Relaxing Japanese Hair Salons in Vancouver
Do you ever feel like you need a little bit of pampering? We heard that Japanese hair salons are the best place to go for just that!
Japanese hair salons offer more than just hair services – they have food, drinks, and make us feel like royalty.
We visited a bunch of them in the city and we’re here to share our experiences with you so that you won’t have to worry about getting a bad haircut.
1. ZHAPE Studio
We were hanging out at David Lam Park when we decided to have our hair done because it had been a particularly busy week and we thought we deserved to spoil ourselves today.
This is when we came across ZHAPE Studio, and we’re glad we did. The first thing we noticed was how clean and well-lit this salon was. I mean, would you look at that?
We got the Japanese permanent straightening, and we cannot recommend it enough. You can really tell that this is their specialization because their stylists were able to handle our hair with such expertise and precision.
It’s safe to say that this will be one of our go-to spots for haircuts, styling, and straightening from now on.
2. Hair by Thomas
You know what caught our eye with Hair by Thomas? How sleek and minimalistic the salon looked. Everything was white and gray, and they had these huge windows that gave us a sneak peek of what was going on inside.
Since we have naturally curly hair, we were hesitant at first if they could do the job, but we think what made it work was how communicative their stylists were, as they took their time to understand our hair type.
We even tested their stylists to see if they would offer us services that we clearly don’t need, but they provided us with their honest opinion, which made us trust them even more.
Their salon was also clean and well-equipped, and they even offered us beverages because we were waiting for a little while.
3. Aube Hair salon
We must admit, we had to double check if we had entered a Japanese hair salon because Aube Hair Salon looked like a very fancy corporate office.
Their reception desk looked straight out of Architectural Digest, and the sleek interior design made us feel like we were in a luxury spa rather than a hair salon.
They had the most awesome minimalist decor and the soft lighting just added to the whole vibe. It was so calming and peaceful there.
The key to being a good stylist is being attentive to your clients’ needs, and that’s exactly what we received here at Aube Hair Salon when we came in for our straightening appointment.
We had a nice little consultation at the beginning of the appointment. You know how we know they listen? They bring up details and questions that we had mentioned during the consultation throughout the appointment.
4. AOI Beauty Studio & Esthetics Ltd.
We were out shopping at the International Village Mall, and we started feeling like we needed a little bit of pampering.
AOI Beauty Studio & Esthetics Ltd. has a different vibe from the other salons we went to because it has a rustic vibe. From the red-brick walls, dim lighting, and brown furniture.
The salon offers a wide range of services, such as haircuts, coloring, and styling. Their esthetics services include facials, waxing, and eyelash extensions.
We were astounded at how expertly they were able to work with our hair and give us the desired look. They also offered us beverages and snacks, but we were just fine with the good conversation with their stylists.
5. TECHNE
Going to TECHNE for some hair pampering is like going to your second home. The salon’s interior is very homey and welcoming, with comfortable chairs and a friendly staff that make you feel relaxed and at ease.
We got bleach highlights and tones here, and the hairstylist did an amazing job, paying attention to every detail and making sure we were happy with the end result.
The hair stylists were also cracking hilarious jokes, so we lost track of time, and before we knew it, the service was complete!
On our next visit, we said we wanted to bleach and tone, but after a quick consultation with one of their stylists, they advised us not to go through with it.
This made us realize that they prioritize the health of our hair over profit, and we appreciate their honesty and professionalism.
6. Salon Kanako
So, we were walking along W Broadway and stumbled upon Salon Kanako. We had done some research beforehand and found out that they had a ton of great reviews, so we thought we’d give it a try.
When we got there, we met the owner, Kanako, and she was super friendly! She even shared with us that she grew up in a traditional Japanese family of artists.
We came in not knowing what to get done, so we asked one of their stylists, Yuria, to give us a recommendation based on our hair type and preferences.
She suggested we get a haircut (which was actually long overdue) and some highlights to brighten up our look.
We highly recommend that you bring a picture of the haircut or color that you like, as they’re very accommodating. Oh, and they also offer personalized makeup services!
7. YOKO’S Haute Coiffure
YOKO’S Haute Coiffure is the epitome of relaxation. I mean, would you take a look at their interior? It’s like walking into a luxurious spa, with its soft lighting, calming colors, and plush seating that immediately puts you at ease.
What we liked best about their services is that everything is tailored to fit your needs and your scalps.
You see, they have this “hair-chitecture” philosophy where they use the Vidal Sassoon method which focuses on creating a cut and style that complements your facial structure, hair texture, and lifestyle.
They also have a ton of hair products to choose from that are suitable for varying hair types and concerns.
And the best part? They serve complimentary snacks and drinks during your visit, so you can relax and enjoy the pampering experience while getting your hair done.
8. Sakura Salon
We felt a little intimidated to visit this salon as it looked sleek and modern from the outside, but once we stepped inside, we were greeted by friendly staff and a clean and bright interior.
Having your hair done in this Japanese hair salon feels like you can be friends with the stylists. Know why? Well, first, they do your hair, tell you stories, and make you feel understood. Kinda like a sister.
They even gave us a head and shoulder massage after the haircut, which was so relaxing and made the whole experience even better.
9. Misako Hair Studio
So, we had the pleasure of visiting Misako Hair Studio in Vancouver and I have to say, we were really impressed with our experience there.
The first thing we noticed when we walked in was how sleek and modern the salon’s ambiance and interior design were. The lighting was just right, and the decor was stylish and minimalistic.
When it comes to the actual services, Misako Hair Studio offers a wide range of options, from cuts and colors to extensions and more.
We decided to go for a cut and some highlights and we liked that the stylists really took the time to really understand what we were looking for and made sure to walk us through the entire process step by step.
One thing we really appreciated was how accommodating the stylists were, even though some of them weren’t fluent in English.
We would highly recommend this Japanese hair salon, whether you’re looking for a simple trim or a complete hair transformation.
10. Tsubaki Hair Express
From the moment we walked in Tsubaki Hair Express, we noticed that this Japanese hair salon was a bit small. However, the salon definitely made up for it with its accommodating staff.
They made sure I felt welcomed and comfortable throughout my entire appointment, which we really appreciated.
We also liked how convenient their location is. It’s right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, which made it really easy for us to pop in for a quick cut.
They offer a variety of hair services, from cuts and blowouts to coloring and highlights. They also provide hair treatments, like deep conditioning and scalp massages, to help keep your hair healthy and looking its best.
We were really impressed with Tsubaki Hair Express’s services and would definitely recommend them.
Well, there you go. Now you know where to go the next time you feel like your hair needs a little extra love and care. But listen, wouldn’t it be an even better idea to go to a massage salon after this?
Or maybe a nail salon or even a tanning salon! You deserve it!