Umi Salon

Umi gets a lot of great reviews, and I am here to write another; I had a really great haircut, and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of the salon. An intelligent group for those who appreciate a higher level of style. I highly recommend.

Posted 07/10/05

Absolutely expert. The staff is perfectly considerate and genuine. The atmosphere is composed and stylish. First time Ive been to a salon where such a great amount of care was taken with my haircut.

Posted 07/05/05

Never have I had a stylist work my haircut with the skill, grace, and confidence that Jeffrey Dauksevich displayed. He is of very few words, very calm, yet extremely magnetic. I didn't want it to be over- but when it was, my hair became the best it has ever been. A great designer.

Pros: Beautiful Salon, Service Oriented, Chic

Posted 06/27/05

Beyond disappointing-I ended upw/a horrible haircut that I now have to get fixed elsewhere.I told my hairdresser what I didn't like@my hair&what I had hoped to get,but all of that somehow got lost in translation&I ended upw/exactly the kind of haircut I've always dreaded(practically a mullet)w/bangs that I didn't ask for&horrible morning hair that I can't control.In retrospect,I should've asked for a senior hairdresser&been more firmw/her @what I wanted-it should've raised a REDflag when she had that glassy look in her eye&started playingw/my hair,experimentingw/hairstyles that SHE liked.I gave her the benefit of the doubt&decided to trust her judgment,but ended up extremely dissatisfied&resentful in the end.I not only feel *stuck*w/this horrible haircut,but it's not even good enough to last me for a single day.I've been putting my hairup in a ponytail to hide it.What was supposed to be a simple haircut has turned into what'll be several long months of damage-control!

Pros: good location, clean

Cons: expensive, poor communication, variable expertise

Posted 06/24/05

I decided to try UMI after reading so many great reviews on Citysearch and seeing the consistent high ratings they have received. The receptionist booked my appt. with Liz, and she did an amazing job. She really took the time and care to give me a complete haircut. There was nothing I wanted to fix when I got home, and that's a first! She understood what I wanted, and was an absolute pleasure.
I will definitely go back to Liz. Worth every penny! Salon was very classy, but not stuffy.

Pros: talented staff, pleasant environment, got appt same day

Posted 06/21/05

For my hair washing, my whole face was wet, some of my make up smudged. My friends recommend I try this place out because it has rave reviews. I looked around the salon and noticed why. Most of the clients were telling the stylist what to do. The girl next to me was like a Hitler. She didn't have a pretty face and insisted that the stylist cut her hair so she'd look like Halle Berry. She left the salon looking like a boy. Way too pleasing! I want honest feed back if a style does not look good especially when I am paying an arm, a leg and a left breast for a hair cut!
$200 for bad hair washing, and no suggestions on what is good or bad for my facial features. And finally no friendly conversation because the girl just assumed I didn't speak english.

Pros: fancy newbury st

Cons: bad parking, EXPENSIVE

Posted 06/21/05

I was absolutely blown away by Jeffrey's artistry and expertise. He is by far the most talented stylist to work on my hair- there is no rating high enough to express how special he is- and how wonderful a person he is- quiet, thoughtful, and interesting. I was pleased, and very pleasantly surprised. High marks!

Posted 06/15/05

My experience at Umi was terrific. Extraordinary staff and very talented. Lots of subtle touches made the visit really inviting and more upscale without seeming fake or pretentious. High quality hair and customer service. Worth the wait.

Pros: Comfortable , Professional, Intelligent

Posted 06/15/05

My experience at Umi Salon was better than I could have expected. John Porter spent true quality time with me and my hair, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Best haircut I've ever had, and unquestionably the best salon I've ever set foot in. A strong recommend.

Posted 06/14/05

What I find so interesting about Umi is no matter what direction you look in, all the work looks so good, and there is an indescribable vibe- you just know you're in the right place. There are lots of nice, subtle touches, and a really helpful desk staff. I was with Liz, who gave me the most beautiful highlights I've ever had. She's cool and smart, and talented with long hair.

If I were going to cut my hair short, I would DEFINITELY go to the owner, who was cutting next to us. He did the most beautiful short cut I've ever seen when I was there. (he's a babe, too! ;)

Posted 06/04/05

I love to recommend great things to people. Umi Salon is one of those things; I must recommend John, who gave me the haircut of my life.

Pros: Top Service

Posted 06/02/05

I was in Boston for the weekend and needed a salon. I found Umi Salon and had the good fortune of snagging an appointment with Shirley; the experience made me realize that I never really had a great haircut till that very moment- I left that salon feeling really excited, and blue that I dont live in Boston.

Pros: Chic Salon, Helpful Staff

Posted 06/01/05

I had an exceptional experience at Umi with John Porter. I have long hair, and always seem to get the same treatment at salons, but not here. John worked with my hair like a sculptor, and the result was beautiful, sexy, and exciting to see- he has a great eye, and I must recommend him, and the salon, highly.

Nice touches were the deep conditioning treatment, attention to detail, and courteous personel.

Pros: Nice Atmosphere, Talented Staff, Not Stuffy

Posted 05/26/05

i was lucky to get a appt. with helen. the best color i have ever had. my cut with lisa was excelent. lisa i think you are the best. AS FOR THE REST the "asst." who washed my hair was sloppy and it showed in her appearience not only did she soak me she got color in my ears and thought it was a joke. the rest of the staff all acted like they where better than anyone else. umi was like a cult. the owner not friendly. the staff in the front to bussy with there e-bay to help you. i would pay lisa and helen to fly to new york and any amount of money to do my hair but i will never go back to umi. HIGHLY OVER RATED. BY THE WAY YOUR STAFF SHOULD LEAVE BOSTON THERE REALLY NOT SO COOL IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Pros: LISA, HELEN

Cons: STAFF, RUDE, enviroment

Posted 05/25/05

I have my hair cut by Shirley and I can honestly say she has given me a cut like no one before. FINALLY, a stylist has been able to work with my natural texture and teach ME how to work with it too. She is intelligent and thoughtful about hair styling and also very sweet. The staff there is very nice as well. The atmosphere could be perceived as a little intimidating, but it's really not.

Pros: Cut, Staff

Cons: Parking, Expensive

Posted 05/17/05

Having my hair done with Jeffrey was one of the best service experiences I've ever had. He was totaly honest, up front with his thoughts, and everything he did was exactly what I wanted to see, but I just did'nt know how to say it. He is a mind reader, but not a show off. Just perfect. No stylist has made that kind of impact on me. I recommend him very highly.

His salon is absolutely beautiful, and his staff is top notch. A five star experience.

Pros: Sense of style, Sense of humor, A rare treat

Posted 05/04/05

Simply put, I loved my experience. You actually feel like you get your hair done. Wonderful service, and unmatched quality.

Pros: Jeffrey's Talent, Orginized Staff, Beautiful Salon

Posted 05/02/05

I went to Umi Salon for color and a new haircut, and was very pleased with Beth, who was recommended to me. She has great style and a really good eye. It truly is the best haircut I've ever had, and my color is REALLY pretty, not stripped and chunky. I love it, and I love the salon.

Pros: Talented, Professional

Posted 04/13/05

I have to strongly recommend this salon. The atmosphere and level of service are excellent. The styles that are created there are really beautiful. Everything about the place seems to be just right.

Posted 04/11/05

I've been to numerous salons on Boston's Newbury Street, and many salons off Newbury, and this experience was one of the best I have ever had. Very attentive service, restful atmosphere, and looking around, everyone else looked to have awesome cuts and color being done.

***Update:*** I am STILL going to Umi and the service is still wonderful. Every stylist I have been to has shown the utmost patience and care when dealing with my very thick and hard to handle hair. The only bad point is one of the receptionists during the day, who is very rude and acts like you are wasting her time when you try to figure out a good time - especially if one works during the day - a concept she did not seem to understand.

Pros: awesome decor, friendly atmosphere, attentive stylists

Cons: a little pricey, bad day receptionist

Posted 04/11/05

I just had my hair cut by Jeffrey, which was absolutely amazing. Although it took a long time to get in with him, it was worth every moment of waiting. He is quiet, intense, and an incredible talent. You won't get the usual conversation with him, so save the cliche lines for someone else- he is passionate and attractive beyond belief- this reluctant star is a refreshing departure from the usual nonsense.

Pros: Great Staff

Posted 04/06/05

Umi delivers a great atmosphere and unequaled level of expertise (there is nothing else like it in Boston). My stylist was intelligent and applied a level of care that was refreshing- I look forward to my next cut:)

Posted 04/04/05

The best haircut I've ever had was the one I had at Umi Salon. A fashionable loft with a group of smart and stylish talent was what I found, backed up with great attention to detail and service.

Posted 03/29/05

I had my haircut by Jeffrey Dauksevich, which was sublime.

He brings something to the activity of getting a haircut that transforms it to an event- but so calmly and considerately; it sneaks up on you if you fail to pay attention. And, he is brilliant enough to let it just pass you by, should you miss it.

Bravo!

Pros: Brilliant Hairdresser, Beautiful Salon

Posted 03/28/05

Not in business very long.

When compared to a 'seasoned' skilled stylist and salon,....it's a 'young business' trying to behave exclusively.

Deplorable service..

Pros: good hair cut

Cons: Rude Receptionist, Not worth $$

Posted 03/22/05

Shirley gave me an incredible haircut. I loved the salon. Everything about the place is cool. Even the music is cool and unique. An artsy group of stylists I would like to recommend.

Posted 03/02/05

You know that feeling when you want a really good style, like you see in a magazine, and you go to a salon for it and what ends up happening is something else? Something average something that looks like some variation of the style you want to get away from? Its as if a stylist didnt even hear you or get it? Or just cant do it?

Well, Umi is the only salon in Boston Ive been to where the styles are really good, and it looks like what you see in magazines. I was impressed, to say the least. And, they are really good at explaining how to get different looks from your haircut. Intelligent!

Pros: They're in Boston!

Posted 02/12/05

I have been to Umi 3 times now (for haircuts and color), and had to write in to say how impressed I am with the consistency of the staff and service there. Very professional- always offering creative advice- and backing it up in an intelligent way. This is a very well managed salon- and a very talented group of artists.

Pros: Beautiful Color, Personalized Service

Posted 01/31/05

Exceptional cut, way below average color/highlights. Hugely overpriced. My advice... If you don't mind forking over $$$$ see Beth (she's very sweet) for a haircut, but skip the highlights.

Pros: Great Cut, Nice Decor

Cons: Super Expensive, Snotty Reception

Posted 01/29/05

This salon is in a class by itself. I admire the care and dedication that these stylists put into thier work. It was great fun just looking around at all the styles being done, and feeling like I was definately in the right place. A Grade A experience.

Pros: Experienced Stylists, Friendly Staff, Great Atmosphere

Posted 01/29/05

The best haircut I have ever had was with Shirley recently at Umi Salon. The total experience was a pleasure, and she definately will see me again. Great salon, staff, and service.

Pros: Calm, Professional

Posted 01/18/05

I saw Shirley at Umi Salon for a haircut a few days ago. My hair has never been better, ever. She saved me. I was in a really low state of mind about it for a long time, and now I can smile.

Thank You!

Pros: Great Salon, High Level of Service

Posted 01/16/05

I just went to Umi Salon for the first time and was referred to Shirley. She was absolutely fabulous, and for the first time in years, I am inspired and enjoy my hair again. She is a dream, and must be seen. The overall experience in the salon was A+... quality service, from entry to check out. I must say there is nothing else like it in Boston.

Posted 01/11/05

I loved my experience at Umi, and will definately return for Liz's incredible haircuts- she was a perfect fit for me. Everthing about that salon is ultra-chic... and the people there are really nice, helpful, and cool.

Posted 01/06/05

An hour with Jeffrey is the best thing that can happen to your hair. That is, if you are lucky enough to get an appointment. He sees things very differently than other hairstylists I've been to- actually, I would not label Jeffrey a hairstylist- He's a brilliant individual who happens to do great haircuts- lucky for us...

Posted 12/22/04

Yes, there IS such a thing in Boston... a salon where the attention is on customers, where stylists are intelligent and invite you to be part of the salon, instead of feeling like a victim- my faith and confidence in going to the salon has been restored. Many thanks to Matthew, who took great care of my hair (the treatments they do are like no other- my hair has never been shinier or smoother), and Jeffrey, who is the most interesting salon owner I've ever met.

How fortunate we are to have a salon like this in Boston!

Posted 12/19/04

Everything about my experience at Umi Salon was above and beyond my expectations. The level of service is top notch, the stylists exhibit talents that are fresh and exciting, and the staff are knowledgable and helpful with at home tips and product advice. A very well run salon. I definately felt like I was in the right place.

Pros: High level of care, Strong talent

Posted 12/18/04

I have never been treated so well in a salon, from the greeting, to the consultation, the service, through to checkout... everything was flawless, and my hair recieved the ultimate treatment. Liz is genius with the scissors, as well as the color brush... I met Jeffrey as well- he is a DREAM. Smart staff, and a smart choice.

Pros: Service, Staff, A Must Experience

Posted 12/17/04

I used to go to umi and have great stylists and a positive experience, but I recently went to get my color done and my stylist liz didn't pay attention to my requests, and I had to get my hair fixed at another salon on Newbury Street. Don't recommend this place-- no matter how alluring the ad campaign.

Pros: Newbury street

Cons: , Stubborn stylist

Posted 12/15/04

This is the most amazing salon I have ever been to! After having tried almost every salon on Newbury which ranged only from disapointing to mediocre, I am thrilled to have found a place that is truly outstanding. Beth is a fantasic hairdresser! Thank you for fixing the mess that other hairdresssers had made of my hair. Again, amazing!

Posted 12/09/04

I really enjoyed Jeffrey's approach to cutting hair, which was intelligent and thoughtfull. He designed for me, and I really respect that. He is wonderfully passionate about his work, and an absolute pleasure to be with. His colorist Liz did wonders for my color, which has never been better. I must say I don't think I've ever had anything better.

Pros: Smart, Clean, Intelligent

Posted 11/20/04

Umi has renewed my faith in hairstylists.

I look forward to returning to the quality of service, attention, and expertise. It was refreshing to see the level of passion that goes into their work.

Many thanks to Beth and Jeffrey-

Pros: Sincerely Attentive

Posted 10/28/04

My experience with Jeffrey for a haircut at his salon was something I could not have predicted. Everything about the hour I spent with him was magnetic, beautifully quiet, and secure... he seems to have an uncanny understanding of what women are looking for- and his attitude about it all is so real and unassuming, it nearly drove me mad. He is a very rare individual, and a visit with him should not be taken lightly:) and, my hair has never, ever been better.

Pros: Void Of Cliche, Smart Staff, Jeffrey's Electricity

Posted 10/27/04

I went to Liz at Umi and got the best haircut I've ever had. People talk alot about Umi- I don't care much about soda water, or feeling "wonderful" when I go to get my haircut at a salon like so many people in Boston (it's a little weird, honestly!). I just want a cool place to go to and I want a great haircut- that's what I got.

Pros: The People, The Haircuts, Liz

Posted 10/18/04

I'm happy to have found Umi Salon on Citysearch. I went there for color and cut, and was placed with Beth, who went way beyond my expectations. My hair is shinny (finally!), and my haircut is just amazing- clean and perfect. I can see why the salon won best salon in Boston... they deserve it!

Pros: Talented Stylists, They Love Their Work

Posted 10/18/04

I waited 4 weeks to get in for a haircut with Jeffrey, and I must say it really was well worth the wait. His attitude is refreshing- not the usual salon owner vibe. He was totally focused, genuine, and wonderfully calm. Actually, this can be said of the entire salon, which I can now call by far my favorite.

Pros: Service Oriented, Beautiful Hair

Posted 10/17/04

The colorist, Helen, is the absolute best; what a gem. I travel extensively in the US and Europe and always come back to her. Umi charges a fortune for coloring services. The client is not allowed to dry her/his own hair & must pay for a decent drying in addition to the coloring fee. The 'free' drying is a disaster and a terrible advertisement for the salon. All other salons in the US & Europe provide excellent styling as a part of the coloring & cutting services. Umi's policy is ridicules.

Pros: , Helen's coloring

Cons: , extra drying charge

Posted 10/15/04

This is the place to go if you want shiny, natural looking, healthy color. The owner got involved with the consultation, which I found totally exciting (he's wonderfully magnetic), because he was the first person to explain to me how color actually works, and I learned why I have had so many disappointing experiences in the past my stylist Beth was great, very cool and knowledgeable, and I loved the way I looked when I left (perfect blowdry work). I will definitely get my haircut there; hopefully, I can get an appointment with Jeffrey:)

Pros: Meticulous Styling, Very Good Service

Posted 10/10/04

Everything is great about this salon...except...I agree with the previous reviewer...the receptionist is very rude..she acts like she is totally uninterested in doing her job and when you call over the phone she acts like she is in a big hurry and is very rude. Too bad..this is the only flaw in an otherwise wonderful experience. Hopefully they will find a professional receptionist someday

Pros: everything

Posted 10/06/04

Newbury Street has become a runway for anyone with a pair of scissors, a blow dryer, and an attitude. Not the case with the group at Umi. I was so impressed with the level of service and quality of work done by the stylists that I felt that I must share it with other Citysearch readers, as this was how I found Umi. My compliments to Jeffrey, the owner, who is an absolute gentleman, and a fabulous leader, as can be seen through the way staff interacts with him, as well as the way he makes everyone in the salon feel welcome and at home. I am happy to recommend this not only as a great salon, but also as a model for all businesses to admire.

Pros: Service Quality, Detailed, Personable Staff

Posted 10/03/04