Best Hair Salon in Braintree, MA | Kimberly Messing Hair Design
Looking for the best hair salon in Braintree, MA? Kimberly Messing Hair Design is the Braintree hair salon residents trust most. Serving Braintree since 1986 with custom hair color, precision haircuts, balayage, hair extensions, and full hair salon services. Our Braintree hair salon is just minutes from Braintree, with nine specialists, board-certified color expertise, and 38+ years of experience caring for Braintree hair.
Voted Best Salon in Braintree | Hair Color, Precision Haircuts, Extensions, Alternative Hair and Toppers, and Tinting and Waxing | 38 Years of Expert Hair Care on Washington Street
Welcome to Kimberly Messing Hair Design: Braintree's Most Trusted Hair Salon
Welcome to Kimberly Messing Hair Design, the salon Braintree and South Shore residents have been trusting for over 38 years. Located at 533 Washington Street in Braintree, MA, our boutique salon is the area's go-to destination for expert hair color, precision haircuts, custom extensions, alternative hair and toppers, and tinting and waxing services, all built around your lifestyle and your goals.
Hair is personal. It affects how you feel the moment you walk out the door. That is why Kim Messing, a board-certified color specialist with over 38 years of experience, built this salon around one simple idea: every client deserves absolute satisfaction and genuinely personalized care. You are never rushed here. You are never treated like a number. You are treated like the reason we show up every single day.
Whether you are refreshing your color before heading to South Shore Plaza, getting extensions ahead of a special occasion, or finally finding a stylist who truly understands your hair, Kimberly Messing Hair Design is where South Shore clients come when they want it done right.
Phone: 781-817-5077
Email: hello@kimberlymessinghairdesign.com
Address: 533 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Salon Hours
- Monday - Closed
- Tue: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wed: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thu: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sunday - Closed
Why Kimberly Messing Hair Design Is the Best Salon Near Braintree, MA
Braintree is a town with deep community roots. From the historic landmarks along Washington Street near Thayer Academy and the Braintree Historical Society Campus to the everyday energy around the MBTA Braintree Station and Blue Hills Reservation, this is a town that values authenticity and quality. At Kimberly Messing Hair Design, we match those values every single day.
Voted Best Salon in Braintree
This is not something we put on the wall ourselves. The Braintree community voted, and they made it official. That recognition reflects the trust Kim and her team have built one appointment at a time over nearly four decades on Washington Street.
38 Years of Real Expertise on the South Shore
Kim Messing did not open this salon to be another high-volume shop. She built it as a true destination for people who want results from a stylist who actually listens, understands their hair, and genuinely cares about the outcome. As a board-certified color specialist, Kim brings technical knowledge and creative precision that is genuinely rare anywhere on the South Shore. Her commitment to continuous education means this team never stops learning and never stops raising the bar.
Clients from Braintree, Weymouth, Quincy, Milton, and Randolph come here because they have experienced the difference between a fine appointment and a genuinely great one.
A Full Team of Specialists Under One Roof
One of the things that truly sets Kimberly Messing Hair Design apart is the depth of the team. Jackie specializes in color and toppers. Maureen focuses on color and cutting. Janet is the salon's dedicated curly hair expert. Kim handles extensions and color with the precision that only comes from decades of experience. Emma brings fresh energy as a junior stylist, and Kat supports the team as a trained assistant. Whatever your hair needs, someone here has dedicated their career to it.
An Eco-Conscious Salon That Actually Cares
Kim's commitment to running an environmentally friendly salon is a real value, not a tagline. It shapes how this business operates every single day. For clients who care about where they spend their money and the businesses they choose to support, this salon stands apart from most others on the South Shore.
A Welcoming Space Where You Can Relax
From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere here is warm, professional, and completely pressure-free. Consultations are honest and thorough. Your stylist talks with you before anything else happens. That is how this salon has kept clients coming back for nearly four decades.
Services at Kimberly Messing Hair Design
Kimberly Messing Hair Design offers a full menu of professional hair and beauty services, each performed by trained specialists who bring real passion and precision to every appointment. Every service starts with a genuine conversation so your stylist fully understands what you want before anything begins.
Hair Cut
Starting from $35
A great haircut is more than just a trim. At Kimberly Messing Hair Design, every cut is tailored specifically to you, starting with a real conversation about your hair goals, your lifestyle, and how you style your hair at home. The full cut menu includes:
Barber's Cut - $35+ A clean, low-maintenance cut for a sharp, everyday look.
Kid's Cut - $35+ Fun, gentle haircuts for kids of all ages, styled with care in a kid-friendly environment.
Haircut (Short) - $44+ Precision cuts for short styles that are bold, clean, and easy to maintain.
Haircut (Medium) - $66+ Flattering medium-length cuts that add shape, movement, and versatility to your style.
Haircut (Long) - $88+ Expert trimming and shaping for long hair to maintain health, length, and flow.
Haircut (Extra-Long) - $110+ Specialized cuts for extra long hair to maintain length, remove split ends, and enhance natural flow.
Shampoo and Cut - $50+ Refresh your style and remove split ends for healthier, more manageable hair.
Shampoo, Cut, and Blow-dry - $60+ Leave the salon feeling polished, styled, and ready for any occasion.
Shampoo and Blow-dry - $35+ Smooth, frizz-free hair with bounce and shine, without the heat styling stress at home.
Perm - $105+ Long-lasting texture and volume that adds body and movement to your hair.
Hair Color
Starting from $75
Hair color is not just a change. It is a statement. Kim and her color team offer a complete range of custom color services, with every formula built specifically around your skin tone, hair history, and lifestyle. The team also accounts for how Braintree's climate affects color longevity, so your results hold up through South Shore summers and New England winters alike. The full color menu includes:
Single Process Color - $75+ Rich, all-over color that refreshes your tone and adds vibrant depth.
Double Process Color - $120+ A dramatic transformation that lifts and tones your hair for a bolder, brighter result.
Partial Foil - $148+ Dimension and brightness added to key areas for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Custom Foil - $22+ Targeted foil placement to add dimension and brightness exactly where you want it.
Full Foil - $185+ Bold, multi-dimensional highlights placed throughout the entire head for a radiant, high-impact look.
Balayage - $220+ Low-maintenance, hand-painted color that grows out seamlessly and glows with natural dimension. One of the salon's most popular services.
Color Balance - $37+ Refresh and even out your hair tone for a natural, blended look. Perfect for correcting faded or uneven color.
Up-Do - $100+ An elegant, long-lasting style perfect for weddings, events, or special nights out.
Add Flat Iron - $25+ A smooth, polished flat iron finish to enhance sleekness and shine.
Add Curl - $25+ Soft waves or defined curls for extra volume and a touch of glamour.
Alternative Hair and Toppers
Price Upon Consultation
Kimberly Messing Hair Design offers private consultations and expert fittings for alternative hair and topper solutions, designed to restore volume and confidence in a completely personalized way. Jackie specializes in this area and brings skill, sensitivity, and a thorough understanding of what each client needs. If you have been dealing with thinning or volume loss and are not sure where to start, this is the place to have that conversation. Everything is handled with discretion and genuine care.
Learn More About Alternative Hair and Toppers
Hair Extensions
Require Consultation
Kim Messing specializes in custom hair extensions, perfectly matched and expertly applied to add seamless length and volume. Every extension appointment begins with a personalized consultation so Kim can assess your hair, understand your goals, and build a plan that fits your lifestyle beautifully. Clients from across the South Shore come specifically for Kim's extension expertise and the natural, lasting results she consistently delivers.
Learn More About Hair Extensions
Tinting and Waxing
Starting from $20
A defined, polished look starts with the details. The salon offers gentle facial waxing and brow tinting services to define and enhance your natural features with clean, precise results. The full tinting and waxing menu includes:
Lip and Chin - $25+ Gentle waxing for smooth, hair-free skin and a clean, polished finish.
Eyebrow Waxing - $20+ Shape and define your brows to flatter your features and frame your face beautifully.
Brow Tint - $20+ Enhance your natural brow color for fuller-looking, well-defined arches without the daily makeup routine.
These services pair perfectly with any color or cut appointment, and many clients make them a regular part of their visits to the salon.
Learn More About Tinting and Waxing
Meet Your Braintree Style Team
Kim Messing
Owner and Master Colorist | 38+ Years of Experience Extensions, Custom Color, Color Formulation
Kim is the heart and soul of this salon and the reason clients have been returning for nearly four decades. As a board-certified color specialist, she brings technical knowledge and creative skill that is genuinely rare on the South Shore. Her passion for continuous education keeps her at the front of the industry, and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of stylists means the entire team here holds the same high standards she has kept since day one.
Jackie
Color Specialist and Topper Expert Color, Alternative Hair, Toppers
Jackie brings deep expertise in color work and alternative hair solutions, making her the go-to stylist for clients looking for comprehensive, high-skill care. Her knowledge of topper placement and blending delivers natural-looking results that clients consistently love.
Maureen
Color and Cutting Specialist Color, Precision Cuts
Maureen combines sharp cutting skills with strong color expertise. Whether you need a fresh cut, a new color, or both, Maureen delivers a finished result where everything works together.
Janet
Curly Hair Specialist Curly Hair Expertise
Janet has dedicated her career to understanding curly hair in all its forms. She takes the time to assess your curl pattern, discuss your routine, and build a plan that works with your hair. Braintree's summer humidity is a real challenge for curly-haired clients, and Janet knows exactly how to address it.
Alicia
Stylist Full-Service Hair Care
Alicia brings a warm, client-focused approach to every appointment and consistently makes clients feel at ease from the moment they sit down.
Emma
Junior Stylist Full-Service Hair Care
Emma brings fresh enthusiasm and strong foundational training to the team, holding the same high standards this salon has always set.
Kat
Salon Assistant Salon Support
Kat keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, making sure every client experience is seamless from arrival to checkout.
The Kimberly Messing Hair Design Experience in Braintree
Right in the Heart of Braintree on Washington Street
Kimberly Messing Hair Design is located at 533 Washington Street, right along Braintree's historic main corridor near Hollis Elementary School, the Braintree Historical Society Campus, Thayer Academy, and the Thayer Public Library. The MBTA Braintree Station on Ivory Street makes the salon easy to reach without a car, and clients from Weymouth, Quincy, Milton, and Randolph make the drive regularly because they have experienced the quality here and refuse to go anywhere else.
Understanding Braintree's Hair Challenges
Living on the South Shore means your hair faces four genuinely different seasons. Summer humidity from June through September is the biggest challenge for styling, color longevity, and frizz control, with July being the peak of Braintree's sticky, warm weather. Winters bring cold, dry air that strips moisture and leaves hair dull and brittle. Spring arrives wet and unpredictable, putting freshly done color at risk. Fall is when many clients come in to repair summer damage and shift into richer, warmer tones for the cooler months ahead.
Every stylist at this salon factors all of it into their recommendations. Your color formula is built to last through South Shore humidity and UV exposure. Your cut is designed to work with your hair's natural texture in every season. This is what it looks like when your stylists actually know where you live.
Part of the Braintree Community for Over 38 Years
Kimberly Messing Hair Design has been part of Washington Street for nearly four decades. Kim's clients are your neighbors. They are the people you see at Mary S. Bean Park, stopping into South Shore Plaza, or walking near Pond Meadow Park on a Saturday morning. That deep local connection shows in every appointment.
What Our Braintree and South Shore Clients Are Saying
"Voted the Best Salon in Braintree" The community made it official. Clients across Braintree and the South Shore recognized Kimberly Messing Hair Design as the area's best salon, and everyone who walks through the door understands why.
"Kim Has Been Doing My Hair for Years" Longtime clients consistently say the same things. Kim listens. She delivers exactly what you ask for. She treats every appointment like it matters. Because to her, it genuinely does.
"Janet Finally Understood My Curls" Curly-haired clients who have struggled for years consistently say that Janet changed everything for them. Understanding curly hair is a true specialty, and it shows in every result.
"The Whole Team Works Together" Multiple clients mention the collaborative culture at Kimberly Messing Hair Design as one of the things that sets it apart. The stylists support each other, always put the client first, and it shows in every finished look.
Frequently Asked Questions from Braintree and South Shore Clients
What makes Kimberly Messing Hair Design the best salon near Braintree, MA?
Kimberly Messing Hair Design has served Braintree for over 38 years and was voted the best salon in Braintree by the local community. Kim Messing is a board-certified color specialist with nearly four decades of hands-on experience, and she has built a team of dedicated specialists covering color, cutting, curly hair, extensions, toppers, and more. The salon's eco-conscious practices, commitment to continuous education, and genuinely personalized approach are why clients from Braintree, Weymouth, Quincy, Milton, and Randolph keep coming back year after year.
What haircut services and prices does Kimberly Messing Hair Design offer near Braintree?
The salon offers a full range of haircuts for every need. Prices start at $35 for a Barber's Cut or Kid's Cut. Short haircuts start at $44, medium at $66, long at $88, and extra-long at $110. Shampoo and Cut services start at $50, Shampoo, Cut, and Blow-dry at $60, and a Shampoo and Blow-dry at $35. Perms are also available starting at $105. Every cut starts with a real consultation so your stylist fully understands what you want before anything begins.
What hair color services are available at Kimberly Messing Hair Design in Braintree, and how much do they cost?
The salon offers a complete range of color services. Single Process Color starts at $75, Double Process at $120, Partial Foil at $148, Full Foil at $185, and Balayage at $220. Custom Foil add-ons start at $22 and Color Balance at $37. Up-Do styling is $100 and up. Add-on services include Flat Iron at $25 and Curl at $25. Every formula is built custom around your hair history, skin tone, and lifestyle, with Braintree's climate factored into every recommendation.
Does Kimberly Messing Hair Design offer hair extensions near Braintree and the South Shore?
Yes. Kim Messing specializes in custom hair extensions, perfectly matched and expertly applied for seamless length and volume. Every extension service starts with a personalized consultation. Clients from across the South Shore come specifically for Kim's extension work because of the skill and the natural results she consistently delivers.
Does the salon offer alternative hair and topper services for clients near Braintree?
Absolutely. Jackie specializes in alternative hair and topper services, offering private consultations and expert fittings designed to restore volume and confidence in a completely personalized way. Pricing is provided upon consultation. Everything is handled with skill, sensitivity, and full discretion.
Does Kimberly Messing Hair Design have a curly hair specialist serving Braintree and surrounding areas?
Yes. Janet is the salon's dedicated curly hair specialist. She understands that curly hair requires a completely different approach, especially in Braintree where summer humidity is a real challenge for curl definition and frizz control. If you have never had a stylist who truly understood your curl pattern, a consultation with Janet is the place to start.
What tinting and waxing services does Kimberly Messing Hair Design offer near Braintree?
The salon offers Eyebrow Waxing starting at $20, Brow Tinting starting at $20, and Lip and Chin Waxing starting at $25. These services are a great add-on to any hair appointment and many clients include them as part of their regular visits to the salon.
What is the best way for Braintree residents to book an appointment at Kimberly Messing Hair Design?
The easiest way to book is online at Book Your Appointment Now. You can also call directly at 781-817-5077 or email hello@kimberlymessinghairdesign.com. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for color, extensions, and curly hair appointments. Thursday evening hours until 8:00 pm are available for clients who need a later time slot.
What are the salon hours at Kimberly Messing Hair Design in Braintree?
Salon Hours Monday - Closed Tue: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Wed: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Thu: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Sunday - Closed
Saturday appointments fill up quickly, so booking ahead is always a smart move for South Shore clients.
Does Kimberly Messing Hair Design serve clients with all hair types and textures near Braintree?
Yes. The salon is a welcoming, inclusive space for every client regardless of hair type, texture, or background. The team works with fine hair, thick hair, curly hair, color-treated hair, and everything in between. Every person who sits in one of these chairs deserves to feel comfortable, understood, and genuinely happy when they leave. That has been the standard at Kimberly Messing Hair Design for over 38 years.
Service Areas We Proudly Serve
Kimberly Messing Hair Design is located at 533 Washington Street in Braintree, MA and welcomes clients from throughout the South Shore and Greater Boston area.
Braintree (local) Weymouth (10 to 15 minutes) Quincy (15 to 20 minutes) Milton (15 to 20 minutes) Randolph (10 to 15 minutes)
Many clients travel from beyond these communities because they have found something here they simply cannot find anywhere closer to home. We have built this reputation one great appointment at a time, over 38 years of serving the South Shore.
Book Your Appointment at Kimberly Messing Hair Design
Ready to experience the best salon near Braintree, MA? Whether you want a custom color built around your skin tone and lifestyle, a precision haircut tailored to your texture and routine, seamless extensions for added length and fullness, a private alternative hair or topper consultation, a curly hair appointment with Janet, eyebrow waxing or brow tinting, or simply the most personalized salon experience you have ever had, the team here is ready for you.
Phone: 781-817-5077
Email: hello@kimberlymessinghairdesign.com
Address: 533 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Salon Hours
- Monday - Closed
- Tue: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wed: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thu: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sat: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sunday - Closed
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The Full Team Behind Your Hair: Nine Specialists, 180+ Combined Years
The reason Braintree clients drive past closer salons to reach our chair is the bench. Most salons run on one or two strong stylists and a rotation of newer talent. We are different. Every chair on our floor is held by a specialist with deep credentials, not a generalist filling time. When you book at Kimberly Messing Hair Design, you are not getting whoever is available. You are getting matched to the exact specialist your hair needs.
Kim Messing, Owner and Master Colorist
Kim Messing built this salon in 1986 and has spent the last 38+ years studying color chemistry, technique, and the science of how pigment behaves on real human hair. She is one of a small number of board-certified color specialists in Massachusetts, a designation that requires advanced testing in formulation, color theory, correction, and ongoing education. Most colorists work from preset formulas. Kim mixes from scratch, factoring in your underlying tone, porosity, water quality at home, lifestyle, and how you want your hair to behave between visits.
Kim is also Hot Heads certified for tape-in extensions, a technique she has refined over thousands of installations. Braintree clients with thin hair, postpartum shedding, age-related density loss, or a desire for added length without commitment work directly with Kim for installation, maintenance, and removal. Her color correction work is what brings clients in from across the South Shore. When another salon goes wrong, Kim is who clients call.
Outside the salon, Kim mentors younger stylists, attends advanced education with Goldwell, Redken, and Keratin Complex throughout the year, and maintains certifications that most salon owners stop chasing after their first decade in business. That commitment to staying current is what keeps Braintree clients with her year after year, decade after decade.
Jackie Shaughnessy, Senior Stylist and Cutting Specialist
Jackie has been cutting hair for 38 years, and her precision work is the reason Braintree clients book her months in advance. She trained in classical technique and has spent her career refining the art of the precision cut: the kind of cut that grows out beautifully for 8-10 weeks instead of looking ragged after three. Jackie cuts every section with intention. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is approximated.
Her specialty within cutting is curly hair. Many curly clients have spent years in salons that cut their hair wet, leaving them with shapes that fall apart the moment the curl springs back. Jackie cuts curls dry, section by section, factoring in how each curl actually moves. The result is a cut that looks the way it is supposed to look in real life, not just in the chair. Braintree curly clients tell us Jackie is the first stylist who actually understood their hair.
Maureen Lamie, Master Stylist and Foiling Specialist
Maureen is our foiling and balayage powerhouse. She has spent 25+ years building dimensional color work, and her foil placement technique is something stylists from other salons specifically come to study. The difference between average highlights and Maureen's highlights is the placement strategy: she maps your face shape, growth pattern, and lifestyle before the first foil goes in.
For balayage, Maureen uses a hand-painted technique that creates the lived-in, sun-kissed look without the harsh regrowth lines that come from sloppy applications. Braintree clients who want low-maintenance dimension that grows out gracefully book Maureen. She is also the stylist who handles complex highlights for clients with previously colored hair, where lifting evenly across multiple base colors requires real expertise.
Janet Layden, Color Correction Specialist
Janet is the stylist Braintree clients book when something has gone wrong. Color disasters from box dye, bad highlights from another salon, brassy tones that will not lift, banding from years of root touch-ups, mismatched ombre, brassy regrowth: Janet sees it all and fixes it. Color correction is one of the most technical disciplines in hair, requiring deep knowledge of color theory, lift levels, fillers, toners, and bonding agents. Janet has built her career on it.
Her dimensional color work is also exceptional. Janet builds depth with multiple tones, creating hair that looks rich and three-dimensional instead of flat. Clients who want their natural color enhanced rather than replaced come to Janet for subtle, expert work that nobody can quite identify but everyone notices.
Laura Blaikie, Blonding Specialist
Laura is the blonding artist on the team. There is a difference between a stylist who can do highlights and a true blonding specialist, and Laura sits firmly in the second camp. Her work focuses on creating bright, dimensional, lived-in blonde that flatters the client's skin tone and grows out beautifully. She uses a combination of foil work and hand-painting to build customized blondes that never look stripey, brassy, or artificial.
Braintree clients with naturally darker hair who want to go significantly lighter book Laura because she understands how to lift safely without compromising integrity. She uses Olaplex and K18 in every lightening service to maintain the bonds that give hair its strength. The result is bright blonde that still feels like real hair, not straw.
Alicia Hayward, DevaCurl Certified Curl Specialist
Alicia is one of the few DevaCurl certified stylists on the South Shore. The DevaCurl method is a specific approach to cutting and styling curly, wavy, and coily hair that respects the natural curl pattern instead of fighting it. Alicia trained directly with the DevaCurl team and has spent years applying the technique to hundreds of curly clients.
If you have curly hair and have spent your life feeling like every salon experience was a disappointment, Alicia is who you need. She cuts curls one curl at a time, dry, after a thorough consultation about your curl pattern, daily routine, and what you actually want to wear in your life. Braintree clients with curls travel to Alicia from across the region because the work is that good.
Emma Browning, Contemporary Cuts and Vivid Color
Emma is the youngest energy on the team and brings contemporary technique to clients who want modern, fashion-forward work. She specializes in textured shag cuts, French bobs, butterfly layers, and the trending shapes that Braintree clients are bringing in from Pinterest and Instagram. She cuts modern but with the technical foundation that keeps shapes wearable and flattering.
Emma also handles vivid and fashion color. Pink, purple, blue, copper, vivid red, pastel tones: Emma can do all of it, with the chemistry knowledge to keep your hair healthy through the process. She uses Pulp Riot and other professional fashion color lines, formulating for longevity rather than the quick-fade vivids most stylists deliver.
Judy, Senior Stylist and Blowout Specialist
Judy has been styling hair for over 25 years and is our resident blowout artist. She knows every classic technique: pin curls, finger waves, French twists, classic updos, sleek runway blowouts, voluminous Hollywood waves. Braintree clients book Judy before weddings, galas, photo shoots, business events, and any time they need their hair to perform at the highest level.
Her cutting work is also sought after. Clients with classic, traditional preferences, professional women who need polished, low-maintenance shapes, and longtime clients who want hair that fits their lifestyle book Judy for cuts that always look intentional. She is meticulous, calm, and genuinely cares about how you feel when you leave the chair.
Kat, Texture and Updo Specialist
Kat is the team's texture and styling specialist. Braids, updos, formal styling, intricate twists, half-up looks, beachy waves, glass hair, sleek ponytails with hidden engineering: Kat handles the work that requires more than just a curling iron and a few clips. Braintree brides, mothers of brides, prom clients, and event clients all book Kat for styling that holds up through humidity, dancing, hugs, and emotion.
She is also developing a strong following for color, particularly for brunettes who want dimensional, polished work. Her cuts are precise and her finishing touches are what take a service from good to memorable. Kat brings genuine warmth to every appointment, and Braintree clients leave feeling pampered rather than processed.
Complete Service Menu and Pricing Context for Braintree Clients
Every service starts with a conversation. We do not run a quick-in, quick-out salon model. Pricing reflects the time, expertise, and product investment that goes into doing the work correctly. Braintree clients consistently tell us our pricing is fair for the level of service delivered, and the results last longer, which means fewer appointments and lower lifetime cost than cheaper alternatives.
Hair Color Services in Detail
Single Process Color: All-over color application from root to tip. Used for gray coverage, depth changes, refreshing existing color, or shifting your overall tone. Includes a full consultation, custom mixing, application, processing, shampoo, conditioning treatment, and blowout. Full single process service starts at $90 and rises based on hair length and density.
Root Touch-Up: Color application to new growth only, typically 4-6 weeks of regrowth. Maintains your existing color without overlapping previously colored hair. Critical for hair health on long-term color clients. Starts at $75.
Double Process Color: Two-step service combining a lightening or pre-pigmenting step with a final color. Used for major transformations, going significantly lighter, or correcting unwanted underlying tones. Starts at $180.
Partial Foil Highlights: Foiled highlights placed strategically through the top, sides, and frame of the face. Adds dimension and brightness without committing to a full lift. Starts at $130.
Full Foil Highlights: Foiled highlights throughout the entire head, including underneath layers. Maximum brightness and dimension. Starts at $180.
Balayage: Hand-painted color that creates a soft, lived-in dimension with natural-looking regrowth. Custom mapped to your face and growth pattern. Starts at $200.
Color Correction: Custom-priced based on the work required. Color correction is the most technical service in our menu and is priced after a thorough consultation. We never quote color correction blind. Braintree clients who book a free consultation receive a clear, written estimate before any work begins.
Gloss and Toner: Add-on or standalone service that refreshes faded color, neutralizes brassy tones, or adds shine. Starts at $50.
Vivid and Fashion Color: Pink, purple, blue, copper, red, pastel, fantasy. Custom-priced based on the canvas and complexity. Starts at $200 for a single vivid placement.
Cutting and Styling Services in Detail
Women's Precision Cut: Includes consultation, shampoo, conditioning, precision cutting, and finished blowout. Cuts are tailored to face shape, hair texture, growth pattern, and lifestyle. Starts at $65.
Men's Cut: Includes consultation, shampoo, scissor and clipper work, neck cleanup, and styling. Starts at $35.
Children's Cut: For clients under 12. Patient, gentle approach for first-timers and children with sensory considerations. Starts at $25.
Bang Trim: Quick maintenance service for clients between full cuts. Free for active color clients within 4 weeks of last service. $15 standalone.
Blowout: Wash, condition, and full styling without a cut. Choose smooth, voluminous, beachy, or curl-defined finishing. Starts at $45.
Special Occasion Styling: Updos, half-ups, intricate braiding, formal styling for weddings, galas, prom, and events. Starts at $85. Trial runs available.
Bridal Hair: Custom bridal styling with trial run, day-of styling, and bridal party coordination. Pricing based on bridal package. Free consultation for all brides.
Treatment Services in Detail
K18 Molecular Repair: Peptide-based treatment that repairs the hair from the inside out at the molecular level. Particularly effective for clients with bleached, damaged, or chemically processed hair. Add-on to any service for $40.
Keratin Smoothing: Reduces frizz, eliminates curl pattern, and creates manageable, smooth hair for 3-5 months. Excellent for Braintree clients dealing with humidity, frizz, or thick coarse texture that fights against everyday styling. Starts at $250.
Deep Conditioning: Intensive moisture treatment customized to your hair's specific needs. Add-on for $25.
Bond Repair: Olaplex or similar bond-rebuilding treatment used during chemical services to maintain hair integrity. Included in every lightening service. Standalone treatment available for $45.
Scalp Treatment: Targeted scalp care for dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, or buildup. Includes scalp massage and treatment masque. $40.
Protein Strengthening: For clients with weakened hair from over-processing, heat damage, or environmental stress. $35 add-on.
Hair Extensions in Detail
Hot Heads Tape-In Extensions: The premier tape-in extension system. Installed by Kim Messing, who is Hot Heads certified. Adds length, volume, or both. Lasts 6-8 weeks before maintenance. Initial installation includes consultation, color matching, application, custom cut to blend with your natural hair, and home care education. Pricing varies by hair amount needed. Starts at $400 for installation, with hair priced separately.
Maintenance and Removal: Tape-in extensions require maintenance every 6-8 weeks to reposition tabs as your natural hair grows out. Maintenance is faster than installation and priced accordingly.
Sew-In Extensions: Available for specific clients whose hair type and density support sew-in installation. Custom consultation required.
Alternative Hair Solutions
Jon Renau Wigs: Full wigs in synthetic and human hair options. Private consultation, custom fitting, and styling. Starts at $400.
Toppers and Hairpieces: For clients with thinning at the crown or part. Custom matched to your existing color and texture. Includes fitting, cutting, and styling to blend seamlessly. Starts at $300.
Medical Wigs: Sensitive consultation and fitting for clients undergoing chemotherapy, dealing with alopecia, or facing medical hair loss. Private appointments available. We work with several medical insurance plans.
Brow and Lash Services
Eyebrow Tinting: Custom-mixed dye to enhance brow definition. Lasts 4-6 weeks. $25.
Lash Tinting: Tinted lashes for clients who want eye definition without daily mascara. $25.
Brow Shaping: Wax or thread shaping. $20.
Facial Waxing: Lip, chin, side burns, full face. Starts at $12.
The Professional Products We Trust and Sell to Braintree Clients
We carry over 200 products from 28 professional brands. Every product on our shelves is something we use in the chair, recommend personally, and stand behind. We do not pad the retail wall with brands we do not believe in. Braintree clients who buy products from us do so on our recommendation, and we offer in-person tutorials on how to use everything correctly.
K18: Peptide Repair Technology
K18 is the most significant breakthrough in hair repair in the last decade. The peptide formulation rebuilds the polypeptide chains inside the hair shaft, repairing damage at the molecular level rather than just coating it. We use K18 in every chemical service and recommend the at-home leave-in mask for clients with bleached, damaged, or chemically processed hair. Braintree clients who add K18 to their home routine see a significant improvement in shine, elasticity, and manageability within four to six washes.
Goldwell: Color and Care Foundations
Goldwell is one of our primary color lines and offers some of the best take-home maintenance products in the industry. The Color Revive line refreshes faded color between salon visits. The Kerasilk line addresses smoothing, repair, and color protection. The Dualsenses range provides daily care across every hair type. Braintree clients who color regularly should be using Goldwell take-home care to extend the life of their salon work.
Redken: Performance Styling
Redken All Soft, Color Extend Magnetics, Acidic Bonding Concentrate, and the entire styling library are mainstays in our retail. Redken is the brand we recommend for clients who want technical, reliable products for everyday performance. The Acidic Bonding Concentrate shampoo and conditioner specifically have transformed how we recommend home care for damaged hair.
Keratin Complex: Smoothing Specialists
The full Keratin Complex line supports our keratin smoothing services. Clients who receive a keratin treatment should be using Keratin Complex sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to extend the life of their treatment. We carry the full retail line including styling products specifically designed for smoothed hair.
Olaplex: Bond Building
Olaplex remains the most reliable at-home bond-building system. We use Olaplex in services and recommend the at-home Number 3 hair perfector for clients between visits. The Number 4 and 5 shampoo and conditioner pair maintain the bond integrity from our in-salon work.
Other Key Brands
Soma, Zenagen for thinning hair, Tri Design for styling, Living Proof for frizz control, Aluram for clean beauty options, Design Me for performance styling, Amika for color care, Pureology for color-treated hair, Milk_shake for moisture, Hot Like Me thermal protection, Revitalash for lash growth, ECRU New York for protective styling, FHI Heat for tools, Wahl for clipper-based services, Jon Renau for wigs and toppers. Every product is sold with personal guidance from your stylist.
Our Philosophy: What Makes Braintree Clients Feel Different Here
Most salons run on volume. They book clients tightly, double-book color processing, run multiple chairs per stylist, and move people through fast. The model is efficient for the salon and exhausting for the client. We do not run that way.
At Kimberly Messing Hair Design, your stylist works on you. Just you. From the moment you sit down for consultation to the moment your blowout is finished, your stylist is focused on your service. We do not double-book. We do not run multiple chairs. We do not hand off color processing to an assistant who barely knows your name. The work that happens on your hair is happening with the full attention of the specialist you booked.
Braintree clients tell us this is the biggest single reason they make the drive. The peace of the appointment, the actual conversation, the feeling that you are a person rather than a number on a schedule, all add up to a different kind of salon experience. The work is also better because of it. When a stylist is focused on one head of hair instead of three, the precision and care show in the result.
We also believe in honest consultation. If you walk in asking for something we do not think will look good on you, we will tell you. If you have a Pinterest board full of colors that will not lift on your hair without significant damage, we will explain that. If your hair is in a state where the haircut you want will look bad until we restore some health first, we will say so. Braintree clients consistently tell us they appreciate the honest counsel, even when the answer is not what they hoped to hear.
The finished result has to be something both you and your stylist are proud of. We do not let work leave the chair that is not at our standard. If something is not right, we fix it. We always have, and we always will. That commitment is what Braintree clients have built their loyalty around for nearly four decades.
South Shore Hair: Why Braintree Hair Behaves the Way It Does
Hair behaves differently in different environments. Braintree sits in a coastal climate with hard water, seasonal humidity swings, salt air influence, and aggressive winters. These factors affect how your hair looks, how color holds, and how products perform. Most stylists ignore environmental factors entirely. We build environmental knowledge into every consultation.
Hard Water Mineral Buildup
Braintree water is hard. Hard water deposits calcium, iron, and magnesium onto the hair shaft over time. The result is dullness, brassiness in lightened hair, weight without volume, color that fades faster than it should, and shampoo that stops working after a few months. We see hard water damage every day, and we have specific protocols for diagnosing and reversing it.
If your shampoo has stopped working, your color faded too fast, or your blonde turned yellow, the cause is likely hard water. We use chelating treatments to strip mineral buildup and recommend take-home products that protect against it. Braintree clients who address hard water properly see immediate improvement in shine, color longevity, and overall hair behavior.
Humidity and Frizz Management
South Shore summers are humid. Braintree clients who have never had frizz issues elsewhere often develop them after moving to the area. The cause is air moisture penetrating the hair shaft and disrupting the cuticle. The solution is a combination of correct cutting (so your cut works with the humidity rather than against it), the right products (anti-humidity sprays, smoothing serums, leave-in conditioners that seal the cuticle), and in some cases a keratin smoothing service to physically reduce the curl and frizz pattern.
Salt Air and Coastal Influence
Braintree sits within reach of coastal salt air. Salt deposits on the hair, dries it out, and can leave color looking dull or grayish. Clients who spend significant time near the water need a more intensive moisture and protection routine. We recommend leave-in conditioners with UV protection, moisture treatments at home, and specific shampoos that gently remove salt without stripping color.
Winter Damage
South Shore winters are harsh. Cold air, dry indoor heat, hats, scarves, and wool collars all damage hair through the winter months. Braintree clients see breakage from friction, dryness from heating systems, and static from cold air. We adjust home care recommendations every fall to prepare hair for winter conditions.
Seasonal Color Strategy
Color performs differently in different seasons. Bright blondes can look harsh in winter and gorgeous in summer. Rich brunettes can feel heavy in summer and elegant in winter. We talk through seasonal strategy with Braintree clients, sometimes adjusting tone twice a year to match the light and the lifestyle.
What a Consultation Actually Looks Like for Braintree Clients
Every new Braintree client gets a free consultation before their first service. This is not a sales call. This is a working session where you sit with a specialist and have a real conversation about your hair, your history, your daily routine, and what you actually want. The consultation typically lasts 20-30 minutes. There is no charge. There is no obligation to book.
What we cover during a consultation:
- Hair history. What chemicals have been used on your hair, how long ago, and how it responded.
- Current condition. Honest assessment of your hair's health, integrity, porosity, and ability to handle the service you are considering.
- Daily routine. How you wash, how often, what products you use, what styling tools you use, and how much time you spend on your hair every day.
- Lifestyle factors. Workouts, swimming, sun exposure, work environment, sleep habits.
- Visual reference. Photos of what you want, photos of what you do not want.
- Realistic outcome. What we can actually achieve in one appointment versus what will require multiple sessions.
- Cost and time. Clear pricing, clear time commitment, no surprises.
- Maintenance plan. What it will take to keep your hair looking the way it should look between visits.
Braintree clients consistently tell us the consultation alone gives them more clarity than years of appointments at other salons. We treat the consultation as the foundation for everything that follows.
The Braintree Community: Where Our Clients Live, Work, and Gather
Braintree Neighborhoods We Serve
Braintree neighborhoods like East Braintree, South Braintree, Braintree Highlands, and the Five Corners area each have their own character. Our salon sits in the heart of the town at 533 Washington Street, walking distance from Braintree High School, easy access from Granite Avenue, Pearl Street, and the South Shore Plaza area. Braintree clients drop in from work, after dropping kids at school, before evening events at the Cathedral of the Pines, or simply on lunch breaks from the businesses along Pearl Street.
Braintree Landmarks That Define the Town
Braintree's mix of suburban neighborhoods and commercial corridors gives clients flexibility. The South Shore Plaza is two minutes away. Braintree Town Hall, the Thayer Public Library, the Cathedral of the Pines, and the Braintree Community Arts Center are all within ten minutes. Sunset Lake and Pond Meadow Park offer outdoor settings that influence what kinds of hairstyles work for active Braintree residents.
Braintree Events We Build Our Calendar Around
Braintree's Fourth of July parade, the holiday tree lighting at Braintree Town Hall, the summer concerts at French's Common, Braintree Day, and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival all bring residents out in force. We see appointment surges before each of these events, and we love being part of the community calendar.
Braintree Schools and Family Bookings
Braintree High School, Thayer Academy, East Middle School, and South Middle School draw families who become long-term clients. We do hair for prom, homecoming, graduation, and senior portraits every spring. Many of our longest-running clients first came in for their daughter's prom and stayed for life.
Braintree Local Business Connections
Braintree's local business community is tight-knit. We are friendly with the staff at South Shore Plaza, Stop and Shop, the Daily Grind coffee shop, and dozens of restaurants along Granite Avenue. Many local business owners are clients, and we often coordinate appointments around event seasons in town.
Why Driving to Us Makes Sense for Braintree Residents
The most common question we hear from new Braintree clients is whether the drive is worth it. The honest answer is yes, for the right reasons. Braintree has perfectly fine salons closer to home. What we offer is different: board-certified color expertise, a team of nine specialists rather than one or two generalists, and a model that gives every client undivided attention. Braintree residents who book here tend to stay here. The retention rate at our salon is one of the highest in the region, and our Braintree client base specifically has been with us for years, sometimes decades.
The drive itself is straightforward. Route options vary by where in Braintree you live, but most Braintree residents reach us in under 30 minutes via the highway connections that lead into Braintree. We offer free parking, evening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and Saturday hours for clients with weekday work schedules. The logistics work for Braintree residents.
What Braintree Hair Clients Come to Us For Most
Braintree clients book us most often for color services, particularly highlights, balayage, and color correction. The combination of Kim's board-certified color expertise, Maureen's foiling work, Janet's correction skill, and Laura's blonding mastery means Braintree clients have access to four world-class colorists under one roof.
Cutting is the second-most-booked category. Braintree clients with curly hair specifically seek out Alicia for her DevaCurl certification and dry-cutting technique. Clients with classic, polished preferences book Jackie for her precision work. Clients wanting modern, on-trend shapes book Emma. Clients booking for events book Judy or Kat for styling that holds up.
Extensions, treatments, and alternative hair are also strong categories from Braintree. Kim's tape-in extension work brings clients in from across the South Shore, and Braintree residents specifically use these services for fine hair, postpartum shedding, and density loss. Keratin treatments help Braintree clients manage humidity and frizz. Jon Renau wigs and toppers serve clients dealing with thinning or medical hair loss.
Building a Long-Term Relationship with Your Braintree Stylist
The way salon work pays off for Braintree clients is over time. The first appointment is a baseline. The second appointment is where your stylist starts to know your hair. By the fifth or sixth appointment, your stylist understands your hair the way they understand a friend's personality. They know how it lifts, how it deposits, how it grows, how it responds to heat, how it ages between appointments. That kind of relationship is impossible to build through one-off visits or jumping between stylists.
Braintree clients who commit to one stylist for a year see dramatically better results than clients who shop around. The work compounds. Your color gets better because your stylist has data from previous appointments. Your cut gets better because your stylist knows where your hair likes to fall. Your home routine gets dialed in because your stylist has watched what works for you over time.
This is why we recommend Braintree clients book their next appointment before leaving the salon. Building cadence is part of the work, not an afterthought. Color clients usually book every 4-6 weeks. Highlights and balayage clients book every 8-12 weeks. Cuts every 6-8 weeks. Treatments quarterly. The schedule is part of the result.
About Kim Messing: 38+ Years of Building This Salon
Kim Messing opened her first salon chair in 1986. The salon has grown, moved, and evolved over the decades, but the foundation has not changed: every client gets honest counsel, custom work, and a stylist who actually cares about the result. Braintree clients who have been with Kim for ten, twenty, or thirty-plus years know what that consistency feels like.
Kim is a board-certified color specialist, a designation that fewer than 5% of working colorists pursue. The certification requires advanced testing in color theory, formulation, correction, hair chemistry, and ongoing continuing education. Most salon owners stop chasing certifications after a decade. Kim has continued for nearly four.
She is also Hot Heads certified for tape-in extensions, has trained with Goldwell, Redken, Keratin Complex, and Olaplex on advanced technique and product chemistry, and continues to attend industry education multiple times a year. The reason she does this is simple: hair science evolves, and clients deserve a stylist who is current on the best techniques available.
Inside the salon, Kim is a mentor. Every stylist on the team has trained with Kim or alongside Kim at some point. The standard for work that leaves our chairs is set by Kim and held by every stylist on the floor. Braintree clients who book with anyone on the team are getting a stylist trained to Kim's standard.
Outside the salon, Kim is a mother, grandmother, and an active member of the Braintree community. The salon is her life's work, but her clients are her people. Many of our longest-running Braintree relationships started decades ago and continue through generations. Kim has done the hair of mothers, daughters, and granddaughters in the same family. That kind of continuity is rare and precious, and it is the reason Braintree residents recommend Kim to everyone they know.
Extended FAQs: Deeper Questions from Braintree Clients
How long does color last?
It depends on the type of color, your home care, and your environmental exposure. Single process color and root touch-ups typically need refreshing every 4-6 weeks. Highlights can last 8-12 weeks before regrowth becomes obvious. Balayage can stretch 12-16 weeks because the regrowth is intentionally soft. Vivid and fashion colors fade faster, typically 4-8 weeks. Braintree clients who use the at-home products we recommend extend the life of their color significantly.
Will hair color damage my hair?
Done correctly, no. Done aggressively, yes. The difference is technique, products, and respect for your hair's integrity. Single process color is the gentlest of the chemical services and rarely causes damage. Lightening services (highlights, balayage, double process) are inherently more demanding on hair, which is why we use Olaplex and K18 in every lightening service. The clients who experience damage are typically those who jump from salon to salon, push their hair too far in one session, or use box dye between professional appointments.
How long does the color appointment take?
Single process: 90 minutes to 2 hours. Root touch-up: 75-90 minutes. Partial foils: 2 to 2.5 hours. Full foils: 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Balayage: 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Color correction: 4-8 hours, sometimes split across multiple appointments. Braintree clients who book major color services should plan to be here for the duration. We do not rush, which is why the work holds up.
What is the difference between balayage and highlights?
Highlights are foiled, meaning each section of color is wrapped in foil to process with maximum lift. The result is brighter, more dimensional, and tends to have a more defined pattern. Balayage is hand-painted, free-form color where the lightener processes in open air. The result is softer, more lived-in, and grows out with less obvious regrowth. Many clients combine both techniques: foils on top for brightness, balayage on the lower lengths for softness.
Should I get balayage or highlights for Braintree weather?
Balayage tends to work better for Braintree clients who want low maintenance and longer stretches between appointments. Highlights work better for clients who want maximum brightness and visible dimension. The right answer depends on your starting hair, your goals, and your willingness to come back every 8-12 weeks. We recommend booking a free consultation to discuss which is better for your hair.
How do I keep my color from fading?
Use sulfate-free shampoo. Wash less often (every 2-3 days, not daily). Use cold water for the final rinse. Avoid hot tools without heat protectant. Use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. Rinse hair with bottled water before swimming if you swim regularly. Use a clarifying treatment monthly if you have hard water. Braintree clients who follow this routine see dramatically longer color life.
What is the cost of a full color transformation?
Going significantly lighter or correcting old color usually requires multiple sessions and can range from $500 to $1,500+ depending on starting color, target color, and hair length. We always quote color correction work after a free consultation. There are no surprise charges at checkout.
How do I find a stylist who fits me?
The free consultation is the best way. We listen to your goals, look at your hair, and recommend the specialist on our team whose strengths match what you need. Sometimes the answer is Kim. Sometimes it is Maureen. Sometimes it is Janet for correction work first, then Laura or Maureen for ongoing. Braintree clients trust our matching because we do not steer toward whoever has openings. We steer toward who is best for you.
What if I do not like my hair?
Tell us. We always have a plan for adjusting work that did not land the way the client hoped. Color too dark, too light, too warm, too cool: we can adjust. Cut too short: we cannot grow it back, but we can shape it differently. Style not what you expected: we can restyle. Braintree clients should never leave unhappy without saying something. We always make it right.
Can I bring a friend or family member?
Yes. Many Braintree clients book together with a sister, mother, daughter, or friend. We can usually arrange overlapping appointments. The waiting area is comfortable for guests not receiving services.
Do you do hair for medical hair loss clients?
Yes. Kim works personally with medical hair loss clients on Jon Renau wigs and toppers, providing private consultations and custom fittings. We handle these consultations with discretion and care. Clients can park in the back of the salon for additional privacy if preferred.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. Available in any denomination, online or in-salon. Gift cards never expire and can be used toward any service or product.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover), debit card, and gift cards.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for 24 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules. Same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged 50% of the service cost.
Are tips appreciated?
Tips are not expected but always appreciated. Standard industry practice is 18-22% on services. We accept tips in cash, on card, or via Venmo at checkout.
Do you take walk-ins?
We are appointment-based. Same-day appointments are sometimes available depending on stylist schedules. Call 781-817-5077 to check availability.
What if I am running late?
Call us. If you are 15 minutes late, your stylist may need to shorten the service or reschedule depending on the day. We hold your appointment as long as we can without affecting other clients.
Can I bring my child to my appointment?
Children are welcome. We ask that they remain seated and supervised during the service. Children with their own appointments must be accompanied by an adult.
Do you offer in-home or wedding day services?
For weddings, yes, with advance booking. We do not offer general at-home services. For brides, we typically prefer to do the trial in-salon and the day-of styling at the venue or hotel.
How do I book my first appointment?
Online at our booking link, or by calling 781-817-5077. New clients should call so we can match you with the right specialist before booking. Braintree clients who book online and are unsure which stylist to choose should select any color consultation as a placeholder, and we will adjust at intake.
What Braintree Clients Are Saying: Extended Reviews
Every review here is from a real client. We do not write reviews, edit reviews, or pay for reviews. Many of our reviews come from Braintree residents who have been with us for years and want to share their experience with neighbors who might be looking.
"I have been with Kim for over a decade. I have moved towns three times in that period and have never even considered trying a closer salon. The work is that good. Kim mixes color from scratch every appointment, listens to what I want, and pushes back when she thinks I am making a bad call. I trust her completely. The whole team has the same integrity." - Long-term Braintree client
"I came to Janet after a different salon turned my hair an awful brassy orange. I was crying when I called for a consultation. Janet saw me the next day, walked me through the correction plan with full transparency on cost and time, and over three sessions returned my hair to a beautiful natural-looking blonde. Her patience, skill, and honesty saved my hair and my confidence. I drive to Braintree from across the South Shore for her work." - Color correction client
"Maureen's foil work is unreal. I have been to high-end Boston salons charging twice as much, and Maureen's placement is more thoughtful, the color is more dimensional, and the regrowth is softer. She maps her foils to my face and my growth pattern. The result lasts months and grows out beautifully. Braintree clients who have not tried her are missing out." - Highlight client
"I have curly hair and I have been disappointed by every salon I have ever tried, except this one. Alicia is DevaCurl certified and she is the first stylist who actually understood my hair. She cuts my curls dry, one curl at a time. The cut grows out beautifully. My curls look the way they are supposed to look. After 30 years of being told my hair was difficult, Alicia made it easy." - Curly client from Braintree
"Laura did my blonding and I have never been happier with my hair. It looks bright but natural, dimensional but not stripey. The cut Jackie gave me afterward is the cleanest precision cut I have ever had. The two of them are an incredible combination, and I drive from Braintree for both." - Blonding client
"Jackie cut my hair four months ago and it still looks intentional. Most cuts I have had at other salons fall apart in two or three weeks. Jackie's cuts grow out the way they are supposed to. She is meticulous and patient and treats every appointment like it matters. Braintree clients who value precision should book her." - Cutting client
"Emma did a butterfly cut for me last month and I have gotten compliments every single day. The shape is modern but it grows out gracefully. She also did a beautiful copper color that has not faded the way I expected. She knows her chemistry and her cutting. Braintree clients looking for trending shapes should see her." - Contemporary cuts client
"Judy did my blowout for my daughter's wedding and it lasted from morning ceremony to late-night reception without a single touch-up. The pinning was invisible and held through hugs, dancing, and tears. Braintree clients booking for events should book Judy. She is a true professional." - Event styling client
"Kat did my hair for my best friend's wedding. Half-up, dimensional braid, beachy waves. It was stunning and held up through humidity and dancing all night. She also gave me a beautiful cut that has grown out perfectly. Braintree clients should book Kat." - Bridal hair client
"I came to Kim for tape-in extensions after losing volume from postpartum shedding. Kim color-matched perfectly, installed beautifully, and cut them to blend with my natural hair. Nobody knows they are extensions. The maintenance appointments are quick and the results have been transformative for my confidence. The drive from Braintree is nothing compared to what these have done for me." - Extension client
"I tried this salon on a friend's recommendation after years at a chain salon. The difference is night and day. The consultation alone gave me more information than I had ever received. The work is more careful. The product recommendations actually work for my hair. The price is fair for what you get. I will not go anywhere else again. Braintree clients deserve to know about this place." - Long-term Braintree client
"My mother and I both come here, and we always book back-to-back appointments together. The team treats both of us like family. Kim has been doing my mother's color for over fifteen years. The continuity, the care, and the consistency are why we both keep coming back from Braintree." - Multi-generational client
"I had bad highlights from another salon that turned brassy. Maureen took the time to assess everything before lifting again. The result was beautiful, dimensional, perfectly toned. She also recommended a leave-in product that has changed how my hair behaves at home. The whole experience was professional and educational. Braintree clients should book her without hesitation." - Highlight correction client
"Emma did a vivid red for me that has lasted longer than any vivid I have ever had. She knows the chemistry of fashion color. The application was meticulous and the at-home care advice she gave me was actually useful, not generic. The drive from Braintree is worth every minute." - Vivid color client
"I have been getting keratin treatments at this salon for three years now. The difference in my hair from before to after is dramatic. Braintree humidity used to ruin my hair every summer. Now I have manageable, smooth hair year-round. The team explains the maintenance routine clearly and the results last exactly as long as they say." - Keratin client
Booking, Hours, and What to Expect on Your First Visit
Braintree clients booking their first appointment can do so online or by phone. Online booking is available at our portal: Book Now. Phone booking is available during business hours at 781-817-5077.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am to 8:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday and Monday: Closed
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Bring photos of what you want, including angles and lighting that show the colors and shapes accurately. Bring photos of cuts and colors you do not want, which can be even more useful than what you do want. Bring a list of products you currently use at home. Bring questions. Come ready to have a real conversation about your hair.
What to Wear
Wear something comfortable that you do not mind getting slightly damp. Color services involve a wash, and water can splash. Avoid white shirts that might catch color drips. We provide capes and towels, but a stain-resistant top is always a smart choice.
How Long to Plan For
Cut and style: 60-90 minutes. Single process color and cut: 2-2.5 hours. Highlights and cut: 3-4 hours. Balayage and cut: 3-4 hours. Color correction: variable, sometimes split across multiple sessions. We always confirm the time commitment when you book.
Parking
Free parking lot directly at the salon. No meters, no garages, no hassle. Braintree clients consistently mention how easy parking is compared to most salons in Boston or other competitive areas.
What to Expect at Check-In
You will be greeted at the front desk, your stylist will come find you within a few minutes, and the consultation begins immediately. We respect your time. We do not run behind. The check-in process is quick and warm.
Also Serving Nearby Communities
Looking for a top-rated salon near you? Visit our dedicated pages for towns near Braintree:
- Best Salon Near Holbrook, MA
- Best Salon Near Quincy, MA
- Best Salon Near Weymouth, MA
- Best Salon Near Randolph, MA
- Best Salon Near Milton, MA
Our Specialty Services
- Hair Color Services
- Precision Haircuts
- Hair Extensions
- Tinting and Waxing
- Alternative Hair and Toppers
- Meet Our Stylists
Your Best Hair Is Waiting
From color that holds up through every Braintree season to extensions that give you the length you have always wanted, curly hair care that finally gets it right, and a team that listens before they ever pick up a brush, Kimberly Messing Hair Design is the South Shore's most trusted salon on Washington Street.
Kim built this place for clients who are tired of walking out of appointments feeling like their stylist did not really listen. For anyone who knows that great hair starts with a stylist who genuinely cares. For the people of Braintree, Weymouth, Quincy, Milton, and Randolph who deserve nothing less than the best.
We have been right here on Washington Street for over 38 years, and we cannot wait to see you.