The earliest salons were informal gatherings where B-list philosophers gibbered away so they couldn't hear themselves dying of plague. Get an earful of the modern salon’s soothing hair-dryer purrs and scissor chop-chops instead with today's Groupon: for $30, you get $60 worth of salon services at Studio 9 on Newbury Street.
Studio 9 specializes in sculpting streamlined and symmetrical eyebrows; Boston magazine named it Best Brow Shaper in 2008, and InStyle picked it for Best Boston Brows in its 2009 Beauty Black Book. Let one of these talented pluckists give your brows a look of surprise just in time for gift-receiving season ($45 for sculpting). Or, opt for a haircut in the latest style ($35–$100) or a conditioning treatment with a head massage ($25). A member of the Boston Wedding Group, Studio 9 has excelled at bridal and prom hairdos (updos start at $65) and a special 'do for proms that turn into weddings. Perfectly coifed clients treat their digits to a luxurious spa manicure ($30). A full range of makeup services includes expert application of false lashes and pupil-illuminating eye makeup ($60).
While its fleet of stylists and aestheticians go to work spiffing up soul sacks, Studio 9's stylishly sleek layout goes to work soothing sore eyeballs. An impressively painted floor welcomes feet, and the layers of exposed brickwork hide troves of uneaten chocolate rabbits. Bob your soon-to-be-styled head to the soft but groovy tunes, but don't daydream too distantly. Studio 9's highly trained stylists are friendly, personable, and constantly tuned in to the treatment at hand (or at foot). Call ahead for an appointment.
Reviews
Studio 9 was named Best Brow Shaper by Boston magazine in 2008 and was an InStyle Beauty Black Book pick for Best Boston Brows in 2009. Eight Yelpers give the salon an average of 4.5 stars, and three Google Mappers award it a 3.5-star average:
- The salon is newly renovated, clean and relaxing. They have GREAT coffee. Their hair color smells good. Whenever I go, it's not overly crowded and the other clients are for the most part, down to earth (not snooty:)) – Becca Z., Yelp
- …very tastefully decorated, a relaxed atmosphere, good music and a nice vibe all the way around… – Joan C., Yelp
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