This is 3 months late, but I just found my review lying in my drafts of to do lists. I came here as a hair model for Charlie, an apprentice in cutting training. I was very pleased with his service and the haircut he had given me. Through our conversations, I could tell that he was passionate about his work. Although I asked for an inch trim, he was still meticulous about the cut. I have heard of disaster stories of having hair cut too short, but Charlie actually listened to me and gave me exactly what I wanted. My hair looked and felt healthier after the haircut. I have been running my fingers through my hair more often than usual. I was fortunate to be in the hands of Charlie. I would definitely come back to see him again for another haircut and recommend others to do so as well. read more

Will Charles Salon - I came here as a hair model for Charlie, an apprentice in cutting training. I was very pleased with his service and the haircut he had given - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is the best place to get your hair done in Boston! Billie managed to get my color back to normal after I tried so many other places in the area and Jenna's haircuts are just perfect. I have been coming to this place for a few years now and would highly recommend it to anyone. Do yourself a favor and go try them out. read more

Will Charles Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

BUYER BEWARE!!! Somehow my mom heard about Billy and his coloring in California where she lives. Before her trip out she asked me to book a color job and a highlight weave and told me to book a haircut for myself (which I did and the cut with Julia came out beautifully). After my cut I left my mom in a hooded dryer and went to feed the meter thinking that since she was in the dye drying phase, the cut and blow out would be at least another hour plus. I returned a short time later to find my mom paying for our services looking less than please and even less "like she had just stepped out of a salon." Once outside she tells me, they made me blow dry my own hair! No cut, no style, no blow dry. To add insult to injury Billy set his own tip ($27) for the $165 dye job! I made it very clear to reception that my mom was coming from out of state and that this was her first time (and last) visiting the salon. It would have been helpful to know that a cut and at the very least a dry was not involved. I mean really, who makes the client dry their own hair? It's absurd! Needless to say, neither one of us will ever be returning to the salon. read more

This is my first Yelp review. I can't not share this experience. I received the WORST hair cut of my life at Salon on Newbury St. Just because a hair dresser is on Newbury St., don't assume they know what they are doing. I asked for a blunt long bob. I got a shaggy mess with all of my length taken off (that I grew for 7 months). She JUST KEPT CUTTING. The haircut I ended up with looked nothing like what I had asked for. I was sobbing at what I looked like and after waiting so long for my hair to grow to get my much anticipated chic blunt cut, I was left with a shag in the back and long in the front. Nightmare. Now for the great Yelp review. JENNA at Will Charles Salon. If you want a short haircut and want someone you can trust to deliver. Go see her, she is a magician. I called and she took me the day after I received the horrifying haircut. She was honest and told me I need to take another two inches off. So we did. My hair is a lot shorter than I had anticipated it to be but I now have a chic classy bob that I can be proud of and feel myself in. It's the cutest haircut. She made all my fears immediately disappear. Let's just say, she now has a lifer. I will not let anyone else touch my hair. Jenna is so talented. GO SEE HER. read more

I saw Bri Klimas today and she did an amazing job!!! I came in looking for a change in my boring hair color but I wasn't sure what exactly I am going to do. Bri listened and suggested few options and I was blown away how great the color came out! Exactly how I imagined!The haircut was great too! I highly recommend Bri to anyone. She made me feel very comfortable. My hair looks and feels amazing! I finally found a true professional who is very attentive and knows exactly what you have in mind. Can't wait to see her again! read more

I am officially switching hair salons! I used to go to another salon on Newbury, but I was so impressed by both the work ethic, integrity, and attitude of the salon that I will be heading here for my business instead. The real selling point for the switch for me was this: After my last hair cut at the other salon on Newbury (won't say it here), I was kinda disappointed - the bottom of my hair was all uneven and it hadn't really been a great appointment to begin with (lots of drama in the salon). I told them all of this and you would think that a competitor salon on Newbury would take any chance to criticize another stylists'/salon's work, but that didn't happen here! One of my stylists (who also happened to be the owner) was very professional and simply remarked that perhaps the other salon was having a bad day - not a negative thing came out of his mouth even though a blind man could tell my hair was messed up. I was impressed by his integrity and decision to not slam another competitor' The staff and other stylists in the salon were also very professional and made you feel welcomed and good about yourself, which is not always something you feel when you step into a fancy salon in Boston! There doesn't appear to be any drama between the stylists and there also isn't any bullshit fakeness either. So come here if you want a beautiful salon with really nice people who make you look and feel awesome! I know I will be! read more

I've been going to Erik since he was just starting out and training (more than 3 years ago!). I have really, really thick, curly hair - see my picture. It is incredibly hard to not only find someone who knows how to cut curly hair without ruining it, but to also find someone you can trust when you say "I want something different." I was getting a little bored with my huge hair recently. Erik thinned it out. At first, when I saw the amount of hair on the ground, I was freaking out, and my hair felt so thin - but it looks amazing. I need my bangs trimmed about once a month, and that's never a problem. Erik also does such a wonderful job with my hair, I never need to get it cut more than once every 4 months - a huge help! Anything that can be said about Erik has already been said - never a complaint from me! I also go to Billy for my color now, rather than driving really far away. Billy is a genius with color. You tell him what you want and what your concerns are, and your hair turns out amazing. Billy is well-worth it, and I get so many compliments on my hair, I can't help but smile. read more

I had been contemplating for months to go from medium to right-below-the-chin length. I went in with a coupon for Kerastase treatment + cut with Scott. He's amazing and I can tell that he loves what he does. The treatment alone was worth it, scalp massage and all. The cut was done very thoughtfully and he explained how to blow dry my hair to maintain the style. Scott has magical hands, and was also very pleasant! I didn't know the salon didn't take cards for gratuity and I feel so bad not having any cash with me, considering I used a coupon! I'll definitely be back in a couple of months and will make up for it then. read more

So I did go back, but only because I coerced the receptionist into giving me a treatment that actually worked. She explained to me that the treatment I received the first time was for VERY damaged hair and if my hair didn't feel different, it was because it wasn't damaged enough.. This was after *I* called *them* .. Shouldn't salons like this call you back to check how your appointment went? I've even gotten call-backs from low-grade tanning salons! Anyway, went back and got a gloss instead. Bright side is that it actually did make my hair feel smoother and more conditioned, and it evened out my highlights from last year. The down side was that I had the same hair stylist and he did jack squat to my hair as far as styling goes, so I walked out with curly damp bangs (he at least blow-dried them straight last time). I gave him a $10 tip regardless because I believe in tip-karma, and the receptionist tried to charge me for the treatment. I told her I had come back to get the RIGHT treatment, and this was supposed to be comped. She looked at me funny, but complied, and I again walked out feeling unwanted and judged. How is it that I seem to be the only one who has had a bad experience at this place? read more

Normally I don't go to hair salons as my mom was a hairdresser and does my hair for free. Unfortunately, she is not always available once I decide that I really need a haircut. She used to go to Erik, and now I have gone to him twice as well. Not only does he do an amazing job, but he is really funny and sweet. When I came in, he took a look at my hair dry and discussed what I was looking for. He then offered suggestions based on what I thought I want. The cut was perfect, and I really enjoyed our conversation. I was laughing the entire time. I have since recommended him to one of my friends, and he did a great job on her hair as well. She loves it. read more

I have been coming here for almost a year and, while writing bad review about this OTHER salon that I just tried for a quick cut, realized that I had never actually reviewed Will Charles. Let's just say fabulous and leave it at that...ok, maybe a little more detail. Billy is great, he always gets my color right and is hilarious to talk with, he was the first person to "win me over" at the salon. Erik cuts my hair and is always a total sweetheart and does exactly what we have discussed. The receptionist used to be a bit rude, but I think that they have recently replaced her. Other than that, my experiences with Will Charles have been impeccable. The friendly hair washing woman and her magic hands are a bonus! read more

AMAZING SALON!! I saw Bri for a keratin treatment and she is the most kind and caring person! She made sure to take the time to focus on my hair and what I wanted to have done! I am pleased with the results and it was worth every minute and every penny especially at this salon! I felt very safe inside the salon as everything was clean and sanitized! I will definitely be going back!! read more

I've been so pleased with this salon!!! Firstly, Julie Balewiscz, is a color genius--the truest professional one could EVER find. I'm humbled by her professionalism and care she puts forth, and has, for years. Her attention to detail, color skills and speed is incredible. I'm almost nervous for the world to know how talented and amazing she is because I want to be able to get an appointment! I also truly love the atmosphere of this salon--committed professionals who treat their clients with a lot of respect (they are on time and make the yummiest cappuccinos!) yet it's not uptight at all. It's the most relaxing and professional salon I've ever been to. read more

I have been going to this salon since it was "Runway"--hot on the tip of a college coupon clipper. I saw Erik for the aforementioned discount cut--back when he was a Jr. Stylist--he is now one of the co-owners of the salon, and I wouldn't trust my locks to any other. He's sweet, meticulous, and really honestly invested in making you feel good about how you look. ( I could write another seven paragraphs to praise Erik himself--but perhaps you should just look up his accolades in numerous Boston periodicals...) The salon isn't snooty, or judgmental--From shampoo gals, to the top dog colorists, everyone really is invested in providing a high-caliber salon experience that goes beyond a big price tag and en-vogue name. read more

I was a hair model (read: person getting a free haircut) for their apprentice/junior stylist Scott. Since I found it via Craigslist and free on Craigslist is never a good sign, I was nervous that I would leave looking like a lopsided disaster. But it was AWESOME. Awesome. If you are being offered a free haircut from them, do it immediately. Zero regrets. Everyone was very polite, and Scott seems to have a good eye for details. Nothing happened that I was uncomfortable with, and they didn't try to make a ton of small talk when I wasn't being responsive to it which I really appreciated (I have social anxiety, so making small talk is hell-ish.) Since Scott was an apprentice, the haircut was supervised by Erik, who I also felt comfortable trusting with my hair. It felt like even if Scott somehow messed up (he didn't), Erik wouldn't let me leave looking awful. I felt very lucky to be there, and my hair came out fucking cool. A lot better than most of the haircuts I've paid for. Perfection. read more

I was recommended to Will Charles Salon by a friend of mine who has been going to Erik for hair cuts for years (and Erik just did her hair for her wedding). My old salon in the Financial District had recently closed and I needed a new salon/hair stylist. I went to Billie Jean for my single process color and Courtney for my hair cut. My overall results were amazing ... without breaking the bank like most salons on Newbury. Billie Jean was very careful to talk through my color needs (and my color history) to be sure she mixed a color I would be thrilled with (which I was). She really took the time to understand what I was looking for. And Courtney was very skilled at cutting my hair and taking into consideration my lack of wanting to spend a lot of time styling (think: blow dry and go)! Courtney was extremely pleasant to speak to and I instantly felt relaxed and at ease in her chair. I really can't say enough for how wonderful my experience was at Will Charles Salon. My friends all completed me on my hair cut/style last night and one even asked for the information for Will Charles so she too can book an appointment!! read more

I had the best experience at this salon. First of all, the salon is beautiful and welcoming. I felt right at home as soon as I arrived. Billy is a very talented colorist. He colored my hair, and the color looks natural and healthy. Erik cut my hair, and, after growing it out for a few years, I decided that I wanted it shorter again. He was very supportive of my decision and did a great job. And, besides the fact that both of these guys are terrific, kind and genuine people, their prices are fantastically reasonable for Newbury Street. In addition, I like that the salon is so close to my office. Both Billy and Erik went to great lengths to ensure that I was happy with my hair. I am looking forward to my next visit already! read more

I'm a big fan of both Billy and Erik. I love how long my haircuts last (and I have short hair). I can go almost two months without another cut before it looks too shaggy or hideous. It's very impressive. Plus, they're both really sweet, good guys and I'm proud of them for taking ownership of the place. Billy's an excellent colorist who really listens and Erik is an amazing stylist! read more

Stylist, Naomi Baril, has by far given me my best haircuts in my entire wife. She's personable, polite, and again very good at what she does. Her many years of experience is quite apparent. read more

Melissa Di Tocco, Stylist is a gem! She is superb at color and cutting curly hair! In my opinion, she is a hidden gem on Newbury Street.

Rating = 4.5 stars I've been seeing Billie now for over 5 years and I still think she is fantastic. She is the only colorist I've ever seen who has not been overly aggressive in suggesting I do up my color so that I am overly highlighted. She helps me to look good but not "done". I have soft black hair which I color to a warm dark brown and add caramel highlights. Billie frequently will suggest lowlights to tone down the brightness of the highlights (gets really bright from the sun!). I want to look natural and not have someone ask me whether my color is natural or not. My color and partial highlights usually come out at most to $120. If I just get color then it could be as little as $80. A note about the other a la carte services - when you go in for color that's all you get. If you want a cut or blowdry then that's additional. The salon will very nonchalantly ask you whether you'd like a blowdry but will not mention that you will get charged another $40 for someone to blow you out. This isn't a high-end NYC salon where the blow out is included but I'm not paying $300 to get my hair colored either. Just be wary so you know what to expect. Also, I try to book Billie early during the day or end of day when it's quieter at the salon. It's much calmer during those times. Will Charles still sends out 20% coupons once a year around the holidays which I always appreciate! read more

Will Charles salon is amazing! I get my hair cut by Bri and she is hands down the best hairdresser I've ever had. Bri pays close attention to detail and listens to all of my wants/needs! I would 100% recommend her and Will Charles salon to anyone looking for quality, flawless hair care! read more

GO TO BRI!! I have naturally dirty blonde hair and had been getting it highlighted but wanted a smoother balayage that looked more natural. Bri worked her magic and made my hair look ABSOLUTELY stunning. She fixed my hair completely! It blends so well and no damage was done to my hair which is extremely important. Not only was the dye job immaculate but the experience was amazing too. Bri was so accommodating and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. She really takes into account how her clients are feeling and works towards YOUR best interests. I couldn't thank her enough and don't think I could ever go to anyone else to get my hair done. Definitely will be coming back every time I need a touch up. read more

Clancy is awesome! Really goes the full way to get what you're looking for. I hadn't changed my hair style in 15 years and wanted to try something different and she went above and beyond to make my happen. read more

Clancy is fantastic!! She's helped me experiment with a ton of different colors and styles and is always super professional and friendly. Definitely recommend! read more

First time: I have wavy shoulder length hair and I got a hair cut with Patrick. He just gives me a trim and removes all the layers in my hair.. I very clearly mentioned that I wanted a ash and wear hairstyle that I didn't have to straighten everyday. How does it work to have plain one length haircut for wavy hair? Second time: I went back to him, this time armed with pictures and told him I want a short bob with soft waves AND I didn't want to style it everyday. He cut most of the length off and thats it. And when I asked him how I could wear it without ironing it everyday, he just stated that my hair is wavy and I'd just have to iron it!!!!!! Finally, he cut one side of the hair longer than the other! Patrick is just oblivious to whatever I said and in general a very blah person with no fresh ideas. He just likes to stick to the same tried and tested styles. Absolutely unhappy BOTH times. Would never go again! read more

I didn't pay full price for the hair treatment + cut I received. So my dissatisfaction may be related. I got a groupon for shampoo, treatment, style, and cut. Well, the shampoo and treatment part I'm very happy about. I used to a similar treatment once a month with a much bigger price tag so no complaints what so ever. Now the styling and cut. Because I've had bad experiences every where else besides this two Chinese salons in New York, I pretty much won't let anyone else cut my hair. The problem is that I haven't had time to go to New York for the past 2 months or so and the split/dead ends are coming out. I said: just trim and get rid of the dead ends. Diane (pretty new) was good at following that instruction. Although I thought it was a little strange that she didn't flow dry my hair straight when she was trimming it. Instead, there was a curl at the end. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but when the client is Asian and has naturally pretty straight hair which she intends to keep straight, why would you curl the ends while cutting it? Anyway, it was fine. However, when it came to my bans, I was very specific. I said: I normally get a sweeping ban and gestured the angle it would fall in front of my face. Well, I did not get the sweeping ban, instead I would call it semi-straight front at the very top. I'm sorry but why can't non-Asian hairdressers figure out what a sweeping ban entails? You do not part the hair as a straight line and try to put the two sides of hair behind ears and leave the forehead out in the open. That's not even a ban. One other small thing: using hair straightener is not necessary, at least on Asian hair that's naturally straight. Blow drying does a fine job and much less damage. Everybody knows that straightener hurts your hair no matter how expensive they are. Some people have to use them, and I feel your pain. But when it's not necessary, please leave it out. I just got a hair masque treatment not to make sure that I can abuse my hair more. I'm sorry, but I think Will Charles adds to my list of reasons why I should never tempt to replicate what Asian hairdressers can do to Asian hair for 30 bucks in a non-Asian Newbury streetesque salon. read more

I would have given it 4 stars for my experience: Good cut, but the blow dry didn't have the body and shine I really love. But the 2 stars is because my friend, who has hair only to ear lobe length, came in with me for a blow dry on NYE. She asked if the stylist could give her some curls. The stylist did explain it would be more money and my friend agreed but a $35 blow out on earlobe length, fine hair turned into a $90 blow out with curls after the increase and tip. If you are stylist, and you insist on charging for an "updo" on a head of hair that is extremely short it is irresponsible to not mention that it would be more than double what the client had expected. She was done 20min before me and while her hair was cute it was not a $75 updo. read more

I was a new client and was matched with Patrick. He is polite and pleasant and took great care of me and my hair. I got a great cut and color and will definitely return to see him again and again. Thanks, Patrick! read more

I've been searching for a good hair stylist for the longest time. I read all the Yelp reviews and decided to take a drive into Boston to see Erik Howard on Newbury Street. He's received such glowing reviews. He has the nicest personality, extremely friendly. I showed him a picture of how I would like my haircut and styled. It didn't feel like he cut it enough but I didn't say anything expecting he knew what he was doing. He blew it dry and it looks nice for the day. After that it looks like my same haircut. I basically got a trim for $100 when I went in for a different hairstyle and cut. Hugely disappointed. He's very overrated. Erik Howard needs to pay attention to what his clients are asking him for. I did not expect to pay $100 for a trim. read more

Billy is a terrific colorist. He really knows what he's doing, and he works very hard at his craft. This is a terrific place to get your hair done. read more

A friend of mine recently referred me to Patrick at Will Charles Salon for a cut and color. Immediately, my experience was great! The front desk staff were helpful and attentive and in moments I was seated. We had a quick chat about the style and color I was looking for and to say I was thrilled with the results was an understatement! The color was natural and rich, and the cut was exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't count all the compliments with both hands! I'll certainly be visiting Patrick again and suggesting my friends and coworkers do the same. read more

Dude. I'm okay with paying $60+ for a haircut, because I only have to get it cut twice a year after Diane does her magic. She makes me feel pretty. I LOVE this place, and now refuse to get my hair cut anywhere else. read more

I usually don't go for high-end haircuts, especially on Newbury Street. However, I've been losing weight and wanted an affordable splurge. I looked up previous yelp reviews and based of the recommendations booked a cut with Erik. When I first got there I felt totally out of place putting on the robe, but I then started to relax and read a magazine. A nice assistant offered me orange or cucumber flavored water so I felt kind of pampered. She then did a wash with a nice little head massage. Finally I met Erik- I expected him to be older because of the reviews but he was pretty young, in his twenties. He was very friendly and did an amazing job on my hair. I have long straight boring hair- all my friends told me to go short but I wasn't convinced and wanted to save some length. I told him to do whatever he wanted. He cut it a little long than shoulder length, with these beautiful angles and layers that really flatter my face (which is round). I left feeling really grown up, it was a nice sophisticated cut! I would definitely go back if I had the money. The rates are good for Newbury Street- however I might still go for 15 dollar trims at places I would rather not admit :) read more

I also got the Rue La La voucher and also had a cut and blow dry with Joao. My experience is completely opposite of Lisa R. Joao is extremely friendly and personable. But his haircut leaves much to be desired. This is the first time I have walked out of a haircut crying. I brought him a picture of the exact cut I wanted and told him specifically what I did not want. Not only did he not give me the cut in the picture, but he did everything I told him NOT to. My hair looks like a disaster - like a lawnmower went through it. I definitely do NOT recommend Joao. read more

Billy and Erik are geniuses!! I've been wanting to change my color from brunette to blond for quite some time but was concerned that it would look too fake (due to an experience I had years ago at a different salon). I described what I was going for, and the result was fabulous! It came out a very natural, dark blond shade that I'm in love with. They know exactly what they are doing and really listen to what you want. I've been getting my color there for about six months now and have no intention of getting my hair done anywhere else! read more

I bought the Rue La La voucher here and had a great experience with a cut and blow-dry with Joao. The staff was very friendly and welcoming and the place was clean and nice. Joao was friendly right off the bat, and took the time to talk about my hair and what I wanted. I have long hair with layers, and he understood that I wasn't there for anything crazy, just a good cut. He actually told me he liked me hair long...which I have never heard - stylists are always trying to chop my hair off! He did a fabulous job throughout and the blow-out was AWESOME. I couldn't stop smiling after he was done. The best part...when I did my hair myself this morning, it still looked great. He clearly knows how to give a great hair cut. After several bad haircuts in Boston (Athena Aveda, less than impressive) I will DEFINITELY go back here. I got sucked into an expensive cut with the voucher (Joao's cuts are $80) but I am willing to go back and pay full price. I would also recommend Joao for a blow-out. He explained to me that he has done lots of hair shows and theatre styling...and it showed in the end product! He knows how to give a great blow-out with lots of volume (he even took into consideration the weather!) A+ for the all-around experience! read more

I went there using a coupon for first-time college students for a Kerastase treatment, haircut, and style. It's only done Tuesday - Friday by appointment with Courtney (who is really friendly and awesome!), so make sure to call! The person who shampooed and applied the treatment (which is just a serum they rub through your hair and then put you under a heating thing) was awesome, they didn't tug on my hair or anything or scratch my scalp, but they were very through and it felt like a scalp massage. I wanted my hair in a bob that would go just below my chin, and Courtney suggested that we layer the back and make the front longer. I was really hesitant, but I decided to go with it, and in the end, Courtney basically worked a miracle on my hair. I've had my hair cut in bobs before by other salons, and it always turns out a disaster because after a couple days when I wash my hair, since my hair flips outwards naturally it looks horrendous, but Courtney managed to cut it in a way that it's been a week and I've washed my hair 5 times already, and even when I don't blow dry it doesn't flip out! I have somewhat of a young-ish face, and bobs usually make me look childish, but I've been complimented that my new haircut makes me look older and more professional. Courtney was rough with combing and tugging, but that was entirely my fault for not telling her and tbh my scalp was feeling a little itchy so I didn't mind, but yeah definitely let a stylist know if they're too rough. One thing I learned is not to fight the stylist and try to insist on a haircut that they're telling you won't work out. They know what's best, and I'm only too happy that I decided to go with Courtney's advice. Also, find a haircut that will actually WORK on you. A mistake I used to make was to bring pictures of a hairstyle that would require a lot of styling and can't just magically poof on my head after a cut. Even though it's incredibly pricy for a college student, I'm probably going to go back for Courtney, I want to keep this hairstyle forever lol read more

I found my hair dresser at wc salon! Hillary! She's fancy, funny, and always did my hair the way I wanted! Anyway. She's great. Go to her.

Went to see Scott this evening to try something new. Usually I go and just get a simple buzz cut. Scott definitely has an eye and discrete attention to detail. He is very precise and cuts hair to a T!!! All by hand, btw, which I was amazed to find out. He was also very personable and quite social. I highly recommend Scott and Will Charles for anyone not just looking to go to a salon but for a pleasurable experience. You have to check them out and see Scott!! You probably won't find a better deal on this end of Newbury St. Definitely worth your every penny!! So next time you are in the area and want something done. Just come and ask for Scott, you won't be disappointed. read more