Joi Salon

4.5 star rating
39 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Hair Salons, Skin Care, Hair Removal  [Edit]

2 Atlantic Ave
(between Commercial St & Eastern Ave)
Boston, MA 02110
Neighborhood: North End
(617) 723-6330
Nearest Transit:

Commercial St @ Fleet St (4)

Atlantic Ave @ Commercial Wharf (4)

Commercial St @ Battery St (4)

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Good for Kids:
No
By Appointment Only:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

Specialize Japenese Straightening Perm, received award for the best hair straightening of Boston 2011; and Foot Reflexology.

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39 reviews in English

  • Review from Debra L.

    Hingham, MA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/4/2012

    I vowed to follow Liz Johnston if she ever left Joi. Well, she did and I did. She's now at Solace Wax right nearby (check out my 5-star rating of her new spot),

    I still highly recommend Joi Salon for other services though. They have incredible hair stylists, masseuses, nail techs etc. and they're very professional. The staff are always friendly and are willing to do what it takes to make you happy.

    Listed in: Me Look Pretty One Day

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      3/26/2007

      Liz is a waxing Goddess! Seriously, I've had waxing done at many other places and I have never found… Read more »

  • Review from Daena V.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/26/2011

    I had just moved to Boston and experiencing panic attacks with different hair salons.  I very curly thick (what I call ethnic) hair. I was willing to pay whatever for a proper blowout ... after months of experimenting and trying different people with the promise of expert blowout and being fully disappointed, I found Edna. She is amazing colourist, she listens and her blowout will are FANTASTIC!! it lasts until you wash your hair.  if you have ethnic hair you need to call Edna.

  • Review from Wendy K.

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    • 1 friend
    • 15 reviews

    Brookline, MA

    4.0 star rating
    7/25/2011

    I went in for my first facial yesterday with Jill, and have to admit that I might be hooked.

    Jill was friendly and really great. She asked me about skincare routine and listened to any questions I had. The facial she gave me was amazing despite some pain during the extraction process which was expected and normal.  When I got home and inspected my face more closely, I could definitely see a difference. When I washed up before bed last night, my skin was soft and fresh and noticeably better from before the facial.

    This was my second time at Joi Salon (first was a massage) and I have been happy during both visits. The rooms are clean and quiet with nice calming scents and music. Everyone is friendly and overall I've been pleased with their service.

  • Review from Tara V.

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    • 5 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Dorchester, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/1/2011

    I first experienced Joi Salon back in February with a BWM voucher.  I made my appointment with Edna because I heard that she does good with "ethnic" hair.  Well she was great!  Everyone here is super friendly and accommodating.  They offer you wine or water while you wait and they have you in and out within an hour.  This was all new to me.  If I could afford it (and if parking wasn't so expensive), I'd switch here for my regular haircare.  But I currently just go every few months for my cuts.  I've been back 2 more times to let Edna cut my hair.  I'm currently sporting a short, layered bob.  I've never let anyone cut more than an inch or two off of my hair but I trusted Edna and she has me looking great!  I'm a fan.

  • Review from Marisa A.

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    • 2 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Everett, MA

    4.0 star rating
    4/3/2011

    I have had mixed results here with my hair coloring (one person I loved, another person I had I hated the color), but I have always had excellent haircuts and I have to give a 5 for Liz and her waxing!

    Liz is such a great person for making you feel relaxed. She is very conscientious about keeping your comfortable and she does all the little things that need to be done to reduce/deal with discomfort (such as pressing with her hand right after pulling the strip - sadly, not everyone does this - and warning you when she's about the pull a particularly sensitive spot). I also find her very friendly and caring about how you feel with the results.

    Also, to Liz and Joi's credit, the room where they do the waxing is very clean and comfortable. [I went to a place in Charlestown once where the waxing room was this tiny little space with an itty bitty sink. I felt so unclean afterwards and never went back. ]

    The receptionists at Joi are quite welcoming and professional too. It feels like a nice, high quality salon.

    The biggest down side is that the park around Joi Salon is horrible. I once got a $50 ticket for being at the meter to 6:10 (after 6 it becomes resident parking only). Every other time I'm often stuck parking at the ~$10 lot across the street from the salon.

  • Review from Sierra A.

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    • 16 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    2/17/2011

    I just received a facial from Liz and it was great. The most impressive part of the facial was that the extractions were fairly painless. If you've ever gotten a facial, you know that's not often the case.

    The salon was clean, everyone was friendly, and punctual. And the location is nice; a stroll through the North End is never a bad thing.

  • Review from Aga S.

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    • 32 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    4/15/2011

    I have had my hair done at Joi several times and I'm pretty convinced I will go there again soon.
    When it comes to my hair I'm definitely not the easiest customer to work with; I'm quite conservative - I like things to be done in a certain way, and I will not let the hairstylist make me her/his guinea pig. If I ask for a trim that's exactly what I mean.
    Lindsey, who recently colored and cut my hair did a really great job. She made great suggestions on the cut, did awesome job highlighting my hair. I won't hesitate before making another appointment with her.

  • Review from Amy E.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Boston, MA

    1.0 star rating
    9/16/2011

    So not there attempting to make it a zenish experience, well, step up your staffs ability to make your experience there worth the time. It gives a false reality of this salon. It's not relaxing nor do you ever receive the pampering you deserve at a salon missing the key ingredients to make your time relaxing and worth the cost of treatments.

  • Review from Laura S.

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    • 48 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Potomac, MD

    4.0 star rating
    6/21/2010

    I recommend Liz for waxing (brows and brazilians) to people who aren't comfortable with the whole process of getting a brazilian to those who have never had one. She's the most professional esthetician I've encountered yet. From what I can remember she's a bit more pricey than your standard $50 brazilian, but it really is hard to get one for that price these days. One problem I've had (which is really a product of her popularity) is with the time slots...there are only a couple of post 5pm appt slots (if any at all) and those are always booked. I'd suggest booking Liz on Saturdays if she's available then.

    Also, I dunno about you ladies, but when I get a brazilian, I expect them to get everything. EVERYTHING. I want to be doing some crazy acrobatic moves and if I'm not, then frankly there's no way they can get it all. Well....let me just say....my knees never touched my chin. I would've liked them to.

  • Review from Annie L.

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    • 6 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/14/2011

    This is a great salon, very clean with friendly staff. I've gotten a few haircuts here by various people, and they've all been good. But I go back consistently to see Liz for an eyebrow wax. She is fantastic! After years of haphazardly plucking my own brows, she got mine into a nice shape with some TLC, and gentle instruction on where (and where NOT) to pluck. Every time I go an see her, she's kind and warm and it's as pleasant experience as having hair ripped from your body can be.

  • Review from K K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/24/2010

    I had my first facial experience here. Jill did a fantastic job - my face looks great! She personalized the facial to my needs and explained what techniques I can use to keep my face looking great.

    I will be back for more!

  • Review from Ayla N.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/23/2011

    I went to Joi recently for my first ever bikini wax.  I read reviews on here that recommended Liz, and I'm extremely glad I requested her.  Not only was she very professional, but she was super nice and relaxing.  The experience was great and I will definitely be visiting Joi again!

  • Review from Karen K.

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    • 5 friends
    • 64 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/18/2010

    I love Joi and have been going there for 10 years.  Tina does my color and is great AND my hair has been every color from black to red to bleach blonde and back again sometimes with even a little pink mixed in there.  Even though getting my roots done is a pain, I do enjoy going to Joi and the fact that Jess keeps my wine glass nice and full doesn't hurt.

  • Review from Dani K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2011

    I had a really great experience with Lindsey- she did a great job and I couldn't wait to make her my reguklar stylist. BUT- I heard she has left:( does anyone know where she went? Thanks!

  • Review from Kristina V.

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    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    2/23/2011

    I went to Joi in the North End because of a Buy With Me deal and I have been trying out new salons in Boston. I received a wash, haircut and blow dry from Lindsay. She was fabulous! She listened to what I wanted and gave suggestions but wasn't pushy. She also told me about each product and explained their uses. I really liked that she took the time to break down the styling and blow drying for me. She showed me a few new tricks that I think are going to make it easier for me to style my hair with less tools.

    Joi had a welcoming feel. I took the orange line to Haymarket and walked and I don't think it was bad, just a little bit of a walk. I plan on going back and having Lindsay do some of the color we discussed soon. May even try some of their spa services.

  • Review from Shannon M.

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    • 7 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Miami, FL

    4.0 star rating
    2/13/2007

    Tina is the best. Fun new cuts and she keeps my hair color right on track. It's great not to worry about your hair. I always know she'll give me the best cut/color for me. I get highlights in the summer and keep it dark in the winter. She's always up for something!
    ALL of my friends go to her (I'm NOT exaggerating) so not only do I get a great haircut and a relaxing head rub during the shampoo but updates on what's going on.
    Book in advance and be specific about the treatment you need so they book enough time. I learned the hard way but now book my appointments when I leave.
    Erika the owner is great and friends have had color done by Jensy and love him too.
    Parking is tough on the street but there are several lots around.

  • Review from Sarah S.

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    • 5 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/17/2010

    Liz is fantastic for facials and waxing.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      5/8/2009

      After reading the complimentary Yelp reviews, I decided to give Joi a try for some much-needed… Read more »

  • Review from Carly B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Charlestown, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/25/2011

    love this place. Edna is awesome - love the color and cut and left feeling great. very friendly ladies over there!

  • Review from K E.

    •  
    • 12 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Boston, MA

    2.0 star rating
    7/17/2010

    NOTE: this is a review for the massage, not the salon.  I went in for a massage on a Friday afternoon to try and relax a little.  The therapist asked if I had any areas that needed special attention.  I told her that my legs were a little sore and it would be nice to get some extra attention there.  But during the hour long massage she only rubbed my legs for 5 minutes.  She then sat down and did some neck thing that HURT for 20 minutes.  Some parts of the massage were okay, but overall the neck thing hurt and I was irritated by the leg thing.

  • Review from Julie M.

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    • 5 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/12/2006

    If you want to find the best person to wax any part of your body... call Joi right now and schedule an appointment with Liz. I have been waxing for over 10 years, and I have experienced the best and the worst... Liz is the best I've ever come across. She is super friendly and so meticulous you will never have a hair out of place. During my first visit, we talked about my eyebrows and shaping for 10 minutes. I didn't even know you could talk eyebrows for that long! She is also really gentle with the bikini area. It is a little price-y but her attitude and the care she takes to make me look great are definitely worth it!

  • Review from Beth M.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/23/2010

    Jensi is now at Marc Harris on Broad St.

    Listed in: My Neighborhood

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      10/14/2008

      If you've been looking for someone to do phenomenal color, look no further than Joi. Jensy is the… Read more »

  • Review from Grace T.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/16/2009

    I have been coming here for about a half year now. Regularly. I mean, at least once a month. Liz and Jill are both amazing waxers. Liz does phenomenal eyebrows. This has become my one stop beauty place in Boston: facials, brazillians, eyebrows, and have had my hair cut once! Fabulous! Everything is always clean, prices extremely reasonable, and they are quite punctual. I've only been kept waiting once, and got a phone call an hour before hand saying that they were running late.

    One negative though: Last month (maybe two months ago) I tried a massage here, and I've been pretending that it never happened. I should have just gotten off the table and walked out, but I kept telling myself "hey, maybe it will get better?" Nope.... I grimaced a smile and tried not to hobble my way out. I had to go for a real massage the next day to fix the damage. Sorry! I still love you Joi!

  • Review from Elisa A.

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    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Cincinnati, OH

    5.0 star rating
    5/30/2011

    I went to Joi with a BuyWithMe coupon for a facial with Jill and was so pleased with the results.  She asked me questions about my skin so she had a good idea of what she was working with prior to starting.  She made the extractions as painless as possible and my face was glowing when I walked out.  Even better, when I asked the receptionist what the normal price for the facial was so I could give a proper tip...$95!  I was floored since I've paid so much more than that on Newbury for far less.  I will definitely go back.  So happy with the results!

  • Review from C. R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/13/2008

    I was lucky enough to follow one of those "Allure's Best" lists to this place a few years back and find Jensy as my hair stylist sine qua non.  Nobody who works here is a slouch, but the range of ages and styles represented in the clientele speaks volumes about the stylists' ability to connect within a diverse community.  Jensy's a very talented guy, and damn nice to boot; I always get major compliments on my hair afterwards and I always feel like a million bucks, which is exactly how a woman should feel after a cut and color!

  • Review from Cherie G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/2/2011

    I visited Joi Salon using a Buywithme certificate for wash, cut and dry.  I was able to get an appointment with Lindsay with less than a week's advance notice.  I didn't have a stong idea of what kind of cut I wanted, but I knew I was unhappy with my last cut/style.  Lindsay immediately picked up on what was wrong with the current cut, had great suggestions for a new style, and I left with a haircut that I absolutely love.  I plan to make Lindsay my regular stylist.  Also, Lindsay is super nice and really listens.

  • Review from Korri Leigh C.

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    • 31 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    3/30/2007

    The cut I got from Rhonda at Joi was fantastic.  She suggested a cut that I was a bit weary of....but I threw my caution to the wind and let her have at it.  Needless to say its two months later and my hair still looks fantastic.  The place was packed when I went at 1 on a Friday so its obviously a really popular place.  I feel badly for the Judy Jetson but Joi is officially my new salon

  • Review from Jenny F.

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    • 13 friends
    • 42 reviews

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    1/25/2010

    Liz is really great, she is friendly, nice and professional. I was able to get appointments quickly. The only problem is the the salon is pricey. They charge $2-$4 more than average Boston price's for a couple of their waxing services.

  • Review from Anais G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    4/17/2011

    This place is awesome. It is ultra clean and very nice, full of light and a relaxing design. Everybody was so nice and welcoming. I had a facial there and Jill was amazing, she totally customized the facial to my skin specific needs after talking with me. Then she explained everything she will used. At the end my skin was fantastic, I was very relax!! A great great Me time. I will go there again.

  • Review from Kamilla Q.

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    • 6 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2006

    Okay I love this place.......Okay I also work here but I have to be honest with you I was once just a client and there is a reason I took a job at Joi the staff is great and knowledgable and everything is top notch. My frist haircut was what made me stay on Jensy cut my hair and even in that first appointment took about 15 mintues just to talk with me about what I wanted and how I styled my hair to make sure I got the right hair cut which is so important, because I was coming from a horrrible**wore it up for two months** haircut and needed help. My first facial was the same way my skin had never looked better, things I thought were just part of my skin texture actually melted away after one facial it was amazing. The great thing is that the staff actually cares about the clients and remebers you and actually listens to what  you want to acheieve, which I think is super important

  • Review from Mary S.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Waltham, MA

    5.0 star rating
    6/17/2010

    I had the great pleasure of getting a massage at Joi Salon in the North End today.  Joanne is fantastic and the rest of the staff was really nice as well.  This is the best massage I've ever had......I felt like I was on another planet (in the best way possible).

  • Review from Jacqueline D.

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    • 3 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2010

    This review is for Jill.  I scheduled a brazilian last minute, and she was available same-day.  She made the experience as painless and least awkward as possible.  Jill is awesome and I'd recommend her to anyone looking for the best brazilian in Boston!

  • Review from Shannon S.

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    • 437 friends
    • 231 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    4.0 star rating
    10/2/2006

    I used to go to Linear Aveda on Boylston but my favorite hairdresser left and I was looking for another choice. Joi is across the street from my work in the North End, so I took a chance after rave reviews from some co-workers. I had my haircut by Edna--she was fantastic-- and after I gave her the length I wanted for my hair, she knew immediately what kind of hair cut I wanted. She was extremely funny, lively but also very talented. She did an amazing job making sure that my hair had movement, texture and body. This salon is small and personal and every person working there and getting their hair done is extremely personable and fun-loving. When I called to get a hair appointment at 12noon on that very same Friday for a 5pm right after work appointment-the girl figured out how to fit me in even though I'd never gone there before. I was having an awful hair day and really appreciated her attempt to make my weekend start off right--and I was thrilled when Edna gave me the kind of cut that really lights up my face. If you live in the North End--definately give this place a try. The cut cost me around 60 dollars, if cost is a curiosity/issue.

  • Review from Kerrie H.

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    • 7 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Columbus, OH

    5.0 star rating
    2/25/2010

    i love trying out new salons and i had to visit after reading all these good reviews. i had some waxing done with jill and she was hilarious and very easy going. she also is very precise and made sure i loved it before she finished. only downside is that i got pretty lost trying to get there... and it was in the evening so it was a little sketchy, but i will be back!

  • Review from Stacy M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/23/2010

    Excellent salon!  I go to Edna for color and cut, and Liz for waxing, and both do an exceptional job.  I found Joi through yelp, and the reviews are all right on.  I find the prices reasonable for the quality of service, and the staff very friendly and professional.

  • Review from A K.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    London

    UK
    4.0 star rating
    1/11/2008

    Excellent massage! Very professional, very good... there's even a heated towel to put under your neck when you're lying on your back. The masseuse was very good about making sure she knew why I was getting a massage and concentrating on areas that I wanted her to. I would like a more comfortable waiting area though...

  • Review from Alysha T.

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    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    I have had a haircut and multiple waxes here.  I wish I could give 2 separate reviews because the waxing should be 5 stars and the haircut should be 2 at most.

    I have gotten waxed by Liz a few times and she is wonderful, made me feel totally comfortable and did a great job.  I have tried quite a few places in Boston and she is by far the best I've been to.

    The hair cut is another matter.  I had Laurie cut my hair before Christmas in a simple A-line cut.  My hair was already in that shape, so she really just needed to take it up a few inches.  After leaving, I noticed that one side was longer than the other and that on one side she cut the bottom longer than the top of my hair, making it look really choppy and uneven.  I also had tons of pieces that were not the same length as the rest of my hair.  I was away for about a week and made an appointment for when I came back to have it fixed.  They gave me Laurie again and she was really defensive about the hair cut and made me feel like it was in my head that it looked so bad.  She also blamed the thickness of my hair on the choppiness I mentioned and before I could say anything started cutting my hair with thinning scissors.  I have never had another hairdresser blame the thickness of my hair on bluntness or choppiness on the bottom.  I even told her to just cut the bottom shorter than the top like most other places have done for me, but she didn't listen to me.  I have never had my hair thinned before and she only did it on one side, which I think has made it look uneven.  Anyway, thankfully they didn't charge me to fix it and it does look better than before, but I am still finding pieces that are uneven that I have had to cut myself to make it look right.  I shouldn't have to do that when I paid $70 for a very simple hair cut.

  • Review from Liz A.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/9/2010

    I AM SO IN LOVE!!! ... I recently moved to the North End and found myself in a pickle- I was in need of a brazilian -- (boyfriend is returning from Afghanistan, YAY!) unfortunately, I haven't met anyone who was able to recommend a place for these services; understandably, this is your 'special place' and therefore, one of those things you'd feel more comfortable with a little reassurance from someone you trust, rather than just going into an appoinment, blind. Out of options, I turned to Yelp and man, oh MAN, am I glad I did!!!  I read the reviews on Joi Salon and after much deliberation - made my apt. From start to finish- the best experience, EVER! The receptionist was extremely courteous and accommodating w/ the date and time. The day of the appointment came and I walked to the salon; heart racing, palms sweating the entire way!  To start off, the salon is awesome (and right next to a starbucks, score!). The receptionist greeted me with this huge smile like an old friend just walked in the door. Now...  HUGE shout out to Jill- my esthetician- whose business card should be more specific and read: "Esthetician MAGICIAN!" -- because she seriously ROCKS! To say that my brazilian did not hurt would be ludicrous because-- let's face it, that *ish is no picnic! But I can say that her technique, hands down, gets you about as close to "painless" as humanly possible! She immediately made me feel totally at ease and so comfortable as if we'd known each other for years. She is hilarious and oddly enough, there was absolutely no awkwardness (which is amazing, considering the nature of the appointment). She is meticulous and professional and took excellent care of me!  

    I may have walked there in a state of nervous panic... but I left wanting to do CARTWHEELS all the way home!  

    Thanks Joi Salon -- and thanks Jill, the Esthetician Magician! You have made a loyal customer out of me!!!

  • Review from Jamie K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/20/2007

    I love this place.  High quality, very friendly.

  • Review from Alex L.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    1/20/2010

    I went to joi after a few very unsuccessful and overly priced salons. I have blonde hair and Keri did a wonderful job matching and blending my hair. It took about 2.5 hours but it was well worth it. If your looking to get highlights I reccomend Keri!!!

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