Good Looks
James Corbett opens an organic beauty salon and pedicure garden
At James Corbett’s new studio in the Flatiron, a lush garden doubles as the city’s first outdoor mani-pedi suite with 3-free lacquers by Priti and acetone-free polish remover. Pedicures $45.
When celebrated colorist James Corbett moved his salon to West 19th Street this May, he not only created a more luxurious space and room for a few more styling chairs, he confirmed his role as head of state on New York’s natural beauty scene.
Through the storefront window of James Corbett Studio, you’ll spy a selection of coveted, cult-fave organic skin-care and makeup brands, like Dr. Alkaitis, Vered Botanicals, Vapour Organic, and RMS Beauty. The salon hair and lash-tinting services all are on the natural-beauty spectrum. And, out back, a small garden doubles as a plush nail area. Talk about fume-free.
So what accounts for Corbett’s natural inclinations, a stylist whose resume includes stints at Warren-Tricomi and Louis Licari, and styling models for French Vogue and Allure?
James Corbett luxury haircare and organic beauty boutique
Corbett says he’s been headed this way for a long time. The svelte fan of Barry’s Bootcamp and regular acupuncture says that it all harkens back to a beauty “ah-ha moment” he had early in his career, while assisting acclaimed Hollywood hair wizard Philip B. “I saw what oil treatments did for hair, and I was astounded. Mind you, the oil wasn’t all organic then. But now it can be. I love getting people results without silicone and petroleum-derived ingredients. Then they’re just naturally converted,” he says.
Among the healthy hair-care brands Corbett uses is the super-nourishing Rahua line, and Tela Beauty Organics, which is behind what’s probably the summer’s most essential smoothing and de-frizzing service. The add-on treatment ($125) is 85 percent organic, quick at 30 minutes, and lasts 4-6 weeks. Most importantly, it won’t make your hair fall out.
“When it comes to hair color, however, organic doesn’t exist and anyone who says otherwise is just talking hooey,” says Corbett. “Even henna dyes, which are sold in natural stores and claim to be organic, have metallic salts that aren’t good for you,” he explains.
Corbett uses Goldwell, which he says contains no formaldehyde and offers ammonia- and peroxide-free color options with “truly fantastic results.”
The space has Buddhas for serenity and phone-charging outlets at every wood-and-leather chairs for practicality.
Corbett’s gotten lots of people hooked on beauty brands that are better for them, not by hard-selling or preaching, but by simply making them available and letting the results speak for themselves. “With this storefront and organic beauty apothecary, I’m introducing more great brands into people’s consciousness. Women are popping in for make-up touch ups, and just loving the colors. They learn they’re organic and, voila, they’ve crossed over,” he says. “I’m hoping to be a rival to Sephora.” —Sharon Feiereisen and Melisse Gelula
25 W. 19th St., btwn Fifth and Sixth Aves., 212-388-1296, jamescorbettstudio.com
Photos: Mira Zaki
This article really captures the essence of James Corbett Studio — an oasis of “good” in NYC. Not only do you leave feeling refreshed and looking fantastic, everyone on James’ team is creative, talented and down-to-earth. And the pedicure garden? A true must-visit refuge.
I highly recommend the James Corbett Salon. James is the best and everyone there is super talented. But I say run don’t walk to get the Tela organic blowout. It really works. My naturally curly summer frizzy hair is frizz free whether blown out or dried naturally
Great article really showcasing what The James Corbet Studio is all about. Every time I go there whether is color, cut, blow dry or an organic mani/pedi, I get a warm welcome from all the amazingly talented team members and leave feeling renewed, relaxed and rejuvenated. I met James at a time when I had reached a point of desperation. Due to multiple allergies and chemical sensitivities I could not use any of the mainstream skin and hair products or make up. James saved the day. I am forever grateful! Thank you James!!!!
James is the best colorist and the salon is a great place to have hair, co,or, nails, etc. The staff is great and very talented and I highly recommend the Tela organics blowout. It works. No more frizz.
James clearly has an Art for Hair and a huge Heart (just ask him about his Hair2Help initiative providing soul nurturing treatments for FREE to women undergoing cancer treatment) which is infused in everything at this gorgeous studio. The team is amazing and in my case, I particularly also love the fact that James is so hilarious. My ribs are still hurting from laughing so hard last time :)
This is perfect timing! I am heading to NYC this week and badly need a pedi! I will only get organic skin treatments done so I can’t wait to give it a try!
James and company are true artists who care about their craft and their clients.
Come get “CORBETTED” by great people in a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere.
It’s really feel fresh that an organic beauty salon and pedicure garden. Nature and Greene always feel fresh but most of the peoples have no time for feel fresh especially urban areas people. In this regarding James Corbett salon is best. I think Lakme salon also one of the best Beauty salon.