What people are saying.

  • Creative Genius

    Martin is not a hairdresser, he's an artist and the hair is his canvas.

    He's like the Alexander McQueen of the hair world.

    Nina


  • Simply Fabulous

    I've been having my hair cut and coloured at Martin James for over 20 years now and cannot rate highly enough. I know I'm always in safe hands with Martin even when we're trying new fun and funky styles. It's never just about the hair though, Martin and Michael are the perfect hosts, the salon is always an oasis of calm, I've never felt rushed, and I always have Martin's full attention. 

    Debbie R

  • Best Ever

    l’ll never go anywhere else. I used to walk past the salon and think wow, I wish I could get my hair done there as it looks so elite. I took the plunge and contacted Martin to see if I could get an appointment. Martin and Michael are so lovely, make you feel really comfortable and so down to earth. My hair has never been better.

    Sarah

  • My Forever Hairdresser

    Martin's expertise in hair colouring is truly exceptional. After years of searching, I finally found a hairdresser who could cover my greys while maintaining a natural look. I absolutely love his creations. My hair looks fantastic, and the salon has a lovely atmosphere where you can feel relaxed and be part of a unique experience. Thank you Martin and James for being an incredible host. 

    Timea

  • Simply Opulent

    The luxurious, boutique hairdressers has been shaped by the extremely talented duo forming ‘Martin James’ -Martin and Michael. From sumptuous gilded mirrors, contemporary designer lighting and architectural floral displays by Michael, to the three-station chairs where you will receive the upmost in pampering and personal service - you’ll want to stay longer than you need to! The opulent salon- designed entirely from their own creative vision - is chic and intimate in equal measure – quite North Leeds’s hidden hair gem.

    Martin and Michael view colouring, cutting and styling a client's hair as akin to a designer fitting a beautiful dress - the highest attention is paid to your individual needs, their many years of expertise and experience ensuring that you leave the salon feeling pampered with the most luxuriant version of your hair whatever your personal style. My blonde has never been so beautiful!

    Chloe x

  • Love These Guys

    No words to describe how amazing Martin and Michael made my daughters (and me!) feel. We had THE BEST experience in the salon as my 15 year old got her natural looking balayage and my 13 year old got her blue highlights. I was a client of theirs over 15 years ago but moved away so I travelled over 4.5 hours to ensure my girls got the best of the best. I would never let anyone else colour mine or my daughters brunette hair. My 13 year old has Down syndrome and she was welcomed with open arms and made to feel at ease in their salon - this means so much to families like ours who have kids that aren’t always welcomed - most salons don’t know how to react to children with learning difficulties. Martin and Michael went above and beyond to make everything perfect. Both of my daughters were spoilt rotten and can’t stop talking about their experience. I will be back with my youngest daughter too, when she is older. Thank you both for the most incredible experience 😘😘

    Helen K.

  • Its not a Hairstyle, its a Lifestyle

    The experience you get when you go to Martin James is like no other. Martin and Michael treat everyone like they are their best friend, the goss, the chats, the hospitality (aka Bubbly) and really getting to know you so they can make sure you get the result you want. It's not a hairstyle, it's a lifestyle. Their skills are off the scale'. 

    Lily


  • Fresh Start

    This wasn't just a hair restyle. After coming out of a marriage and not feeling great about myself I wanted a change to try and get me back on my feet. Martin completely changed my look, gave me so much more confidence and put a smile back on my face. Feeling like me again.'

    Lucy

  • Haven of Calm

    I've been going to Martin James since they opened in Headingley and after a much needed visit last week, I felt it was high time I posted a review! Despite being in the middle of the "Otley Run" (a student haven of pubs) the salon is an oasis of calm. After walking in to the massively friendly welcome, a glass of fizz was thrust into my hand and I was whisked into a chair for an hour's utter relaxation.

    I've heard from many "ladies of colour" (which I am) that they would never allow a white man to touch their hair. Well ladies,you're mental. Martin not only excels where other salons have failed but relishes in the challenge of hair that's different to what most of his clients possess.

    It's not the cheapest salon in the city but goodness me, it's worth every single penny.

    I shall see you soon boys :) x

    Rachel

  • Amazing Experience

    Such an amazing experience...like stopping the world and stepping into a world of calm, style and luxury...and coming out with the most incredible hair that makes you look and feel so good! Thank you Martin for being such an exceptional and talented hairdresser and to you and Michael for creating such an oasis of loveliness!

    Hannah

  • Pampering & Prosecco

    Martin has cut and coloured my short hair for 23 years. I could not imagine going anywhere else. The experience is not just about beautiful hair.....it's the environment, warm welcome, total relaxation and pampering (and perhaps the prosecco🥂). Fab-u-lous 😍

    Karen

  • Exquisite Salon

    Martin has been styling my hair for a couple of decades now. Despite moving abroad for a couple of years and now living 200miles away from the salon, I would not give up the experience of Martin James. The atmosphere is always exquisite and welcoming, but most importantly my hair is treated and cut to the highest standard. I couldn't recommend a stylist more!

    Sophie

  • Only place to go

    Martin is just the absolute best hairdresser around. He is the most warm and lovely human ever too which makes the experience even better. If you are looking for the best hair ever this is the only place to go.

    Ana

  • The VIP Experience

    Amazing all round experience. I felt like royalty with a VIP pass to the realm of fabulous hair! Outstanding cut colour and styling, it was an upgrade to my entire aura! Thank you.

    Emily

  • Perfect Wedding

    I can honestly say Martin is the most talented hairdresser that I have ever had the privilege to do my hair. I was struggling to find the perfect blonde and just before my wedding, I was having a hair nightmare. Martin, being the kind person he is completely fixed that for me. My hair has never looked better- the compliments I receive is incredible. The best hairdresser in the most beautiful salon, not also forgetting Michael and the gorgeous doggies too. So happy to have found you all xx

    Sophie

  • Love Martin James

    I have been going to Martin for the last few months. My hair wasn’t in the best condition when we first met . Martin initially gave me a free consultation and I have subsequently been to him since. He advised me on products to use and how to help my damaged hair. I love going to see him, the ambience in the salon is amazing, you are treated like a princess and you also get a fantastic cut and colour 💕

    Georgina

  • Never Looked Better

    I feel so fortunate to have discovered Martin James Definitive. From the moment you walk in you are treated with the utmost care and attention and most importantly your requests for how you would like your hair are listened to and expert advice is given. My hair has never looked better.

    Janet

  • A Great Experience

    Always a great experience. Martin has cut and coloured my hair for many years and always does a great job. Ambience of the salon is also another positive aspect of the experience.

    Roz

  • Forever Salon

    I have been searching for a salon like Martin James forever! Did sassoon, Toni an Guy etc in my earlier days and always left like they thought I should look. I usually hated it. Martin listens and then adds his magic! Through illness I have had issues with my hair, but Martin has treated and managed and styled my hair and I now feel like a million dollars! It really is our crowning glory and Martin has given me back my confidence. The place is a total oasis and I recommend it wholeheartedly! P.s Martin and Michael are amazing, kind and loyal! Anyone who says other wise is simply a troll…

    Sally x

  • Gorgeous Balayage

    Gorgeous, natural looking balayage. Martin and Michael provide a wonderful experience and my hair looks like I’ve spent two months on a beach which is exactly what I wanted! You won’t find better.

    Emma

  • Total Convert

    This place is fabulous! Martin and Michael are both so welcoming and professional. I was a total convert from the moment Martin so effectively and skillfully corrected an issue from another salon. He also took time to listen to my teen and ease her beyond her comfort zone giving her the cut she had dreamed of but had never been brave enough to ask for! The smile on her face was simply priceless.

    Karen K

  • Fabulous

    I was lucky enough to get an appointment due to my stepmum and sister using the salon and I am so pleased . From the moment you arrive you are greeted with the warmest welcome and glass of something chilled and that is just the start of the 5* treatment. Fabulous colour, cut and chat. Would highly recommend.

    Hayley

  • Always an Amazing Experience

    I always have such an amazing experience at Martin James!
    Both Martin and Michael are fabulous hosts and make me feel so comfortable whenever I’m in the salon. I always feel at home and know my hair is going to be gorgeous.
    I even drove back from Scotland to keep my appointment! Won’t go anywhere else

    Tabitha M xx

  • Just Perfect

    The perfect experience, both Martin and Michael know exactly what will suit you and how to achieve it. The salon is decadent in its decor, a place you can truly relax and know that when you leave, you will look and feel amazing.

    Helen

  • Worth the wait !

    Great service and company. Definitely worth the wait. Great consultation and advice on what colour and shade to go for given my skin tone and eye colour. I trusted Martin and as soon as I saw the colour, I knew it was perfect. Hopefully see you in summer for a revamp!

    Obi

  • Like a Million Dollars

    Martin reached out to me when i mentioned i wanted to change my hair from blonde to red.
    Omg what an experience. I literally feel a million dollars.
    He was so patient and took his time creating my Jessica rabbit vision. Michael also dyed my extensions to match.
    My hair has never looked better. I walked out of the salon feeling more confident and everytime i look at my hair in the mirror im just so happy.
    The salon is stunning. You really feel the luxury the minute you set eyes on it.
    The gold mirrors and the calming wash basins with a built in massage. To the beautiful statue buddahs. His consultation with a client before me was superb he really knows how to transform you into the version you always wished to be. I wish i could give him more stars.

    Drew x

  • Looking Fabulous

    Simply the best experience of hair colouring & cutting ever. The fact that you look fabulous when you leave is only part of the experience. I come here to be looked after & spend some quality time in great company.

    Abi

  • Hair Miles

    After they somehow managed to rescue my hair from near extinction, I have been a loyal fan of Martin James for about ten years. It is worth every minute of the three hour round trip I now make every month (Martin jokes that I should qualify for 'hair miles').
    The salon has a lovely environment and divine smelling products to admire and purchase.
    I can not think of a better way to spend a Friday afternoon.
    If you have not been , then you are seriously missing out on a great experience with two great guys. And fantastic looking and feeling hair!

    Elaine M

  • Fully Recommended !

    No matter where I am living in the world I always come back to Martin James for my hair, both Martin and Michael are fabulous, warm and welcoming and my hair is always fantastic whether it's bleach, extensions, dye, cut, they do it professionally and with brilliant results. My hair has never been so healthy. Fully recommend.

    Ash

  • Amazing Experience

    I have been going to this Salon for 10 years now and simply cannot imagine going anywhere else. The entire experience is just amazing - two lovely guys Martin & Michael (my hair is done by Martin) who take such care to make their salon look fabulous and feel special. Always fun and they treat me as a friend, not a customer. My hair colouring is always spot on and despite my age, my hair stays in excellent condition thanks to the top quality products they use. For most of my life I hated going to the hairdresser but all that changed when I found this salon.

    Heather

  • No bad Hair days Anymore

    I have been going to Martin James since 1993 and wouldn't go anywhere else! Martin and Michael are world class professionals. Anyone not going to this salon is seriously missing out. The salon itself is stunning, I'm always made to feel special and come out feeling thoroughly pampered.
    Not a single bad hair day for me! Best place ever.

    Julia

  • 5 Star Spa

    Fabulous on so many levels. Amazing styling and colouring, I always leave feeling like a million dollars. Going to Martin James is a luxurious experience in a beautiful salon which is akin to a 5 star spa. Martin & Michael are always excellent company and their hospitality is second to none.
    I used to despise my hair before I started going, now I get complete strangers complimenting me on it.

    Tracey N

  • Best by a long way

    Absolutely fantastic experience as always. I have had so many compliments about my hair since I have started going here.
    Both Michael and Martin literally can't do enough to help and they both are so skilled.
    Best quality hairdressers by a long way!

    Rebecca

  • Private Hairdressing

    Always a fantastic experience, prosecco and perfect colour! Two hours of private hairdressing rather than being pushed from pillar to post. Totally personal service. More like a spa experience than a hair cut.