ended up subjecting me to, before Andrea at Revive waved her magic wand across my head. Andrea, and her wonderful, funny assistant Vanessa, were the FIRST stylists I could find in many, many years who were willing (and as it turns out - qualified!) to take a deep, courageous breath and to plunge in on the following Mission Impossible which I demanded of them: TAKE MY MASSIVELY THICK, WAVY HAIR AND CUT FUN, FABULOUS BANGS INTO IT...YES, BANGS IN WAVY CURLY HAIR...AND MAKE THOSE BANGS SLEEK, STRAIGHT AND REPRODUCIBLE BY ME LATER AT HOME!!!! And it wasn't just about the BANGS in my wavy hair. Andrea, gave me an OVERALL super, "just-layered-enough" cut for my shoulder-length hair, that calmed it down and actually made my fairly uncontrollable mane look chic and hip. I thought I'd died & gone to Heaven. OMG, finally, the Death of the Standard Issue Middle-Aged Lady Haircut!! People...I looked HOT. More importantly,I FELT hot. At work the following Monday, I had people who'd never spoken to me before walk up to me and comment favorably on my hair. One of my male colleagues told me that the whole new look took 10 years off of my appearance. Less than 5 minutes with a blow-dryer or a flat-iron in the morning, and those super-hot bangs are sleek and sexy every damn day. Thank you, Revive, for gving this curly-haired woman her bangs...and for restoring me to youthful-looking hipness!! Oh - and thanks for having a great coffee shop just downstairs, and that wonderful private deck out back which I cant wait to enjoy again on my next nice-weather visit. read more

I've gone to all different kinds of salons, including the unbelievably expensive ritzy ones that leave your wallet shaking in sadness. To add to that - my hair is really not easy. and there is a lot of it. I mean - a lot. I'm pretty sure I've had trouble making it through doorways. I've been to Sara at Revive twice now, and each time I have left beaming. I'm not a girly girl - so I don't know much about hair terminology, styling, etc. Sara was able to see through my mumbling and confusion (I told her I wanted side bangs when really, they would have looked awful, and she insisted I meant a side swoop), quickly get my personality and see that I don't want to spend a lot of time styling, understand completely intuitively what I like and don't like about my hair (when I couldn't even really verbalize it) - and both times - she has transformed the curly mound/mess on my head into a sexy, elegant, composed set of ringlets. As a bonus - she does this incredibly quickly, she's awfully fun to talk to, and it only costs $50. If you want to feel amazing, look amazing, and be relaxed in the knowledge that your stylist gets you, gets your hair, and have this all for $50. Go to Revive. Fly across the country if you have to. It's worth it. read more

This place is great. Sara is amazing. She's been cutting and coloring my hair for more than 5 years. I absolutely recommend her. She's totally consistent. In all those years, I've never had a bad cut or color. I'm always really happy when I leave. Sara is totally easy going, and really knows how to listen to you and work with you to get your hair how you want it (not like the Newbury St. shop I used to go to). She even cuts my husband's hair. He loves her, too, and he's super duper picky. Sara is also an amazing colorist. I've died my hair red for years. If you've ever been a redhead, you know that reds are notoriously difficult to get right. She does this amazing thing where she uses one type of color on my roots, then runs another type of dye through the rest of my hair. The result is totally even and lasts really long and is super shiny. She does a great job with funkier colors in general (so if you want purple streaks, she's your girl). I've followed her from salon to salon. Definitely go see her. You won't be sorry. read more

I LOVE REVIVE! Just went for the first time yesterday and I had a great experience! Cheryl is the one who cut my hair and she is probably the sweetest and coolest hair dresser I have ever had! I moved to Boston for school so its been a tough time trying to find the right hair stylist who can tackle my crazy, thick, curly hair. I had it all cut off about 3 years ago and its been slowly growing back in and it was time for a massive cut. Cheryl took the time to go through my hair and talk to me about what I wanted out of the experience and what she thought was the best move. My hair takes alot longer to cut since its so thick and curly but she took her time and really made sure everything came out even and how I wanted it. I walked out with a fresh new cut that I wanted and my hair feels great. I've been getting tons of compliments ever since I left and I couldn't be happier! I recommend going to Revive for any type of hair, cause if they can work with mine they can work with anyones! read more

It was interesting to see that my review and another's review (who had a very similar experience) ended up in the "filtered" reviews. I think it's important that others considering this salon is aware of ALL of the reviews. --- From Victoria L: I missed my appointment with Sarah. Due to an emergency, I had to fly out of town that day. In any event, the receptionist was rather rude when I canceled. Upon my return, I intend to pay the missed appointment regardless because it's not Sarah's fault and she was counting on me to be there. However, there are plenty of good hair salons in the South End and I did not appreciate the receptionist's condescending tone and the fact that she hung up on me. When I called back to tentatively reschedule, she did not apologize when I mentioned that she hung up on me. Hence, I will be paying for the missed appointment, but I will not be returning. This in NO WAY reflects my view on Sarah. She's still friendly and a good stylist. read more

I've been seeing Francesca for a few years now, and I couldn't be happier with a stylist. I'd had variations on the same hairstyle forever, and she'd always done a great job giving me what I wanted, but about a year ago she convinced me to try out kind of a drastically different look. I was a little nervous, but I trusted her, and it wound up as easily the most flattering haircut I've ever had; I got a solid two months or so of compliments about it, which was great, and now I can't imagine having my old look. As for the salon itself, you can tell everyone there really likes each other and there's a great rapport between all the stylists, so you feel less like you're at someone's work and more like you're just with a bunch of friends, which is nice. There's a reason they suggest you pre-book your appointments with her, highest possible recommendation. read more

I consider the girls at Revive my life-long hair hairstory-makers. That said, Cheryl Lovett is my go-to-girl, and has been since the day she took the floor as a stylist at Liquid Hair Studios. She's seen me through platinum blonde pixie, to long brown hair with light layers, bangs, no bangs, highlights, balayage, a recent asymetrical shag--that turned into a pixie cut due to a hair-pulling kiddo. To say she has been by my side as I have evolved and reinvented myself, and at every turn, would be a gross understatement! A friend, a kind and gentle soul, a music lover, and a creative genius who takes great pride in her clients feeling both strong and beautiful. I love all of the ladies at Revive! Cheryl will forever be my "ride or dye-r!" read more

I missed my appointment with Sarah. Due to an emergency, I had to fly out of town that day. In any event, the receptionist was rather rude when I canceled. Upon my return, I intend to pay the missed appointment regardless because it's not Sarah's fault and she was counting on me to be there. However, there are plenty of good hair salons in the South End and I did not appreciate the receptionist's condescending tone and the fact that she hung up on me. When I called back to tentatively reschedule, she did not apologize when I mentioned that she hung up on me. Hence, I will be paying for the missed appointment, but I will not be returning. This in NO WAY reflects my view on Sarah. She's still friendly and a good stylist. read more

Francesca Colvario at Revive is such an attentive stylist. She dyed my hair a lovely shade of purple, and then even followed up with me afterwards. She wanted to check in with how I liked the shade, if it was fading, and then offered to re-dye it if I was dissatisfied! (Sometimes hair stylists don't really care what happens or how you feel after the cut... Change is hard!) She did a great job, and I love the way my hair turned out! She got creative with the ombre style I requested and it works great. She's personable but not demanding, and makes professional suggestions taking into consideration your personal preferences, comfort level and ideas. I'll be staying in contact with Francesca for the future! read more

This salon is AWESOME!!!! All of the stylists are creative and really, really good at what they do. They are also really fun people. The vibe in the shop is energetic and enjoyable. The space is very modern and clean. It's very gay friendly, as the owners are a lesbian couple. If you are a lesbian and you sometimes feel awkward going into certain salons to get your hair done, you have nothing to fear here! But what's cool is that this place is welcoming to all types of people. On any given day you will see young and old, gay and straight. They have a huge following, so call early to book your appointment! Tips can be put on credit cards, which makes things easier at check out. read more

Let me tell you something: Sara at Revive knows hair! She knows it, she cares about your hair and will always give you the best advice about it. She is always accommodating with however I switch it up and no matter how long I go between cuts it still manages to look good. I've been getting my hair cut by her since she was at her last salon and I have to say, my hair has never looked better. People always ask me who cuts my hair because it always looks good! She (as are the rest of the ladies at Revive) is in high demand, so you have to book pretty far in advance. If that isn't testimony to how good she and the rest of the salon is, then I don't know what is! read more

I've been going to Revive Salon for almost a year after moving to Boston in 2015. I was worried about finding a hair stylist who could handle short curly hair, but when I found Wendy at Revive I stopped looking. She's exceptional. Actually, we had our first appointment in June of last year and I've consistently gotten my hair cut by her every month since, like clockwork. I always make my next appointment when I leave the salon. She has quite the following. She's incredibly talented and easy-going and gets it right every time. I don't worry when I sit down in her chair. I know i'm going to get up looking fabulous. I've gotten endless compliments. read more

I have followed Meagan from Liquid to Escape and now to her own salon at Revive. And, as usual, following her to this wonderful salon was worth the wait! I am SO PROUD of her for making this ballsy move and opening her own place. She is a fabulous person and does wonders with my once straight and boring hair. she is always so upfront about what will be good for me and what won't and the time spent in the chair goes by in a flash because we just chat the whole time. After 3 + years of getting my hair done with her, I can tell you that I have sent a number of friends to her without any hesitation and they have all been very happy. read more

Want a rock star haircut? Go to a rock star. Francesca cuts and colors my hair at Revive, and I made the switch to her when I was finally sick of other hairstylists not understanding that YES, I really do want an asymmetrical cut, and YES, I really do want awesome streaks of purple in my hair. She knew exactly what I was talking about and was able to make my vision a reality. It's totally worth the money to have a hairstylist that listens, is funny and understanding, and will also tell you when something won't work, am I right? read more

I have been going to revive since it opened 5 years ago. Usually I see Megan and she does outstanding work. Truly talented. I have also seen Cheryl, Wendy, Sara, Francesca, and Melanie and have been extremely happy. I have never had a problem getting an appointment as I know the girls are busy and I call ahead of time. The desk is always friendly and accommodating. I enjoy listening to the other clients as well as the cheerful banter of the stylists. I would recommend the salon to all. read more

The first cut with Cheryl was the best haircut I've had in Boston and I wanted to write a review then, but chose to wait until the second cut just to make sure it wasn't by chance. I just had my second haircut with Cheryl and this cut was also fantastic. She really made sure she knew what I wanted and then cut my hair exactly like that. Cheryl's a real sweetheart and both haircuts were by far the best I've had since moving to Boston 5 years ago so I can't recommend her enough! read more

Finally, a great haircut! I've struggled for years trying to find a salon & stylists that "gets" my hair and my preferences. I found all that @ REVIVE w/ Francesca** The salon is clean and organized, staff is polite, I always feel welcomed/ comfortable, and I'm always offered a beverage upon my arrival. Francesca takes the time to listen to my ideas, questions, & concerns about my hair. I always leave the salon feeling gorgeous and like my $ has been well spent! read more

I have followed you and the girls since Liquid and this is IT! Little, suggested, friendly, enjoyable and first and foremost gifted stylists! Our Wendy ROCKS! Wendy is an actual gift-she understands her customers however old-fashioned (which Wendy ISN'T) or how outrageous they may be. You have set a sparkle back in my life that is for sure; you get us grin only being around you and smile even more when we leave with our fantastic new "doo"! Go girls! read more

Francesca at Revive cuts my hair. I have long, curly, unmanageable hair and I have a lot of it. It's hard to find a stylist who can make your hair look good curly or straight. Francesca does a beautiful job on my hair every time! She also cuts my husbands hair. He has cow licks and thick grey hair that has a mind of its own. It looks great! Francesca is attentive, makes professional suggestions and gives a wonderful scalp massage! read more