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Back Bay Hair Designs
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
291 Newbury St(between Gloucester St & Hereford St)
Boston, MA 02115
Neighborhood: Back Bay
(617) 266-0406
- Nearest Transit:
-
Boylston St Opp Gloucester St (170, 193, 39, 55)
Dalton St @ Boylston St (39, 55)
Boylston St @ Saint Cecilia St (170, 193, 55)
- Hours:
Mon, Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
Tue-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
24 reviews for Back Bay Hair Designs
24 reviews in English
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Review from shannon c.
Somerville, MA
10/16/2010
I came to Back Bay hair design after a while a way from the Newbury Street because of the price. I used to go to Richard when he was at Avanti, and when I stopped every hair cut I got was pathetic in comparison.
Richard is an extremely talented hair dresser. His cuts are easy to recreate even after you've left, which is a problem I have with most places. I find myself wanting to go back with in a month just to sit in his chair again, but it's not necessary because they grow out so beautifully. You could get your hair cut once a year with him and have a classy look that is flattering no matter what.
When I went back to him at his new location I loved it. It was much less pretentious that Avanti was, but I still felt like I was getting treated well - which is important when you are spending so much money.
He also colored my hair, which really needed it. I had a botch job that I did myself and I left with a warm professional color that is still strong over a month later even though it was red, which tends to fade fast.
Go here. Richard is worth every penny - so much so that I can't knock of stars for the price because it's that good. -
Review from Nita P.
Boston, MA
2/9/2012
Walked in here after walking down Newbury St. looking for a "cheap" blowout. Back Bay was hands down the best deal - $40 blowout plus 15% off for first-timers. At $34, this was almost as cheap as my $28 NYC blowout spot. That spot also had a slightly dilapidated look, but my Japanese stylist rocked my hair every time I had an event for 2+ years... so I don't judge by appearance alone. But I digress.
Angela, who is new to the salon, took me in to wash my hair. I told her that I wanted a simple blowout with lots of volume. I knew I wasn't paying a lot for her time, and I didn't want to introduce something crazy into the picture that ended up looking... well, too salon-y. 35 minutes later, we're talking about wedding planning while she has pinned every part of my hair unto perfection. She gave me volume, she gave me the sexiest gentle wave - not salon-y at all, and without any direction from me. First thing boyfriend says when he walks in the door - "wow. you look so pretty." thank you, Angela!!
She's new to Back Bay and is looking for customers, so if you say that I (Nita) referred you, you'll get 20% off your next service (full disclosure, so do I - but i am planning to go back regardless of discount). Enjoy! -
Review from Ricky M.
Boston, MA
6/25/2011
Cheap vinyl floors and old equipment give this place kind of a dingy feel, not up to the standards their prices suggest. My hair cut was of the barbershop variety. I wish the stylist worked with me a little more to determine what I really wanted.
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Review from Tech L.
Boston, MA
6/4/2009
Hmm. I'm a wee bit confuzzled by all the rave reviews for BBHD, based on my recent haircut experience there. Spurred on by a) a job interview, b) the 15% first-timer discount, and c) all the aforementioned rave reviews (!!!), I booked an appt by phone and was set up with Brenda, "someone who's good with Asian hair." I was PSYCHED.
NOT. Sweet as she was, I don't think B knew what she was doing with my slightly kinky-thick Southeast Asian-"it's sorta like black hair but not"-hair. She shampooed my hair like it was a chore, and then ended up giving me a cut that I think I could've paid 15 bucks for at a Supercuts. (AND she had the dubious charm of sounding like she was from my 'hood in Reveaaaaaahhh.) All told, 38 bucks for a subpar cut.
To top it off, the ambiance of the salon, which is tucked on a lower basement level and doesn't look super clean, isn't exactly overwhelming. I think I'd pay the extra 10 bucks for a more well-rounded pampering experience.
With that said, a repeat client came in after me and saw another stylist, and they seemed to have a great relationship (and her hair was fabulous). Luck of the draw, I guess. Overall: +3 for the cut, -2 for the experience, +1 for budget cut potential. -
Review from Lynn C.
4/23/2009
I desperately need a haircut and walked into Back Bay Hair Designs and Sarah was able to take me right away. Keep in mind, this is 6:45 on Wednesday night and they close at 7!
I dont style my hair; I need a low maintanence cut and she was able to make it look natural, healthy and easy to maintain. Sarah was super down to earth, styled my hair with a blow dryer that looked like she had put a flat iron to it. I never felt rushed out of the chair.
My problem with a lot of hair salons is that I don't need a dramatic hair cut, just a trim on the ends and they end up charging $65-75 dollars and that doesn't include tip! This place is really affordable AND the cut is great!
I am totally going back here for my next cut. This salon is on Newbury so they have talented stylists w/o the pretenious, snobby attitude. -
Review from Chris K.
Irvine, CA
2/10/2010
Betty Ford Center for over-processed hair
The first step is admitting you have a problem. Over partial highlights this holiday season, my regular stylist at another highly rated Boston salon shared with me he really values my loyalty. I dug deeper to find out that most of his clients went elsewhere after 3 or 4 visits. Here I was 8 visits in. The plot thickens... or thins, depending on how you cut it...
At this point, I had gone so far as to have a blood workup for thyroid problems because my thick awesome glossy hair of yesteryear was frizzed something awful and falling out in chunks. I figured it couldn't be my stylist because the initial cuts had come out so awesome. Sadly, I learned from chatting with a girl friend that his approach of retreating the entire strand every visit rather than just the regrowth was uber damaging. Hmm...
So here I am on a lazy Sunday afternoon, looking for a salon that takes walk ins. Mission near impossible.... until I found BBHD and Marcus. During the week, Marcus trains as a nurse so it's unsurprising he has such a great chair-side manner Sat and Sun. He's your typical gay straight-shooter who will tell you when something looks bad, but in a tactful, non-disparaging of your previous decisions way. Even though I had just met him, I was comfortable letting him cut off the last scraggly inch and a half of hair I'd been clinging to in the name of length. He explained his approach and how it met my objectives before picking up the scissors delivered exactly what he promised (vertical rather than horizontal layers for fullness) which dramatically improved The Situation.
The cut is aging well on its own, but he also gives great advice to the unsophisticated on maintenance. Sure, any stylist/women's magazine can tell you to blow dry your hair upside down for more volume. Marcus can show even the clumsiest chick (yours truly) how to look professionally blown out with minimal product, brushing and a only brief interaction with a gym locker room hand dryer.
Definitely check him out. With all the pricing promos, this is one of the more affordable salons in the area. -
Review from Olga B.
Boston, MA
7/29/2008
I had wanted to get a haircut for weeks, but couldn't seem to find the time to go. Finally, I decided that I couldn't wait any longer and after doing some reading yelp, I scheduled a haircut with Marcus for the next day.
I usually wear my hair long, but wanted something different. Marcus took off a few inches, taking the time to explain what he was doing and gave me a great cut that hits just above my collar bone. I love it! -
Review from Matthew C.
Cambridge, MA
9/26/2007
I've been trying to find the right stylist for years, and I can say without hesitation that I have found him in Leon. Like a lot of young 20-somethings, I lead a bit of a double life; I'm in a band, a frequent club-goer, into vintage shopping and, admittedly, spending a bit too much time dressing myself in the morning. On the other hand, I have to pay the bills and avoid getting disowned by a few rather conservative family members. Leon has consistently come up with styles that are different and, dare I say, hip while still being (mostly) family and employer friendly.
I've learned that he works especially well with visual aids, so try to bring any images you can find. Usually what I do is bring in a few completely different pictures and ask him to come up with something that combines them or is "in the middle." He's great at adjusting the styles from images to suit your hair type and face shape, as well. You can't help but feel comfortable and welcomed around him; he's one of the most genuine, upfront people you're going to meet (all the more surprising on Newbury) and is generous with the words of praise. He also takes an active interest in you and never comes across as making chit-chat just because you're sitting in his chair. Every time I go in he asks how my last show was and what I'm doing at the office these days.
He tends to think ahead a good bit, so try not to be alarmed if your cut is a wee bit shorter than you'd hoped for. This happens to me every time, and without fail it has grown into the absolute perfect cut within a month (I get the most compliments a few weeks in, actually). He's also a bit obsessive (great quality in a hairdresser) and really likes the telly, so be forewarned that you may not be leaving for a while, especially if you manage to get him talking about CSI or Ghost Hunters.
With great prices and a decidedly down to earth atmosphere in the salon, you can't go wrong. I grab a couple of his cards every time I'm in, and by the next time I see him I have already given all of them to people asking where I got that rad haircut. -
Review from Dallas S.
Waltham, MA
5/19/2010
Back Bay Hair Designs is a small, hidden little gem and I FOUND IT! I moved to Mass. from Minnesota exactly one year ago, and it has been over a year since I have had my hair cut. I was in desperate need of some help and I stumbled upon this place.
I quickly whipped out my cell phone as I was walking down Newbury street, browsing the stores as a birthday treat to myself, and I "Yelp'd" Back Back Hair Designs and Immediately saw how many ratings it had and it's overall average. Then I noticed the first few words of the latest post "Everyone seems to be smitten with Sarah."
I walked in to inquire about pricing, etc. and almost walked out since I'm afraid of having my hair cut (it's reallllly long!) and when the gal at the counter wrote her name on a card for future reference, I saw "Sarah" written on there and knew, it was time for that hair cut!
Alas, my hair feels so silky and even better, it smells great! ha! Most times I ask for a trim the stylist takes too much off (hence my fear of getting it trimmed), but not Sarah. I told her my fear and she worked with it. Knew what she was talking about and executed it wonderfully.
I left with happy, healthy hair that smelled like bubble gum flavored lip gloss, yum yum!
5 STARS -
Review from Spoonie L.
Somerville, MA
9/3/2008
I got a haircut elsewhere and two weeks later you couldn't tell!
So I called BBHD for an appointment, and Nicole gave me a nice cut. She believed me when I told her, "Honestly, I will not style my hair, so it's gotta look nice au naturale."
So my hair looks nice and natural, the place has a casual, inviting vibe (this is Newbury Street, so I was surprised).
Thanks Nicole! I'll be back!
UPDATE: months later and I'm still happy with this place. yay! -
Review from Jennifer L.
New York, NY
1/25/2010
I get my hair cut by Sara at Back Bay Hair Designs - she's absolutely phenomenal. She listens to what you want & also gives you advice so get the type of hair cut & movement that you want. She also does an amazing job highlighting my hair.
I have followed her from 3 salons & now come back to Boston from NYC to have her cut my hair - she's that fantastic.
It's pretty easy to get a last minute appointment here & you'll definitely want to come back. Their prices are insanely reasonable too - it only costs me about $150 for full foil, cut, blow dry, style etc...that would cost close to $200 at another place in Boston...they always have deals going on too, which makes getting your cut even more affordable. -
Review from Ellen C.
Somerville, MA
3/15/2007
I went to Leon for a major cut and to talk about a color change. He was great, he listened to what I wanted and helped me figure out what was possible with my hair. I decided to wait on the color change, on his advice, but he did a fantastic job with the cut. I'm definitely going back.
Edit 3/24/08 - Leon has moved to Brandon Keith Hair, further down Newbury Street. -
Review from Julie C.
Bethlehem, PA
6/23/2008
I was strapped for time and my normal salon couldn't fit me in, so I decided to try out Back Bay instead. I'll admit it may not look like much when you first enter, but there's alot more to it than the front room! My stylist was Christine who understood what I wanted pretty well; a talent that few people have when my directions are as open as "I just want my hair short in the back, otherwise I don't care. Something stylish..." She gave me an adorable update to my previous hairstyle and bangs to boot!!
Super friendly, reasonably priced, and I didn't have to go back to get anything adjusted (like lopsided cuts etc)=awesome! -
Review from Mariana M.
Leadville, CO
2/2/2010
It seems everyone on here is smitten with Sara! And I'm no different.
I actually came here for the first time years ago when I spent a summer down the street and needed to get my bangs trimmed. Overall I had a pleasant experience, but I usually get my hair cut when I'm home for the holidays with the same lady who has done my hair since I was a kid, so I never felt the need to return.
But I have a huge event coming up this weekend for work, and Saturday morning I awoke to the realization that my bangs were overgrown, my ends were completely split and that seemingly out of nowhere three, yes three! gray hairs had sprouted right at the front of my hairline. Always one for the dramatics, I remembered my experience years ago at Back Bay Hair Designs, and how it had surprisingly been rather kind on my wallet, at least compared to the damage most Boston hair salons wanted to do. So I got out of bed and headed to Newbury Street without an appointment.
Even though it was a Saturday afternoon and pretty busy, Sara was able to take me within fifteen minutes. I am very particular about my hair, hence the not changing hairstylists for the past eighteen years, but I barely had to say a word to Sara and she new exactly what to do. In the end my grays were gone, my bangs trimmed, and I had some pretty new highlights that were still discreet and natural looking. I really couldn't have been happier.
I even ran into Sara later that day on the T, so friendly! Really, I couldn't recommend this place more. The best part is I paid half of what I was quoted for at every other Newbury Street salon. Score! -
Review from Palak S.
Middlesex, MA
10/3/2008
I went there with my bridal party before my wedding reception and I wish I hadn't. After two stylists playing with my hair, they couldn't do a simple up-do without making it look super cheesy or alien futuristic. They were very sweet BUT super-slow, and two hours later after total frustration, I asked them to blow dry my hair straight, which I could have done myself and not been late to my own party.
They are basic stylists--if you're looking for that added touch of style, creativity, edge, or sophistication, I would go elsewhere. You get what you pay for. -
Review from Gayle M.
Boston, MA
8/26/2010
An overall underwhelming experience, although I will preface my review by saying I walked in a little timid about getting a haircut and color.
I have been loooong overdue for a cut. I had been growing out my hair and bangs for a wedding, and now it was time for something with a little more oomph. I told Sarah to chop off 3-4 inches, even out my growing bangs, and throw in some soft layers without making it too choppy (I like to braid my hair on occasion and didn't want too many ends poking out of the braid). I also wanted to dye my faded brown hair into a rich chocolate brown with a hint of red that you could see when in the sun. Sarah was kind enough to hold a very thorough consultation prior to doing anything and elaborated on the 'science' of hair, which I found intriguing, but a tad overdone. And so the cutting/dyeing begins...
The color: very lackluster... my hair looks pretty much like it's initial brown, just evened out, and the red is barely visible.
The cut: She chopped off the perfect amount, but when I asked why there were barely any layers, she said that they were there, just very subtle. I've given them a week to grow in and I barely see them. But the worst was that she chopped my bangs that I have been painstakingly growing out for almost a year! They finally got long enough to tuck behind my ears and I simply wanted her to blend them into the rest of my hair, rather than looking like I was trying to grow bangs out. Her first try was unsuccessful (one side longer than the other), so I asked her to try again. Big mistake. Rather than razoring them or angling them, as many hairstylists have done before, she used this "chopping" method with scissors so that they looked more like an inverted staircase, rather than a smooth angled cut around my face. And then, she proceeded to cut Towards my face to - I presume - give it some texture. They just got shorter.... and shorter.... and shorter....
I left fuming and decided to blend and properly angle my bangs when I got home. The left side is fixed, but so much of the right was chopped off that I will just have to wait for it to grow out before I can try to blend it in. It will probably take me 4 months to get them back to the length they were at prior to going into the salon.
I had hoped for a great experience, especially with all the wonderful reviews, but overall, I was severely underwhelmed and disappointed. -
Review from Christine F.
Los Angeles, CA
8/12/2009
I've come here a few times to get my hair cut and colored, and while I'm not really loyal to hairstylists about getting my hair cut, I'll definitely keep coming here for the coloring with Liz - she does a great job, and is really consistent with getting the shade that I want.
The only reason I'd give this place 3 stars instead of 4 is that it's a little bit pricey given the size and atmosphere - it feels a little cramped, has the sort of generic barber shop look, but has salon prices (a trim for long hair = $40, if memory serves) . Granted, I'm really happy with the results so I keep coming back, but there's a little cognitive dissonance whenever I get the bill. -
Review from Mickey G.
Boston, MA
3/29/2006
I learned today that my regular stylist, Larry, won the Improper Bostonian's "Most Politically Incorrect Hairdresser" back in the day. Now that I look back on my conversations with him, yeah, he's a bit politically incorrect, but he'll cut your hair like a mofo on fire. All my life, I always wanted cool hair --- It wasn't until Larry that my wish was granted. Don't let the Newbury Street address scare you off. The prices are reasonable and not one person there possesses even a shred of hoity-toityness. In fact, some of them are certifiably insane, which makes the whole process even more enjoyable.
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Review from P D.
Dorchester, MA
4/6/2006
I hate getting my hair cut. But I have to say I had a very good experience at Back Bay Hair Designs and have received lots of compliments on my new style. Christine cut my hair and she is very friendly and relaxed.
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Review from Lori E.
Jacksonville, FL
3/29/2006
I was recommended by a friend and quite liked it at first. Leon cut my hair. He is very friendly and communicates well with his customers when talking about styles, etc. I have thick, curly hair and decided after getting it cut twice there that he just doesn't cut my hair well. I think he cut my hair the way he would someone with straight hair. If you do have straight hair, I would highly recommend him. And like everyone else said, it is very affordable for a downtown salon.
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Review from Katherine C.
Denver, CO
7/13/2010
I don't know about the rest of you, but I take a great deal of pride in my hair. However, as a recent college grad/young professional, I don't have a ton of cash to throw around. On occasion, I'll splurge on a hair cut from a really swanky salon, assuming that the cash will be worth it. It rarely is. I walk in, and immediately feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when she tries to go shopping on Rodeo Drive the first time. The sales people will invariably look at me in my jeans and flip flops and treat me with disdain until I am out of the chair, walking out with a haircut that can only be described as mediocre (since you're paying for the name, not the talent).
This is NOT Back Bay Hair Designs. It isn't flashy, they don't offer you Perrier, but you will get fantastic service and a phenomenal hair cut for a perfectly reasonable amount of money. I called today for an appointment, and was told they could take me at 1:00 this afternoon. Fabulous! I walk in, am immediately greeted by staff, offered a magazine while I wait, and within a few minutes Liz began to go to work. I keep my hair long, and frequently have a problem with figuring out how to make it fun without chopping it off. Literally, the past ten times I've had my hair cut, I will ask the stylist for suggestions, or to help me figure out what to do with it. They all throw in some bad angles, a few layers, and call it good. They also always cut off more than I asked. Not Liz. She asked me a lot of questions to really understand what I wanted, explained what she was doing as she went along, and seemed to really be dedicated to making sure that I got exactly what I wanted. She even resisted the all-too-typical urge that hair stylists have to douse my hair with conditioner, even though I tell them that my hair can't take it.
This haircut really is the best I've had in years. Better than ones I've gotten at swanky salons in Europe, even. The salon isn't flashy, maybe even a little run-down, but that means you're paying for what they do to your hair, and not for new chairs and mirrors every 6 months. It's a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere that doesn't make you feel as if you need to be wearing Dolce to get your hair done. I'd recommend this place to anyone! -
Review from T T O.
Duxbury, MA
1/9/2006
Jacqui is heaven sent, and I am very rarely happy with my haircut (i.e. when it's not cut by Jacqui). I currently live in NYC, but tried a number of Newbury salons during my 5 years in Boston, and have yet to find someone who cuts my hair (medium thick Asian hair) nearly as well as Jacqui does. Every time I get my hair cut, I am complimented by my husb, friends, strangers, co-workers, etc. The price is unbeatable, and when deciding to travel the 250 miles to Bos visiting Jacqui is a huge motivating force.
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Review from Laura f.
4/21/2006
I went to Jacqui based on her rave review here. She was pretty good and just as described! She had a lot of new insight into my hair (and I thought I knew it all), about the texture and what styles I could easily have. She listened to all my requests (no straight razor on my hair) and did a great job. This is now my place in Boston.
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Review from Jen P.
Boston, MA
7/12/2005
Want to get a killer cut on Newbury without paying the Newbury price? Back Bay has awesome hairstylists with great personalities, that make you feel like you spent the past hour just hanging out with your friends. Very clean and located smack in the middle of Newbury, so you could do some shopping on your way. Top dollar hairstyles for cheap. All of my friends starting going there freshman year of college, now out of college, we all still go. Always have been happier with my hair after leaving there, and had fun chatting it up with the stylists!
Listed in: My Neighborhood
