This post sounds like my life, except I'm too nervous to go to a super nice place in Boston.  My old hairdresser out of state stopped seeing me, tried forcing me to try Newbury St, but I am too lazy/scared to try a city place.  I went to a nice one in Lexington the last time, very pregnant, and I ended up with mom hair.  It's going to take at least 6 more months to grow out.  I have a friend that swears by a place in Arlington Center that I'm going to try next.  But it's good to hear I'm not alone.
