Professional hairdye without sacrificing firstborn? (+1)

[contradictacat.livejournal.com]

I'm getting tired of trying to get my hair to take dye properly when doing it myself, and I'm wondering where I can go to get a professional dyejob. I wouldn't be looking for anything too outlandish, so pretty much everywhere is up for consideration. Has to be T (or bus)-accessible, and I'm looking for a place that won't be insanely expensive. I'm not sure if it's the generally accepted price, but a lot of the places I've seen around here have been about 70-80 dollars. If that's the general price, then fine, but if I can find a cheaper place, that would be great. Thanks!

Also- does anyone know of any fancy spa-type places or beauty supply stores in the general Boston area that would have products for sale? I'm mostly looking for fancy nail polish, and most of the nail places that I've seen don't sell the polish they use. Thanks!

Comments

[rmd.livejournal.com]

there's some chain beauty supply store in the twin city plaza on the mcgrath/obrien hwy.

Hope this helps ...

[chaiya.livejournal.com]

I used to get my hair highlighted at Salon Luna in Porter for $100. Now I go to Ultima Salon in Davis (Joe, in particular, although Maria is also good), and they charge me $50.

It may also depend on how long your hair is. Mine is down to my mid-back.

I know where to buy O.P.I nail polish...

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

I asked at Square Nail Studio: There's a nail salon in the Meadow Glen Mall that sells O.P.I nail polish ($7.50); I don't know the salon's name, but it's next to Kohls.

DHR Stylists in Harvard Square

[badseed1980.livejournal.com]

I love these guys. They charge reasonable prices (especially if you're referred by a client), are friendly and professional, don't bitch you out about slipping up on hair care, and are willing to do the style you want without griping that you're not letting them do what they think looks best on you. I've had altogether too many stylists give me a lecture on my split ends, and keep nagging me to let them cut my hair into a short style (like the one this icon, which, while ok, never thrilled me like long hair does). Also, their salon looks like a sci-fi convention held in a Spencer Gifts during Pride Week. Way cool. At least, if you're me.

Nail polish!

[firepail.livejournal.com]

O.P.I. raised their prices this year to $8.50 a bottle, and some salons charge between $7-$9.75 per bottle. The best place to buy it is online if you are interested in more than one color (to justify shipping charges). E-tailers I use are:
http://www.8ty8beauty.com/
and
http://www.head2toebeauty.com/
They tend to sell polish for half of what stores around here charge, and it is really great if you know what colors you are looking for. If you are interested in buying a single color in person, try Trade Secret, Lord and Lady's, or Dellaria Salon located in the Cambridgeside Mall, Watertown Mall, or Burlington Mall. Those stores tend to sell it cheaper than the local hair salons that also sell nail polish, like the Aveda salon in Harvard Square.

If you want to see swatches of colors before you buy online, I recommend checking out Scrangie:
http://www.scrangie.com/

[firepail.livejournal.com]

Oh yeah, and Sephora now sells O.P.I. polish. It's a special line of O.P.I. developed for Sephora, so you won't find O.P.I. classic colors like "I'm Not Really A Waitress" there.

[muffyjo]

I like Hair Co at 1 porter square (Same floor as Pier One). And you can make a reservation online. Jodi does great color (and any color you want).

[grapefruiteater.livejournal.com]

There's an Ulta (http://www.ulta.com/ulta/) at the Gateway Center in Everett (where the Target Greatland is). Ulta is by far the best place to find OPI, Essie, and other salon-brand nail polishes. Their selection is huge, and they have a lot in stock—not just one or two bottles of each color.

inexpensive hair colorist

[lizzy29tish.livejournal.com]

I had a cut, color and blowdry at Salon Femia for $75 so I imagine just the color job would be considerably less. Ornella is fantastic. It is a great experience there. I can't say enough good things about the atmosphere and the talent! :-)

[yttrai.livejournal.com]

If you darken your hair, or go red, instead of lightening, it might be worth your time to play around with Manic Panic. I mix Cobra and Infrared 6:1 and the result is a dark strawberry blonde, similar to what henna achieves. I keep it diluted in a bottle of conditioner (about 6:1 again) and refresh it in the shower every time i wash. It is the cheapest solution i have found to date, and because it's dilute it doesn't stain hands or porcelain.

If you go lighter, i can't help :(