J. Sisters: A Top New York Hair Salon with Heart

Hair Experience Extraordinaire at J. Sisters NYC

In the more than two and a half decades I’ve been a travel writer I’ve been fortunate to experience some of the world’s top salons and spas from Paris to London to New York to Beverly Hills to Hong Kong. Just like high-end restaurants, these establishments serve up quality products and services within alluring settings meant to wow people with means. And whether glitzy or subdued, the entertainment factor of these posh places always ranks high, which, of course, makes up part of the whole experience.

I have, however, often found the demeanor of staff at many well-reputed hair salons to be off putting, perhaps because many think it’s cool to embody the pouty, woeful look of fashion models in magazines. I don’t like that at all, which is why I rarely look at such publications any more. Or, sometimes the approach is just plain snobby. Who ever thought that was attractive?

So you can imagine my delight when I discovered a super warm and friendly scene at J. Sisters, a renowned hair salon on W57th Street in New York, owned and operated by Brazilian sisters all with first names beginning with J. (But of course.) Whether you’re in for a splurge or you’re rich, famous or full of yourself, this long-established salon caters to all with the same measure of enthusiasm and attention as is required in transforming a brunette to a blond. (No, I didn’t go for that, but I was tempted and if I do, I will have it done here.)

Michael Todd Belasco at Work on My Hair

Michael Todd Belasco, a veteran colorist who once taught programs for L’Oreal, worked magic on my hair after it had been dulled by too many of my own home coloring jobs. Miraculously he gave me the glossy, grey-free locks I had as a teenager, divining my original color with the expertise of a master artist who intimately knows his palette of browns. It’s been three and a half months since he colored my hair and aside from a few touchups around the temples, my shiny brunette hues have lasted longer than most other salon colorings I’ve had over the years.

Jean-françois Pilon also set me up right for a gal who doesn’t have the budget–nor the time or desire–to go for a haircut on a regular basis. “I do a cut that will last two years,” Jean-François said in his delightful French accent.

Jean-françois Pilon Cutting with Precision

Encore

And There’s Candy Too

“Wow, that sounds great,” I replied as I watched him cutting each section with all the finesse of a master stylist.

“It is cut in such a way that it will grow out beautifully,” he added providing more music to my ears than he could have imagined. “Unless, of course, you change your look.”

I won’t because this look seems to work for me here in Colorado. I think it looks nice both styled and just air-dried, which is usually what I opt for with my casual, more carefree lifestyle. It’s so arid here in the West, that even my thick hair dries fairly fast.

Yes, Michael Todd, Jean-françois and the rest of the amiable team at J. Sisters did me right. Plus, they provided me with a very positive New York experience without all the falderal. We’re Facebook friends now and it warms my heart to see posts from them and feel so connected. Isn’t that what a special “do” should be all about?

Moi Looking Tired but Beautifully Coiffed