The Parlor Salon and Apothecary

I cannot say enough about this place. Especially the talents and spirit of Nikki. Like others here, I live in another state but save my hair stuff for visits to Mass. I have a modest income, but I simply have never had a cut as amazing as Nikki gives. She’s understated, down to earth, and has a feel for what should happen with every strand of your hair. Getting a cut feels so natural, almost like nothing is happening, and then it’s perfect at the end. Every hair lies in the right place and does the right thing. It’s a very rare level of artistry. She’ll be as adventurous or conservative as you want and is always amazing at framing your face with your hair. I tried 4 of the most highly recommended salons in my current city and none came close. Helen at the front desk is lovely too, and at my last visit so was my very talented colorist and even the hair washing guy (first time with both, so I don’t recall their names yet). There’s an attention to detail that feels natural and relaxing. Because the cuts are so good, they grow out well for months (up to 6 months for me), so if you’re on a budget it can still be affordable in the long run. This is a really special place, and Boston is fortunate to have it.

After seeing them in Best of Boston 2015 mag, I thought I would give in a try. Nikki listened to what I wanted and gave me an excellent haircut. Only complaint I have is that she had her assistant (Manny?) blow dry my hair, and he clearly had no idea what he was doing. Nikki had to come over more than once to correct him. Besides pulling on my hair and nicking my ear (ouch), he kept telling me that my hair was «not listening» to him, which was ridiculous. He also pointed out the little bit of Psoriasis on my scalp, which was embarrassing.
Overall, I’ll give Nikki another chance, but I’ll pray beforehand that I get a different assistant helping her out.

Valeria is a fantastic manicurist. She has changed my nails for the better. They’re healthier and I no longer get gel manicures, just regular manicures from Valeria, and they look great.
The entire Salon has a great vibe and is very relaxing. Each time I have been has been very enjoyable.

I now fly up from Austin just for this place. No, I’m not rich, it’s just that NO ONE ELSE can actually give a sophisticated cut I can keep for eons (I once went 13 beautiful months between a cut/​trim and got compliments the whole time my hair grew out). I found Nikki by pure luck when I lived in NYC, back in 2003. Over the years I’ve tried other people. I moved to Austin in 2011 and she moved to Boston at some point. But last year, in 2014 I could stand crappy «cuts» no more and routed myself through Boston on the way to visit family in Rhode Island. Like stayed in a Red Roof Inn and had the 6am flight so I could work it all out financially. WORTH EVERY CENT. Recently, I made the mistake of saying «ok» (knowing better…) to a colorist who wanted to «trim» my great cut. She swore she SAW the cut Nikki had done. She lied. My curly hair (that I love to wear curly AND straight — not just one way all the time!) looks a fright. I’m pissed at myself. And looking for cheap flights so I can «surprise» my Rhode Island family with a visit (which will include time in Nikki’s chair). NIKKI KNOWS HAIR, all hair types, and can suss out what each client is looking for. If you live near her I am jealous. Go often. Some of us will be on the bi-​annual plan for a while. :)

I got a gel OPI manicure and full Brazilian wax (my first one!) with Valeria. Being that this was my first time getting a waxing service of this kind it was important to me that I went to a salon with a strong reputation. The price was only $ 50 which is the cheapest price in the area for a full Brazilian wax. Although this salon didnt have any reviews yet for the waxing service or the manicures I decided to give it a shot given the Salon’s reputation.
I am so glad I did! Valeria was very patient and kind. The overall experience was better than I anticipated. It was not pain free by any means given that this was my first time, but Valeria walked me through her entire process which made me feel more at ease.
The salon offers complimentary beverages so at the end of my wax I got a cup of hot tea :).
Valeria was also very detailed with my manicure. It was $ 35 for OPI gel base, color, and top coats. In LA, I’ve never paid more than $ 25 for a gel manicure. But they didnt use OPI gel colors so $ 35 was very reasonable, especially in Wellesley. Needless to say I have found my go-​to here.

I have been looking for a hair salon closer to home now that I no longer live in Boston. I tried a few other places out in Wellesley but never felt that happy after my color or haircut. But then 3 different people mentioned the Parlor. All of them raved about their highlights, colors, haircuts and told me to check it out. As a mother of 3, by the time I think about scheduling an appointment it’s too late to call, so much to my surprise the Parlor had online booking! That was a plus! I booked a highlight and hair cut online with Sarah. Sarah really took the time to get the right color highlights for my hair and she did a fantastic job with my haircut. I walked out feeling and looking great. Other things I liked about it were they had a parking lot in back and offered drinks (seltzers, waters, coffees, etc…) when I first came in. All in all, a great experience!

I went in for Model Monday: Let me just first say the salon is tastefully decorated, friendly staff, and music is relaxing. Second, NIKKI is amazing, SHE TOTALLY FIXED A VERY BAD HAIRCUT; my fine tresses are restored to life with a totally modern cut encompassing body, texture, movement, and versatility. Nikki herself is SUPER SWEET, as well as the staff. I would feel comfortable getting services from any of her stylists. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem.

Nikki knows how to cut hair. She listens well, and finds a cut that fits you and your face. My hair is difficult to style: very thick, random waves and it doesn’t like to stay in place. I have been looking for a stylist for 2 years now and have been up and down Newbury street and all over Boston, but not until Nikki have I been able to find someone this skilled and talented. And in the few times I have been there have never had to wait more than 5 minutes. The atmosphere is nice as well: low key but not dull, elegant and no loud, harsh music.
Nikki is a total find.

Most amazing haircut ever! Nikki is incredible– her technique, style, and attention to detail are exceptional. She somehow made my unruly hair chic and easy– showing me how to style it straight or curly. She cuts wet and dry, and works magical light layers that flatter every angle. Plus, she is a doll. What a find– a NY haircut in Boston– I’ll definitely go back again & again.

Unbelievable!
I saw Daisy for color and Nikki for cut. Both were incredible. Worth every penny.

Very nice staff and great ambience. They were very accommodating as I was running about an hour late to my appointment at the end of the day but they still took my appointment.
Unfortunately, the reason they are getting 3 stars out of 5 is because literally 5 minutes after I left the salon, my blow out fell completely flat. I get blow outs about twice a week and my hair has never fallen out so quickly. When I returned home from my appointment my boyfriend did not even believe I had gotten my hair done! Great stylists and beautiful salon — but such a waste of money.

I just had Frances today and she is such a sweetie! I loved that she took a lot of time getting to know my hair and how it responds to this crazy New England weather. She also really listened to what I wanted by giving me a cut that will grow out well so I can reach my goal of longer hair (had it bobbed a year ago). I can’t wait to go back and get my hair colored!
Frances also wins major points because she helped style my hair for a photo shoot — it turned out so well!

Best haircut I’ve ever received! I had Daisy cut my hair. She took so much time to put in every detail. My hair is now so versatile, which can’t get any better! Never has my hair felt this light it’s amazing, going from a dry curly mess to beautiful straight layers! I will definately be coming back!

This review is LONG overdue. This place is absolutely so charming, light, airy, a super pleasant and relaxing place to zen out and get beautiful. I have been seeing Venera there for my brows for a while, and she’s wonderful. I just had a cut with Shirley for the first time, and I’m thrilled! She is a genius. I have thick, curly hair, and she has given it such a beautiful shape, I feel cool and confident, and really happy with how I look. I am hooked!

Nikki cut my hair and she did an amazing job. She took a long time and did things to it I’ve never seen another stylist do! I’ve been to dozens of hair salons in Boston, and had my hair cut by the owners of various salons before, but no one has ever spent as much time on my hair, or done as good of a job as Nikki did. It is well worth the drive to get your hair cut here!

I love the Parlor. I have been going to Shirley for many years for haircuts and Victoria for color. They are both very special people and talented artists. I have very thin hair that I like to wear long. Shirley manages to make it look thick and lovely. Victoria finishes it off with a wonderful color that compliments my skin tone. The space is beautiful and all of the staff feel like friends. I get in there and I never want to leave.

Magic happens here. I’d planned, recklessly, to grow my hair for a long long time, and when it was time to chop it off and start anew (for 2011 naturally), a close family friend suggested Parlor. I called, and they got me in promptly. Everyone there was just as excited as I was for the radical change I was going to undergo. It was nice to have such support and encouragement. Niki and the colorist (name started with a V, I think…) were amazing. I walked out with a hair cut that was versatile: just edgy enough to rock it out when I want, flirty, young and hip, and yet also can be conservative depending on the styling. I didn’t actually think it was possible to fit all that into a hair cut/​color but they all listened to what I wanted and by trusting their skills, I got amazing results. My mother said, «Of course I love you, but I love your hair too now.» There has been nothing but (a lot of) compliments, double takes (good ones!) and even a positive comment from a FedEx driver. Even my boss asked, «Does having that hair cut just make you feel rejuvenated and alive?» And yes, it’s true and it shows: every day I wake up happy! I’m still finding secrets Niki built in with each style I try, and the color gets rave reviews… I will definitely be back for the next time I change it up. In Parlor I trust. You should too.

I’ve been getting my hair cut by Shirley for a little over 4 years now she is a true professional through and through who takes her business as seriously as each haircut she expertly delivers with care and thought. The talents of Shirley coupled with Victoria’s color expertise has seen me through high school reunions, multiple weddings, date nights, and even my wedding feeling confident and stylish. Shirley and her staff are warm, welcoming, and unpretentious. The parlor is a chic and sophisticated yet also relaxed and not overly done venue for hair cut or color, manicures, and I think other services will be coming online soon.
The Parlor might be considered pricey by some dependent on the type of services you are used to receiving however, my hair is something I am willing to pay a premium for and I find their prices to be very balanced based on the caliber of service and value of the experience each and every time I go there. The Parlor is an environment where you can rely on getting a quality haircut that will last you weeks and look effortlessly chic! I love the Parlor Salon and Apothecary and highly recommend it.

Yes, I’ve been going to Niki for haircuts in NYC for years… and I’m out-​of-​state! She’s that good! My adult daughters who live in Manhattan rave about her haircuts, too! You won’t be disappointed.
I really think that I may even make the trek to MA in the future! :)
Andrea S.
NJ

I was in town helping a friend move and was in desperate need of a hair cut. I decided to try the Parlor because I couldn’t wait to get back home, it was just that bad, and it was near my friend’s new apartment. Luckily, they had an appointment for me.
I guess this place is fairly new, nice space large space, very inviting. I was scheduled with Nikki, she is one of the owners I guess. She is a recent transplant from Bumble and Bumble in NYC. She was so nice and listened to what I wanted in my cut. Not only did she deliver but it was perfect. I was so happy with the results and it has been easy to style on my own. If I lived locally, this would be my hair spot. Gives me reason to meet my friend more often. Check it out!