Profile

James Corbett specializes in scrupulous hair coloring—or painting, as he calls it—using both the freehand balayage technique and foils. His intimate Union Square studio is also a showcase for his favorite hair and beauty products, like Alison Raffaele's mineral makeup, Philip B's deliciously scented hair products, and Dr. Alkaitis's holistic skincare line, all of which are displayed on long shelves up front. Trained at Warren Tricomi and Peter Coppola, Corbett says his specialty is finding his clients' “ideal color”—which means he's not afraid to gently tell you that the shade of blonde you've been demanding for years is all wrong. He also minimizes damage from the dying process, using hair color instead of bleach for highlights. The Asian-inspired main space, decorated in black, gold, and red lacquer, includes two chairs for cuts (overseen by a staff of two), while the pair of color stations is tucked away in a private area near the entrance. Prices are generally lower than nearby Vidal Sassoon for single process color, highlights, and cuts (which start at $100), and all include a blow out. But the real draw here is the affable owner, who embodies a love for his craft all the way down to his artfully stained fingertips. — Chrissy Persico