Davis Hairdressing

When you have curly hair, and you find someone who understands what to do with it, you don’t stray. I love Jen and I’m always happy with the 2 – 3 hair cuts I get here each year. My curly haired preschooler loves the treatment she gets here too!

I’ll start this how I’ve started other reviews about my hair, because it’s still true, and in the interest of full disclosure, it’s only right.
My name is Rachel, and I am addicted to big red hair.
For the last, oh, six years, I’ve been a redhead about 87% of the time. Occasionally I do something absolutely nuts, like go black for the month of October, and then get a color correction and go red again. These antics were fine in my native metropolis of Los Angeles, where I had two amazing colorists who would bail me out time and time again.
When I left LA for the beautiful ‘burbs of Boston, I knew it might not be quite so easy… and it wasn’t. I found a great chain of salons with a few South Shore locations, my relatives liked this salon, went there for haircuts, the Unilocal feedback was good…
So I tried it. The first time, I told the stylist I’d like to even out my light and bright orange copper to something more natural. I left a brunette. I tried a different location, and a different stylist the next month. I asked the receptionist for someone really good with color. I left the cherry cola color you’ve seen on Sharon Osbourne, and every mom who has ever bought a box of color at CVS and gone DIY on her grey.
To be clear: that cherry cola red, that’s a blue based red. That’s a shade more like purple than copper, which has it’s base tones in orange. It is not like the red I showed the stylist in pictures of me from three months before– at least not to the trained eye.
This left me adrift.
I explained the situation to my sweet husband. He paints, so he understood, although he doesn’t really care what kind of redhead I am, because he’s smart enough to acknowledge the truth in the expression «happy wife, happy life.»
Hubs and I are at Michael’s one Sunday, buying decorative twigs for our new apartment, and he says «hey, that lady’s hair is the color you want! You should ask her where she gets it done.»
I look over, and I see this impossibly gorgeous mound of thick, curly, deliciously copper orange hair. It’s the color of streaming sunlight in the desert, and for a second I think it’s natural, it’s just some lucky Irish girl, and then I see some highlights and my gut says, «that’s hairdresser hair!»
And this, my friends, is the saga of how I met my new hairdresser, Jennifer Lopez.
Yes, that’s really her name.
She’s rad.
She got me back to copper. She listened to my boring stories about decorative twigs! She’s a consummate professional, a master stylist who would be successful in NYC or LA, and she’s at home in a lovely little salon in Newton.
Sweet!
For those of you who have never had a color correction, it’s kind of a crap shoot. Your hair becomes an unknown variable that can react in odd ways to the chemicals involved, leaving the stylist to formulate on his/​her feet, and somehow get you to the color you’re imagining. The fact that she got me RIGHT to it, on the first shot, with all that weird color in my hair, it’s a good sign. She’s the kind of colorist you can trust, like completely trust, not just to fix it, but to get it all kinds of right.
If you need someone who is truly good with color, give her a shot. Just don’t snake my Thursday night spot, caz in another three weeks I’m gonna need a touch up!

This is my tried-​and-​true salon in Newton — I’ve never had a bad haircut even though I’ve seen quite a few stylists. I usually just ask for the least expensive one and still have a really luxurious experience and walk away feeling great! it’s clean, classy and comfortable.

I received now THREE messages on Unilocal from someone named «Brian» who regaled me for my review. Wow, you’re really invested in going after me. Sorry, Brian, I didn’t take time to read all your messages in full, but the gist of the second message was:
1. I’m being MEAN
2. I don’t live in Boston, so what do I care?
3. My review wasn’t posted, and it KILLS me
4. Amy is sweet.
Let me address those four points.
1. I’m posting my opinion about my haircuts at Davis. I am not attacking anyone personally.
2. I lived in Boston (well, near Boston) at the time I wrote my review. My friends/​family who have gone to Davis still live there.
3. Incorrect. I’m not personally bugged that my review is being filtered. What DOES bother me is the filtering of dozens of legitimate reviews, in order to bolster a business’s overall rating. Salons are especially egregious in this regard. I think it’s important to read HONEST, varied reviews, in order to make an informed decision. And since a family member (who just had her hair redone TWICE, the second time by the owner, Ken) doesn’t Unilocal,I will write about my experience.
4. She is. And very fun to talk to. And I still stand by my review.
Take care,
Cat
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I went to Amy Lynne a few times for cut and color. I really wanted to like Davis, both for the location (not in DT Boston, a nice change), loft-​like atmosphere, and energy. But… it really wasn’t all that great.
Don’t get me wrong — Amy’s INCREDIBLY enthusiastic and energetic. At first, I was SUPER psyched by her cheerleader responses to my suggestions. That gets her a zillion stars. But after a while, the manic craziness started to wear on me. You hear a *little* too much about her personal life, she runs around to different clients several times, leaving you to stew, and — this is a HUGE peeve of mine — she primps and watches herself in the mirror while she does your hair. I HATE THAT. I know, if you’re a hairdresser with sad hair, you’re bad advertising. I know, you’re hot stuff and should have been an actress. But really, eyes over here. Over here — you know, on your client.
My first haircut was very exciting and, in the manic enthusiasm, I kind of missed that it wasn’t the greatest cut. The color actually looked stunning before the toner was applied; afterwards, it looked dull and lifeless. The first cut/​color process took HOURS. I was starving, running on about 20 cups of Keurig coffee, and starting to get looks from the rest of the staff, like «What are you still doing here?»
The second and third haircuts and colors were really blah, again took hours, and were extremely costly. One time, I was there for more than 4 hours. That’s like 50 years in dog time.
After my last cut, I was really unhappy with the way it turned out (after a few days’ reflection). I called to see if Amy Lynne could touch it up. No, but I could come see someone else (huh?). So, I did. She seemed completely befuddled why I was there, and after snipping a few pieces off my head, told me she had other clients, but I could style my own hair at the style bar. F for FAIL.
After Davis, my next few cuts/​color were in a much pricier market (Tokyo), but actually cost considerably LESS. Not to mention that they were done by a low-​key and ridiculously bad-​ass Italian dude, who absolutely nailed my hair and didn’t look at himself in the mirror once.
I think Ms. Amy and the salon might be getting a little big for their britches…

I’ve been seeing Katelyn at Davis for almost 2 years. She rocks! Ken Davis runs a nice little shop right in the heart of lower falls in Newton. Plenty of convenient street parking and a nearby municipal lot. I always look and feel great when I come out of here. Services can be a little on the expensive side, but remember you are paying for a person’s time, knowledge and expertise. To me it’s a total experience, not just a haircut, and I feel it’s worth it. The shampoo girls are very nice and very professional. I really like it here and won’t be switching any time soon.

I’ve been going to Davis for more than 15 years, even after I moved out of town! I’ve had several hairdressers there — very consistently good. But now I’ve stayed with Katelyn for the past several years. Besides being a totally lovely person, Katelyn listens and cuts and colors my very curly hair perfectly. Emphasis on, she really listens and understands what you want, and does it! It’s important to her that she get it right, and that only makes me more confident in her approach, knowing I will be satisfied. And, my hair care dates are are a real treat.

I have been going to Torie at Davis for over a year now, and I have yet to be disappointed. Granted I always ask for a pretty simple cut and a slightly darker gloss, I would totally trust her to do something a little bit more crazy. I always enjoy chatting with her, but she is not annoying or in your face. Very professional! I also like her honesty. If she thinks you are asking for something that doesn’t make sense, she will let you know.
When you walk into Davis, they always make you feel taken care of, as they carry a very professional and courteous air. Also, I have to agree with earlier reviews. The highlight of my visit to Davis is definitely the wash! It always comes with a few solid minutes of a scalp massage, which is heaven…

Great owners but prices started to skyrocket, appointments got botched and I was treated like a number. Often left with wet hair and color on my face. It’s a large salon and would recommend only using it if you are assertive. Stylists are skillful.

I’ve had Linda cut my hair a few times now and she is wonderful! My hair can be very unmanageable. Linda asked questions, made suggestions and has so much knowledge. The price they charge is very reasonable and I certainly reccommend her to all my friends and family. Gone are the days of bad haircuts and tearful car rides home! =)

Okay cuts, but not worth the money I paid to see a senior stylist. I’m quite willing to dish out a lot of money on my hair, but it had better look fantastic when it’s done.

I’m really sad to be giving this place a two-​star review. I have been a customer for over five years now (even after having moved to NYC a year ago, I continued to schedule my appointments around my visits home to my parents). Until recently, I’ve had a wonderful run of it. However, I think there may have been a change of management (also a logo resdesign) because the last couple times I have been in for highlights, I have been sorely disappointed. Though I admit I still get great color, previously, for about $ 90 I got a partial highlight, glaze, and blowdry. Today I walked out with sopping wet hair, having paid $ 120 (plus tip) for only a partial highlight and extra for glaze, having been told (curtly) that a blowdry is a «courtesy» for repeat customers only. May I suggest better bookkeeping?
Not sure how I am supposed to evaluate the color I just paid for with sopping wet hair, but either way, I think it’s time to find a new go-​to — one that is perhaps a little less transactional and a closer to my neighborhood.

I made an appointment at Davis recently when the hairdresser I had been going to in Cambridge stopped styling hair.
I called on a Saturday and was able to get an appointment for the following day. I was a little early so when I arrived for my appointment the receptionist showed me to the waiting area and offered to get me something to drink. When Tatianna, the stylist I was working with, was ready, she came over to greet me. She brought me to the sink and an assistant washed my hair (and gave a nice little scalp massage!). Once I was in Tatianna’s chair she asked what I was looking for, listed really carefully and asked appropriate follow-​up questions. I have had a lot of experiences in the past where it feels as if the hairdresser was rushing me through an explanation of what I wanted or trying to finish my sentences about what kind of cut or style I was looking for. Tatianna didn’t do that, which I really appreciate. We also had a discussion about how I style my hair day to day. When I explained to her that I didn’t really know how to give myself a good blowdry and that I always end up relying on my flat iron, she took the time to teach me what she was doing as she styled my hair. She suggested product and brushes as well as demonstrated and explained technique. The result of my appointment with her is a beautiful cut and blowdry. And, she was very friendly and nice to talk to! The cost is pretty moderate too – $ 52 for a cut and blowdry. I will definitely be returning to Davis to see Tatianna again!

This was one of the best hair places I have been to! I’m not sure why it’s marked as $$$, it’s really not all that pricey compared to some other area salons. My wash cut and blow dry was only $ 52– VERY reasonable, especially when you consider the service.
Katelyn cut my hair and she was absolutely fantastic. We had a great chat and she was an absolute pro with the scissors. I will be recommending Davis (and Katelyn) to all my friends!

I have gotten my hair here three times — this is huge for me as I usually get my hair cut about ummmm once a year! And I think I have been to about 20 different hairdressers in my lifetime. Always love the cut I get here — Caroline is wonderful!

So, my update. Tatiana was okay. I wasn’t thrilled. I asked her just to thin out my hair a bit since I liked the length but it needed a little more style. She asked me what I thought about layers and I told her okay, but not too nuts. I ended up hating the cut for the first few weeks (I considered going back and having her take some of the length off, but I still wanted to have the option of a pony tail so I decided against it). The shortest layer was too short for the longest layer I thought and I felt like it looked a bit shaggy/​mullet-​ish. Other people seem to like it but the layers are too spikey for me, especially going in there wanting a sleeker look (just to thin it out!).
Granted I am a terrible client as I can never convey exactly what I want (if I know). I tend to give them a few key words/​descriptions and pray they can read my mind, this is my curse.
Also, making small talk with the others was fine but less enjoyable with Tatiana. I felt like she said words and phrases just to fill the silence but there was really no substance to her or her responses. She was nice though!
In the end I should have just gone with a more expensive stylist because I would have liked it better and I ended up with a $ 15 parking ticket anyways (for being there 68 minutes, thank you City of Newton).
I’m a bit on the fence about going back, mostly because of the price. If I did I would ask for Jen I think (Thanh was just too expensive) but ideally I don’t want to pay over $ 60 (tip included) on my cuts.

I jump around a lot between salons but I find myself coming back to Than for coloring all the time. He does a great job with high and low lights and the color lasts much longer than what I have received at some of the other salons that I have flirted with. Had Ken Davis the owner cut my hair once and it was a good cut but not worth the price. Salon is very open and airy (on the second floor) and the staff is always very friendly and nice.

I am non-​committal with hair stylists, call me a scamp. This is due to the fact that I typically wait until my hair looks like a heap of unfolded laundry and ask for a same day appointment with anyone who’ll take me.
I have seen 3 different stylists here and been really happy with the results every time. Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

I started going here over 3 years ago based on a co-worker’s rec. This place is SO great. The first time I went I just told them to give me anyone in the middle of their price range; I lucked out and got Corinna, who is FABULOUS. I love the color she does, and she does a lovely cut. I’m always happy when I walk out. Comfortable salon, coffee/​tea/​water on offer, and the shampoo is the best part of my weekend. It’s a long, lovely massage that you wish would never end.

I am new to the area and visited Davis based on the reviews on this site.
The salon itself is cute, not too pretentious, they do the whole offering you drinks thing while you wait as other reviews have mentioned. I had to wait about 5 minutes after arriving on time, no big deal.
One thing I really enjoyed about it was the shampoo and wash part, the hairdresser I had (can’t remember her name, sadly!) did a fantastic job with the head massage. I felt like I should smoke a cigarette afterwards, it was that good. wow!
The haircut itself turned out perfectly, it was just what I wanted, and I was going from extremely long to chin length so it was a big change. Love the haircut.
They also give you a nice little goody bag with some little samples in it, and a $ 20 off coupon for the next visit. This would probably be my only reason for going back to Davis, because even though I thought they did a great job on the cut, I am a frugal type of girl and the prices here must have changed big time, I did not get charged $ 32 as noted from 2006, I was charged $ 60. The strange part was that there was no place on the receipt to give a tip, not that I would have tipped much on top of $ 60 because that is a heck of a lot for a haircut in my book. So perhaps the tip was included?
Anyway I do recommend it, just go realizing that this place is not cheap, or at least call to inquire about pricing before you go.

I just got back from my first visit to Davis and I am more than pleased. After bouncing around stylists and salons for the past few years, I think I finally found my «place.» I called a couple of days ahead and had no problem making an appointment. I was greeted promptly and offered water, coffee, or tea while I waited (I was a bit early). I saw Erica and we chatted for 5 – 10 minutes about what I wanted (I wasn’t sure) and she gave several suggestions while trying different things with my hair.
Now, to the shampoo. Oh, the shampoo! If I could afford to have them wash my hair every day, I would. First of all, you sit in a small recliner, which is quite relaxing, plus the sinks are higher than usual so you don’t get a huge crick in your neck as someone bangs your head around a plastic sink. Another thing I really liked is that the wash area is free standing and not against the wall so the stylist actually stands on the other side to wash your hair and you don’t get armpits and boobs in your face as they stand over you. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. The best part is they spend a couple of minutes massaging your head. That combined with the slightly menthol shampoo is just… awesome, heavenly. It’s like a spa service added on to your shampoo. I could’ve sat there all day.
The rest of the cut and blow dry was as exceptional and I ended up with a really great cut and lots of ideas of how to style it in the future. The whole process took a little more than an hour (only 5 minutes of that was spent waiting). A blissful, relaxing hour. As a new customer they have you fill out a form so that they can send you coupons and other offers and enroll you in their referral service. How much does this wonderful, upscale, spa-​service cut cost? $ 50 plus tip (depending on the stylist). Same price as a «master» stylist at the mall. But I’m never getting my hair cut at the mall again.
For city dwellers: The salon is one block from the Newton Highlands T stop.