Saw all the great reviews for Akiko on yelp so I went to her for a full head of highlights and a cut. She is extremely nice and you can tell that she loves what she does but I was a bit disappointed in that not only did she not get the color very close to my roots but I had extremely large un-colored spots on my head that she completely missed. Even my boyfriend (who doesn't ever notice much about my hair) pointed out blotches on my head. She was also far more expensive than anyone else I've ever gone to in DC and spent way less time on me which probably explains the roots and blotches =( I don't mind paying for a really good hair cut and color but I didn't find this experience worth it. read more

Akiko lives up to the hype. I recently moved to the area and I have to admit I was terrified of entering to the hunt for a good stylist, as sometimes that hunt can last for years before you find someone good. Akiko was my first choice after reading reviews online. Emailing her was easy, clear, and she responded within the same day and scheduled me in within the same week. Her space is really charming and comfortable! Although it was my first time getting my hair cut with her, I decided to take a risk and ask for straight bangs which was a dramatic change from the haircut I had. This is something I've tried to do many times in the past in other places and walked away unhappy with the results. Akiko really understands how to cut hair in a way that is flattering and suits your needs. I walked away from my haircut feeling like a million bucks. My boyfriend loves it, and is it just me or are people smiling at me more since getting this haircut? read more

For Japanese customers don't expect Japanese customer services. I was late for my appointment once I got there she acted as if she was too good to do my hair. Her attitude was that of a b*tch. I grabbed my things and left. I will never step foot into this shop again. I would suggest you look at another shop before picking this one. read more

Akiko's awesome. Super talented technically. And very friendly. I went in for a basic cut and she took time going through some options with me and was happy to answer my questions. There was no wait for my appointment and the location was great for me at 17th & U St. My haircut was $80 not including tip but I think it was worth it bc it was a great experience. I'm definitely going back. read more

Akiko has been cutting my hair for about four years now, and I can't recommend her strongly enough. Her salon is peaceful and well appointed. Her personality is sweet and charming. Her dog is adorable! Akiko listens to what you need and then provides a cut that brings out the full potential of your hair. She's a hair therapist! She starts with a wet cut to establish the length and then dries your hair for phase two, a dry cut for shape and style. She seen me through drastic chops and awkward growing out phases. She's a gem! read more

Akiko is great if you want to get a hair dye and/or haircut! I got my hair done back in November, and was really lazy to write a review. Now that it's July, my hair got long, and my hair color grown out beautifully. Def will go back when I want to get my color done again! read more

I live in Europe and it's hard to find hair stylists who know how to cut Asian hair well. I was visiting family in the DC area and was fortunate to find this wonderful salon. Akiko is the best! I had a so-so cut from a couple of weeks earlier and she made it look so much better. I'm definitely planning to come back the next time I'm in town. The salon is funky and comfortable with lots of cool and interesting knickknacks. read more

I Love getting haircuts from Akiko. She listens well and adapts hair styles to your face shape. My haircuts always grow out beautifully. I followed her from her old post and her new salon is the cutest! Love her dog Puddles, sweetest pup ever! read more

We love Akiko!!! My husband went to another stylist at her old Salon and once treated me to a haircut by her. It was so great - my hair has never looked better! Now that she has her own salon, we're never going to anyone else. She always delivers a great cut and is so easy to talk to! Next time, she's cutting both of our hair and dying my hair before our vacation - I'm so excited! Cannot recommend her enough. read more

Akiko is amazing. Its been a long time since i found a good hairstylist in DC to do my hair. I cant wait til i go back for color soon.

Akiko is the only hairdresser I trust! I went to her for 10+ years and every cut was different yet would grow out smoothly. She would always find styles that would make my hair miraculously cooperate. read more

Akiko has all the qualities of a great hairdresser. She loves what she does, is extremely skilled and knowledgeable about hair. I love the fact that I can go into her salon with an idea, ask for input and come out looking great! She's a top notch hairdresser! read more

I really can't believe I never reviewed her! I followed Akiko-san from Ozuki salon and been going to her for about 6+ years now. Before her, I have always had bad experiences with stylists but after I went to her, she really know what and how to do my hair. I have thick wavy hair with bangs and it is very difficult to give layers because it will be wavy but Akiko-san knew exactly what length to cut it without difficulties. She also taught me how to blow dry my hair to keep it straight and I completely threw away my flat iron 6 years ago because the blow drying technique really worked! Ask her for any advice and she will provide it for you with great service. She never tries to sell her products like pushy stylists but I do use her products because it smells so great and works wonders for my hair. You have to email her for appointments but its really simple and easy. She will get back to you quickly and she sometimes works overtime to provide for her services. So proud of you Akiko-san!! see you soon! read more

Akiko is the only one hair dresser working at the salon. They don't offer you a water or any soft beverage unless you ASK! Because she is only one person who does everything, you will feel everything in such rush way. The price is much more expensive than another Japanese salon, Ozuki, in DC. read more

Akiko is the best. She's been my stylist for years (at Ozuki before she opened her own spot). I love the new salon. The location cannot be beat. The decor is eclectic and cool. Her adorable pup Puddles is soft and friendly. But above all she is a great stylist. I have very thick hair with big curls (I've had my hair butchered in the past by clueless stylists) but Akiko knows how to cut it just right. read more

I can always count on Akiko for superb haircuts. She definitely have mad skills to transform your do to pretty much any style you're asking for. She's that talented of a hairstylist. read more

Base on the review, I made an appointment with Akiko, it turned out totally to be a bad experience. The hair cut was totally deviated from what I expected. In addition, Akiko was very mean to me from the minute I walked into her salon. I don't think it is a right attitude to a first time customer. She also got very offended when I told her I don't want my hair to be cut in a particular way. She showed no interest and no patient to cut my hair. It is totally not worth the money she charged. read more

Akiko always cuts my hair so that it looks great for several months. She also is expert at color and highlighting. She is highly skilled and artistic. My hair is very thick and unmanageable and it has been very hard for me to find a stylist who has the ability to cut my hair. I have been to many very expensive salons and have not found anyone as good as Akiko. She is also a very nice person and her salon has a wonderful, creative, soothing atmosphere. I highly recommend Kamiya-A! read more

As said by all the other reviewers, Akiko is incredibly friendly and talented. I've had my hair cut (different lengths/styles) and colored by her several times now, and each time I left a happy customer. She is great with Asian hair (hard to find in D.C.) and I haven't had my hair cut anywhere else since I've found her. In fact, several of my friends are also now regular clients of hers. Her studio is also super adorable and her dog, Lungo, will keep you company as she works on your hair! She's quick to respond to email requests for appointments, which I appreciate given that she is a one-woman business. read more

I have to share this gem... I adore Akiko. I never felt comfortable paying a fair amount for a haircut (she is reasonably priced and comparable to DC costs; ~$85 for a cut) because I had not found anyone before Akiko who I trusted with my hair! She does a fantastic job at listening to what I am looking for and makes recommendations based on what is flattering for my face and hair. She is exactly who I have been looking for for years. SHE JUST GETS IT. read more

this is one of those reviews that i dont want to write because i want to keep the place to myself but fair is fair. ive been going to akiko for my hair for about a year now, and her own, new place is cute and convenient. prices are about the same as ozuki. in the 10+ years since ive moved to the dc area, ive only regularly/repeatedly gone to a place in annandale (in my earlier years here) and akiko's (more recently). grab an onigiri at hana for a bite to eat as sustenance (in case youre getting a more time-consuming hair service) and pop by kamiya. say hi to puddles the dog (she's super awesome). read more

If you look up the definition of genius, it might come up Akiko! Showed her some pics, and she quickly ascertained the look I wanted. Then gave me the best runway mullet I ever got- better than my haircuts in Los Angeles. Highly recommend. Especially for the more out of the box hair styles. read more

I tried to make an appointment with Akiko before my engagement photo shooting. She was very very hard to reach out... She never answered her phone, and she even did't answer my email until I sent a second email mentioning that the appointment is for my engagement photo shooting. She finally responded but she did not try her best to give me a possible spot. The only spot she offered was very late in the evening before the photo shooting day. I told her that I need to get up at 4am, but she said that she can only give me a very late appointment the night before. She even said that she has to work late because of me... Our such discussion about giving me an appointment took place a month before the photo shooting! There were so many other days that she could squeeze me to a spot, but she didn't... Obviously I cannot do the time that she offered, thus I ended up taking photos without haircut. I didn't have experience with any other hair stylist and I didn't want to take the risk of trying a new one. I was her old and loyal client but she did not help... She might be a good hair stylist but she does not like to do a favor... even favor a favor to a loyal client's important day... I stopped seeing her since then. I am now very glad with my hairstylist Iku from Ozuki! He is really good! read more

I'm so glad that I found her here in DC! Very energetic and friendly lady who has great skills and runs a very welcoming shop. Will definitely go back again! read more

Perfect in every single way. Nice place, sweet puppy, and Kamiya herself is such a talented person. I went there with no idea of what kind of hair style I want and she quickly gave me her suggestion. I have thick Asian hair with natural wave which makes my hair a bit hard to manage. And Kamiya gave me a perfect cute Bob haircut in less than 35 minutes. I understand another reviewer found out it's not easy to reach out to her. All you need to do is plan ahead, send her emails, give some time to her and yourself. And you will find she is the best hair stylist you've ever met. read more

Alright, everyone says they're obsessed with this salon and it's owner, Akiko. They are 100% correct in saying so. I've been in D.C. for a little over three years and have been on the constant hunt for a stylist who knows just what to do with my hair. I'm half Filipino, and inherited my mother's thick, thick asian hair. If it isn't cut correctly, I end up looking like I have a fuzzy triangle attached to my head. I've tried plenty of places in D.C. and the surrounding neighborhoods (shoutout to Chaos salon in Bethesda--they're fantastic, but it's just too far from me to go on a regular basis!) but Akiko is by far the best hair stylist I have come across. I emailed her this week and got an appointment. She was quick to respond. Upon arriving, a woman was just leaving and she was so elated with her hair that I immediately felt like things were going to go well. Akiko listened to what I wanted (I had a poorly grown-out lob and wanted to get my long layers back) and promptly got started. Akiko took all the time necessary to make sure my layers were correct and just the way I wanted them. She managed to take the bulk out of my hair without making it too thin. I am absolutely in love with the way my hair looks and am certain I will be returning to Akiko when I next need a haircut. I woke up this morning and turned to my boyfriend and was like, "I. Woke. Up. Like. This." He agreed. I'm OCD about my hair--it's something I have to live with everyday! So, even though the price was a little high (completely normal by D.C. hair salon standards, however), I was totally willing to pay it. Oh, and Lungo, her dog, is probably the cutest dog in the world. He is so cuddly! Anyway, you will not regret going to Akiko, especially if you need something specific done with your hair. She's fantastic. read more

Kamiya-A is just one block from where I live which makes me feel incredibly lucky. It is a very relaxing salon. The lighting is not super bright like other salons. The music is always a nice mix of classical, jazz or something in between probably because I go in the morning. Akiko and her watchful but sweet dog make you feel right at home. Akiko is a expert stylist. She attentive and efficient. I think the person who said she is unprofessional does not realize that she is busy, and her communication via email is brief because she is a master of efficiency. She is running the salon single-handedly. I love supporting her wonderful one woman salon. read more

I recently chopped off hair that was almost at the booty for a short lob (long bob, it's all the rage now apparently)! For months, I had been in consternation, going back and forth whether I would end up looking like a little Chinese boy. A few years ago, I attempted a short cut and have been traumatized by the experience then. After perusing through the internets to no avail, a friend told me about Kami.ya and Akiko. The reviews on this page speak for itself, as Akiko is amazing. From the moment I stepped into the salon, Akiko made me feel so comfortable and most importantly, confident! I told her about the cut I was envisioning, and she was just as passionate about it as I was. While I usually sit in a salon chair feeling apprehensive, I was actually excited to see the results this time. The salon itself is absolutely stunning and has an edgy charm to it (lots of adorable Japanese figurines). Akiko did a lovely job on my cut and told me fascinating tidbits about her life. Following the cut, she showed me how to style it for the future and instructed me on how it would grow out. I absolutely love my new hair, and while Akiko is pricey, she's worth EVERY penny! read more

Akiko is simply fabulous! I've never left a salon so happy before! She's incredibly nice, interesting, and a very fine hair artist. She really knows her stuff and gave great advice to maintain your hair. Her salon was easy to find, clean, super fun space, and very peaceful. Honestly if given the opportunity id spend the whole day there to just hang around! Very, very impressed with akiko, she definitely just gained a lifelong client :) she answers emails quickly and is always accommodating. She runs the whole salon herself, and I was very impressed with how well it is run. also, the Japanese market a few doors down is an awesome place to stop by prior or after your hair appointment. read more

I went to Akiko on word of mouth from my most chic, stylish coworker and she did not steer me wrong! Akiko understood exactly what I wanted, what was possible with my hair texture, and what kind of haircut would work with my low-maintenance hairstyling ability at home. I am so pleased to have finally found a hairstylist I can trust completely with my hair. I already have a second appointment on the books. read more

Akiko is amazing! Very nice hair cut and color! Plus she has a very sweet dog that loves everyone! :)

Akiko is the best hairstylist I have ever been to. She is a genius when it comes to both coloring and cutting, and I will never go to another stylist besides her ever again. I come in to the salon with a specific idea of what I want my hair to look like, and she makes it happen. And it looks absolutely stellar every single time. I feel at ease in the luxurious and well designed salon. With only Akiko and her adorable dog Puddles there, the experience is tranquil and relaxing. I leave the salon looking and feeling like a million bucks. read more

I have been going to Akikio since I moved to DC from NYC 4years+ ago. I followed her when she worked in Ozuki and now her own salon. So happy for her success because she is awesome ... very professional, warm, creative and likes what she does. It shows in all the reviews. I get compliments all the time about my haircuts, both male and female. Sometimes people stop me to ask for my stylist. Akiko is that good! She always says that her clients are her models and the results and feedback are instantaneous. She clearly listens to your needs and understands your lifestyle to create a haircut just for you. Go visit her salon that comes w parking! You won't be disappointed. read more

Akiko has good taste in color. Try to make an appointment through email with her at least a week in advance.

Akiko is one of the best hair stylists in Washington DC. You can have the experience of a very good Japanese salon without traveling to Japan! She is stylish and meticulous. A bit pricy, but worth the experience - relaxed atmosphere without many people waiting and walking around. Can't wait to see her every 6 weeks or so. read more

I don't know what else to say but AMAZING! Akiko is absolutely wonderful at what she does. She is beautiful inside and out. She must be a hair whisperer because even when my hair grows out, it still looks great and grows out beautifully! Parking is pretty easy. She doesn't; overbook her clients so you'll never find it loud or crowded in there. Love this about the salon! read more