While getting around Japan is usually pretty easy, finding English-speaking services can sometimes be a challenge. This is particularly true for hair and nail salons. Because being able to describe the service you want typically requires more than basic Japanese, finding a salon where English is spoken is crucial.
While other cities have trendy salons, Tokyo is Japan’s largest city (and its fashion mecca), so most English-speaking locations can be found there. So whether you need a touch up before a meeting or just like to be pampered, here are the top 10 English-speaking hair and nail salons in Tokyo (and some offer massage, make up and eyebrow services too):
HAIR SALONS (listed by location):
Azabu-Juban
Gold Salon Tokyo – Owned and operated by an Aussie with extensive experience. Very trendy spot in the Azabu-Juban area of Tokyo offering the latest styles. (Address: 4-1-9, 6th Floor, Azabu-Juban, Minato, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
One World – Trendy hair salon in the Minato area of Tokyo. All staff speaks English, and have extensive training and international styling experience. Also offers scalp massage. (Address: DKNS Building, 4th floor; 2-8-3 Azabujuban, Minato, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
Roppongi
Hayato – Located in the upscale area of Roppongi, Tokyo. Staff are all proficient in English and trained in New York City. (Address: 206 The Roppongi Tokyo Plaza, 3-7-1 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
Shinka – Popular hair salon owned by an Aussie whose staff style for Japanese magazine photo shoots. Shinka also offers make-up, scalp treatments/massage and eyebrow shaping services. Located in trendy Roppongi. (Address: 2nd floor of Roppongi Five Building, 5-18-20 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
Shibuya
Bulb – Trendy salon in Shibuya, Tokyo. One of their most popular stylists, Soeda, did hair in New York City. The salon also does make-up. (Address: 8-7 2nd Floor, Daikanyama, Shibuya, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
Sin Den – Stylists offer services in English, Italian and Japanese, and are renowned for doing celebrity hair. This trendy and popular spot also does nails and make-up. (Address: 3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
NAIL SALONS (listed by location):
Aoyama
Jacqueline Burchell – While English-speaking staff only work certain days of the week, the service is always excellent at this high-end spot. The salon has an extensive menu with the latest options in nail art. (Address: Aoyama Residence 202, 3-8-3 Kita Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
Ginza & Omotesando
Tricia – Luxury nail and pedicure salon with 2 locations in the posh Ginza and Omotesando areas of Tokyo. (Ginza address: 3-Chome, Kita-Aoyama, Minato, Toyko; Omotesando address: 8-19 6-Chome, Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo; both require appointments.)
Roppongi
Joli Nails – This famous spot has won awards and international competitions for nail design. As a bonus, this chic Roppongi Hills nail salon also offers hair styling services by international stylists from Massato Paris (Address: Roppongi Keyakizaka Street Residence, Floor B3, 6-12-2 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo; requires appointment).
Shibuya
Espoir – Offers a wide array of nail services in a luxury setting. Located in the highly fashionable area of Shibuya, Tokyo. The salon also offers pedicures, eyelash and eyebrow services. (Address: Success Shibuya Building 2nd floor, 1-10-6 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo; requires appointment.)
Information and Appointments.
So if you’re looking to be pampered with the excellent customer service Japan is renowned for and want a day (or more!) to relax while traveling, or if you just want to experience Japan’s fashion scene, visiting one of the top 10 hair and nail salons in Tokyo is a great way to do it all.
For more information on the salons and to make appointments, go to:
Hair Salons: Bulb , Gold Salon , Hayato , One World , Shinka , Sin Den
Nail Salons: Espoir , Jacqueline Burchell , Joli Nails , Tricia
Sources: Bulb , Gold Salon , Hayato , One World , Shinka , Sin Den , Espoir , Jacqueline Burchell , Joli Nails , Tricia
Images: Top , 1 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7