James Joseph Salon

Finding someone who can interpret exactly what you want and deliver fabulous results is hard to come by especially for anyone who cares about making a statement with the way their hair looks. It?s also difficult to find a salon these days where you really feel like you?re getting the total customer experience. I?ve been seeing Michelle for quite some time now and she always come through in giving me wonderful creative cuts and vibrant color services. With each consultation, she offers different ideas which I love. I?ve had a few different hair styles since I began seeing Michelle and my hair is so much healthier as well with the product recommendations she educated me with. I?ve received compliments each and every time I?ve gone to see Michelle at James Joseph Salon. The receptionists and assistants also make the entire customer experience second to none in Boston. Pros: Quality of Service and Knowledge of Stylist, Great Overall Customer Experience Cons: Parking more

I'm one of those girls who is extremely fussy about my hair, and when it comes to cutting it, I hardly do..and i'm talking several months. I previously went to Guiliana at Dellaria on Kenmore, but for some reason she switched careers and is now doing nursing..Anyway, I thought I would die when she told me that my haircut was the last one she was doing :(..I waited probably 4 months, read several reviews and talked to a lot of people, and finally came to cut my long, messy locks in September, at James Joseph Studio. I picked Alex based on reccomendation, and that she was a senior stylist. I was so nervous going, but was so pleased that she sat me down and had a consultation with me-even before shampooing. This lady knows her stuff! I told her about my problem, and how picky I am..but she proved to be sheer genious! I chopped off 10inches of hair and am amazed. I just came back tonight(with a friend too!) from having my haircut again, and once again-amazing job! She's knowledgeable and I can't say how amazing she is! Pros: open 7 days a week, consultation before you even wash your hair, perfection! Cons: newbury st parking bites,receptionists are rude more

I'm one of those girls who is extremely fussy about my hair, and when it comes to cutting it, I hardly do..and i'm talking several months. I previously went to Guiliana at Dellaria on Kenmore, but for some reason she switched careers and is now doing nursing..Anyway, I thought I would die when she told me that my haircut was the last one she was doing :(..I waited probably 4 months, read several reviews and talked to a lot of people, and finally came to cut my long, messy locks in September, at James Joseph Studio. I picked Alex based on reccomendation, and that she was a senior stylist. I was so nervous going, but was so pleased that she sat me down and had a consultation with me-even before shampooing. This lady knows her stuff! I told her about my problem, and how picky I am..but she proved to be sheer genious! I chopped off 10inches of hair and am amazed. I just came back tonight(with a friend too!) from having my haircut again, and once again-amazing job! She's knowledgeable and I can't say how amazing she is! have no fear-go to alex! also, bring a friend and both of you get a cut for $48 bucks, not the regular $60! btw..the receptionists are awfully rude-both times i've called..good thing they aren't the ones cutting my hair! Pros: open 7 days a week, consultation before you even wash your hair, perfection! Cons: newbury st parking bites,receptionists are rude more

I have been all over Boston to many different salons looking for the right haircut. I have to say George at James Joseph is by far the best men's haircut in the city. He understands style and doesnt give me the basic boy cut that everyone learns in haircut school. He also doesnt go too crazy either! He hits the nail on the head every time and his attention to detail is the best I have seen. Most stylists thow a guy in and out of the chair in under a half an hour. Here, I am surprised with how much time and care George takes. The receptionist is never over friendly, and always seems a little inconvenienced when I show up, but nothing would stop me from getting my haircut! Pros: Great cuts! more

I recently moved to Boston and was trying to find the right place to get my haircut (a favorite past time of mine it should be noted). After reading reviews on City Search and Stuff @ Night I decided on James Joseph Studio. I have nothing but FANTASTIC things to say about my experience. I called initially for an appointment after researching the website for pictures of the stylists (you're supposed to pick a makeup artist at the department store based on who's makeup you liked, so I figured the same was true with hair cutting). When I called the Studio, I had a stylist in mind but I asked who was free and they told me Derek. I was apprehensive at first, because his profile had not been updated but boy am I happy I stuck with him. more

I recently moved to Boston and was trying to find the right place to get my haircut (a favorite past time of mine it should be noted). After reading reviews on City Search and Stuff @ Night I decided on James Joseph Studio. I have nothing but FANTASTIC things to say about my experience. I called initially for an appointment after researching the website for pictures of the stylists (you're supposed to pick a makeup artist at the department store based on who's makeup you liked, so I figured the same was true with hair cutting). When I called the Studio, I had a stylist in mind but I asked who was free and they told me Derek. I was apprehensive at first, because his profile had not been updated but boy am I happy I stuck with him. Derek understood exactly what I meant when I said, 'I feel like I have a young face with old hair.' He let me express my vision and then gently guided me into what he thought might be best without being pushy at all. What I was left with was the BEST haircut and color (two different shades of highlights) I have ever had and I have been to a lot of high end salons in the New York area. Derek was young and fun yet professional. He created a haircut that actually suited MY face, not just what suited a celebrity trend. Though I cut a significant amount of hair, never did I doubt Derek. At other salons in the past, I always have to have an extremely experienced stylist, as my hair is somewhat difficult to cut (very thick and somewhat coarse yet fine). Derek, who is on the lower end of the cost scale (and so I can assume, less experienced) was just as experienced if not more talented than any of the 'advanced stylists' I have had in the past. Overall, my experience was fantastic at JJS. An insider tip is to head there on Thursday nights (they are open until 9)...they serve wine to their clients--such a nice touch at the end of a work week. more

I go to James Joseph as often as I can. I was ready for something new- I wasn't sure what- just something new and something red. That's what I told the stylist when I sat down. She made eye contact with me through the mirror and said with confidence, "I'm sure we can do that." She went to the back to grab a hair color pallet and helped me decide between different red tones see which ones would look good together. Michelle, my stylist was great at walking me through decisions by giving me all the right information and offering her advice only when I asked. And when I did ask ,she explained why the three colors we chose would look awesome together. And was she ever right! The cut is sensational too! It's a graduated bob with a funky angle, and I LOVE IT! I saw my boyfriend who's a painter after the appointment, and he said, "Wow, she really is an artist. She understands your face shape and neck line and cuts to those angles." I've always thought of her as an artist. I was talking to Michelle when she was finishing my hair, and she asked how I felt. I said, "I feel pretty and more myself-- like I need a new job to go with this hairstyle." She said that's what she loves most about her job: helping women/men feel beautiful and totally who they are. I'm always surprised to read negative reviews, especially about Michelle, because she always works so hard to help me get exactly what I want even if I don't know exactly how to say it because I don't know all the vocabulary. I love getting my hair cut at James Joseph. I'm generally very frugal, but love spending money on this one thing because it seems to make quite a difference in how I like to present myself. It's well worth it! Pros: products are top of the line, stylist well-trained Cons: wait a week for an appointment more

I go to James Joseph as often as I can. I was ready for something new- I wasn't sure what- just something new and something red. That's what I told the stylist when I sat down. She made eye contact with me through the mirror and said with confidence, ""I'm sure we can do that."" She went to the back to grab a hair color pallet and helped me decide between different red tones see which ones would look good together. Michelle, my stylist was great at walking me through decisions by giving me all the right information and offering her advice only when I asked. And when I did ask ,she explained why the three colors we chose would look awesome together. And was she ever right! Pros: products are top of the line, stylist well-trained Cons: wait a week for an appointment more

First off, I want to say that I think the stylists at J.J. Studio are probably capable and well-trained. My haircut is fine, but not fantastic. I was more disappointed in the attitude of service than in the results. I was really excited about getting my hair cut and checking out the studio. I went to one of their top stylists who came highly recommended (who is actually moving to the Salon where she will charge infinitely more, I?m sure). What I thought was going to be a positive, relaxing experience was simply very negative. Instead of giving helpful instruction, my stylist spent 45 minutes lecturing me on the sins of drugstore shampoo and the horror of my hair texture, while trying to up-sell me on products at every turn. I get that part of their job is to show you what they use, but this session was simply ridiculous. For the record, I am not inept with my hair. I just moved to the area, and formerly went to a more upscale salon in another major metropolitan city. I loved my stylist there, and was sad to leave her. So when Michelle started insulting my old stylist?s work, I was actually personally turned off. I like my hair. I own half the Bumble and Bumble products she was suggesting to me, which she again showed me at the register. When she asked a third time ?if I just wanted to add one of their shampoos? to my bill, I was genuinely annoyed. I want to leave a salon feeling good about my hair and the way I look?not as if I?m been attacked by my stylist. Since my stylist is apparently so product-savvy, I would have thought my hair styling would have held up?but just a few hours later, my hair looked frizzy and unkempt. Usually after getting a haircut, the stylist?s handiwork looks incredible for a day or two. Not in this case. I?m looking for a salon home, and I guess I still haven?t found one. more

First off, I want to say that I think the stylists at J.J. Studio are probably capable and well-trained. My haircut is fine, but not fantastic. I was more disappointed in the attitude of service than in the results. I was really excited about getting my hair cut and checking out the studio. I went to one of their top stylists who came highly recommended (who is actually moving to the Salon where she will charge infinitely more, I?m sure). What I thought was going to be a positive, relaxing experience was simply very negative. Instead of giving helpful instruction, my stylist spent 45 minutes lecturing me on the sins of drugstore shampoo and the horror of my hair texture, while trying to up-sell me on products at every turn. I get that part of their job is to show you what they use, but this session was simply ridiculous. For the record, I am not inept with my hair. I just moved to the area, and formerly went to a more upscale salon in another major metropolitan city. I loved my stylist there, and was sad to leave her. So when Michelle started insulting my old stylist?s work, I was actually personally turned off. I like my hair. I own half the Bumble and Bumble products she was suggesting to me, which she again showed me at the register. When she asked a third time ?if I just wanted to add one of their shampoos? to my bill, I was genuinely annoyed. I want to leave a salon feeling good about my hair and the way I look?not as if I?m been attacked by my stylist. Since my stylist is apparently so product-savvy, I would have thought my hair styling would have held up?but just a few hours later, my hair looked frizzy and unkempt. Usually after getting a haircut, the stylist?s handiwork looks incredible for a day or two. Not in this case. I?m looking for a salon home, and I guess I still haven?t found one. more

I had heard a lot of good things about JJ Studio so I stopped by yesterday when I decided to cut my bob into a short pixie. The front desk was busy but friendly. After I explained I was trying to find someone I trusted, a receptionist arranged a consult w/ a woman who I later found out was the manager. (It would've been helpful if this was disclosed, b/c her service fees were the highest.) I was impressed when she listened and spoke intelligently. We looked at photos of cuts I was interested in, and I asked if she thought my hair texture would be a good match. She assured me that yes, it would work. She had an open slot later that day so a while later, I returned. After getting situated at Michelle's station, we reviewed the cuts we had discussed and I reiterated my preference for the pixie style. As the cut progressed, the stylist w/o explanation headed in a much different direction, cutting a heavy moppy top giving me specifically what I had asked to avoid - the "mushroom" look. I politely expressed my concern with the floppy top & she agreed to thin it out, but said she didn't want to cut too much more since it would look disconnected -- since "you" (meaning me) had changed direction in the cut. This I found rather astounding, but felt to nervous to argue with. She implied that she was confused by what I was asking for, so I again explained & even showed her the photo. Her response was to say that the photo was in b/w, and wasn't very good quality, and even contradicted her earlier statement re: my hair texture. Besides being a little too late, this observation was irrelevant, since a floppy-topped mushroom cut is nothing like a pixie. In the end, the cut wasn't at all what I had asked for. It's not terrible, but mushroomy elements remain that will likely get worse. She knocked $10 off the fee w/o me even asking, but it is still a lot of $ for a cut I didn't want. Friendly, nice place, and will likely work for some people, but I won't go back. more

I had heard a lot of good things about JJ Studio so I stopped by yesterday when I decided to cut my bob into a short pixie. The front desk was busy but friendly. After I explained I was trying to find someone I trusted, a receptionist arranged a consult w/ a woman who I later found out was the manager. (It would've been helpful if this was disclosed, b/c her service fees were the highest.) I was impressed when she listened and spoke intelligently. We looked at photos of cuts I was interested in, and I asked if she thought my hair texture would be a good match. She assured me that yes, it would work. She had an open slot later that day so a while later, I returned. After getting situated at Michelle's station, we reviewed the cuts we had discussed and I reiterated my preference for the pixie style. As the cut progressed, the stylist w/o explanation headed in a much different direction, cutting a heavy moppy top giving me specifically what I had asked to avoid - the ""mushroom"" look. I politely expressed my concern with the floppy top & she agreed to thin it out, but said she didn't want to cut too much more since it would look disconnected -- since ""you"" (meaning me) had changed direction in the cut. This I found rather astounding, but felt to nervous to argue with. She implied that she was confused by what I was asking for, so I again explained & even showed her the photo. Her response was to say that the photo was in b/w, and wasn't very good quality, and even contradicted her earlier statement re: my hair texture. Besides being a little too late, this observation was irrelevant, since a floppy-topped mushroom cut is nothing like a pixie. In the end, the cut wasn't at all what I had asked for. It's not terrible, but mushroomy elements remain that will likely get worse. She knocked $10 off the fee w/o me even asking, but it is still a lot of $ for a cut I didn't want. Friendly, nice place, and will likely work for some people, but I won't go back. more

My first time at James Joseph Studio and I was so impressed. I saw Nancy for my cut and color and it was the best experience I have had on Newbury Street ever! I needed a change and Nancy suggested a new color and new cut. It wasn't overly drastic, it was just perfect. I work in an office so I needed something a bit conservative and she was very understanding of that. With the cut, I can add a little more product to it to make my hair more fun for the weekend. When I went to work the next day, my co workers couldn't stop telling me how good my hair looked. I feel like a princess and I owe that to Nancy. All this glamour and I spent a lot less than I usually do on Newbury. I asked her about her education and when she told me about all the training and education that she has recieved and continues, I couldn't believe she had time to do my hair. She used to work at a big name salon in New York as well. I got exactly what I would in New York, but for a quarter of the price. I wish I had the time to tell you more good things about my experience but I will finish by saying, make an appointment! Pros: personality, end results of my color and cut, friendly staff more

My first time at James Joseph Studio and I was so impressed. I saw Nancy for my cut and color and it was the best experience I have had on Newbury Street ever! I needed a change and Nancy suggested a new color and new cut. It wasn't overly drastic, it was just perfect. I work in an office so I needed something a bit conservative and she was very understanding of that. With the cut, I can add a little more product to it to make my hair more fun for the weekend. When I went to work the next day, my co workers couldn't stop telling me how good my hair looked. I feel like a princess and I owe that to Nancy. All this glamour and I spent a lot less than I usually do on Newbury. I asked her about her education and when she told me about all the training and education that she has recieved and continues, I couldn't believe she had time to do my hair. She used to work at a big name salon in New York as well. I got exactly what I would in New York, but for a quarter of the price. I wish I had the time to tell you more good things about my experience but I will finish by saying, make an appointment! Pros: personality, end results of my color and cut, friendly staff Cons: none more

I can't believe that I'm a California girl and go to my parents in Boston to get my hair done. Cristina is the only person I trust to touch my hair in the states. On a recent trip last month, I took some some of my CA girls back home for an event in Bean Town and we all went to Cristina. Every single one of them are thrilled. She changed their color... ALL OF THEM. Unbelievably, you can see their eye color. She knew just what to do with the faces in front of her. Finally we saw the brown eyes in Lisa! (LOVE YOU LIS) She is probably the best colorist in the states (my other stylist is in London). Not one of them left the salon without a smile. The cuts were incredible for all the girls and finally someone knew how to teach us how to style it right..... From flaming curls to stick straight! Thank you so much Cristina! THe CA girls all shout to you! Pros: Peppy, Great people, real, and HONEST! Cons: None more

I can't believe that I'm a California girl and go to my parents in Boston to get my hair done. Cristina is the only person I trust to touch my hair in the states. On a recent trip last month, I took some some of my CA girls back home for an event in Bean Town and we all went to Cristina. Every single one of them are thrilled. She changed their color... ALL OF THEM. Unbelievably, you can see their eye color. She knew just what to do with the faces in front of her. Finally we saw the brown eyes in Lisa! (LOVE YOU LIS) She is probably the best colorist in the states (my other stylist is in London). Not one of them left the salon without a smile. The cuts were incredible for all the girls and finally someone knew how to teach us how to style it right..... From flaming curls to stick straight! Pros: Peppy, Great people, real, and HONEST! more

I hate to give this place only 2 stars since my experience started out very positively and everyone was really nice, but in the end it's the haircut that matters to me, and that was a huge disappointment. more

I hate to give this place only 2 stars since my experience started out very positively and everyone was really nice, but in the end it's the haircut that matters to me, and that was a huge disappointment. This was my first appointment at the Studio, and I'd read on their website that Cristina is an expert in cutting curly hair. Mine's wavy, but I've had a hard time finding someone who knows how to cut hair with texture so it looks good without being straightened all the time. Cristina is really friendly and immediately made me feel comfortable. I'd brought some pictures with me, and we looked at them together and talked about length, texture, etc. It seemed like we were on the same page. About 20 minutes later, when she started cutting the sides, I realized just how much of my hair was gone. Instead of a medium-length multi layered cut, I basically ended up with a chin length bob - not at all suited to my round face or wavy, frizz-prone hair, and certainly not like the picture I'd brought. In all fairness, I do want to point out that the haircut itself is not bad - it's just very, very different from what I'd hoped for and what I thought I was getting. As I said, Cristina is really nice, and I probably should have said something at the time. However, I was honestly a bit stunned by how short it was - I didn't know what to say. I've never had that type of miscommunication with a stylist before. Not to mention that any potential fixes would likely involve cutting more hair, which was kind of the problem in the first place. Since this was my first appointment, I can't say a whole lot about the Studio in general, other than that everyone I interacted with was very pleasant. I'm happy to see that other reviewers had a more positive experience, and I'm sure if the stylist and I had communicated better I'd be giving it a higher rating. But at this point, I'm just going to invest in some cute clips and hope it grows quickly...and keep looking for a new stylist! more

I've been seeing Michael at James Joseph for almost a year now after spending almost twice as much at other salons. He is very efficient with time, is conversational without being intrusive or obnoxious, and understands my curly hair needs. I'm in and out of there in an hour including check-in, shampoo, toner, cut, and payment. The salon staff is very friendly and the salon itself is very comfortable, not too crowded or cluttered or fussy. Pros: close to office, quick service Cons: none more

I've been seeing Michael at James Joseph for almost a year now after spending almost twice as much at other salons. He is very efficient with time, is conversational without being intrusive or obnoxious, and understands my curly hair needs. I'm in and out of there in an hour including check-in, shampoo, toner, cut, and payment. The salon staff is very friendly and the salon itself is very comfortable, not too crowded or cluttered or fussy. Pros: close to office, quick service more