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Revive Hair Studio
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
670 Tremont St(between Pembroke St & Aquadilla St)
Boston, MA 02118
Neighbourhood: South End
(857) 366-4225
- Nearest Transit:
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Tremont St @ Pembroke St (43)
Tremont St @ W Newton St (43)
Tremont St @ W Brookline St (43)
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
83 reviews for Revive Hair Studio
83 reviews in English
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Review from L P.
Somerville, MA
5/10/2012
I pink-sparkly heart love Revive. I have long, curly hair (although it was at one point VERY VERY short), and I've always struggled with finding someone who can cut my hair well CONSISTENTLY. I'd find a salon and have one or two good haircuts, but I was never thrilled.
My sister discovered Revive and sent me an email raving about it, and I've now been going there for over a year! My sister has thick, straight hair (compared to my wild curls) and we both get great cuts. Megan, the owner, is completely adorable and always listens to what you want. She also makes a point of feeling the texture of your hair while it's dry and is thoughtful about if a cut will look good on you. She actually cut my hair while dry last time I was there, and it's grown out to be one of the best cuts I've received at Revive.
Revive is also a SMALL salon, and they're always busy. You need to make an appointment ahead of time. If you don't, you might end up having to wait for a 1-2 months until you can get in.
My cut is $65, not including tip. -
Review from Sushmita m.
Somerville, MA
5/2/2012
Yes, Revive gets every star, and Cheryl, too. Sadly, I've only discovered Revive after 2 years in Boston and as I'm on my way out, but I have tried too many salons in the area, all with less than desirable results.
As another yelper put it below (and so perfectly!), all of the other salons I've visited in Cambridge/Boston have chopped at my hair indiscriminately, clearly not sure how to handle my head of thick, frizz-prone, and much of the time, unruly hair. This usually results in 15 minutes of uninspired chopping, followed by 25 minutes of styling -- and I do NOT book haircut appointments for people to spend the bulk of their time blow drying, straightening, and then curling my naturally wavy hair.
Cheryl, on the other hand, was so skilled and knowledgeable, I felt at ease right away and with good reason -- she worked magic on my hair after listening to what I did and didn't want. This was one of my top 2 haircuts ever. Ever. -
Review from Caro M.
Boston, MA
3/17/2012
I chopped off 12 inches of hair at the shears and expertise of Cheryl, who was an absolute badass with my locks. Sitting in her chair, I was instantly comfortable and able to trust my tresses in her hands.
I had never been to Revive, and after a couple of bad haircuts at Liquid (check my reviews), I was fragile and losing hope that I'd ever find a stylist in Boston who understood my hair. Cheryl was detailed and knowledgeable, like a wicked awesome hair-ologist of the sorts.
$60, -12inches, and 1 hour later, Cheryl and I exchanged stories and connected in a way that solidifies her existence in my life as my favorite hair stylist ever. Having been a bartender, fashion professional and world traveler in her past rockstar life, she knows the importance of adapting to personalities and bonding with her clients. She's so convincing in the most honest way that if she suggested for me to get a buzzcut, I would in a heartbeat.
Everyone else in the salon was so sweet and complimenting me on my new look saying, "You could dump a pile of shit on her face and she'd still be gorgeous." Awwww, I'm flattered! *blushing*
+1 more star for not having butchered my layers with a razor. Any stylist who can refrain from razoring is a diamond in my book. -
Review from Rebecca C.
Boston, MA
4/25/2012
I seriously could not write enough great things about this place. I have never, in 25 years, ever liked a haircut I've gotten. Ever. I've always found something wrong, often times I've cried. I've gone to all different kinds of salons, including the unbelievably expensive ritzy ones that leave your wallet shaking in sadness. To add to that - my hair is really not easy. It's VERY curly, and there is a lot of it. I mean - a lot. I'm pretty sure I've had trouble making it through doorways.
I've been to Sara at Revive twice now, and each time I have left beaming. I'm not a girly girl - so I don't know much about hair terminology, styling, etc. Sara was able to see through my mumbling and confusion (I told her I wanted side bangs when really, they would have looked awful, and she insisted I meant a side swoop), quickly get my personality and see that I don't want to spend a lot of time styling, understand completely intuitively what I like and don't like about my hair (when I couldn't even really verbalize it) - and both times - she has transformed the curly mound/mess on my head into a sexy, elegant, composed set of ringlets.
As a bonus - she does this incredibly quickly, she's awfully fun to talk to, and it only costs $50.
IN SUMMARY: If you want to feel amazing, look amazing, and be relaxed in the knowledge that your stylist gets you, gets your hair, and have this all for $50. Go to Revive. Fly across the country if you have to. It's worth it. -
Review from Kayla B.
Boston, MA
2/23/2012
Wendy (and therefore Revive) deserves all five of these stars and more.
I moved to Boston about 4 years ago and sought out a new hair salon. Every few months I tried a new place but was never satisfied. I'd had my old stylist back home for almost 10 years and nobody was as good as her. I never left the salon feeling happy with my hair or the amount of money I'd spent.
I made an appointment with Wendy due to her great reviews here on Yelp. A few days before coming in, I made the stupid decision to bleach my hair at home. It turned out mostly copper orange with some pale yellow hair at the roots.
Wendy sat down with me and asked me exactly what I wanted from my hair, and we talked about the logistics and my options before we got started.
The shampooing was great. Every place I've ever been to has used water that was too hot, splashed it all over me, or something like that, but Wendy was perfect.
Through about half the hair cut she never mentioned my damaged hair, so I brought it up. She confirmed that I had destroyed it and gave me her professional opinion on what I should and shouldn't do to it and we made a little game plan for the future of my hair color.
I was at the salon for an hour and a half, and the entire time she and I chatted away. Normally I hate the awkward obligatory conversation between hair stylist and client, but Wendy is seriously one of the most personable people I've ever met. I had a very pleasant time talking to her.
At the end of the appointment I asked when she recommended I come back. Most stylists I have experienced are pushy and want me to make a new appointment right then and there, but she told me to come back when I felt I needed a trim. That was refreshing.
I was completely satisfied and happy with my hair cut. Wendy did everything I had asked for perfectly and showed me exactly how to maintain it. And after the amount of damage I'd done to it, it was much better than I had expected.
When I went to pay, my total was $65. I hadn't spent any less than $100 on a hair cut at much less deserving salons since I had moved to Boston, so I came in expecting it to cost that much. I ended up giving a 50% tip because Wendy absolutely deserved it.
I intend to return to Revive exclusively, hopefully as Wendy's client. -
Review from kathy l.
Lynnfield, MA
3/6/2012
Very professional salon with talented stylists.
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Review from Pat W.
Winchester, MA
2/24/2012
I'll join everyone else in saying this place is the best salon I have ever been to. And I have been to many many salons. Just color for me so far, but I went in with hair pretty fried from highlighting. Rather than talking me into doing it again, Cheryl helped me understand that the bleach was doing the damage, and to go to single process instead. She spent about 20minutes playin g with my hair, looking at it in the window to get natural light, and then she mixed the best color ever. I have alot of gray, and she knows how to cover that without over coloring the rest- plus she explains what she is doing as she does it. AND she is super interesting to talk to. I went for my second color yesterday and I have the color I've always wanted.
The salon is friendly, there's no attitude, parking is easy, it's super clean, and you can tip on your credit card. It's the nirvana of hair. -
Review from Kari S.
Boston, MA
11/2/2011
I just moved to Boston from Austin, Texas a few months ago and have been looking for a place to get my hair cut here. I'm pretty easy to please and am open to taking risks with my hair, but want it to look finished. After trying Pure Hair Salon over by my flat and getting the worst bang trim of my life, I decided I needed to take the rest of my head somewhere different.
I read the reviews about Revive and was impressed. They were able to get me in, in about 4 days because of a cancellation with Cheryl. She asked a ton of questions about my hair and how I liked it cut and throughout the entire process, she explained what she was doing and why. She also gave me some great tips on how to take care of my fine hair, as it's changed in texture over the years. Best of all, she fixed my wretched and ridiculously cut bangs and evened them out.
I also gave her free reign to play with the style a bit and she gave me exactly what I wanted - an edgy, piecey, and dynamic haircut. I loved that she played up the way my hair falls naturally and I even got a few compliments walking home tonight!
Thanks Cheryl, you definitely have a new customer! -
Review from Eric B.
Miami Beach, FL
12/9/2011
amazing, I'm using my husband's account because I NEVER write any reviews but basically I have to give this place 5 stars. I had an app with Wendy and it was amazing. I cut my hair really short almost a year ago and since then I wasn't feeling comfortable with the way I looked. I went there and it was perfect.
Reasons to come back:
1. she listen to what I have to say and what I was looking for.
2. She spent an hour polishing every little detail on my hair (I had a terrible haircut)
3. I got what I was looking for, an angled bob. I'm not a big fan of short hair but now I'm considering to keep this style.
4. The staff is really friendly.
5. The salon is pretty small but cozy.
6. The price is not to high for the quality of the service.
I don't know how it works for long hair but for short hairstyles this is the place to go. I also saw the work of the other stylist and it was really pretty. My advice is book your app with at least a month in advance or call and hope for someone to cancel, that's the way I got mine.
Enjoy -
Review from Anabelle D.
Boston, MA
10/16/2011
I went to this place because of the awesome reviews but I was terribly disappointed afterwards. Wendy did my hair and all she did was complain in a "funny" way about how much hair I had while she was cutting and drying t. Not only did she do a mediocre job cutting it, but made me feel very uncomfortable while doing it.
There are many other places in Boston that do the same job and leave you with a much more pleasant experience. Try: betty at Dekwa or Ramina at Enzo. -
Review from Coco J.
Brookline, MA
2/28/2012
Revive is THE BEST! Everyone that works at Revive are so nice, accommodating and funny! If your looking for a new stylist, see Megan. She rocks!
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Review from Chelsea G.
Brighton, MA
11/9/2011
I cannot resist the 5 star bandwagon, because honestly this salon deserves it; especially Wendy. The cut, color and service was top notch but not only that I was laughing my ass off the entire time. She kept me entertained while still giving me the best cut and color I have ever received! My hair is very fine and my ends are damaged from years of bleaching my hair, so Wendy not only gave me a great new style, but she also planned out the future of my hair and how to get it back in great condition!
I cannot wait to come back and tell all my friends to get off Newbury and get to the South End! -
Review from Jillian G.
Somerville, MA
3/1/2012
After moving to the east coast, I was in need of a hairdresser, but was nervous about finding someone who would do a good job. I was extremely happy that I found Megan at Revive and have been extremely happy with her work.
As a bonus, I am always offered a beverage when I arrive and the extra massage during the shampoo and conditioner is splendid.
She has since seen me through everything from a jaw-length bob to hair well past my shoulders. I would absolutely trust her with my hair any day. -
Review from Maho K.
Woodstock, CT
Updated - 7/27/2011
So I see someone had fun pressing buttons/ clicking pictures on my previous "review" of Revive, anyways here's my real review.
After my mom accidentally gave me a mullet (no lie, I hid it by putting my hair up in a bun until it grew out) i realized i needed a real stylist to cut my hair. So I did some research and finally decided to get my hair cut at Revive.
She and hair cutting implements are like Harry Potter to a broom, Gandalf to his "walking stick", Han Solo to Chewy (maybe that one doesn't make sense). Anyways my point is that Sarah is like Edward Scissor hands without actually having scissors for hands.
She did a fantabulous job cutting my hair. My hair is stubbornly straight and unbeleivably thick, and it feels awful in the summer it would be like if a normal person walked around all day in summer heat wearing a thick wool hat, it just doesn't breath. Anyways she thinned my hair out alot, now I can actually feel the wind blow through my hair, oh and she gave me sick layers.
By the way they do take American Express and it cost me $50 not including tip.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/25/2011
So I know this isn't a review but I was wondering if anybody could tell me how mucha hair cut with… Read more »
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Review from Jamie G.
Boston, MA
3/2/2012
I read all the Yelp reviews when looking for a new hair salon, and had no doubt this would be a great experience. I was absolutely right. I got VERY lucky--when I called, there was a cancellation the next day and I was able to get in. The exact conversation--"Well, we have an appointment tomorrow at 11...and that's it for March." Needless to say, I booked.
Megan took great care of me today. As soon as I sat down, we had around a ten minute consult just so she could get a grasp on what I wanted. She absolutely nailed it, and I left a couple hours later with the exact haircut I was looking for.
I would absolutely recommend this salon to everyone. Good luck getting an appointment, but if you do, you will not be disappointed!! -
Review from Marianne M.
Boston, MA
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
The secret is out: each stylist at Revive is booked solid 8-10 weeks out! And Sara's talent is no exception! Sadly, I waited too long to schedule an appointment with her before my move out of Boston and I'm now on the waitlist behind 30 other people.. yes, THIRTY! Needless to say, I'm bummed because I probably won't get to see her.
I've got long and somewhat wavy hair and Sarah is a pro at working with my texture, giving me perfect long layers and volume. Her cuts allow me to air dry my hair and she never takes too much off. The best part: her cuts for women start at $50. I'm obsessed!
Sara, if you read this before Sept. 5th.. Will you try to squeeze me in? I'd love you forever ..and I promise to stop tearing my split ends. -
Review from Courtney P.
Boston, MA
10/12/2011
I loved this place. Not pretentious, in my neighborhood and genuinely friendly. I am so bad about making appointments, so I'm not sure the next time I'll be able to go back, but I highly recommend. It was super convenient for me to get to, and I didn't feel out of place here like I do in some Newbury Street salons.
And most importantly, EXCELLENT work! -
Review from Claire J.
Watertown, MA
7/13/2011
Megan has been my savior for the past 8 years. No one has been able to cut my hair to my liking before. I suffered with years of terrible or boring haircuts and had resorted to cutting my own hair. Finally I decided I would find somewhere that seemed to fit my style.
When I started seeing Megan I was paying $25 a cut! While I do miss those prices I am willing to dole out the money for her current price because I am convinced she has magic the shoots out of her fingertips. Who can put a price on magic? No one.
I have very thick, wavy hair and there is a ton of it! Megan copes with my mass of hair with finesse. She will even shampoo it twice when we plan on flat ironing it, so I can make it last as long as possible. I've had a range of styles, from chin length shaggy cuts to long layers. She also made me a blonde from dark brown hair, twice! All have grown out wonderfully and I have always left happy. She is also great with bangs, and I have had quite a range if them!
I am so happy she is now operating out of her own place. Revive has a great simple modern design. It is small but I never feel claustrophobic or cramped.
Some may not feel like making the trek into the South End but I find it incredibly easy to park in the morning and can find spots a few blocks away. The T can be tricky, most have to transfer buses or take a 15 minute walk from the South End stop on the orange line. I've done both before and enjoy the walk from the orange line when the weather is nice. Great scenery and architecture to check out.
Anyway... A+++++++++ -
Review from Shirley Y.
Cambridge, MA
11/12/2011
i couldn't jump on the five star bandwagon. not that this place is horrible, mind you. maybe my expectations were just sky high from all the awesome reviews. the place is great, the prices are reasonable [sara is $50 a haircut for now] and i would absolutely go back! however, you have to book 2 months in advance; they are booked solid.
i walked into this cute, little, cozy salon slightly late. the staff here were so friendly and cool about it, and sara got straight to work on me. the salon was small but well laid out, with full length mirrors, but flattering lighting to complement the clientele, not that harsh lighting that makes me shudder when i stare at a full length mirror of myself. we discussed the length of my haircut [i had very long hair] and we agreed to trim off the dead stuff, the tangled stuff and just leave behind the good stuff with lots of layers. she washed my hair herself [there are no helpers here]. it was no frills, and to the point, all the while discussing which shampoo and conditioner that i should use.
i ended up with slightly longer than shoulder length hair, with the layers that i love. as she cut the layers, she warned me that "this may look kind of weird, but it really works" as she twirled my hair around in a spiral and took off the hair and various lengths. not only is there plenty of communication with what to expect, she also gave plenty of advice on how often to wash my hair [everyday is too often as it strips away the natural oils] and the coloring i do at home to cover up the rampant grey. and despite the fact that i don't normally talk while i get my hair as i'm decompressing after work, sara was super friendly to talk to, very down to earth and fun to get to know.
best of all, i went from a tangled mess [especially underneath where the coat collar hits] to a completely tangle-free existence as the haircut grew in. everyone knows that it's not just how you feel when you walk out of a salon that determines the quality of the haircut, but how you still feel a couple weeks later. -
Review from Amy B.
You know how people always say "I wanted to like this place, but . . ."?
Some sick part of me wanted to not join the five star bandwagon at Revive. As terrible as a bad haircut is, I do hate being just like everyone else.
Based on the reviews on Yelp and a few specific ones commenting that the ladies at Revive can handle a head of curls, I made an appointment with Cheryl. Worth noting: They book appointments several weeks out and are no doubt growing more difficult to book with by the day with their reputation. Don't expect to be seen the same week you call.
As others have noted, Cheryl took a holistic view of my head, touching and looking at my hair and then cutting it so it could go where it "wants." I have coarse, medium-curly hair with cowlicks that stubbornly defy attempts to tame them. Cheryl accommodated all these quirks and met every one of the haircut criteria I'd given her (must be long enough for ponytail for when I run; must be easy to style; must not require blow drying).
As an added bonus, Cheryl did not scold me for two recent hair sins (going six months between cuts and causing lots of breakage with plastic bands for aforementioned running ponies). Nor did Cheryl make note of my unfortunately multiplying gray hairs, which many hairdressers eagerly seize as part of their color sales tactic. I felt like Cheryl really understood that my hair was going to need to fit my life and not vice-versa. She was also fun, easy to talk to, and gave me some great advice about local restaurants.
Great haircut, great experience, I will be back. The bandwagon's not such a bad place to be, I guess.Listed in: Amy B's Best of Boston, Body Mechanics
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Review from Andrea P.
Cambridge, MA
1/19/2012
Sara how could you!!!!!! How could you make me cheat on my hair dresser? Thank you so much for my beautiful cut with long layers. I loveeeee ittt!!! My fiance loves it as well and he never even notices when I cut my hair.
Sara YOU ROCK! This was my first time here and I am really happy with my hair:):) YAYYY!! I enjoyed talking to you and love the way you style hair. See you again soon!! -
Review from Sarah M.
Brighton, MA
3/3/2011
Amazing. This review is for Sara. My hair is a freaking terror unless tamed by the strong hand of a professional, and I was a little leery of finding a Boston stylist right after I'd finally found someone in NYC. But I read the reviews, took the plunge, and it totally paid off.
I got my hair cut in layers back in Novembe, and it's grown out beautifully. If the layers aren't done right, my hair absorbs more moisture than a ShamWow and poofs up like a bounty paper towel. It's that super thick, part-wavy, part-curly, entirely-frizzy kind that people with fine hair always think they want to have (seriously, you're all wrong).
Sara listened to my craptastic description of what I thought my last stylist had done to it and managed to pull it off again. Better yet, when I said I hadn't been able to master straightening it as nicely as the pros, she walked me through a very practical hair regimen. Thanks to her, I get the straight, shiny effect I've always wanted to do on my own.
As someone who has always sucked at those girly-touches, having beautiful looking hair means a lot to me! Thank you, Sara!
They clearly have a passion for what they do here, and it elevates haircutting from 'personal service' to art. And it's just great to be with people who are in their element and clearly loving what they do. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Bob H.
Suffolk, MA
6/1/2011
Megan is amazing!!! If you're looking for a great men's cut, look no further. I searched for ages for someone who could cut my hair right -- I'm blonde and every cut of the scissors shows in my hair. Not only does Megan know what to do with different types of hair, but she listens to you and tries to understand exactly what look you want and how to achieve it. Scissors, thinning shears, razor... she knows exactly what to do. She gives me a perfect cut and texture every time!
Everyone else who works at Revive is incredibly nice and welcoming. Every time I go in, everyone's smiling and looks like they really enjoy what they do.
So sad I have to move out of Boston and miss this place! -
Review from Nina Q.
Boston, MA
5/24/2011
After getting a horrible haircut at a "trendy Newbury Street Salon" from purchasing a Groupon (normally I'm a fan, Groupon. Sorry.) I needed some serious restyling. I have simple taste, with curly/wavy hair that I like to keep natural sometimes - especially in this weather - or blowdry straight. It's fairly easy to style, but it can go rogue fairly easily so I need a cut with good shape. Enter: Revive.
A friend recommended Sara to me. I live around the corner from Revive so I thought - recommendation AND I'm supporting local. Win-win. That's putting it lightly. Sara was fabulous. She not only gave an ABSOLUTELY fabulous cut, but the experience was easy and relaxing. I've been getting nonstop compliments for the past week.
Everyone there is top-notch (I was checking out the other do's getting did while there.) And the vibe is so comfortable and friendly. The wait for an appointment was totally worth it and I HIGHLY recommend going. -
Review from Aviva M.
Waltham, MA
12/8/2010
Revive is the place that inspired me to become a contributor to Yelp. It's that good.
I went to Revive after getting a pretty crappy haircut elsewhere. Sara transformed it into the exact style I wanted and the price was more than reasonable. I've been back a couple times since the first and she's been so great; I began feeling like I needed a change and I wanted to go short again, but she reminded me that I had wanted to grow it out and suggested I gave it more time to get long. After she gave me a trim, I was so happy she kept me focused on growing it out.
The only drawback is that it's really tiny, so as its awesomeness spreads, it might get tougher to get an appointment. -
Review from Jaimie M.
Brookline, MA
12/20/2010
Yet another 5 star review for Revive! I had my first appointment there a couple days ago, and am ecstatic with the results.
My appointment was with Sara. I have wavy, long hair that is sometimes difficult to manage. I read so many positive comments about Sara that I told her to just do whatever she thought would work. Good choice, because she is practically magical! We talked a bit about hair-quality, wants, wishes. Shampoo, conditioner, cutting of wet hair, blow-dry and then some more cutting of dry hair.
Overall result of haircut: transformation into full-bodied, perfectly layered gorgeousness!
No other hair stylist has managed to give me a hair cut that I loved this much. All of the ladies were also super nice and friendly. I'll be visiting Revive regularly! -
Review from Sarah S.
Allston/Brighton, Boston, MA
11/16/2011
I wanted to go from shoulder-length hair to "short" which was uncharted territory for me so I didn't know what to ask for or what to expect. Luckily Wendy did a great job taking charge and gradually taking off length and also recommending when to stop. So I was nervous before the cut but couldn't have been happier after!
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Review from Jenn P.
Somerville, MA
11/17/2010
Without a doubt, Sara at Revive Hair Studio is the best stylist that has ever touched my locks. Ever. She has clearly fallen to Tremont Street straight from Heaven above. I followed her to Revive from Liquid, where she just happened to be available to give me a cut on the day I found out that my usual stylist was no longer available. And oh, the miracles she has worked since that fateful day.
Sara makes my hair funky-fun and fashionable, but still manages to make my personal style completely acceptable in a corporate daytime life. Whether it's the Middle East for a Friday show or an anxiety-filled Tuesday afternoon boardroom meeting, it's all good. She coaxes my hair from an interesting rat-fur shade into a dazzling blonde that my own mother thinks is my own natural color now. Crazytown!
Additionally, I swear she has a memory that is out of this world, because no matter what we chatted about the last time I saw her, she can pick up the thread even three months later as though we were talking about it just yesterday. I love it!
I love Revive! I love Sara!
And I desperately need an appointment, now that I come to think of it.... -
Review from Amzers B.
Boston, MA
5/7/2011
This place is awesome. I'm never fussy with my hair, so I figured even if the majority of these reviews wouldn't match my experience, I wouldn't write the place off either.
But no, Wendy took my long frizzy mass and cut it to the exact short 'do that I wanted. I brought in a few pictures of what I wanted and she took one glance and went "oh yeah, yeah no problem." I couldn't tell at first if she dismissed me quickly or really saw the pictures, but by the end of the haircut I could tell she knew what she was doing all along!!
EVERYONE I see that knew me with my long hair says this cut totally makes my face pop and is "me", and I love it as well. I'm a chubby chick, so i was worried a short cut was going to make me look terrible, but Wendy pulled off the best haircut I've ever had.
Excellent cut (see pic), excellent service. Can't wait to go back for my shape up cut! -
Review from amy s.
Somerville, MA
12/18/2010
The Revive girls have a cult following, so I am a little afraid to rain on the party with a four-star review... but here goes.
I've only seen Cheryl. She is the fabulous, bohemian aunty that I never had growing up. Her website bio says: "Hair.. is... Ahhht." (Art, in other words).
And so, Cheryl cuts my hair in a way that is, well, very artistic. As she razors, she often asks to herself, "Where does this hair want to go?" It's like she's some kind of woodworker or stonecarver from the renaissance days.
OK, this is all very cool, but I have to say... though I LOVE Cheryl...(sigh) I don't love my hair after Cheryl cuts it. And, I've gone back three times to try and force myself to fall in love with my Cheryl-haircuts, because I really LOVE THE IDEA of being one of Cheryl's art projects.
But, alas, I think I gotta move on. Revive is just too far outta the way for an infatuation.
That said, a $50 cut is a decent deal in the south end, and I get select compliments from trendy, tuff girls after a Cheryl-job. So, 4 stars.Listed in: Haircuts under $50
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Review from Sara M.
Boston, MA
3/31/2011
This place has so many 5 star reviews it's getting boring. Yet I'm throwing mine in with the lot because I just can't give it any less.
My appointment was with Sara and she is - as others have said before - amazing. Easy to chat with, extremely nice, and a hair-transformation wonder. She definitely takes the time to figure out your style and what will work best and then she makes it happen. The salon itself is also really laid back and comfortable and everyone who works there seemed very welcoming and cool. I'll be going back and I recommend it to anyone in need of a new salon. -
Review from Madison M.
Boston, MA
1/16/2011
I have lived in Boston for six years and never have I EVER had a haircut that made me smile.
I literally hugged Wendy before I left. This woman is phenomenal. And has a tattoo of scissors and a comb. She's sassy and confident and hilarious and gave me the haircut I've always wanted. I will never go to anyone else.
Thank you thank you thank you -
Review from Lauren M.
Cambridge, MA
9/16/2010
love Love LOVE this place!!!
The atmosphere is great and I found the location to be easy to get to, even driving.
My entire experience was amazing. :)
I actually took the advice of the yelpers when choosing a new hair stylist. I got Sara and she is freaking fantastic!!! :)
She took off about 14 inches or so of my curly / wavy hair, and gave me the cutest bob - it's so easy to style and takes no time at all.
This is the first cut I've gotten that I've actually been able to recreate the results from the salon style.
Sara is nothing short of amazing.
I'm psyched to have found my hair stylist in Boston, FINALLY after living here for 3 years.
I will definitely be seeing Sara again and I suggest you and your beautiful hair make some time to meet her too! You will not be disappointed. She works the magic. -
Review from Anastasia R.
Cambridge, MA
2/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Ahhhhhh. Wendy.
Wendy, who now works at Revive Hair Studios, is a Legendary Lesbian Boston Underground phenomenon***.
***fun lesbian subculture fact***
Wendy actually has an on line guarantee. If you are a lesbian and have your hair cut by Wendy, you are guaranteed to get laid. The funny thing about this is that she didn't start the rumor. People who had gotten their hair cut had. And I will certainly testify to it.
I've been seeing Wendy since I moved to Boston and decided to get my very first Faux Hawk.
Picture this: Anastasia R. circa 2003 walks into a funky little salon to make an appointment for her first real dyke haircut.
I walked up to the receptionist, a bit nervous as I'm looking around, and ask to make an appointment.
"What are you looking to have done, hun?" says the very friendly and spunkily coiffed receptionist.
"Well, I'm just looking for a cut. A Faux Hawk actually..." preparing myself for her perkiness to fall into a look of disdain. I'm from Maine and had run into this several times before finding out that my mother's hairdresser didn't mind the muff divers (but seriously who wants to go to their mother's hair dresser).
"Great. You should see Wendy. When can you come in?" No drop in demeanor and the smile was still there. Good sign.
"Does Wendy know how to...do a Faux hawk on a girl?"
The receptionist raises her eyebrows like she just realized I'm from out of town, and points to one of the chairs in the middle of the room. "That's Wendy."
I look worrying that I'd see another heavily made up woman with highlighted hair past her shoulders that just LOVES layers. But instead I look over to see a 5'2, heel wearing woman with a 5 inch neon pink Mo Hawk and a female symbol tattoo.
I was sold. Wendy gave me the best haircut of my life to that point. I've been going to her ever since and have been super happy every time.
As an added bonus, Wendy puts out a Yearly Calendar, Collectible Wendy Trading Cards, and Sometimes wears a shirt with a picture of her own face on it, but I don't think those are for sale. You have to make your own. -
Review from Amelia A.
9/24/2010
I've been to Revive twice, once as an on-looker, once as a customer, and both times I was totally comfy and happy and entertained.
I'm kind of shy and awkward, and (as a result) I'm not much of a small-talker. My beloved hairdresser at home (Providence) wasn't, either, so we comfortably ignored each other while she was making me look presentable. I appreciated it, 'cause it's just too much pressure, you know?
So after I moved to Boston and before I went to Revive I nervously asked my lady friend what to expect in terms of chit-chat. She said not to worry, but - I have to confess - I still did.
But!! Not once did I struggle with words during my cut, but I didn't have to feel weird about being silent, either. Sara's just so easy to talk to. We yammered on about everything, and I felt totally at ease with her. When I left I felt really positive about it, and I am looking forward to our next non-awkward chat.
Oh, and my hair looked ridiculously good, too. Should probably mention that. -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
5/7/2010 10 Check-ins Here
"You're going to have a new place to Yelp," Sara told me as she worked her magic with my foils at Liquid in early May. She was leaving, moving to an undisclosed new location, still in the South End, in under a week. She said she'd be Facebooking me all the info I need. Ah, the wonders of technology!
About a week later, I had an inbox message from Sara that she'd moved to Revive, a new studio featuring an old gang of Liquid employees who were breaking out on their own. Sara's new style with my color means I don't need to see her more than once every couple of months, so I waited patiently until last week to book my first appointment at Revive.
It's a small, undergound (literally!), and minimalist shop-- no Elvis bathroom and no leopard print walls. Thankfully, no bad old music though! It gets loud when all the chairs are occupied, but is serenely quiet when they're not. There's no 'color room,' and my main comfort complaint is the waiting chairs, where I sat while my color processed, weren't super comfy. They do have some magazines, and offered me a drink. Not sure if an expansion is possible, but an area for waiting out your color job would be key.
I had a chance to chat quickly with Megan, the owner, about some product, and appreciated the no-nonsense, no-bullshit, no-upselling style these ladies are committed to.
I feel bad critiquing really anything, because it's pretty awesome to me that some stylists got together and broke out on their own to pursue their careers-- and I was stoked to find out Sara's still loyal and charges me what she always had for my services.
Also, I love that I can tip on my credit card now!
I hope their success can lead to a little space expansion, but I have to leave 5 stars for the stellar job on my hair. As always, Sara asks all the right questions, takes what I want in mind, and also has her own plan that pretty much always ends up fabulous and exactly what I wanted but didn't verbalize.
These gals are talented, and you will not be disappointed with your hair when you leave.Listed in: make me beauuutiful
-
Review from C P.
Medford, MA
10/22/2010
This makes the 30th five-star review--and yes, this place is that good. I've seen Megan twice. Each time the cut was really wonderful, and the blow-dry made me realize, for the first time in my life, why people sometimes pay money just to get a salon blowdry. I come home and my husband looks at me in awe. It's pretty much the cut I always wanted, but no other hairstylist managed to give me. She's talented!
Also, her shampoos are heavenly--like a mini head massage...so nice. And the products they use all smell really good, and they don't try to push you to buy them at all--which I appreciate. (And I did end up buying one, for a reasonable price.)
The whole salon is very clean--I like how all the stylists take the time to keep their space, and the floor, swept and tidy.
The front desk manager is Megan's wife and she is great on the phone and scheduling appointments. They also send email appointment reminders. You can put tips on a credit card...score. (I seem to never have cash on me.)
Free street parking is easy to find on West Newton St. (the closest cross street to the salon).
They are so popular that even trying to make a middle of the day, middle of the week appointment, I generally have to plan a few weeks ahead! -
Review from monica b.
Brighton, MA
11/24/2010
Love this place and wont go anywhere else!
I was lucky enough to get Cheryl the first time I went here right after I moved from LA and she gave me an AWESOME haircut that was really fun and fit me perfectly. If you give her the right of way, she wont d you wrong, I promise! She cuts as she sees her vision forming, and the outcome is killer!
I went to Wendy the second time because my philosophy is that you always need two good hairdressers in case of an emergency, last minute thing or if one is sick, so I tried Wendy since I read great things about her...all are true! She is OCD, which is great cause so am I about my hair, so everything came out perfectly...also really fun, cute and suited my face and style 100%. She is also really funny and hot as hell (I told her I'd write that in my review, but hell, it's true :) ).
I'd recommend either of them to anyone, and from what I've seen, the other girls are just as great so I'd probably feel fine with anyone touching my hair from there. I've found my hairdressing team and an super psyched about both of them! -
Review from Karen D.
5/5/2010
OK, so don't judge my review by my photo, because the photo was taken just before my overdue trip to see Wendy in her new diggs at Revive.
-Cut off my ponytail
-Let's go redder
-How about bangs
-An angled bob
-Let's go darker
-Dry it curly
-Long layers
-Just a trim
-Dry it straight
-Do whatever
-I need a change
-I want to grow it out
These are just some of the things I've have said to Wendy over the last seven years, and no matter what I've said, I've never felt anything less than fabulous leaving Wendy's chair. The first time I went to Wendy and saw her smurf blue Mohawk, I was apprehensive. She gave me a fabulous new doo and I have been faithful since. I always look forward to my visits with Wendy. We always have a good chat and a few laughs.
I really like the salon, too. They did a nice job in the space. It's charming and tasteful. I really like the atmosphere. They are the same fab gals that have worked together at a couple of other South End locations only they kept the the fun and left the drama behind. -
Review from Emily B.
Boston, MA
12/12/2010
Yay for Megan and the amazing stylists of Revive! This place is awesome.
Everyone is super friendly and it's a pleasure coming here to see Cheryl, whom I have been following around for years. I have short, thick hair and I've always had difficulty finding a stylist who knows how to cut short hair well. When I first started college in Boston, I made an appointment with Cheryl at another salon on a whim after experiencing a mediocre cut from Dellaria. After my first time, I never looked back. Cheryl is a hair psychic - she'll give you exactly the cut you want, even if you have no idea what you want! It's amazing!
You should make an appointment with any of the ladies of Revive and experience the awesomeness yourself.
