Austen's

The title may seem negative, but Austen's is more than fairly priced. At least, for Brazilian bikini waxes (and I've been up and down Newbury in search of a good one). Arwen waxes relatively painlessly; her hard waxing technique is quick, efficent, and (this is worth repeating) pretty painless. Arwen herself has a tendency towards being cold and awkward(she occasionally carried on AOL conversations while I was undressing...in front of her), which can lead to a momentarily strange situation, but 50$ is hardly a large price to pay for the lasting results. Although, if she mentions my need for a pedicure again, I may not come back for a while. Pros: pretty painless, quick, timely Cons: awkward staff, hours more

I explained to the hairdresser that I'm growing my hair out and wanted it in a nice style, and that I wanted the layers cleaned up (they're all choppy and mangy), but he just trimmed the bottom of my hair and sent me on my way. I was in and out in about 20 minutes, mangy, choppy layers intact. And the part he trimmed isn't even -- it looks like it was cut with pinking shears. The bathroom had no paper towels, the place was dingy and *seriously* lacking in ambiance. The haircut cost me $55 -- I wish I'd spent the extra $15 to get a good haircut at Umi. My hair looks exactly the same as when I went in, except that the bottom of it is all crooked now. Pros: no pros Cons: expensive, badly done, ugly more

After a horrible eyebrow wax job, I shyed away from getting it done again for two years (I know!) But after several people recommended Austen's to me, I decided to brave it again. They did an amazing job! I have gone back several times. They wax as if it's an art - the follow the exact form of your eyebrow and make it look completely natural. Austen herself is excellent, but a little less talkative. If you're all about business, go to her. Rina is very nice, and a little more relaxed. I recommend both! more

I've lived in NYC for years and suffered through every over-hyped bikini wax in the city. Truth be told, no one holds a candle to Austen. If you want a tranquil, welcoming and virtually pain-free Brazilian (not kidding), I'm convinced this is the only place to go. Austen is as lovely and gracious as when I lived in Boston years ago. It's worth scheduling all ""bikini maintenance"" around trips north. In fact, I joined CitySearch just to praise Austen's! more

I was in Boston for the Democratic National Convention. The concierge at our hotel recommended I see Austen, as he has the best reputation in the city. Well, all I can say is WOW! My eyebrows have never looked better. The salon appears to be expanding. It was luxurious without being over the top. The manager was a true gentleman and the service flowed seamlessly. I only wish I lived in Boston to see Austen on a regular basis! He and his salon are a true gem!!! Pros: locatiion, service, pricing more

After reading about this place on Allure regardin eyebrow wax, I went to see Austen for an appointment. I came out overplucked with uneven eyebrows. The $18 is too much to pay for a horrible ""eyebrow shaping"". I used to pay $35 at Anastasia's in Beverly Hills. I would pay even more for the wonderful job they do!. Austen, you are DEFINTELY not Anastasia! Pros: Price more

I had a 1pm appt. and due to a delay on the T was 10 minutes late for my half hour apptointment. When I got to Austen's, no one was at the reception desk. When the receptionist finally showed up - I explained my situation and she informed me the aesthetician had left the building and that I was going to be charged for the appointment. Their policy is cancellation within 24 hrs or no shows will get charged; they never mentioned getting charged for a situation that I had absolutely no control over. They were completly unreasonable, rude and careless due to the fact that the aesthetician left the building and therefore there was no possibility of modifying the appointment to fit the remaining time. I would never recommend this place to anyone. It is not worth it. more

I had assumed that a location on Newbury St. would mean overpricing and haughty service. Nothing could be further from the truth. Prices for services were less than other salons and I was treated like an honored guest. My one complaint : no email address/web site for hours, directions, price ranges, etc. Pros: T -reachable, very reasonable rates more