James Joseph Salon

I had read a number of great reviews for Darlene, and she came highly recommended for curly hair (although I straighten mine), so when I scheduled my appointment I was excited to try a new hairstylist. Well, I must say that I was very disappointed--right from the start, Darlene made a few semi-rude comments about my hair (ie, I came in with my hair straight, and after it was shampooed and she saw how thick and wavy my hair is, she said "this should be fun," followed by "just joking." I don't think she was joking). Also because I chemically straighten my hair, she said as she was drying it, "oh, I expected it to be like horse hair, but it isn't." A compliment? Maybe. I also explained to her that although I know my ends are damaged (I had also just chemically straightened it a few days before which always leaves my ends REALLY dry, which is why I was getting my hair cut) that I am growing out my hair and only wanted a trim. She made her own decision about the length and told me AFTER she cut my hair that she cut an inch and a half off. This is not what I asked for. I found Darlene to be moderately friendly, but kind of harsh and a bit rude, and I'm happy that I didn't make any stops on my way home because I hadn't looked closely in a mirror before I left the salon--my face was covered in hair, as she hadn't bothered to brush it off. Maybe she was having a bad day, because so many of her other reviews are great, but I will not go back to her because I am really disappointed in my haircut, and did not like her customer service. more

I recommended James Joseph salon to my roommate and she hated her haircut. When I saw her I could not understand the reason for her frustration, once I thought her hair looked absolutely fantastic. the best I',ve ever seen on her. Pros: Always exceeds my expectations Cons: I'm broke... more

James Joseph Studio on Newbury St. is a real find. I had been going to a well known Cambridge salon for 2 years, and was pretty happy with my stylist. But in October, the cut wasn't quite as good as the ones she had given me in the past. But, since anyone can have a bad day, I went back in January - but that visit was even worse. Instead of natural looking blond highlights (on my medium blond hair) as I had received in the past, I suddenly had stripes. Alternating bands of too-light blond, and coppery brownish red. It was awful! I let it grow out, but knew I needed a change. After a lot of research, I chose James Joseph Studio - similar pricing to my Cambridge salon, and good reviews. It was an excellent choice! I asked for an advanced stylist, middle of the pack experience/price wise, and got an appointment with Grant. Grant was amazing - he listened to my concerns, asked me what I wanted my hair to do, asked me my styling routine, etc. He didn't try and talk me into something I didn't want, and sympathized with my stripe problem. He exuded confidence without any hint of pretense. He obviously knows hair! He gave me a fantastic cut, medium - long layers that fell into place as if they had been precision cut using a computer. Best of all, however, was the color. While he couldn't undo all the stripes in one sitting (and told me that at the beginning so as not to set unrealistic expectations, which I really appreciated), they have definitely been diminished. My hair looks pretty again - lots of pretty and natural looking blond highlights. I can't wait to go to work tomorrow and start hearing the compliments! Everyone at JJ Studio was great, from the front desk staff, to the assistant (shampoo person), to Grant the magical stylist! I highly recommend Grant and JJ Studio. Pros: Sleek & Stylish, Friendly, Skilled Stylists more

James Joseph Studio on Newbury St. is a real find. I had been going to a well known Cambridge salon for 2 years, and was pretty happy with my stylist. But in October, the cut wasn't quite as good as the ones she had given me in the past. But, since anyone can have a bad day, I went back in January - but that visit was even worse. Instead of natural looking blond highlights (on my medium blond hair) as I had received in the past, I suddenly had stripes. Alternating bands of too-light blond, and coppery brownish red. It was awful! I let it grow out, but knew I needed a change. After a lot of research, I chose James Joseph Studio - similar pricing to my Cambridge salon, and good reviews. It was an excellent choice! I asked for an advanced stylist, middle of the pack experience/price wise, and got an appointment with Grant. Grant was amazing - he listened to my concerns, asked me what I wanted my hair to do, asked me my styling routine, etc. He didn't try and talk me into something I didn't want, and sympathized with my stripe problem. He exuded confidence without any hint of pretense. He obviously knows hair! He gave me a fantastic cut, medium - long layers that fell into place as if they had been precision cut using a computer. Best of all, however, was the color. While he couldn't undo all the stripes in one sitting (and told me that at the beginning so as not to set unrealistic expectations, which I really appreciated), they have definitely been diminished. My hair looks pretty again - lots of pretty and natural looking blond highlights. I can't wait to go to work tomorrow and start hearing the compliments! Everyone at JJ Studio was great, from the front desk staff, to the assistant (shampoo person), to Grant the magical stylist! I highly recommend Grant and JJ Studio. Pros: Sleek & Stylish, Friendly, Skilled Stylists more

i'm blonde and have never felt like a natural blonde until i was reccomedned to Samantha. i've been coloring my hair for about 15 years, A woman i work with just raves about her, and said i must go. I love to be blonde but have never been 100% happy with the results. when i first met Samantha, she sat with me and really listened to my concerns, i felt like she knew exactly what i was trying to say.... well i have to say she is AMAZING!!!!! i felt lika a new woman when i left the salon, and the great thing is, I literley get stopped on street with complements on my hair. I would HIGHLY reccomed her to any one. She also cut my hair and in just love it as well. its just amazing how someone can change your life, i wish i meet her 15 years ago !!!!!!!!! Pros: samantha is the best with blondes more

I went to the James Joseph Studion in Medford at Station Landing. I asked for a trim of dead ends but to keep the length even if it did not take all the split ends off. She cut off way too much. It was past the middle of my back, now it is just barely below my shoulders!!! She asked how I styled it on a daily basis. I usually Pony tail it or curl the ends..., Now I can't do either because it is so short. The top of a pony tail sticks straigh up making me look like someone from Whoville! The WORST $50 I have ever spent in my entire life. I cry every morning when I try to do my hair. more

I went to the James Joseph Studion in Medford at Station Landing. I asked for a trim of dead ends but to keep the length even if it did not take all the split ends off. She cut off way too much. It was past the middle of my back, now it is just barely below my shoulders!!! She asked how I styled it on a daily basis. I usually Pony tail it or curl the ends..., Now I can't do either because it is so short. The top of a pony tail sticks straigh up making me look like someone from Whoville! The WORST $50 I have ever spent in my entire life. I cry every morning when I try to do my hair. more

I recently went to james joseph studio on newbury street. I arrived on time and still had to sit for about 15 minutes before my stylist came over and told me that they were going to give me a complimentary conditioning treatment while i waited for her since she was apparently running about 30 minutes behind. i was seated in the shampoo room and a blonde and pink haired girl (who was kind but seemed annoyed and smelled strongly of cigarette smoke) shampooed me and put on this conditioning treatmed, put a plastic cap on my head and stuck me in a chair to wait 10 minutes before rinsing me. I finally meet with the stylist and she informs me that she doesn't think the cut that i explained to her will work for my hairtype and though i was annoyed i think she was probably correct. after much talking she did however manage to give me a fantastic layered cut that i absolutely loved! And it looks good even if i don't style it which is a major plus as a student. After i finished up with her she quickly had me out of her chair and had the next person in before i could blink. I went to the bathroom to change out of the robe they gave me and to get in another look at this fabulous cut before i leave. While waiting for the restroom I could hear stylists arguing in their backroom area and complaining about their clients. I was rather shocked at the language and how unprofessional they were. So in the end, although i left with a great cut i don't think i will be returning to james joseph. these people have a little too much attitude for my liking and i don't care to be one of the clients they discuss where they think they can't be heard. more

I recently went to james joseph studio on newbury street. I arrived on time and still had to sit for about 15 minutes before my stylist came over and told me that they were going to give me a complimentary conditioning treatment while i waited for her since she was apparently running about 30 minutes behind. i was seated in the shampoo room and a blonde and pink haired girl (who was kind but seemed annoyed and smelled strongly of cigarette smoke) shampooed me and put on this conditioning treatmed, put a plastic cap on my head and stuck me in a chair to wait 10 minutes before rinsing me. I finally meet with the stylist and she informs me that she doesn't think the cut that i explained to her will work for my hairtype and though i was annoyed i think she was probably correct. after much talking she did however manage to give me a fantastic layered cut that i absolutely loved! And it looks good even if i don't style it which is a major plus as a student. After i finished up with her she quickly had me out of her chair and had the next person in before i could blink. I went to the bathroom to change out of the robe they gave me and to get in another look at this fabulous cut before i leave. While waiting for the restroom I could hear stylists arguing in their backroom area and complaining about their clients. I was rather shocked at the language and how unprofessional they were. So in the end, although i left with a great cut i don't think i will be returning to james joseph. these people have a little too much attitude for my liking and i don't care to be one of the clients they discuss where they think they can't be heard. more

Note: I'm updating this review; I initially wrote it in January '08 (I think), and I'm now updating in September '08, after having had a total of three haircuts. Pros: convenient location on Newbury, great haircut on first visit Cons: rising prices, quality of initial haircut not matched on subsequent visits more

Note: I'm updating this review; I initially wrote it in January '08 (I think), and I'm now updating in September '08, after having had a total of three haircuts. INITIAL REVIEW (Jan. '08): I spent a considerable amount of time researching stylists/studios that are good with wavy/curly hair, and I'm so happy with my decision to go to James Joseph Studio and get a cut with a senior stylist. First of all, the stylist seemed like a genuinely nice person, which is just a bonus given her styling expertise. When it came time for the cut, she asked a lot of questions about my hair and how I usually treat it. Though she sort of apologized for asking so many questions (it really wasn't that many), I was glad she was so concerned with giving me a cut suited to ME, and not just assuming my hair was like everyone else's. It was really evident that she knows hair -- knows how it works, knows how to treat it, etc. AND here's the great thing: I can do it myself! All in all, I got a fantastic haircut from an excellent stylist. ********************************* UPDATE (Sept. '08): The prices seem to be steadily rising at James Joseph Studio -- my first cut was $60, a few months later it was $70, and a few months later it was $75. While paradoxically, it seems that the subsequent cuts weren't quite as great as the first one -- the one that was the least expensive! I felt I received a lot of attention on my first visit, which was really great, but on subsequent visits I felt less attention was paid. I don't expect a stylist to remember everything about my particular hair type, but I do feel I was kind of given a more generic, less tailored cut on the second and third visits. I'm not sure yet whether I'll return for a fourth visit; I'm considering seeking out someplace new. Pros: convenient location on Newbury, great haircut on first visit Cons: rising prices, quality of initial haircut not matched on subsequent visits more

I recently moved here, and as all of you know finding a GREAT stylist is a hard thing to do. Pros: Friendly Staff, and Amazing Head Massages Cons: Boston Parking... more

A month ago, I decided to finally cut my hair. It was well below my shoulders. I had been keeping the hair that length for a really long time. Finally, I decided to get some layers from my usual stylist, who I had been going to for at least 4 years. I usually trusted her because my cuts were so simple! This time around, I told her that I wanted layers, and I left with a nightmare. It was awful! I didn't even recognize myself! After going home and looking in the mirror, I knew that I could not show up to work on Monday looking like I had taken a razor to my hair, drunk. Checking out salon recommendations around Boston, I found James Joseph on Newbury Street. The recommendations were pretty good. So I called and was scheduled with Derek. When I got to the salon, I was greeted by a mildly friendly front desk. They were kind of cold, but also very busy. I sat for about 5 minutes and then Derek came and introduced himself. I sat down and explained what happened and he was very attentive. He listened to everything I had to say and gave me his feedback. He was genuinely interested. So 45 minutes later, my hair was completely different and ""fierce"" as he put it. But I was amazed, really. It was sleek and chic. Pros: great stylist, funky atmosphere Cons: front desk staff more

A month ago, I decided to finally cut my hair. It was well below my shoulders. I had been keeping the hair that length for a really long time. Finally, I decided to get some layers from my usual stylist, who I had been going to for at least 4 years. I usually trusted her because my cuts were so simple! This time around, I told her that I wanted layers, and I left with a nightmare. It was awful! I didn't even recognize myself! After going home and looking in the mirror, I knew that I could not show up to work on Monday looking like I had taken a razor to my hair, drunk. Checking out salon recommendations around Boston, I found James Joseph on Newbury Street. The recommendations were pretty good. So I called and was scheduled with Derek. When I got to the salon, I was greeted by a mildly friendly front desk. They were kind of cold, but also very busy. I sat for about 5 minutes and then Derek came and introduced himself. I sat down and explained what happened and he was very attentive. He listened to everything I had to say and gave me his feedback. He was genuinely interested. So 45 minutes later, my hair was completely different and "fierce" as he put it. But I was amazed, really. It was sleek and chic. I was very happy. I recommend Derek highly and have done so to everyone at work! Pros: great stylist, funky atmosphere Cons: front desk staff more

I had scraggly, damaged hair from a color treatment done at a "mall salon" (i had asked for a toner, but what we suspect i got was full-on color to my gorgeously highlighted, albeit a bit brassy sections) Though a lot of my hair was long, most of the ends had a good four inches of damage. Some sections had what could only be described as "alfalfa sprouts". Somehow, Julie pulled it all together, evened it out, and gave me this totally versatile cut that goes from conservative to punk in 15 seconds. After a bumble treatment, my hair no longer resembles shredded wheat. Thank you Julie! Pros: great price, perfect cut, Julie rocks, bumble and bumble!!, zero attitude Cons: none :) more

I had scraggly, damaged hair from a color treatment done at a ""mall salon"" (i had asked for a toner, but what we suspect i got was full-on color to my gorgeously highlighted, albeit a bit brassy sections) Though a lot of my hair was long, most of the ends had a good four inches of damage. Some sections had what could only be described as ""alfalfa sprouts"". Somehow, Julie pulled it all together, evened it out, and gave me this totally versatile cut that goes from conservative to punk in 15 seconds. After a bumble treatment, my hair no longer resembles shredded wheat. Thank you Julie! Pros: great price, perfect cut, Julie rocks, bumble and bumble!!, zero attitude Cons: none :) more

I highly recommend this studio, with special accolades for stylist Grant Paquin. He was the fourth person I had cut my hair - after 20 years of long hair, chest length, and 3 nightmare cuts in the Boston areas ""finest"" salons - and he was absolutely fabulous. He talked with me while looking at my hair, before washing or touching it at all, for a long time, and listening to my wishes as well as giving me a great recommendation for how to fix it. It was almost unfixable at this point, as the last stylist had cut it so short, but he gave me professional beautiful lines around the back and sides, so it still looks beautiful as it is growing out. It has been a week now since Grant cut my hair, and it looks beautiful with clean lines. As soon as it is long enough for the cut I really want (a slight modification of the Anna Wintour bob, no bangs and a different angle) I will be back to see Grant. He is a perfectionist and I highly recommend him. Cons: Parking is hell, but this is typical for Newbury Street, not really a drawback more

I highly recommend this studio, with special accolades for stylist Grant Paquin. He was the fourth person I had cut my hair - after 20 years of long hair, chest length, and 3 nightmare cuts in the Boston areas "finest" salons - and he was absolutely fabulous. He talked with me while looking at my hair, before washing or touching it at all, for a long time, and listening to my wishes as well as giving me a great recommendation for how to fix it. It was almost unfixable at this point, as the last stylist had cut it so short, but he gave me professional beautiful lines around the back and sides, so it still looks beautiful as it is growing out. It has been a week now since Grant cut my hair, and it looks beautiful with clean lines. As soon as it is long enough for the cut I really want (a slight modification of the Anna Wintour bob, no bangs and a different angle) I will be back to see Grant. He is a perfectionist and I highly recommend him. The reason I chose James Joseph after my 3 disastrous cuts is because I went online to find the "Best of Boston" and saw his salon and studio - but more importantly - much more importantly - I saw that he had responded to comments on the websites. Especially his responses to customers who had not been completely satisfied - this sold me on going to this salon. I felt so bad about the other studios I went to, and did not feel that the owners would care or attempt to fix the uneven cuts I was given. After reading both glowing reviews and the considerate comments by the owner of James Joseph, I felt I could go to this salon with confidence. I'm so glad that I did. Please visit his studio - and ignore receptionists that are perhaps less kind and attentive than the stylists - for great service with professional and perfectionist attitudes. I cannot recommend Grant highly enough, in particular. Thanks a million! Cons: Parking is hell, but this is typical for Newbury Street, not really a drawback more

My hair was an absolute mess when I met Lindsey. I was afraid to let anyone touch my hair due to past experiences with other hair stylists. She listened to me and made me feel so at ease and told me don't worry you're going to love your hair when I'm finished. She was right! I loved my hair! I now live in New York, and have tried a few places, however, no one can seem to get my color or my highlights right, so I now travel to Boston to see Lindsey. Believe me, it's worth the trip! Pros: fun atmosphere, confident and friendly staff Cons: parking can be difficult more

My hair was an absolute mess when I met Lindsey. I was afraid to let anyone touch my hair due to past experiences with other hair stylists. She listened to me and made me feel so at ease and told me don't worry you're going to love your hair when I'm finished. She was right! I loved my hair! I now live in New York, and have tried a few places, however, no one can seem to get my color or my highlights right, so I now travel to Boston to see Lindsey. Believe me, it's worth the trip! Pros: fun atmosphere, confident and friendly staff Cons: parking can be difficult more