I like Japanese hairdressers as they know how to cut (East) Asian hair. After years of trying all branded (and non-branded) hairdressers -- Vidal Sassoon, Trevor Sorbie, Toni & Guy, Aveda, etc etc etc -- I've come to realise that caucasians simply do not know how to handle (East) Asian hair. No offence to any causasians out there who can -- perhaps I've not been fortunate enough to step foot in your salon.
I found 64 Blandford via a Yelp search, 'Japanese hairdressers', as I was in dire need of a haircut and decided that Friday evening, last minute, was the best time to get one. I called 64 Blandford expecting them to be fully booked but was happily surprised that they could give me an appointment within the hour.
I rocked up to the very plain salon. This is not a place one ought to patronise if 'ambience' is as- or more important than your haircut: the interiors of 64 Blandford are as imaginative as its name. (If this doesn't make sense, see address above.)
I was seated. Then I waited. For quite a long time. I was in no rush, however. Being in hair salons are the rare occasions when I get to read trashy magazines. I therefore did not mind the delay. Eventually, my stylist turned up. We discussed (in detail) what I wanted done then she led me over to the washing station for a good ol' thorough hair wash. None of this namby-pamby fairy fingered rubbing. This was a proper 'head-on-fire' full-on scalp scrub followed by a massage and hot towel wrap for relaxation. Brilliant.
The cut was exactly as I asked and I was given the option of what kind of styling I'd prefer. It was all done to perfection.
When it came to payment, £42. That is cheap and -- get this -- my stylist, in true Japanese custom where service is rendered with 'no-strings-attached' , refused to accept my tip. Then she proceeded to give me a bunch of discount vouchers for future visits.
Love this place. read more