It's no exaggeration to say we grew up cutting hair-Kristen because her parents owned a salon, and Mario because he just had a knack for it. From age 14, he cut hair in the back yard, which continued in college as a natural talent. After formal training, we found each other-where else? in a salon-and the rest is history.
Partners in life and business, Mario and Kristen bought Waves Salon in 2007, and went on to win Best of the City for five years in a row in Albuquerque the Magazine's annual poll. Kristen has been voted top colorist, and Waves even made Top 20 Salons nationwide in Salon Today. As native New Mexicans, we strive to ensure that everyone who comes in feels comfortable and welcome.
Partners in life and business, Mario and Kristen bought Waves Salon in 2007, and went on to win Best of the City for five years in a row in Albuquerque the Magazine's annual poll. Kristen has been voted top colorist, and Waves even made Top 20 Salons nationwide in Salon Today. As native New Mexicans, we strive to ensure that everyone who comes in feels comfortable and welcome.
Reviews (18)
Elizabeth M.
Sep 01, 2020
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Julie D.
Jul 19, 2020
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Julianna knocked it out of the park for my hair today. I have thin, porous, beach wavy hair that curls in the summer (think a redheaded Blake Lively texture) and flattens out in the winter--she knew exactly what my hair needed with finicky curl patterns. She trimmed my hair while it was wet, and shaped it while it was dry--excellent job.
Kiley M.
Mar 03, 2020
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Mario is amazing! I love my cut & color. Looking forward to going back for many many years to come. It's hard to find a Salon this Amazing...
Waves Salon is the BEST! From their incredible owners, to the AWESOME hair... & everything in between! You will fall in love with this Salon the moment you step foot through their doors. I moved to Atlanta last year & can't find a place that comes close to my experiences at Waves... I miss you guys!
Waves Salon is the BEST! From their incredible owners, to the AWESOME hair... & everything in between! You will fall in love with this Salon the moment you step foot through their doors. I moved to Atlanta last year & can't find a place that comes close to my experiences at Waves... I miss you guys!
Jenn W.
Aug 18, 2019
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Waves has become our family salon. My husband started getting his haircut with Mario a few months ago and one by one our entire family - me, my husband, my daughter and two sons have all transitioned to Waves Salon. We have had an incredibly positive experience with the front desk and all of the stylists - Mario, Kristin, Sarah, Jules - all are friendly, attentive and talented. There are times when we are all scheduled for a cut at the same time - the stylists are always on time and deliver outstanding work. The salon has good energy and a focus on taking care of the guest throughout the experience
Bettee C.
Mar 14, 2019
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I am traveling and needed a cut and colour but I am so particular about my hair. I spoke to the receptionist at Waves and took the only appointment available for this week.
I was worried because I have run into many terrible hairdressers when taking a chance on someone I know nothing about.
My appointment was with Jules. She is young and sweet and likeable. This was a good start but those qualities don't make a good hairdresser.
So I can't tell you how relieved I was that my cut and colour was fantastic. She spent alot of time to make sure that the cut was just what I wanted and even
I was worried because I have run into many terrible hairdressers when taking a chance on someone I know nothing about.
My appointment was with Jules. She is young and sweet and likeable. This was a good start but those qualities don't make a good hairdresser.
So I can't tell you how relieved I was that my cut and colour was fantastic. She spent alot of time to make sure that the cut was just what I wanted and even
Mike M.
Mar 10, 2018
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I've been going to Waves for as long as I can remember . Everyone at the Salon is incredible and so kind. I've been going to Rachael in particular and every time I leave my appointment I leave overly impressed! I recommend her to anyone and everyone. I love Waves and will always go there for my haircuts and style!
Ellie C.
Sep 30, 2017
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I saw Rachel on the 28th and was completely dissatisfied and disappointed. I was so looking forward to the appointment as my friend went to her and was happy with the result. I brought in a picture of what I wanted done and explained that I wanted the reddish brown out of my hair and a more ashy blonde leaving my roots my natural color. She used the balayage method. She painted the "highlights" on my hair. She left me with the bleach in my hair as she had an appointment in between me and washing the color out. That was completely fine, however she left me for an hour not checking my hair
Allen M.
Sep 10, 2017
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J. B.
Sep 03, 2017
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I went to see Lesli for about 4-5 years while I was living in Albuquerque for grad school. I just went back last week for my dissertation defense and scheduled a cut with her several weeks in advance. She was already all booked but thankfully someone canceled so I was able to get in.
I've had cuts from highly rated places in Wilton, CT (a suburb an hr outside NYC), Ardmore, PA (suburb on the Main Line outside Philadelphia), Philadelphia, and San Diego. No one I've seen compares to Lesli!
Maybe 4 years ago I asked for a cute long bob. She gave precisely what I asked for, but I didn
I've had cuts from highly rated places in Wilton, CT (a suburb an hr outside NYC), Ardmore, PA (suburb on the Main Line outside Philadelphia), Philadelphia, and San Diego. No one I've seen compares to Lesli!
Maybe 4 years ago I asked for a cute long bob. She gave precisely what I asked for, but I didn
Jules S.
Jul 05, 2016
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I have been going to waves for a few years and my hair always looks stylish and healthy. The salon is modern and fresh and I am always greeted politely by the receptionists. I have been to Rosalie and Kristen, both are very talented and professional stylists that truly have a passion for hair. Along with regularly executing flawless cuts/colors/highlights, Kristen has educated me on everyday care to keep my hair healthy and looking fab. Also, my husband has been going to Mario for 3 years and is consistently pleased with the modern looks he has walked out of the salon with. We love Waves and have
Bailey G.
May 07, 2016
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Kaitlyn F.
Mar 29, 2016
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Kristen is a very good/ talented hairstylist. She produces great work regularly. That being said, she technically did a great job on my hair, but it wasn't exactly what I asked for and when talking to her about it, she wasn't willing to fix the problem in any way, she got very defensive, and attacked my personal character in front of people in the lobby. There was a complete lack of customer service, communication and understanding in the whole ordeal. I left crying, with hurt feelings, feeling confused as to what had happened.
Kenny M.
Nov 13, 2015
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Kristie A.
Oct 15, 2015
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My daughter and I have been getting our hair done at this fabulous salon for years and we absolutely love it!!! Lesli our stylist is fantastic and has an amazing personality. We are always greeted with a friendly welcome and a delicious cup of coffee. The salon is located off Central between the University and Downtown. After every appointment we leave the salon feeling beautiful and pampered!
Rachel K.
Feb 18, 2015
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Esperanza C.
Nov 26, 2014
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I've been going to Waves for about 5 years - give or take some time. I love it here. First, they have an online appointment system and if they don't have an available time, you can call up the salon and ask to get a message to your stylist. They try really hard to accommodate your needs.
I've been going to Rosalie since the start. She's amazing - beyond amazing! So kind and really takes the time to give you what you need. She gives the best head massages after your wash - it's hypnotic! I have to literally keep myself from falling asleep. :)
The establishment is clean
I've been going to Rosalie since the start. She's amazing - beyond amazing! So kind and really takes the time to give you what you need. She gives the best head massages after your wash - it's hypnotic! I have to literally keep myself from falling asleep. :)
The establishment is clean
Chris S.
Apr 09, 2014
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Coming from the Boston area, I'm familiar with high end salons and willing to pay for the service. Since moving to ABQ my husband and I found some good reviews about Waves and decided to check it out. This place far exceeds my expectations. Wonderful service and great talent. We have found our big city quality salon in ABQ. Be sure to ask for Mario or Kristen.
Katy T.
Aug 05, 2008
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