Best Hair Salon in Dedham, MA | Kimberly Messing Hair Design
Looking for the best hair salon in Dedham, MA? Kimberly Messing Hair Design is the South Shore's trusted hair salon, serving Dedham residents since 1986 with custom hair color, precision haircuts, balayage, hair extensions, keratin treatments, and full hair salon services. Our award-winning Braintree hair salon is just minutes from Dedham, with nine specialists, board-certified color expertise, and over 38 years of experience caring for Dedham hair.
Expert Hair Color, Precision Cuts, Balayage, and Professional Extensions for Dedham Residents | Just 15 Minutes Away
Welcome to Kimberly Messing Hair Design: Dedham's Choice for Expert Hair Services
Welcome to Kimberly Messing Hair Design, the full-service salon Dedham residents choose when they want expert results from a team that knows what they are doing. Located at 533 Washington Street in Braintree, our salon is just 15 minutes from Dedham via I-93 South or Route 1. For over 38 years, Kim Messing and her team of nine specialists have been delivering custom color, precision cuts, and advanced treatments to clients who demand the best.
Dedham is a town with history, character, and high standards. From the beautifully restored Dedham Square to the shopping and dining at Legacy Place, Dedham residents appreciate quality and convenience. Our salon delivers both. The drive is short, the parking is free, and the results consistently exceed expectations.
Whether you are coming from East Dedham, Dedham Center, or the Route 1 corridor, you can be in our chair in 15 minutes. That is less time than most people spend looking for parking in Boston, and you will get better hair service here than at most city salons.
Hours of Operation
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Address: 533 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-817-5077
Email: hello@kimberlymessinghairdesign.com
Website: kimberlymessinghairdesign.com
Why Dedham Residents Choose Kimberly Messing Hair Design
Dedham sits just northwest of Braintree, connected by I-93 and Route 1. The drive takes about 15 minutes depending on which part of town you are coming from. It is a quick, easy trip that our Dedham clients have worked into their regular routines.
Dedham has excellent restaurants, great shopping, and strong neighborhoods. The people here know good quality when they see it. They are not easily impressed by marketing or flash. They want results. That is the kind of client who thrives at our salon. We let our work speak for itself, and our Dedham clients keep coming back because the work is consistently excellent.
What Makes Kimberly Messing Hair Design the Best Salon for Dedham Clients
A Team of True Specialists
Nine stylists, each with their own area of expertise. Kim for extensions and complex color. Jackie for precision cuts. Maureen for balayage. Janet for color correction. Laura for blonding. Alicia for curly hair. Emma for vivid color. Judy for blowouts. Kat for updos. Dedham clients always get matched with the right specialist for their needs.
Board-Certified Color Excellence
Kim Messing earned board certification in color, a credential that represents years of advanced training and demonstrated mastery. Every color formula in our salon is custom-mixed. For Dedham clients who have experienced the difference between generic and custom color, there is no going back.
Professional Products That Perform
K18 molecular repair. Keratin Complex smoothing. Redken color protection. Goldwell professional color. Soma plant-based care. We carry over 200 products from 28 brands because different hair needs different solutions. Our stylists match you with the right products, not the most expensive ones.
No-Pressure Consultations
Every new Dedham client gets a free consultation. No charge. No commitment. Just honest expert advice about your hair and your goals.
Proximity Without Compromise
Dedham residents have plenty of salon options nearby. But having options and having the right option are different things. Our 38-year track record, nine-stylist team, and board-certified color expertise set us apart from anything in the immediate Dedham area.
An Experience Worth Your Time
Every appointment at Kimberly Messing Hair Design is unhurried, focused, and professional. Your stylist is with you from start to finish. No double-booking. No assistants taking over. Just expert attention the entire time.
Getting to Kimberly Messing Hair Design from Dedham
15 Minutes via I-93 or Route 1
Dedham connects to Braintree via I-93 South or Route 1 South to Route 37. Both routes are quick and well-marked.
Directions from Dedham Square
From Dedham Square, take Washington Street east to Route 1 South. Follow Route 1 South to I-93 South. Take I-93 South to Exit 6 (Route 37/Braintree). Turn left on Washington Street and continue to 533. The salon is on the right with free parking.
From Legacy Place
From Legacy Place on Route 1, head south on Route 1 toward I-93 South. Follow the same directions as above to 533 Washington Street.
Parking
Free parking lot at the salon. No meters, no garages, no stress.
Our Complete Hair and Beauty Services
Hair Color Services
Our board-certified color specialists deliver custom formulations for every client. Services include single process color, double process color, full foil highlights, partial foil highlights, balayage, hand-painted highlights, dimensional color, color correction, fashion and vivid colors, gloss and toning treatments, gray blending, and root touch-ups. Every color formula is built from scratch based on your hair history, skin tone, lifestyle, and goals.
Precision Cutting and Styling
From classic shapes to modern textured cuts, our stylists deliver precision results. Services include women's precision cuts, men's cuts, children's cuts, bang trims, blowouts, iron work (flat iron and curling iron styling), special occasion styling, bridal updos, and formal event hair. Every cut begins with a thorough consultation.
Hair Treatment Services
Restore, repair, and protect your hair with professional treatments. We offer K18 molecular repair treatments, keratin smoothing treatments, deep conditioning treatments, bond repair services, scalp treatments, and Olaplex strengthening services.
Hair Extension Services
Add length, volume, or both with professional hair extensions. Kim Messing is certified in Hot Heads tape-in extensions and sew-in weft methods. We offer full installation, maintenance appointments, removal services, and extension consultations.
Alternative Hair Solutions
For clients experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, we offer professional alternative hair services including Jon Renau wigs, toppers, and hairpieces. Every fitting includes a private consultation, custom styling, and ongoing support.
Tinting and Waxing
Complete your look with professional brow and lash services including eyebrow tinting, lash tinting, brow shaping, and facial waxing.
Complimentary Consultations
Not sure where to start? Book a free consultation with any of our stylists. We will assess your hair, discuss your goals, and create a personalized plan before any service begins.
Meet Your Style Team
Kim Messing, Owner and Board-Certified Color Specialist
Kim Messing founded Kimberly Messing Hair Design over 38 years ago. As a board-certified color specialist, Kim builds every color formula from scratch. She is certified in Hot Heads tape-in and sew-in extensions. Kim leads the team with a teaching philosophy that keeps every stylist growing and evolving.
Jackie Shaughnessy, Senior Stylist
Jackie brings over 38 years of passion and precision to every appointment. She specializes in precision cutting, curly hair styling, and advanced coloring techniques including foiling and dimensional color.
Maureen Lamie, Master Stylist
Maureen is a master stylist who excels in foiling techniques and balayage. Her eye for dimension and placement makes her a favorite among clients who want multi-tonal, natural-looking color.
Janet Layden, Color Correction Specialist
Janet specializes in color correction and dimensional color services. If your color has gone wrong somewhere else, Janet is the one who can fix it with patience, skill, and deep color theory knowledge.
Laura Blaikie, Blonding Specialist
Laura is the team's blonding specialist, creating lived-in color, bright blondes, and seamless highlights that look natural and effortless.
Alicia Hayward, Curly Hair Specialist
Alicia is a DevaCurl certified stylist who specializes in curly and textured hair. She uses dry-cutting techniques that respect your natural curl pattern.
Emma Browning, Creative Stylist
Emma brings fresh energy and modern technique to the team. She specializes in contemporary cuts and vivid color for clients who want something bold.
Judy, Classic Styling Expert
Judy is a master of classic styling, blowouts, and polished looks. Her blowouts hold their shape and last for days.
Kat, Texture and Updo Specialist
Kat specializes in texture work, braids, and updos. From bohemian waves to structured bridal updos, Kat creates styles that photograph beautifully.
The Kimberly Messing Hair Design Experience
First Impressions from Dedham Clients
Dedham clients often tell us the same thing after their first visit: they did not expect this level of quality so close to home. The personal attention, the custom color formulation, the focused one-on-one service. It is the kind of experience they assumed required a trip into Boston. Instead, it is 15 minutes from Dedham with free parking and no pretension.
Where Quality Meets Community
Dedham has a long history of supporting quality local businesses, and we have a long history of serving the communities around us. That mutual respect is the foundation of our relationship with Dedham clients. We earn your business every appointment, and we never take it for granted.
What Dedham Clients Are Saying
"I used to go to a salon in Boston and spend $300 for color that faded in three weeks. Kim's custom formulas last twice as long and the results are better. The 15-minute drive from Dedham is nothing." - Carolyn P., Dedham
"Laura is a blonde genius. My highlights have never looked more natural or dimensional. Everyone in my Dedham book club has switched to this salon." - Karen W., Dedham
"Maureen did my daughter's prom hair and it was perfect. Kat did my other daughter's braids. Having a team with this range of talent under one roof is incredible." - Michelle R., Dedham
"I tried five salons in Dedham and Norwood before finding Kimberly Messing. The difference is night and day. This is the real deal." - Janet S., Dedham
"Kim helped me find a Jon Renau topper for my thinning hair and it changed my life. She was so compassionate and professional. I cannot say enough good things." - Elaine G., Dedham
Frequently Asked Questions from Dedham Residents
How far is Kimberly Messing Hair Design from Dedham?
Our salon is approximately 15 minutes from Dedham. Take I-93 South or Route 1 to Route 37. Head east on Washington Street to 533.
Do I need an appointment?
We recommend booking an appointment to guarantee your preferred stylist and time. Book online or call 781-817-5077. Walk-in consultations are welcome when availability allows.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. Every new client can book a complimentary consultation with any stylist. No cost, no obligation.
What color brands do you use?
We work with Goldwell, Redken, and other professional color lines. Our colorists select the best product for your hair type and desired result.
Can you fix a bad color job from another salon?
Yes. Janet Layden specializes in color correction. Book a consultation for an evaluation and honest recommendation.
Do you specialize in curly hair?
Yes. Alicia Hayward is DevaCurl certified and specializes in cutting and styling curly and textured hair using dry-cutting techniques.
What types of extensions do you offer?
Kim Messing is certified in Hot Heads tape-in and sew-in weft extensions. We offer installation, maintenance, and removal.
Do you help with thinning hair?
Yes. We offer Zenagen treatment products and Jon Renau wigs and toppers. Kim handles every consultation with care and discretion.
Is parking free?
Yes. Free parking lot right at the salon.
What are your hours?
Tuesday and Wednesday 9 AM to 7 PM, Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM, Friday and Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Do you sell professional products?
Yes. Over 200 products from 28 brands including K18, Redken, Goldwell, Keratin Complex, Soma, and more. Available in salon and online.
How far in advance should I book?
One to two weeks for most services. Color correction and extensions may need more lead time.
Service Areas We Proudly Serve
Kimberly Messing Hair Design welcomes clients from across the South Shore and Greater Boston area:
- Braintree: Home base
- Holbrook: 5 minutes
- Avon: 8 minutes
- Randolph: 8 minutes
- Quincy: 10 minutes
- Milton: 10 minutes
- Weymouth: 12 minutes
- Canton: 12 minutes
- Stoughton: 12 minutes
- Abington: 15 minutes
- Rockland: 15 minutes
- Hingham: 15 minutes
- Dedham: 15 minutes
- Brockton: 15 minutes
- Norwood: 15 minutes
- Hanover: 18 minutes
- Whitman: 18 minutes
- Sharon: 18 minutes
- Norwell: 20 minutes
- East Bridgewater: 20 minutes
- Needham: 20 minutes
- Walpole: 20 minutes
- Pembroke: 22 minutes
- Cohasset: 25 minutes
- Scituate: 25 minutes
- Hull: 25 minutes
- Marshfield: 25 minutes
- Bridgewater: 25 minutes
- Halifax: 25 minutes
- Foxborough: 25 minutes
- Medfield: 25 minutes
- Duxbury: 30 minutes
- Middleboro: 30 minutes
- Franklin: 30 minutes
- Plymouth: 35 minutes
The Full Team Behind Your Hair: Nine Specialists, 180+ Combined Years
The reason Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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 Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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.
Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham clients leave feeling pampered rather than processed.
Complete Service Menu and Pricing Context for Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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 Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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.
Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham clients have built their loyalty around for nearly four decades.
South Shore Hair: Why Dedham Hair Behaves the Way It Does
Hair behaves differently in different environments. Dedham 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
Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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
Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham clients, sometimes adjusting tone twice a year to match the light and the lifestyle.
What a Consultation Actually Looks Like for Dedham Clients
Every new Dedham 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.
Dedham 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 Dedham Community: Where Our Clients Live, Work, and Gather
Dedham Neighborhoods We Serve
Dedham clients come from Dedham Center, East Dedham, the Endicott Estate area, the Greenlodge area, and the Riverdale neighborhoods. The drive is about 15 minutes via Route 1 or Route 95.
Dedham Landmarks That Define the Town
The Charles River, the Dedham Square historic district, the Mother Brook, and the Endicott Estate all give Dedham its New England character. The Norfolk County Courthouse is also a Dedham landmark. Dedham residents appreciate the town's mix of historic charm and modern convenience.
Dedham Events We Build Our Calendar Around
Dedham Days, the Charles River Esplanade concerts, the Dedham Square Circle events, and the annual Memorial Day parade all bring residents out. The Endicott Estate hosts beautiful weddings, and we have done hair for many of them.
Dedham Schools and Family Bookings
Dedham High School and Dedham Country Day School are the main schools we serve, with steady event-based bookings throughout the academic year.
Dedham Local Business Connections
Dedham's business community along Washington Street and Route 1 provides a steady professional client base. Legal professionals working at the Norfolk County Courthouse often book us for critical appearance days.
Why Driving to Us Makes Sense for Dedham Residents
The most common question we hear from new Dedham clients is whether the drive is worth it. The honest answer is yes, for the right reasons. Dedham 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. Dedham residents who book here tend to stay here. The retention rate at our salon is one of the highest in the region, and our Dedham client base specifically has been with us for years, sometimes decades.
The drive itself is straightforward. Route options vary by where in Dedham you live, but most Dedham 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 Dedham residents.
What Dedham Hair Clients Come to Us For Most
Dedham 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 Dedham clients have access to four world-class colorists under one roof.
Cutting is the second-most-booked category. Dedham 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 Dedham. Kim's tape-in extension work brings clients in from across the South Shore, and Dedham residents specifically use these services for fine hair, postpartum shedding, and density loss. Keratin treatments help Dedham 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 Dedham Stylist
The way salon work pays off for Dedham 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.
Dedham 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 Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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 Dedham residents recommend Kim to everyone they know.
Extended FAQs: Deeper Questions from Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham weather?
Balayage tends to work better for Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham clients should never leave unhappy without saying something. We always make it right.
Can I bring a friend or family member?
Yes. Many Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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 Dedham 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 Dedham 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 Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham
"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 Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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. Dedham clients deserve to know about this place." - Long-term Dedham 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 Dedham." - 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. Dedham 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 Dedham 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. Dedham 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
Dedham 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. Dedham 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 Dedham:
- Best Salon Near Milton, MA
- Best Salon Near Canton, MA
- Best Salon Near Norwood, MA
- Best Salon Near Needham, MA
- Best Salon Near Braintree, MA
Our Specialty Services
- Hair Color Services
- Precision Haircuts
- Hair Extensions
- Tinting and Waxing
- Alternative Hair and Toppers
- Meet Our Stylists
Book Your Hair Transformation Today
Your best hair is waiting. Whether you need a fresh color, a precision cut, extensions, or a complete style overhaul, our team is ready.
Book Your Appointment Online or call 781-817-5077
Kimberly Messing Hair Design, 533 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184. Open Tuesday through Saturday.