Jack Arra’s Salon & Spa

I’ve been going to Jack Arra’s since it first opened in this location, so the staff knows me pretty well from being a usual client. I’ve mostly gone for eyebrow waxes and massages, so I can’t say much about other services.
What I can tell you is that this spa has always been great and treated me wonderfully. I haven’t had to reschedule too much, and I’ve always been treated with respect by the staff. I have since moved out of state but still stop in, especially over Christmas, for brow waxes and chair massages. I also get gift cards for family members, and I’ve received rave reviews after each service.
I have never had an issue scheduling an appointment of any kind, and if I’ve had to call and schedule for someone else or reschedule for myself, it’s been a very prompt call back if necessary. I’ve been able to call and order gift cards over the phone, too, and sending someone to pick them up has been a breeze.

I wouldn’t recommend this Salon to anyone and here’s why…
So I received a gift-​card for this Salon for Christmas. I was excited to get my hair done by a new Salon that I’ve only heard good reviews about. I scheduled my appointment a week in advance and pleaded with manager to let me leave two hours early to make it on time. When working a full-​time job, a week’s notice for taking time off is not easy. The day of my appointment, the Salon cancelled my appointment. The reason for the cancellation was because the hair stylist had the flu.
When I tried to reschedule for another hair stylist around the same time, the receptionist wasn’t helpful. The only available appointment for that day was around noon. This would require me to talk to my manager and request a half-​day off work because I would be missing more than 5 hours of work. I admit, I was upset.
I asked the receptionist, Lilly, if a discount would apply because I would be using my vacation time to come in. She just laughed as if I was asking such a dumb question and replied, «absolutely not sweetie.»
Now, I was feeling regret, embarrassment, scared, and furious.
Regret for scheduling an appointment with a Salon that can’t be professional, accommodating and provide friendly customer service.
Embarrassment because the receptionist was patronizing me on my «Salon Intelligence».
Scared because I’m trying a new Salon… If the customer service is awful and the Salon will just cancel your appointment instead of finding a replacement… I can only imagine how my hair will turn out.
Furious because I’m spending my money on an experience from a reputable Salon that has been nothing but rude and unhelpful.
I requested to speak to the Salon Manager because the Salon Manager has not only the Salon experience but the professional business skills required to run a Salon correctly. She would be able to understand where I was coming from and help make my experience better…
WRONG!!!
The manager didn’t see anything wrong with cancelling my appointment day of, the rude service from the receptionist, having to use vacation-​time to accommodate the Salon’s schedule, and the inconvenience from this experience. It seemed to be my problem that I had to work.
Overall, if the manager would’ve just apologized for the receptionist’s poor customer service and provided a free hand massage/​10% off/​or even a free eyebrow waxing… I would’ve been happy. It’s disappointing that a bad experience STAYED a bad experience.

I’m a lash extension artist who has been getting a number of clients from Jack Arra’s asking me to remove and replace improperly applied eyelash extensions. I’m afraid the technician at this salon does not apply proper technique and is using way too much glue! The result is painful clusters of lashes and clumps of glue as opposed to individual lashes that move freely.
Eyes are so important, make sure your technician has a hearty portfolio of their own work to show you.

If you’re on the east side and looking for a relaxing spa experience, Jack Arra’s Salon and Spa in Concord is a must. I can only speak of their spa services — specifically, massages and mani/​pedicures– as I have yet to receive other services (hair, etc). The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a member of their friendly staff and immediately directed to their waiting room. I specifically mention friendly staff at Jack Arra’s because I’ve been to other spas (I won’t name names, but their initials might include a J and an R) and it seems their staff is more occupied with talking amongst themselves than acknowledging your presence and checking you in.
The waiting room, while still within view of the check-​in area and the salon, is still quite relaxing. Just sink into one of their plush chairs or sofas and enjoy a magazine, or help yourself to some citrus water, coffee or tea. It’s rare a member of the staff walks through there without saying hi, or asking if you need anything. The décor is pretty typical — warm, neutral tones with the occasional table fountain.
Once your spa attendant is ready for you, he/​she will come get you and take you to the spa relaxation/​prep area. If it’s your first visit, they’ll have you fill out an assessment (basic health info and your treatment preferences — e.g., for massage, key areas to focus on, etc). If you’ve previously had a treatment, you’ll have a brief chat about how you’d like that day’s treatment to go. The prep area is surprisingly quiet, considering the salon is just a few steps away. It helps that the salon isn’t pumping loud music, so you don’t feel like you’re trying to relax in the middle of a dance club (again, like some spas I’ve been to). Once you’ve changed into your robe/​slippers, you’ll get a heated neck wrap and a relaxing foot soak (relaxing for you, but mainly because the attendants don’t want to be dealing with stinky/​dirty feet — who does?). If you’re getting a massage, they’ll take you through a «scent journey», or some clever way of saying «pick a scent». There’s a wide variety of scents, so if they don’t bring one you like, just ask — I’m sure they have it!
The treatment rooms are spacious, yet cozy. When you enter, the room is lit by candlelight (the flameless kind, so don’t need to worry about the room going up in flames) and your pretty standard spa CD is playing in the background. If you’re pregnant, I highly recommend a prenatal massage. I recently had a prenatal massage and the table easily transformed, by way of all these fancy pillows, to accommodate my big belly. It was a very odd, yet great feeling, to once again be on my belly.
Jack Arra’s is a fantastic place for a celebration, too (bachelorette party — where my girlfriends treated me to an afternoon of pampering — or birthday, girl’s day out, etc). You’re welcome to bring food (including wine/​champagne) and they have a great space in the back to set up for a small party.
Finally, if you’re getting a massage, ask for Lynn. I was almost going to be selfish and not reveal her name, so I could keep her to myself, but she’s just too awesome not to mention! She gives a killer massage. I prefer a firm touch, so if you’re looking for deep tissue, definitely ask for Lynn. And, don’t let her small frame fool you — she gets right in there and releases all those knots. If you get a 90-​minute massage, the 90^th minute is just as strong as the first.
And, a note for Progressive employees — make sure you mention you work at Progressive because you get 10% off, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 20% off! It may have been my euphoric state of mind, or just because it’s a great deal, but I ended up purchasing a spa package during my latest visit. Because I prepaid for all my massages in advance, I paid for four treatments and will get the fifth for free!