Boss Arts

161 Laurier Ave West
Ottawa, K1P 5J2
613-230-2500

User Reviews

Stylist: Jessica

I've been seeing Jessica for over 4 years now.  I will never leave her!

Reviewed on 04.27.16


Stylist: Jessica

Jessica at BossArts changed my life (and my hair). She is amazing. I've had 4 appointments with her. My Curly Cut and then 3 curly maintain cuts. I usually go in with 3 day hair and she transforms my frizz into beautiful curls with just her scissors and a little Aveda curl rejuvenating spray. It is a bit pricey, however I only go every 3 months and my hair looks amazing, so it's completely worth the cost. Especially since every other hair salon I've visited, I've need a touch up within weeks. Jessica is also very pleasant and easy to chat with, but she can be quiet as well if you aren't interested in conversation. She is also very knowledgeable about the right products to use and gives excellent tips on how to style curly hair. The salon itself is very clean and the staff are very polite and friendly.  

Reviewed on 10.27.14


Stylist: Renee Tremblay

Renee... what can I say? That was seriously a waste of money. My hair is extremely thick. It needs a lot of texturizing underneath, she literally cut each curl one at a time. Just blunt cuts- no texturizing. It left me to go home and re-cut it. I will definitely wait for Kim next time.

Reviewed on 07.05.14


Stylist: Kim

I'm terrible at small talk, so I really appreciate Kim's quiet nature. Kim listens, lets me know what my options are, and provides great suggestions. Her color choices have been excellent and I get a lot of compliments after every visit.

Reviewed on 07.03.14


Stylist: Renée

I had a dry cut from Renee and it was just okay. I was disappointed that it didn't live up to the hype. For my hair, the dry cut did not work well. After washing it, I had several sections that clumped together, which I don't normally have to contend with. I suspect those who have more "predictable" curls will have better results. My curls change from day to day, hour by hour, ... and are really impacted by the weather.

Reviewed on 05.20.14


Stylist: Kim

I Love Boss Arts! Kim was great and really listened. I have to agree, she is not the friendliest, but every time I leave I have a great cut at a great price

Reviewed on 03.31.14


Stylist: Kim

I just came home from having my hair cut by Kim. I came across review for the salon on here and thought I would try to get an appointment with Renee; however, I was eager to get it done and Kim was available the next day, so I booked an appointment with her. Kim listened, did exactly what I wanted her to do, and taught me tips and tricks for how to style my type 3B hair and achieve the same results. This is the first time I have had my hair dry cut curly, and have left a salon with my hair styled curly...and I'm in love! I've given a rating of 4 only because Kim wasn't super smiley or friendly, but she was very professional and gets the job done. I will absolutely go back to her in the future. (It is also worth noting that Kim is the only stylist a the salon who will cut type 4 hair.)

Reviewed on 10.21.13


Stylist: Anonymous

I have been going to Renee for 4 years now - for both colour & cuts. She does a fabulous job. The only thing I find that is inconsistent is the styling. I normally leave wet rather than pay for something I will only re-do when I get home. I have never had a bad cut or colour. I highly recommend Renee.

Reviewed on 07.02.11


Stylist: Renée

I have been going to Renee for nearly a year, with mixed - but mostly positive curly results. After about five cuts with her, I found she cut best when we weren't conversing. In addition, when conversation took place, she was prone to saying inappropriate / negative things - all the more reason to keep the talk to a minimum. Granted, I chose to put up with this to get a good curly cut. I recommended her to others - with a warning about her tendency toward inappropriate comments - most recently to a work colleague with type 4 curls. After waiting two months, my colleague was turned away as soon as she sat in Renee's chair. Renee told her that she wouldn't cut her hair; that it was a bush that needed pruning. She then called Kim over to look at my colleague's hair - and Kim offered to cut my colleague's hair ... the following week. Of course, I regret recommending either Renee and Boss Arts for two reasons: 1) Renee's unprofessional behavior is offensive - put "blame" on a person's hair instead of simply admitting she doesn't have the skills to cut it.. 2) Since Renee doesn't know how to cut type 4 curls, the salon does not screen new curly heads before the appointment is made. This demonstrates how little the business cares for its clientele's time and inconvenience - especially when a two month wait is often the norm. Bottom Line: Depending on what you are willing to tolerate, Renee is capable of cutting some curly hair well.

Reviewed on 04.11.11


Stylist: Renée

I was very disappointed to learn that Renee will not cut type 4 hair. If you have type 4 hair, there is no point waiting the two months to get an appointment because she'll turn you away at the door :(

Reviewed on 03.24.11


Stylist: Renee

I would highly recommend this salon, and the dry curly hair cut to anyone with curly hair. I've never had a "dry" cut before, and it really made a huge difference in the volume and appearance of my hair. My hair is very fine (but lots of it) and tends to get flat on top. Renee was fantastic, she has curly hair herself, so she completely understands the problems with curly hair. My hair actually looked fuller and curlier as she was in the process of cutting it. Amazing! I would say this is easily the best haircut I've ever had. Most hair stylists just don't "get" curly hair. I had a strange "shelf" in my hair from my regular stylist. Too many layers, I guess. It seemed to drag down the curls and leave it flat on top. After Renee cut my hair, it was curlier on the top and just looked so much better and more flattering in terms of the overall shape. I just knew there was a better hair cut out there for me! I drove into Ottawa from a smaller town a few hours away, and I was so impressed with how much friendlier and more professional all the staff were in comparison to my regular salon (which is at least 30% more expensive). I guess that's the difference between a small town and a bigger centre - pay more and get less. Sigh. Renee also gave me loads of tips for how to keep the curls into day 2 and 3, and how to style to maximize the curls. Anyways, it was a great experience. I will definitely go back. Thanks, Renee. Great work!!!

Reviewed on 09.09.10


Stylist: Renee

I tried Renee twice after finding her here and I couldn't get to my usual stylist Jonathan at the Curly Hair Institute in Toronto. She's a nice woman and my first cut, she does curly hair dry, was OK, though not even, one side longer than the other and after a few weeks I had to trim it myself. Second trip the highlights were great but the cut was worse, dry cutting my hair just didn't work and Renee seemed uninterested or indifferent to learning where my hair curls differently on my head, how it falls etc. I will never go back.

Reviewed on 08.30.10


Stylist: Renee

I rarely post online reviews but after reading the comments below and having my hair cut personally by Renee I feel I have to.. New to the city, I used naturally curly to try and find someone to replace my beloved Toronto stylist. Unfortunatly after my expereince I've decided I will be venturing back to the big city for future cuts.. Renee was a very nice woman who did seem to know her stuff. That said, I felt as though she worked under the philosphy that her client knew nothing about styling their hair. I rarely ever straighten my hair and over the years have learnt to work with my curl type (3a but everyones is completely different) Renee cut my hair dry which was ok, except I felt like she got a little carried away with the idea of cutting my hair dry and forgot that curly or not, hair is still hair. I came home to find several pieces of hair which were noticbly longer than the rest which I ended up cutting myself and to my dismay some pieces at the top of my hair which where noticably shorter (I say noticably because they didnt flow with the rest of my curls) When I styled my hair myself I found that she had cut my hair in a way that changed my definition. I now feel as though my curls don't group together as well. It will take some experimentation with product to hopefully get my old curls back but as of know I can't say I'm completely satisfied with my cut and am fearful to see how it will grow out... Renee does know what shes doing but one user was right in saying "she has a mind of her own" I would reccomend Renee to someone who has yet to find a style that works for them but to those girls who have figured out how to make their curls work for them - Id suggest you look elsewhere. Thanks for everyone's reviews. Overall the cut was OK and I think I will be able to make it work but I don't think Ill go back.

Reviewed on 07.25.10


Stylist: Renée

I've been going to Renée for cuts since March. I've had two AMAZING cuts from her! I just love her. I've also got my sister going to her as well. Best hair cut you'll ever get:)

Reviewed on 07.07.10


Stylist: Renee

All I have to say is "WOW"!! I have really, really tight curls and have found somebody that actually listened to me. She cut my hair dry and made my curls look so defined and amazing! I have been to many, many salons in Ottawa, this has been the best! I would recommend this salon to everybody!

Reviewed on 05.02.10


Stylist: Kim

I just got my hair cut by Kim and am thrilled. It is easily the best cut I've had. All the staff were welcoming and professional. Kim listened to what I wanted, and my hair turned out exactly as I had hoped. She cut my hair dry and gave me lots of tips. Will definitely go back!!!

Reviewed on 04.10.10


Stylist: Kim

She cut my hair dry! An excellent cut, but she has her own ideas so don't go to her if you want something specific.

Reviewed on 02.15.10


Stylist: Renee

Many stylists have cut my hair over the years but only Renee really gets it. I have gone to her for over a year now and will see no one else. She doesn't push product, she is equally comfortable chatting or not, depending on my mood, and she herself has curly hair.

Reviewed on 12.09.09


Stylist: Kim

I would definitely recommend this salon to anyone, but especially girls with curly hair! Every staff member was courteous, and professional. I loved the atmosphere! Kim gave me the best haircut I've ever had, hands down. She makes you feel relaxed and she really listens to what you're looking for, as well as making some great suggestions. When the cut was done, she showed me which products to use, as well as how to use to recreate the look at home, never once pushing me to buy anything. I've had so many compliments on my cut! Usually when I get my hair cut, I can never get it to look good once I leave. Not this time! I will definitely be going back!

Reviewed on 08.18.09


Stylist: Kim

I got my hair cut with Kim at Bossarts and it was great! She cut my hair dry, which no one has done for me before. For styling, she explained how to use the hair products and used a special hair dryer for my curls. Kim was calm, relaxed and genuine. I highly recommend her!!

Reviewed on 05.28.09


Stylist: Renee

I have been living in Quebec city for the last year and a half and visit Ottawa to see family often. I found Boss Arts thru this website and since they had the most comprehensive reviews, decided to try it. I have been used to getting hair cut that gave me thick chunky curls. Renee gave loose tiny curls. I like the bounce and adorable factor of the cut. I am very happy with her style of cutting. I wanted something asymetrical with one long curl to wrap around my neck. She completely understood. She also styled my hair in a way I could easily duplicate. A first for me. She explained which products she used, but did not push the Aveda line, though I love their products. She also gave me a long list of products to try. Renee is very informative on giving you unbiased information for what would be best for your hair and how you care for it.

Reviewed on 05.08.09


Stylist: Renee

Renee took the time to understand what sort of cut I wanted. She also didn't pressure me to buy a bunch of products. I came out with a lovely cut that lasted for months!

Reviewed on 09.04.08


Stylist: Renee Tremblay

I have been seeing Renee now for 9 months and am extremely happy with her. She has amazing curls herself and is a big believer in working with what you have rather than fighting it. She is by far the best hair stylist I have ever been to. I highly recommend her.

Reviewed on 04.22.08


Stylist: Renee

Unfortunately I didn't have as nice a review as the others at this Salon with Renee. She is as cute as a button, but when I was having my hair done - she said she didn't like the clumps in my hair - said it was too defined. I walked out with curls yes but frizz more. The product she used contained silicones which I later found out. Was so unhappy I drove immediately home and redid my hair - couldn't face being seen in public with that much frizz.

Reviewed on 04.16.08


Stylist: Renee

I had not had a haircut for one year due to fear from having had terrible haircuts in the past. I had to be in Ottawa for a few days, so I decided to search NaturallyCurly.com to see if there were any great curly reviews for salons in Ottawa. I found one for Renee at Boss Arts, so I made an appointment. I went to the salon today and before seeing Renee, I was offered a cappucino, tea, water or glass of wine (I declined), then I was taken to a seat where I got a great shoulder and head massage, then my hair was given a great wash on a fantastic reclining chair (where I almost fell asleep). Then I was taken to Renee who was not only great to talk to, but who gave me easily the best haircut I have ever had.!!!

Reviewed on 03.05.08


Stylist: Renee Tremblay

I can't say enough about Renee at Boss Arts. She is by far the best hair stylist I have ever gone to see. She gave me a great cut and even better highlights. The salon itself is an Aveda concept salon with very friendly and helpful staff. They will also pay for your parking - unheard of for a downtown salon! If you're looking for a stylist who will work with your curly hair, give her a try; you won't be disappointed.

Reviewed on 10.30.07


Stylist: Renee

Thanks to the recommendations made here, I went to see Renee today. She gave me (by far) one of the best hair cuts I've ever had. She cut my hair dry; I have never had a stylist do that before - what a difference. Renee has gorgeous, curly hair herself. She made suggestions about what products to use, the order that she uses them in and the amounts. I learned today that the reason I wasn't getting the results that I wanted was that I (a) wasn't using enough product and (b) was waiting too long to put it on. I would highly recommend Renee.

Reviewed on 09.25.07


Stylist: Renee

I can't say enough about this! I have very very thick/curly/frizzy hair and Renee gave me the best cut I've ever had. Thanks!!!

Reviewed on 08.22.07


Stylist: Renée

I recently went curly for the first time - having straightened my hair for years. Renée, who has amazing crazy curls herself, was just great! She cuts my hair dry and also insisted I come back a week or so later to do a free 15-minute touch up once the curls settled in (and I got used to my new curly look). She gave me a really stylish, funky look - which is exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend her for curly girls in the Ottawa area!

Reviewed on 04.26.07