- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
A. Quinn Hair Studio
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons
5 Arrow StCambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood: Harvard Square
(617) 354-5354
- Nearest Transit:
-
Mt Auburn St @ Dewolfe St (1)
Massachusetts Ave @ Quincy St (1)
Quincy St @ Harvard St (1, 68, 69)
- Hours:
Mon, Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Tue-Thu 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 3 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
54 reviews for A. Quinn Hair Studio
54 reviews in English
-
Review from Roxie D.
Somerville, MA
5/7/2012
If you've been hurt by an egomaniacal stylist who didn't listen to your input and butchered your hair, I suggest coming here. It's where the healing begins.
I came to this salon after reading the rave reviews on yelp- and I'm so happy I did.
I've seen too many friends leave other salons in Harvard Square in tears, so I knew that picking a good place to reign in my unruly hair was key.
My appointment was with a smashing stylist whose name I wish I could remember. I had chopped my waist length hair off at the end of the summer, and had been left with a super short pixie cut that had grown into a quasi-mullet over the last 6 months. I had some photos and pics of what I wanted to do with it, but she gently pointed out that certain styles would require alot more maintenance than others, but gave me exactly what I wanted based on one of the photos I'd brought in. She evened out my hair and made me look like a grown up-which was worth the more than reasonable $60- and even went back and made several revisions at my request during our 1 hr appointment.
I just called to make an appointment to get my bangs cut, and was pleasantly surprised to hear "Yup, we can fit you in tomorrow, and that'll be $10." AMAZEBALLS. -
Review from Betts C.
4/6/2012
I walked in to my appointment with Arthur with this terribly shaggy, windblown thing going on, and I fear he wondered what the cat had dragged in. However, after I explained that I was desperate to cut off my half grown out hair not because short is easier, but because I know it works better with my face, I actually could see a bit of a twinkle come into his eye. For the next 45 minutes, he not only cut my hair, but taught me a couple of styling tricks to get body and lift out of my waves (without charging for the special curly cut, since I hadn't scheduled that kind of cut and my hair is only on the verge of curling anyway). He explained why certain things worked not just with my hair type, but my facial shape. And when all was said and done, the cut was perfect. He had created a shape that lifted in all the right places for my round face. He had brought the bounce back. And he had been incredibly kind and considerate throughout.
I did not particularly love the Ouidad products he used, as they made my hair crunchy, something I can't stand. But even when I went home and did my hair with my cheapy stuff, it turned out perfectly. It's cute both wavey and straight. And most of all, I feel great- it was a refreshing and welcoming experience. To be honest, having read the reviews, I expected to be a bit intimidated or feel some pressure. I didn't.
I'll admit I haven't rebooked a second appointment at the end of my first appointment maybe ever. But I did that with Arthur. Frankly, I have been trying to find a stylist in the area who I could really trust, and I know I have done that. When I turned Arthur loose with my shaggy hair, he found a way to make it perfect. And even my partner likes it, and he is oddly fussy on this particular topic. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 5/12/2012
Why did A. Quinn have to get rid of the waxing & facial services?!?! Not cool. Erin was the only esthetician at A. Quinn but an amazing one. She's my go-to person for eyebrow waxes and facials. I was so bummed to hear these services were discontinued at the salon because it was conveniently located ... but that's fine. I'll figure out where she lands next, and I'll go there!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/8/2011
I just saw Erin today for the first time, and she did an excellent job waxing my eyebrows. Since I… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jennifer H.
Cambridge, MA
4/15/2012
I've had a couple haircuts with Paula and feel that she's not a particularly good listener. I went to this salon because it has a reputation for stylists who understand curly hair. My hair has a fragile wave, fine strands with lots of body, but despite my repeated comments about how I don't blow-dry it straight, Paula cut my hair and dried it as though I did. I'm frustrated that the prevailing attitude is to fight the natural tendencies of one's hair instead of playing with what it really does.
We discussed ways to help even out the bulkiness of my hair, but she did a hack job on the back of my head--which will take about two years to grow out--and all with the attitude of "well, this is what you asked for, this is what it's going to do."
It's possible she knew what she's doing, but actually *communicating* with the client about not only the cut, but the subsequent behavior of the cut and the style before the fact--not afterward--would have prevented major disappointment. So after this expensive haircut, I am now returning to an even more expensive salon to come up with a style that works for my hair.
I wish A. Quinn had been a better experience. -
Review from Lauren S.
Boston, MA
2/15/2012
I went to the A. Quinn Hair Salon for the first time last month, after reading the excellent Yelp reviews, and I had a terrific haircut - best I've had in years! I am new to the area and wanted to find a local hair stylist. I was assigned an appointment with Shelly and she was fabulous - very thoughtful about what she was doing and understanding of the vision that I had. She has a great eye and I am definitely going to go back to her for my next hair cut.
-
Review from Esther G.
Ithaca, NY
7/28/2011
I feel bad giving this place 4 stars because I WOULD have given this place 5 stars....if I had curly hair.
Probably. Most likely.
I think I came into the salon with too high expectations after reading all the amazing reviews on yelp. Perhaps I came in thinking that the people here will do something amazing because they're Hair Superheroes.
But when I walked out of the salon weighing $75 lighter, I couldn't help be a bit disappointed by the trim that I had gotten. I have straight hair and I asked Lauren, who was super lovely, to do something different with my hair (but not cut off too much) to complement my overall face shape. She suggested adding more layers, so I agreed. After all, it wasn't the first time I'd gotten layers before in my hair.
Unfortunately, the result wasn't anything amazing. If anything, I felt like I looked even more Asian than before (I can say this because I AM Asian). It's not that I DIDN'T want to look Asian or anything, it's just the first thought that I kept thinking of when I looked at myself in the mirror. I didn't really feel like the straight hair + lotsa layers really worked for me, not this time at least.
I really wished I had curly hair then, because I [still] have it in my weird little head that I would have gotten get this amazing haircut if I did.
That being said, the salon itself is a great place. The receptionist was able to book me for a weekday appointment and was easily able to change it to a different date/time after I called asking to change it. Lauren was sweet and we kept up a steady stream of conversation, despite my dozing off while she cut my hair (I love it when people play with/touch my hair, it makes me sleepy).
I would still recommend this place. If I actually lived in Boston permanently I'd probably come here again, probably with not-so-high expectations ;) -
Review from xiao p.
Somerville, MA
12/16/2011
Mixed feelings about this place. Would give it 3 1/2 stars if I could.
I've now gone there twice and had two different stylists. I loved the cut I got the first time around, but I am really unhappy with the cut that I got today - it sticks out in all the wrong places, the blowout has no body or movement, and the stylist used shears on my fine, wavy hair which makes the ends all wispy and frizzy. (I LOATHE shears.) I was really hoping the blowout would look good for a party tonight, but now it looks like I will have to go home and re-style it before I go out.
On the other hand they are very professional and the ambience is good.. so I'll probably give it another shot and go back to the stylist I had the first time around.. -
Review from Rebecca V.
Somerville, MA
1/11/2012
Great place to get a waxing!! Erin uses HARD WAX which makes the entire experience a bazillion times better than everywhere else in Cambridge I've tried. She is incredibly thorough and obviously knows her stuff. She is very, very friendly and not uncomfortable at all, which is great if you're getting that special area worked on. I haven't been able to find another great esthetician for waxing anywhere in Cambridge, so finding Erin is SO AMAZING. I highly, highly, highly recommend going to see her for all your waxing, hair removal needs.
-
Review from Leelee M.
Boston, MA
5/8/2011
My hair is a crazy mass of naturally curly ringlets that are wholly unruly. Until now, I had yet to find a stylist in the Boston area that could give me a haircut that looked as good when I styled it as it did the day I got it. Jessica at A. Quinn Hair Studio asked me about my hair and how I would like it to look. I explained the way it dries and how some portions curl up tighter and end up looking much shorter than other parts. I lost all sense of doubt when she gave me her gameplan and then showed me how to style it at home. Her advice was awesome and although it contradicted what I had been told in the past, it has given me an excellent hair day EVERY day since. I can't wait for my next cut AND we're going to do color!!! :D
OMG I can't forget to mention that Erin is excellent at waxing! She was funny and talkative which totally distracted me from what was going on. The atmosphere was totally relaxing and I felt more like I was hanging out in someones really nice apartment instead of getting waxed in a day spa.
I had such a positive experience and look forward to my next visit!!! :D -
Review from Brandon V.
Williamsville, NY
3/30/2009
I'm a guy with very simple hair cutting needs, but I also hate SuperCuts and all those other places, so I opted to go with Shelly based on a recommendation a couple of years ago. I've been going to her ever since, and won't go anywhere else.
With most places, if you have a receding hairline or are going bald at ALL, the barber or stylist tries to cover it up or mask it for you, and 99% of the time in not a good way. I don't really care that I've got a bit of hair loss going on, as long as it looks good. Shelly understood exactly what I meant when I said this, and makes my head look as best as it can. The atmosphere of the shop is wicked laid back, and the music is always pretty good.
I'm simple and easy and am really nervous at stylists and barbers and places like this, but this place puts me at ease more so than others. -
Review from Stephanie G.
Somerville, MA
10/12/2009
I go here for one hairdresser, and it's Melissa. She's fantastic and really knows how to deal with curly (or in my case wavvy) hair.
I went there with several photographs, and we talked through all of them and end up cutting off over a foot of my hair. She took my messy frizzy hair and changed it into a hair-do that requires almost no work and looks fabulous. And this was several months ago, and my hair still looks great .
Also, I know it is the art of hairdressers to make you feel as ease, but Melissa gets top props for it. And to boot, I got great tips about how to care for my hair that have been serving me well for months.
Like most good things though, the prices are prohibitive, and half the reason I haven't been back yet is because I simply can't afford it. At least cut I got is lasting! -
Review from Jennifer N.
Washington, DC
6/23/2010
Let's start at the beginning - I have very curly hair -- tight ring curls -- and they have a life of their own. When it's humid, they are loud; when it rains, they want to stay home. When they've been conditioned the wrong way, they react badly. I have dealt with them all these years by pulling them back and keeping them quiet.
Once every four months, I'd go to Diego and have a trim; my stylist would blow my hair straight, I'd wash it the next day and then I'd pull it back. All of this to say, I'm not someone who takes obsessive care of my hair, or who spends much time (or money) on my hair. I manage it.
But over the years, I had heard my curly-haired friends talking about A. Quinn. And today I finally got my act together and went over there.
Enter A. Quinn, and enter Shelley at A. Quinn. I told her my hair autobiography and she immediately got it -- she gave me the best hair cut ever (and the curly hair cut is really designed for the nuances and particularities of curly hair), and talked to me about the Ouidad products for curly hair. What I loved the most about Shelley was that she wasn't there to try to sell me some stuff (in fact, my rule is that I always absorb information about products and then go home to see how much the same products cost on the internet) and she was really invested in teaching me a few easy tricks I can use to style my hair at home.
Yes, it's a pricey cut (I'm used to spending $50 at Diego and this was twice as much), but I left feeling like my often-times irritating curls looked healthy and happy. Better yet, I won't just wash them and tie them up tomorrow morning. Now, I can actually style them!Listed in: the things i'll miss when i go
-
Review from Justin s.
Watertown, MA
7/24/2011
As a past client of J. Russell in Palm Desert and Christophe in Las Vegas I set the bar pretty high when it comes to getting my haircut. To me, more important than the service at the time of the cut (not to say my experience with Lauren was anything but spectacular) is how well the cut evolves until the next time I have it cut. My experience with Lauren was perfect. It's been 2 weeks and my hair looks even better than it did when she cut it. I'm sold.
-
Review from K P.
Cambridge, MA
12/31/2009
I have long hair and don't get it cut as often as I should. When I showed up at A. Quinn Hair Studio, the exchange went approximately like this:
me: unravels mess of hair
Kriya: So, are you growing it out....?
me: um, no, I'm a grad student.
Kriya: *instant understanding* Oh! I see.
Kriya then proceeded to give me a lovely cut (that grew out beautifully) and we had a nice chat. It was a fantastic break from studying! I've been to a few hair salons in the Harvard Square area but this is definitely the one I'm going to come back to. -
Review from Jess L.
2/19/2009
I really enjoyed my experience here - and I came because of Yelpers. So thanks!
Anyway, Arthur was my stylist. He was chill but very knowledgeable. For example, I had heard from another stylist [at another salon] that I couldn't ever have layers because my hair is thick. He thought that was nonsense and proved her wrong! I really like my cut!
In addition, he wasn't too chatty - but not mute. It was a nice balance of chat and no-chat.
He was clearly very knowledgeable about what he was doing, explaining to me along the way about what he was doing.
The price is a bit more than what I'm used to, but for a good haircut - a haircut I only get done twice a year - it was worth it. -
Review from Sandra K.
New York, NY
2/28/2010
I admit it - usually I'm a Pyara babe. But when I called to see a junior stylist, they couldn't take me for three weeks! Unless of course I wanted to come get my hair cut at 9PM on a Friday. What is this, New York hours? No thanks Pyara, I'll take my business elsewhere.
Hence, my journey down the street to A. Quinn. It was raining. The dark of winter. Thursday night. And my hair was the bane of my existence. Winter split ends PLEASE go away! Since Pyara won't save me, I fell into the skillful and pleasant hands of Lauren at A. Quinn.
First, I'd like to say that Lauren is awesome for working past 7PM. For the work crowd, it is VERY much appreciated that she stays late to accomodate those of us losers who sit in a cubicle all day long.
Second, she was just AWESOME! She really took a look at my hair - told me what she thought about it and my face shape and how she could improve my desired cut to flatter me even more but stay within the parameters of what I was comfortable with. I've gotta say, my new cut is excellent! It is what I wanted but even better - and super easy to replicate on my own. For someone with a lot of hair, but thin hair, Lauren knows how to work your 'do.
Third, the company was perfect. She let me sit and whip through US Weekly and drop stupid commentary left, right, and center. It was exactly what I needed to decompress - gracias chica!
The only thing that I didn't like was the $65 bill. I needed the cut and I enjoyed the experience so it was great - but I'm still of the school that a haircut should be $50 or under, particularly if you aren't getting anything super snazzy done.
Other than that - a solid four stars! -
Review from Gwen F.
7/15/2008
I first went to Shelly because I had heard amazing things about her from people I trusted. I made an appointment with her when she was at the Carriage House.
I walked in to visit Shelly with hair past my waist. I had had a lousy haircut six years earlier that left me beyond traumatized and hadn't been to a salon since. At that last place, it was like the stylist had downed a six pack before hacking away at my hair, making me look like a lion. And not even in a cool Duran Duran way.
Shelly understood my trepidation, and also knew that I was somewhat attached to my long, long, hair. At the same time, she knew I was ready to let it go, with the proper TLC.
At first, she trimmed my hair only a few inches, leaving it healthy. The next time, she styled it. After that, she cut a little more off. The next time involved cutting off even more, with more style.
Essentially, she helped me cut my hair in stages, taking it slowly,
Today I visited her at A. Quinn, and we cut my hair to my shoulders! She styled it beautifully. All this time, she was patient and went at my own pace. So many stylists aren't sensitive to their clients' fears. Shelly was a shining exemption.
As for the salon, I really dig it. Everyone there seemed super friendly, and the room is bright and airy, even though it's small. The music is perfect for snipping. Oh, and they're expanding. There will soon be another room for all hair and spa needs.
Oh, and their magazines are current!
Look, folks. I would have been content growing my hair forever and perhaps having a steady-handed friend trim it every now and then for the rest of my life. Now I have cute hair! I owe that to Shelly. Get thee to A. Quinn, and prepare to look your mostest awesomest.Listed in: Duh, Winning!
-
Review from jenny b.
Somerville, MA
1/20/2012
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet! I've been going to A Quinn for a couple of years now. I see Paula for haircuts and Erin for brows. I highly recommend them both!
-
Review from Margaret C.
Middlesex, MA
10/18/2009
Oh thank god for this salon. I made an emergency appointment here the evening after I got a tear-inducing cut from DHR Stylists down the street. The receptionist was very patient with my babbling hysteria and assured me I would be seeing someone very experienced with curly hair (mine is--or was--quite long, wavy to curly, and relatively fine). She got me in for 9am the next morning, for which I was so grateful. In short: great stylist, great cut, super friendly staff, lovely clean salon, nice product, no hard sell anywhere.
Kriya was my stylist. With her very short, cutely styled but dead straight hair, I was skeptical. But she took serious time to listen to me not only about what had gone wrong with my first cut, but also about what I wanted ultimately in great detail. Kriya made me feel like she knew what she was doing every step of the way--and she did, as it turns out. I ended up with shorter hair than I wanted, but she was working with pre-existing conditions and it does look amazing.
I got a cut that framed my face beautifully and has gorgeous shape wet, dry, curly or wavy (ie, lazy...). Kriya talked to me the whole time, took slightly OVER an hour with me, and brought out all the best qualities of my hair while subduing the rest. I can feel confident about it no matter what product is in it now, or how wavy or curly it might choose to be on a given day.
Also, she charged me for a normal cut instead of for the specialized 'ouidad" method for curly hair--I wouldn't have known the difference ultimately, so I appreciated her honesty, especially since I was paying for my second cut in 24 hours. It cost $65 pre-tip; considering the $50 I paid for my hack job, it was a bargain, and I will definitely be going back there again. Everyone else who came in while I was there was clearly a regular. -
Review from Ken V.
Boston, MA
6/25/2010
I love this salon! Paula cut my hair and did EXACTLY what I asked for. Stylists who can do intricate, fashionable (but respectable) short cuts for men are hard to find! Will definitely be going back for my next cut.
Bonus star for having a charming receptionist with a British accent! -
Review from Necole A.
Boston, MA
6/14/2011
As a girl with curly/wavy/straight combination hair and two cow licks...my hair has been a nightmare my entire life. I have been to some of the most expensive and "Best of Boston" salons out there. Although they did a "better" job, I have never walked out of a salon actually EXCITED about how my hair looked until I went to A. Quinn!
I needed a quick haircut before a vacation so I Yelped! salons in Cambridge and found all of the great reviews, especially from people with textured hair. I was able to get an appt with Paula for the very next day!
I showed her what I didnt like and what didnt work about my hair, and used pictures to show her elements of hairstyles I did like. 15 minutes later and voila! She even showed me how to blow dry my hair into both straight, and curly styles, and which products to use. I am so happy with my haircut now, it finally works with my thick, textured hair and it looks great! As I walked back into my office after the visit, I got so many compliments-the improvement was immediately noticeable! I would highly highly recommend! -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
8/20/2008
Conveniently tucked behind the hustle and bustle of Mass Ave Harvard Square and the serene Bow Street scene you'll find A. Quinn.
I made an appointment day of to see Arthur for an emergency cut; my ends were dry, my hair was shapeless again, and I was bummed.
He got me in that day and was super friendly. I hate making small talk with stylists, but our conversation was natural and friendly, and the right mix of hair stuff and real-life chatting.
He didn't judge that I've been coloring my own hair, and gave me some tips on other things I could do to keep my blonde locks healthy. When I asked for a recommendation for a good leave-in, he sent me to another salon because he was out of the product he thought would be best for my hair.
I also liked the attention my hair and I got: he listened to what I wanted and steered me away from a drastic change. And he laughed at some of what I had to say. -
Review from Michelle L.
Concord, NH
5/3/2008
I accidentally found this salon on my way for some frozen yogurt and was AMAZED when I walked out. Maki is a brilliant hair stylist. She puts in all the tender love and care that I wish I could spend on my hair everyday. And has pleasant conversation to boot as well as helpful tips and explanations of every step. would HIGHLY recommend A. Quinn Hair Studio.
* Maki's gone!!! :'(, so have I gone... It's not that I wouldn't trust another stylist there I'm just a bit depressed over her absence... -
Review from Kate W.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 6/9/2009
Yup. I'm back.
Had to give props to my new imaginary BFF, Erin... Esthetician to the Stars!!! Fantastic job with waxing and just had my amazing facial, of which my skin still glows... I ended up buying a lot of the products too, they are amazing.
I highly recommend you not only get a cut from Melissa here, but also check out Erin for your other beauty needs!!!
Thanks Erin!!!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/11/2008
I am so lucky to have ever been introduced to Melissa, because she has honestly uber-mastered her… Read more »
-
-
Review from Allison T.
Somerville, MA
12/1/2010
I have been getting my hair cut by Lauren for ~5 years. I love her! I was first a customer of hers at Pyara, and when she move to A. Quinn, I happily followed her.
I have extremely thick, curly/wavy/schizo hair, and Lauren does a beautiful job taming it into something manageable and, dare I say? pretty! And what's more, I do not get charged the discriminatory "curly hair cut" price, but rather her standard price because she knows how to cut curly hair but is not using the Ouidad method that they use in the salon. And yes, $65 is a lot, but it is pretty much the standard entry-level price for a good cut in the city, and to me, is totally worth it.
Lauren is also just a lovely, affable person, and she's willing to chat or not, depending on my mood, which I appreciate.
I give the salon four stars instead of five only because I miss the glamor of Pyara's decor and their little pampering touches (man, I miss those neck massages!), but the staff at A. Quinn are wonderful, and the salon is clean and pleasant, and I have had very little trouble getting an appointment.
I have also had cuts by Kriya and Arthur, back in their Carriage House days, and both were also excellent. -
Review from Cara F.
Medford, MA
Updated - 7/13/2011
I went back and saw Lauren for my springtime ritual - a cut to tame my hair before oppressive summer humidity sets in. She gave my bangs a graceful trim to set them up for summertime and left them just long enough to give me plenty of styling options. More to the point, though, when I asked for a little more layering than I had with my existing 'do, she divined that what I really wanted was thinning. "We want to avoid too many layers with your curls, but what I can do is cut into it to thin it out a bit - does that sounds like something that would work?" Eager to avoid a mullet, I trusted her judgment. My reward was a nice light head of shoulder-length hair - great volume, lots of swish, not heavy despite the thickness of my hair. Best of all, it looks great curly or straight. I've found my haircutting home.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/2/2011
Shelley is my homegirl! I have only been there once so far, but it is the first hair salon I have… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jessica M.
New York, NY
6/14/2011
Made my very-picky-about-her-hair mother an appointment with Jessica, and she had a fantastic experience. Jessica took a lot of time in the beginning to sit and chat about hair type, hair cuts, designs, etc. My mom is very happy with her cut!! Great price, too. I think it was $65.
-
Review from Jennifer W.
Somerville, MA
6/1/2011
Paula has been cutting my hair for 6 years and I will never go anywhere else. I followed her to A. Quinn from Pyara and would follow her again! The only thing I miss about Pyara are the neck massages, but everything else about A. Quinn is great!
They are very friendly and the shop is always clean. It can be tough to get an appointment with Paula, but that is only because she is so great. :) -
Review from Ashley J.
San Mateo, CA
1/31/2010
Here's why this place was great:
1) I called on Thursday and they got me in on Friday. Unheard of!
2) I have curly hair and have yet to get a good haircut since moving to Boston. I was intrigued by seeing everyone else's reviews about this place being good for curly hair - so I called, asked for someone who could cut curly hair, and they delivered. Paula was awesome, friendly and above all, gave me a great cut and style (that I have since been able to reproduce myself).
3) The salon specializes in certain curly hair products/styling - and while I appreciated their "expertness", I was worried they might be pushy about trying to up-sell me. Not only were they not pushy, but the experience was so pleasant that I actually bought product anyway.
4) It wasn't over the top expensive (ok it wasn't cheap, but it was worth it!).
I'll definitely be back and I encourage curly gals to go see Paula! -
Review from Jess Z.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2011
I worked with Lauren last week on hair for my wedding. I got tons, tons of compliments on it at the wedding, and I really recommend her services. It was a looser, somewhat curled updo that, as she said, looked like something that I might be able to do on my own but never really could. Everything stayed in place through an evening of bike transport and dancing. Lauren was totally pleasant to chat with during both my trial and appointment, and the studio is a nice, relaxing place to spend time before the big event.
-
Review from Erica S.
Cambridge, MA
12/4/2011
I have seen Jessica 3 times. I requested her originally after reading good reviews here. She is excellent. I was a bit worried that this salon would not be the place for me since my hair is really straight (and many folks at A. Quinn specialize in curly hair) but I have been very pleased with my cuts here. Jessica is pleasant and nice, always on time, and does a great job. Last time I brought in a picture of a friend of mine with a cute cut, and Jessica gave me the same cut. Thumbs up.
-
Review from Kristen R.
East Watertown, MA
8/12/2008
Arthur Quinn is an artist.
My hair is thick, wavy and, more often than not, totally unruly. Arthur is amazing at trimming down the horizontal volume so the waves actually wave instead of poofing.
When he was at the Carriage House, my mom would travel from Rhode Island just to have him tame her curls and now I understand the hype!
Props for playing awesome music too. This was probably my best hair experience in four years. -
Review from Betty M.
East Arlington, MA
11/8/2009
A. Quinn Studio is GREAT!! Having recently moved from NYC where the leading curly hair experts (Ouidad & Christo) had cut my hair for the past 12 years I was not looking forward to finding a new stylist. I read some yelp reviews and decided to try Arthur.
I first went to Arthur for a cut and style in June. He did a fantastic job - just as good as, if not better than, my NYC stylist! Fast forward to August. In preparation for my October wedding I needed to schedule a pre-bridal trial run. Arthur suggested I work with Shelley. Shelley having never met me not only came in early for the trial run, but came in on her day off to style my hair on my wedding day. How nice was that?! The trial run takes a bit of time to figure out just the right look. Shelley couldn't have been more patient and accommodating. Most importantly, she did an amazing job! My hair was perfect for the big day!
Arthur was totally fabulous on my wedding day as well. He worked with my mom and sister. My mom had already come in for a trial run and loved Arthur so she was set. But my sister was another story. She has the thickest, most unruly head of hair I've ever seen. She got it cut right before the wedding but it wasn't a good cut and Arthur styled it as she requested, but it wasn't working well due to the volume. Sensing that she didn't feel beautiful he gave her a proper cut on the spot and restyled her hair (& didn't charge extra)!! Really. I've never heard of, no less experienced, such customer service. Arthur was so kind and generous. After Arthur's trained hands, my sister looked gorgeous!
I highly recommend A. Quinn Hair Studio - really talented stylists; friendly, low-key atmosphere; happy personnel; and easy to get to in Harvard Square (5 minute walk from the T). -
Review from Azella P.
Brooklyn, NY
4/21/2011
I have curly hair and was scouring the web trying to find a salon who had people who know how to cut my hair and not leave it looking like a mushroom. I decided to go with A. Quinn and they were great.They got me in literally the next day, and were totally cool with it, when I called back 4 hours later to reschedule to later in the week. I've always been worried that places who had tons of availability meant they weren't good, but after going here I realize that's not the case.
I literally walked out in less than an HOUR. wash, dry, cut and all, without feeling rushed or hurried. I had Lauren as my stylist and she was great - took time to explain what she was doing, didn't try to push product on me, listened to what I wanted and delivered.
Would definitely reccommend this place. Just make sure to confirm whether you want the regular $65 curly haircut or the $100 Ouidad haircut. They don't do the expensive one and then tell you later, but it doesn't hurt to clarify upfront :) -
Review from P. C.
Plattsburgh, NY
1/8/2010
In my opinion, this salon is overpriced for the quality of the service received, though to be fair, I'm sure it costs a lot to run a business in Harvard Square. I was looking for a new hairdresser and came across this salon on yelp. It seemed to have a near-perfect rating so I decided to make an appointment., despite the fact that it was more than I wanted to spend ($65 plus tip; was hoping to find something around the $40 range).
I told my hairdresser (Lauren) that I wanted something new and different, as I'd had the same cut for 3 or 4 years. She asked if she could cut a few bangs; I told her to go for it. When she finished, I was immediately surprised and disappointed that there weren't any bangs! She had trimmed a layer around my face a bit, but it wasn't much different than how it usually was. In terms of the rest of my hair, she styled it slightly differently and I walked out not being wowed but not being terribly disappointed, but an hour after I left the salon it had fallen into pretty much the same basic style I always have. After I washed it the next day, I realized it was basically the same cut, with just a couple of minute modifications. Worst yet, after washing it I realized there was an uneven spot right in the front. No matter how hard I tried to conceal it, it was obvious that a piece of my hair was longer on one side. I called and asked if I could pop in to have it fixed, but they weren't able to get me in for a week! I ended up cutting it myself and canceling the appointment.
Something not completely relevant to my personal experience but possibly relevant to the overall rating of the salon: After my shampoo, while Lauren was combing my hair out, another hairdresser was finishing a cut right next to us. When presented with the mirror and told it was complete, the client almost burst into tears. She was trying to contain her emotions but admitted she was quite unhappy. The hairdresser said in a very condescending tone, "you wanted volume, right? THIS is what volume looks like!" Not nice. :( -
Review from Amy C.
Cambridge, MA
4/6/2008
I would travel (and have traveled) 100 miles to get a hair cut from Arthur Quinn. It's so great to see him thriving in his very own beautiful new salon. For me, the sign of a great haircut is walking out of the salon feeling like a million bucks and having it still look good a couple of months later. Arthur never disappoints!
-
Review from Matt W.
Cambridge, MA
7/24/2008
Everyone here really seems to love Shelley! I mean she is ok (just kidding Shelley) but I also have to promote the man himself, Sir Arthur Quinn. He might not have been knighted by the queen, or have ever lived in England for that matter, but his hair cuts are truly worth facing a dragon for. Until I met Arthur, I bounced from one salon to the next, facing a non-stop parade of dull razors and corded trimmers. Out come the scissors at A. Quinn, scissors I might add that are actually called shears, which Arther has professionally sharpened. Yes, sharpened, like a knight and his glorious sword! Trust me, you want Arthur to tame the beast that is your hair.
-
Review from Ali A.
Beavercreek, OH
Updated - 10/16/2010
Just saw Erin again today and she is still AMAZING! Also, gotta leave a huge thanks to the staff for accommodating my incredibly embarrassing moment while trying to pay - thanks you guys, you're wonderful :) This salon is all around A+...enjoy!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/28/2009
I fell in love with the Arcona product line while living in Colorado and A. Quinn is the only place… Read more »
-
-
Review from ADAM G.
Somerville, MA
5/23/2008
Shelley has been doing my hair for a year now and don't know how I ever lived without her! Whenever I see her I just let her do what she wants and it turns out amazing. She always sees things I never can on my own. I wish I could wake up and get styled by her every morning on my way to work! The last time I was in there I even got an eye brow waxing by this fun girl named Erin. This was my very first waxing experience and it looks fantastic! I can't say enough about this new Salon they've moved into. The environment and vibe from the stylists is so fun and enjoyable. I always leave there is such a great mood! Thank you Shelley and Erin...see you in a few weeks!
-
Review from Lindsay J.
Allston, MA
3/1/2010
I stopped in at A.Quinn on a whim to get my eyebrows done I was able to get in immediately and I was so happy with the experience the women who did them Erin was amazing! she was super friendly and the products she used after to clean the wax off my brows smelled amazing! It made me want to get a facial with her which I will hopefully do in the near future!
