Indra Salon

Hair salon day from hell!!! Read this before you walk in there! This is the first time I am rating an establishment so it should tell you what a nightmare it was. Walked into the salon, asked if 1) they use Goldwell hair color 2) if they could color my roots by using aluminum foil instead of their usual method 3) if they could also darken the faded color on my hair. Consultant answered yes to all questions, quoted $ 110 total price and gave me an appointment. An assistant washed my hair using their own shampoo. After coloring my hair using foil and washing it, my roots were still all white. Note I had about 1 inches of white hair from the root and they were still white. Hairdresser who was the same person as the consultant acted like nothing was wrong. I told her this was unacceptable. She said she can redo, but never mentioned that the salon would double the price! As she was doing the foil coloring again, I noticed she was skipping coloring in between the foils. I told her if she continued that way, 50% of the hair would still remain white (common sense right?). She went back and tried to color the ones she skipped. After the third wash the roots were still white (about 0.6inches), showing terribly at the hair parting. I told her this was unacceptable and at this point to just apply the color directly on the parting to cover that section. She and the receptionist said they could not. I said I will not pay if they don’t. The receptionist called the manager on her phone. The manager told me if I paid, I will have to come back 3 days later and she would color the parting. When I went to pay, they told me the total was $ 215. I complained and asked to speak to the manager again. They called her up. She said they had processed twice and that was the charge. She did not care that the salon screwed it up. And she asked the hairdresser to come back 3 days later to just color the roots at the hair parting. I went ahead and had them charge the $ 215 on my credit card. The hairdresser wanted to take care of it right away but the manager was not allowing. They called the manager again and insisted that we would like to get this done now. After screaming «no way» to the hairdresser which I could hear, she finally agreed but asked me not to leave any negative comments on FB and on review sites on the Web. This really pissed me off. And as if this was not enough bad treatment of a customer, when the hairdresser had just finished applying hair color on the parting, a police officer walked in. The manager had called the police! We explained to him there was nothing wrong, so he left. I was there for four and a half hours, had my hair washed 4 times, had my hair processed 3 times and I still have lots of whites. Mistakes and misunderstandings do happen, and I do not blame the hairdresser. She was nice and tried her best and if it was up to her she would not have charged me twice. The salon management is the big problem.

Michelle Morando is hands down personable, she listens to you and delivers just what you want!

I never write reviews, like ever. However, I felt the need to write about my experience. The staff? Super nice. Everyone was smiling the whole time and I was offered something to drink numerous times. The décor? Beautiful. Definitely feels like you are in a Newbury Street salon. My hair? I am very happy about what the stylist did. Full foil, blowout. No cut. Was really pleased with the way it looked.
However… the price? RIDICULOUS. My stylist asked me if I wanted a conditioning treatment. She said it would be a slight up charge. After I got it done she massaged my shoulders. I thought she was just being nice bc she knew I had a long day. Found out after that it cost $ 60! For a treatment that took 3 seconds to put in and a 5 second massage. The blowout was over $ 35 and my full foil was $ 140 even though the website said she was a junior stylist. Add in tip we’re close to $ 300.
If I wanted to spend over $ 230 on my hair I’d go to Boston and enjoy the experience rather then downtown Andover.
NOT worth it. WAY overpriced. What a ripoff.

HORRIBLE!!! Turned my sisters hair green then kept «reminding» me that she had used a donated gift card. What?! RUDE RUDE RUDE. Also kept telling me that it was one of her master colorists that had done the work. Well then her hair shouldn’t have been green!!! She was extremely rude and talked down to me the entire conversation. Shocked at my response I got from them when I called to see if they could fix her hair… Since it was their fault!

A little slice of Newbury Street in Andover!

I have been going to Indra since its move to the new beautiful location on Main St. I started getting my hair cut and highlighted and was so thrilled I have stayed and used many different stylists for various services. I have dark blonde hair and add highlights to brighten it, and it is not easy to get it just right. April and her staff do an amazing job over and over. It is definitely an art form to be able to create the beautiful color she creates! I have also had fabulous blow-​drys by several different stylists. I just love it when I go out and people ask where I get my hair done — it is the ultimate compliment! I also enjoy the customer service — coffee, wine, hand and neck massage. And when I am running late or trying to squeeze in a manicure, the staff will help to make it happen, sneaking in a manicure while my color sets. I have recently also tried Chill Spa inside Indra and had fabulous facial and eye treatment. I will be back!

My first experience with the owner was wonderful. The second time I had a junior stylist who gave me the worst hair cut of my life. I felt nauseous and told her to stop.
I second the reviewer who said use only experienced stylist. Can’t risk going back.

11−17−11
Payed hundreds of dollars for a gift certificate for a friend’s fiancé’s 30^th birthday and they REFUSED TO HONOR IT, nor were willing to even try to contact me, how embarrassing, how horrific!
This occurred after coming 2 – 3 times trying to buy it in person and each time they were clearly ill prepared to do what I had confirmed earlier that same day was possible (they would not allow me to do it over the phone), to simply buy a gift certificate.
The co-​owner (Jose) returned my call and appeared to be genuinely & deeply concerned and wanted to correct the matter right away, even offering free service and assured me that he did want to be sure to get to the bottom of it all and would call me back the following day. He explained that the co-​owner was coming back from having been away and he would speak with her about it to get all details behind the problem. Considering how busy it can be when and owner returns back after having been away, I explained that I would trust his honor, asked him to not have to rush, rather, simply to get back to me by the end of the week (giving him 4 – 5 days to gather all the details and during this time I would also speak with my friend’s fiancé to see what she wanted to do).
1 – 2 weeks later, no call, no text, no missed call received from him/​them, no voice mail.
I just called them back and he was busy so I left a message.
2+hours later he was still too busy to get back to me even after explaining that I may have to take legal action to get my money back.
I had to request my credit card company to reverse the charge per this horrific (and possibly illegal) corporate activity and will have to see if filing a small claims district court law suit will be necessary.
**** BEWARE ****
UPDATE 11−20−11:
After speaking with April, co-​owner, I felt it important to update this review so that you, the reader, can further consider this. At the end of this update regarding my discussion with April, you will see the results of Jose calling me to offer his advise and input (both equally unsolicited and out of place).
When April and I spoke, she could not have appeared more genuine, heartfelt and deeply (and painfully) honest. She really seems like a terrific person who is going through way too much on many levels and my heart goes out to her. I am very sorry that this situation is happening during such a difficult time for her, I do wish that it were not as I do not want to further add to her difficulty.
To my surprise, following my very nice discussion with April, Jose called me in the evening to effectively «tell me off» stating how horrible my actions were, how unprofessional it was for me to tell the people who field the calls what was going on, that I treat people horribly and that I should have trusted him. Within his10−15 minute rant, it was necessary to interrupt him after his repeatedly state things that were simply dead wrong, beyond the significantly differing views/​opinions/​perspectives and remind him that it was he who never reissued a valid gift certificate (though nearly 2 months later), nor bother to calling me back as was the agreement in exchange for my extending patience, understanding and trust despite the horrific set of experiences.
He went on to tell me how terrific he is, how long he has been in the business, that he has been married for 22 years, has 4 children, worked as the only man in a salon of 70+ women and that he has never experienced anything like this before in his career and that I should watch out as I may not realize who I am dealing with (a threat he later repeated).
After being quite considerate given the history, I had to finally remind him that it was he who called me after failing to call me back for nearly 2 weeks, nor to take my call or return it after I had to call him leaving a message hours before. Additionally, I explained that I had already spoken with April and had, from my perspective, put it behind me (being assured that I would receive a full credit for the gift certificate that was never honored). It was not reasonable for me to continue spending more time in this way and wished him well.
While I am sure that there are many things about Jose that are very nice.
Unfortunately, I have not experienced these beyond his words that were later contradicted by his failure to respect my extended patience and consideration when he never bother to be in touch with me as was agreed (2 weeks later and still never bothered to call me back!). It became necessary after he repeated his open threat that I did not want him calling me again after the one-​sided, unsolicited call from him that was everything but apologetic or taking responsibility for his own significant mistake in not following up, rather aggressive, accusatory and asinine.
I wish April all the very best, professionally and personally and am so sorry that this terrible situation has to come at this most difficult time for her.

Ruined my wifes hair and charged me 70. Stay away from the hair school girls. Use the experienced stylists and then you will only be over paying for services but feel really hip.

So this review is long overdue, but I wanted to give a 5 star shout out to Jessica Haynes at Indra Salon. Though a younger stylist, Jess has the natural talent, drive and passion to stand out among the very best. It is clear from her gorgeous work and pleasant demeanor that she loves what she does and I always enjoy my visits.
The salon itself is well managed and very chic yet comfortable. You would not go wrong with anyone here.

I have been going to Indra for about 2 years now. I have wavy/​curly hair that many stylists in the past always want to straighten, or just simply dont know how to work with hair that isn’t straight. I personally don’t want my hair straightened, I don’t like it, and my hair is far too coarse to look healthy when straight. When I first met my stylist Jen, we had a long talk about my concerns and what I wanted with my hair. She is very attentive, always has great advice, and is just a very nice person in general. She understands curly hair which is a welcome change from many other hairdressers in the area. The new salon looks amazing too, it is incredibly chic and easy to locate in Andover center. The parking can be tricky, but its worth it to get pampered for the afternoon in the salon. It can be pricey here, however I leave with my hair damp and don’t pay any extra styling fees. Indra and Jen are fantastic — highly recommended for you curly girls (or guys)!
ETA: Jen has since moved from this salon — I have followed her to her new location

I’ve been here twice and have had okay/​bad experiences. The interior is gorgeous. I feel like I walked into a salon in Los Angelas. The staff is extremely polite and offer beverages, snacks when waiting for your appointment.
I was getting a simple haircut, a faux-​hawk. The girl had no idea what she was doing. The haircut ended up taking an hour and a half! UNACCEPTABLE. I had to explain in detail on how to do the cut and still she had trouble. She cut my hair very slowly and she looked unsure of what she was doing. This should not be happening. The haircut turned okay. not great but not horrible. I, however, was late in meeting up with my friend because she took incredibly long.
I don’t think I will ever come back but I will say that the interior and the staff were very nice.

I went for a cut and color and left relatively happy with the end result but what I was getting done was basic. I thought the service was significantly overpriced and did not enjoy the experience there with the senior stylist. If I were to return (which I don’t plan on) I think I would go to one of the apprentices where it is 50% cheaper and they are much more cheerful and end up doing most of the work anyway.

This place has Quality Hair dressers, Make Up artists, etc. I have had different stylists do my hair and always come out ecstatic with the cut and color when I can afford it. The only issue I have especially for guys who have short hair is the «services rendered» they nip you in the butt with at the end. I believe its $ 25 after the initial payment for the cut or/​& color not including tip.
I am a guy and I am very specific with my hair also being a gay man I am just as nitpicky and freaky about it. They listened to everything I had to say, showed pictures and got my cut just the way I wanted it to be sometimes Surpassing my Expectations. They are also very hospitable and great offering all sorts of things while you get your hair cut and go above and beyond even asking if you want starbux and they pay for it. The cut & quality is amazing. If I could afford it I would come here more.
however…
I would give up the styling, blowdrying, and coffee runs if I can pay $ 25 less for my cut. I usually blow about $ 50 or $ 60 just for a men’s haircut here. If I was a girl I would understand if I had long hair and those things take a lot of time and would come here all the time but my hair takes about a minute to dry and shampoo and I don’t take up the offers on the wine or massages so they should consider having an opt-​out exclusive exception option for those who are in their 20’s and going to college.
But other than you guys are amazing and I give you props. Your like the Apple of Salon’s!

Here’s what happened to me at Indra…
I booked a cut and colour with Janice. Colour was great. Cut was OK. I have short hair and some of the back was cut in a way that worked against the natural movement of my hair so that it stuck straight up for a few weeks until it settled in again. I style my hair sort of stick-​y up and messy so this wasn’t a big deal. It certainly wasn’t a deal breaker because about two months later I went back to have Janice colour my hair again.
Second time around, I only needed a colour (had my hair cut elsewhere) and opted to have my hair blown dry. Colour was great (again). When I went to leave, I was very surprised at my bill — it seemed awfully expensive for services rendered. I asked the receptionist what was going on and she told me that I had been charged $ 45 for the blow dry. I was astonished. I have very short hair (think Halle Berry) and it literally takes three minutes to dry. Even with «styling,» the blowout could scarcely have taken more than five minutes. I expressed my surprise with this charge. The receptionist looked all helpless so I quietly paid and left, but I felt like I’d really been grossly overcharged and I won’t be going back.
To set the record straight:
1. This is probably «my fault» because I should have checked the fee before booking the service.
2. I don’t actually think that $ 45 is ridiculous for a blow-​out. I mean, my friend L has long, straight hair halfway down her back and a blowout would no doubt take a stylist about 45 minutes… my friend J has shoulder length, thick curly hair which would also require considerable time and skill to blow out). I do think that $ 45 is crazy for the 5 minutes spent on my hair.
Still, I felt entirely ripped off because the charge was just to flagrantly out of line. And ultimately this evidences short-​term thinking on the part of the salon since I would gladly have become a regular client (and was well on my way to doing so) if they hadn’t demonstrated that quick money-​grabbing was more important than long-​term customer relationships.
Not again.

I have been going to Indra for about 2 years. I have had some terrible experiences with hair cuts and I started going here on a suggestion as a friend. I would honestly not go anywhere else.
Jenn Traverso cuts my hair and she is well worth the money. I have done everything from getting 20 inches cut off to having a new hair color done with her. She always listens to want I want and will offer up suggestion on what may or may not work. She loves when I bring in pictures because it really allows her to see what I am talking about and she is not afraid to tell me if I’m way off on something.
With all this said, Indra Salon is an extremely pricey place but between the neck and hand massages; the selection of beverages to drink from (including champagne and wine) and the wonderful hair I have afterward it well worth it. I have also go for some waxing which they provide services for as well.
Oh and they don’t try to sell you their products while you’re sitting in the chair which I love because I hate having to say no to things I don’t really want. Another suggestion if you’re going to try this for the first time, get an appointment earlier in the day, you’ll not wait so long to get in the chair.

Even though my wedding and reception were in Swampscott and Nahant, my maids and I trekked the 45 minutes to Andover to get our make up and hair done with the co-​owner April and her talented minions because of their consistently wonderful service and results.
First of all, April is extremely intuitive about what you want as well as what would look best on you. She was several months pregnant when I went for my consultations and stylings, and she didn’t miss a beat – ever enthusiastic and engaging. My ladies and I came out of there looking impeccable.
The salon had wine and snacks for us while we got sprayed and made up and buffed and waxed. They also have freebies and discounts for brides and maids to use in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Overall it was a very fun and indulgent day and they really made me feel special. I loved going there and only regret that Indra isn’t closer to me so I could go their regularly. I would recommend it both for brides and for anyone wanting a fun, pampered salon experience that will leave you looking beautiful.