Invidia Salon and Spa

This place is probably fine if you’re after a light-​touch relaxation massage, and their drink service is very nice too. But if you like deep tissue massages and strong pressure this is not the place for you. My wife and I just had massages here, and we were both unimpressed with the massages. Not only did my massage lack pressure, it was also pretty boring compared to the many we’ve had. My wife was disappointed the towel warmer in her room was broken.

I am writing to update my review from a few years ago. I have been going to Invidia for several years. And now I’m done. For good.
Yesterday, I had the worst experience imaginable. I had made an appointment for foil highlights and a cut, both of which I desperately needed. And I had a big-​deal work event, so I wanted to look fantastic. However, when I arrived, Angela (new stylist for me) informed me that she had checked my history, and she didn’t have time for foils and a haircut– there had been a mix-​up and I was apparently given an appointment for a one-​process color (something I’ve never had). So I opted to go for the color, sorely disappointed that I wouldn’t get a cut.
Angela did the foils, and after shampooing, combed it and I left with wet hair.
When I got to work it was dry and the color is awful. The new foils don’t match the rest of my hair, so I have a terrible dark streak– the whole point was to cover up my natural roots, with new blond color. I think I deserve a refund, frankly.
Never again…

The space is beautiful but the services are way overpriced. It cost $ 160 to get my hair relaxed at Invidia. I can get the same quality for $ 80 at Ricardo’s Infinity Salon in Allston. Ricardo’s is much smaller but the results are great.

I have been coming to Invidia for a few years now for haircuts with Kate who I highly recommend, however, my last visit was very unsatisfactory as was the follow up.
I went in for a full foil with a new stylist, and had brought in many pictures to show her what I was looking for. The color came out completely wrong, and looked nothing like what I had described. I decided to let it sit for a few days before calling back to follow up with them in regards to getting the color fixed. I only had my hair done by a new stylist since Kate was unavailable, otherwise, I would have gone to my normal stylist.
After many phone calls with the incredibly stuck up, and pushy owner, the only option that I was provided with was to have my hair fixed (complimentary) by the same stylist who had done my hair originally– completely ridiculous considering how poorly she did my hair the first time. I can’t imagine that anyone would want their hair done by the same person that did their hair before. If I wanted to see my regular stylist, I was told I would have to pay full price again. I asked to be refunded so that I could have my hair done elsewhere which I was told wasn’t an option. $ 150 is clearly nothing to this salon so the fact that they won’t refund a very unsatisfied customer is ridiculous.
Needless to say, I’ll never be back nor would I ever recommend someone coming to this salon solely based on the poor management and follow up that I received. Customer satisfaction should always come first and foremost and clearly Invidia is more concerned with its «swanky» image and bottom line.

I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this place before! I’ve been going here to see Nashua a few times a year for so long now, even after moving out of the area.
I absolutely love this salon — the girls at the front desk are always really welcoming and friendly, the actual salon is so pretty, and Nashua is hands down the best stylist I’ve ever had. I’ve literally had so many people ask me who does my hair, and I have friends that have started going to her too. I’ve even been to other cities where I’ve had my hair done and other stylists have asked me who does my hair! She’s awesome and I always look forward to seeing her.
So I definitely recommend going to Invidia, and ask for Nashua if you’re getting your hair done!

It has been six months since my hair was ruined at Invidia Salon and I am still livid. When I say ruined, I am not exaggerating. My hair is absolutely DISGUSTING and there is nothing I can do about it until it grows out.
I had dark reddish hair and decided that I wanted to go lighter. I did not think this was an issue, because I have done color remove (called color oops or something) at other salons with no damage to my hair.
The service that I received at Invidia to change my color was bleach. I was not forewarned that they were going to bleach my hair or even strip it. They colored over the bleach, but that did not last very long.
I have insecure and disgusted all summer by my hair. There is nothing I can do to make it better. I have tried protein masks and even sleeping with coconut oil in my hair. Nothing has worked.
Finally, I lobbed off my hair. It has been six months and now I have an above the shoulder bob and only half of my hair is disgusting due to regrowth.
I just think it is the stylists job to say «no I am sorry we cannot do that service as it will ruin your hair.» My current stylist has said this to me. Example, when I asked if we could color my hair, she warned that my hair was too brittle and it might in fact break off.
Other than that, they do push you to buy products very aggressively which is profoundly annoying.

I was really unhappy with a hair treatment I received and when I expressed my dissatisfaction, the stylist tried to tell me my perception was wrong even though I have been receiving the same care from other salons for many years and know how my hair should look. In retrospect, I should have not switched salons just for convenience sake. The stylists, in my opinion, need to be trained to treat customers more respectfully and not as if they are completely ignorant of what their own eyes are telling them! I paid much more for what I thought would be a superior result and when I complained to the manager, she was quite unhelpful. Back to my old salon, while not as convenient, at least provides respectful, competent and superior service at much less cost.

This place is beautiful! I really had no clue how big it was. It has everything to offer you for any spa or hair services. I went in looking for a new hair stylist, potentially sign up for a tanning package of some sort, and get an emergency manicure (because my nails looked crazy!!). The girls at the front desk were very accommodating. I told them what I was looking for in a stylist and they suggested one off the top. When I mentioned nails, I was able to book an appointment right then! Eh, why not throw in a pedicure too. I mean, I’m already here.
The mani pedi was great. I’d go back for a pedi anytime. My manicurist, Tiffany, was great and we had a lot to talk about. The pedicure was so comfortable, and relaxing.
The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars, is because spending $ 70 on a manicure pedicure is extreme for me. I would have loved to up my nails to gels, to make them last longer, but that would have been much more expensive.
Pedi trip for a special occasion is in my mind though! I’ll be back!

My Mom booked mani /​pedis for me and five of my bridesmaids the day before my wedding. From start to finish the Invidia team was incredible. Michele, the Event Coordinator, was exceptional in helping us with timing and working out a schedule that would accommodate some of the travel schedules for our group. They reserved the entire mani /​pedi area for us, provided pastries, fruit, coffee and tea –AND– had Bob on hand. Who is Bob? Bob is only an incredible masseuse that will give you a 10 minute chair massage for $ 5 and put up with a gaggle of 7 girls talking about their dating lives…
Speaking of massages and dating, the massage chairs they have for the pedicures were literally the best ones I’ve ever been in. They must be some Sharper Image hybrid chair that encases (yes, seriously) your whole body and does some things even my husband hasn’t tried (that’s a good thing, I think…) And they also provide snuggly blankets and high-​quality magazines in case you don’t have a bunch of girls on hand to gossip with.
Finally, I wish I could remember the names of all the ladies who did our nails because they were wonderful. Not only are they some of the best estheticians I’ve ever worked with (my gel manicure lasted nearly a month), but they are funny, sweet and seemed to genuinely enjoy spending time with our group.
The entire day was perfect and it was in large part to the wonderful Invidia team and the beautiful setting of the spa. For anyone looking to get primped with a group or individually, I can’t recommend them enough.

I’m sorry I feel compelled to write this review. I am not a ‘complainer’ by nature. But. there are better places out there… I finally tried Invidia after reading reviews on Unilocal.I was going to Vidal Sassoon in Boston for years (AMAZING!) but go tired of the hassle of going into town (and the price). I went for the first time and saw Angela. She is very pleasant, but did not ask me about my style, how I wear my hear, my preferences, etc. I do expect a stylist to ask questions of a new client to learn as much as possible. Instead, I asked her to give me a blunt bob with a blunt bang and a cool medium brown color (she brought me a swatch board to pick from). Neither the cut nor the color was what I asked for — and I really have a simple style. Color was very red/​warm and my bangs were rounded and tapered to frame my round face. Angela told me the red hue was just the lighting and that I would see it was more of a cool tone when I got home and washed it (NO LUCK!). I later went back to another stylist and had the bangs fixed. In addition, the color was not applied completely. After the first wash I could see many areas where she missed greys (I am about 5% grey on my head). This is most likely due to the very dark lighting in the back room.
Other points I would like to note: Beautiful décor, but areas are way to dark and COLD (even my stylist complained about the temp), I was offered a latte and magazines while my color processed — no one ever came back so I sat for over 45 minutes with nothing — and no one checked on me. Also, the receptionist was fine — but didn’t even ask if I wanted to book a follow up appointment when I checked out.
What I learned — you get what you pay for, interior design does not correlate w the quality of your cut/​color, city salons have a higher standard (even if you have to pay 50% more). Invidia is a good choice for proms and up-do’s — they post many pretty pictures on Facebook. But if you want a contemporary precision cut or color — go elsewhere. There are many options with 15 minutes of the salon.

Absolutely LOVE Invidia. I am getting married in August and was referred by a friend to visit Invidia to get my skin photo ready. I have very acne prone skin, and they have worked out a facial schedule to clear up any and all skin issues leading up to the wedding. I had my first facial last night with Lissy and was amazed. Not only is the spa beautiful, it it so clean and relaxing. Lissy was wonderful and I already see results. I only wore bronzer today (for someone who «needs» her makeup that was a sweet surprise. My face is already glowing. I am referring friends and looking forward to my future appointments. Thank you!

Am now a regular at the salon but less regular than at the beginning. Wonderful nail care and beautiful salon. Was greeted with a smile and have been very happy with my Mani pedis, Tiarrah is fab. Now the bad news. Was in my pedi coma in the massage chair and started to get the sales pitch for the specials for regular service. Not by my nail tech but by one of the staff getting her nails done. Ran outta there cause was not in the upselling mood during what was my hour of peace for the week. But what the heck, Decided to ask about the specials when I checked out and was told to look online. Really? Tried to book another appointment too got nowhere with that from the woman who checked me out. Where was the «couldn’t be nicer» desk staff my first 2 visits? Called the next day and guess what? no problem getting the day and time I asked for the first time. Same check online for specials lady was there at my next visit so I just paid and haven’t gone back. So dropped a star from review. Awesome nail techs but Please don’t sell me anything while I’m right in the process of getting a pedi. And I shouldn’t be scared to book another appointment with one of the staff. Haven’t been back but will give one more go of it. Too bad the ladies that do the actual work are great.

I was looking for a new place outside the city for a spray tan before my trip to Vegas. Invidia had great reviews on Unilocal but not much written specifically on spray tans. I decided to take a chance.
I had no idea how large this spa was, or how beautifully laid out and filled with great décor it was. First impressions were A+. I had already braced myself for poor service walking in based on many reviews. The girls at the front could not have been nicer and more accommodating. Not only that but I felt they went above and beyond to provide good hospitality.
I think my spray tan could have been darker, but that is probably my fault for asking for something «middle ground and natural looking.» Next time I will ask for that but a step up in the color.
Overall a great experience and I can’t wait to try some of their other services.

I get my hair cut here. Kate is the best.

I absolutely love this place.
The atmosphere is top notch, I instantly relax the minute I walk in the door.
The hairstylists are out of this world great. Every time I call they ask who I want to do my hair and while I’ve loved all 3 of the people that have done it– it really doesn’t matter because I know whoever touches it is going to do something fabulous and I’m not the kind of person that needs a specific color or cut every time I go. Also– I find them to be very reasonably priced for such a high quality salon. It’s less than I paid on Newbury St (thank god) but it’s really not break the bank expensive.
Manicures & Pedicures are great and they take their time to make sure they give you thorough massages and service, which is really appreciated.
I also get my eyebrows done here regularly and again– I went to the same person for 13 years vowing never to go to anyone else and it doesn’t matter who I see here. All of their estheticians do a great job AND they do high frequency afterward so you don’t get the after waxing break out.
Their front desk people aren’t amazing but… whatever. Everyone else is awesome.

I’m not sure why the girls who work the front desk at Invidia think they are so fabulous (if they read this, perhaps they could message me back and reply). When a business is working with customers directly, I just think they should be NICE to the customers… know what I mean?
However, when you bring your items (shampoo, etc) to them to purchase, they will just give you a fake smile, ring it up, toss it in a bag and hand it off to you. My other pet peeve with them is that since there are no prices on anything, you have no idea how much you are being robbed until you actually get to the snooty girl at the register. You can find Moroccan Oil products everywhere, and now I know to buy them anywhere BUT HERE.
Seriously, Invidia: take it down several notches.

First time visit this spa today. The decoration is awsome, treatment room is larger than other spas, service is just okay. I think it is over rated for the premium you would have to pay. However, if you are into interior design, it is worth to check it out.
I used $ 50 gift card from my friend, their computer calculated it as $ 25, I only found it out when I got home. When I called back to tell them the mistake, it takes the front desk girl a while to understand the mistake. She kept telling me they didn’t over charge. So if you are using gift certificate, be careful to calculate how much you own them after the certificate, don’t assume their computer does accurate calculation, according to this girl, the computer automatically put 50% discount on gift cards, I wouldn’t say it is sneaky but be careful.

I recently had a appointment for hair services at this salon. The appt was originally for highlights. I am really happy with them and want to repeat this service here except for their incessant pressure to add a haircut! At every turn, they tried to add a haircut. When I booked the appt, when I checked in, when the stylist introduced herself, when we went over what I wanted, when i had my hair shampooed. I finally gave in because I couldn’t take it anymore, but geesh! How many times do I have to say no?! On top of that, I was scolded for using a certain type of shampoo and then pressured to buy this set of fancypants shampoo/​conditioner.
The appointment ended up costing way more than I originally intended due to the haircut.
Not to mention that, because the stylist I was originally booked with had an emergency and they had to switch me to someone else (which is totally fine and understandable– no big deal), they offered to add a free makeup service onto everything… except it was never added and I never received the service. I would have been fine with the stylist switch anyway but since they offered this service and never delivered, I was a bit disappointed.
I’ve never been disappointed with my spa services, so this was a big letdown. The color and execution of the higlights was perfect, so that may be the only reason why they get a second shot at my hair.

I just had a massage with Stephanie, please excuse me if there are any typos, because i’m still enjoying the mush-​like feeling from it. Stephanie was fantastic. I just moved to the area and I’ve had a string of poor massages as of late, and I am so pleased to finally find a great MT.
I’ve been experiencing some major back pain this past week so i requested the focus to be on back and shoulders, i’m so glad I did; I feel great.
I am so tempted to try their facials, but 90 dollars for a facial? eek.
The Salon/​Spa is gorgeous, i mean, gorgeous… and i’m a spa-​junky. My only complaint is that upon arriving (at 7.45 am) the place was booming with noise! It was way too loud. Perhaps that’s just a me thing but i was just looking forward to relaxing a bit, especially before my first coffee :)
All in all, wonderful experience, try it out.