James Hair Salon

I was very apprehensive about this place seeing as I usually go to this higher-​end Yorkville salon, however, the cut was pretty great. I’m not sure who I got (Nicholas maybe? With the curly hair) but it really was good. I wouldn’t say I loved it, but the guy knew a lot about hair and my type (asian-​style as most hairdressers call it) in particular. I didn’t LOVE the cut but it was a good solid one and I’ll probably return.
Be advised this is NOT high-​end with fancy décor and cappuccinos. It’s a good cut for a good price and that’s it. But really, what more do you need?

I’ve been going to James for a couple years now I couldn’t be happier with him. He’s easy going and he cuts hair well.

Hair was cut wayyyyyy too short. I said what I wanted and also mentioned that I like it longer, to about the length of the top of my ear. He started cutting the top, fine. Then grabbed a razor and I thought he would just tidy a few spots up. Nope, off comes a big chunk of hair from the sides. Too late to do anything now. Admittedly I should have said something but I have NEVER had this happen to me anywhere else I’ve gone.
I requested hair to about my ear and what I got was a short buzz cut around the sides. I like my hair around an inch in length on the sides; what I got was about is about a third of an inch.
I will not go back and am probably the most unhappy I have ever been after a haircut. If you go, be very proactive about what they’re going to cut.
I guess I’ll be wearing a hat for the next few weeks.

Salon is somewhat clandestine, but for 20 bucks, you get a pretty decent cut. Staff is very efficient and wonderfully friendly, would definitely go back here.

Hair cut with perfection! Amazing haircut at great rate! I went after 2 weeks and met another guy calle Nicholas. I think James in better hair stylist than Nicholas in my opinion.

I was looking for a new stylist and after reading some reviews I decided on James Hair Salon.
Nicolas was very kind, fast, and did an amazing job.
I am a guy with medium-​long hair and I have had bad experiences at other salons in the past.
James Hair Salon has a relaxing atmosphere, cute dog that hangs around, and it’s as inexpensive as it gets ($ 20 + tip) without sacrificing qualified employees.

I went to James Hair Salon for the first time and I am a very satisfied client. He is friendly, cut my hair great and the salon is very decent looking.
Their dog is adorable as well.
However, they advertise 40 dollars haircut for women outside and charged me 55. That has to be the only downfall and the only reason why I am not giving them 5 stars.
I will be back

I have had my hair cut here twice by James, I will be coming back a 3^rd time for sure. –Zak

Quick and efficient and he gets to the point. Love it.

Pretty good, fairly cheap ($ 20 men’s haircut), and decently quick. Nicolas did my hair.

great place to get a hair cut
the good:
(1) price at $ 20 is hard to beat
(2) hair cut is very neat (but not sharp as they don’t use razors for trimming)
(3) hours are great!
the not so good (but not bad):
(1) the experience could be hectic, and a little untraditional, with James cutting up to 3 heads at once, makes you feel a little out of place. Almost feel bad for him having to run around everywhere at once. UPDATE: this was fixed as James has hired two assistants.
Overall though, solid value!
PS they have a dog which is quite friendly

I have had James cut my hair several times and each time I am happy with the result. He listens to what I would like done but also tells me his recommendation for what would look best on me and with my hair type. I live in California and I go to James whenever I am visiting Toronto. Three other members of my family get their hair cut regularly with James. He is great!

Pretty good. 3.5 stars? I might go back, or I might not. I went here, following the great reviews on Unilocal.I liked the cut overall, but not 100%. In particular I thought his work around the ears was a bit sloppy. For a longer men’s cut, the ears are a bit tricky, and he sort of flubbed it. I had to trim the cut myself a bit to hit spots that he missed and strands that were left uneven.
The good news? He left my hair on the long side (that right there sets him apart from most other haircutters who just buzz away), and did an expert job thinning and pruning my shaggy top. He really spent some time getting it done. The ears? I think he ran out of time when the next appt. showed up.
I’ll probably be back. It’s so hard to find a decent haircut for long, thick men’s hair, and James is more than decent.

DH and I went for our haircuts again with Nicholas Tan at James Hair salon in mid-​October, 2013 right before our 2 week vacation. Nicholas didn’t disappoint. Its been more than a month since my haircut and my hair is growing out perfectly. He clearly plans for the future :) P. s. –Nicholas, I love the mini-​head massages you give while shampooing — JUST PERFECT! :)

James is the best in the city by far. I have been going to James for 5 years and will never see anyone else. I go every 5 – 6 weeks for colour and cut and it’s under 100 bucks. He is quick and friendly and well priced. He doesn’t try anything crazy on me and tries to make me look very natural which I love because some stylists will bleach the crap out of your hair but James doesn’t at all. He’s even fixed some of my friends over-​processsed hair and now they are hooked. I also like that if I don’t want to be chatty then he’s fine with me reading a magazine and doesn’t force small talk. His salon isn’t the most chic but I’d rather have a great cut and colour done at a reasonable price than some junior stylist at a «pretty» place for more than double the price.
Sometimes James’ dog will hang out in the salon who is super cute and well behaved. James is usually booked fully on evenings and weekends so make an appointment. Usually I just call at the beginning of the week I want my hair done for an evening or Saturday appointment and he can always squeeze me in.
Honestly the best!

I’m slightly bemused by my experience at James considering all of the positive reviews.
I don’t know the name of the guy who cut my hair but presumably he’s the main dude. He was really friendly, the place was decent enough…
… the cut itself. pretty fucking shit. I know, I know, it’s only $ 20 in ludicrously expensive Toronto, yada yada yada. but I still expect better. Aaand it cost $ 25.
I asked for a slight trim and tidy on top, with the back and sides a little shorter. I was slightly wary of his cutting technique at the time cos it just seemed unusual, but fuck. what do I know, right? I didn’t pay too much attention when he finished either cos I guess I just thought «ehh, looks alright for the cost, how bad can it be?». Turns out it’s pretty bad. When I got home I immediately noticed a rogue chunk (a ridiculously long and obvious one) just above my ear, hacked it off, and accepted that the cut might warrant closer inspection. The sides are a mess of uneven cutting and long hairs missed. The top is alright, but mainly benefits from comparison to the sides.
So yea, I’m sorry to say I just can’t recommend this place at all. Pretty shoddy attempt at a simple cut, and I’ve enjoyed better efforts from barbers in various parts of the world. I’ve paid $ 35 for my two previous cuts in this city, at a salon in the Beaches and one Downtown, and they now seem like bargains in retrospect. This cut is likely gonna prove the most expensive after I pay someone else to sort it out. Boooo!

I’ve been going to get my hair cut at James Hair Salon for over 10 years. Great value. Friendly service. Consistent results. Would recommend him to anyone.

I needed to find a new stylist and James salon is a winner. The owner, James, provides a great men’s cut and service for $ 20 all with a smile and personable experience. I will be back!

I’m always a bit trepidatious going to see a new hair stylist, and for the past 6 years I’ve been spending 40+ per cut for that peace of mind. But I needed a break (or my wallet did) so I decided to give James Hair Salon a shot.
Much better quality than some other $ 20 cuts I’ve had, which was a nice surprise. Nice guy, nice place, $ 20 flat for a cut, looks good. I’ll probably go back sometime.

I’m not sure what it is, but the older I get the more I’m willing to pay for certain things. I used to be perfectly happy with bulk-​buy cotton socks, until someone turned me on to «performance» moisture-​free kind @ $ 12/​pair. Ouch. Now I can’t wear anything else.
In my early 20s I remember going to Supercuts or First Choice and paying around $ 7 or $ 8. The fact is that they will sometimes absolutely DESTROY your hair and I’m just not willing to take that chance anymore.
I started going to salons 5 or 6 years ago and have been paying in the $ 17 – 30 range. When you consider that the First Choice/​Supercut haircut is now getting close to $ 20 thanks to the good people *cough* Greenspan *cough* Bernanke *cough* at your friendly neighbourhood Central Bank, $ 20 isn’t a lot to pay for a men’s haircut anymore.
I really hope James is able to keep his prices low because he gives a really great haircut — and I’m a cheap SOB.
The 11 year old salon is really massive for only one stylist and I honestly don’t know how he makes any money. His «assistant» is Cleo, a loveable 7 year old afghan houng, is very friendly and enjoys a good back scratch.
Very friendly, welcoming environment and I’m looking forward to going back. 5 star haircut & 5 star colour job — a perfect match to my thining and slightly graying situation.
Takes credit cards but not debit. You can walk-​in however an appointment is recommended.