Bradley & Diegel Salon — Local services in Boston

I do not live or work in the city but it was time for a new hair dresser. I was highly recommended B&D by a friend, so while I knew it would be difficult for me to make it happen I was assured it would be worth it.

When I called to make my appointment the gentleman I spoke to was very kind and helpful. He listened to exactly what I was looking for and I was set for a half highlight appointment in two weeks.

Since I knew it would be difficult getting to the salon I booked it for a week I was on vacation from work. I was spending the week in northern New Hampshire and told my family I would be leaving vacation early in order to make this appointment.

The day before the appointment I received a voicemail from the salon to confirm my appointment for a full highlight. I called back and let them know that my appointment is for a half foil and that I didn't want the hairdresser's schedule to get messed up if they had confirmed it incorrectly. Cynthia rudely asked my name and informed me that this was booked as a full highlight because it was my first appointment and they wanted to ensure they had enough time for a consultation. She couldn't sound more annoyed or get off the phone quick enough.

The next day I began my 3.5 hour drive to the salon and got a flat tire on the way. I had factored in some extra time so while this was a nuisance it was not going to affect my appointment. I took care of what I needed to and continued on my way. I then ran into traffic because of road construction and rain drops. I was getting nervous because it was almost time for my appointment. I called the salon and let Cynthia know I was on Newbury Street parking but because my appointment was in a couple minutes I wanted to make sure they knew. She again, as rude as the day before, couldn't get off the phone soon enough.

All the nearby garages were full and there was no street parking. I finally found parking and was running to the salon when I got a call from Cynthia. She asked where I was and when I told her I was running to the salon and was just a couple blocks away she (rudely, of course) told me that she was cancelling my appointment because I was now 15 minutes late. When I pleaded with her she put me on a brief hold and then came back and said "no, we have to cancel your appointment." She informed me of the cancellation policy of charging 50% of services but said because I was recommended by someone who had previously worked there she would waive it for this first time but would not make the exception again. She then asked me when I would like to reschedule to which I explained that I would not like to reschedule.

I was really looking forward to trying this salon and they could have gained a very valuable client in me (consistent color and extensions). Maybe if the pleasant gentleman I booked the appointment with was the full time receptionist I wouldn't have been put off as much as I had because of Cynthia's rudeness but that's just speculation. Maybe their client services inside the salon are just as bad as their outward facing...

Trusting my stylist at Bradley and Diegel Salon with my poker straight baby fine hair has eliminated my need to obsess over my hair because he's done that hard work for me. I don't think about whether my style is current, flattering or easy to manage because it always is just that: current, flattering and easy to manage. I'm an active professional who appreciates how much thought and talent has gone into my haircut and highlights. I never worry about whether my hair will look great because it always looks great. In fact, even when I could not get into the salon for 8 or 12 weeks, I received daily compliments from complete strangers about how beautifully my hair has been cut or how much they love my blonde locks. When you walk into Bradley and Diegel and see the transformations underway, you'll quickly realize that it is a world class salon who's stylist thrive on revealing the best version of you. Trust their talent. You'll appreciate their technical work long after you've left their salon. Yes, you'll pay a little more, but eliminating your need to obsess over your hair is completely worth every single penny and will keep you coming back...

They understand "hair", they take time to understand "you", they are courteous and warm. That's about the staff from the reception to your stylist to the supplemental helpers. The place is always clean, well maintained, it helps that it's in a nice location, but, it isn't so much my criteria in rating them 5 star.

Of course, they are many good salons in Boston. This one checks all the boxes in primary requirements for a salon. It's not about fads and buzz words in their service. It's the depth of understanding of hair and people.

For about 10 years and couple different salons (each were good, just did not give me creative options). They had cookie cutter suggestions which gave me a good hair cut, but it was standard - plain jane type. At Bradley and Diegel, my stylist Maite, has given me 2 distinctly different and new looks in two years. Greg at the reception, took time to understand my needs and recommend the right stylist to me. Each time is a great experience. They never push...