Y Shaped God

Getting color with Yoshi was great on multiple levels. Products: I'm pregnant, so safe color means a lot to me. I'm interested in typical salons that advertise ""botanical"" crap where it's just the regular ammonia-filled products with herbal stuff added- Yoshi uses products with NO harmful chemicals. Results: Somehow, with these totally natural products that would seem too weak, Yoshi managed to lighten my hair really effectively. I have gotten a ton of compliments. It's grown out well and he didn't try to upsell me on other processes like many salons do. He takes his time and pays attention as though this were surgery. Salon: The salon itself, although located in the stupidest neighborhood ever (the financial district?!), is lovely, with huge windows and a stunning view, including the gargoyles on the building across the street. Appointments are one-at-a-time, so you're the center of attention. Atmosphere: I like how he skips the usual silly ""spa"" stuff like teak and orchids and doesn't decorate with a lot of ""cool"" attitude decor- it's mostly minimal, with beautiful photos from his trips to out-there places around the world (ask about them!) Yoshi: Yoshi himself is just a cool guy. I know this doesn't effect my hair, but it matters if we're in the same room alone for an hour. He doesn't get all invasive and chatty with the old ""so where are you from, what do you do"" patter, but he's really chill and interesting. Someone you'd like to chat with about surfing or music. more

I'm a 32 yr old guy & this was, hands down, the best haircut I've had in my 8 years of living in NYC. I've been to a LOT of different salons and this one far exceeds the rest. There is only one client, by appointment, at a time. This is huge for me because I'm soooo sick of the loud & annoying busy places I usually go to. \r \r So, based on the reviews here, I gave Y Shaped a shot, and for as long as I live in NYC, Yoshi is my guy! He's great to talk to, intelligent, and will cut your hair like you like it. Oh, and you'll love the sclap massage machine [Water powered] after your cut. \r \r Pure class. Thanks!\r Pros: Brilliant haircut, quiet and calm atmosphere Cons: none! more

A friend recommended Yoshi to me. I was unhappy with my current colorist and my friend told me about Yoshi. I've been going to his salon for about 10 months now. My hair has never looked better, and the time I spend in his salon is like a mini-spa day. Plus the products are all organic. Plus it's a quiet, zen-like atmosphere with an incredible view of downtown Manhattan. Highly recommended. Pros: Peaceful, zen-like atmosphere. Total attention to detail and pampering you. Cons: None. more

I was introduced to Yoshi when he worked at John Master's salon, in my search for an organic hair color solution during my first pregnancy. I used him throughout my pregnancy and beyond... He's struck out on his own and continues to use pregnancy-safe organic hair color products.\r \r I have always been incredibly pleased with his haircuts and color (I used another stylist in a pinch and regretted that decision for months). He only schedules one person at a time and gives focused attention to each of his clients. He is a master with the scissors, he spends time getting to know your hair, it's texture, the way it falls on your face and makes deliberate decisions accordingly. I cannot recommend Yoshi highly enough! Pros: Safe, organic hair color; focused service Cons: None! more

I've lived in NYC for 20 years and over the first decade, I tried lots of different hairstylists. Some of them were talented but I never really found a person who offered the consistent high quality I wanted at a fair price until I started going to Yoshi in the mid 90's. He's an amazing stylist - truly gifted at his craft - always delivers a great cut whether we are going with a consistent look or trying something new. I feel with haircuts ""the proof is in the pudding"" - I feel great after he's done his thing and always seem to get compliments the ensuing days. His new space raises the experience to a whole different level. He only serves one client at a time in an incredibly relaxing environment - it's pretty awesome to not have to deal with all the craziness of those other places where music is beeing cranked over the 20 different conversations going on in the room. Check this guy out - it will end your search for the right stylist. Pros: Quality, Atmosphere, Value more

Yoshi provides everything one needs in an amazing haircut experience -- organic, non-toxic products, incredible, precise skill with the shears, and great friend to talk to. I agree with the other reviewer that Yoshi's haircuts look good even as they grow out. Don't be fooled by the ""office space"" ... the product and service you will get is more luxurious than what you end up with at more glamorous locales. Over the last few years, the times I have strayed from Yoshi's care have been regrettable mistakes. more

I have been going to Yoshi for over 3 years now and I cannot imagine going anywhere else. He is professional, talented, and welcoming. Yoshi has the ability to make a person's haircut mirror their personality. Also, he does such a great cut that I only need to get my haircut every 8-10 weeks...And, the cut continues to look good as my hair grows! I am so glad that Yoshi has a place of his own. The salon environment exudes peace, relaxation, and warmth. You also receive individualized attention, which in my opinion is hard to find in NYC. Yoshi cares about his clients and will go above and beyond to accommodate their needs. I highly recommend his salon. more

I have followed Yoshi from his John Masters location to his current location alongside the Woolworth building. His cuts are simple yet beautiful. Coloring is carefully and skillfully done and my hair always looks healthy and natural. Yoshi has a state of the art studio, yet you feel completely at home with his relaxed and down to earth presence. Yoshi is truely an accomplished professional with artistic talent. \r I would highly recommend his salon, especially for those who prefer organic and natural products. Pros: Organic products, online booking, convenient location, relaxed atmoshphere more

Yoshi's great - always calm, very precise and clear in how he works. And really consistent: he learns and remembers the quirks of your hair and what you like - which makes for a good long-term working relationship. \r \r The salon space is coming together nicely and the views of the Woolworth building and both rivers are spectacular, so daylight bookings have an extra benefit. Pros: Skill and consistency, calm atmosphere Cons: minor - salon space is new, so interior is not heavily designed more

I've been going to Yoshi for three years and he gives the best haircut in the city. Hands down! His new place is great. Small, relaxing and a fantastic view. My husband just started going as well, best haircut he's gotten too. Pros: Precision, attention, atmosphere more

I saw Yoshi for years at John Masters and am so excited he has his own place. This is one of those finds in New York. Just a small space run only by Yoshi, no salon attitude, and the best haircut in the city. Pros: small, relaxed, masterful haircut, natural products Cons: far downtown, but worth the trip for me more

This is the place I was looking for and found it: I wanted a stylist with equal quality in hair cut and color and not in a loud salon. This place makes me feel like a STAR, since it books ""by appointment only"" I usually don't have to see other customers, how great is that? This salon is a small & cozy place you'll grow to love.....\r because of it's personalized attention and great service. Since I am a visual artist, color is important to me and I must say the ""highlights"" are a work of art! I'm so happy I finally found a cool place to get my hair done and also be able to relax, oh yeah, did I mention the great view? I'm hooked! Pros: Amonia-free hair color and ""true"" holistic shampoo more