We’re lucky to live in an area replete with stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. But what are Harvard girls always left looking for? The answer: A salon to fit all their grooming needs, from eyebrow waxing to manicures. Her Campus Harvard evaluated all the most convenient options right in our backyard!
Best for: Quick waxing, threading and good prices
Dreams Beauty, Formerly Sun City Tanning
1168 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dreams Beauty is located in a run-down looking building on Mass Ave, making it one of Harvard Square’s best-kept secrets. No, this isn’t a luxury salon experience, but the prices are hard to resist. Eyebrow threading—a process that causes less pain and irritation than waxing—costs only $15. The real perk of this salon is its extremely reasonably priced Brazilian bikini wax, which costs only $40 the first time and $30 each time after that.
You may have to hang around a few minutes if you go during a busy time, but the reasonable prices are well worth the wait.
Best for: A private mani/pedi or great eyebrow shaping
Sasha Salon and Spa
23 Arrow Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Sasha Salon and Spa is a small establishment where everyone seems to know each other. Appointments are definitely necessary, and the price point is a bit higher than some other options. A manicure will cost you $20 and a pedicure $40, but they take place in a private room where you don’t have to worry about running into anyone or being distracted by other customers. They are also extremely hygienic, which makes it worth the higher price.
Their waxing services are fantastic, and an eyebrow wax comes in at $20. This may seem high, but their certified technicians take a great deal of care every step of the way, applying pre- and post-wax treatments. A guy actually complimented me on my eyebrows after using this eyebrow waxing service after. That certainly must say something!
Best for: When you don’t mind paying a little more
Pyara Salon and Spa
104 Mt Auburn St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Pyara provides a luxurious salon experience, and the national affiliation with Aveda ensures that Pyara’s standards are high. It’s definitely a bit on the pricier side (a manicure costs $26 and a pedicure costs $45), but could be worth it if you’re looking to treat yourself. Definitely call ahead for an appointment, as they tend to fill up quickly.
This salon and spa also offers a really wide range of services – a gift card to Pyara could be the perfect wish list item for your birthday or another occasion!
Best for: When you’re looking to save money
Unique Nails
99 Mt. Auburn St
Cambridge, MA 02138
Unique Nails doesn’t offer a full spa experience, and they don’t claim to – this is the ideal salon for when you don’t want to pay more than $12 for a manicure and you don’t want to leave Harvard Square. They offer a wide range of colors and the service is quick.
If you go at peak hours – pretty much any time between 4 PM and 7 PM – expect to wait at least ten minutes, or to be asked to come back later. If your class schedule allows, try to go in the morning when it will be less busy. I don’t recommend Unique for waxing services, but for manicures they do a good, quick job.