Acote Salon

Just moving to boston from New Hampshire, I felt like i didn't fit in yet. I needed a boston makeover. I had heard wonderful things about salon acote so i decided to give it a try. I little hesitant before i left, my fears were left at the door after entering this beautiful salon. The receptionist was so kind and inviting that my fears were at ease. She gave me some books to look through so i could get some ideas. I decided that i would leave it up to the stylist. the stylist said that my hair was way too long and that i needed to add some life back into it. She was so upbeat and perky i couldn't wait to get started. I told her anything is in fair game and that I just wanted a more up to date look. She said that this was going to be part of her spring collection and taht she was excited to do my hair. she got me excited. Needless to say, it was a perfect match. I have updated hair and she even gave me recommendations on get new affordable clothes. I felt like a princess when i left and i am so pleased i chose to go to acote. You guys are the best. Hello boston here i come.

Pros: enthusiasm, cleanliness

Posted 05/07/07

Just moving to boston from New Hampshire, I felt like i didn't fit in yet. I needed a boston makeover. I had heard wonderful things about salon acote so i decided to give it a try. I little hesitant before i left, my fears were left at the door after entering this beautiful salon. The receptionist was so kind and inviting that my fears were at ease. She gave me some books to look through so i could get some ideas. I decided that i would leave it up to the stylist. the stylist said that my hair was way too long and that i needed to add some life back into it. She was so upbeat and perky i couldn't wait to get started. I told her anything is in fair game and that I just wanted a more up to date look. She said that this was going to be part of her spring collection and taht she was excited to do my hair. she got me excited. Needless to say, it was a perfect match. I have updated hair and she even gave me recommendations on get new affordable clothes. I felt like a princess when i left and i am so pleased i chose to go to acote. You guys are the best. Hello boston here i come.

Posted 05/07/07

If anyone is ever in the need for a great go out look, you must see Danielle at Acote. I have seen her for many events, whether it is for a wedding updo or my birthday, she does it all and always makes me look fabulous. I am very fussy with my hair and she is the only hair dresser that i have found that understands me as well as my hair. Even with my stick straight hair, she manages to give me those soft bouncy ringlets like the movie stars and I feel like a celebrity when i walk into acote. that is how amazing the staff makes you feel. I appreciate them always squeezing me in, because i am not very good at planning and always making sure i have whatever i need while i am there. Plus, they throw the best parties in boston. I am so greatful for finding a place where i can relax and know that my hair is going to come out great. Danielle you are the greatest.

Pros: amazing blowdry and atmosphere

Cons: none

Posted 05/01/07

First time to Acote Salon and last. The atmosphere was nice, I was treated with respect. They gave me a glass of wine, thank God. That is about all the good I have to say. I went to this salon because I wanted to try something new. I have had the same haircut for a while and I just wanted to try something a little more stylish. My hair was a little longer than my shoulders and I asked her to cut it to just below my chin. It is sooo uneven! I was watching her face and she cut one peice to short and tried to hide it. She looked nervous which made me extremely nervous! A three inch section of my hair is a little shorter than the rest, and a straight cut. The rest of my hair is long layers which she really did not do a good job with. Now I have to go to another hairdresser to fix it, pay more money, and cut my hair shorter to even it out!Uggh. The only thing I can recommend if you plan on going to this salon is make sure you have someone very experienced do it. Other wise your wasting your money. I could have gotten this haircut at supercuts! They actually would have done a better job!

Posted 05/01/07

Recently, after receiving the worst hair style of my life, i decided to give newbury street one more chance and i am so glad i did. I chose acote after reading their reviews and looking at their modern website and decided i would try it out. Not only was the receptionist on the phone so sweet, when i entered the salon, they hung up my coat for my, made me feel comfortable and really took the time to consult with me to find out what i really wanted. The place was extremely clean and they do a fabulous job. the cut was perfect, just what i asked for and the lady that did my hair even showed me some tricks on how to style it. I was using the wrong products and now that i am home, i can finally recreate the look that she gave me. Thanks acote, you saved me.

Pros: clean environment, sweet staff, great skill and technique

Cons: wish i could get my hair done more often

Posted 05/01/07

Every time i go into acote, i come out feeling confident, and beautiful. I have seen many of the stylists there and even though i do not often write reviews, i just needed to say that this is the best hair salon i have ever been to. All the stylists are incredible. They have a passion for what they do, they understand many different techniques and they teach the client how to style their own hair. They showed me this flat iron that is also a curling iron (the ghd flat iron) was the best thing i ever purchased. You never feel pressured while your in there and the shampoo massage that they give you is superb. So when ever you are feeling down, take the time to make a hair appointment at acote, you will not be disappointed.

Pros: technique, product usage

Posted 05/01/07

first, it's a VERY crowded and noisy salon, the space is dirty, the floor was full of hair which kind of grossed me out . the atmosphere was bad, people are not too polite or nice. I asked to color my hair, and after sitting there for hours, it came out NOTHING LIKE WHAT I ASKED FOR. and i mean, NOTHING! it was TOTALLY different than what I wanted and I was shocked to see the result, I thought something went wrong. and as i expressed my concerns, all of the sudden, every stylist/assistant starts to convince me it's a better color for me (then why don't I like it?) / the color will change, wait for two weeks, it will be what you want (why can't I get the color i want NOW?)/ or oh it's because of the light/ oh it's because of your original hair color (yes, and it's like the stylist didn't see my ORIGINAL hair after we talked for 15 mins, before he color my hair right?)/ oh it's a better color (says who?)/ this is fashion, this is the trend, you don't want the color you asked for, we promised, (but I STILL WANT IT!) ... so in the end, they offered me half price to go there for the second try to color my hair AGAIN. .... I paid $315 tip+, and did I mention that the hair cut was HORRIBLE, basically he just cut some straight lines here and there, no technique was showed and the result was scary..... my hair is now short and heavy and dull....i really just CRIED right after I stepped out the door, on Newbury street, I can't believe I spent that much money for a worse look.... I'm still REALLY REALLY sad now, my hair is HORRIBLE, I've been upset for days, I don't know what to do.... I think it's really TOO BAD that I had to spent $315+ to look UGLY..... don't choose this place unless you're ready to look bad....... seriously....

Pros: i don't know...... is there any?

Cons: bad skill, bad colorist, bad atmosphere, bad attitude, expensive.

Posted 04/21/07

I've never been compelled to write a review before, but I was just so impressed with the servise that I had to share. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I've been in a few times now and have had an updo, a haircut and color (from blonde to brown). Each service was great. My recent color change looks so natural and I frequently get stopped by strangers asking where I get my hair cut! So i guess people are always looking for a great stylist. I highly recommend Alex at Acote. He's great and so is the entire staff!

Pros: talented stylists

Posted 02/21/07

I just moved here from NYC and asked around at work for recommendations for a cool, stylish salon. A few people (with great hair) recommended Acote. I went in this week for a cut and full foil and was blown away. For the second you walk in, the treatment is nothing less than amazing. This isn't something you find in a quality salon in NY. The staff was very attentive, from the cappuccinos to the thorough consultation with my stylist, Alex. My haircut is the best I?ve ever had! You know when it just falls perfectly even if you blowdry it yourself at home? That?s a truly great cut! And the color is just beautiful. I get highlights regularly and the tone and dimension of the color is unlike any typical highlights I?m used to. I?m so happy to have found Acote, I am definitely a regular now! With all of the salons on Newbury, I had to share my experience!

Pros: skilled stylists, great atmosphere

Posted 02/15/07

Alex is a lifesaver!!!!
Going to get my hair done at Acote was a life changing experience. After having a long stressful week, i decided to treat myself to a new hair style and couldn't be more pleased with my results. Once you walk in the door, you feel like royalty. They take your coat, offer you a splendid cappaccino, and give you the best shampoo of your life. I went from having boring, frumpy hair, to life, body and fringe. The cut was amazing and the color was even more fabulous. I went from what alex calls a mousy brown to a nice rich chocolate with caramel highlights. YUM! Alex saved my week with his talent and charisma. Thank you So Much!

Pros: relaxing with beverages and feeling comfortable in a clean atmosphere

Cons: none!!!

Posted 02/12/07

I recently had my hair chemically straightened at Acote Salon. A section of my hair got broken off, so now I have a section of hair about the length and width of a finger that is half an inch high and sticking straight up unless I part the longer hair over it in a Donald Trump-esque combover routine. (The rest of my hair is fine, though it is falling out more than after past treatments -- I've had this done 3 times before, always in Asian salons with great results)

I didn't realize that a section of hair got over-fried until it started growing in and stuck straight up. Now my coworker calls me 'cock-a-doodle-don't'! When I did notice the rooster-head, I called up and went back and got a complimentary scalp treatment (there is not much they could do to make my hair grow in faster), the promise of more scalp treatments as the hair grows in, a couple of nice free products, and, I think, an apology and contrition. I appreciated the gestures, and they handled it pretty well, although it would have been better to get gift certificates closer to the amount I had paid for the service (~$560). I don't anticipate trusting them again to straighten my hair.

I also did not appreciate how the staff called me 'sweetie' -- I was too shy or annoyed to suggest that they either remember my name or not call me anything. Also, both times I was there much longer than they had initially told me: The initial straightening took 5 hours, longer than the 3-4 hours it has taken in the past, for instance. If you don't like an atmosphere of hanging around, spending more time than you had anticipated, and having several staff talk to you whether or not you are interested in a conversation, this is not the place for you. It is, however, a nice space, and a trendy ambience, to their credit.

Posted 01/13/07

I moved to the Boston area a couple of years ago and have been trying out stylists at different salons. I finally found Donika at Acote and I'm so happy.

My hair is not hard to cut, but everyone seemed to want to give me a big bowl head haircut no matter what I asked for- layers, geometric- I always walked out with a big round head. (And these were expensive salons!)

Then I met Donika and she said, you need a more rectangular cut as your face is round!!! Eureka! I have had three haircuts and two color treatments and I can honestly say, this is just as cute as I can look. Thank you, Donika!

Posted 09/13/06

danielle has been cutting my hair for the last 2 yrs, my hair is really thick, frizzy and stubborn, despite this she makes me look like a hair model each time i step out of the salon.

Pros: young vibe, open even on mondays

Cons: expect to wait a little even if u have an appointment

Posted 08/29/06

I thought my wrongly-dyed, poorly-cut hair was doomed after a visit to the cheaper-type salon I typically went to. But the minute I walked into Acote, I was warmly greeted by Pascal and then talked on the couch with Donna about exactly what I wanted, and she listened intently. Later, I was sipping a yummy cappuccino, waiting for a conditioning shampoo to rid my hair of the muddy black color (tough to get out!) and my hair was back to its beautiful light brown in minutes... To top it all off, she gave me an INCREDIBLE cut and expert blowdry! This place is truly wonderful, HIGHLY recommended, and not too expensive. I even talked with Vincent Cox for a bit, and he was charming!

Pros: warm staff, incredibly skilled, worth the value

Posted 05/23/06

I moved to Boston from NYC in Sept and had commuted back down to NYC to get haircuts through January but it was time to find someplace in beantown. after a bit of research i chose salon acote. I made an appointment and got a cut from Michael. As soon as Michael started cutting all of my aprehension went away, I knew I was in good hands. The guy was AMAZING, gave me the best haircut i've ever had. And, on top of quality stylists (which is reason enough to go), the entire staff was very friendly and even offered me an espresso as soon as i walked in. A good cut and quality crema is hard to find so don't pass this place up. and if you're looking for that NYC edge, look no further.

Pros: Stylists--esp Michael, chilled environment, great espresso

Cons: none, it was awesome

Posted 02/05/06

I had a wonderful experiece at Acote salon. I am a guy and my haircut is pretty basic - short on the sides and the back - little longer on top ... my stylist that day was Amy and I was delightfully surprised how she skillfully cut my hair to look its very best. She was friendly, funny, charming, and attractive. I highly recommend her as a stylist... I left smiling. The prices are reasonable for such a high quality salon.

Pros: friendly staff, talented stylist, chic atmosphere

Cons: parking

Posted 10/29/05

Acote is a very professional salon and I was impressed with it overall! Michael Craven is a genius with hair. He does wonderful cuts and beautiful colors! If you want to try a great stylist who will make your salon experience go to Acote and have Michael Craven work on your hair!!

Posted 08/25/05

Acote can be a little busy during high traffic times, but you get great services and personal attention. I recommend coming in during the off-peak appts. Jana does amazing highlights - I don't usually go for the understated, but my caramel colored 'do complements my coloring so well! Jana does a quick, efficient haircut, following the same philosophy that less is more. Acote is friendly and a FANTASTIC value. My last appt corrected a terrible "highlight" job by another Newbury Salon, where I came out with pink (red + blonde highlights) hair for a whopping $150, excluding the trim (another $65). I was so pleased when Jana turned me around in the chair and viola! Is that Jackie O that I see, or me?! Plus, a lovely, free capuccino and only $105 for a partial foil and cut (using the citysearch offer for free cut with color service).

Pros: Skilled stylists, close to T convenient, Excellent value

Cons: none!

Posted 08/25/05

I travel but live in Boston and had difficulty finding a stylist that listens to my needs. I ask what I wanted and got it!! Great professional staff, no long waits, fashion attitude and beautiful people. Felt like home back in Europe, Thank you Gaston!!! I highly recommend this salon.

Posted 08/22/05

I got an awesome haircut at this salon - I was from out of town and in desperate need of a cut and color. I saw the free haircut with color process and decided to try it out, and I'm so glad I did. Not only did they fit me in that day, but Janida did a great job - she was professional, funny, and a perfectionist when it came to hair. She did a great job on the color and really listened to what I wanted when it came to the cut, which turned out even better than I expected - very hip and fun. And for Newbury St., the prices were pretty reasonable. This haircut made my trip to Boston. I'd definitely recommend this place to new customers -- ask for Janida!!

Posted 08/21/05

Michael Caven works wonders. I have had my hair styled by the same man for 18 years. Michael was recommended by a co worker of mine, and I had to go because she said she got the best haircut of her life. As did I :)
He is funny, creative, personable, and he gives the most amazing head massages. I will definitely be going to see Michael for as long as I live in boston!

Posted 07/13/05