The Boston suburb of Waltham, Massachusetts is home to both Bentley College and Brandeis University. What does that have to do with hair salons? Everything! Towns with a large population of college students must cater to the needs of modern, intelligent, young, fashion-forward women, who won't settle for yesterday's looks. That means Waltham is a place where you can find up-to-the-minute hairstyles and salon services that can beat the best that even some bigger cities have to offer. The top five hair salons in Waltham are all a cut above the rest.
#1) Blondie Salon and Spa (401 Main St. For appointments call: 781-464-0064)
Not just a favorite with locals, Blondie Salon and Spa is a salon that some clients consider worth a trip from out of town. The hip, trendy salon is a multiple winner of Boston "Best of" awards, and it deserves its reputation as a favorite with the style conscious. When you enter Blondie, you'll notice that it's a beehive of activity: the result of the sheer number of types of services offered. Of course the salon offers contemporary cuts, award-winning color, and all the basics too, but the extras make it even more worth it. Damaged hair? Blondie has specialty treatments that will whip it back into shape, like the Powerdose Repair package, which restructures your hair with healthy vitamins. Products by Bumble and Bumble, Atzen, Obagi, and Joico should be a clue that Blondie is on top of what's current. Ask about the Blondie Bucks for extra discounts.
#2) Hair on the Common (20 Elm St. For appointments call: 781-894-2224)
You'll notice right away that Hair on the Common is the opposite of Blondie in feel. The vibe here is much more relaxed compared to the frenzied excitement at its competitor's shop, but this laid back salon is just what the doctor ordered for women and men who want a haircut in a casual, friendly atmosphere. The salon is owned and operated by a sweetheart named Jeana and her small, helpful staff. Make an appointment and the chances are high that Jeana herself will give your haircut, and you'll never end up with a cut you don't like. You'll be super-involved through the whole process. If it's your first time, you'll even get a newcomer discount to make you feel even more at home.
#3) Salon XS (157 High St. For appointments call: 781-810-4730)
One of the best tips most women know for finding a good hair salon is to find someone whose hair you really love and ask them where they got it cut. In Waltham, the answer you'll frequently hear is "Salon XS." The salon gives free consultations to every client, so you'll feel secure before the snipping begins. Salon XS is one of the rare upscale full service salons that takes walk-ins, and they're famous for not making you wait. Their X-Spress menu offers a full line of services that have you in and out in 45 minutes. One of the best deals: the 15 minute chair massage for $25. You can fit it in on your lunch break when the boss is driving you nuts. Owners Sayoko and Dori give generously to the community, donating hair to Locks of Love, money to a long list of charities, and giving away a full spa treatment to a lucky resident once every month.
#4) Di Re Hair Ltd. (75 3rd Ave # 4 For appointments call: 781-895-4808)
When you walk into Di Re, your body just seems to naturally relax. The calming sage-colored walls, fresh flowers, and comfy leather armchairs tell you you're in a place that cares about pleasing customers. The prices are a bit more pleasing than some of the competitors (a haircut by itself is $25), but color services are about the same as you'll find at other upscale salons. Where Di Re especially excels is in special event styling. For proms, weddings, or formal events, the salon is top-notch for styling your hair, your makeup, your nails -your whole look. They'll even give you a trial practice style and makeup application so you can make sure it's what you want for your special day.
#5) Omi Salon and Spa (251-257 Moody St. For appointments call: 781-893-8888)
You will have to wait a bit longer at Omi Salon, but that's partly because the staff there gives special attention to each client, and never hurries them through. The atmosphere is upbeat, clean, and brightly-lit, and the friendly hair stylists keep regulars coming back again and again. If there's any doubt that Omi cares about making its customers feel comfortable, the massage chairs at the pedicure station should assuage that feeling ASAP. Omi is offering hugely discounted prices on its services while the economy is in a downswing; ask about them when you go in and you'll get a good deal on top of super service. This is a salon that feels like a neighborhood hangout, which may be why so many people don't just like it, but love it.
In keeping with the fact that Waltham is a college town, consider yourself educated. Now that you know all there is to know about the area's best hair salons, you can graduate cum laude with a double major degree in looking great and having fantastic hair.
in Massachusetts
