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Salon Cu
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
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84 reviews for Salon Cu
You know what, I'm actually a fan of this place, and I don't typically like salons and even cut my hair on my own.
I made two separate appointments, one for a cut and one for a color. I pretty much left most of the decisions up to my stylist and she didn't disappoint. Dead ends - gone. Color - amaze. Pricing - I paid less than 100$, so I was super happy. Oh yeah, and I heart the decor and it's convenient to where I live.
I'm not sure why this is such a tough review for me to write. I really, really wanted to like this place, as it has great reviews, isn't too expensive, and a friend of mine got a great cut here. My experience was not great.
The appointments are 30 minutes long and my stylist, Christina, was running 30 minutes late. She mentioned this happens a lot but her regulars don't mind and will wait at a bar down the block. I'd rather make an appointment when I can get one, not one that means I have to wait at a bar. She was sweet, but I felt rushed the whole time and she kept checking the clock.
After waiting for half an hour for my appointment, a girl came and led me to get my hair washed. This was my first time at the salon, so I asked if I could show Christina my hair while dry so I could explain what I wanted done. The girl was really frazzled by this but Christina said it would be no problem.
Christina couldn't figure out how to cut my bangs that I'd been growing out for 6 months and I had to go home and re-cut them myself afterwards. It's not too hard to do - I had some long hair (not bangs) and some shorter hair (bangs). Cut the latter group and you're done.
I also asked for layering, as my hair had all been one length (aside from the bangs). What I got was two distinct lengths of hair. Whenever it's humid I look like I'm wearing a Prince Valiant wig on top of my long hair.
She gave my curly haired friend a great cut and even blowdried it straight for her for fun. My hair is very fine and straight, so perhaps this isn't her forte.
I've been here 3 times so far, and it wasn't until the last visit that I finally LOVED the place and not just appreciated it.
I was contemplating a change in hairstyle for months, but never got it done because I generally won't cut my hair until I can't stand maintaining it anymore. Please understand that I've had the exact same hair style since the 6th grade. Okay, almost ... when the kids in junior high were doing the AZN thang, I followed suite. I also bleached and dyed my hair multiple times, and I even permed it once. But never, NEVER, have I ever gotten a bob. The last time my hair was that short was when I was in preschool!
So one day on a Thursday when I couldn't take it anymore, I called in and wanted to get the first appointment available. I was told Christine was a specialist in bobs, but wasn't available until Saturday. I figured I could wait for a job well done, and well done it was!
I love how Christine has her book of looks, and how she asked questions to make sure she understood exactly what I wanted and DIDN'T want.
The end result? Perfect! You wouldn't believe how many compliments I've received. I think the best moment was when my boss' boss saw me walk by and rushed over with eyes wide open to make sure it was me, in a good way!
I think I'll go between long hair and bobs from now on. I have finally found my "look"!!
If it were possible to give more stars, I would. Let me just say this though, I have only been here once, which means I've only gotten a haircut from one person.
But Lauren, oh my dear Lauren, gave me the greatest haircut of my entire life. I was a walk in an hour and a half before they closed and wanted to have 12 inches of hair cut off. Lauren spent that entire hour and a half cutting my hair. She was so careful and thorough and nice and supportive about the entire process, I just can't say enough about how wonderful it was. And then an hour and a half after I walked in, I walked out with the best cut I've ever had.
Forty bucks for what I got? The bargain of the fucking century.
I have been going here since it opened. I love the hairdressers and staff. Everyone is super nice and really good at what they do.
I always have my hair done by Summer and she is lovely to talk to and I always walk away satisfied!
A couple of times I have gone elsewhere simply to try something new and I always come back and summer always has to correct whatever debacle I have gotten my hair into. It is one thing to be able to just do hair well but to correct color and cuts is really difficult! I am always impressed.
I like that you can get your eyebrows done here too. They do a fantastic job with that as well.
I have to say I am a bit spoiled from my last hairdresser which was the ultimate in salon experiences. However, i was paying an incredible amount. At salon cu, the prices are totally affordable and you will walk away feeling great!~
Danielle is great. I'm happy to pay a little more to make sure my hair is going to look good and my greys will be gone...
Walking home from Salon Cu a sleazy dude gave me the "Hey Beautiful." Though I'm not a fan of the sidewalk cat-call, I must say Mr. Sleazy had to be feeding off my post-salon vibe. The sun was shining that morning, and damn I FELT beautiful after my half-hour appointment with Christine.
I walked into Salon Cu stringy and moppy and walked out bouncy and crisp. No one said "Hey Beautiful" on my way in, so there you go.
I didn't get anything wacky done. Christine basically followed the lines of my grown-out shag and gave suggestions for how to take it in a new direction after so many years of razor shredding. She gave me some nice texturey side sweep bangs and blew it out nice.
For $40, I'm pleased. And for the first time in forever, I didn't go home and immediately re-wash /re-style my hair. Yea Salon Cu! Yea Christine! I'll be back again!
It has taken me two years to finally suck it up and get a cut in Boston and I chose Salon Cu on the recommendation of a few friends. If the financial crisis has you down to a $40 cut, this could be your spot. Set in between Powderhouse Pub and Sound Bites, you could easily spend a Saturday on this random block of Ball Sq.
I just needed a trim and Summer did just what I asked for along with a great blow out. I have heard the owner is even better. My fears of a trying out a new salon have subsided...
although i like my usual salon, i thought it was time to try someplace new, after years of the same thing.
i read up on salon cu and was convinced that carlo was the way to go.
while he was extremely friendly and seemed knowledgeable, i specifically told him that i only wanted a few inches off, and that i did not want layers in the back, since i only blow-dry about twice a month, and otherwise, my wavy hair can pouf with layers. he said he understood, and would not want to give me something i was not pleased with and knew was not good for my hair. thus, i thought we had an agreement.
during the experience, i felt great. when he was done, i thought i looked ok, but he whisked me out of the chair so quickly, i did not have a chance to really admire his work.
when i got home, i did get a chance to look it over, and while it seemed shorter overall than i had requested, it still did look good. i was somewhat happy, knowing that to be completely happy, i just had to wait a few weeks/months to grow back the inch or two that he over-cut.
unfortunately, now that i've washed it on my own, i see how awful my cut really is. he cut layers in the back! which, in addition to wanting to keep my hair fairly long, was my main stipulation.
it looks horrible. the main, long, bottom layer is fine, but then i have a sloppy layer above it that is poofy and uneven. it looks unintentional and just does not work. it's like 2 haircuts in one and i am extremely unhappy.
if i want to get it fixed, i'll have to shorten the bottom, longer layer, which i do not want to do, b/c i am already eager to grow some of my lost length back.
i supposed i will have to experiment with blow-drying or flatironing more, which i have neither time nor interest in doing.
i am seriously bummed. i wish i had not given this salon a chance.
clearly, the other reviews suggest at a great cut or style experience, but i was not listened to and did not have my specific hair type taken into account. so i am disappointed to give a bad review, but even more disappointed to have a bad haircut for my hair type and habits.
I went here for the first time over a year ago because I had gotten my hair cut at another local salon and HATED it. I don't hate much but this was so bad I went back to get it fixed and I still didn't like it all. A co-worker suggest Salon Cu because the prices are good, it's local, and she really likes the man who does her hair.
I was very impressed. Given the terrible growing out from a bad cut my hair was doing, Umberto made the best of it and gave me a cute cut. I told him I wanted something cute, a little funky but not too much so, and easy to do... BAM I had a cute, fun, easy to do hair cut that got lots of compliments.
He made some suggestions for what we should do once my hair grew out more. I went back a few times before it was long enough to get it clean up a bit but each time he remembered exactly what we were going for in my length.
He's chatty but concentrates when the time is right and I appreciate that. I also appreciate that everyone in the salon seems to be friends and thoroughly enjoy each others company. I think that makes the atmosphere for the customer very pleasant.
Not to mention the very sleek, clean, modern look!
I'm one of those people who always wants to do half stars. Not in this case. I feel like Salon Cu is a solid 3 stars. I started going here when I moved to the area and lived down the street and continue going here because... well it's down the street. It's easy. It's pretty cheap for a haircut. But no one care about that-- how did the hair turn out?
Well this is where the 3 becomes an average. I've been here probably 4 times. I don't remember names but I'm pretty sure one of the times was with Carlos but I'm not 100% sure. I think there are 2 male owners and I'm not sure who is who. He was great, as everyone says. Personable and chatty but not overly so and I left with a great hair cut. Not sure if I would trust to go in there and say "what do you think is best" though so every time I've brought a bunch of photos.
The last time I went though... the experience wasn't the best. The woman who cut my hair was nice but she was very much a bad stereotype of a townie hairdresser. I had brought a photo with me of a hairstyle (Katie Holmes from InStyle awhile back before it was all Victoria Beckham knock-off) that I'd previously had and had grown out and she told me that my hair wasn't right for it and what I liked in it was the styling (with the implication I wouldn't be able to do it myself). Now, normally when I'm told this I agree with the hair dresser b/c they're the expert and all but not when I'd had another hairdresser do it NO FRIGGIN PROBLEM 4 months ago. Then I tried explaining another haircut which I must interject that the receptionist overheard us and she was SO NICE and tried to find a photo to help me explain but that didn't work. What has stuck with me the most though is I said I wanted my hair cut to the top of my jaw line (I was a little past my chin at the time) and she said "OH. Really? Wow. Have you ever had your hair that SHORT?!" [Note that that would only be about 2 inches shorter than it was at the time] The tone basically said "Wow boys won't think you're sexy in short hair and it totally won't look good at the clubs." I know she wasn't trying to be mean but at that point I was kind of done. She was just a little too Sopranos and I'm a little too 30Rock.
So basically it's good. It's local. I wouldn't mind finding another place but I keep waiting until the last second and end up back at Salon Cu. From now on though, only with the owners.
Carlo is still amazing. I've had my hair done multiple times by him now... and this time we went and did a single process to dye my hair dark, and just trim up the cut. I'm still flabbergasted at how great the quality and service is, for a VERY reasonable price. Cut and color = $85
Don't forget to bring cash to tip... you can't put it on credit card!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/4/2008
I am very picky when it comes to who does my hair. I've only had a couple people style it my entire… Read more »
Good Haircut with Carlo. $40 - not so bad. He fixed a prior HORRID haircut without having to do anything too drastic. He knows what he is doing.
Carlo and Umberto are awesome. My wife and I have been visiting them for 2 years now and we've always been happy. Carlo even cut my hair for our wedding day!
Awful, awful, awful. So bad that I had to come out of yelp lurkdom to review it. Really, I'm utterly baffled by all the stellar reviews this place is getting. Hey, what are ya'll doing that I'm not?
I had a fairly "ick" experience here before--where Summer gave me a weird, ugly cut and boring as hell color--but decided to give them one more try since the reviews are all so good. This time, I figured, I'd make sure to bring pictures--that would solve everything.
It didn't.
I had an appointment with "Danielle" this time, and produced not one but TWO pictures (front and back/sides) of the haircut I wanted. Happy flowing bouncy layers--it's not hard, people. She suggested that I needed to go with less bangs than in the picture, and explained her rationale for that. I agreed.
Then it was time to talk color. People, I must have used the word "funky" about a million times. I explained that I wanted bright, funky, red and blond chunky foils. First she said that the color I wanted wouldn't come out unless I did a double-process--basically first bleaching and then dying it. Ahh...Ok...except for the fact that I get that color with foils all the freaking time in other salons. I reluctantly agreed to a slightly less-bright color, with some obvious highlights and lowlights. (Remember...FUNKY. CHUNKY. I no longer ride a desk all day, so I can go wild with the hair now! Woohoo!)
So, want to know how both of these requests turned out? Well, first let's talk cut. My hair is basically all one length, save for a few subtle layers that give it the teeniest bit of movement. When I told her after she dried my hair that I didn't think there were enough layers, she said that I just wasn't "noticing" them because she had flat-ironed it. Right. Because I fell off the turnip truck yesterday, and I don't know how this complicated thing called "hair" works.
How about the color? Well, first of all, there are no chunks. There is no funky. My hair is a dull brassy ginger with the tiniest bit of paler ginger and slightly redder ginger. And I have roots. I am completely serious--ROOTS. And those pesky 3 grey hairs that have recently surfaced at my hairline? Still there. I've never had such a crappy color job, and my stoner roommate used to do my hair using Nice N' Easy.
In short, both times I've been here I left the salon feeling frumpy, ugly, and bad about myself. Not really the way you should feel the day you get your hair done. Know how after that fab salon blowout, you go around finding reasons to go out to show off your hair? I left the salon (both times) and put my hair in a PONYTAIL. I don't wear ponytails.
If you want to risk it, give them a shot. But don't think you're getting a closer and cheaper Newbury St. experience--I've gotten better hair from Lords and Lady's. Like the previous reviewer said, you get what you pay for. I'd rather pay more and have good hair again.
I
I've seen this place go completely downhill over the last year. I recently had a hair cut with Christine, who I've seen before, and while the cut was what I asked for the experience was FAR FROM. I walk in and the FIRST thing said to me is "I probably won't be able to blow dry your hair, is that ok?"
UM NO! That is NOT ok! I don't care if you or someone else does it, but half the point of a CUT & BLOWDRY appointment is the blow job!
Anyways, I asked if someone else could do it, she disappeared for two minutes, and came back and just rushed me to the wash chair. I looked at my watch. Less than THIRTY minutes later, I was out the door. Everyone else, who had been having their wet hair cut while I was having mine washed, was STILL in the chairs having theirs cut. She plowed through my hair, completely rushed the cut, and blow dried it flat.
I have no idea why she would rush so much. If she had to be somewhere else, then Salon Cu shouldn't have booked an appointment for her in that time slot. She gave me the look I wanted but the experience was far from. I'm at a salon to have some attention paid to me, not to be rushed out like I'm unimportant.
I'm really sad to say, but because of this, I'm never coming back to Salon Cu. You pay for what you get for, and at this point, I'm ready to pay for some pampering. I'll be splurging and heading to Pyara in Harvard Square from now on.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/11/2007
In the words of Mr. Sacha Baron Cohen: VERYYY NIIIICE!! I really enjoyed Salon Cu. Summer listens… Read more »
When I find a good thing I stick with it, especially when it comes to my hair, so when I moved to Boston in January, I was on the mission of a lifetime to find a new stylist. My first attempt was the friend-of-a-friend who worked at a stellar salon on Newbury, and it was great, but the prices were so high that I decided I had to look elsewhere. My boyfriend's colleague always had amazing hair, so I asked where she went and she told me that she sees Carlo at Salon Cu (he's part owner with his cousin, Umberto.)
SCORE! Not only does Carlo "get" my hair, but the first time I saw him he took the time to explain everything to me and really listen to what I was looking for, including explaining the transition of going back to blonde from being a brunette.
The bonus for me though was the price. My partial foil and hair cut actually costs less than I was paying in Dallas! You can't ask for better than that. So if you're looking for a great salon experience at a very reasonable price, check out Carlo at Salon Cu.
I have been getting my hair cut here for about 2 years now and they always do a great job. I was particularly concerned with finding a good hair salon because I have very curly, shoulder-length hair. Although many stylist would like you to believe they can handle curly hair, I'll let you in on a little secret....they lie! arrrgg. Umberto was known as the curl specialist in the salon, but because he's apparently so good, I have never had the patience to actually wait weeks for an available appointment with him. However, I have gotten my hair cut by both Cristine and Lauren, and I have not been disappointed. They are both very friendly and skilled at what they do, which makes for an overall enjoyable experience. Cristine knows how to blow-dry my hair straight so that it looks super nice afterwords, which is no easy task with my mane. Lauren is really great at forming the curls while they are wet so that you can leave the salon with a curly do if you want, without looking like a rat crawled up on top of your head and made a nest. I'm really happy I found this place! Just make sure you let them know how much time they might need for your hair, because the standard appointment is for 30 minutes.
I'm going to start with a haiku.
O, shears of magic,
You conquer my insolent
Strands. I win, hair. Bang.
What I'm saying is, my hair's a pain in the ass, and there's only one cut that I really like that works with its stick-straightness. But that cut itself is boring, so I would always go for a slightly more jagged, chunky version of it. And wow, did I try a variety of places to get that. I never thought it was a difficult cut, I mean the general idea is pretty standard, and yet I just couldn't find someone who put that little "me" twist into it the right way. Salon Cu ended that struggle.
Whereas other stylists pussy-footed around making a common layered cut a little funkier, Summer knew exactly what I was talking about when I was trying to explain what I wanted. And she actually did it. And it looked awesome. Finally, someone gave me the exact cut I'd been trying to get and not some watered-down version of it. Plus, she styled it the way I wanted, drying it flipped up instead of flipped under (finally). Summer rocks.
Plus I love going in there. It's both chic and no-frills, without an ounce of snobbery. There are sassy Ball Square ladies who are clearly regulars and gab with the stylists, which makes me feel like I'm in a movie or something. If I remember correctly, and I like to think I do, my cut and blow dry totaled $40. Unheard of. The only thing that Salon Cu makes me sad about is all that money I've wasted on boring haircuts or something completely NOT what I asked for.
There are some things to note. You have to tip in cash, you can't put it on your card. They have a website that lists services and prices. Finally, a little while ago I could get an evening appointment with Summer within a few days of my calling in, but now there's a bit more of a wait. People are finding out about this hidden gem, so keep that in mind.
Salon Cu = fab.
It took me almost a full year upon moving to Boston to find the right salon. I'm the one stopping fellow curly-haired people on the street and asking where they get their hair cut. I also tried a few of the places recommended on Yelp, and got good cuts, but nothing great. Nothing that made me feel my search was over. I'd resorted to waiting until I was back in Jersey visiting the folks to schedule my haircuts at my old salon there. Until I found Umberto at Salon Cu.
I've never had some one talk to me so much about my hair! He explains why he's doing what he's doing, and how he's doing it, presumably so that if at some point someone else has to do it for you, you can make sure they're doing it right. Hopefully I won't have to do that for a long long time! I really felt like he understood my hair, and loves what he does. He'd rather blow your hair straight, as he understands that everyone has their own way of styling their hair curly and probably won't like the way he does it. (So true! After every other haircut I've ever gotten, I'd immediately return home and restyle it myself.)
Umberto cuts curly hair all day, as he has tons of dedicated fans. If you want to make an appointment for a weekend, call at least 6 weeks in advance! Midweek is much easier, I think I made mine 2 weeks in advance. Maybe less.
And bring some cash, you can't put the tip on your credit card.
There is a reason this place is 4.5 stars.
I tried a few cheap barber shops, just to be fair, and no comparison. Even thought I'm tightening up the wallet lately, this place will still get my business. NEVER a bad cut.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/1/2007
Went here only once so far (have my 2nd appointment soon and will consider adding the 5th star). I… Read more »
I actually used to get my hair cut by Carlo in Lexington, and have since followed him to this salon (which he co-owns).
Everyone that works there is friendly, and I have yet to complain about a haircut I have received from him.
Great prices, and love the attention to detail.
Be sure to call a few weeks ahead - he books up fast!
I am a little reluctant to write a review because most people think this place is so great. Well a month later I need to find another salon and spend god knows how much because I can't do anything with my hair.
I walked into this nice, clean salon and was never greeted. Honestly, I don't know if it's me but it's work for people to be nice in this area. The receptionist had attitude, whatever....I waited. I won't mention the name of the person who cut my hair but, GOD was her personality boring! It was so hard to talk to her. The owners were there and all they did was complain about Russian women. This place should be called Salon BORING.
I told my hairdresser that I read about her on Yelp and she was like, oh I don't read those. Well excuuuuuuuse me! Little did she know that I was going to write that in my review. People who don't take constructive criticism are doomed for failure in my opinion.
She asked me what I wanted and stupid me I said, "Whatever you think is good for my hair." BIG MISTAKE!!!! That translates to 'a trim' so I ended up paying full price for a trim and now my hair looks like it's been chopped at the bottom and at the bangs. I asked for bangs but she didn't give me any. I have this piece of hair that sits off to the side of my face between my eyebrows and ear. She styled my hair and burned my scalp, god did I want to scream but I grinned and bared it like a fool. Now, I cannot style this mop on my head.
Well, here I go again trying to find someone who will actually work for their money. I swear I can't find a good hairdresser in this country. The best are in Europe....maybe because they have a lot of experience with my hair type?
I am so hot. I am SO HOT. You don't even know.
After wearing my hair super long for 4 + years, I finally reached the point where it was taking me 20 minutes post-shower to brush it out. You see, I have this nasty, super fine, little kid hair. Seriously, it is the consistency of a 7 year old's, and I have a ton of it. And just like a little kid, it tangles ALL THE TIME. I have dreads as soon as I get out of the shower.
Furthermore, I'm the youngest person in my grad school program and I'm tired professors chasing me away from the departmental copier because they mistakely think I'm an undergrad. I needed to look older, stat.
To make a long story short, I had to cut my hair off, and quickly. I just couldn't stand it anymore. I called Tuesday morning and got an appointment that afternoon.
Summer, thank you thank you thank you for giving me the first short (i.e. shoulder length) haircut I've ever had that makes me look like a stylish yet serious young professional. Before yesterday, every time I had cut my hair short, I looked disgustingly similar to my 7th grade school picture. And I had mall bangs back then. Gross.
I also got highlights, which took forever - a sign of quality, in my opinon. She used a million foils and my hair looks natural and beautiful. Summer is the only stylist who has intuned exactly what I wanted without me even knowing what that was. And she didn't talk my ear off. God bless her.
She took the time to fashion my nasty little kid hair into something that makes me look pretty damn cute, and is wash-and-go to boot. And hey, If she can do this for me, who knows what she can do for a normal-haired person like you?
Plus, it was SO cheap for what I got. The best color (both blond highlights and brown lowlights, expertly blended) and the best haircut I've ever received, plus two products (that were not pushed on me AT ALL or even mentioned until I asked what she used when styling my hair) came to a grand total of $140. I paid $240 for the same thing in Austin at Bradz on 6th (please don't speak of this experience to me. I had no idea how much the bill was going to be and almost threw up on the receptionist when I found out). Make sure you have cash to tip your stylist - they can't put it on your credit card.
Thank you, Yelpers, for introducing me to this priceless treasure of a hair salon. By leaving this review today, I'm just trying to pay it forward.
If you live in Cambridge/Somerville and you go anywhere else, you're an idiot.
*****UPDATE - 01.16.2008******************
* I went back. I went shorter (frightening, but ultimately rewarding), and damn, if I don't look cuter! I woke up this morning, and even my BEDHEAD was cute!
Going shorter, I feel that I veered very close to seventh-grade-school-picture status, but Christine's master trimmings kept me away from the brink. The color is nice but not precisely what I wanted, but I was putting way too much stock in my hairdresser being a mind reader at that point, and I should have been more specific. It still looks fab.
I love this place.
********Update 1.17.08*********
I mean, I really love this haircut. Here is a picture of it:
http://static.px.yelp....
See for yourself!
This summer I was desperate for a haircut and tired of paying $60 for a stylist to hack at my hair while gossiping with other stylists and flirting with clientele. I had recently moved to Somerville and, on a whim, decided to try Salon CU. It's a new salon, owned by life-long Somerville residents. On my first visit the salon was relatively quiet but it has since become busy and appointments are encouraged.
I see Umberto for a mere $40 per wash, cut and dry. He does a great job with my unruly curly hair and doesn't overdo the chit-chat. My boyfriend has his hair cut by Carlo who does a fantastic job for little money (I think it's $25 for a men's cut). I've also heard great things about Summer. My only criticism is that they don't have a receptionist so if everyone is busy, you have to sit and wait for someone to notice you. Hopefully this issue will be resolved now that the salon has become busy.
CU is located on Broadway in the heart of Ball Square, a bit removed from public transportation. You can walk there from Davis in about 15-20 minutes but several buses go down Broadway from both Sullivan and Davis Squares.
Ok, obviously this place doesn't really need another positive review - everybody's in love with it already - but nevertheless, here are my 2 cents:
After being mildly frustrated with my hair (I love Dominique at Miss Laura's as a person and feel slightly bad for "cheating" on her, but recently, I wasn't totally happy with my haircuts there and thus looking for something new), I came here partly because of all the great reviews on Yelp and partly because a friend recommended them. Yet again, Yelp didn't fail me - thanks a lot to all of you!
Anyway, I managed to get an appointment for the next day (which is another reason I decided to come here instead of Miss Laura's where I usually have to book a week ahead), and Christine cut my hair.
I never really have much of a clue with regard to what I want, but she somehow managed to make sense of my rather random and partly contradictory ideas, and I am very happy with the result. My hair already was pretty short, so there were limits to what she could do with it, but it turned out really well and, best of all, requires virtually no work in terms of styling.
Plus, the price is extremely reasonable ($40 plus tip), so I will definitely be back!
When my hair gets long, it gets curly and and fros up and I want to chop my head off. But when I get my hair cut, my gf cries and threatens to... chop my head off.
So I go to get my hair cut and I'm like, "Please keep the curls." YET I am telling them to cut my hair. Dr. Evil finger to lips. Trust me, many many have tried and failed at this.
Summer did a superb job, at a superb price. I have waited a couple of weeks for the post-game. The Fro is in control, and the Curls are present.
I'm from the boondocks. In the boondocks, you can be Frederic freaking Fekkai and you'll still only be able to charge $25 a cut or no one will go to you. For this reason, and despite the fact that I've now lived in the Boston area for 6 years, I've always scheduled my coiffure to coincide with visits home. My stylist, Dana, rocked, and charged a mere pittance compared to comparable stylists in the city. Tragically, she decided a few months ago to relocate to the South, and while I don't object to crossing the NH border to maintain my 'do, the Mason Dixon Line is another story.
Just as I was beginning to get used to the fact that having fabulous hair was going to be an expensive and sometimes disappointing endeavor (one overpriced, underwhelming visit to Aveda Athena in particular perpetuated this belief), my dear friend Jess D. recommended I visit her stylist, Summer, at Salon Cu.
I called on a Tuesday morning in the hope of getting an appointment for that same evening. They were booked up, but had openings in the afternoon, so I made an executive decision to make like a socialite and take an extra long lunch at the beauty salon. It was a slow day at work. On a whim, I also decided to have highlights put in, and to get a cut far more drastic than any my long, straight (well, artificially), conventionally middle-parted hair had ever experienced. I crossed my fingers and hoped that my transformation would be in capable hands.
Turns out I had nothing to worry about. Summer helped me select a highlight shade that met my stringent specifications (not blonde, not too red, coppery but not too brassy, and very subtle) and then expertly wove them in to frame my face. Once the dye had been rinsed out, she set to cutting. I had brought in a photo of Reese Witherspoon's most recent style (bangs, eek), and she reproduced it flawlessly. Once she was done, I went from looking like every other girl on the street to looking like a cross between a 1970s supermodel who moonlights as a Rolling Stones groupie and a modern day French hipster. In other words, a stone cold fox.
Best of all, the cut and color came to a grand total of $80. How could you possibly do better than that? I feel like I'm preaching the gospel of Salon Cu. It's awesomeness and affordability can't be rivaled.
I have never been faithful to a hairdresser since Salon Cu! I always went to hairdressers for one or two visits and then would "cheat" on them by going somewhere else for something new.
I have been going to Carlo for a few years now . . . literally five of my closest friends and about the same number of acquaintances go to him as well. He does an outstanding job on my very precise bob...but does just as well on my long-haired friends. He will also share his opinions when you when you ask for an unflattering cut...which is something I really appreciate. (I just don't know what would look good on me.)
Since I don't have any gray hairs yet, I haven't seen him for color yet. However, he is one of the best colorists I've seen (based on my friends' hair).
I have also been to Christine for eyebrows. She has a bizarre passion for eyebrows and has a plan for them. As my friend said the other day, "I don't think anyone (including me) has ever had a plan for my eyebrows...and I couldn't be happier about that."
Overall, the whole staff at Salon Cu is amazing. I always feel like a mini celebrity when I'm there....they all call me by name and all stylists participate in our conversations like one big happy family. I can't emphasize how much I love having found a great, inexpensive hair salon that is literally around the corner!
(I am, however, slightly worried that sharing this amazing salon with others will mean I have to wait a long time for an appointment. I guess this salon is just something you have to share.)
I just moved here from San Francisco, and I was nervous about finding a place to get my hair cut. It took me two years in SF to find a place I liked! However, I found this place on Yelp and it was great!
I had long hair and I asked Christine for a more "professional" haircut to help me get a job. She did a wonderful job and I was psyched that I timed my haircut right so I still had the beautiful blowdry look for my birthday the next day. My sister liked my hair so much she went two days later and is very happy with haircut as well.
Remember to bring cash for tip, no tipping on your card!
I had just moved to Somerville and didn't feel like going to Back Bay to get my hair cut anymore. I walked past Salon Cu and decided to give it a shot. I walked in and Summer had an opening in a few minutes. I explained to her exactly what I wanted and she did it. No attitude, just friendly conversation while she cut and styled my hair.
The part I loved is that not only did I get a great cut, but Summer was amazing with the hair dryer. I have naturally frizzy hair, and a lot of hairdressers give great cuts but can't handle the styling. If I wanted someone to attack my hair with a flat iron or grease it up beyond recognition, I would do it myself (as I've done many, many times). But when I left the salon, my hair was bouncy and glossy using only a hairdryer and minimal product.
When I was paying $60 for a haircut, I felt it was worth the money because they were all decent stylists as well as haircutters. Who knew I could get that for almost half the price?
*update 9.15.07. Two days ago I went again, and got another great cut, however, it kept falling in my face at work, and didn't look right tucked behind my ears. This morning I went to Summer and explained my dilemma, and she made a few quick cuts, and it works so much better! She didn't even charge (but I still tipped)! If I could give 6 stars, I would!
Finally a hair salon that I won't cheat on! I first went to Salon Cu based on Yelp reviews. I made a same day appointment with Carlo and he did an amazing job. I brought in a couple of pictures (on my cell!) and he understood exactly what I wanted. He took his time and was easy to talk to but he didn't force the conversation. I knew it was going to be great when he blow dryed my bangs before the rest of my hair- I have a terrible cowlick and when they air dry they curl up and make any haircut look awful. I left with a beautiful bouncy style and felt super confident for the rest of the day.
I recently went back for the second time and was even more impressed. The first time my hair cut was not very drastic but this time I wanted to go super short (for me! a little longer than my chin). Again I brought pics and again we had a beautiful understanding. Same great experience! Because my hair is much shorter everyone who has seen me has done a double take. I have never had so many compliments on my hairstyle before, especially when I've styled it myself! I have been recommending Carlo and Salon Cu to everyone who comments on my awesome new style.
For the record I have fine, straight hair but a lot of it. This new style is easy to work with. I am so pleased :) The girl at the counter was also very friendly and we had a nice chat as she washed my hair.
Overall a wonderful experience. I will definitely be coming back and I would probably pay more than $40, but the low price is one of my favorite things. Bring cash for a tip! Carlo rocks :)
I tried this place on the recommendation of other http://Yelp.com reviews. My hair is long and a bit unruly but the stylist, Summer**, did a pretty good job with it. Unfortunately she used those funny insta-layer shears (I don't know what the proper term for them is, clearly!) a LOT, which, while it creates a nice, light look direclty out of the salon, seems to damage hair in the long run. (Note to self: Ask stylist not to use insta-layer shears next time.)*
As something of an aside, the stylist also assumed I like my hair blow-dried straight (I think because I made a comment about the frizz and curl), which meant the look when I left the place wasn't quite the way it would look once amateur moi took over the styling. She DID do an excellent job straightening without getting it frizzy, at least.
Generally though, I think it was a good cut and it has lasted well. The price is decent, comparable to other salons I've been to in the Somerville/Cambridge area. A woman's cut costs $35 and up (mine was $35) and includes the standard wash & dry. NOTE: Like many salons, they no longer allow you to put the tip on the credit card charge (due tax purposes). So bring cash.
*4/3/07 I have been informed that insta-layer shears are called thinning shears. Ah ha.
**6/18/07 I went back a few weeks ago for another cut. This time I think the stylist was Carlo. He did a great job, understood how my hair "works," and put me at ease.
I'm never going to get my hair done anywhere ever again. This place rocks, Umberto rocks, and my sweet, sweet haircut rocks. I cannot stop playing with my hair today. It's shiny, healthy, and gorgeous. It was easy to fix this morning, and looks exactly like when Umberto fixed it. That's usually my problem; I get my hair cut, it looks great when I leave the salon, and that's the last time it looks nice until the next cut. Umberto cut it so nicely, it was almost effortless to fix this morning when I got ready.
Book appointments far in advance: Salon Cu is pretty popular and books up two weeks out. Also, bring cash if you want to tip. You're not able to add on the tip to your credit card.
A + for Carlos!
It was my first time in the salon, and I was treated like a regular! I've got short, wavy, coarse hair...and a TON of it...and it was such an amazing experience to have someone really take the time to cut all of it, thinning it out & explaining to me how it will grow out and what we should cut next time.
Needless to say, I was thrilled. At thirty-five bucks in this area, it's a grand deal with a great guy.
Thanks, Carlos! You've got a new regular!
Found the best hair salon on the planet! Seriously you MUST go here.
I got the best haircut, highlight and blow dry from Summer. She took a few minutes to ask me what I wanted and then went to work.
Four hours later, I looked like a hair model!! I started giggling when she whirled me around to take a look at my soft highlighted hair cascading past my shoulders with little upturned curls at the ends. The style lasted three days! I said three days! People stared on the streets. My coworkers all got distracted from our monthly meeting when I walked in. I mean this is head turning hair.
Summer spent so much time and care highlighting my long hair (hence the four hours). While I was there I saw every single other woman walk out like a model. There was a 40ish old woman with mousy brown shoulder length hair come in with some gray roots. 90 minutes later she had a bangin asymmetrical bob (think Posh but much more volume) and a rich caramel brown color. It was so shiny and pretty she looked ten years younger and she couldn't wait to get home to show her hubby!
The book up fast and are starting to get a cult following. All the stylists are fantastic and easy to be around.
Tip in cash as others have reported. Prices are posted on the website. They do great men's cuts too and they are so brilliant they can pull off regular cuts or really trendy cuts flawlessly.
You'll see me there Saturday!
Summer cuts my hair and she's great.
She's cut it in long and short styles and I've always been very happy with both. I don't give her terribly strong instructions, just usually a "this is the amount of styling you're ever going to get out of me, this is my occupation, now make it into something doable..." type of comment. It's much easier now that I've been seeing her for about two years, but this was all she needed by way of instruction my very first time there.
Summer is also super nice and talkative. It's hard not to love her.
I don't know about the other stylists, but I never see anything to be scared of when I'm in there. They've also all always been really nice and friendly.
I, unfortunately, don't love, love the product they use. It always leaves my hair a little limp. But then I'm a major Redken fan so I'm not sure how fair this is...
I also, unfortunately, never carry cash on me, and you can't tip on a credit card. I'm always running to the nearest bank and paying a fee just to leave a tip.
Making appointments has never been a problem. I do notice a bit of more professionalism when the owner answers the phone and makes the appointment for me. But no one's ever been rude to me.
Overall my experience there has been pretty great. I love Summer. Sad I'm moving soon and will have to find another stylist. I wonder if she could come with me...
So, many of you may know that I have had more than one hair disaster in this fair city. Not anymore!!!
I stumbled upon Salon Cu, courtesy of yelp, of course. Thank the hair goddesses that I did! I went to Christine and had her snip away. She listened to me and chatted and gave me an exceptional haircut. Now, mind you, she isn't a chatterbox. She's someone you have to get. But, I get her and she gets me... So (finally) my search is over!
Since then, I have gotten 2 more cuts and a color. I have been very pleased each time. One of the cuts was a little trendy for me, but it has actually grown on me quite a bit. I can honestly say that I trust her with my hair now!
After moving to Boston from the west coast, one of the most frustrating experiences was finding a decent place to get a haircut. It's tough for a guy to find a place that actually adapts to your preference, rather than just force their specialty buzz cut or fade on you. I went through mediocre haircuts from four different places before following Yelpers here.
Two haircuts in, I'm pretty happy with this place. Umberto cuts my hair and remembered me and the style as soon as a walked in a second time. At $25, it feels like a steal. I'd recommend this place to any guy that has even the slightest interest in style.
I live around the corner, and was inspired to try the place based on the good reviews on Yelp and on the very cute haircuts my roommate got there. Salon Cu is kind of like the hair salon version of Cheers, except more sleek and modern looking. Everyone is very friendly. Carlo cut my hair, and did a FANTASTIC job. My fine blond hair has never looked so sassy after a blow-out! I was hot to trot that Saturday night, that's for sure.
Parking is easy - meters on the street. Saturday appointments need to be made about 2 Saturdays in advance. Tips in cash only.
There's no need to be elitist about hair salons - people off Newbury Street DO in fact know how to cut hair! Try Salon Cu for your next cut.
