Our keratin treatment uses Keratherapy's advanced formaldehyde-free formula, which is the safest and most effective option available in the Boston area. Traditional keratin treatments release formaldehyde gas when heated, which can cause eye irritation, respiratory problems, and has been classified as a potential carcinogen. Our organic alternative provides the same smoothing benefits—reducing frizz by up to 95%, adding shine, and making hair more manageable—without any toxic fumes or harsh chemicals.

The treatment works by infusing keratin protein deep into your hair shaft, repairing damage and creating a protective layer that shields against humidity and environmental stressors. Results last four to six months depending on your hair type and maintenance routine. We incorporate the treatment into damp hair, allow proper processing time, then seal it in with heat styling for optimal absorption and longevity. Because we use formaldehyde-free formulas, you can wash your hair immediately after treatment without worrying about disturbing the results, unlike traditional treatments that require a 72-hour waiting period.

A full balayage service typically takes between two and a half to four hours depending on your hair length, density, and the complexity of the look you're creating. The process involves hand-painting color onto your hair in a way that creates a natural-looking dimension and sun-kissed highlights that grow out gracefully.

One of the major benefits of balayage compared to traditional foil highlights is the low-maintenance upkeep. Because the color is painted with a soft, blended transition rather than starting right at the roots, you can typically go three to four months between appointments before needing a refresh. Some clients even extend to five or six months, simply coming in for a toner refresh and trim between full color services.

For optimal results, we recommend scheduling a toning service every eight to ten weeks to maintain your desired shade and keep brassiness at bay, then doing a full balayage refresh every three to four months. This approach keeps your color looking fresh and dimensional while minimizing damage and making the service more budget-friendly long-term.

Absolutely! In many ways, our organic hair color outperforms traditional ammonia-based dyes. The primary difference is in the formula composition—our PPD-free organic color uses smaller dye molecules that actually penetrate deeper into the hair cortex, creating richer, more permanent color that lasts longer and resists fading.

Traditional hair dyes rely on ammonia to open the hair cuticle and large dye molecules that sit on the surface, which is why they often fade quickly and require frequent touch-ups. Our organic formula opens the cuticle gently using natural alternatives, then deposits smaller color molecules that bond more effectively with your hair's protein structure. This means the color actually becomes part of your hair rather than just coating the outside.

Additionally, our organic color includes conditioning ingredients like milk proteins, organic honey, and amino acids that nourish your hair during the coloring process. Clients consistently report that their hair feels softer, shinier, and healthier after coloring rather than dry and damaged. The gray coverage is excellent and long-lasting, and the color selection includes a full spectrum of shades from natural browns and blacks to vibrant fashion colors.

Yes! In fact, keratin treatment is highly beneficial for color-treated hair. The treatment helps seal your hair cuticle, which locks in color molecules and extends the life of your color investment. Many clients notice their color stays vibrant longer and fades more gracefully after incorporating regular keratin treatments into their hair care routine.

However, timing is important. We recommend waiting at least two weeks after a major color service before getting a keratin treatment, and vice versa. This allows the color to fully set and stabilize in your hair before introducing another chemical process. If you're planning both services, we can often schedule them strategically—some clients prefer to do keratin treatment two weeks after color, while others prefer to do keratin first and color later.

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t's worth noting that keratin treatment can slightly lighten previously colored hair by about half to one shade, so we factor this into our color formulation if you're planning both services close together. During your consultation, we'll assess your hair's current condition and create a customized treatment plan that achieves your goals while maintaining optimal hair health.

Proper home care is essential for extending the life of your salon services and keeping your hair healthy between appointments. The single most important thing you can do is switch to sulfate-free, professional-quality shampoo and conditioner. Sulfates are harsh detergents found in most drugstore shampoos that strip away natural oils, cause premature color fading, and reduce the longevity of treatments like keratin.

For keratin-treated hair, we recommend washing less frequently—every two to three days rather than daily—using lukewarm water rather than hot, which can strip the treatment. Use sulfate-free products specifically formulated for keratin-treated or smoothing systems. Avoid chlorinated pools and salt water when possible, or wear a swim cap and rinse immediately after swimming.

For color-treated hair, especially blonde services, use a purple or blue toning shampoo once or twice weekly to neutralize brassiness and keep your color looking fresh. Always use heat protectant spray before blow drying or using hot tools, and try to limit heat styling when possible. Deep conditioning treatments once weekly help maintain moisture and prevent breakage.

We carry our recommended professional products at the salon and can customize a home care regimen based on your specific services and hair type. Investing in quality products makes a significant difference in how long your salon results last and how healthy your hair remains between appointments.

Yes, and we strongly encourage them! For any major service like color correction, dramatic color changes, or if you're new to our salon and considering a significant transformation, we recommend scheduling a complimentary consultation before booking the actual appointment.

During a consultation, we'll discuss your hair goals, assess your current hair condition, review your hair history (previous colors, treatments, damage), and create a realistic plan for achieving your desired results. We'll be honest about what's possible in one session versus what might require multiple appointments, provide a timeline and cost estimate, and answer any questions you have about the process.

Consultations typically last 15 to 30 minutes and can often be done same-day if you walk in during a less busy time, though scheduling in advance is recommended. This initial meeting helps ensure we're on the same page about expectations and allows you to meet your stylist and feel comfortable before committing to a potentially lengthy or expensive service.

For standard services like regular cuts, single-process color, or maintenance appointments, consultations aren't necessary—we can discuss your goals at the beginning of your scheduled appointment. However, if you're ever uncertain about what service you need or want to explore options, we're always happy to schedule time to chat before booking.

While both techniques add lighter tones to your hair, the application method and resulting look are quite different. Traditional highlights use foils to isolate sections of hair, which are then saturated with lightener from root to tip. This creates more uniform, consistent brightness throughout the highlighted sections and typically requires more maintenance since the color starts right at the roots.

Balayage, on the other hand, is a freehand painting technique where color is swept onto the hair in a way that mimics how the sun would naturally lighten it. The color is concentrated more heavily on the mid-lengths and ends with a softer, more graduated application at the roots. This creates a more natural, lived-in look with soft, blended dimension rather than distinct highlighted sections.

The major advantage of balayage is the low-maintenance grow-out. Because the color doesn't start right at the root line, you don't get that obvious "striped" regrowth line that requires frequent touch-ups. Balayage can last three to four months or longer before needing a refresh, while traditional highlights typically need touch-ups every six to eight weeks.

We often combine techniques—using balayage for overall dimension and adding a few strategic foils around the face for extra brightness and pop. During your consultation, we'll recommend the best approach for your desired look, hair type, and maintenance preferences.

Color correction is necessary when previous color services have resulted in undesirable outcomes that can't be fixed with a simple toner or gloss. Common situations that require color correction include: hair that turned orange, brassy, or the wrong tone after attempting to go lighter; uneven color with splotchy or patchy areas; color that's too dark and needs to be lifted; built-up color from years of box dye that creates a dull, muddy appearance; or severely damaged hair from over-processing that needs to be restored while adjusting the color.

If you're experiencing any of these issues, we recommend scheduling a consultation so we can assess the situation and create a correction plan. Color correction is more complex than standard coloring because we're essentially reversing or fixing previous work, which often requires multiple steps and specialized techniques.

The process typically involves color removal or lightening to eliminate unwanted tones, followed by carefully depositing the correct color, and incorporating intensive treatments to repair damage and restore hair health. Depending on the severity of the issue and your desired end result, correction might be achieved in one lengthy session or might require multiple appointments spaced weeks apart to maintain hair integrity.

Color correction is generally more expensive than standard color services because it requires more time, product, and expertise. However, the investment is worthwhile to achieve the healthy, beautiful color you're seeking and to avoid further damage from attempting DIY fixes or going to inexperienced colorists.