Lily's Nail Spa & Hair Salon | across from the mountain side of Ala Moana Shopping Center, left of…read moreBank of Hawaii | Island of Oahu
It's been a year, and it was time!
About a year ago, I decided to trim my own hair. Let's just say... it didn't go well. The haircut was so bad that I lived with it for an entire year before finally deciding it was time to let a professional fix it. The funniest part? I even took that haircut with me on a trip to New York City... and believe it or not, no one in New York City even sneered! Teeheehee
I honestly think providence brought me here.
On my way to Ala Moana Center, I happened to notice Lily's Hair Salon and thought, "That's interesting. I've never noticed that place before."
Just before that, I had called Macy's to make an appointment at their salon. The phone rang, but then a recording said the number was no longer in service. Since I just couldn't believe it, I went looking for the salon anyway and discovered it had actually closed during the pandemic. That discovery sure earned a surprised panda face!
So, believe it or not, I made my way back to Lily's.
When I first walked in, the woman at the front desk told me their hairstylist was busy and suggested I try the salon upstairs. I did, only to find they were closed. I came back downstairs and told her I didn't mind waiting about 20 minutes.
While I waited, I happily took advantage of their massage chair. After physical therapy, that massage chair felt wonderful.
Before long, Min Hee was ready for me.
What I appreciated most was that she listened.
The first thing she did after I sat down was start with an assessment and ask me what I wanted trimmed. She never once tried to convince me to cut my hair much shorter than I was comfortable with. I showed her how I like to clip my hair up while still having enough length for a little dangling ponytail, and we agreed to preserve that length while cleaning up the overall shape.
She then trimmed the ends to the length I wanted, washed my hair, took another careful look at it, cut the rest, and finished with a blow dry so she could see exactly how it naturally lies. I look like Jules Y. again! LOL
Now I have bangs again, my haircut is even and balanced, and my hair finally looks polished instead of like the DIY haircut I'd been trying to live with for the past year. My hair frames my face much more naturally now, the ends are clean and even, and everything blends together the way I like it.
My haircut was $65. There is a $2 fee if you pay by credit card.
Parking was easy, with six free stalls right in front of the salon.
The salon itself isn't fancy, but it's clean, comfortable, and more than good enough. As you face the inside of the salon, the restroom is on the left in the back, where you'll also find complimentary water and snacks.
Min Hee is the salon's full-time hairstylist and also provides nail services. There are two additional hairstylists who work part-time on their own schedules.
Everyone I interacted with was pleasant, courteous, and genuinely helpful. They all seem to know who their customers are, so you won't get asked, "Why are you wanting to use our restroom?" That may sound like a small thing, but it contributes to the welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in.
Thank you, Min Hee, for giving me such a great haircut and a wonderful experience. I'm very happy to have found your salon on the very day I decided it was finally time to have my hair professionally cut.
