Pyara Spa and Salon

04/20/2008 Posted by Ginissima

I am one of those people guilty of "stylist cheating" as I couldn't find one that I liked. After going for a facial in February (gift from my bf) and the overall positive experience, I was committed to trying their salon. Through an online review, I found out about Sonja and am not sure where to begin speaking her praises. Personable, down-to-earth and friendly, Sonja is foremost an expert stylist and top professional. In addition to a FANTASTIC haircut that complemented my face and personality, she is a wonderful colorist. I am so happy that I found a stylist that I can "grow" with and trust. Pyara is fortunate to have such a person on its team. One word of "caution." I am happy to spend money on quality products and gave/am giving the Aveda line a try. I purchased nearly (except one because they were out of it) all the products that were recommended to me after my facial and have had some negative reactions to it (my forehead and cheeks got all spotty and red). Nonetheless, after my haircut yesterday, I purchased some of the hair products to give it a try. Hopefully, I'll be luckier with them. Regardless, I've already booked my next hair appointment (I don't think I've ever booked my next appointment in advance with any stylist) and am looking forward to it!

Pros: relaxing atmosphere, professional staff, hours

Cons: parking

03/20/2008 Posted by Banfhlaith

I used to work at a Spa, so sometimes I forget I don't need to think so much when I'm getting treatments. I booked a massage, facial and brow wax for one day. The choosing of the essential oils was wonderful a wonderful touch (some places don't give you an option), yet a little too ritual for my taste. Christopher B gave an excellent massage. It was therapeutic and relaxing at the same time, which was very much needed. He also did some things that I don't think had been done to me before. The facial with Kristen was also wonderful. The products she used and recommended were excellent options and it is very clear she knows skin. Some critiques: I think I should have been given a health history form to fill out when I got there. Instead I had to wait until Christopher came to get me. No one told me about the dressing room, so I had to change back into my clothes between treatments and carry my stuff. I think again that this is something that most likely should have been done by the front desk staff especially when they saw I had multiple treatments lined up. I broke out from the wax, which happened to me once before after a $5.00 wax, but never in a reputable location. I also never had a facial and wax done together before and I'm not sure if that might have added to it. I know my credit info is on file, but I felt like I could have walked out without paying for my treatments. Overall- Great treatments, but the front staff needs additional training and work.

Pros: great therapists, heated treatment beds

Cons: front staff

03/18/2008 Posted by JordanC85

I woke up this morning (my first day off in 10 days) feeling totally wiped out. I am constantly on my feet, so I often wake up feeling sore. I just knew that I needed a massage asap. Now, because I am "in the business," I'm a little picky with salons and spas. There is nothing worse than walking out after spending a couple hundred treating yourself and regretting it. I did a little research on yelp and city search and had decided on Pyara....mostly because it was close and was an Aveda salon. What a wonderful choice. The salon was very modern earthy, but very welcoming. My masseuse, Jen greeted me and asked me to pick out an Aveda scent and was very helpful. I often find myself holding my breath or maybe taking shorter breaths when the massage gets a little intense, but Jen was calmly breathing at a slow pace which reminded me to focus on actually breathing and relax a little. She told me that it can get a little intense when getting out the knots..etc. but should never hurt....because that's not what were here for. I felt like it was her mission to get me relaxed and feel rejuvenated.. which she did very well. After the hour was over, I stepped into their private shower with AMAZING water pressure. They had every Aveda shampoo and treatment you could think of....I felt like I was on cloud 9 when I got out. They have a great dressing room with lotions and products, brushes and a blowdryer, and even some sample makeup. Very serene and relaxing. Afterwards, I was browsing through the products and the man helping me was wonderful. Made great suggestions and not a hint of pushiness to get a sale. I re-booked with Jen in 6 weeks and cannot wait to go back. Great area- right in Harvard Square, easy to park, highly recommend Pyara and take it from a spa junkie *try Jen out too!!!*

Pros: aveda products, great staff, excellent massage, awesome shower

Cons: nothing

03/12/2008 Posted by sb66

I got my makeup done at Pyara last week by Christian. He was incredibly talented, unbelievably sweet, and the whole experience was relaxing and fun. He did an awesome job and people were commenting on how great my eyes looked all evening. I HIGHLY recommend him!

02/18/2008 Posted by bunheads

I have spent the last year trying to find the salon and stylist that I was consistently happy with and I found them. I highly recommend Taylor as a stylist. She is a real pro but is also kind and makes you feel comfortable in her chair. I have had great cut and color experiences with her, and she is careful to make sure she understands what you want and gives it to you. They are generally on time with their appointments and the staff is usually very personable. You will need to make an appointment far in advance because they are ALWAYS booked up. Especially if you want to see Taylor, she seems to be in high demand. I also recommend booking your next appointment while you there paying for your last. So bring your calendar or appointment book with you, that's how hard it can be to get an appointment. I kid you not.

Pros: Taylor is an awesome stylist.

Cons: Have to book far in advance.

01/30/2008 Posted by 02138

A friend recommended them a year ago, and I've been going here ever since. I've had haircuts with a few people, and all have been extremely good, especially for my hair type (really fine). They recommend Aveda products, but no excessive pressure to purchase them.

Pros: evening hours

Cons: a bit pricy

12/18/2007 Posted by km729

I've always enjoyed my experience at Pyara. Anna is a great stylist and very easy to work with. She even took time to show me different ways to get my hair out of my face (stylishly) as it was growing out. I did have a bad reaction to an eyebrow wax once, but the owner contacted me personally and immediately refunded my money. And it wasn't even their fault -- no one knew I was allergic to the waxing stuff. Everyone's been very friendly and warm whenever I've gone - and I'll keep going back.

12/07/2007 Posted by nikkimarin

I went to this salon three times to find out if I would really like it. The staff is surface friendly but not really all that interested in you. I felt not even like a number at this salon but more like a DOLLAR SIGN. My last appointment cost me $250. My knees just about buckled on that amount. I had my hair foiled and cut. Actually my hair was razor cut by Taylor. I hear this is her specialty but it's not great for ALL hair types and my hair in particular. I normally have a nice full head of hair but with the excess razoring my hair now lays like limp, thin, no body hair. Also there was a slight problem with the color in that I had one area where it was excessively blond, I was told I would have to pay to have another color foiled into that area. At $250 I think I could have gotten much friendlier service and felt great about the salon and myself. I WILL NOT GO back! Unless you like to throw lots of money at people who aren't all that into you I'd go elsewhere.

Pros: Aveda products

Cons: everything else -- The cost is particularly rediculous. The staff is smug.

11/29/2007 Posted by cantabrigian05

I had my hair straightened and cut by Nikki and her assistant Danielle. It was an enjoyable experience from start to finish and my hair came out looking great. I've had the Japanese straightening done in the past and the treatment they do here by Rusk is less harsh, but still effective and much cheaper. In total it set me back about $240 but it was worth it.

11/15/2007 Posted by cambridgelife

Besides the slightly indifferent counter girls, the 2 stylists I went to (one for the original cut, the other to attempt to 'fix' the original cut) were friendly and nice. I have curly hair, needed a simple trim, was completely explicit in what I wanted, with the stylist even repeating it back to me... etc... And walked out with 2 different hair cuts on either side of my head, CRAZY layers, and the worst styling job I have ever had given to me by someone who is "trained in cutting and styling curly hair". I can deal with the styling job, but the cut? The long layers weren't even the same. The sad part about it is because of the way she cut it in order to fix it the 2nd stylist would have had to chop about 8 inches off my hair, taking it all the way up to the bottom of my ears. I was given no discount, no real apology, and asked how much I wanted to tip. In short, I won't go there again and I recommend that those with curly hair not go there either. oh and in case you're wondering, I did tip the 2nd stylist just cuz it's the polite thing to do. :)

Pros: the little bit of tea when waiting for my stylist was nice. and aveda products are always great!

Cons: bad customer service, bad cut, bad value for the money.