My hairdressing appointment last night for a cut and color was the best hairdressing experience I've ever had. Linda took time at the start of the appointment to sit and talk to me so that she could understand what will work for me; what would suit my personality and daily regime. I'm so happy, it's so refreshing to meet a hairdresser that cares about hair and isn't just trying to get customers out of the door. The appointment took a while but the result is more than I was expecting. The balayage color is wonderful, exactly what I've wanted for years ,and the cut is still long, she understood I like long hair but it moves, its lighter, I feel younger. I can't recommend enough. Linda's amazing! read more

Linda is incredible at her craft. She not only knows how to cut and style hair (six years ago, I wanted a pixie cut and she gave me a beautiful cut that I didn't even have to regularly maintain), but she also dyed my hair several times over the years. I only go see her to get my hair dyed. Most recently, I was ambivalent about which hair color and style to choose, and she patiently consulted me. I ended up choosing red, and when it didn't turn out as expected (since I didn't really know what I wanted), she was more than happy to re-dye my hair. It ended up looking gorgeous. She's warm, generous, thoughtful, perceptive, and funny. Please do me a favor and go see her if you're thinking about getting a hair makeover :) read more

Five years later - here to say Linda is still the only person who touches my hair. We have another appointment tomorrow and I can't wait!

Linda is the best, been seeing her for years with long hair, short hair, you name it. The cut is always stylish, she's fun & always reliable, the salon is elegant. A truly skilled professional. Couldn't ask for more! read more

Linda just doesn't listen. Anyone who has curly hair knows how scary getting a haircut is, especially if you've just moved and are trying a new stylist. After reading a number of reviews lauding Linda's ability to cut curly hair I set an appointment. I have thick curly hair that I've been growing out for two years. I told Linda I wanted a trim and to take some length off around my face, which had gotten super long and heavy. When I went in my hair was down to my waist (when wet). I was expecting to lose about two inches, with maybe a bit more for long layers as it had been about nine months since my last cut. After sitting down and showing her pictures I liked, long curly layers, Linda decided to dry cut my hair. When I stood up for her to wash my hair at the end I knew we had a serious issued. There were full long ringlets laying on the floor. Linda took off at least five inches and basically cut a blunt line across my jawline from the front of my hair back about four inches. The cut is so choppy and uneven I'm either going to need to wear it up in a pony until it grows out, or cut it even shorter (above my shoulders, again this hair was down to my waist when I came into the salon) to make it look ok. What a disaster!! Do not fall for her silly Google image thing. She's not listening to a word you say, she will cut your hair however she wants. Don't let her near your hair with scissors! read more

Linda is so wonderful and talented! I was referred to her by a friend and I've been going to her for 5 years. I have super flat hair that never wants to respond to my attempts to make it more voluminous, and Linda always brings it to life. All the products she uses work wonders and smell amazing; my hair always looks freshly styled for 2-3 days after seeing her! I also love how much she listens - I bring in photos of what I want, and she makes suggestions based on my face shape, how much effort I put into styling my hair, etc. She's excellent at her craft, and pretty affordable. She will be very hard to replace if I ever move away! read more

I've followed Toni from her past gig to this new joint and, trust me, it was totally worth it. She gets color and is a master of her craft. When I came to her with my orange, wanna-be blonde hair, she didn't judge and was able to make it right within the first apt- not an easy task. I'll follow Toni wherever bc when someone gets your hair that's what you do! New spot is great: Salon Aya is clean, personable and super accessible to the T. read more

Linda cut my hair. When I came in, she offered me coffee or tea, and we made some and sat at her couch. She asked me questions about myself, my lifestyle, my interests, tried to get to know me a little. Then she asked me what I wanted for my hair and had me pick out pictures online that I liked and disliked. She guessed - totally accurately - what I liked and disliked about the pictures and explained to me what about those cuts would or wouldn't translate well to my hair. She seemed very knowledgeable and she really understood what I wanted, whereas I've sometimes found stylists to latch onto some key word you say and turn it into something they have in mind and then it's too late because the consultation is over. She was very careful about the way that everyone's "two inches" is a different length, and asked me how short I wanted my shortest layer as we were going. She gave me her opinion but made sure she wasn't just talking me into it. She also finished the cut after drying my hair, which I've gathered from some of my other top-notch haircuts is a good practice. I'm really happy with it, and of course hair always looks better right after the hairstylist has styled it, but she also made it clear that she'd be happy to fix things and that it's a process of figuring out what I like and what works with my hair and we can always try something different next time. I like feeling like I can say that I didn't like something and she'll want to figure out how to make it better, instead of feeling like my options are like what she does or find someone else. If you hate having to talk to your stylist, this may not be the salon for you, but otherwise I think Linda is the kind of person who can help you figure out what's good for you, execute it, and follow up with you. read more

Linda is amazing and I feel like an idiot to have gone to her and strayed. I will not make that mistake again. I first went to her early last year for a cut and a toned down ombre after and old co-worker at a different, not-to-be-named salon gave me blue and black hair. I was about to start a new job in finance, and that was not going to fly at this particular company. Linda not only gave me a cut that perfectly framed my face and worked with my hair's texture, but gave me a beautiful, effortless black/brown/blonde ombre that was a bit edgy but totally work appropriate. Flash forward to March of *this* year. After an abrupt move/lifestyle change, I had moved back to the city to start a bigger, better job in finance in Downtown Crossing. Bigger and better meant longer hours, so I figured I should try a place closer to work to give my hair the update it so desperately needed at this point. I went in, outlined what I wanted, and it... was gross. Just a total disaster. After a couple weeks kicking myself for being so cavalier with who touched my tresses, I shot Linda a text and not only did she remember exactly who I was and what she had done for me, but was looking forward to having me back. What I got was exactly what I was expecting; a beautiful, flattering cut and another wonderfully executed ombre, this time black to ash blonde/brown. Let this be a lesson to anyone out there who could potentially make the same mistake I did; do not NOT go to Linda. Just go to Linda. Your hair and sanity will thank you. read more

I've never been happier with my hair when I left this salon. Linda is amazing. I went into the salon with a few inspiration photos and a vague idea of what I wanted. Linda sat down with me and we discussed exactly what I was looking for as well as what would look best on me before even touching my hair. So much thought and care went into the placement of the highlights and to get a natural blend of color. I am new to dying my hair and I am in love with my new "fombré" (foil highlight & ombré). I highly recommend Salon Aya. read more

Salon Aaya - Ombré and foil highlights - Hair Salons Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I went to Linda over a month ago for color and a haircut. I wanted to wait a while for my review so I can see how my hair looks after a while. The haircut: I have long, thick, frizzy, curly hair and I wanted to revive my curls and color my hair. Linda did a phenomenal job and gave me the best haircut ever, without trimming to much from the length on my hair. I have no idea what type of haircut she gave me(she told me step by step what she was doing, but I forgot) but my hair looks good after I wash my hair, and it still looks good after 4-5 days without washing it. Now my curls look great with minimal maintenance. (I just spray it with water and oil to revive my curls). Color: I went in there knowing that I want a coppery color. She listened to what I wanted and she gave me the most vibrant orange-coppery redhead without looking like it's to much. She went the extra mile and made sure that my color it's going to stay on for a long long time. It's been over a month my color it's still vibrant and beautiful. Bottom line: Linda cares immensely about her clients and she really likes what she is doing. She will listen to exactly what you want and won't let you leave until you're 100% happy. Plus she is funny, and extremely charismatic. I don't think I can trust anybody else with my hair from now on. read more

I received the best haircut of my life from Linda at Salon Aya. She is an absolute genius with hair. She KNOWS her stuff and LISTENS to her clients. I came to Linda in tears. Yeah, I cried about my hair. I had giant, chunky, yellow streaks; think Ginger Spice, but brunette. When I got home from the worst hair experience of my life, I got on the phone to every salon in my area. Everyone was closed or could care less about my obvious distress. Linda answered and told me to come in as soon as I could. An hour, two hours? She would be there. I was there in 5 minutes. She wasn't even open, but took me in. She calmed me down, assessed the situation and reassured me she would fix it. And she did. I got in the next day and I walked out with, hands down, the best haircut of my life. She restored my natural color and gave me THE PERFECT HAIRCUT. She took the time to understand me and my hair and what I was willing to do to maintain my hair (very little. Does brushing count?). She didn't touch my head until she was sure she was doing what was going to make me happy. It wasn't about her vision for my hair, it was about her creating my vision. She goes above and beyond to make her clients happy. I have never met a stylist so dedicated, so passionate, and so talented. She is a goddess. I worship the ground she walks on. The ground covered in the remains of my hair that is "was not going to cut!". Sure, I got a bad hairstyle, but it brought me to Linda. I would go to the ends of the earth for this woman, just like she did for me. I owe her my sanity. When I got home my roommate said: "that is my dream hair. I wish I could take it off of your head and put it on mine." As opposed to my first hairdo to which she said "I thought you were being dramatic, but it really is that bad." Yeah, Linda didn't just fix my hair, she gave me better-than-when-I-started hair. I didn't even think that was possible with the nightmare on my head. Linda is magical. I could go on and on about how amazing she is. She is also a rock star in personality. I laughed the entire time. I was miserable and she made me laugh through it! In every way, she is wondeful. read more

Salon Aaya - Linda fixed my horrible yellow streaks and bushy hair and gave me, what I call, "movie star" hair. I am obsessed. - Hair Salons Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I've never had a hair dresser I loved, but thankfully I found Linda!! She has the best personality, and even more, she's great at what she does. She asked all the right questions to understand what I was looking for, and as a hair color virgin, I'm so happy I went to her. I've gotten so name compliments on my hair, and mostly it's, "wow! Your stylist did such an awesome job!" Salon Is also very homie and loved all the people. I highly recommend!! read more

Salon Aaya - Hair color virgin! Linda did such an awesome job!! - Hair Salons Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I love Salon Aya! I came from San Francisco to get a haircut with Linda. Yes, she is that good. And she will have you laughing non-stop from the moment you sit in her chair. Miss you, Linda! read more

I felt like this place was strictly business and didn't offer a customer-friendly environment. I was on time for my hair appointment and Dani told me she was running a little over and that I could go "run errands" if I wanted to.. I decided to stay and wait. When she finished with the first client, I then saw her moving on to another client to start foils. I got up and left feeling like if I did stay, I would be overpaying for someone who wouldn't have been able to spend enough time with me to do a good job. Unfortunately, first impressions are huge and I was very disappointed. read more

My first visit at Salon Aya was fine, if very long. She talked to me extensively me about my lifestyle, etc. and I received a good haircut for the price. My second visit took a turn for the strange. I felt like if I didn't laugh at her inappropriate jokes and antics -- lots of dirty jokes, a video of her playing with her breasts (I'm not kidding) -- I would be one of 'those' clients she'd spoken about earlier who were 'no fun' and she didn't like. She also seemed taken aback -- insulted? -- with a $30 tip for a $150 service. No one else here has listed complaints like these, so maybe I"m just unlucky. I have since found another salon that doesn't keep me there gratutiously for hours, gives me a stupendous haircut and has copious parking. read more

I've seen both Linda and Dani here and I've never been happier with two hairdressers. Dani herself is amazing with scissors and talks and listens to know exactly what her clients are looking for. I have really curly hair and she helped me pick a summer hair cut that looks amazing with minimal effort and also is manageable for exercising and hot summer days. I will definitely be going back to Salon Aya anytime I need any hair needs. I've never been happier! read more

Toni is the best hairstylist I've been to on the East Coast, hands down. She listens, offers guidance, and you walk out with an amazing haircut. read more

When it comes to my hair, I have learned a few important things. Lesson one is that I am not so good with coloring my own hair. Lesson two is that when you find someone who is really, really good at cutting and styling your hair, you go to that person consistently. Lesson three is that you will have these lessons reinforced if you choose not to heed them! Anyhow, since May 2000, the only people who have been allowed to come at my hair with scissors are Salon AYA owner Linda Shehab, Laura Fagan formerly of Keldara in Dedham, and some chump at the Dellaria at the mall. I learned my lesson well with the chump at the mall who gave me a-hole bangs. Laura was just not convenient to where I was post-parents'-place-living (she did my hair in my teen and college years when I still lived at home); I think I saw her once or twice in the previous decade before she left for Seattle (my mom would go to her, too). Linda, I will follow to the ends of the earth if necessary (or at least until she retires) to have my hair cut and colored by her. She's the person who's worked on my hair the most by very, very far. You know how good she is? I don't even have to tell her what to do with my hair. I just let her decide. I do this because she has a gift for knowing how to flatter the face of an insecure person such that I can't think of any time where I ever left her hands not happy (okay, there was one time where I wanted her to cut my hair really short and then I was kind of shocked and started crying in spite of myself, but it wasn't so much that she did a bad job that I was just shocked and by the way, it looked awesome). I will pay just about any price. I will travel to wherever (well, since now I have a car). I mean it: if I know that I can count on ever leaving a building feeling really good after dropping a couple hundo on a cut/color, it's going to be when I leave Linda's hands. I know that people are going to be complimenting my hair for days, that I'm going to get a big bloaty head over it, and that my hair is going to look (and smell) amazing! On top of being great at what she does, she's also pretty much a great person to talk to anyhow. She's had an interesting life as a native of Lebanon and can tell you a few things about a few things on top of that if you're lucky enough for her to tell you a bit about herself. She's also not afraid of a dirty joke or two (which is lovely because I am not a classy lady in the sense that I love me some puerile humor). Her new space (a long time coming and richly deserved) is gorgeous: everything sparkles, every square inch holds something beautiful (and that includes the bathroom). It's a great place for you to walk out of, holding your head high and feeling beautiful for a change, even if the feeling is fleeting and you'll go back to feeling like a schlub the first time you're left to style your hair on your own after a cut/color. If the fact that every review here is from someone who's been her loyal customer for double-digit years doesn't tell you that she might be a person who can do some magic with your hair, I don't really know what else to say to convince you other than to suggest that you try her out and see for yourself. read more

I absolutely adore Linda! When I first moved to Boston 3 years ago, I went to a chic salon in Back Bay on the recommendation of a friend. But none of the cuts I got really worked with my hair - I always felt disappointed before the week was out. But then I found Linda, in my neighborhood and with glowing Yelp recommendations. I have gotten my hair shaped, pixied, and am now growing it out again - all with Linda's expert scissors as my guide. As long as I'm living in Boston, she will be my hair muse! read more

Linda does wonders. She has great intuition on what works for your specific hair type, color, proportions, and overall style, and executes that vision swiftly. It started with one of our friends getting a haircut from her, then quickly she became our group stylist. Linda is talented, warm, and very funny. read more

I went here last night after reading many 5-star reviews for Linda, and I was not disappointed. She spent a lot of time asking about my life, translated that into my requirements for a haircut, and then gave me a super cool low-maintenance haircut for a totally reasonable price. She even spent time explaining different ways I could style it. I'll be back for sure! read more

I have been going to Linda for over 10 years and will never go anywhere else. Linda is a perfectionist and puts her heart and soul into her clients' hair. I've never been to a stylist before that cares so much about their clients and their hair. As long as Linda keeps cutting hair (which she better!) I will continue to see her. read more

Linda is a genius! I've never found someone I really trusted with my hair before (I mean come on, it's a girls best accessory) but after randomly finding Linda 4 years ago I wouldn't go to anyone else! She always gives great cuts and does amazing color. I get compliments on my hair all the time and have since sent a few friends to her. All of them are regulars and so are some of their friends and family. I would recommend her to anyone! She's also very funny and a great person and will give an honest opinion which is always good when it comes to hair read more

Absolutely fabulous! Linda is amazing!! She listened to exactly what I wanted and made it come true! I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants an amazing cut or color! read more

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My hair was not exactly what I wanted. Everyone was nice. They let me come back and redid it for me.

The best cut and colour Ive had in years, exactly what I wanted and great company while it was being done, highly recommend and I will be back to see Linda again! read more

I had the pleasure of getting a haircut from Toni yesterday afternoon! She was super welcoming and made me feel very comfortable and at ease. Toni completely listened to what I wanted and asked questions about my hair routine. She was very knowledgable and gave me tips for my hair type. I was long overdue for a hair cut and she made my hair look so bouncy and shiny; you would never know I blow dry and flat iron it :-X because it looks so healthy from my cut! I will definitely be going back to Toni for all future hair cuts because she genuinely cares for her clients and was so sweet and talented! read more

Linda cut a my hair last September after my coworker recommended her. I always wanted to cut my hair short but I really needed to feel comfortable with the stylist for me to through with it. When I got there, she sat down me on the couch and we discussed what I wanted. She asked about my lifestyle and personality, and other practical questions like how much time I have to do my hair each day. As a result she gave crazy good haircut that I could easily maintain. Up until today, people I just met have told me they loved my hair. I've never received so many compliments on my hair especially after so long after a haircut. Another thing I liked about Linda was the time she took with me. She even gave me a "hair plan" by showing me pictures of what she thought we should do with my hair next and how we can get there. I really appreciated the time she took with me. Even another coworker of mine went to Linda after and was also very happy. Definitely my go-to stylist. read more

Love love this place!! And it is because of my excellent hairdresser, Linda. I have been a client of hers for the last 10 years, followed her from one place to another until she got her own! She is great in cuts and colors; and is quite entertaining. Linda is also very accomodating when it comes to last minute appts . read more

I LOVE Danielle!!!! I have been going to her since 1995 and I would never see anyone else. She is smart, stylish and SUCH a sweetie. She won't let you leave until you feel like a million bucks read more

Great new spot! I came to this new salon when a former stylist I had seen switched locations. I had a morning appointment, found a space right out front and easily made it inside where Dani was waiting for me! The new location was cheery and clean. Dani really listens to what you want and like- but is confident enough to add her own style and give you a cut that will work great for your hair type and maintenance level! I was really pleased with the time and effort she spent on coloring and cutting my hair, and I will certainly come back! read more

I have been going to Linda for the past 8 years. Several times I've been willing to commute over an hour just to get to her. I would never trust anyone else to color my hair. She is as good as it gets. I have had my hair dyed countless times, countless colors, and I have never once been disappointed. She is amazing. I don't know if anyone knows how difficult it is to go platinum blonde and not have your scalp burn or your hair fall out, but somehow she does it. My hair has never once felt damaged. And she has done a lot to it. She is seriously and absolutely amazing. AND she makes it fun. Sitting in a chair for two hours can be tiresome, but not with Linda. Her new salon is beautiful, clean, and... attractive is the only word I can think of. When I had the dye washed out of my hair I got a head massage along with it. The entire experience was, and always is, everything I could ever want with a salon, and then some. Recently she gave me some beautiful hi lights, but her spectrum goes far beyond that. She is the absolute best in the entire city of Boston, and I cannot reccomend her highly enough. She is a great person, and a FANTASTIC stylist. read more