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Beaucage Salon & Spa
Rating Details »
Categories: Skin Care, Hair Salons, Hair Removal, Massage [Edit]
Neighborhood: Back Bay71 Newbury St
# 2
(between Berkeley St & Clarendon St)
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 437-7171
- Nearest Transit:
-
Arlington (Green)
Back Bay (Orange)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu-Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
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46 reviews for Beaucage Salon & Spa
I have been having a really hard time finding a good eyebrow waxer up here. Then, I met Monica. What a ray of sunshine that one is. Most importantly, she does a great job. She's even going to long-term work on giving me a better shape (apparently). Very quick, and I like that she uses the peel-off wax instead of the strips, which always give me mechanically-induced breakouts. She's apparently been voted best of Boston several times as well, and it shows. Thorough and careful, she did a great job.
Prices are totally normal, IMO--I usually pay around $20-25 for eyebrows anyway. Pretty much, you're only going to pay less if you go to one of those sketch places that re-dips the wooden wax stick--GROSS.
Really easy to make an appointment here, and Monica's also very accommodating herself. I'm in medical school, and have a tough schedule to work with, so she said as long as I call and speak to her directly, she'd be happy to squeeze me in between other clients.
I will DEFINITELY be sticking with her.
Four stars for Karen, one of the bubbliest, most down-to-earth Newbury aestheticians you'll ever meet. And three stars for a Signature Facial experience that beyond Karen was pretty nondescript. The spa is located on the fourth floor, which houses a handful of cozy little treatment rooms. The rooms themselves are well-equipped, if small, and the salon uses Dermalogica products. We breezed through a not-particularly-special facial, chattering the whole time about vitamin c-based products smelling like tequila and the fact that I'm literally thin-skinned. Who knew?
With a Groupon subsidizing the trip, I frankly can't complain too much. Though the name might suggest otherwise, this place is pretty unpretentious. If I wasn't a measly public servant, I'd be a Karen regular.
I love Groupon. Without it, I would not have been able to afford the usual $100 signature facial that the offer. That's the bottom of the barrel. Apparently they get better from there... and of course more expensive. Because we are not in a recession. At least I'm not. I find like $100 bills in my pocketz all the time. LOL?
Okay so I got Monica for my facial and was excited to see that she was voted Boston's Best of.. (it doesn't say best of what, I'm assuming facials/waxing) I like to know I get the best. Immediately she told me my face is doing some funky stuff. I was embarrassed. She knew I hadn't been for a facial in a while.
It hurt. Of course it hurt, it always hurts, but that's what you get for having clogged skin. But of the facials I've had, this has been the least painful. They use good products. She's funny and knowledgeable and is kind of like that one family member who will tell you you got fat when you did indeed put on a few burritos worth of weight over the past couple of weeks. Woman tells it like it is.
My face no feels like a baby's ass. And she sold me products that were surprisingly affordable. Apparently dermalogica has a young adult line that doesn't break the bank. I walked out with a cleanser and moisturizer for a little over $40. Me like.
I want to come back, I really do. Because I know she'll be disappointed if I don't. But she also wanted me to get a peel on top of a facial. That's a whopping $175 together. And told me we could do a brazilian right before I get down to business. She heard I was a student but I don't think she cared. Maybe she has selective hearing.
Elevator is small but I wasn't creeped out by that unlike some other Yelpers? And it is kind of an awkward waiting area but there is in fact a waiting area... couch. With magazines and everything. So quit your boo-hooing harsh critics.
Would come back, I trust this lady with my baby's-ass-face. We'll see if baby can cry to mama and dada for some mun-munz. Ahem, money.
I cant say it was bad, but it was not good.
The place is tiny, on the 4th floor, with an elevator that barely has enough space for me and my big coach purse. The torture (waxing) room was tiny, barely any room to breathe, obviously no place for screaming.
There is no waiting area, so you just have to stand there and wait. No magazines, but there is water station. If this is a spa, I live in a castle.
They make you lie down on wax paper, and it gets sticky, and you are covered with wax and wax paper. WTF. Im used to just lying on a cotton sheet, not on wax paper.
I was also mortified by the fact that they wont let you put the tip on the credit card. I had to go outside, find an ATM and come back.
The only good thing was Karen, she was sweet and chatty. That helps.
If I could upgrade to six stars, I would. I love this place. I wanted to update to add:
The receptionists have improved mightily. Maybe it's just because I'm a regular, though. But now I get smiles and helpfulness every time I go in.
Also, they have a rewards program now if you book via their online system, which you can exchange to pay for all or part of your service. Nice.
The only negative -- they got rid of Bumble & Bumble--total sad face. They've replaced it with Aveda...blaaah.
Here are all my stylists whom I love and are excellent at what they do:
Vivian - great colorist (also a great stylist, from what I've seen)
Adrienne - great stylist for curly haired ladies, also a great colorist
Monica - waxer extraordinaire (Just won "Best of Improper Bostonian") and also a great facialist!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
9/9/2008
I've upgraded Beaucage to five because in spite of the dreadful receptionists, I got a great haircut… Read more »
I recently went for my first bikini wax. I did some research on Yelp first, and decided on Beaucage, and more specifically on Katherine and I was not disappointed.
Even though I showed up ten minutes late (always at the mercy of trains as I am), Katherine was the model of grace. She brushed off my apology and a smile said I was forgiven all. She showed me to a room quickly, but gave me plenty of time to undress and get comfortable once I was there.
The lighting in the room wasn't low enough to be sketchy, but it was dim enough to make me feel comfortable getting undressed.
Katherine came back in and started right away, which I liked because I was so anxious to get it over with. She was so quick I barely had time to register what was going on, never mind feel anything. Plus she chatted easily the entire time, keeping my mind off of what was going on. We talked about our jobs, how she got into waxing in the first place, and reminisced some about UMass Amherst, where it turns out we both went to school.
The place was so clean, fresh sheet, fresh towel, and sticks changed in between wax application. As a nurse I felt safe about the entire thing, it wasn't at all like some of the horror stories I'd heard about other places.
When she was finished she gave me a chance to check it out in case I wanted her to fix anything, but everything was perfect.
She didn't try to sell me any products, although there are some for sale in the salon, and told me how to take care of my newly exposed skin at home with products I already own.
I was in and out in less than 20 minutes, the whole thing was nearly painless, and our conversation made the whole thing border on fun. (I think to actually call it "fun" might be creepy, but who knows?)
I would recommend Beaucage, and particularly Katherine to absolutely anyone whether it's your first time or your fortieth time. I'm definitely going back.
One of the best spas I've ever been to? No, but I've been to some of the best in the world. It's one of my favorite places in Boston for a brazilian though - I like some variety, so I don't stick to just one salon - and generally, it's pretty good.
Katherine and Monica's waxing is marvellous - my legs and eyebrows always look fantastic after I've been there, and their brazilian is practically flawless - they really don't miss a single hair. Best of all, the waxing is as painless, quick and skilful as can be. I always feel a bit uncomfortable when I'm getting a lot of areas waxed (legs/bikini area/underarms) because taking my clothes off isn't something I do for just anyone. But the ladies here are very good at not making you feel uncomfortable / judged on your figure, size, the amount of body hair you have or the condition of your skin. They're friendly and keep the conversatin flowing so that you feel relaxed. Anyone who's not a lover and can make me feel relaxed while I'm naked as they get a close-up of my privates has excellent social skills.
I love the skin treatments at Beaucage too, my skin glowed for a few weeks after my facial + peel, and they got my back in fantastic condition for summer. Manicures/pedicures are just average. Atmoshphere? Not that relaxed, as you have to wait right next to the receptionist, people getting their pedicures/manicures, and opposite the rooms for waxing/massage. That's why I wouldn't go here if I'm really looking for a wonderful afternoon of relaxation. I haven't tried their massages, but given the ambiance here, I've never really been tempted to.
I usually go to Bella Skin in Newton but since I am going out of town this weekend and couldn't get an appointment there at the last minute (a sign of how good they are), I booked an appointment for a Brazilian wax with Emma at Beaucage. They also use the hard wax which I think is much, much better. However, aside from that this was not a great experience.
First of all the entire process took 8 minutes (I checked the clock before and after), which would be great if she did a thorough job. There were sooo many hairs left and she didn't even offer to tweeze or anything. Unfortunately it wasn't until I got home that I realized how many there were (at the salon it looked like only a few) so I didn't ask her to go over the areas again.
Then I got dressed and went out to pay..only to see Emma sitting at the manicure station getting her nails done. Great.
It ended up being $70 instead of the $65 I was quoted on the phone (why? I have no idea) but I handed over my AmEx card and a mighty small tip and left.
As my day wore on I got more and more angry at wasting $70+ for 8 minutes and an unthorough wax. So I called the salon and spoke with a manager. When I explained the situation she was very nice and booked me in with Monica for a touch up this afternoon.
Overall I would stay away from Beaucage, because even though they have been nice about fixing the problems I had, I shouldn't have had those problems in the first place.
Go to Bella Skin in Newton for the same money and a much better job!
If you want perfect nails, SEE MARIE!!!
Beaucage is a nice salon with great ambiance. perfect for relaxing and unwinding. I've been to just about every salon on Newbury and across the country from upscale spas to the little hole in the walls and Marie is by far the BEST manicurist I've ever met. She's meticulous, friendly, gentle and paints a PERFECT FRENCH!!!! I thought I was a perfectionist until I had my nails done here... They are a little on the pricey side but you definitely get what you pay for. I'm from Orange County and I always make sure to stop by and see Marie every chance I get when I'm in town. I'd fly out to Boston every other week just to have her do my nails if I could....
If you're someone who appreciates a good manicure/pedicure and haven't quite found anyone who can get it just the way you like it, GO TO BEAUCAGE AND SEE MARIE!!! you will NOT be disappointed.
Brazilian Wax doesn't have to be painful!!!
I have had Brazilian wax done for the last 16 or 17 years, and just recently I found Catherine at Beaucage -- WHAT A RELIEF!!!
She does it the quickest, painless way I have ever experienced, and I have had it done a gazillian times!!
I usually don't take/have the time to write reviews (although I highly depend on them), but I just HAD TO be vocal about this service. I highly recommend her. You will not be disappointed!
I waited an hour for my appointment with the Owner/Director. No one checked in with me about being late, and when I asked about it I got attitude from the staff. When I brought up the "cancel" word, they pressured me to wait, promising I would make my other commitments.
I was scheduled for my cut at 5:30, thinking I would have plenty of time to make a 7:30 p.m. dinner meeting. But I never got to the meeting, and didn't leave the salon until 7:25! What happened? By the time the owner came by he rushed through a minimal, 10-minute trim for $125. The wait and rude service was excruciating for such a little amount of attention. The worst part was sitting in the shampoo chair, dripping wet and cold, while waiting to be seen.
I've talked to other Beaucage clients, and Beaucage is a notorious over-booker. The salon seemed harried and overcrowded. It was not a relaxing atmosphere at all.
The stylists aren't even that skilled, considering the beotch-y attitude, ridiculous prices and inflated reputation. Run, don't walk, from these LA wanna-be's!
PS -- I posted this same review on City Search, and the owner posted a response denying that the experience ever happened. How rude!
I love my stylist. I think she is a sweetheart, and she really does give me a *pretty good* hair cut. I don't know, it's not like I'm a super model looking for some sort of magic. I know how to use styling products, but that doesnt mean I'm going to do it every morning. It's even, she listens, and she always has some interesting family/boy drama story to keep me interested. Plus, it all fits in a ponytail, so it cant be that bad.
To that point, Janelle (that being my stylist), should head somewhere else. I dont know where, but there has got to be someplace better. (Has anyone noticed that the reason the average rating on Beaucage is high is because of one person-- Katherine? I hope she's getting a holiday bonus...)
I agree with everyone about the salon itself: outdated, no merchandising at all, and the waiting area-- are you kidding me? It's a nightmare. Too many people, too much shit, and the smell-- wow, all crammed into the teensiest space ever.
But, by far, the biggest problem is the g*d*damned receptionists. WTF? Between the Long Island Princess and the most incapable gaggle of gossip girls ever, I feel like I get stupider every time I go in. The last three times I've been there I've waited over 20 minutes for my haircut, only to find out that no one told Janelle I was there. Seriously? We are not working on a battleship, ladies, its the size of a back-facing one bedroom. Speak a little louder and they're bound to hear you.
I personally think the prices are fine. This may get me tarred and feathered, but if you have an expectation of paying less than $50- $75 for cut here in Boston, you're kidding yourself. It's not like they cant be found, but if you waltz to a stylist on the second block of Newbury and bitch about the price, you may need to have your mall bangs examined. It may not be worth it, but you're an idiot for thinking they're not going to charge it.
All in all, I think if you find the right stylish, the other stuff really doesn't matter. As a lifestyle place? Absolutely not. You're going to be treated like cattle, get your own coffee, hang up your own coat, and stand around waiting for some girl named Midge to stop recapping last nights 90210 to her front desk posse before you get a chance to pay...
Eh. We were all young once, I guess.
I used to go to Beaucage alot.. having read they work on this and that celebrities when they're in town. (mariah carey's nails) First I had Kristin, who was good but only at one type of haircut- long bangs, layers. Then I switched to Janelle, who's a really outgoing, friendly girl, but spends too short of a time on her haircuts, done cutting in less than 10 mins. So, I will be exploring and going to other stylists who spend more time and energy on the $50 haircuts. Though if I were on Newbury street and didn't feel like exploring, I'd still go to them.
I've been to quite a few places for the dreaded Brazilian and Beaucage is by far the best. I see Katherine every 4 weeks and I am in love.
First of all she's a very laid back and sometimes funny gal. I've never felt awkward or uncomfortable which is pretty impressive considering the task at hand.
She's fast and rather painless (considering).
They use the hard wax which is a lot better at getting those "hard to reach areas."
For the record, I've never stepped foot in the salon. But for all your waxing needs I would completely recommend my girl. Just don't steal my appointment.
I went to Beaucage for a brazilian wax and my regular waxing place (La Dolce Vita) was all booked... it was by far the worst I have ever received.
First off, the waxing rooms are located directly across from the reception area... when I was told to go change in the room, the woman doing the my waxing, Monica, opened the door wide open to the entire room and lingered for a moment speaking with the receptionist as I sat on the table naked from the waist down. Now, I'm not entirely shy so I wasn't too freaked out by it, but I thought it was extremely unprofessional.
Monica did the waxing quickly... a little too quickly as she missed tons of areas and didn't bother to go back and tweeze. To her credit, she tried to make conversation, however I'm not much for talking during a wax. When she was done she abruptly flew out of the room as I was inspecting the wax job (perhaps to avoid having to go back and redo the areas she missed which I was about to ask her to do)... and then, to my amazement, I heard her joking with the receptionist about me saying "It was hilarious, she was so nervous she couldn't talk." I have had many brazilian waxes and was not nervous at all... I just don't particularly enjoy making small talk with strangers while they are ripping my hair out.
Overall, this was an awful experience... and way too expensive for the poor job that was done and the insulting atmosphere. Monica came back in once I was dressed to try and reschedule an appointment and I told her it wouldn't be necessary. NEVER go here.
I've been going to Beaucage for a little over a year for brazilian waxes. They definitely are great - I go to Katherine most of the time, she is super sweet, pretty fast and does one of the better waxing jobs I've ever had. Katherine is the one that gets all of the awards, but I must say I've been to another waxer here (when Katherine is booked) and she is fantastic as well, Monica. Monica's waxes are slightly less painful and she is hilarious to be around. The price is not cheap ($65 for brazilian) but I've definitely paid more for sub par waxings. Oh! And for you sensitive skin ladies out there, they use hard wax (which is better for sensitive skin) and I can tell you my skin barely ever reacts to either of their waxes. I tell all my friends about Beaucage for their waxing needs.
I went to Beaucage in search of my first eyebrow and brazilian wax ever so of course I had a few worries about it. I did my research and decided to go there for all of it's great reviews. Monica did my eyebrows and did such a great job! It didn't hurt at all, which was a huge surprise to me. In fact, she did such a great job that when I went into Salon Marc Harris to do a small shoot the make-up artist commented on how great they looked and asked me where I got them done.
Katherine did my brazilian and I love it! I will admit though, it was my first time having it done and it hurt! a lot! haha but I have a very small threshold for pain so I may be exaggerating. Even though it hurt, I'm definitely doing it again! (girls are crazy, i know!) Hopefully it won't hurt as much the second time since the first is supposed to be the worse of it. But what can I say? It feels and looks fabulous and my bf loves it too so I can't complain!
Sometimes I consider traveling back to Boston from NYC to get my Brazilian at Beaucage with Katherine. Seriously this chick is phenomenal. Quickest, most thorough, and relatively painless waxing ever.
Once you go, you'll never stray...unless of course you move to NYC. damn.
I've had my hair cut at Beaucage ever since my last stylist (at Jerel Roberts) took off for Brooklyn six years ago. My particular stylist is terrific. I have short, wavy hair, and definite ideas about how I want it cut, and she listens.
Prices at Beaucage are steep, but are in line with (or even a little less than) the rates at other salons on Newbury St. The majority of the clientele seem to be blonde suburban ladies coming in for the day to get their hair done and go shopping; ergo, it's not really a "hip" salon (which to me is a plus, not a minus). I find that the level of service is high, and I love that nobody gives me attitude. It's very professionally run, and the owner is a great guy and treats his stylists well.
One note: If you hate crowded salons, don't make your appointment for a Saturday - the place is a madhouse (a -genteel- madhouse).
I went to Beaucage today for a brazillian wax with Katherine and it was fab! I usually get it done in Ca where I am from, but the time for grooming was long past over due, and so I did a search on Yelp and found Katherine. She was quick, efficient and nice. Also, the place was very clean; she washed her hands before and after, used gloves, and changed sticks after each time she applied the wax. This was the first time I've had a brazillian w/ hard wax and found it to be relatively painless, though lets face it, it's still a wax on your delicate area and so it's going to hurt some. I've finally found someone I can go to for a wax in Boston. It's pricey at $70 (I usually pay $25 back home for an equally satisfying experience) but seems on par with the rest of Boston. Overall, love her and will definitely be going back to her.
KATHERINE IS THE BEST OF BOSTON HANDS DOWN!
I go to Katherine for eyebrow and bikini waxing and let me tell you, the gods of waxing punish me any time I stray. I got my bikini waxed at a different salon a number of months ago, after charging me $75 (!) it grew back in in 1.5 weeks and I had massive razor...er..waxing...burn.
Yesterday I (stupidly) went to a different salon to get my eyebrows waxed, today I am sporting bright red burns on both of my eyelids. These may be waxing mishaps that happen to everyone once in a while but I will tell you that this has never happened with Katherine ever. She is an absolute star and a pleasure to see every time I go.
I'm definitely not going to stray again.
I recently went into Beaucage on a friend's recommendation, and I was pleasantly surprised.
I had Crystal as my stylist, and she was great! She really listened to me, and while I only desired a trim and some more layers, she did EXACTLY what I wanted. She even cut just a half inch off the length (I feel like stylist's almost always take an inch or more, regardless of what you say).
My cut was $45 and I tipped her $11. I think this had something to do with being the youngest in the salon; I kind of felt that I had to prove myself. Regardless of my first impression, I got a great hair cut here and will definitely be going back.
I love Kristen at Beaucage. I started going here after a few less than stellar performances by a stylist at Liquid and I could not be happier. I'm a slacker about going in every 6-8 weeks, but only because I'm a recovering poor student. As soon as I'm employed I vow to maintain my hair better. Anyway- Kristen has never steered me wrong (including convincing me not to cut my hair short a few months before my wedding, even though it was driving me nuts). She also has given me my fabulous red tresses twice now, and I love the color she gets.
And, when I was preparing for wedding stuff she was more than willing to help with hair ideas. I was going to have to do my hair myself (a really bad idea), but she told me what I should do, and how I should do it, and it ended up beautiful!
Beaucage is a good place. Conveniently located across from Filene's Basement (Newbury) I dont think it is too expensive. My cut, color and blow dry is approx. $80 without tip.
They are extremely efficient with multiple helpers keeping the stylists on schedule.
Criticisms: Too little seating - I dont really want to sit in the "reception area" with nasty color on my head. Not many nights with late hours. The hair color smell is there is SO nasty when you first walk in the door! I wish there was better ventilation . . .
But once, the spa masseuse Brad (from Beaucage Spa upstairs)came by and gave free 5 min shoulder/upper back massages to those of us in the waiting room. How sweet!!
i got my haircut here on a friend's recommendation, as she has really cute hair, so i thought i would give her a try rather than going back to NYC where i usually go. after waiting 15 minutes bc the receptionist forgot to page the stylist, when i told the stylist that i wanted my friend's haircut (which was very close to what i already had) she could not remember who she was, even though she has been cutting her hair for 2 years...hmmmm.
the end result was that she cut wayyyyy too many layers in my bob and it is not the same on both sides. i have been growing out another bad hairstyle for the last year, so i am really bummed out!
The atmosphere isn't so great, with lots of noise and a fairly small space. However, Kelli is an amazing stylist-she has cut my hair several times now and it's just perfect. Beaucage is reasonably priced for the area, and Kelli is definitely worth it.
It's also kind of hard to find, at first. They're located on the 2nd floor, so you have to look up at the windows to see the Beaucage signage.
I really love Katherine - I never thought I could feel comfortable in such an exposed position, but she is so casual and relaxed she makes it easy. I have gotten underarm and bikini waxes here, and it was much less painful than I had imagined - and it's over so quickly! The bikini wax was absolutely perfect and I was thrilled with the results. With the underarm wax she does not always seem to do as thorough a job - she doesn't tweeze that area and usually misses a few hairs.
The spa itself is nice, everyone who works there is friendly and not at all Newbury Street snooty, and the atmosphere is very soothing. The water tastes like cucumbers. I am addicted to waxing now! I wish I could afford to go more often.
Katherine at Beaucage is the best! After a few bad experiences with bikini waxing, I decided to try once more. After reading her reviews on Yelp, I decided to see for myself, and I am so glad I did. Its been a few weeks now and the ingrown hair problem I used to experinece with previous waxes is completely gone- Thanks to Katherine! I highly recommend her!
Katherine is GREAT!! Sixty bucks for a brazilian bikini wax with hard wax. Pain = minimal and I couldn't even feel the stuff she plucked out with tweezers, she's that fast!!! I was very comfortable and I would definitely recommend her to anyone weary of a getting a brazilian.
Just want to say Katherine is the MASTER. haha. Scroll down for more gushing, so I won't go on, but seriously she's awesome.
I went to Beaucage once this January on a friend's recommendation, and I wasn't terribly impressed. The stylist didn't pay attention/care about what I said, and cut my hair based on what she thought might look nice. She went completely overboard re-pixie-ing my 'do (which I had spent 4 months growing out), when all I asked for was a trim of the back. Still, it looked okay, so I can't completely fault her.
HOWEVER, the major reason for my displeasure with Beaucage comes from calling to schedule a trim about 7 weeks after my original haircut, when I was rudely/snippily/unceremoniously told that I didn't "qualify" for a trim because it had been too long since my last visit, and that they would have to charge me for a full cut. How obnoxious. I don't *care* what your little timetable or chart or whatever you are looking at reads - I only want a trim, but you cannot accommodate my needs? This is why I won't return.
Beaucage tries its very hardest to be an upscale shi-shi Newbury Street salon, but it only passes muster with its attitude. No thanks!
Beaucage Salon & Spa is really good. I like the atmosphere it is a nice shop but they are a bit over priced. I'm originally from LA and most of the places there charge about $50 for a Wax. I have only been to a couple of waxing places in Boston and this is the best on I have found so far. Monica did my wax and she did a really good job. The conversations we have had during my waxing sessions have helped to keep me pretty relaxed and comfortable. I know that getting a Brazilian wax isn't the most fun thing in the world but the times that I have gone here they have been relatively painless. They charge about $75 so they are on the pricey side... but it's worth spending the extra money to get a good wax and they are very clean. Monica is the woman who has done my waxes in the past and I really like her. She has done a really good job so far.
I can't speak for Beaucage's haircuts, seeing how I've yet to delight myself in that area of their services, but I know their skincare service is pretty good.
I've read other reviews, and as anyone knows, any experience of your own depends upon the time and alignment of the universe--sometimes it's just fucking luck and as a reader, you'll naturally have to take the averages of all these reviews and decide for yourself.
I went for an evening skincare appointment, and the facility was quiet, not crowded, and as professional as any spa could ever be. I also liked the decor of the place and didn't find it overwhelmingly frou-frou and sickenly condescending and intimidating like some places on Newbury can make you feel.
I went in for a Brazillian and was wholly impressed by the nice facility, my aesthetician's (Katherine) professionalism and friendly demeanor--there's nothing worse than a woman inspecting your private parts and de-hairing you with a scornful look on her face. The Brazillian waxing was quick and probably the less painful of Brazillian waxing experiences I've had; trust me, I've had my share of sketchy, cheap, facials and Brazillian waxes at certain Asian salons. (It's what happens when you're a student) You know the cheap salons where you're lying on your back for your Brazillian doing all sorts of yoga contortions and your bare ass is exposed to a stoic asian woman whose job is to redefine pain. Yeah. Those.
With Katherine, the whole process was easy, no 2nd-degree wax burns, no strange wax dripping, no funky ass-bearing contortions, and the service was fairly priced for everything that was offered.
Hint: If loud noise and difficult parking ruins it for you, making your appointments for the evenings during the weekdays would probably be your best choice.
KATHERINE!!!!!!!!!!! Everything, I mean everything good you read about Katherine below is true. I have tried many places for a Brazilian Wax and none as good as Katherine Not even close. She puts the hard wax on, no strips to rip off, not that annoying blue wax. SHE is gifted. Almost couldn't feel any pain - she is gifted :) Give her a try, you will NOT be disappointed and the close at 9pm certain nights. I got an 8pm appt. and she was just as great. She wasn't rushing out of there. I love it!!!!!!!! She even has ingrown hair or whatever problems you may have advice for you and can recommend treatment. $65.00.
I bit on the heavily feminine for a guy's haircut, but I'm pleased with the results. I was the only male in the place, and it felt a bit strange - like they probably don't get many male customers. Kelli cut my hair, and did a nice, albeit fast job. The $45 cut was about 10 minutes long. I don't have oodles of hair, but most places take at least 45 minutes - 1 hour. Like I said, the result is passable.
I think Dean is a very talented man, but the one time I had Kelli cut my hair, she was fabulous, but so uninterested almost rude that it made me never go back. She was right on time, the staff at reception was fine, not great, but not rude either, but her attitude totally turned me off. I really wanted to like her and go back because she was so good!
My experiences at Beaucage have been limited to pedicures, eye brow waxing and facials but I've been very pleased with the results. I love the atmosphere - always bustling and always positive. The pedicures are very thorough and very relaxing, although I wish they had better chairs as the standard arm chairs are a little uncomfortable. The prices are on the mid to high end for the pedicures which is a little surprising considering the competition on Newbury but the environment is certainly much nicer which sort of evens the playing field. The location is very convenient in the Back Bay and the late hours on Thursday have been a life saver for me. Definitely worth checking out!
I went to see Katherine for my second brazilian ever after reading her great reviews on this site. Katherine is great and makes you feel really comfortable even though you are in a pretty uncomforatble situation for the ten minutes you spend with her. She is very quick and thorough. Even though getting a brazilian is never going to be something I look forward to I keep going back and that is all because of Katherine!
So I made an appointment for a bikini wax with Monica, and I was very excited because I had read such great reviews of the estheticians and of the salon itself. But my wax was awful! Not only did she leave some of the wax on my body, (to be discovered once I had arrived home), but she was rude and and seemed to be in a big rush. Not very experienced, if you ask me. She didn't even do a complete waxing! I will not be returning.
If you're looking for the Newbury St. salon experience at a reasonable price, check out Beaucage. It's got the trendy decor, the bright sunlight streaming in the windows of the third-floor location, and the loud music.
I was smitten after my first haircut. After that, the cuts went downhill, but more likely a miscommunciation issue with that particular stylist. Everybody else in the salon seemed happy. After two cuts that were just OK, and news that the salon was raising prices, I went elsewhere.
Each of the three times I went, I was the only person with wavy hair. Everybody else had stick-straight hair, and several chairs were occupied by women getting their hair straightened. This made me nervous -- I don't want straight hair! But it turned out OK.
I recommend it to anybody who wants to try a Newbury St. salon. It's kind of the gateway drug for Newbury St. salons.
