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Michael's Salon
Rating Details »
Category: Hair Salons [Edit]
Neighborhood: Coolidge Corner310 Harvard St
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 739-1184
- Nearest Transit:
-
Coolidge Corner (Green)
- Hours:
Tue-Thu. 9:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
57 reviews for Michael's Salon
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
8/12/2009
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9/29/2008
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I've been up here in the Brookline area for four years. I just graduated from BC, but I have been on a quest for a good hair salon since my freshman year. The same woman cut my hair for 18 years in my hometown, but I knew I'd have to branch out and finally find somewhere up here to get the job done (lord knows I can't deal with split ends between sporadic trips home!). A friend recommended Michael's Salon, and it was one of the best things that's happened to me--and my hair--in four years.
My biggest gripe with Boston salons is price--I cannot rationally justify paying $45 for someone to simply trim my hair. Michael's Salon was VERY affordable, and Rebecca was just fabulous. I hate when stylists try to strongarm me into rash decisions, but she made some cool suggestions while also listening to my preferences. I made another appointment as soon as I left, and I'm already looking forward to heading back in a few weeks. I highly recommend this place!
I needed a haircut. Really badly. My hair so bad I swear it was falling out. I looked at my yelper friend's site. And she wrote a rave review for this place. So I called....I guess I got lucky. I called on a Tuesday and got a spot on a Thursday evening! Not that the place was empty when I got there-it was defintely busy.
I asked for a contemporary bob, curved sides and shorter back. I got Miss Rebecca, who was young and trendy, and totally respected my wish to keep my hair shoulder-length when cutting my hair. She took her time, we had nice conversation and when I suggested that maybe we could go shorter, she didn't mind at all and proceeded to cut my hair all over again. Definitely a keeper. I'm in love, already made my appt for Sept.
I heart Michael's Salon.
Specifically, Caitlin, my stylist.
I first moved to Boston a year ago, and was appalled by the apparent lack of decent salons that didn't try to saw off your arm and leg in return for their services. It sucked, because I have curly hair, and unfortunately, I'm held hostage by the fact that a lot of times people don't know how to cut curly hair. So, after getting a very good hair cut for way too much money at one such place on Newbury Street, I started really looking. As always, it was Yelp to the rescue, because that was where I found Michael's, and Caitlin.
Cait is great. She looks young for the level of expertise she has, but don't let her fool you. She's friendly, sweet, and really good at what she does. She has a great sense of what looks good, is quick and skillful, and most importantly, gives me kickass haircuts for extremely reasonable rates. The cuts she's given me have all been just as good as that first one I got on Newbury street, for literally half the price. For reals. And she's good at those chic, sleek styles, too - I brought in a friend of mine who was visiting who has hair pretty much the opposite of mine (straight, fine), and Cait gave her an amazing rock star cut that still looks good a month later.
Go to Michael's, get a great haircut, and spend the money you saved on something pretty.
Caitlin is awesome.
I have thick, curly/wavy dark hair and no one has ever been able to give me a short haircut that actually looked good and not like I just stuck a fork into a socket. Until Caitlin, that is. She had trimmed my hair a few times before, and this past weekend I decided it was time to chop it off. Caitlin gave me a great cut and style, and I can wear it straight or naturally curly, and I love it! I've had endless compliments on it from everyone from my boyfriend to people at work to strangers!
I definitely recommend going to Michael's Salon if you're looking for a great, affordable, stylish place to cut your hair. I pay $40 for a wash, cut, and blow out with Caitlin. Pretty freakin sweet.
For a little over $100 - my v. thick, mid-back-length hair was washed (with a very gentle massage-super nice becuase I'm so tender-headed), cut (well layered to grow out well and have body even though it's heavy and long), colored (without foils, created a natural highlighted look), and styled.
Not sure what the other posters are talking about - I've always had my hair blown out as part of the price.
Caitlin is fantastic, friendly, and even better -- let's me have quiet, 'me time' if I'm not in the mood to chat.
I'm a little fussy (Ok- a lot fussy. I want to look professional - but have an edge. Caitlin achieves this with a strong color and precision cut) -- and I'm totally satisfied with Michael's Salon.
(FYI - Michael, the owner, is Caitlin's dad! He works at the salon as does his wife, Caitlin's mom.)
I'm really torn about how to feel about this place... let me preface my review by saying that I am inexperienced in the ways of hair coloring options and what things cost, and I'm new to Boston. My mistake is that I went in thinking "How much could it cost?" after reading all the Yelp reviews about how reasonable this place is. The answer is... a LOT. I got a cut (very quick, like ten minutes?), all over color, and some highlights with Caitlin and it cost $235 before tip. It looks nice but not exactly what we talked about.
Tell me, is that price normal?!?!
I have been seeing Nikki at this salon for over a year now. I first found her on yelp and she has been amazing. She always cuts my hair exactly how I ask, and recently she gave me some very natural looking highlights.
Everyone here is extremely professional and laid-back. Also, the prices are moderate and the products they sell are unique (I especially love the all-nutrient line).
If you are looking for a laid-back but quality salon I would suggest Michael's to anyone.
Lauren v. recommended me to this place and I'm glad she did. I've been to Caitlin twice for a wash, cut, and dry and each time I've loved the way my hair turned out.
All the staff are really friendly. Caitlin is quick, efficient, and fun to talk to.
The price of $35 is unbeatable for for a nice salon in this area.
I am a regular now.
OK well I have been going to Caitlin for over a year now and I am still just as pleased. I have referred friends who have also gone back. Good times.
Anyways, this past January I was in typical "Holy shit, I need a change dammit!" mode and so I decided to harness my (perpetual) impatience and book an appointment for highlights. Of course I wimped out a bit and in the end I scheduled myself for a half foil and a wash, cut and dry. Of course, fully expecting to pay somewhere in the $250+ range.
I parked my car in one of those damn 2 hour limit spots and went in. When I mentioned to Caitlin my trepidation about getting a ticket (I didn't know how long the process would take) and my simultaneously not wanting to run down Harvard Ave with foils in my hair, she assured me they could send a girl out to feed the meter. Potential crisis averted.
We discussed the color I wanted (subtle) and she went to work. Half hour later I was getting my hair trimmed up. All told an hour and a half later I was at the reception desk paying for the service...$135! Total!
I was totally stoked. $135 for partial foil, wash, cut and dry?! Insane. I left feeling smokin' hot, ready for fast-approaching girls night. And shouldn't that be the way it is after a hair appointment?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/5/2008
After all of the great reviews on Yelp, particularly the votes of confidence for Caitlin, I decided… Read more »
We all know that your first cut with a stylist is usually the best, after that it all goes downhill. My experience at other salons is that they just don't care if they know you'll keep coming back.
Not so with Jennifer at Michael Salon. I began with a good cut, and after Jennifer got to know me and my hair, it just keeps on getting better. Now after four cuts I get many compliments, and have recommended her to many others. Thanks Jennifer!
I hate to give them a bad review, but... I have to. I went there for the first time earlier this year, after seeing the rave reviews here. I was a BC student at the time, so it was very convenient to get to, and the price was right for a student (I believe it was $45 for a cut). I made my appointment with Nikki. Now, this first time was a generally positive experience (expect that I got a parking ticket... but that is Brookline for you). I went in, told her what I wanted, and then gave her a little bit of freedom to really style it. She did what I wanted (only cut a couple inches, give me some layers, etc) and my hair looked good when I walked out. After not having a haircut for 6 months, I decided it was time and figured I would go back there. Now, I graduated from BC in May, but figured I liked my haircut there so it was worth it to trek in to town.
I called to make an appointment with Nikki for a Wednesday evening. I asked for a 6:30 appointment, said that 6:30 was open, but wanted me to come in at 6 instead. I hesitated, since it would be hard to get from work in Bedford into town by 6 during rush hour. But they insisted, so I took the 6 pm appointment. Which of course was a bad idea already because of course there is no way I can get there in time. I left work, and knew I would be late, so I called to let them know/ask if it would be ok. They said it was fine. I showed up at 10 past 6 (which is when I told them I would be there) after commuting an hour, driving like a maniac and running down Harvard Street to get there, and I was greeted with "sorry, you are too late, her 6:30 appointment is already here." I reminded them that I talked to them earlier and was told it was fine (i'm not even going to touch the fact that they scheduled my hair cut and blow dry for only 30 minutes... if I wanted a 30 minute styling, I would have gone to super cuts). They then turned it around on me and that I should have been more specific that I was going to be this late (what does 10 minutes late mean to you?? Maybe it means I will be there ten past 6? Apparently they couldn't do that math) and that they couldn't help me. I really wish they had told me on the phone, before I rushed in, that this would be the case. After arguing with them for a few, they said they could take me at 7, but not with Nikki. They put me with Liz at 7, who was supposedly a senior stylist.
I go back at 7, hopped in the chair. I felt a little more relaxed because Liz seemed really sweet and was super nice. She did tend to just agree with anything I said as far as my hair goes, I would have liked her to give me more direction, since I am not a hair stylist... but whatever. I told her I wanted a couple inches cut off, and to really re-do my layers. I also gave her some artistic license that she could go pretty short with the layers in the back to make it lay nicely. She starts snipping at it. Then she cut off some more. And then some more. In the end she cut off about 4 inches (2 more than I asked). Plus, I have curly hair... so 4 linear inches means far more once my hair is dry). She blew dry my hair and touched it up with a straightener, and it actually looked pretty good from the front. I walked out generally pretty satisfied (except the fact that she charged me $65). I went to meet my boyfriend for dinner after, and as I was walking I realized she never showed me the back. But I told myself she knew what she was doing, it probably looks fine. By the time I made the trip over to the restaurant, any styling she had done was completely gone and my hair was a puff ball (yes, it was humid out... but I good stylist can prevent this). Then when I got home that night I looked at the back. I had zero layers. None. Zilch. The back was just cut straight across and basically looked like my 3 year old niece could have done it. My hair has no style whatsoever.
I figure I will try to make this hair cut work for a few weeks, but I am going somewhere else for an actual style.
All in all, rude staff, no particular style, pricey. I won't go back.
I've been looking for a good hair salon in Boston for 5 years now, and I'm finally settling on this one! After trying several of the expensive salons on Newbury St and not being impressed, this place is just right. My hair cut came out great and it was not at all expensive (including cut, dry and style). Rebecca really worked with me to make sure I got exactly what I wanted, even though I wasn't even sure what that was yet. I have thick and wavy (read: unruly) hair and Rebecca made me feel confident that she knew what she was doing, even with my hair type. Its been a few weeks and I still love the cut. I'll definitely be going back.
Confession time: Until last Thursday, I hadn't gotten my hair did since MARCH. Reason? Well, that was the last time I was in Colorado, where my favorite stylist (and mom!) live, and despite having spent the last 4 years in Boston, I've been completely unable to find a stylist who made me say "WOW!" here.
So here it is: "WOW!!!!" Props to Rebecca Fine at Michael's. My hair had finally gotten to a dark roots, rat-nesty mess that I couldn't ignore anymore, and Rebecca didn't blink an eye at that wreck on my head. She just came up with a game plan to get me back to coiffed normalcy. It took awhile, but I appreciate that Rebecca made a point to tell me every step she went through. She gave me beautiful natural-looking highlights with impeccable precision and chopped off almost 4 inches of yucky ends. My hair looks AWESOME, I walked out with a perma-smile on my face, and have gotten more compliments on my hair than from any other Boston hair appointment I've had (and I've done the Newbury thing a lot).
All for $140 (partial highlight and cut, a price that is very comparable to my Colorado suburb price, especially when it involves hair as long as mine was.
CASH TIPS ONLY!!!
I've been going to Jen for a few years now and she is amazing! It took me a long time (and a lot of money) to find someone I liked in Boston and was very excited when I found Jen. I like a stylist who isn't afraid to offer input and I felt like Jen really understood my style. Even after had gone there for many haircuts we always chatted first and I never felt rushed to make any decision. It is with great hair sadness that I write this review as I've recently moved to Manhattan and am going to have to go through the stylist finding process all over again, but I might just sneak back for a Jen haircut again sometime soon.
Yes the salon is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for, and why would you skimp on something that is attached to your head?!
***Edit***
It takes me a while to catch on, you guys. As today went on, I've grown to like my cut more and more. Actually, it's really good!!! I'm still taking away one star for the whole $20 blow-dry, but I'm totally recommending the place to my big sister!
************************************************** *********
Okay, I'm going to poop on the party.
I came here yesterday, based on Yelp reviews, and I was really disappointed. I still haven't found someone to replace the Sharbel of Leeba Salon (he's still there, but I can't afford him anymore) in Kenmore, and I was hoping that his replacement would be at Michael's. Nope.
First off, they've apparently raised their prices. Granted, $40 isn't a whole lot for a nice hair cut but it puts the pricing in another range than the $30 prices I've seen listed here.
The thing that really put a damper on the whole experience is that they sent me out with limp, damp hair. Blow drying costs and extra $20!!! Okay, that adds up to more than Sharbel costs. Hrmph. I've heard of an extra 5-10, but $20 for a blow-dry? That's just immoral.
After having styled my hair on my own, I will say that it looks nice. I'm certainly not upset about how it was cut. It seems that this place is nice if you don't want to walk out of the hairstylist crying because you feel like you look awful. However, I think that for the money you could get a nicer salon experience.
O dear, Michael's Salon....I'm so torn.
I started going to Michael's salon last Spring, and was a fairly regular customer until I went away for the summer. I had recieved cuts and color, and was satisfied everytime with the final results.
However, when I returned in the fall, my haircut was an absolute hack job. My hair tends to curl naturally, and so the stylist decided to cut my hair strictly for styling it curly...apparently. I guess I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. Upon returning home and styling it straight (they charge $20 to blow dry there, so I decided to go home with wet hair) I noticed that my hair looked like it had two different layers. The front layering was not blended into the back at all, and there was just general uneven ends everywhere. It was so disappointing because I really liked the salon and my friendly stylist.
The haircut was SO BAD that I had to go and have it re-cut at the Salon at 10 Newbury, where they did a fantastic job...all the while laughing about how horrible my first cut was.
I give Michael's 3 stars because they have always done a good job with color, the staff is friendly, and the prices are great. However, I sadly will never go back now that I've found a salon that does not make cuch obvious technical mistakes. Sorry Michael's :(
This was my second visit to Michael's. The first time I saw Catlin, but she out on vacation this time around.
I got an appointment with Rebecca Fine. She was great! Firstly, I was late, but she was patient and did not rush me. I sat down for a chat about what I wanted done with my hair and she gave me a basic idea of what it would be like. The whole time we talked and usually I'm not a talker when I get in the chair. I left feeling very confident with my new hair style and have been getting compliments daily.
It was also nice to get a good hair cut in honor of my turning another year older! I will definately be going back to have Rebecca cut my hair. She also told me that they will trim my bangs for free, you just have give them a call.
Sigh. I hate to be the girl to spoil the YelParty going on over here. I was totally sucked in by all your great reviews and was super psyched when I snagged a last-minute appointment prior to my upcoming birthday hoedown. I was in embarrassing need of a cut but I strode in there and told them I'd heard about them from Yelp, confident I'd be penning another five star review today.
The salon is cute, and stylish, and the reception folk were friendly when I arrived. My stylist was super nice and hip and everything really seemed to be going well -- we talked about what I wanted, looked at a couple pics, yada yada, had a little shampoo action, the usual.
But something went wrong. My haircut looked totally adorable from the front -- but scraggly, uneven, and weird in the back. When she turned me around, I had that 'uh oh' thought for a sec, but as many of us often do, decided that I'd be fine with it once I had a chance to style it myself.
So I took my haircut home and did exactly that for work that night -- and realized that it wasn't anything I could fix. She cut most of it with a razor instead of scissors and the whole effect was basically the same as what I had come in with -- shaggy grown-out layers badly in need of a trim and some shape. In fact, my new do was so similar to my icky it's-been-like-seven-months-rats-nest that no one at work *even noticed* that I had gotten a cut -- a cut that had cost me $60+tip! And I work with a LOT of people who notice these things! Augh!
So, yeah, I was a little upset. I'd spent more than I'd really wanted to and I was starting to feel like I'd gotten nothing out of it. So I did what you're supposed to do -- I went back to the salon at the first possible opportunity and told them I was a brand-new unhappy customer and could they please please PLEASE fix my $70 haircut?
And they said "Nope, not today." They were "booked solid" on a Friday afternoon and my stylist wasn't in. I wasn't asking that it be done right now -- all they had to do was say, "Have a seat, we'll ask around and see if anyone can squeeze you in in a bit." But they didn't bother to check with any of the several stylists on the floor. I couldn't believe that at a reputable salon that seems to live on referrals that no one could take 15 minutes to make a customer happy. I've never known a salon to refuse a request like this. Their only suggestion was that I wait another day to see my original stylist. The only time she had was really inconvienient for me, but they claimed that "it would be best if you see her", an argument that, well, to me, doesn't make a ton of sense.
But I digress. I walked out the door and went up the street to SJ Heads Up, where I asked the manager if someone could please fix my hair today... for cheap, since I'd already spent $70. She found someone in between appointments, and his mouth dropped open as he combed out my hair and asked me how much I'd paid for this cut. He explained why it looked so bad, fixed it up adorably in less than 10 minutes, and did it on the house. (I gave him a good tip, of course.)
So, sorry, two stars. I definitely could see liking the place, but I spent a lot of money with one of their senior stylists and was disappointed with the quality of both the cut and the service.
Great staff, great colorist and hairdressers.
I have gone twice since moving from Miami and found a stylist who finally understood what I was looking for. Aaron was my colorist and stylist. She understood the color I was going for and the intricate layers i wanted to achieve the look of a photo I brought in.
Aaron was very friendly and made great conversation. The staff offers you coffee, tea, water, snacks... while you wait. The magazine selection is up to date and not Women's Day Magazine from 1996. The view out the window is nice as you sip on your tea and read all about the Jolie-Pitt household shenanigans for the week.
Service was quick and professional and the final look - amazing. So happy I found a salon that doesn't "push" a look or color onto you. They really listen to what you want.
Salon is within walking distance to many fun shops and places to grab lunch.
I'd actually like to give Michael's 4.5 stars, but I just rounded up. My actual haircut experience was great. I've been looking for about two years for a stylist that cut my hair in a way that I can maintain, without having to go back every 4 weeks for a trim.
I called on a Thursday and got a last -minute appointment with Jen(n?). Since I was a new client, we talked a little about my ongoing stylist crisis (I moved up here after college and have never really found someone to replace the woman I left in my hometown!) I've tried several less expensive places and been only partially satisfied. I don't mind spending money on a haircut, as long as it looks nice.
Jen(n) not only took the time to talk about what I wanted, but she explained (almost horrified) what the last person that cut my hair had done wrong. She let me know that I did not need a completely different style, but rather, to re-do everything correctly. So she got to work, cleaned everything up, dried it up nicely and assured me that I would be able to re-create the look at home.
I waited a few days to post the review just to make sure that I'd be able to get my hair to look as nice as it did when I left the salon without spending 25 minutes blow drying it before work. Good news! It looks BETTER than when Jen(n) blew it out!
Anyway, I wanted to take away a 1/2 star because the receptionist was very unfriendly to me- and I didn't even try to put the tip on the credit card! My cut and experience was great, but Jen(n)'s one of the more experienced stylists and the cut + tip ended up at almost $70. For those of you looking at Michael's for a bargain cut, I can't comment. But for someone looking for someone that knows what they're doing- go see Jen(n)!
I've been coming to Michael's for years specifically to have Jen cut my hair. She may be a bit more expensive than some of the other stylists there, but she is WELL worth EVERY penny!!! She keeps up with all the current styles, and she cuts your hair so perfectly that it even looks good growing out. She knows what will work with your hair-type, and how it will look on you.
The salon is a fun place with a great vibe, and I love the receptionist, but really it's Jen who keeps me coming back!!
Give her a try, you won't be disappointed! One of her cuts is worth 3 from anyone else!!!
My cut from Nikki and general Michael's experience: meh. The cut and service were fine, but nothing to rave about nor come back to.
I called in the morning to try to get an appointment that day, so I was scheduled for a couple hours later. About an hour before my appointment, they called to tell me that they switched who I was getting a cut from, to a half hour earlier. Well, okay. Luckily I had nothing to do that day and was so desperate for a cut that it didn't phase me much. It seems they have a pretty loyal customer base, so maybe they aren't concerned about getting new clients, but I still wonder why I was suddenly dropped by the original stylist at the last minute.
When I walked in, it was fairly quiet with only a couple other people getting cuts/color there, but the receptionist was kind of short with me (not rude, but not very welcoming).
As for the cut, there was nothing special to it. I tend to give the stylist a lot of free-range to do whatever because I'm no hair expert, generally asking only that I'm able to put it up. I usually end up with some side bangs and lot's of layers. I have pretty thick hair and I've had cuts where the stylists really take their time to work with the texture and shape of my hair to get everything right. But Nikki just snipped snipped snipped with the scissors, not adding in much texture at all. I got my side bangs cut shorter than I'm used to and they've grown out nicely, so I guess there's that. You can get your bangs trimmed for free in between cuts, a nice bonus I suppose.
I need a stylist that has that sixth sense to know exactly what you want and the passion/ability to work with your hair to achieve that perfect cut. I feel like I got the fastest, most basic cut. I know I should have a better idea of what I want, but I don't know enough about hair to really know what will look good. Coupled with mediocre customer relations, I walked out feeling so very meh, and that's a very disappointing feeling to leave a salon with.
I had been going to my former stylist for over 10 years, and was very hesitant to change. After I moved, I needed to look for someone closer to my house. A friend told me to see Rebecca. When I got to the salon I was very impressed by the clean, and trendy atmosphere. Rebecca was there to greet me when I walked in, and before she started we had a discussion about what I wanted. I had cut, color, and peekaboo highlights, and it came out better than with my previous girl. Rebecca is young and fun to talk to, and has fabulous hair herself! I have gone back many times since, and can't wait till my next visit!
I loved getting my hair cut with Nikki!
She asked what I wanted and was able to help me out and I love the outcome! She was easy to talk to and everyone was really nice. What is also so great is I found this place by reading what others had to say on Yelp. It's truly an amazing site.
I will definitely get my hair cut here again!
Yeah, yeah...I went to Michael's after reading all the reviews on Yelp too. Freakin awesome!!!
So, I don't really let anyone touch my hair till I have been recommended from someone close to me. But for this, it was totally yelp gut. I hadn't cut my hair for 7 months, don't ask why. I called and got an appointment with Jessica who told me she's been working there for almost 10 years. Thats five stars of experience right there. I went in today morning with very slight idea of what I wanted. All I can tell you is - my hair is downright weird. It is thick, wavy in absurd areas and totally out of hand after I wash it. Jessica was very friendly and professional enough to talk me through the style before she got to actually cutting it. She made sure I was comfortable about what I wanted and only suggested if I asked. I do NOT like people giving random suggestions to me so that was nice :)
The entire process (wash, cut, blowdry) took about an hour and I came out looking and feeling so good. I will definitely be going back soon to try the colors or probably get some straightening. Total cost - $40 (w/o tip). I am soooo going back :) Thank you yelpers!!!!!
UPDATE - I went in,as mentioned earlier, to get my hair straightened. I think the person that worked on me was Niki (sp?). Anyhoo, my hair looks fabulous even after washing it myself. I ended up buying some products she recommended too. Don't think twice before checking them out!
So I've officially lived in the Coolidge corner Neighborhood for a year. I've tried a few salons that were actually pretty darn good. Honestly, not bad. I went to a few salons on Newbury, too, that blew. What also blew was the $300+ bill. But let's not go there.
Anyway. Michael Salon. It is in walking distance of my apartment. It's in the same building as my gym. So why not?
First, i love the receptionist. She rocks the house. She picks out really cool jewelry for the salon and I actually bought some bridesmaid gifts there the day of my wedding. Woo hoo!
And Jen. Jen is my stylist and as God is my witness, I'll never go to another while I live in Boston again. She rules. She's brutally honest (should I dye my hair blonde, I ask? UM -- NO, she says) and cuts your hair in a flattering way. She did my hair the day of my wedding and I can't tell you how many compliments I got. She rules.
Thanks to the other Yelpers here, I have found a fantastic salon that does not require me hauling ass to Newbury and paying an exorbitant sum of money.
Without Yelp I never would have even noticed this place! It sits on top of Magic Beans and unless you happen to look UP you'll never see it. The entrance is next to Magic Beans and only if you happened to peer into that doorway would you notice a small sign. At any rate, I found it, and scheduled an appointment with Caitlin. They have many hair stylists that range in price from $30-60 per cut. Me, being a cheap-ass, obviously went for the $30 range. I was a bit nervous though, wondering if my cheapness would cost me a good cut.
It did not. Not at all. Caitlin is an experienced and great stylist. She actually listened to me and seemed to intuitively know what I wanted and did not (major points scored here) try to persuade me to do something freaky or odd to my hair. She washed, cut, and blow-dried my hair while chatting me up. It was fantastic. She cut enough to make me look polished again but left some length which I really appreciated.
I am so glad to have discovered this place and will be taking my hair to be cut here in the future. After such a good experience with the cut I may even venture to get some color done too.
P.S. As others have mentioned don't forget bring cash for a tip!
I had a nice experience here. Caitlin cut my hair and I'm totally pumped about free bang trims. I was going in with a really weird grown out cut that I had gotten in Calcutta, of all places, and Caitlin has made me feel like a human again :)
Also, the receptionist overcharged my account ( by five bucks, so I was oblivious) but I got a note from her in the mail like a day later saying sorry and with a receipt attached for the credit.
So in short, a friendly, chic, and honest place!
I received a flier in my mailbox for a free cut and styling at Michaels, no strings attached. as is my habit i almost tossed it out, but for some reason i held on to it and thank god i did. i needed a killer look for my company's super late holiday party and i called up Michaels to see if they could help me. because if i can get something for free...why would i pay?
They aren't open sundays (tragic flaw of most salons) so i went for the second best, a saturday afternoon appointment. clearly i was going to also have to change my plan because my hair isn't the kind you can blow out and have it last for days. no no.
Michaels gets 4 stars because they have a great atmosphere and decorative concept, they have sparkly jewelry on display for me to play with while i wait, they have a fabulous selection of magazines (tons and tons) and they are all very personable and customer oriented. And, when i asked my stylish Kaitlyn to pleat me two french braids, she didn't miss a beat.
it was a totally random request, "please braid my hair and leave it wet" but she washed my hair grabbed two elastics and went to town. after a nice little trim which i needed. as i was leaving the receptionist only paused for a millisecond of gaping before she said "oh that looks great!" and then i told her i knew it was insane and we had a big laugh about it. ALSO, if I refer people (Erin G sent you!) both the refer-ee and i get 25% off our haircuts. sweet.
(i looked really hot at my holiday party. too bad i wasted it on the coworkers.)
This place had such positive reviews that, desperate for a haircut, I decided to give it a try.
What I got was exactly what I expected. A really decent $30 haircut. Sadly I'm both too self-aware (self-conscious?) to be unable to see the difference between a $30 haircut and a $100 haircut, and too cheap to be willing to spend more than $45.
If you're looking for a totally acceptable low-price alternative to more pricey salons this is a safe bet (I saw Caitlin). If you're looking for a haircut that will blow you away, you might be safer elsewhere.
I can't comment on any of their more expensive/experienced stylists, you may be able to get an amazing haircut here as well. I also can't comment on their dye jobs as I just had my hair cut and dried.
Tip: Book your appointments well in advance. I was told when I called that the earlies they could fit me in was almost two weeks later. Thankfully, I was able to get in earlier on a cancellation.
Yelp, you just saved me $60. Thank you!
I was dying for a trim. My hair was so dry and split at the ends that I could not run my fingers through it (yuck!). But, I am deep in the hole and trying desperately to rein in my spending so my usual haircut options were not accessible. Well, after some searching here, I found Caitlin. This may not be the best haircut I have ever had, but it is what I wanted-- a trim, some blending on the layers I am trying to grow out, even a touch up on the bangs... One of the other girls actually had hair that looks the way I wanted mine to look post-trim (and it basically does...my fault for not pointing and saying "make me look like her!" I was half asleep) All this plus a great blow-out in under 45 minutes and for $30 before tip. You really can't beat that.
Caitlin is a doll. She was very attentive when I was explaining my hair goals (I've been growing out a pixie for 2 years!) and also protected my coffee from failing hair snippets! This was very important during my 9am appointment.
It seems like this is a very familial place. She mentioned that though she has only been working as a stylist for 2 years, she has been working in the salon for 10. It means a lot to me when a business operates like a family and the employees can honestly say that they love being there.
So, honestly, I would definitely recommend coming here if you need a trim or keep your hair pretty basic. Caitlin actually listened to me when I said I can't use a brush and blow-drier at the same time, and blew my hair out the way I would at home so I wasn't left with false expectations of what my hair will look like next time I wash it, just shiny, bouncy, pretty freshly cut hair!
Yelpers, thank you SO much for helping me find this place!
I had been playing a game with myself for the last year or so - how long can you grow your hair before you get sick of it?
I should add one thing - when I was younger (and had no control over the length of my hair) my mom insisted I keep my hair short. She's always liked short hair, etc etc. (No, I don't have any emotional scars from not being able to grow my hair long.) Ever since I could freely dictate when I get haircuts, I've kept it long (shoulder length and beyond).
Well somewhere between Sunday and Monday I grew tired of my game. I remembered that I had seen Michael's salon on yelp and figured that I'd get my hair cut on Monday.
I take away a star for not being open on Mondays.
I give back that star for realizing that I took that day to actually ask myself if I wanted to cut my hair. (It was about halfway to my elbows - that's pretty long for me!)
Well - long story short, this place is absolutely awesome. I called to see if they took walk ins and instead just made an appointment right then and there for later that night. The receptionist (both on the phone and in person) was so nice. I met with Caitlyn who asked me what I wanted to do with my hair (and listened! I used to have a hair dresser who would ask me and then say "no" and go and cut my hair the way she wanted to.)
She washed my hair, combed it out and began cutting.
I hate this part. Not because I'm sad to see the hair go. Because I'm the world's worst conversationalist. I always feel like I should be saying something, and nothing EVER comes to mind. I've had this problem for years. All conversations that get started end pretty soon afterwards. And I always feel bad.
So I sat there in awkward silence, trying to watch her cut my hair (it was hard as I had to take my glasses off), while thinking of something to say.
When it was done - I absolutely loved it. It went from halfway down my back to just under my chin and I couldn't be happier. She blew out my hair, put some styling product in it and it was done!
This was an awesome experience. At $30 for wash, cut, style/dry, you can't go wrong. I know places that will charge you based on how long your hair is ORIGINALLY (which should be the reason why you don't play the aforementioned game with yourself - especially if you're on a budget).
I even bought the styling product that Caitlyn used on my hair - and I was told that if I didn't like it, I could return it. (Which is awesome).
I'm sure I could go on and on about this place - but I'm going to go jump up and down on my bed - enjoying my new haircut getting in my eyes!
I just went to Michael's yesterday for the first time. This was my first haircut in Boston, and I was anxious to find a salon that was decent and wouldn't cost a fortune. After reading Yelp reviews, I thought I should give this place a try (and I'm glad I did!).
I called on a Thursday morning and while they had appointments available that night, I wound up making a Saturday morning appointment. When you call, if you don't already have a stylist in mind, they tell you their available times and the costs of each stylist's haircuts so there's something for everyone's budget (The range I heard was $30-$60, but there may be some others outside that range--and that price includes wash, cut, and style!!). I also appreciated knowing upfront how much it would cost at the time of making the appointment.
After I arrived and when Caitlin was ready, she asked what I had in mind and if I wanted suggestions, which was great because I never know what will and will not work with my rebellious and overly thick hair. She seemed to really know what she was doing, and she did a great job. She even had the patience to blow out my hair when she was finished. While that inspired me to consider taking extra time in the morning to do a proper blow out, she also gave advice on products that will keep hair shiny and smooth even if I let it air-dry. I left Michael's actually liking my hair and was very happy with the cut.
The salon itself is modern and clean and very accessible. All the stylists appeared very friendly and conversational, but will let you veg out if you want. Another bonus - if you refer a friend, both you and the friend get 25% off the next visit!
If you're looking for a great cut for a great price and want to avoid the Newbury Street craziness, definitely give Michael's a call. I know I'll be returning for my next cut.
I've been needing a hair cut for a while now and actually had tried to find this place and walk-in. Couldn't find it so instead I called today to try to get an appt. Turns out they're above Magic Beans which is why I couldn't find it...
They got me in and when I arrived were ready for me. Erin cut my hair and did a great job. Only cost $35 for a wash, cut and style. The place is not overly-trendy and intimidating like some other salons. I will definitely be returning for my next hair cut. Erin was very talkative and did a great job of cutting my hair how I wanted it.
They take cash tips and you can't put it on your CC. They let me this time since it was my first time there.
I am still on the hunt for the perfect cut. Wanted to love the place, and my haircut, but it was just okay. Nice people, location, and general vibe. But my stylist kept talking about how I needed more a "youthful look", and while I wanted a big change, she insisted that I "wasn't ready." Final cut made me look a little soccer-momish, which is not the youthful look I was going for.
I had a couple of great stylists back home and I miss them so. I got used to loving my haircuts, which I haven't since moving to Boston over a year ago. The search continues...
This was the worst haircut I have ever had. I have not had many bad ones so perhaps that sounds more dramatic than it actually is.
I found this place through yelp and booked an appointment for a haircut.
When I was mid-haircut, the stylist told me to be sure to ask for blow dry the next time I made an appointment if I wanted. I figured she meant blow-out which I thought was fair, especially since I have a lot of hair. Also it was raining out so going wavy was fine with me - no sense in trying to fight mother nature.
Nooooo. Despite the fact that it was pouring outside, as soon as my haircut ended, she put a bunch of goo in my hair and ushered me to the desk to pay. I was in utter shock. I mean it was pouring outside and my hair was really wet. In retrospect, I should have just picked up the damn blow-dryer myself and at least gotten it to be damp but I felt like they were so rude that I just wanted to leave. I looked like I had been caught in the rain despite my umbrella. I left the salon shivering and feeling like I been taken for a fool. My mom seriously believes that good service is falling by the wayside these days and Michael's salon embodies that to a t.
Besides that, the girl cutting my hair seemed to be in a bad mood. I kept making attempts to chat and she would ignore me only to chat with the stylist on her other side.
Perhaps I'm naive to assume that when you go to a decent salon, your hair will be styled after the cut. I would recommend Super-cuts over Michael's salon so you can save your money and be treated like a human.
I have been going to Michael's for more than three years. I see Erin every two months and I can credit the quality of my hair to her expert hands. In fact, even though I moved out of Boston for about two years, on visits, I would make sure I scheduled a cut with her.
I love the All Nutrient hair products. I think they do help keep your healthy and stave off the split ends (my perpetual problem).
Go visit! You'll get a great haircut and your dose of Hollywood gossip from a great staff.
Just went to Michael's today based on the reviews I found on yelp.
Had a great experience. My haircut was 30 bucks! I couldn't believe it. Best priced quality haircut I've had. Blow drying is included in the price unless you have very long/large or curly hair. For first time visitors it's always included. I saw Rebecca, she paid close attention when I was describing how I wanted my cut, and she asked several questions/made suggestions to make sure she understood what I wanted. I was very happy with the results and the price I paid!! Highly recommended.
Confession: I am not overly attached to my hair, so I may not be the greatest salon critic - I normally just give my stylist freedom to work off of a basic idea that I have. That being said, I was referred to Michael's by a friend, and am glad I was. Nikki has been cutting and coloring my hair since this past spring, and she's really great! She's really good about listening to what I want, but she's not afraid to make suggestions of her own. I have only had positive experiences with the staff there, and can't really think of anything negative to say. I came to Michael's after having received a disappointing cut and color from a much more expensive salon on Newbury (the stylist there managed to cut my neck!), so I'm really relieved that I found Michael's.
Jessica cuts/colors my hair and I couldn't be happier! Keep the Yelp party alive! The people who work there are so friendly and they have a great referral rewards system. Definitely a great place to go if you want a solid cut.
