I’m definitely not a natural blonde and I love getting a blow-wave as my hair is long and takes a long time to style myself ( oh… and I’m terrible at styling my hair without help.)
I am nervous about new salons in ANY country!
When I lived in Kansai, I had SOOOOO many orange disasters. So many.
I remember one stylist in Osaka who didn’t admit until he was washing OUT the bleach that this was, in fact, his first time dying a non-Japanese person’s hair….
So… because I’m picky.. I thought I’d share my personal faves.
Oh… and one little cheat tip if you are not in Tokyo and are going for a countryside non-English salon and you have naturally big curly hair like me … do not let them add “layers” – it is often done with a flat hand held razor (not electric) and it turns my hair into an actual lions mane. It looks fab on my Japanese friends but NOT on my thin but high volume hair.
Here are my favourite places for a colour, toner, cut and/or blow-wave ( my U.S. friends say “blow-out” but that means something pretty different to me ….haha…)
1. ST NEW YORK SALON, HIROO
This salon is just opposite International Supermarket, National Azabu in Hiroo.
The salon is completely bilingual and there are two other salons run by the same company in New York.
Shinobu, the salon’s General Manager, has lived in New York for 8 years before returning to manage this salon.
Be sure to book ahead and ask how long you will need to set aside for a colour.
I get a full head or half head of foils, a toner and a blow wave.
I also sometimes just visit for toner and a blow wave or a blow wave on its own.
I find this salon to be quite similar to salon prices in Australia ( and, sometimes, cheaper.) Prices are listed on their website here.
They also have the option of using ( and buying to take home) Olaplex products.
This salon is closed on Mondays.
Please do let them know that you found this salon on The Tokyo Chapter blog.
Details on the St New York Website
2. EUFORA STUDIO, SHIBUYA
Right around the corner from the British School, Trunk Hotel and just behind the Shibuya Cast Department Store.
I also highly recommend a blow dry at a brand new salon in Shibuya.
Owner and head stylist Ayako has over 30years experience as a hair stylist and has Japanese and New York cosmetology and business licenses.
It is in a cute little salon in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts and is the perfect place to get a blow wave before heading out for dinner.
This salon is only for female customers.
To make an appointment, via their online booking system.
Or you can contact Ayako by email aya10009@gmail.com
Please do let her know that you found this salon on The Tokyo Chapter blog.
The salon address:
Eufora Studio
2nd floor, 1-2-18 Mitake Tower
Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
3. ONE WORLD HAIR SALON, AZABU-JUBAN
This salon is also 100% bilingual and family-friendly.
I also find it to be reasonably priced.
Salon Manager Kei speaks English.
She understands about toners and super curly hair.
They are also lovely and fast when it comes to children’s hair cuts.
They also have the option of using ( and buying to take home) Olaplex products.
For all the information, please see the One World Hair Salon website here.
4. TAYA HAIR SALON
This is a salon chain, You can find them all over Japan.
This is not an international salon so I suggest you visit with a Japanese speaker or wait until you are at a conversational language level.
I have never visited this salon for a colour but I have had haircuts and blowdries.
For a blow wave, I found this to be my cheapest option in Tokyo so I would visit before a special occasion or date night.
I have long hair so a blow-wave here cost around 3000 yen.
5. JETSET BLOW DRY BAR
This blow-dry bar has two locations. One in Azabu-Juban and one in Ginza.
This salon is 100 per cent bilingual.
They also offer treatments, hair styling and cuts.
They also host birthday parties for kids, if you’re interested.
Please do let them know that you found this salon on The Tokyo Chapter blog.
The JetSet Blow Dry Bar website is here.
*I haven’t tried this salon but many of my friend’s also speak highly of Nalu Hair Salon in Harajuku
* And a fellow “blonde” Aussie friend also highly recommends Chie Funakura at Silva Papillio, located near Yoyogi and Harajuku Stations.
My favourite place to get my kid’s haircut is at Zusso Kids Salon. There are many Zusso Salons in Japan. We use the Shinjuku branch. I wrote about it in my Shinjuku with kids post here.
