Top Tokyo hair salons

Twiggy Your Sanctuary

Founded by Miho Matsuura, famous for styling model and ‘Wolverine’ star Tao Okamoto’s 2009 bowl cut, the salon was recently nominated by ‘Harper’s Bazaar’ as one of the Best Salons in the World 2014. Taking a lifestyle approach to beauty, the salon offers personalised services with a contemporary edge. Hair colourists are also on hand, offering a variety of techniques and the latest colours.
Best for Catwalk-ready hair.
The vibe Stylish pampering sanctuary.
The specialism Perfect finish on every visit.
The extras Head-to-toe treatments for hair, make-up and nails, as well as a juice bar, personal training sessions, head spa, reflexology and facial/body treatments. You can also have the salon experience at home by picking up original organic products from their own range, Yumedreaming Epicurean, available in stores. We highly recommend the Hair Tonic, which cools the scalp and helps improve the roots.
Key looks for A/W 14/15 Black or dark-coloured hairstyles with lots of layers or the ’90s layered bob.
Cost Cut from ¥7,000.
For reservation Via phone or email.
Contact 3-35-7-001 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku (Gaienmae Station). 03 6413 1590. www.twiggy.co.jp

Bloc

Hiding in the backstreets of Shibuya, this three-storey salon features different themes on each floor. As for clientele, you’ll be mixing with street-style icons and models who visit regularly to maintain their trendy tresses. The hairstylists are fearsomely fashionable but also friendly and cater to different hair types.
Best for Colour and cool cuts.
The vibe Like an artist’s studio with mirrors instead of canvases.
The specialism On-trend looks you’ll want to show off around Shibuya and Harajuku.
The extras Extensions and original hair-care range Denphalae, which consists of no-rinse treatments, super-hard wax, silicone-free shampoo and treatment made of collagen, hyaluronic acid and ceramide.
Key looks for A/W 14/15 Inventive hair-colouring mixing highlights and ombre techniques.
Cost Colour from ¥7,500.
For reservation Via phone.
Contact 1-5-19 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku (Shibuya Station). 03-5784-3228. bloc.co.jp

Ridicule

A mixed-cultural space influenced by La Ruche (‘The Beehive’), an artist’s residence in Paris, and beehive hexagonal motifs. Traditional Japanese references are also seen in the shoji-like screens and retro furnishings. The owner lived in Paris for many years and has worked with various artists and celebrities including Jane Birkin.
Best for Effortless chic and perfectionist finishing.
The vibe Secret, speakeasy-style house.
The specialism Helping to enhance your natural beauty with eco-friendly products.
The extras Head spa, make-up, cute charms and accessories.
Key looks for A/W 14/15 Whatever you want them to be – they encourage you to guide them in styling your hair how you like it. (Take along a photo as their English is limited.)
Cost Cut from ¥6,000.
For reservation If you’re contacting them in English, then email them via www.facebook.com/salonRidicule or the enquiry form at ridicule.jp.
Contact 3-31-13 Jingumae, Shibuya (Harajuku Station). 03-3478-7332. ridicule.jp

Shiseido the Ginza

Always up to date with the latest trends and techniques, the salon makes full use of beauty giant Shiseido’s quality products and expertise so as to cater to all needs. Based on the concept of ‘the place to find the undiscovered you’, they offer a variety of extra services, not to mention some of the best skincare and cosmetics we’ve had the pleasure of trying. English and Chinese-speaking staff are available at the Beauty Marché.
Best for Updos and beauty expertise.
The vibe Polished, chic and mega-sized hair.
The specialism The Beauty Boost Bar offers chic hairstyling and make-up sessions by professional artists. Catering to different hair types, they carefully consider which products and blow-dry techniques to use for each customer.
The extras Cosmetics section (Beauty Marché), counselling beauty salon, beauty lessons (Personal Beauty Session), skin analysis (Bihada Lounge), photo sessions (Shiseido Photo Studio) and charged powder room (Dressing Table).
Key looks for A/W 14/15 Vivid lips, voluminous lashes and moderate-colour eyeshadow.
Cost Beauty Boost Bar from ¥4,000 (hairdo) and ¥5,000 (make-up).
For reservation Via phone.
Contact 7-8-10 Ginza, Chuo (Ginza Station). 03-3571-7735. stg.shiseido.co.jp

BARBERS FOR BOYS

Barber Shop Takeda

Never mind that it’s hidden far out in the western suburbs: Barber Shop Takeda is the salon of choice for discerning (and mostly bearded) Tokyoites looking for a close shave in distinctly old-school surroundings. On the other hand, if it’s one of those spiky anime hairstyles you want, go elsewhere – the cheerful Mr Takeda is all about keeping it real, from the techniques and banter down to the vintage tools he so skilfully utilises.

Order the ‘gentlemen’s regular’, and you’ll first be treated to a tender noggin wash. Then comes the haircut, which displays the best of Takeda’s craftsmanship: shaver use is kept at a minimum, with scissors instead employed even for the finest trimming. For the final touches, any extra hairs are taken out with a straight razor, resulting in a pleasant, smooth feel around the neck and ears. Any tension you might have felt is then blown away with an efficient shoulder massage.

Last up is the beard shave, which makes for a spa-level experience in itself: you’ll hardly feel the razor on your skin, but the result speaks for itself. Finally, the steaming hot towels used to warm your chin are simply addictive. After one visit to Takeda’s, going back to your neighbourhood barber will definitely feel like a letdown.
Cost Shampoo, head massage, cut and shaving set, ¥4,000.
Contact 2-31-16 Kikunodai, Chofu. 042 483 1145. barber1969.com
– Tried and tested by Ili Saarinen

Barbershop King

Located in the residential area near Setagaya Park, this barber takes a more casual approach to traditional haircuts and shaves. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2014, the store rocks a rockabilly vibe with motorbikes, pomade, bowling shirts and other retro influences.
Cost Cut-and-shave combo, from ¥4,800.
Contact 1-39-8 Shimouma, Setagaya. 03 3422 9951. www.barbershopking.com