Salon Mario Russo - 9 Newbury

I have always hated my hair - it's so fine that I look like I have about half as much as I should. My wedding was coming up and I found reviews for Rossanne Lopez of Salon Mario Russo - many clients said that she knows how to deal with all types of hair. I thought I'd give her a shot, especially since I was getting married so close to the salon.
From day one, I knew it would work out with her. Rossanne set up a plan for me which included two appointments to color my hair before the wedding. She also got me an extension. Admittedly, I was a little apprehensive, but I believe that if you give a true artist full reign of what they do well, you will not be disappointed.
As far as the color - I have never, NEVER received so many compliments about my hair color. Rossanne told me how to take care of my hair between visits, and all of a sudden, I had great hair!
On my wedding day, Rossanne gave me a big hug and tried to help me relax. She is the most meticulous person I have ever met - no hair was left out of place, literally. My hair was done in exactly 90 minutes, like she promised, and it looked outstanding. No one would know that I had an extension in because the color was an absolute perfect match. I just looked like I had full, beautiful hair!
Usually when I look back at pictures, I think "what was my hair doing???", but my wedding, for the first time, was an exception. I look at my photos and cannot believe how good my hair looked. For someone who has always been self-conscious, my color and extension were worth the price and beyond. I will undoubtedly continue to "treat" myself by seeing Rossanne over and over. At the risk of sounding shallow, my confidence has grown because of the beautiful work she had done!

Posted 10/29/09

While I would love to have my hair done by Mario himself, my pockets do not reach so deep. I am not very good at scheduling ahead of time and usually just call to see if anyone is available on the day I feel desperate for a good cut. I have no fear doing this becuase everyone is so talented at Mario Russo and they always listen to what I want.

Pros: Great Cuts and styles!

Posted 04/16/09

I've been going to Salon Mario Russo's for almost two years now and I have to travel by way of ferry to the mainland and then catch a bus or commuter rail into Boston, but let me tell you it is so worth it!

From the moment I step into the salon I am greeted with welcoming smiles from everyone. They are all so attentive to me even if they are not doing my hair, the atmosphere is professional, friendly, relaxing, and caring.

I went in with a mousy and outgrown hairdo and left with exactly what I wanted. I felt like a new me again, my spirits were uplifted. Ja'coall brightened my color and Ashley gave me a great cut, both being very talented in their field and spending time talking about what would be best for my type of hair. I have had many hair cuts from Violet as well and she has consistently given me great haircuts. Rachel gave me the most relaxing wash and head massage ever.

I also brought my daughter who is a freshman in college. John did her color and Ashley her cut. She was so pleased with both and absolutely loved her hair as well as all her college friends. Everyone wanted to know where she got her hair done.

I highly recommend Salon Mario Russo, give it a try!

Posted 04/03/09

Today I have smooth and silky hair. That wasn't always the case. Normally my hair is extremely coarse, dry, and with the slightes humidity it gets frizzy. But not any more. Monika at Salon Mario Russo suggested I get the "Keratin Protein Treatment". The results are amazing. My hair looks 20 years younger. My hair now has shine, sheen, luster, and body. It never frizzes-up, and never looks dull. In a word, my hair is beautiful.

Thanks to Monika, I love my hair again. The first step, she applied the special oil to my hair. After waiting about 45 min. she then flat iron my hair. For the second step, I returned to the salon 3 days later, when Monika washed the oil out of my hair and then simply dried it. At that moment, I saw the amazing results.
Since getting this done in January, I look forward to washing and drying my hair - because it's effortless. My husband said he loves how my hair looks every single day.

Just ask Monika about this treatment. I gurantee you'll love the results. I almost forgot the write that the results of this treatment lasts for months. It's already been 2 months - and my hair still looks like it did on the day I recieved this treatment. It's really worth the time, effort, and cost. I know I will do this again.

Posted 03/09/09

About ten years ago, I met a stylist at Garren NY, Hiro Haraguchi, who has been doing my hair ever since. Even when I relocated to Boston, I would take day trips to NY if I had an important event coming up. Well, as of today, I finally found a stylist/colorist in Boston. I've been seeing Rosanne for about a year, but until today, I still thought of Hiro as my escape if I desperately needed a fix.......... ................... .................... ................. ................ ................ ......................

I am a very demanding and very particular client and I expect to be treated with a lot of understanding and patience-- something a lot of stylists don't want to bother to put up with (understandably!!). However, this is partly why I am now a dedicated client of Rosanne's. She has just been so patient and determined to help me get exactly the look I wanted, in the style that would fit for me and help me bring my career forward here in Boston. She seems to know her colors really well. ..................Today, I asked her for the traditional "Boston brunette" and my results are perfect for me. I feel like the cut and color have improved my look completely..... ........... .................... ........................... ................. .... ................... .....

I also have gotten more compliments from my colleagues after I get a new color from Rosanne than when I've tried other colorists-- and that makes me think that she is really working hard to find a color that works with my skin tone and eye color............... ..................... ................. ..................

But anyway, above all, what has made an impression on me about Rosanne is just her willingness to keep working with me, even when I bring her a very particular set of demands. If you take your time and have a good idea of the look you are trying to achieve, then I would highly recommend working with Rosanne.

Pros: everything I've already said-- sophisticated, pleasant staff, fun decor.

Cons: the slightest bit expensive, but worth it if your hair matters for your style.

Posted 01/27/09

I have been to numerous hair salons in the Boston area and have yet to find one that I really liked. I have curly hair that can be difficult to manage so a good cut can really make the difference. The minute I walked in the staff was very welcoming and friendly. Tatiana was my stylist. She sat me down and talked to me for a while about my hair. No one has every done that before. Even the guy who washed my hair took his time. He massaged my scalp and did not skimp on time! My friends and coworkers noticed what a great job Tatiana did and now they want to go. I can't wait to go back!!!! I even made an appointment for a spa pedicure before I go away in a few weeks.

Posted 01/19/09

I have been seeing Rossanne Lopez for 10 years. She continues to wow me with great cuts and color. My co-workers are always complimenting me and strangers on the street stop me and tell me how great my hair looks. She is the best! (If you have curly hair or a wave, she is the best cut around)!!

Pros: She always squeezes me in even if she is super busy. I also love the Kerastaseand phyto lines...

Cons: n/a

Posted 01/12/09

Corey cuts my hair, and he's wonderful! He's a perfectionist! I love getting my hair cut at Salon Mario Russo. And when you get your hair washed, the shampoo girl/guy gives you a scalp massage! So nice!!

Pros: in Boston on Newbury St., great products, great staff

Cons: parking is tough on Newbury St.

Posted 01/06/09

I've been going to Salon Mario Russo since the spring and its always a great experience. My second appointment, I met a stylist (Tatiana) who I prefer to have cut my hair. Talking to her I've found that we have a similar sense taste and style so when she has the idea to do something different I have confidence that I'll like it. The service all together is great. The people at the front desk are very helpful front desk and make sure that everything is going well. Until, yesterday, I didn't know if such a high level of customer service. When I suddenly had health issue prior to appointment, the salon manager made a personal priority to make sure I was alright and provided much appreciated assistance. Definitely one of main reason schedule the next appointment before leaving the salon is because of the feeling I get afterwards. After being treated like you are a VIP, you walk out of the building feeling amazing. It seems strange to use the same adjective as the prior review, but I guess that shows that going to Salon Mario Russo has that effect on both men ad women. rejoining the Newbury Street environment I feel a like a new man.

Pros: gifted stylists and a great front desk staff

Posted 10/11/08

you know you have a good stylist when you live in florida and fly up to boston strictly to get a haircut!!!! i can not say enough good things about this salon. The atmosphere is inviting and the location is simply divine, I mean really 1st block of newbury street does it get any better than that?? Did i forget to mention how great the stylist are, I may be a little biased but my favorite is Kiesha. You dont even need to tell her what you want she already knows, which is great for me considering i never do! Your haircut is ALWAYS on point and the service backs it up. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SALON for everything from your average blowdry( which they take to the next level) to a simple manicure or touch up.

coming from an expert on extentions SALON MARIO RUSSO has thebest hair extentions in the city brought to you by Kiesha!!!! Let me tell you soooooo worth the money since you feel absolutely amazing after and ladies we all know thats the feeling you are striving for!!!!

Pros: highly skilled stylist, friendly staff

Posted 09/21/08

First - just read the review below this one re: front desk staff - COULD NOT AGREE MORE - VERY nice and SUCH a big improvement.

Second, usually get my hair done with Keisha - she is FABULOUS!! Love her, does a great job, can't say enough. Today, however, she was booked, I was desperate, so I went with someone else. Haircut was great - no complaints - but I got the HARD sell - told how dry and overprocessed (seriously - it's not) my hair was, so maybe I should do Kerastase treatment. (No thanks.) Told again (and again) at the end it was dry, so I should buy special shampoo and conditioner. (I actually use shampoo and conditioner that I buy there - Davines - so how bad can it be? Really.) Also worth noting that I am a total product wh*re - if it's sold at Sephora, Canyon Ranch or the beauty dept. at Barney's, I probably have an intimate knowledge. Bottom line, I know my stuff.

Then I went to get my eyebrows waxed - have not done that before at Mario Russo. Was told in graphic detail how bad they were - how uneven, off-center, misshapen, etc. Not inspiring. (I work and run w/ALOT of very opininated gay men - AJAY - if they were really that bad, I'd have long ago been informed. Repeatedly.) Once my eyebrows had been "saved" from their previous disfigurement, I was told how I should buy special liner to color them in and special applicator and gel to hold them in place.

Bottom line - usually leave the salon feeling great about myself. Today, not so much.

Pros: Keisha - she's the best.

Posted 08/20/08

It was so refreshing to walk into my salon, Mario Russo, at 9 Newbury Street and see an entire new desk staff. The front desk was very friendly and even helped me choose a restaurant for dinner that evening. What a change for the better!!! I had extensions applied by Keisha for the first time. After spending several hours in the salon environment, I saw first hand how the entire staff works so well as a team! Not to mention, that my hair is fabulous!! I am recommending Salon Mario Russo to all my friends and coworkers!

Pros: friendly staff, talented stylists, great color

Cons: parking

Posted 08/06/08

Salon Mario Russo was very good to me, from the moment i called to schedule to the moment i left the salon (looking GREAT)!! the entire experience was super. my stylist took the time to listen to me and did exaclty what i had asked for, the girl at the front desk was very friendly and made me feel very comfortable by letting me know she was also new, and that i wasnt alone, i laughed but it made me feel not as nervous! i would highly recommend mario russo to everyone that can afford it!

Cons: parking

Posted 07/12/08

I had a facial with Livia and she was great. My skin feels great and she's a doll. I will definately be going back to her. I had a haircut from Violet who I will alos be seeing again. I got great advice and very professional service.

Pros: Very professional

Cons: Very busy receptionist

Posted 03/18/08

I went in for a facial (which was wonderful) however the staff at the front desk was so rude. No one acknowledged that I was standing there and the girl at the desk didn't even bother to look up even while I was paying! I told her to "have a nice day" and still no response. I spend a lot of money on spa treatments and hair cuts, but I will NEVER go back there.

Posted 03/18/08

Both my best friend and I love getting our hair cut by Rosanna at Mario Russo, and always request her specifically. Every complaint I've seen on here about her appears to be attacking (a) her hair cutting expertise, based on (of course) your superior expertise; or (b) complaining about how the cut cost SO much money, but why then, didn't the cut look SO new and different? Now, perhaps I'm assuming too much, but I'm relatively certain that the #1 complaint salon-goers have is that their stylist went overboard with the "trim" and left them in tears, or came up with some horrific picasso hairstyle idea and imposed it upon them without asking first. This will NEVER happen with Rosanna. This is why I keep going back; more importantly, this is what makes this smattering of Rosanna-complaints so laughably retarded.

Honestly. Get it together. If Rosanna cut 2 inches off even though you didnt want her to, it's because she very likely saw that you had split ends extending 2 inches up the hair shaft and that, were she not to cut as close to that point as possible, then your hair would remain unhealthy, and the split would continue to extend up each hair shaft. And if Rosanna's speedy hair-cutting technique made her job look suspiciously "easy" to you, to the point where you'd complain about it on here as an outrageously overpriced cut based on PACE alone, then you should probably reevaluate your hair priorities and go back to Supercuts.

Finding a stylist whom you can trust to not go "Oh, you're going to look SO Posh Spice after this" and then gleefully chop it off before you can respond is hard. But finding a stylist (like Rosanna) who is an expert at trimming only that which MUST be cut and not doing something drastic bc of some artistic whim that strikes is EVEN HARDER. Face it: If you walk into a salon looking unfortunate, you're probably going to leave it that way. This is not a Pantene Pro-V Commercial. It's life. And I happen to think Rosanna rocks at it.

Posted 03/01/08

Stuck in traffic on Rt. 3, I called to say I would be 10 minutes late. The receptionist told me not to bother coming in (I was about 3 blocks away at that point) because they could not accommodate me. So, I turned around and drove an hour back home. So not worth it- my haircuts were good but not worth the attitude. Rude front desk help at this level of a salon is unacceptable. I've had to wait 30 minutes for them....

Posted 09/19/07

I'm interning on Boylston Street for the summer, and my boss recommended Mario Russo when I told her I needed a haircut. After reading some of the reviews here, I was nervous about the experience. However, it was WONDERFUL. The people at the front desk were warm and courteous, and the shampoo station was excellent (great scalp massage!). Monika took time to talk to me about my hair and daily routine, and she really listened to what I wanted. She does a great job on styling recommendations - demonstrating better blow-dry techniques, recommending appropriate products (LOVE my new Phyto volumizing spray!), etc. - without being condescending or pushy. I went during my lunch hour and still had plenty of time to eat before returning to the office. I've never been happier with my hair, and I will DEFINITELY go back to Monika for my next haircut!

Pros: relaxing atmosphere, friendly customer service, qualified staff

Cons: cash-only for tipping

Posted 06/11/07

The staff is great!!! Monika has a natural flair for highlights,cuts and styles. She takes time with your hair and recommends products that will be beneficial. This was the first time I got highlights that my hair did not frizz. It looks smooth and natural!!! I highly recommend Mario Russo and Monika.

Pros: Parking is Available, very courteous staff

Posted 12/27/06

Gary has been highlighting and cutting my hair for almost 10 years now and I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else! The salon is so cozy and warm and his team of stylists are wonderful. I'm there every six weeks and whether I'm doing the same cut and color or looking to try something new, I can always count on getting the best advice and the best service. If you're looking to try a new place then look no further. You've got to stop in and try Mario Russo at Louis, Boston.... you'll never go anywhere else again.

Pros: Parking is available, very professional and experienced team of stylists and colorists

Posted 12/26/06

I wanted to thank you for doing a great job with my hair. Grace is the best. She was able to fix the color on my hair (after trying 2 other different salons and get it all messed up) and managed to make it look great! Very good job and very good customer service. I already recommended her to all my friends here at work! I keep getting nice compliments about my hair! I love my hair color now. It turned out even better than what I expected! I was also able to get a manicure while the color was being put in my hair--- i felt so glamorous!! Thank you again!!

Pros: Convenient parking & very modern salon

Posted 12/26/06

I have been going to Mario Russo on and off for years, the main reason being one amazing colorist named Michelle. She is a great talent and very, very sweet and down-to-earth. I have had mixed results when I sought someone to cut my hair. The staff is so incredibly rude and snooty (for what? you work reception, okay? I make twice as much as you do at the batt of your Tammy Faye Baker-esque eyelash). And the atmosphere is very uncomfortable. It's just not relaxing or upscale enough to warrant such attitude and high prices.

Posted 12/20/06

New stylists at this salon are a great value. Best $65. cut of my life -- in fact, better than cuts I've paid twice that for. I saw Laurent, who's new to Mario but apparently trained in Paris and California before coming here. He listened, took a lot of time to fix problems from my last cut, and made sure it was exactly what I wanted. On top of everything else he's French and really cute and very nice. What a nice surprise after bad cuts and bad attitudes up and down Newbury Street!

Pros: Great cut, great price, the way I wanted it

Cons: Parking's expensive unless you find a meter

Posted 08/13/06

the receptionist i talked to on the phone was rude and rushed me off the phone, my haircut sucked i had to get it fixed, a waste of $90, and i was there for 2 hours for just a cut I was really suprised at the salon's attitude overall..not so great at all

Posted 05/19/06

I went for a haircut at a recommendation from someone who had her haircut with this particular stylist. I went in and specifically stated to the stylist that I was trying to grow out my hair from a bob to shoulder length. The sylist proceeded to razor my hair; not once did she use scissors. Most stylists know that unless the hair is of the right type, razoring it actually does more damage. In the end, I had 2 inch shorter hair, poorly styled, and longer on one side than the other. I even had to point that out to her before leaving for in order ot have it fixed. After spending $80 on the worst haircut in recent memory, I will surely never go back.

Cons: expensive, unimpressive

Posted 11/07/05

I've been getting my hair cut here for years. It's one of the only salon's I've found where I never walk out in tears from an unexpectedly awful haircut. However, it took years of being a client before the front desk staff stopped being snooty and rude to me, and the final bill always takes my breath away.

Pros: skillful stylists, good products

Cons: , expensive

Posted 12/09/04

After four hair disasters at other Newbury and Boylston street Salons, Mario russo took my then turning green and purple hair and managed to salvage it, for 1/2 the price other people were charging and made it look great. Since then I have loved my hair. The color only takes about 30 minutes and I have the most natural blond I have ever had. The cut and color together rarely go over an hour and they listen to what you want. The price is = to any on the block buy you actually get young people who know what they are doing!

Posted 09/23/04

To make long story short: Had appointment for fiancee's wedding. Scheduled 10am-1pm for make-up/nails/hair. Got call next day from manager to confirm appointment and tell us about a $100 fee for coming before 11am (we were never told about this when making the appointment). Told her that we would get make-up done somewhere else and come at 11am for the rest. She got very angry and defensive and told me that if I cancelled make-up, then she would cancel all appointments. Very snobbish and hung up on me. I called back the next day and found that the appointments were indeed cancelled. Re-booked 11am-1pm for nail/hair. Got a nasty massage about 10 minutes later from same manager telling me she cancelled the appoinment again and that we should not try any more tricky stuff. They appeal to the rich and money-clueless who do not even question an extra $100 charge.

Pros: good reputation

Posted 06/14/04

Was being brave and trying someplace new for the first time in 3 years. Had a full highlight and a trim. Cut was great - but then again, it was the same thing I had, just shaped up. The color was competent, but no where near the fabulous job I had done in NYC. And yet I still paid almost as much. Had too many overly dyed-harsh blondes running about getting their hair done - and the salon was way too hectic. Bleh. I'm sure money could be better spent elsewhere.

Posted 12/25/03