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Pyara Spa And Salon
Rating Details »
Categories: Hair Salons, Day Spas [Edit]
Neighborhood: Harvard Square104 Mt. Auburn St
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 497-9300
- Nearest Transit:
-
Harvard (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
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115 reviews for Pyara Spa And Salon
I have been to Pyara three times. The first time I got a lovely 30 minute massage from Shirley, who I definitely recommend. The third time I got a not so great massage from a person who I will not name. I asked both masseuses for a light massage, and while Shirley seemed to know exactly what I meant and was very thorough the other person did not know or did not seem to like what he was doing. Shirley even used the hot stones and the other person did not offer or use them.
I also got a terrible haircut from a previous salon completely saved by Tara. She is fantastic and I would recommend her to anyone. I got the neck and shoulder rub and also got a hair treatment before my cut. It was fantastic and I she is definitely going to be my pemanent stylist far into the future.
Finally, I love that they have the full line of products there, and they take the Aveda reward points card. I have been using their products for years so I love that I can buy them at the salon and get points for them. If only they gave them away for the salon and spa!
Some people develop deep bonds with their hairdressers, as though they were psychotherapists. I never had a hometown hairdresser, and in my years of city living, I've never been to the same hairdresser twice. You know how it is - they start asking you personal questions, as though they're responsible for knowing your darkest secrets, and you're supposed to leave with that nice cathartic feeling, which accompanies a life-changing hairdo.
Pyara may have won me back for a second go. First, it smells like nirvana. You melt into the chair, and the stylist gives you an aromatherapy neck and shoulder massage. Then, the haircut. Everyone in the salon seemed happy with the cuts they were getting - some were chatty Cathys, others quiet like me, but the rapport between stylists and clientèle seemed warm and comfortable.
Anna, my stylist, was cool, gave me a decent cut, and didn't give me the 3rd degree. As Aveda salons tend to, she hyped up the Aveda-brand products she was using, rather than giving me good ideas about how to use what I already own, but that's okay. Their products are nice. She also tried to get me to lock in another appointment in a couple of months - well, that's not how I roll. Still, it was a really pleasant experience, and I'll be back to try out the spa soon, when the stress starts laying in deep.
I've had my hair cut there 3 times, and each time I've been pleased with it. I have super fine wavy (aka frizzy) hair that is difficult to manage. My last cut there was with Taylor, and I'm very, very happy with the results.
I don't know anything about the spa services (I'm not a spa kinda gal), but overall, I really like the place and have been recommending it to my friends.
The staff is friendly, and while the whole assistant thing was a little odd at first, I can see myself returning to Pyara time and time again.
I've been shopping around the Boston area for a good hairstylist for quite awhile, and I think I've finally found her! Nikki at Pyara is amazing - soo friendly, professional, and talented. She's got a great eye for what you want even though you might not be able to explain it to her. I told her that I wanted my hair to get changed up a little bit - she suggested straight-across bangs (which are actually difficult to do because they look horrific if you get the length wrong), and I LOVE my new look. She also gave the rest of my overgrown haircut a wonderful reshaping. I could go on and on but I think you get the point - it was greatt. I'll definitely be going back, and after finding such a wonderful stylist, I don't think I will be letting anyone else touch my hair for as long as I stay in Boston :).
I'd give it 5 stars if not for the horrendous experience trying to merely CALL AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. They really need to get their call center together: being on hold forever then getting disconnected; the operators getting "locked out" of the scheduling system, their computers shutting down or freezing...with all the business coming in from well-paying patrons why can't they get this system together to meet the quality of their services?! I'll keep seeing the one waxist who does wonders on my eyebrows, but only until I find someone who can do an equally decent job and works at a place with working computers.
I went to Pyara in Cambridge for a facial and my husband went for a massage. The overall experience was good. Nice facilities, of course, and the Aveda products smell and feel wonderful.
However, my facial didn't leave my skin with the usual glow that I usually get. Can't say why. Also, I don't think the extraction was as complete as it should have been. I still had some clogged pores. She seemed afraid of hurting me, but it's like, please, go ahead! That's what I'm paying you to do!
My husband spoke highly of his masseuse's (Shirley) strength and technique, however for him the experience was significantly marred because his room was right next to the bathroom and he could hear the toilet flushing the whole time!
So I am writing to review a different aspect of Pyara... the stylists!!!
This is my second time getting my hair cut by TARA, who is an angel. My hair looks great, my usually thick and weighed down mane is bouncy, curly, and very cheerful. She did a sensational job (as last time) and she did it at the crack of dawn, so I had very pretty hair before work. She's very nice (and her hair's also always nice) and very direct. She's got serious skills and creates something that looks playful with as much skill as she creates something smooth and serious.
I've had many haircuts in the Cambridge area, but few people have dealt with my hair so well (it's fairly curly and frizzy). In the past, I've had a hard time just going to the same stylist twice (there is huge turnover in the industry), not to mention getting a good cut. So this place is moderately well-priced if you get a junior stylist and you'll definitely love the look!!!
I've been also been there for a wax and it was ok (tho the person overwaxed and the hair grew on a much wider radius the next time). Nothing special and I probably wouldn't go there again if it were just for this. Furthermore, while the person who has made my appointments over the phone is supernice, the front desk staff seem cold and judgmental (they make me feel like I am not posh enough for them).
So TARA, you're carrying this rave review on your skills alone!!!
smooth as a baby's bottom in 30 minutes - 'nuff said!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
9/26/2009
ok i have to admit when i am wrong - it doesn't often happen but sometimes am wrong!!! I was wrong… Read more »
Pyara is the best salon in Boston, hands down. Forget Newbury Street and their pretentiousness and poor service. Pyara is an Aveda salon, and upon entering the salon you are greeted by the always friendly receptionists and offered water or their special herbal tea. Get the tea. It's amazing. I've seen 4 or 5 stylists at this point, and they are all incredibly professional, very knowledgeable, take the time to really explain your options and make sure you are happy when you leave. Also, free bang trimming in between visits! Can't beat that! Seriously, go to Pyara. You won't regret it.
I've been to Pyara twice and both times I've walked out with a feeling of disappointment. I really want to like Pyara but unfortunately their massages and facilities are just adequate not fantastic. First of all the place is way too small for the number of services they have there. As a result the spa feels hectic rather than peaceful. I could hear doors opening and closing during my massage which was distracting. There is also only one restroom, and on my most recent visit I had to wait ten minutes to use it.
My masseuse had good technique, but unfortunately she just wasn't strong enough. I asked her to increase the pressure, but even then I found the massage to be too gentle. That said, the oils she used during the massage smelled lovely and were very soothing. I also liked that she gave me a foot scrub at the beginning of the treatment - a nice addition that I haven't experienced in any other spas in Cambridge/Boston.
Overall I would say Pyara is ok if you like gentle massages and are looking for a quick "in-out" type of experience. I'm often sore from sports, so I'll be looking for another place where I can get a firmer massage.
First off, they do a great job cutting hair. Second, you get a neck rub. Third, it's a nice atmosphere. Fourth, their herbal tea tastes great. Hence, the two stars!
But, most importantly, is how you're treated. Well, first is the cut, then how I'm treated but hopefully, the salon you go to does both things well.
At Pyara Spa and Salon, I find the whole dichotomy of the "sub-stylist who rubs your neck" (aka "the neck-rubber"), and the "MASTER Stylist -- (note my capitalization?!) -- who cuts your hair" -- super annoying.
Oh, MASTER, you are so great! You are so powerful! You cut my hair! Now, I am like Sampson or Rapunzel!
Each time I've gone, the neck-rubber is nice, and the "Master Stylist" has been a bit uppity. Ick.
It should be about a good cut for a nice customer (me), not a show of pretentiousness in the world of haircutting. I don't care if you're Aveda. I don't even like Aveda products. They smell nice but, make my hair go flat.
Plus, they're really expensive. Like $90 for a cut (and I have short hair).
Puleeze.
This salon is fantastic. I had come in with a botched hair cut from another salon, and Sonya and her sidekick Doug completely fixed my hair. They treated me so well, and were really fun to talk to - both very friendly. Sonya really listened to what I wanted, and gave me a really professional hair cut. She understood that I didn't want to cut all my hair off in order to fix a bad cut, and managed to turn my mop into a masterpiece.
Doug gave me an amazing neck massage, and a shampoo that was really impressive. I never thought I could be impressed by someone else shampooing my hair, but he made it really relaxing and fun.
The best part is, they didn't even charge me! They felt bad that I had to pay for a second hair cut just because my previous stylist had given me a bad cut. They insisted that the cut was on the house! I was astonished and impressed. I will never go anywhere else to get my hair cut again. I highly recommend it!
I've been here now maybe 50 times? Give or take. I truly love this spa. I saw Christopher last week for a 1/2 hour massage. I was on my lunch hour and my neck and back were freaking killing me. I knew I had limited time and really couldn't stay for an hour, so I walked in at 12:52pm and asked if they had a 1/2 hour slot available. They did! It was at 1pm. YES!!! 8 minutes later I'm lying face-down on a comfy warm bed with a very cushy and soft face cradle. Christopher was wonderful!
I recommend him for deep tissue. Thirty minutes later, I emerged, renewed and happy -- with no neck or back pain to speak of!
I was ready to go back to work and take on the afternoon.
I hope I won't have to go back soon because that would mean my back is in pain again, but if the pain comes back, I know where to go and who to see.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/27/2007
In the words of Meg Ryan as Sally, "Yes! Yes! Yes!". I will definitely have what she is having… Read more »
Love the place... the Tea is so yummy :)
you should get a pedicure from here...
I have: straight, fine, light brown hair
I wanted: blonde hair and a trim
I got: dark straw-yellow hair and VERY lopsided cut, but I didn't know about the lopsided part until weeks later when someone said "Man, your haircut is way off in the back." It was lopsided by over an inch! Also, that particular color of blonde does look okay on some people... but I am too pale and New-Englandy to pull it off.
I am pretty sure if you sat outside Pyara and took a look at all the blondes coming out, they would probably all have the same color blonde. I know a couple girls who get their color done here, and it looks great on them with their particular skin-tones, but both girls have that same Pyara-yellow.
One stylist colored my hair, another person cut it... I don't remember their names. Initially, it was sort of a weird experience because after the color was applied and I was supposed to wait for it to do it's thing, I was led to a round table where a bunch of other gals were sitting around also waiting for their color. It's sort of like you're shoved into this bizarre social situation when all you'd rather do is relax and not talk while looking through a trashy magazine.
I was also offered 'peppermint iced tea,' which sounded lovely and which I accepted... except, it was not an actual cup of peppermint iced tea, but rather a dixie-cup-sized regular iced tea with peppermint oil added to it. It was a little confusing taking the first sip, swallowing it, and then feeling the remaining medicinal-tasting oil coat my throat and the sides of my mouth.
I am a fan of real peppermint tea... not peppermint oil IN my tea. Yuck. It tasted more like Nyquil, and perhaps it was, seeing as by the end of the whole experience I was obviously too high to notice the one-inch slope in the back of my head and proceeded to tip people far too well.
OVERALL
Convenient location, but they've got so much going on in their little space that it feels a bit claustrophobic and busy all the time. I don't find the waiting area as relaxing as others do since there are folks going in and out of treatment rooms. The front desk staff has been hit or miss in the three years I've been going here; they're usually competent but they've forgotten to notify the stylist that I've arrived a few times, which means some part of the service (freebie mini-massage, super blowout) has to go.
The salon smells delicious and will make you want to buy Aveda products. That, and your stylist/waxer/manicurist/etc will let you know which products they're using at all times. It's not to the point of being a hard sell, but definitely feels like a scripted commercial.
HAIR
Sonya is outstanding. She does great cuts that are trendy but also manageable.
WAXING
So far, so good. I haven't been wowed by them, but I haven't been disappointed, either. They use some magical product on your skin post-waxing that really does prevent irritation. I'll keep going here because it's convenient, hygienic, and they're good with sensitive skin.
NAILS
The weakest link. I've had two manicures here and they both looked like what I do at home, then they chipped fast. Get on the bus to Huron Village and get your nail services at Wet Paint instead.
I'd been to the Pyara in Burlington for an eyebrow waxing and loved the experience, so when I wanted to spoil my mom with haircuts for us both I decided that the more accessible Harvard Square location would be just the thing.
From the moment I entered I knew I'd made the right choice. My mom and I were ushered to the little sofa and offered tea and water. Even the ladies' room was well-appointed, with nice lighting and relaxing music.
Nicole, my stylist came to greet me and sat me down to talk through what I was looking for. Now, if you've read any of my other reviews, you might know that I had my hair viciously butchered by the Carriage House a few months back. Given that, I was a little hesitant to meet yet another new stylist. She lifted my damaged locks, and tut-tuted, then said she could fix it.
Before starting the hair cut, Pyara gives neck massages with lavender oil. Then they wash your hair, do a conditioning treatment by wrapping your hair in a warm towel, and give you a head massage as they rinse the conditioner.
Nicole then went to work cutting my hair. She was very friendly the whole time, and didn't yell back and forth between the other stylists like I've seen at so many other Boston area salons. She walked me through each product she used without being pushy about selling them. When she finished styling and drying my hair, I actually teared up because I felt so much better.
She finished me up and then walked me over to help me find the products that I wanted to buy, then offered me more tea or water while I waited for my mom.
My mom was thrilled with her hair as well. She's not someone who ever takes the time to pamper herself, so it was a big deal. She got a hair cut that exactly fit the bill for what she asked and dropped five years off her face. It was very Mia Michaels.
In short, I highly recommend this salon, and especially Nicole. I will definitely be returning.
Oh, how refreshing to come back to town and be able to count on Pyara! Seriously, they are consistently fantastic.
I had my bangs cut by Anna (I think that's her name, she has short, pink hair). I told her I wasn't sure if I should continue to wear my bangs straight, or brush them to the side. She suggested I wear them straight, but cut them so that as they grew they will look good pushed aside as well. I LOVE how she took out some bulk and left me with a really flattering, easy to style shape.
The staff here is so good at giving you honest feedback about what will work for your face shape and hair type.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2008
After going to Pyara multiple times to get my bangs trimmed I decided to take advantage of their… Read more »
People like to diss on Aveda and I don't know why. I've never had anything less than a clean, relaxing, pleasant experience there. Every stylist I've ever had there has listened to me, treated my hair with care and done exactly what I asked them to do. The stylists are friendly and approachable. I like the fact that they use natural Aveda products so I'm not destroying my hair with chemicals every time I color it. My hair has definitely been better looking, softer and more manageable than ever since I started going there.
It is a tad expensive, but I've had haircuts at other places that cost more and weren't anywhere near as good.
Pyara is the best place to be. It's my shrine and shrink at the same time.
I must say that the spa treatments are way better than the salon treatments. For both, you have to be an experienced salon-goer to figure out who's who on the team and establish rapport with them in order to obtain excellent service.
For newcomers, I have a few pointers. See Sotiria for facials, Amanda Martin for waxing, Elizabeth for massages, Lauren for haircuts.
I usually get the one-process semi-permanent hair color there. I've never tried getting highlights. But you have to see a color-specialist, otherwise you might get a totally different color than you had in mind.
I hope this helps, and Pyara, keep up the good work ;D
First of all, they give you tea. In Cambridge, in any season besides our disgustingly humid summer, this is a plus. The prices are reasonable if you don't ask for one of their master stylists or whatever they're called... the hair cut was eh... nothing to complain about but not as amazing as I was expecting after hearing about how great Pyara was. Then again, maybe that was because I opted for the cheaper stylist.
I love this place.
Paula's haircuts are fabulous and much cheaper than I would have expected ($35? In DC that would have left me with the Hair Cuttery), Ina does a great pedicure, the waxing doesn't make you wish for your own death and the facialists are all top-notch. Plus, everything has that delicious Aveda Shampure smell. You can't go wrong.
UPDATE: Paula has since left Pyara for A. Quinn, also in Harvard Square. Will update accordingly once I visit her at the end of the month. I still wholeheartedly endorse Pyara for its manicures and pedicures (see Ina) and for their waxing.
I have been going to Pyara for about a year now for a variety of spa treatments including haircuts, pedicures, manicures, and massages. I have found all of these services to be top notch. For each service there is a wonderful experience if being pampered. The haircuts begin with a head and neck massage, the pedicures/manicures begin with massages, and the actual massage s begin with a foot soak/scrub.
The hours are very flexible, so I have found it quite easy to get an appointment for any of these services. The prices are reasonable, especially for the massages. The haircut prices are determined by the experience level of the stylist. I get a pretty simple trim, so a "junior stylist" is fine with me. The one thing I really appreciate about Pyara is that the staff do not "push" their products onto you. They use all Aveda products (which are really great AND expensive) and will tell you about them and leave it at that. They have a nice layout and the place always looks clean and tidy.
I wouldn't trust anyone else to touch my eyebrows besides Amanda Tang. I've been seeing her for over a year now and have never, ever been disappointed. She's professional, quick, and very sweet. Sometimes she gives me a quick hand massage before I leave! Pyara as a whole is convenient, has a lovely salon area, and really friendly people.
FINALLY!
I have found my bikini waxing place! After 9 months... 9 MONTHS and about a million failures in this department, I can call Pyara my place of choice for the removal of all my unwanted nether-region hairs.
I called TODAY and an appointment for TODAY for a time that was perfectly attuned to my schedule. The receptionist was SO nice. And when I walked in, the niceness continued. And much appreciated, as there is nothing worse then going to get your woo-woo waxed (which in and of itself is usually uncomfortable) and having someone be rude or stand-off-ish!
The facilities are upscale, clean, sleek and welcoming all at the same time. My aesthetician, Katie, was beautiful, friendly and immediately put me at ease. We upheld pleasant, even funny conversation throughout the entire process. She was careful, attentive and left me as bare as the day I was born...and with the quickness. I was working from my laptop across the street at Crema, popped into Pyara and was back and working within 30 minutes.
And all I had to shell out was $60? Gladly. I have had some horrible $45 experiences and, for such an important region, skimping on costs is not in anyone's best interests.
One of the best things about this salon is that they are open at 8am. This seems early to get your hair cut, but it works for me since I don't usually have to stroll into work until mid-morning. I had to schedule my appointment about a week out so I could land a junior stylist (which was $35). My hair was cut exactly how I wanted and I couldn't ask for a better price in this area. I'm a little poor and didn't feel compelled to throw down twice the amount for basically the same service.
I say, give the junior stylists a try if you're money-conscious. It's a couple bucks more than Supercuts and you still get the luxury of free tea/water and a complimentary neck massage pre-haircut.
I'm definitely going back to this one.
I went in for my first bikini wax ever. Yoww! It was fairly painful, but I survived. Kate was my aesthetician and she was really nice and helped me through it. Down there's still a little red and sore, but it hasn't been 12 hours since I got it waxed.
I got a same day appointment, so that was definitely a plus.
It was an expensive endeavor, however; the prices are listed on their website. As a student without a job I can't afford to do this on a monthly basis, with $60 + tip and all.
Update: I'm getting stubble in some parts just two days after. I'm very dissatisfied. I'm blonde, so my hair is thinner; perhaps that was a problem. However, I called the spa and the manager was very gracious. She offered to have me come in to be "cleaned up," a complimentary wax next time I come in, or to refund this service. Because I'm busy,and I don't know if or when I'll want another wax, I chose the refund. It seems the parts where hard wax was used, the hair was completely removed. If I go back, the manager said she's put in my file that I like the hard wax. I'm glad she was so understanding and helpful.
I'm so happy I discovered Pyara not long after I moved to Boston. I've been coming here regularly for years and am almost always thrilled with the service I receive. While I have had a few bad experiences - if you go anywhere often enough it's bound to happen - the majority of the time I walk out feeling rejuvenated and gorgeous. I particularly recommend Amanda T. for waxing and Nicole W. for hair (trust her - whatever she recommends, just go with it). The premises are lovely, the complimentary tea is delicious and the prices are reasonable. Oh and those lovely Aveda products...
I went to Pyara twice. Why I went back a second time, i don't no. Must have drunk to have walked in there again! First off, the people at the front desk were VERY rude & snobby. Instantly I thought "I should just walk out of here right now!" but I turned around & my hair dresser was right there waiting for me (the only good part, her being ready & me not having to wait, and she was a nice girl, prob the ONLY nice one there). The wash stinked, she practically made my scalp bleed. The hair cut was descent but I think my 5 year old niece did a better job when she decided to cut her own hair. When I went to pay for my stupid hair cut, the girl at the desk barley looked me in the eye & gave me this attitude that she was better then me & basically demanded I pay (of course i'm gunna pay! geez!).The manager was right there & apprentley the way I had been treated she didn't give a darn about. If I wanted to pay way to much $ for a hair cut with snobby people working there I just would have went to Newbury Street. Save you $ people, go to a place where people are nice & acted like they care. it's called CUSTOMER SERVICE Pyara!!!!!!!!!
Firstly, the energy in the place is great. I really like that the receptionists are so friendly and non-snooty. They've obviously been trained that way because they are unlike any other salon I've ever been in. Walking in with everything smelling and looking so warm and relaxing, the receptionist's polite and welcoming greetings really cement the whole first impression as "this is a place for retreat."
I had my hair cut and colored by Shane for years, but eventually stopped. The coloring was great but the haircut was never quite right and I felt like breaking up the services amongst stylists so late in the game would be a bit of an insult. So I had to break up with him full stop. However, I have big curly hair which more often than not cripples even the most talented of stylists, so don't hold it against him. It wasn't him, it was me.
I *don't* like the waxing experience at Aveda. I've been waxed here and at another Aveda lifestyle salon and I think it's the wax they use - both times with separate waxers it was extremely painful...and I'm no waxing newbie.
Manicures and pedicures - perfect. I just had a mani/pedi with Emily last night and it was fantastic. She found my pinkie toe nails, which have been lost for years!
I also like all the Aveda products. All of them. They are very gentle yet effective - my hair is shiny and curly, my skin clear and my make up stays on.
Lastly - definitely get a rewards card from this salon. You rack up points and can get free stuff (like my mani/pedi last night). Also, they send you vouchers for free samples. The last one was for the lifting serum, which is so good I actually bought the real stuff.
Ah... I'm in a mental prison about what sort of rating to give Pyara. I swore by it for a year or so (a number of friends still do), but my experience with them was somewhat tainted by a customer-service issue I had about a year and a half ago. For starters, it is a really nice place overall: the staff are talented and generally very friendly and it is in a nice location (who doesn't love Harvard Square?). The awesome tea (Aveda's own blend) they serve in thimble-sized cups is a perk worth mentioning as well - but why can't they make the cups bigger? I always feel weird asking for anything past my third cup, but I suppose that's another issue.
Another perk is Nikki Ruby, one of the senior stylists at Pyara. Though her countless promotions have actually priced her out of my range, they are well deserved - she is great and really knows what she is doing. I should say that on top of her skills as a colorist and stylist, Nikki is a genuinely nice person, and always remembers the little details about people. Like all Aveda salons, Pyara carries the entire line of products that smell SO good, and I have always left with my hair smelling delish. I've gotten some waxing done there too - it's on the expensive side, but very thorough.
But, but, but... I am still holding a grudge because of a scheduling issue I had with Pyara a while back. They have a very aggressive tardiness policy (10 minutes late and your appointment gets axed), which is certainly their prerogative. However, one day I had highlights and a cut scheduled, and given that the salon is a good 45 minutes to an hour from Boston College on public transportation, I called ahead to say that I was running about 15 minutes late and asked if my appointment could be shifted, held, or whatever to make it worth the trip. The person I spoke with assured me that it could, and so I arrived the aforesaid 15 minutes late only to be told that they had, in fact, cancelled my appointment. It was of no concern to them that the receptionist had been "misinformed," or that I was a returning customer who had travelled nearly an hour. So... mostly my own fault I guess, but I left with no awesome highlights from Nikki and with resentment that I am obviously still harboring.
I have thousands of Aveda points because I can't leave this store without going overboard. The scent of their products puts me next to heaven and I want to take the essence everywhere. Besides smelling delicious, I really love Kristen the aesthetician (watch out for her attention to detail - sometimes painful!) and Chris the make up artist. I come here for bikini and brow waxing, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Unfortunately the lighting in the make up area is horrendous, so even after Chris works his magic, you end up only noticing the things you wanted to cover up. (HELLO STORE OWNER - SURELY I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WHO THINKS THE LIGHTING SUCKS!) At any rate, the professionals at this salon can wax my who-who anytime. You guys are awesome, and the massages are amazing too!
I recently moved to Boston and have been looking for a place to get waxed. Underarm and traditional bikini waxes are my usual ritual every two months, but I'd been having trouble finding a spa with hard wax.
Pyara has it! Yay!
I called on a Monday and made an appointment for the following day - no problem. Kristen waxed me and did a great job and was really friendly. The atmosphere was great and the whole place smelled amazing. $55 for the two waxes and done in 20 minutes. I still had lunch break time to read a newspaper! I am definitely going back.
Excellent service, great haircut for guys as well! and they give you a free touch up 3 or so weeks after your original haircut!
A bit on the expensive side but not exorbitant. Appointments may be hard to get, I don't think they accept very many walk ins either (they are mostly fully booked so book in advance).
***This is a review of the Burlington location***
I've been a client of the Cambridge location of Pyara for the past year for or so for cuts & colors--and have nothing but rave reviews for my experiences there. I made my most recent cut & color appointment at the newly opened Burlington location for a Saturday afternoon, two weeks after their grand opening . . . and my biggest (and only) disappointment was that the salon and spa were absent of the customer/client buzz of people getting pampered and all dolled up. During my two hours there, I was the only customer. I'm guessing that by the time I'm ready for my next appointment, that won't be the case. But I didn't know how much I'd miss the Harvard Square vibe until I came out to the 'burbs.
The new facility in Burlington is absolutely enormous. Never before have I seen a salon/day spa with so much square footage. Truth be told, it felt a little too spacious. Like when my parents bought a big house and our living room only had a couple oriental rugs in it for a decade. All that space just seems unnecessary.
I'm sure that after another visit or two, I'll be writing an update gushing about the greatness of this place--but for now, I give this place four stars: 3 for the facility itself (gorgeous but oddly cavernous) and 5 for my stylist, Amber-Lynn--she's meticulous!
A few other notes:
The spa area is quite private and separate from the salon. This is great--because I find it bothersome when I can hear a stylist & customer's chatter, or the whir of the hairdrier, while I'm getting a facial. No chance of that happening here. The spa rooms are spacious and nicely appointed and represent the epitome of relaxation. (Note to self: Book a spa treatment here already!)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/18/2008
I've been here three times now for a cut & color, and I can't stop raving about this place. So, so… Read more »
I had been going to Pyara for about 5 years. I was a loyal customer because I loved the service and the products. However, I am no longer giving my service to this place. I booked an appointment a week in advance for an 8 am appointment on a Saturday. I had to drive an hour to get to the place and find a parking spot in Harvard. To my dissapointment, they booked me for Friday and never called to let me know that they made a mistake. When I arrived Saturday morning the receptionist could care less that they made a mistake and did not even apologize or offer any compensation. She just simply said, "our earliest appointment is on Monday."
The salon is always booked and I did not want to wait any longer for a hair cut. I know this sounds like I am just ranting, but Pyara is such an expensive place and I had to wait so freakin long for an appointment, and they did not even apologize.
I recently moved to the Boston area and after perusing the Yelp reviews, I stumbled across Pyara Spa and Salon. I would just like to thank you all for leading me here. My manicurist, Amber, is really amazing. I get weekly manicures from her, and she always has hot tea and trashy magazines ready for me. She also picks out great colors for my nails that I would never try myself, and really takes pride in her work. Also, she doesn't talk my ear off, and lets me read or play around on my phone without making me feel like I should make small talk.... but when I do chat, she is very cool to talk to. I also go to Kristen, an aesthetician, for waxing and facials. She is awesome as well. She is professional, but friendly and she gives me great restaurant recommendations too! I received a facial from her not too long ago and my skin was dewy and supple for a week afterwards.
AMENDMENT: I have to add some stars to my previous review specifically to commend the management team at Pyara, who contacted me after I wrote this. All too often today, we encounter management staff who couldn't be less interested in their customers -- who are primarilly concerned with $$$. Not the case at Pyara at all. Now, in hindsight, I wish I had mentioned my experiences to the staff first, instead of writing a negative review. What an eye-opening lesson to learn - that we, as a society, have become so conditioned to not expect someone to listen and to react professionally and fairly. My apologies to the staff - next time I run into a situation like this, I will bite the bullet, give the benefit of the doubt, and speak directly to the offender first. Failing that, THEN I report my findings to others :)
This place is awful. Seems nice upon entering, nice website - even pleasant phone experience when making an appointment. And I went in twice: first time for a pedicure. Their products are great - nice aromas and textures. But the technician who did my toes killed me!! I have a tiny bit of an ingrown toenail (has never been an issue for any other nail technician) and she dug around in there - I thought she was trying to strike oil or something - OUCH! Was painful and sore for WEEKS afterward!
SO I thought, well, maybe it was just her, and maybe it was just a bad day, and maybe they're not great at nails. Fine, I'll try a bikini wax. The woman removed SKIN people. It was horrificly painful and ridiculously uncomfortable. I was in so much pain - I know beauty can hurt, but this is totally over the top and uncalled for. And I was up front at the start by telling them that I have sensitive skin and asked that they please use appropriate products (which most places will accommodae). I don't know if they just didn't listen, or didn't care, but it felt like she used candle wax mixed with super glue and tar. AWFUL.
Go to Elizabeth Grady on Mass Ave in Cambridge instead and look for my review on them - what a different, much better experience.
This is a review for Burlington.
I saw Valerie for a waxing. While she was very pleasant and did a good job, the waxing was highly overpriced. A wax I usually pay $20 for was $55.. which is just outrageous.
While the salon is beautiful, I won't be going back.
When I moved to Boston 3 years ago, this was the first place I got my haircut and I've never looked back! I adore Pyara. They are very friendly, are open until 10pm and always go the extra mile for you.
I have had pedicure, massages, facials, waxing, haircut, etc... here and it is always a great experience. With haircuts, they also throw in a neck rub and hot towel treatment. Awesome.
