Jay has been cutting my hair for 10+ years and doing a great job. When I moved out of the city to the suburbs I would still drive into the city. A couple of times due to a bad snow storm I tried someone closer to home and always lived to regret it. I would confess to Jay that I "cheated" on him and he always took me back with a smile. One of the many things that I love about Jay, he understood why I tried someone closer ( sometimes with traffic/weather it could take me 1-1/2 to 2 hours to get to his salon), but he never bad mouthed the other hairdresser, he would always say he could see what they were trying to do and explain why with my hair it didn't work. Mostly though, he just knows hair. Jay would ask, " what are we doing today." and I would give him complete control and tell him not to ask, show or tell me, just work his magic and show me when it's done. In 10+ years I have never ever left unhappy or disappointed. Jay, you can run but you can't hide. I will be working into my budget frequent trips to New Orleans for my haircuts now. (FYI- Jay if you read this, when I told you to move, I meant closer to me- not farther). read more

Jay is amazing! He has been making me feel gorgeous and keeping me looking young for over 8 years now. I came to him after bouncing from one stylist to the next having no success finding a consistent cut/color or just the right look for my face/personality. Jay talked me through the process - honestly and creatively - to find the right style for me. He will listen to your wish list, talk about your options, help you be a little brave if you want to go on a limb and try something new, pays attention to the details and techniques best suited for your hair, and always makes sure you are happy before you leave the chair. And, he uses only the best products! If you are as picky as I am - he's your guy! To top it off - Jay helped my husband update his look before our wedding, taking years off, and just enhancing his good looks. Not an easy task for a 45 year old man used to cuts from SuperCuts but he agreed it was worth it. And, felt comfortable, trusting Jay to do the right thing. Hard to find this kind of patience, dedication and attentiveness. Love Jay dearly - you will too! read more

Jay has been cutting my hair for 12+ years. When my old stylist moved Jay was recommended to me by a trusted friend. During all those years (15+) with my old stylist I thought I had been getting a good cut but after having Jay do my hair I was amazed at how much better my hair looked. And the important thing was that my hair grew out extremely nice, after six weeks my hair looked as good as when first cut. With my old stylist my hair would grew back in very uneven and funky looking. I never got compliments on my old cuts but always do with Jay's. Makes a guy feel good! And Jay is such a wonderful person, with boundless energy and a loving outlook on life. Too bad I only get to talk with Jay when he's cutting my hair. When Jay leaves Chicago for good I don't know where I'll go, might have to travel every six weeks to New Orleans! I cannot recommend Jay highly enough. You will not be disappointed. As Cajun chef Justin Wilson said "I guarantee it"! read more

I have Salt/Pepper/Silver hair and have had it since my late 20's. Almost every stylist I have tried starts out with "you should color your hair". I knew I had the right stylist when Jay refused to color mine! Instead, he takes into account my cowlicks, swirls and thin spots and gives me edgy, chic and sassy looks...no old lady poodle cuts or dowdy styles. I get a lot of compliments on my hair and, while I would love to say it's because my hair is gorgeous...it's gorgeous because Jay makes the best of what I have to work with. Selfishly, I would like to make sure Jay and his scissors stay in Chicago; but I must return the blessing and pay it forward. If that means I have to sacrifice (big sacrifice here....) and travel to New Orleans for a good cut...Well, Jay, I'll see you in the Big Easy! Pamela Butler-Fox read more

Jay is to hair what beignets are to cafe' au lait!!! I've lost track of how long it has been since I've been seeing Jay but needless to say, it's been a very long time and several locations later. I will be devastated when Jay stops doing hair in Chicago for good but I know he will leave me in good hands. His color is the best I've ever had. I'm a "dishwater" blonde and Jay works his magic with just the right blends of color to make my highlights look natural and lush! My cuts, whether I'm in the mood to go short or let it grow out some, have never disappointed me. I give very little input, other than to go short or long, and Jay just knows what to do. Plus, Jay is one of the kindest and most interesting guys around and I always look forward to seeing him. NOLA, you are gaining the best!! read more

I hesitate to post another rave review because hate the thought of losing Jay from Chicago to NO....it would be a significant gain on your end...and huge loss for the Windy City. I have been following Jay for over 20 yrs...this includes driving over an hour to reach the destination. He is a skillful stylist and incredible with color....always ensuring natural products with no longterm damage. But...above his skill as a color/stylist...he is simply a super guy. Interesting and pleasant to talk to....and quiet if you don't feel like chatting. He accomodates appointments to his own detriment of working 16 hr days...never complains or looks stressed. His Chicago based clientelle have been following him for years for a very good reason. He's the best! Cindy C read more

Jay has been my stylist for the last 4 years and he has never given me a bad haircut or disappointed me with his suggestions on how to improve the look and health of my hair. That's pretty amazing when you think about it... We've done longer hair, shorter hair, textures, lowlights, highlights...and I'm not ashamed to say that I enjoy hearing the compliments that I receive from friends, family, and strangers about my hair. (Don't hate me because it's beautiful...lol!) I've told others about his (and my) choice of products, whether it's Lanza or Kevin Murphy, and I've learned that not only is Jay a master stylist, but his knowledge of ingredients is incredible. I can't think of anyone that I can recommend more highly than Jay! S. Leary read more

I have nothing but good things to say about Jay. I have been seeing Jay in order to keep my hair looking excellent since I was 12 years old, and I have not once regretted my decision to trust this man with my hair. Each and every time I walk into Jay's salon, my hair is a complete and total mess, but when I walk out I have been transformed. Jay is not only able to cut and style your hair the way you would like, he is also able to create a style for you if you do not have a specific preference, and I have had success with both of these techniques. As a final thought, even though I now live 150 miles away from Jay's salon, I drive that distance every time I need to get my hair cut because Jay is an amazing stylist and an amazing man. read more

Jay has been cutting and coloring my hair for over 16 years. He is a wonderful stylist and offers his clients creative and modern styles that work for you! What I love most is that Jay will honestly let you know if a cut or color is right for you, your relationship with your hair dresser is sacred and Jay honors that trust and never lets you down. He is flexible and thoughtful of schedules and his work is worth every penny! Let me tell you, there have been hair crisis times, and Jay has performed emergency response services, so that I could leave the house and take off the turban! You will not regret working with him, I will be sad when he no longer works in Chicago! Quality and service can't be beat. read more

Jay has been my stylist for longer than I care to admit. We go way back! If you want a great cut, fabulous color and a wonderful person to rely on, Jay is the stylist for you. You can leave your hair in Jay's capable hands or let him know exactly what you want your next look to be. Either approach lands you with great looking hair you can maintain and keep looking great until your next visit. And, I could stay in the shampoo station for years if I was allowed; I love a good hair wash and Jay's hair washing melts any worries away instantly. My husband has also received one of Jay's great massages and couldn't have been more pleased with the treatment. Excellent massage technique! read more

Jay has been my stylist since 1990 and I can honestly say that there is no one who compares to him in technique & skill level, experience with different types of hair, and innate ability. Those of us in Chicago DO NOT want to see him go and those of you in New Orleans have no idea of the talent that has come your way. He has owned his own large salons many times over. Multiple family members and friends I know go to him for haircuts too and we are all impressed with the quality of his services. If you want amazing hair and constant compliments, Jay is the one to help you. You will be able to sit down in his chair and say, "Do what you do." read more

Jay is truly an exceptional artist when it comes to hair. He is able to bring out your most beautiful self with just a few snips of his scissors. He's so good at what he does that my hair literally MISSES him! :) It has never looked as good as when Jay has worked his magic. He has an incredibly loyal clientele here in Chicago, and I can almost guarantee that a few of us will happily fly down to New Orleans for a gorgeous style from this brilliant man. He is not only an extremely professional and creative stylist, but a beautiful soul with an amazing energy that you will instantly love. read more

Jay has been cutting my hair for close to 20 years now (is that possible? yes, it is!), and he is the only guy who I would trust to make me look my best. I've kept going to him over all these years not only because he gives me a great haircut, but also because he's just a great guy. When cutting my hair he takes the time to do a good job, and pays attention to what is the best approach for my hair - in other words, he does what works best for me, and doesn't take the approach of "oh, here's another guy, I'll just cut his hair like I cut every other guy's hair". Highly recommended. read more

As much as I support Jay's permanent transition to NO, I can't stand the thought of losing him in Chicago. I've been a client of Jay's for decades and he's always kept my style and experiments with the color box current, fresh and "sassy". There's nothing pretentious or affected about this man. He's an expert colorist and stylist who works with you and doesn't impose current styles or trends on his clients. I guarantee that you, too, will be a returning regular after your first visit with Jay. Couldn't we figure out a way to clone Jay so that his Chicago-based fans can have him, too? read more

Great Stylists are like great wine - keep getting better and better, but more than that... Jay has been taking care of me, my husband and my two boys for over 10 years now. In a complicated, hectic world - Jay provides for us a haven. We never have to direct, we don't have to negotiate; we just sit back, relax and surrender and know that in an hour's time or so - you walk away feeling gorgeous, pampered and cared for. This doesn't happen often - Jay is special, how often do you just have complete trust in a person. His skills as a massage therapist are extraordinary as well. read more

I have known Jay for about 8 years now and he is an extraordinary soul, as well as, a phenominal hair professional. For those of us of have found Jay, we know that being in his care is not just about getting a hair cut/style. Yes he is an especially fantastic colorist and will give you a cut that is easy to style. But what stands out more is that he has an amazing energy about him, very geniune. He is a person who will know what you need without you having to explain much...very insightful and intuitive. He is also an amazing energy/bodyworker...just sayin'. read more

I agree with all the reviews who call out Jay's extraordinary spirit and energy. Jay creates a relationship with his clients and has an intuitive sense of what will work for them. I've been seeing him for about five years now, and we had an immediate connection. He has taken the time to get to know me and my quirky hair, and I've never had as many compliments on my hair in over 35 years of living in Chicago area. I come back for the quality of the conversation more than for the quality of the 'do. He's a great stylist and a great heart. Highly recommend. read more

Jay Holtman is a master at cutting/styling hair. Jay has been my trusted stylist and confidant for more than 20 years. He has seen my hair through many trials and tribulations with immense skill and unrelenting good cheer. I always feel uplifted after seeing Jay. And many times I have been stopped and asked by strangers who cuts my hair!!! This even happened once in NYC. New Orleans is a blessed city to have jay decide to call it home. I am looking into flying to the big easy to have my hair cut -- truly. read more

Jay is AMAZING. I can't say enough about the quality of his work. I have not let anyone else touch my hair in 14 years. Not only do I love what he does, but a week rarely goes by when someone doesn't tell me that they love the cut and color. The fact that Jay has a great personality and the ability to make just about anyone feel comfortable in a matter of minutes, just makes the experience that much better. I never feel prettier than I do when I leave Jay's chair. read more