iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%83+52.7Reliability 28%76+21.5Replies to reviews 8%69+5.7Experts Score= 80Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.80SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#27 of 58 beauty salonsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 54%
4.8★★★★★523 Google reviews · 24 photos
93%five-star reviews
4.81★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
51%reviews answered by the owner
$30typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Reviewers of SmartStyle Hair Salon in Berlin, NH, frequently praise the staff for listening to specific requests and delivering desired cuts, including services for children and those with disabilities. Positive feedback highlights professional communication, flexibility with appointment times, and welcoming atmospheres. However, lower-rated reviews cite instances where stylists refused requested adjustments, rushed appointments due to walk-ins, or left hair wet, alongside complaints about pricing changes for basic services.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 523 reviews (93% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 523 Google reviews (427 with written comments, 25 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 51% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 17, 2026.
Service: Beauty Salon serving Berlin, New Hampshire.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other beauty salons
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.
SmartStyle Hair SalonBeauty Salons median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.SmartStyle Hair Salon: 83/100 on this factor. Category median: 83.A
83
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.SmartStyle Hair Salon: 76/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.B
76
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 95.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 87.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.SmartStyle Hair Salon: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.SmartStyle Hair Salon: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 45.B
69
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
523 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars48493%
4 stars183%
3 stars41%
2 stars31%
1 star143%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 427 written reviews
96%praise
Praise35796%
Complaints164%
Price
What customers reported paying
$30-64% vs typical beauty salons
Middle half of what 154 customers paid ($25–$38) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude13937%
Quality & results12132%
Would recommend6016%
Speed & response236%
Price & value175%
Honesty & trust72%
Communication62%
What customers talk about
We read 427 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She wanted it bright red and some raccoon stripes with a nice wolf cut and her hair thinned.”
“" She laughed at him, and then rudely said, "Alright, I guess I'll give you the old man haircut," when she sat him down.”
“I normally don’t post reviews but I have to say this was a wonderful experience.”
“That's an absolutely horrible thing to say to a child.”
“Sara did an awesome job and would definitely recommend her!”
“If I could do a minus 5 stars I would I went in to get blonde streaks in my hair I paid 140$ and 40$ for a shampoo and conditioner she told me to use…”
“ease of making appointment, stylist was available on time.”
“Awesome job exactly as the pic I had thank you so much great price as well before in the green”
“I had previously been overcharged with prior ownership (I had gone there for a haircut and they also cut my bangs during the cut, but I got charged fo…”
“Old review: James is always fun to chat with and I trust him to give me the cut I want (and help make decisions if I'm not too sure!”
“She even explained everything my daughter has to do to keep the color as long as possible and how we can go and get it touched up as needed.”
People customers mention
Sarah32 reviews
James15 reviews
Lindsay12 reviews
Lindsey8 reviews
Gorham7 reviews
Walmart5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired SmartStyle Hair Salon for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Charlene5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I brought my daughter to get her hair dyed for the first time. She wanted it bright red and some raccoon stripes with a nice wolf cut and her hair thinned. She was extremely happy with what Lindsay did and so am I. Well worth the time and money. Lindsay was helpful and knowledgeable. She even explained everything my…
Paid $200+
Phreddyg2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I've been going to the SmartStyle salon in Gorham, NH for several years now.JC and the rest of the crew are always warm and welcoming as well as professional...They do a great job and I never go anywhere else.
Paid $20–40HairstylingHaircut
Charlie1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
I normally don’t post reviews but I have to say this was a wonderful experience. I came in 15 minutes before close and fully expected to be turned away but my stylist welcomed me in and even stayed 10 minutes past close to finish my cut. Talking to her was a great time and she managed to nail my haircut. I am…
Paid $20–40Haircut
tina5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
It was great. Madeline was friendly and did a great job. If I had an idea she let me know that it was ok.
Paid $20–40Hairstyling
Cathy6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★
First time having my haircut. My previous hairstylist retired. I could get my hair washed cut hair dried and eyebrows waxed for $28. Previously. Now wash and cut 28. I left with my hair soak and wet. Didn’t like the feeling. I probably won’t go back. Don’t want to share photos of my hair soak and wet.
Paid $20–40Haircut
Bill5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★★★★
ease of making appointment, stylist was available on time. listen to my wants for haircut and gave me the cut I wanted
I brought my daughter to get her hair dyed for the first time. She wanted it bright red and some raccoon stripes with a nice wolf cut and her hair thinned. She was extremely happy with what Lindsay did and so am I. Well worth the time and money. Lindsay was helpful and knowledgeable. She even explained everything my daughter has to do to keep the color as long as possible and how we can go and get it touched up as needed.
Price: $200+
Atmosphere: Relaxing, Cozy
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · a week ago
What a wonderful first color experience, Charlene. Lindsay’s helpful, knowledgeable care and the bright red wolf cut result sound like a great fit for your daughter at SmartStyle. We’re glad it was well worth the time and money, and we appreciate you sharing your feedback.
MSI KATANA1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews MSI has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It's going to rain like crazy and they have the shittiest selection of rain gear. They don't even have individual rainpants
Response from the owner · a week ago
Msi, thank you for sharing your thoughts with SmartStyle. We appreciate your feedback on the rain gear selection and will keep it in mind as we review our offerings. Your input helps us work toward a better shopping experience.
Julie Gilbert9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Julie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Lindsey listen to what I wanted and
made it happen.
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
Julie, Lindsey really took the time to listen and deliver exactly what you wanted. It’s great to know your SmartStyle visit felt personalized and spot on. We appreciate you sharing this positive experience with us.
Phreddyg2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Phreddyg has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I've been going to the SmartStyle salon in Gorham, NH for several years now.JC and the rest of the crew are always warm and welcoming as well as professional...They do a great job and I never go anywhere else.
Price: $20–40
Services: Haircut
Services: Hairstyling, Haircut
Atmosphere: Relaxing, Energetic, Modern, Cozy
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you, Frederick, for your loyalty to the salon over these many years! We are new owners of the salon (for the past 5.5 months) and we love to hear from clients about their salon experience. I am glad to hear you've been pleased, and we hope to see you again in the future.
Charlie Shiloff1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Charlie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I normally don’t post reviews but I have to say this was a wonderful experience. I came in 15 minutes before close and fully expected to be turned away but my stylist welcomed me in and even stayed 10 minutes past close to finish my cut. Talking to her was a great time and she managed to nail my haircut. I am very anxious trying new hair salons but I got exactly what I wanted. She managed to handle my curly hair which not all places can, and gave me the shag I wanted. I will definitely be coming back for my next haircut!
Price: $20–40
Services: Haircut
Maintenance: Pristine
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Charlie, what a thoughtful note to share about your visit to SmartStyle. We’re so glad your haircut turned out exactly as you wanted and that you felt comfortable with us. We look forward to seeing you again for your next haircut at SmartStyle.
Ruth Bennett2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ruth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It was great. Madeline was friendly and did a great job. If I had an idea she let me know that it was ok.
Price: $20–40
Services: Hairstyling
Atmosphere: Relaxing, Energetic, Cozy
Maintenance: Well-kept
Response from the owner · a month ago
Wonderful to hear your visit was great, Tina! Madeline’s friendly approach and helpful guidance make a real difference. Thank you for choosing SmartStyle for your haircut at Walmart.
Cathy WLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cathy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Stylist completely understood what I wanted! She did an exceptional job!
Price: $20–40
Services: Haircut
Response from the owner · a month ago
What a wonderful note, Cathy! We’re glad your SmartStyle visit was such a great fit and that you loved the result. Thanks for choosing our hair salon in Walmart for your haircut experience!
Kaitlyn Stamp3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kaitlyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Maddison did an amazing job cutting my 16 mo son’s hair. Will definitely be coming back
Services: Kids' cuts
Response from the owner · a month ago
Kaitlyn, thank you for sharing this wonderful feedback about your son’s haircut. We’re glad Maddison made the experience a great one at SmartStyle. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next kid’s haircut.
