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Frances Ray Jules Salon
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Makeup Artists [Edit]
205 Portland St(between Causeway St & Traverse St)
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 720-2288
Yelper Service Package $80!
Classic Manicure/Pedicure Package, Express Facial, Conditioning Treatment, and Haircut for $80!! Ends November 30th, call today!
Announced 2 days ago- Nearest Transit:
-
North Station (Orange, Green)
Bowdoin (Blue)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
17 reviews for Frances Ray Jules Salon
I just went and had the Opti Thermal Process Straightening by Jesse done and it was amazing! It was my first visit to the salon and everyone was really nice and professional.
Jesse is amazing. I was there for over 3 hours and it flew by. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my hair and will be going back again for a cut.
My only complain would be that I wished the normal cuts were a little bit cheaper.
So, this is what Best of Citysearch calls Best Color and Highlights? I would give this place zero (0) stars if I were able to.
My awful experience began with highlights that were way overdone by someone who didn't even pay attention to the numerous timers in that place...so many that people didn't know which was theirs. After my black hair turned brass (I chose caramel btw) it was "toned" back to "caramel" which in my wife's eyes was a toned version of brass.
Is this it to the story? Nope. I had the pleasure of meeting an inattentive hairstylist who was in the middle of a "discussion" with her roommate/sister. My hair looked worse than when I came in and she had the audacity to give me her work hours so that I could come in for a touch up in a week or two. And all of this for a discounted price of $70. Beware of places that offer you a 20% discount for first-time customers. I should have known better but it was "Best" of Citysearch.
My wife and I were very upset but didn't say anything because we did not want to spend another moment in that place. The best way to express our discontentment is to post this review and not recommend this place to our friends.
Edit Remove
Today I got a message from the Salon Manager. I'd rather not receive an apology then get one if it's going to have the following backhanded comment in it, "unfortunatelty as I said before, I cannot glue you bangs back on, and there was clearly a mis communication between your vision and the stylists."
Let me just reemphasize that there was no miscommunication (one word btw!) and that the only thing that is unfortunate (might want to check that word too!) is the fact that the vision of the stylist I had is something that resembles the image you'd see through a pair of drunk goggles from the DMV.
To Danielle's credit, she did say that I could come back and get my bangs redone after they've grown out. Thanks for the offer, but I WOULD NOT GO BACK TO THIS SALON IF YOU PAID ME. Please take the time to read my previous review before you consider giving your business to this place.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/23/2008
Cara P. took the words right out of my mouth: "This is the WORST salon I have ever been to."
I asked… Read more »
I do not know what happened to Frances Ray Jules. When I came across FRJ, the salon was on still on Canal Street. I was reverting back to my favorite shampoo, and as the luck gods had it, FRJ was the only salon in Boston that carried the brand. I loved the ambiance of the slightly tacky boutique, and having had no luck in my year bouncing around Newbury's finest salons, I booked an appointment. I returned a couple weeks later, and a epic union was made.
Fives years later, the salon is now on Portland Street, and has no resemblance to the pink walls of their previous location. My days dreading Newbury stylists feels like ages ago, but the salon lost some character for me in the move. In my opinion, their two best stylists left last year....and my locks, pledging their allegiances to the stylist rather than the salon, went with them.
I reduced my rating of this salon from the once 4-stars down to 2. The reason for this is because I would like to recommend people to this salon, but the experience varies so widely based upon who customers interact with at the salon, that I don't feel comfortable giving the 2-thumbs up of approval. Call me nostalgic, but I miss the intimate quirkiness that seemed lost in the 2-block move.
If you're considering Frances Ray Jules, note they do not take tips on credit card. So bring cash or there are plenty of ATMs in the neighborhood.
The products they stock are excellent.
If you're hair could use a moisture boost, try a Juice Bar treatment when you book your appointment. Ben is full of suggestions, and if this is not the one for you, he will let you know what he thinks would be better.
I found this place looking through the "Best of Boston". Being a guy whose hair is curly as all hell I am use to getting something that looks like a reverse mullet when I go to a salon so I didn't expect much. Ben, one of the co-owners, changed my mind though. he gave me a great cut that made me feel fabulous...lets try that again, this time with a little stereotypical fashion guy voice that has a little vibrato Fab-uuuu-laaaaa-sss. Ben knows how to work with curly kinky hair, and he will let you know that. The product that they sell is a little on the expensive side (-1 star for not stocking cheap student friendly products...hey its my review so I can do that). Also they have a first time client 10 minute "interview" where you talk about what you want, but I wasted mine with a conversation about how my ex left me (catharsis to the maximum).
So, this is what Best of Citysearch calls Best Color and Highlights? I would give this place zero (0) stars if I were able to.
My awful experience began with highlights that were way overdone by someone who didn't even pay attention to the numerous timers in that place...so many that people didn't know which was theirs. After my black hair turned brass (I chose caramel btw) it was "toned" back to "caramel" which in my wife's eyes was a toned version of brass.
Is this it to the story? Nope. I had the pleasure of meeting an inattentive hairstylist who was in the middle of a "discussion" with her roommate/sister. My hair looked worse than when I came in and she had the audacity to give me her work hours so that I could come in for a touch up in a week or two. And all of this for a discounted price of $70. Beware of places that offer you a 20% discount for first-time customers. I should have known better but it was "Best" of Citysearch.
My wife and I were very upset but didn't say anything because we did not want to spend another moment in that place. The best way to express our discontentment is to post this review and not recommend this place to our friends.
I go here for my haircuts and I love the staff. I have Rhiannon, who listens to my concerns and works with me to find the best style and color. The prices are great for first-time clients and the staff is very considerate to all clients, not just their own.
They also provide waxing, facials, and makeup applications as other services. There is a new location, so the salon feels more like an upscale salon. Another bonus is that it is pretty easy to get an appointment!
I'll be honest, I never liked how I looked with short hair. When I was living in Boston, I used to get my hair cut here every three months or so, and though they always did a really good job, I never really was too happy, through no fault of their own. However, my last haircut was a revelation, sorry for the melodrama.
Marta cut my hair a few times now, and each time she has done an amazing job. The last time she cut my hair changed my attitude towards getting my hair cut, and it's hard for me to go elsewhere. The staff is always really friendly and skilled, they even remember how you like your hair cut, even if you haven't been there for a while, walk-ins are quickly attended to, and though the price for a haircut may vary by experience, I feel like it's always worth it, but it thankfully is nowhere near Newbury Street prices. Outstanding!
I have been a client at Frances Ray Jules for more than a year now...that alone says something because I have been known for bouncing around from stylist to stylist because I'm never quite satisfied (I'm the girl that once got three haircuts in two weeks because no matter how I advised the stylist it just didn't come out right). So yes, I'm "selective" (and vain about my hair...).
Since my first visit with Jessie more than a year ago, I have been never walked out unsatisfied. Her cuts are always impeccable and make me look great -- she gives great styling tips as she goes along and they really help. She has never pushed products on me, but made great suggestions when I asked. When I decided to color my hair for the first time, she walked me through the process.
I feel like the environment at Frances Ray Jules is always pleasant. Plus, they are very fairly priced and conveniently located! Fabulous services, pleasant staff and fair pricing -- an amazing salon!
UPDATE 11/26/07 UPDATE: Danielle D. CHILL. I do not own a salon, I have never worked at a salon and I am not out "just to bitch"......I am glad the Frances Ray Jules salon POLICE are watching out.....
I did go to the salon. The sink area was nasty, there was hair that was not swept and I didn't realize how bad my hair was until I left and looked in the mirror in daylight....it almost brought me to tears....I can't explain it, but there was a green tint to my blond hair that people pointed out. You know it has to be bad if people point it out. As days past I realized my layers were completely un-even. The employees were crass and I think you just completely exemplified my point. Congratulations for introducing the salon in such an immature and deceitful way, instead of introducing yourself to the community and maybe admitting not everything is perfect at FRJ's! Most business owners are truthful and do other things to connect to the community besides bashing each person who leaves a negative. You completely just proved every aspect in my review. Wow, that was easy. I write reviews that are truthful, one and five stars and everything in between. It really shows poor business ethics if you are going to call out every single person who leaves the salon a negative review on a "review" website. I didn't like your salon-so I won't be back. In regards to my "poor" reviews- I advise you to do the same. You don't like my reviews. Don't read em! I don't have superior needs. All I ask is my hair is even and not green. Thanks!
signed,
One un-happy COSTUMER.
I am so glad I saw ANOTHER new review ........I think I blocked it out of my memory. Do you guys really think people take all these reviews seriously? Yelpers are smart...they can smell spam a mile away. So, moving on.......
This is the WORST salon I have ever been to. It is overpriced, dirty and I had the most horrible cut and color of my life.My hair had a green tint and was choppy and I paid way more than they should be charging.
Plus, the employees think they are god's gift to earth. I am not into this pretentious crap. I felt uncomfortable and more like I was hangin out with Landsdowne people recovering from a hangover the morning after. They didn't want to be there and it showed.
I think they hire people straight from Blaine. I am not hating on Blaine because I know some very talented girls that went to school there. But they trained a bit and put in their "time" so to say, before advancing to Newbury and places that charge just as much.
I went to FRJ after a disastrous color job at my old salon. I was a little nervous trying a completely new place so soon after that experience, however FRJ had amazing CitySearch reviews (I was very surprised to see such mixed reviews on Yelp!) The girl who did my color, Rene, was fantastic!
I can't say enough good things about her. She is an artist. I've recommended her to my friends. She is an especially good choice if you have never dyed your hair or if you like a more natural look. I work in a professional environment and wanted to be blonde, but not too blonde. The dimension she created with multiple shades was beautiful and better then I had ever hoped after what my hair had been through.
I also really appreciate how unpretentious the atmosphere is at FRJ. The girls were all down to earth and there was no pressure to buy expensive products. They were also very accommodating of my 9-5 schedule, especially on short notice.
Overall, it was excellent costumer service. They delivered exactly what a salon should -- a relaxing time and leaving feeling gorgeous.
I went here for the first time last weekend and I am totally in love with my haircut. I went so drastic that the stylist said I was cutting off enough hair to donate it to charity, so this was a big change. I appreciated her letting me know about donating it (my husband appreciated it less because he had to walk around with my lopped-off ponytail in his coat pocket for the rest of the day).
I described to her exactly what I wanted and she made sure she understood, even cutting a section of my hair while dry to make sure the length would be right. The receptionist and the shampoo person were both really friendly and overall it was a really good experience. The only reason I am taking off a star is because of the facility which, while clean and attractive, was laid out so you are right behind the reception desk and in full view of the street while getting your hair cut. For some reason this seemed a little un-feng shui to me.
I went there for a coloration and cut.
I'm happy with the results, but was not thrilled at all by the experience.
I was double booked, and spent so much time waiting with Renae was taking care of her other customer. 15 minutes after the timer had biped for my color, 15 min in the uncomfortable "Washing chair" (she asked if it was OK for few minutes, i was not expecting it to be so long), and more in between.
i know it was late, and the end of the week, but i felt that she could not care less about me...
as i said, the results are OK, so overall it was not that bad, but i won't go back.
After moving to Boston from out of state, it took me a while to find a good hair salon. I was impressed by the clean atmosphere, and the personalized service while I waited (including a glass of wine). Marta cut my hair; I didn't know what I wanted, but she cut it into a short style that is easy to take care of and has grown out smoothly.I've also gotten a massage from Rebecca, who is really personable. The staff are friendly, respectful and make great suggestions without being pushy. I would definitely recommend this salon to anyone.
Considering this costs half of what a haircut would on Newbury, I'm really pleased. Going in for my third haircut with Alda today, and I've already gotten a deep tissue massage from Rebecca (wow, definitely doing that again). Nothing too surprising, but I'm not looking for that, and I like that they offer a comprehensive array of services. I'd feel comfortable going there for any number of things. It's relaxed, not snobby at all.
I went in with my first appointment with Alda for a cut & partial highlight. I've got to say.. It's smaller than I imaged but action packed. Alda was amazing with planning out my highlight - she even brought over a book of colors to look through together. I was impressed with the quality of her work. While I was waiting for my color to process a lovely Esthetician named Maryann offered me a complimentary mini facial.. how could I resist? I was not thrilled she didn't know how to do a razor cut or felt comfortable doing shortshort cuts.. Overall, I happy with my color, "okay" my new cut & still feeling refreshed and relaxed from my free mini facial. You get 20% off services (of their already reasonable prices) your first visit and they have some awesome deals on their website too! They are just a hop away from North Station so it's amazingly easy to breeze from the salon right to my train - love that.
This is definitely the best hair salon I have found in Boston! For the first 5 years I lived in Boston I would go home to RI to get my hair cut because I was afraid to try the salons up here. I finally decided to try a few places on Newbury Street and I was never quite satisfied with my haircuts, especially for the price I was paying. Last summer a co-worker recommended Frances Ray. It was right around the corner from our office so I made and appointment and I was extremely satisfied! The staff was friendly and they actually listened to me when they asked what I was looking to do with my hair. The cut came out awesome! I was especially pleased when I wasn't pressured into purchasing their hair products. My office is now further from the salon but I will definitely keep going there for the excellent service and reasonable prices!
