Visiting A Japanese Hair Salon: Useful Phrases
Savvy's Guide To Getting A New Do
Looking for a new hairdo but not sure what to do? We got you!
Have you ever walked into a Japanese hair salon, sat in the chair and gone blank when asked what style you were after? Between the language barrier, the precise attention to detail and the sheer number of services available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for a simple trim or a complete makeover, this guide will help you navigate the Japanese hair salon experience with confidence.
Understanding The Japanese Hair Salon Experience
© Photo by iStock: paylessimagesJapanese hair salons are known for their high-quality service, detailed styling techniques and kind hospitality. This may come from the fact that hairdressers in Japan have to pass a strict national qualification for a beautician’s license to practice. Once they enter the industry, they usually start off as an assistant for the first few years; then they will upgrade into a stylist and then possibly a top stylist after five to 10 years of high-quality service.
Many Japanese hair salons will offer scalp massages, in-depth consultations and a focus on precision that ensures you leave looking your best. While some stylists may speak English, it’s always helpful to know a few key phrases and terms before your appointment.
People You Might Meet At A Japanese Hair Salon
In larger salons, different staff members handle different parts of the process. Here’s who you might interact with:
- スタイリスト (sutairisuto; “Stylist”): Cuts and styles your hair
- デザイナー (dezainā; “Hair Designer”): Same as a stylist but may have a more artistic focus
- ディレクター (direkutā; “Director”): A senior stylist overseeing the salon
- ベテラン (beteran; “Veteran stylist“): Highly experienced stylist
- トップデザイナー (toppudezainā; “Top Designer”): Highly experienced hair designer
- アシスタント (ashisutanto; “Assistant”): Helps with shampooing, hair drying and treatments
Common Services
© Photo by iStock: kokouuOnce you’re settled into the salon chair, your stylist will likely ask what service you’d like. Many Japanese salons specialize in different types of perms and coloring techniques, so it’s an excellent opportunity to experiment with new styles! Here are some of the most common options:
| Japanese | Rōmaji | English |
| カット | katto | Haircut |
| カラー | karā | Hair coloring |
| グラデーション | guradēshon | Gradation color/ombré look |
| ワンメーク | wanmēku | One color dye |
| ダブルカラー | daburu karā | Double color (Bleach and color) |
| リタッチ | ritacchi | Root retouch |
| ハイライト | hairaito | Highlights |
| ローライト | rōraito | Lowlights |
| エクステ | ekusute | Hair extensions |
| トリートメント | torītomento | Hair treatment |
| パーマ | pāma | Perm |
| デジタルパーマ | dejitaru pāma | Digital perm |
| ストレートパーマ | sutorēto pāma | Straighting perm |
| 縮毛矯正 | shukumō kyōsei | Hair straightening |
| ヘアセット | hea setto | Hair styling |
| シャンプー | shampū | Shampoo service |
| ブロー | burō | Blow-dry |
| ヘアドネーション | hea donēshon | Hair donation |
What To Expect At A Japanese Hair Salon
© Photo by iStock: marokeHere’s a quick breakdown of what usually happens from the moment you walk into a Japanese hair salon:
- Consultation: A stylist will discuss your style preferences, sometimes showing you a style book or asking for reference photos. They may also make some suggestions based on your face shape and overall look.
- Shampoo & Massage: Many salons offer a relaxing scalp massage, usually during the shampoo service. Most places will ask to cover your face with a piece of material during the shampoo to guard you from any light splashes during the wash. However, if you don’t want your face covered, you can refuse by saying 結構です (kekkoudesu; “No thanks.”) when asked. Depending on the length of the overall service, they may also offer a shoulder massage at some point.
- Haircut or Treatment: This is a great time to practice your Japanese small talk. Japanese stylists love chatting with their clients while they work, so they might even try talking to you in English.
- Styling & Finishing Touches: The stylist or assistant will dry your hair and then style it for you. They will often try to explain their styling technique for your new hair so you can recreate the look at home.
- Final Check: Some salons will ask if you’d like any final tweaks before finishing. If you’re not happy with the length or color, this is your last chance to get it fixed while you’re still there.
Hair-Related Vocabulary
When describing your ideal hairstyle, it helps to know some basic hair terms:
| Japanese | Rōmaji | English |
| 髪の毛 | kami no ke | Hair |
| 長さ | nagasa | Length |
| ボブ | bobu | Bob cut |
| ショート | shōto | Short hair |
| セミロング | semirongu | Medium-length hair |
| ロング | rongu | Long hair |
| 厚い | atsui | Thick hair |
| 薄い | usui | Thin hair |
| 軽い | karui | Light hair |
| 重い | omoi | Heavy hair |
| 白髪 | shiraga | Gray/white hair |
| 前髪 | maegami | Bangs/fringe |
| 毛先 | kesaki | Hair ends |
| 枝毛 | edage | Split ends |
| 地毛 | jige | Natural hair |
| ダメージ | damēji | Damaged hair |
Commonly Used Verbs
Here are some commonly used verbs that can help you understand what the stylist is saying during the service:
| Japanese | Rōmaji | English |
| 洗う | arau | Wash |
| 流す | nagasu | Rinse |
| 乾かす | kawakasu | Dry |
| 染める | someru | Dye |
| しみる | shimiru | Sting |
| 伸ばす | nobasu | Grow your hair |
Useful Expressions
Try these phrases to communicate your hair goals clearly:
- この写真のようにして下さい (Kono shashin no yō ni shite kudasai; “Please make my hair like this photo”)
- 明るくしたいです (Akaruku shitaidesu; “I want a lighter/brighter color”)
- 髪伸ばしてます (Kami nobashitemasu; “I’m growing my hair out”)
- どのくらい時間がかかりますか？ (Dono kurai jikan ga kakarimasu ka?; “How long will it take?”)
- スタイリングしやすいカットにできますか？ (Sutairingu shiyasui katto ni dekimasu ka?; “Can you cut it in a way that’s easy to style?”)
- ダメージが少ないカラーはありますか？ (Damēji ga sukunai karā wa arimasu ka?; “Is there a hair color option that causes less damage?”)
- 量を減らしてもらえますか？ (Ryō o herashite moraemasu ka?; “Can you thin out my hair?”)
- トリートメントを追加できますか？ (Torītomento o tsuika dekimasu ka?; “Can I add a hair treatment?”)
Questions Stylists Usually Ask
Be prepared to answer some of these common salon questions:
- トイレは大丈夫ですか (Toire wa daijōbu desu ka?; “Would you like to use the restroom?”)
- 長さはどうしますか (Nagasa wa dō shimasu ka?; “What length do you want?”)
- どのくらい切りますか (Dono kurai kirimasu ka?; “How much would you like to cut?”)
- 前髪はどうしますか (Maegami wa dō shimasu ka?; “What would you like to do with your bangs?”)
- 仕上げはどうしますか (Shiage wa dō shimasu ka?; “How would you like me to finish/style your hair?”)
- セット剤はつけても大丈夫ですか (Setto-zai wa tsukete mo daijōbu desu ka?; “Is it okay if I apply some styling product?”)
- 染みたり、かゆくなったりしませんか (Shimitari, kayuku nattari shimasen ka?; “Is it stinging or itching?”)
Donating Your Hair
© Photo by SavvyTokyoIf you plan to cut your very long hair short, you may be able to donate it to someone in need. You will need to ask your stylist in advance if you want to do this. Ask them this:
ヘアドネーションをしたいので、髪を結んで切ってもらえますか？(Hea donēshon o shitai node, kami o musunde kitte moraemasu ka?; “I want to donate my hair, so could you tie it up and cut it for me?”)
Some salons actually do the whole hair donation process for you. If you want to know more about donating your hair in Japan, see this article about the experience of donating hair in Tokyo.
Final Tips For A Smooth Salon Experience
© Photo by iStock: Yagi-Studio- Bring reference photos: Visuals help avoid miscommunication, especially when you’re not confident in explaining exactly what you want in Japanese.
- Know the cost beforehand: Prices can vary widely depending on the salon, so check the salon’s website before you book. You can find very cheap cuts starting from around ¥1,000. The mid-range price is around ¥3,500 and then it goes anywhere up to ¥10,000 for a cut with a top stylist or designer.
- Be prepared for extra services: Many salons offer complimentary head, neck, hand, arm or shoulder massages and drinks.
- Book in advance: Reservations are recommended, especially for popular salons. If you find a stylist you like, you will need to ask for their schedule specifically. You can do this on apps like Hot Pepper Beauty, too. The app is Japanese only but makes reserving with your favorite stylist very easy and also allows you to collect points each time you make a reservation.
With this guide, we hope you’re now ready to step into a Japanese hair salon with ease and confidence!
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