James Corbett Studio

I'm not an online review person, but I've honestly been meaning to suck it up and post a review for James Corbett Studios for quite a while now, because I have never been completely thrilled with a salon or stylist/colorist EVER like I am when it comes to James! And let me mention I've lived a lot of places, spent ridiculous amounts of money going to the "hot" hair guru of any particular moment, and I've been disappointed more times than you'd think a 29-year-old could count. But hey, I color my hair a lot! And move a lot ... and thus I know the pain of searching for the perfect coif master in a new city. It's daunting. It's downright scary. When I moved to NYC 3 years ago from Dallas, I researched every trendy and classic salon in the city, and practically pulled my hair out trying to decide where to take my tresses for a trim and highlight. THANK THE GODDESS of BEAUTY JUNKIES that my job put me in contact with a lovely editor at Lucky magazine, who just so happened to have those perfect "my hair has been enhanced, but there are no telltale signs" highlights. When I asked who did her hair, she emphatically insisted I visit "Corbett" (as he was called at WT before - thankfully! - he opened his own oasis of beauty).

The rest is history. But I don't just have hair that constantly garners compliments (I mean, do I ever, though!!), I also have a more pronounced personal look, and a place I know I can go if I want a dose of pure wellness and pampering, without the pretentiousness. James has an innate knack for helping his clients find a look that's entirely them, and also completely in the moment. I change my color constantly, but he somehow makes the transitions seamless - noticeable in the right way, and simultaneously unnoticeable in the right way.

JAMES: Kind, funny, visionary, and just flat out the BEST COLORIST you will ever go to. Yes, he's touted as a genius in the media. You should believe them. And you should treat yourself to the experience of getting to know him. He will entertain you, beautify you, and make you want to befriend him!

JAMES CORBETT STUDIOS: Asian-inspired comfort, if that makes sense! You can throw your Gucci or bags of farmers market finds on the comfy leather couches when you arrive and not worry about a thing while you're there. With the addition of the Spa and yoga space downstairs, you are truly in for a complete escape from daily stresses. My visit last week, I was surprised with being treated to a therapeutic manicure while my hair processed. I won't lie - I almost fell asleep while magic was being worked on my terrible cuticles. I can't wait to "ohm" there, and follow it with a facial! Want coffee, tea, wine? Basically, the staff caters to your every need or want, but in a relaxed, friendly, melt away your troubles and leave with gorgeous tresses kinda way. Nothing uppity or uncomfortable here.

THE STAFF: Speaking of, the stylists are all impeccable. Period.

OK folks, I'll spare you and end this novel with one final, important note: James did not solicit my review. He, and James Corbett Studio as a whole, simply deserves it! If you're in New York and looking for a beauty oasis, visit and you'll agree with me!

Pros: Personal attention, atmosphere, talent of the staff

Posted 11/10/09

I love James Corbet Salon and Spa. James is the best colorist and I trust my hair to him every 6 weeks or so with great confidence. Without fail, each time I leave the salon, strangers will remark on how great the color is. And when it comes to cut, Jay, is the best. He understand my hair and is a pleasure to deal with as well. James and his staff make it a very enjoyable, relaxing place to get color and cut. It's like Cheers for hair! Everybody knows your name . The salon dog Diego is the cutest. I can't imagine anyone ever having a bad thing to say about this place.
James recently opened up a Spa and that place is also fabulous. Great staff, calming atmosphere, great products that don't hurt your skin, and again none of the drama and the crowds at the uptown type places. My facial was great.............no red marks, no breakouts, no puffy skin and the organic products smell nice as well. I would run, not walk to this Salon and Spa and you too will be a fan.

Pros: Small, intimate,talented staff

Cons: none

Posted 11/08/09

I was referred to James after I walked away from another salon in tears with the exact color I said I didn't want. James fit me in right away and treated me like a longstanding client even though we'd just met. He immediately made me feel comfortable and he gave me the PERFECT color. I've been a devoted fan and client now for over a year and I regularly get compliments on my color - often from other hair stylists! Visits to James' studio are like visits to a friend's home - between the beautiful, relaxing decor and James' warmth and sense of humor and his adorable dog you'll want to hang out even after your appointment. I found the perfect salon and stylist. I won't trust my hair to anyone else and I refer everyone I know to his studio.

Posted 11/08/09

People have been complimenting me for days on my hair color. They can't quite figure out what is different (which I like because it looks so natural), but they love it and so do I. I have been getting my hair highlighted for years and this is by far the best look I've ever had. The talent is the main reason to go to JC. The warm, cozy atmosphere and witty stylists are just icing on the cake.

Pros: intimate, zen-like atmosphere, good location

Cons: Nothing!

Posted 04/22/09

Absolutely loved my entire experience with JC and his crew. They actually listened to what I hoped to acheive, exceded my expectations and suggested fantastic products that helped me recreate the gorgeous results at home. Most of all I appreciated being in a setting that made me feel welcomed and relaxed. I will definitely be going back soon.

Pros: High end hair in a cozy setting

Cons: Nada

Posted 03/23/09

James Corbett is by far my favorite and ONLY salon I will trust with my hair (both cut and color). JC is always super welcoming to all clients, new and current ,and always has a smile on his face. All staff is interested in what YOU want and with their expertise are able to give it you the exact replica of your vision. I have been bringing my friends in and now they wont even go anywhere else!! JC for life!

Pros: Intimate setting with personable staff w/ TONS of EXPERTIS

Posted 03/23/09

As a busy artist living outside the city (in Westchester), I haven?t always paid much attention to my hair, but when I did, I tried to keep my hair care close to home, especially since I loved the beautiful haircuts I got from a charming and funny (and extremely talented) stylist I knew personally, named Danielle. But when Danielle joined James Corbett Studio, I entered a whole new realm. James created an amazing new experience that has now become an important part of the pleasures of my life. James colored my hair in a way that seemed like magic. Watching him, I couldn?t imagine how he could do so much with his brushes and palettes. In addition to looking lovely, my hair now looks so natural, too! Even though my hair presents challenges?fine, silky, going gray?James made me look as though I had somehow escaped those problems. I?ve gotten compliments from everyone, even from new friends who say they assumed I was just lucky to have this hair.
The last haircut I had there was the best I?ve ever had. James and his staff treat me like someone special?as if I were one of the celebrities they style?yet without any pretension or fuss. I feel so pampered and cared for. James is a consummate professional. He quietly sets the tone of warmth, comfort, and respect?as well as humor!?that I never imagined I?d experience in a hair-care salon!

Pros: Superb artistry in color, cuts, kindness, atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 03/20/09

My trip to the James Corbett Studio was a fantastic, enjoyable and much appreciated corrective color experience. After I had a terrible color "accident" at an unnamed salon that left me with 3 colors of HORIZONTAL STRIPS around my head and totally fried hair, I read other reviews on many corrective colorists and chose James. He let me have the next available appointment, and instantly calmed me down by explaining exactly how he would fix the damage. I knew was capable, having seen his previous salon credentials and some articles in NYC publications about his new venture, but what James was able to do for my hair was beyond amazing. In fact, James should be your top choice for any color treatments, corrective or primary, because he is a scientific genius and a remarkable ARTIST with the color. He was the most understanding, flexible and accommodating salon professional I've ever met: he actually listened to what I wanted and what I was comfortable with. He explained everything each of the corrective color solutions would do, at the molecular level and then he and his staff comforted and pampered me the entire time I was there, right down to silk robes to wear. The color James designed for my poor damaged hair turned out to be the most complimentary, richest color I've ever had, even after it had been FRIED only days before. I also had one of Jame's stylists trim my hair and she ended up redesigning the look into one of my favorite hair cuts ever - including a few $500+ cuts. Everyone in the salon was so professional, yet warm - I felt like I was relaxing with friends while I was there. James also gave me some great tips on crazy off-beat organic Brittish products that would reverse the damage. He's really fabulous at what he does, and the rest of the staff is accomplished and delightful. Please let James do your color before someone else RUINS it. You can't even begin to imagine what he can do with your hair.

Pros: fabulous color/great ambience/best price

Cons: none

Posted 01/02/09

James Corbett's enormous passion, professionalism, care,& effortless ability to go above & beyond the customer's needs makes him more than just anhair stylist. He's a master at what he does.

Posted 06/30/08

i hate going to salons in ny because i always feel judged and mocked. and my wallet feels anal-raped. and i'm embarrassed to tell people how it went and how much i paid. this is emphatically NOT the case with the james corbett studio. they were so nice to me and welcomed me warmly right away. i didn't feel like they were all secretly criticizing my shoes. james and jenn both listened to what i was looking for and gave me helpful feedback as to what would work for me personally. the salon itself is gorgeous and relaxing. it's small with a small staff, so you don't feel like you're being rushed or thrust through a factory. for a wash, cut, and blow-out, it was around $100 (i also bought a little product, so the total was 132 - not sure the exact price of the work) and then a tip. i will most definitely go back, i want to get some color, but i will also continue going there. it was the best salon experience i have had in new york in the 6 years that i have lived here. bravo!

Posted 05/08/08

James Corbett studio is wonderful! The salon is both elegant and embracing at the same time. James does beautiful hair color AND he listens. He asks you what you want, gives you his best creative suggestions, and subsequently creates beautiful hair that makes you feel like a princess. You leave the studio wanting to dance in the streets!

He's the best kept secret among beauty insiders but not for long. Make an appointment while you still can...

Posted 01/06/08

after a year of coloring my hair a VERY dark brown every two to three weeks(i'm naturally near blonde), my hair was opaque with color, and i decided i wanted to go blonde...i didn't really know if it could be done, but the first .time i went to james he did the best corrective color i could hope for, so i decided to go for it. not only did he acheive this miracle, but i kept getting compliments from complete strangers. a couple of months later i asked james if it would be possible, with all the different layers of color in my hair, to get back to my natural shade -and another miracle was performed! he is the best, and i am in love with his new studio.

Pros: friendly atmosphere, fantastic service

Posted 12/18/07

I have to say this place ROCKS! I walked in and felt like a celebrity! The one on one treatment is great and they really turned out my hair. I have colored my hair for years and have always been moderately happy with the results but James put a new spin on my color and the results were nothing short of amazing. The girl who styled my hair was a perfectionist and not only gave me the best blowout I ever had but took the time to explain to me how to style my new look and gave me step by step instructions on how to reproduce it at home. Thanks guys for the new look and the new me!

Pros: Great Service, The price is right.

Posted 12/12/07

A great atmosphere in which to get your hair done! An elegantly decorated space lets you know you're in a posh salon, but without the crowds and frenzied feeling of a larger salon where you feel like just another of a million anonymous customers. James and the woman who styled my hair, Jen, were both friendly and made me feel like they cared about my hair!
I'm often nervous about getting haircuts, and I felt like they cared about what I wanted and making sure I looked great, so I felt good trusting my hair in their capable hands! The atmosphere was relaxing and the hospitality was great. I also got great, focused attention-- I've had my hair cut in places where the stylist doing your hair works on multiple customers at once and leaves me waiting in the chair-- but at James Corbett Studio the appointments were spaced properly so that all the clients received constant and individual attention.
I'll definitely be going back for future haircuts! I was really happy with the way my hair came out (Went in for a trim and also to get it styled for a party I was attending), and the price was great for such a professional salon treatment ($100 for wash, cut and blowdry plus putting in curls, not including tip-- which was well earned!)
Highly recommended!

Pros: Ambiance, Attention, Friendliness

Posted 12/06/07