Went here for my first haircut after COVID shutdowns. I was slightly nervous about this but the whole process put me at ease. Douja is the only stylist that works here, services are appointment-only and appointments are scheduled with disinfecting time in between, so she and I were the only ones in the shop, and she could do her work just as well with both of us masked. The haircut itself was great -- I used to go to Douja when she was at Sublime Salon in Cambridge and I instantly remembered why. I'm a guy so I don't have the language to tell someone exactly what to do. With Douja I can just tell her how long I want it, maybe tell her about some terrible haircuts I've had while she works, and she's competent enough to handle the rest. Douja herself is also awesome -- she'll tell you exactly what she thinks and wants you to do the same. *Note that this is a new salon Douja started in 2020, so other staff from Sublime, gift cards, etc. are likely different. Yelp may just be erroneously combining new and old business reviews. read more

Zena Salon is without a doubt the BEST hair salon I have ever been to. Douja is an incredible hairstylist and has does wonders to my hair. I have done single process, partial highlights, full highlights, and hair cuts with her. She has done a perfect job each and every time. I would highly recommend her to anyone! Her prices are more than fair and her work product is priceless. Further, she is efficient with her time without sacrificing the end result. I greatly appreciate that I am not sitting in the chair for an unnecessary amount of time which is what happens at most other salons. And for the time I am sitting in the chair, she is great conversation! Not only does she do amazing work, she cultivates a safe space through her radiant and kind personality. I am so lucky to have been referred to her by a friend and I hope to have her do my hair forever! I have curly dark brown hair and she has safely got me to the blonde shade I desire. Her highlights add so much dimension to my hair and I feel so confident after she does my hair. My hair is so healthy and she is very knowledgeable on how to safely bleach hair, especially curly hair. Douja is so talented and everyone should get their hair done by her!! read more

Douja is skilled, efficient, and overall such a lovely person. I've gotten a haircut and color service from her and both times she's nailed it! She is a great communicator and does a thorough consultation to make sure the result is exactly what you want. I loved my hair when it was finished and would definitely recommend. (: read more

Douja is amazing! I love my haircut! I came in after another placed have me a weird haircut. She fixed my hair and it looks great. I look forward to my next appointment! The salon is a cute, nice and relaxed space. read more

So good! I've gotten 2 haircuts as well as highlights/lowlights which all turned out perfectly! Douja is very nice and did a great job. She's also fast which is a plus! Thank you!! :) read more

Zena Salon - Highlights/lowlights & cut 1/2 - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I went in yesterday for a trim and all-over color to cover grey roots and an old, lighter dye job from another salon. My hair is shiny and the color itself is great. However, they did leave some dye on the skin along my ears and hairline that I noticed when I got home, and when I rinsed my hair in the shower today, a ton of dye ran out. It didn't change the look, but I wouldn't recommend washing your hair just before bed. The cut itself was quick and done well. However, it's much shorter than I wanted, and I'm heartbroken to have lost length that I desperately wanted to keep. Before cutting, I was asked if I wanted to cut "1 inch or 2." I responded, "only as much as it needs, I like it long." Well, she cut at least 3 inches. My beautiful long hair that I'd been regrowing is gone, and it'll take months to get back to where it was. I get closer to tears every time I look in the mirror. The blow dry at the end is also a potential issue. My hair felt light, soft, and silky... but the styling looked ridiculous. I didn't bother saying anything, since I was headed straight home for the rest of the day, but I would have been embarrassed if I'd had someplace else to go, and would've had to ask them to redo it. I have naturally curly hair, which I came in with. I was asked if I wanted it blown "straight or wavy." I asked for wavy, saying I like d my curls. I ended up with some bizarre half-straight, half-curled flip look that reminded me of Michael Jackson's final style and which I put up in a ponytail as soon as I left. All in all, if you're looking for a friendly, clean place to do color or a simple cut, and you're extremely specific about what you want, do try Sublime. Unfortunately, the too-short cut means I won't ever be back. read more

Duja has been taking care of me and my family for more than 10 years! She ALWAYS gives me terrific cuts and colors and great cuts for my husband and sons. She has adapted to the times and is giving safe service with only one client in her salon at a time. I recommend her absolutely! read more

Zena Salon - Fresh haircuts! - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The worst haircut I ever got. Now I have to wear a hat so noone could see that. I tried to explain what I wanted and was told not to teach her cutting hair. And when at the end I was very upset with the result, Douja accused me in saying it wrong. Hey, you didn't listen! Worst attitude and service ever! read more

Douja is a very sweet and kind person and I really enjoyed talking with her during the cut. She was able to see me the same day I called and the haircut was very timely. My hair was so damaged because of constant dyeing but Douja put me right at ease and started me off with a lovely moisturizing treatment (that I want to purchase myself!) and some tips to take better care of my hair. When I left, it felt smoother already and it is becoming much healthier than it was before! Thank you Douja :) read more

Although the staff was lovely I am displeased due to two factors: (1) waiting time, and (2) a terrible haircut. I went in asking for a straight haircut with layers on the bottom, instead... I received a very messy layers and my hair looks absurd. The girl who did it was just chomping away without making sure it looked good. It's not straight. I was gonna go back there to color my hair but I don't think I will because I don't know what to expect then. read more

Douja has completely transformed my hair! I just walk in and let her do her thing. I now have 4 friends that barraged me for her phone number, and she is the only person who can touch their hair too. Douja does impeccable work and will not delegate much, so expect to spend some time there! I just make myself at home, order food, and chat with other clients. Or, bring work and plug away on the laptop or iStuff. It is well worth it! Plus, with Douja's quest for perfection she had made so many fabulous cosmetic suggestions, people barely recognize me! Completely life changing and fabulous!! read more

I had a bad day and three sweet, young, pretty ladies really helped me lift my spirit up. The salon looks beautiful... I ordered the sculpt conditioning treatment and a blow dry. Their shampoo smells good and the heat massages was excellent. I came out feeling great again. I would recommend this salon to my friends ! read more

Terrible experience. Actually some of the most rude customer service I've ever received. I purchased a Groupon for a haircut and full highlights before negative reviews were listed on Yelp about Groupon experiences. I called the salon for an appointment and told them I had a Groupon and they told me they could only book me on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) since their regular clientele come in on Friday and Saturday. Ok, fair enough, but I was rushed off the phone and they seemed disinterested. I called the day of my appointment and they asked me about the texture/length of my hair. I told them I have long hair that I'm looking to cut into a short bob, and have the highlights done. They told me there would be an "additional charge" for long hair, even though they were highlighting the short hair? I asked what the charge would be and they said they would tell me when I came in. I walked into the salon and they did not greet me. The girl at the counter told me to take my hair down and scoffed at it. She said again that there would be an additional charge and I asked how much and she said the hairdresser would know. She proceeded to wash my hair and called it "awful" and did not even attempt to make conversation. I was thinking of walking out but wanted to wait to see if maybe the hair stylist would be polite. She asked me to show her photos of what I wanted and she was rude while I showed her and couldn't understand what I wanted (natural-looking highlights, as opposed to streaky highlights). She had already cut off the majority of my hair while we were deciding the color (?) and I asked again what the extra charge would be because she was throwing out vague amounts about toner and hair length. At this point I had already asked over 3 times and no one could give me an additional price. She said she didn't know and it would depend. Since I had already paid $70 for a Groupon at an unknown salon, I didn't want to sit down and agree to pay an unknown amount for a fairly common hair process. The manager came over and tried to blame the situation on Groupon and said that they had charged me less than they usually do. The hair stylist was adamant about not working for free, which I understand, but since I had already paid for the Groupon, I don't understand why they would list it for that price if they felt they were being ripped off. And I was MORE than fine with paying a fairly high tip AND an additional cost, if they could explain why they were charging more and what the actual final price would be. I ended up leaving the salon mid-service because they would not give me more information. Maybe the salon is nice to their regular clientele but they clearly should not be doing ANY discounted services if they aren't willing to accommodate. I would have been happy to go back to the salon in the future if I liked their work. I don't think they understand the purpose of a Groupon, in that they are attracting future business. Would never go back. read more

I made an appointment online, showed up on-time. Locked doors, lights off. I was looking forward to establishing a relationship with a hair stylist but it appears that I dodged a bullet. Would give 0 stars if possible. read more

I came here on a Groupon, didn't know what to expect. Pleasantly surprised! (They did charge me extra for having long hair, but that's in the fine print of the Groupon, folks.) My hair is... significant. Long, thick (yet fine), requires patience and attention to detail; I'd gotten my hair horribly botched by MIT's haircutter in the student center, but Dita fixed it! No nonsense, no fake chit-chat, honest, listened to my preferences. (These also included super-fine, natural-looking highlights which inevitably took her far more work, time, and attention to detail than the chunky zebra stripes some people seem to prefer.) Also told me I still need another 2 months to grow the back crown chunks to optimal length, heh. Docking one star not for Dita's cut and highlight, but for other, smaller things: 1) The shampooer very roughly pulled at my scalp and hair, didn't seem super-conscientious; when they were both pulling out foils, it was obvious Dita had a more efficient, yet lighter, touch. I suspect the shampooer might've been tired from all the classes she mentioned taking, but it doesn't change the fact that it detracted from the experience for me. 2) The appt-maker seemed a bit rude when I first called about being a Groupon appt, seemed to imply that I would flake on my appt and would lose my Groupon if I did. It seems like others may've had bad loop of experiences around this... Still, thanks Dita for the great haircut! read more

I had an appointment at a venue on Mass Ave and it got cancelled at the last minute, so I called a few places to see if they would take a walk in. Sublime was the only one that said they would work me in. The ladies were lovely and not only they worked me in between their customers, I got the best haircut I've gotten in years. Absolutely love the layers and they give my hair so much volume. Will go back for sure. I've finally found a salon in Cambridge I love ‍ read more

What a disappointment!!! After purchasing a Groupon voucher for a haircut and blowout, I tried to schedule an appointment and the earliest day Douja told me was possible was after a week (she said she was overbooked). After my friend called to ask for appointment (with no mention of a Groupon voucher) Douja was ready to schedule an appointment for a time that works for him in the same week! After I called to cancel my appointment and asked her why there is different customer service for clients with a Groupon, Douja nervously told me that if she scheduled a lot of appointments from Groupon she would run out of business! She was rude and arguing with me, using phrases like OMG! I think this is absolutely unprofessional! The owner/ manager needs to understand what a customer facing role entails. They don't treat all customer the same way. And Douja, if you will run out of business by working with customer who have Groupon vouchers, why do you sell them? read more

Got my hair cut yesterday at Sublime with Douja and loved it! She's very personable and great at recommending styles at suit you. I loved my hair cut and will definitely be back again Thanks Douja! read more

My hair looked orange and streaky after, and unfortunately I had to immediately go to another salon to get it fixed before I could even go home. She had double booked me and another client and kept forgetting about me with bleach in my hair and some parts were white, while others were barely dyed at all and were orange. She was very nice but ultimately I would not go back. read more

Douja was very friendly and well informed. I came in feeling a bit insecure about my current hair situation and she was very knowledgeable and was able to guide me in the right direction, which is especially scarce with my hair type (male, dark very curly hair). She worked well and quick but made time for nice conversation. I would definitely come back and recommend her work for others! read more

I made an appointment for a balayage at this salon for a Saturday afternoon. When I came in and gave my name, the woman who helped me (Lauren) was so unwelcoming. I had a feeling she wasn't expecting me, and was unhappy to have me as a client. I should have listened to my gut and left right then & there. I asked for a balayage & showed her a photo of what I was hoping for. I have dark black hair so I knew it wasn't going to be exactly like the photo. However, what I ended up with was very awful. It was overly blonde and BLOTCHY. Check out the photos (first photo is what Lauren did to my hair) and second photo is the inspiration photo. I had to go elsewhere just one week later to fix my color because I couldn't stand to look at it. read more

Zena Salon - My "balayage" from Lauren - Hair Salons Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I really started out loving this place but the more I went (at one point every 2 weeks), the more I found the customer service to be inconsistent and lacking. My hair was never the same as the first two times. Douja would rush more and more each time to try to fit other people in and was a bit of a diva. Here's an account of my last experience: First, Douja didn't acknowledge me with a greeting when I came in and sat down (1/2 an hour early mind you). When she finally did acknowledge me (about 1/2 an hour later), she told me that she thought I was someone else, and that since my hair would take longer, "it wouldn't be unfair to her other client's" if she didn't take them first. Wait, am I not your client too? Rude. I waited about another 1/2 hour before someone else started washing my hair, then when it was time to blow dry, Douja kept on stopping to talk with friends and attend to other people. I could tell by the way she was blow drying that she wasn't paying attention and taking her time. Midway through, she stopped to take someone else who had an appointment and let another girl finish my hair. Not even a goodbye when I left. By the time I got back home, it looked like I had my hair done two weeks ago instead of that day, and I still tipped! I won't be going back. EVER read more

The folks here were so friendly, so I am disappointed to review the service I received as fair/poor. I received waxing from a lovely woman who was clearly too busy. Despite having an appointment, it seemed that there were simply not enough staff people to handle the hair, salon, and front desk services. She very quickly applied and removed the wax and did minimal tweezing. Upon inspection at home, I noticed a lot of hair left behind.The hair grew back very quickly which is unusual for me. And worse, my skin was irritated for several days afterwards which I have never experienced. The price here is more reasonable and the people are more friendly than other Cambridge salons. But the actual service needs improvement. And also, the salon could be much cleaner. I had to walk through piles upon piles of hair to go to the unkept waxing room. That is less than acceptable. read more

I will never go anyplace else again. After trying small salons, fancy salons and private hairdressers, I'm so glad I finally found Douja. Just wish I'd found her before my wedding last year! My highlights look so natural and warm - it's like a caramel color. So pretty! It even looks awesome in a ponytail, which can be hit or miss with some hairdressers. She also understands how much I love my long hair. I asked for a cut and she was very careful just to clean up the ends and give my hair some body with minimal trimming. My husband was commenting on my "strut" with with my bouncy new hair yesterday. Ha. Can't help it! She has a customer for life... and I'm already planning to go back later this week for a facial. :) Oh, and this salon looks like it belongs on Newbury Street. So nice! read more

Had an appt. with Dita who was rude and miserable. She said I was 1/2 hour late for my appt. - although I was right on time; apparently she did not keep accurate track of her appt. schedule and blamed me for her lack of organization and timing. I felt like leaving then and there because I was so upset by the way she treated me but Douja intervened and said she would take care of me. Douja was very nice and friendly and the only reason I stayed. Unfortunately Douja used a color that was too dark (I just asked to have the gray touched up) and it didn't look natural at all. My scalp and the tips of my ears are very burned and blistered from the color application. I would never go back to this salon and I do not recommend Sublime. read more

After hemming and hawing over if, where and when to get my mangy mane cut, I finally decided to walk east to west in Cambridge today and get my hair cut at the first place I passed with decent Yelp rating and an open appointment. I walked into Sublime after a bit of hesitation as there was only one stylist (owner Douja) and one client in the entire place. On top of that, it was dead silent when I came in. Instinct typically wards you away from places that aren't bustling, but I'm glad I overcame that silly logic. Douja greeted me warmly and told me that she could take me in 10 minutes. So I plopped down on some comfy leather chairs and waited, taking in the minimal and spacious interior design. Douja is a delightful and interesting lady who knows her craft. She's easy to talk to and very laid back. In typical male fashion, I gave very vague instructions initially on how I wanted my hair coiffed, but she kept asking questions to make sure she got it right and kept checking along the way to ensure I was happy. Her instincts were dead-on though, and I'm confident I could have given her no instructions and she would've done equally well. She had a perfect sense for my personality and style, and gave me a flattering and well-styled cut. Her prices are also a steal, some places charge twice as much for a similar quality cut. Definitely a fan. read more

I walked-in to get an eyebrow and lip wax around 4pm I felt rushed , I was in and out in like five minutes and later on I broke out with red pimple-like bumps in those areas :( Definitely questioning the wax and its sanitary conditions in general. These are not at all good feelings to have. :( about any salon! 23 dollars definitely wasted! read more

Sublime does a great job with waxing. I've been here three times and had different ladies each time, and they have all been friendly and efficient. The last time I was there, the woman took the time to pluck remaining hairs with tweezers, even though she had another client for a hair treatment (said client graciously let me go first). Great service, and the price is right! Recommended! Update: They do great haircuts, too! read more

This place is amazing! Douja and Dita are the best. I get my hair cut, coloring, and waxing done there. Douja is a genius at the waxing table and has done amazing things for my head of hair. I had some white hairs (only 28 yo) and she fixed it right up with a great highlighting combination that made my hair look stunning. She also has done some great styles on my hair and always makes the time go by so fast with her entertaining stories, great music, and warm environment. One time, I was rushing to an event and happened to stop in (to drop keys off to my friend who was getting her hair done) and I told Douja that I was on my way to an event. She asked if she could spruce up my hair and makeup (I'd done it myself) and I was like "of course!" She fixed everything right up in no time and charged me nothing! I looked amazing. This salon is the best and these ladies are the best! I definitely recommend stopping in for some self care. read more

Wow. I am never disappointed here. Douja has been doing my eyebrows for quite a while now and she always does a great job. She also gave me the gentlest Brazilian wax, ever. read more

After experiencing at different waxing locations, I don't find this location to be particularly good now. Waxing is standard and fast. Cheaper than elsewhere but that's for a reason. read more

I just got my first haircut from Douja & I love it! $60 for a wash, cut and blowout for long, thick hair seemed reasonable, and I got 15% off with a new client deal. She really listened to me and gave me exactly what I was looking for! read more

Fabulous experience! I read all of the reviews and I have pretty high standards and I was extremely impressed. Everyone raves about Douja and I can now join them. Her knowledge of hair color, friendliness, combined with her first- class customer service ( she took time to explain why my hair color needed to be adjusted a shade ) Having just moved to the area I rely on these reviews. read more

I have to be honest.....my wife actually started going to Douja as we lived near Mirage in Brookline before she opened Sublime. I was a bit skeptical and it took a little coaxing on the part of the better half, but after the first haircut I've been going to her ever since. She definitely takes the time to understand what you want (and my hair isn't the easiest mop on the block to deal with) and always seems to work her magic and send me on my way loooking like a million bucks! She also makes you feel at ease and is just a pleasure to be around. Her salon is also more than affordable in comparison to the downtown shops and her new location is warm and inviting. To the guys out there, don't hesitate to stop in and see for yourself.....definitely worth the half hour. read more

Very unprofessional. I don't appreciate scheduling an appointment online and being told the cancellation policy is 24 hours, only to have the salon owner do a no call/no show for two appointments I booked! On top of that the salon wasn't even opened and I had the joy of finding out when I arrived for the scheduled appointments! I called ahead of time more than once to confirm these appointments. Extremely unprofessional! If you expect clients to cancel 24 hours in advance, you should make sure as a business, you have the decency to do the same! I've never had this happen at any other salon!! read more

Douja has cut my hair twice. She's definitely one the best haircuts I've got in years. Highly recommended

I had visited this salon 1.5 yrs ago and I was happy with what Douja did then. I tipped them very generously and she gave me a card for %20 discount for my next visit (with no expiration date). Two months ago, I highlighted my hair back at home and thought to visit Douja for a partial touch up highlight (half inch) and a trim. I have a chin-long hair. She assured me that there will be no more damage to my hair and it will cost $140. When I mentioned the discount card, she refused to accept it. I mentioned there is no expiration date on it. She made a racist comment about my nationality saying that all the people coming from my home country bargain all the time (!!!). When I asked again she said she has made a mistake and it's $165 and the discount will be calculated on $165 (!!!). Then she started talking to her phone and her assistant did the bleach. I asked them not to bleach my already-bleached hair and only bleach the root. Douja got very angry and said that I should trust them and don't interfere with what they're doing. Again she made another bad comment about my nationality, saying that we always interfere (!!!). They bleached all my hair again and when I touched my hair after wash, a bunch of hair came off to my hand. I realized that my hair is like a very thin elastic thread now and each time I am touching it a chunk of hair comes off in my hand. All Damaged to the root. I got very angry and ask for an explanation. Guess what! Instead of any apology, Douja literally yelled "Look into my eyes! You still have got lots of hair on your head. Don't make me feel guilty!". Seriously? Is this how you should behave when you destroy someone's hair which will take years to grow again. I asked them for an ashy highlight and expressed that I don't want golden. The highlights are pure golden. So, if you are visiting this salon be aware what's her border to mess up your hair. Now, my hair is so damaged that it comes off in small pieces and is all over my house, It seems like I have a fluffy cat at home. I was looking forward to a nice day and was just not in the mood (or have that personality) to make a fight. She destroyed my hair and my day! And she made me to pay for the mess they did (!!!) read more

A great place to take care of your hair. Douja and Mary are my heroes. I have a very curly and freezy hair and most salons I had gone to in the past, not only had charged me double for handling my hair ( i.e blow dry) but I had walked out many times almost crying (as job was not done correctly). Both Douja and Mary, do an amazing job on my hair. Blow dry is done in a timely manner (not taking 2 hours but usually 45 min for a curly relatively long hair), and I am charged very reasonably. I have also done my coloring and highlights here, and again have gotten so many compliments for my highlights ( I wanted them to be subtle but not too subtle, and still nice and elegant). The ambiance is friendly and fun, and they usually have a great collection of music on. I LOVE this place. read more

I followed Douja from where she worked before in Brookline! I'm so happy she has her own place now, she is an amazing hairdresser. Her costumer service has always been exceptional so much so that she has me hooked. I do NOT trust people with my hair, but she has always done exactly what I've asked. Pros: color technique and cutting. read more

I wanted to make an update on my last review, because while initially Douja did a fantastic job, the quality was not the same after the first few times (just like what Iris said in her review)... First of all, the salon badly needs a receptionist, because Douja and her one other stylist would constantly be rushing off to answer the phone. Douja would often get distracted tending to other customers who came in or even get into long conversations with the other stylist. The frequent distractions and rushed haircuts/waxes didn't always lead to the best results, and the quality deteriorated after the first few times. The last straw for me was when I came to an appointment I had made with Douja, only to find that she wasn't in and had apparently delegated me to a new stylist I'd never met! No phone call beforehand to let me know and provide me the opportunity to reschedule... Despite all this, Douja is clearly very talented and seems like a nice person, and I hope that the kinks get worked out so that her salon becomes as good as it could be. I know that running a well oiled machine takes resources, but I think that steps could definitely be taken to create a more professional and customer service orientated salon (consistently, not just for new customers)! read more