West End Salon & Spa

Excellent staff! I believe they have a new owner and the new atmosphere is very relaxing. I received a men’s cut from Victoria and couldn’t be happier! I will definitely be a returning customer and recommend this salon to anyone in the area looking for great work!

I’ve noticed that there are a ton of reviews for hair cuts and waxes but not a lot for facials, so this is my attempt to reconcile that discrepancy. Back in June, I tried to book one of their signature facials using a Groupon, but was told they didn’t currently have an esthetician on staff, so they would be honoring the Groupon past its expiration date. Fast forward about three months, and I was fully expecting to have to fight to book with my expired Groupon, but they didn’t bat an eye and were even able to fit me in on the same day I called.
My facialist’s name was Raji (please forgive any misspellings) and she was an absolute dream. I’d been having the worst, most stressful day at the office (hence the last minute treat yo’self appointment) and Raji made it all go away. The entire experience was well-​curated and did not skimp on atmosphere– dim lighting, relaxing music, comfortable treatment bed/​table with soft linens and a blanket. The treatment room is quiet and well-​insulated from outside noise. Raji even offered me some bottled water before starting, which seems simple but is a really nice touch.
The facial itself followed the standard pattern: cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, toning and massage, with marination under hot towels in between. There was a heavy emphasis on the massage, and not just on the face; my neck, shoulders, and upper back got a really decent and unexpected kneading.
Also ladies, learn from my mistakes and remove your arms completely from your bra straps– I slid them partially down my shoulders, but the massage part was so thorough I felt like they kept getting in the way of her strokes. Final piece of advice– bring cash to tip, as they don’t accept tips on cards. I have another Groupon for a back facial and can’t wait to go back!

This is the best salon I have been to in Boston. Have been to many on Newbury Street that have charged at least twice as much for styling and color not nearly as good as West End. My favorite stylist is Tina, who for the last 10 years has given consistently impeccable cut/​styling and color. I highly recommend the salon!

I recently had a haircut at West End Salon & Spa. Nothing’s changed, they are still excellent.
Sharon continues to give the best men’s haircut. She’s very personable and interesting to talk with too!

So I went here after purchasing a Living Social deal. All in all it was just OK — no frills, clean enough, easy to get an appointment. The woman was super fast — but wax was everywhere. I literally was stuck to my pants afterwards.

I bought a Groupon for one session of the NuFree brazilian wax. Upon doing further research, the compounds in NuFree are apparently wax-​free and super ideal for very sensitive skin. I regret not getting the name of the lady who waxed me, but she was certainly thorough and I appreciated her taking the time to leave me as hair-​free as possible. She even asked me to look over it myself and see if I could point out areas to go over again, which I think was good rather than just slapping lotion on and leaving me with straggling hairs. I get waxes regularly so the session took no more than 10 minutes. This was certainly one of the better bikini waxes I’ve received in Boston. Regular price is $ 60 for a NuFree Brazilian wax, and $ 40 for what I presume is a regular Brazilian wax.
Upon walking in however, this is where the motivation for my low star rating lies. I asked to use the restroom before starting the waxing session. Upon walking in, the restroom REEKED of cigarette smoke. I don’t know who in their right mind would EVER think to smoke in a secluded place like a restroom, but it was certainly not appreciated whether it was left behind by a customer, or even worse an employee. I’ve never encountered this, and it’s something management should look into. Definitely did not give me a good impression of the salon.

I had gone in for a quick haircut because of a presentation I had the next day. I received quite simply the worst haircut I have ever had. It was so bad that I did not even dare to return and ask for my money back because of my fear of them wanting to «make it right» and further destroying my hair. I looked as if someone had put a metal bowl on my head and trimmed the exposed hair with a weed whacker according to my girlfriend. I’m certainly by no means careless towards my presentation, but I feel that I paid 30 dollars only to look like I just got a trim for free from a blind beauty student while scrambling to find a place in Boston to reconcile my hack job.
Fellow males beware, the gentleman two stores down at the tedeschi would be better off cutting your hair.

I ordered a groupon for two brazilians after seeing the reviews on here and I have to say it was a disappointment. Ive never had bikini let alone a brazilian so I didnt know what to expect the first time, however now i’ve been twice and im not happy. After the first experience i had many stray hairs throughout but i let it go thinking maybe that was normal on the first time. I waited the 4 weeks (also less time than i was excepting?!) as she recommended and returned to a much quicker experience (since the hair is so much finer) however im still left with so many stray hairs!!! This is so frustrating! The point is to be able to skip shaving and now I cant if I truly want smooth, hair free area! What happened to baby smooth? Id save your money and use it elsewhere.

NO for waxing. I have gotten waxes for a decade and this was not only painful, but not done (no backside?) And she got in my hair! Stupid Groupon «deals» which I ordered three of and am getting the price of two returned to me.
The only reason I am giving it two stars is because I also got my eyebrows threaded and that was ironically the best I have ever had.
Stay for the threading, go (elsewhere) for waxing.

I had my hair highlighted and cut by Victoria and I couldn’t be happier. She was extremely professional, down to earth, and she did a great job. I was able to get an appointment easily and start to finish the appointment took roughly two hours. The salon was clean and comfortable. Overall it was a great experience.

It was my first time getting a brazillian wax and I had bought a Living Social deal sometime back that had expired so decided to use the amount I paid towards today service.
Elina, the person who waxed me today, isn’t in on Wednesdays and Thursdays and due to summer hours, they close at 3 on Saturday so I had to come in today. The receptionist was super sweet since I called him 5 times with all types of questions pre-​wax and scheduling and re-​scheduling due to my work schedule. He was so understanding and adjusted my time accordingly.
It’s located near TD Garden with street parking in the front and get this, a parking garage in which they will give you a coupon that will cover it! Seriously, amazing that they would do that so you don’t have to worry about quarters and checking the meter or driving around looking for a spot.
The salon is very clean and pretty and my first time wax was great. Elina is super attentive, apologizing everytime I would wince and explaining what she was doing every step. She answered every question I had told me how to follow up. She used soft wax and used a new stick everytime she would apply wax.
Overview:
-$ 40 for brazillian wax (additional $ 10 if it’s not trimmed though she was super sweet and didn’t charge me since it was my first time)
–validated garage parking
–wifi as you’re waiting
–super sweet receptionist
–Elina was fantastic and quick
–clean salon
I will def. come back again! I give it 4 stars since it’s my first time getting a brazillian wax so I have nothing to compare it to

I bought a Groupon for the 45-​minute Oxygen Facial and wish it had been 90 minutes. Not because it lacked anything but because I didn’t want it to stop — Elina was very professional and thorough, talking me through the various aspects and tools that she was using and making sure that I was comfortable with what was going on. I’ve only had ½ a dozen or so facials in my life and this was the most memorable (I don’t remember the last time I had to be grounded for something). My skin looks great and I was soooo relaxed when I left.
The customer service was also refreshing. At the last minute (30 minutes before my appt.) I was delayed at work and when I called to let them know I fully expected to be out of luck, at the very best to reschedule for another day but more likely forced to cancel and forfeit. I certainly did not expect them to take me an hour later than scheduled and graciously at that. I was given zero attitude.
In short, it was a nice end to a long day I will recommend them to all of my friends, even at full price.

I bought a Groupon for a 90 minute facial and was beyond impressed with Elina. Originally from Moscow, Elina’s training included required nursing school so I felt like I was in amazing hands. She used techniques that I’ve never had, and I left feeling like my skin was years younger. I will definitely be back, and I highly recommend Elina if you want more than just a pampering facial.

I purchased a $ 20 Brazilian Wax via Living Social. Elina did the waxing and she was very professional. This is my second time getting a wax down there and she made it fast and as painless as possible! The first time I paid a much higher rate at another location with great reviews; while the job was meticulous it left me feeling sore. (It may be because it was my first time). Elina did not tweeze my baby hair, and I think she may have missed a hair or two, but overall GREAT EXPERIENCE. I would go back again, especially since she gave me a discount for the next appointment ($ 30).

I purchased a Groupon for a series of facials at this salon and went last night for my first visit. I have never been to the salon before but I was really amazed when I left. The woman who provided the service is named Elina and though she was a little hard to understand due to her accent, I was more impressed by the results. I have had a few facials in the past but this was the first time I had received any kind of microdermabrasian treatment and my skin looked noticeably better 45 minutes later. The process was very relaxing… I would have enjoyed it more had she indicated to me what each step was… what she was doing and what the objective was. However, the real objective for me is to help my skin and there is no doubt that I left with a visible improvement. I am looking forward to the next couple I have via the Groupon and am definitely going to book an appt for the 90 minute ultrasonic facial that is offered.

Yesterday got my haircut by hair stylist, Nancy at this great salon and I absolutely love it!!! Nancy has cut my hair for awhile and I would never go to anyone else. This is a great place with one of the greatest hair stylists. Try it out. You’ll love it!!!