I've easily been coming here for easily over 8 years now, I began getting the Japanese Keratin Hair Straightening with Yoshimi in high school and the results have never failed. I have very thick, long, curly hair that I simply don't have time to manage on a daily basis and this treatment has easily lasted me 8 months or longer after each session!! After Yoshimi's leave, Ikuo took over and he's the only person I've seen for two years now, still PERFECT. He's very attentive and kind, and does not take a single step without consulting. Even after years of doing this treatment once my growth comes my curl pattern remains unchanged, still healthy, shiny, thick, and curly. Highly recommend Ikuo and the straightening treatment to anyone looking for excellent service and perfect results! read more

As much as I want to avoid writing a bad review for this hair salon and Ikuo, I feel I have to. I left the salon very disappointed, almost to the point of crying. I paid $90 for a haircut and shampoo, and I even had to style MY OWN Hair. Also, I believe Ikuo's expertise is more in men's hair than women's. The price list on their website as of July 3, 2026, is inaccurate. I guess Japanese hair salons in Orange County are a scam compared to Japan. I will not recommend this salon to my friends and family. Sorry. read more

East-West Hair - I mentioned to Ikuo that the price on the website is $75 but he insisted that it was $85. - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Got in fast thru the website I found on yelp, desperately needing a haircut after I dyed my own hair and my ends were the WRONG color!!! I literally just told my girl I wanted a bob with choppy layers in the back and a little bangs trim. She was very nice and wasn't mad that I showed up with completely wet, freshly washed hair (from dying it myself immediately before my appointment) and made sure to ask me all the important questions before cutting my hair. She was like "just making sure because I can't put it back once I cut it" hahah! And then I fell asleep in the chair and when I woke up, she was blowdrying it and doing the last little touch up snips and i absolutely loved it it only took like half an hour and she was so gentle I could barely feel her touching my hair! I told her I was giving a speech that night and she was saving my life, because I could not stand at a podium looking like Elmo and Angelica from rugrats had a baby I got soooo many compliments and the whole night went so smooth, I made the best impression because I felt %100 confident in myself I'll definitely be coming back to her. I didn't catch her name but she had blue dip-dyed hair and she was also working the desk/phone when I got there. And idk if it was just me but it was pretty warm in there for some reason so don't were anything that'll make you feel hot that's my ONLY complaint! read more

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Ikuo is fantastic! Only in the last few years have I started coloring my hair. The products previous stylists looked fine on my hair but left my scalp itchy. As for the cut, I haven't had 100% confidence in a long time that I'll get what I've asked for. But with Ikuo, his method and eye for managing thick, coarse Asian hair always comes out great. The products are gentle and effective. When he colors your hair, even your ears have little showear caps (see what I did there?) to protect them. The salon is super clean without smelling like harsh cleaners. The rinse bowls have some kind of cushion for the neck that makes it comfortable, and the chairs are adjustable to elevate your legs so your back isn't straining. Other small touches that add to the good experience is shaping a small towel around your hairline as you're rinsed to prevent water splashing all over your face. Even as the cut grows out, the style maintains. And the color lasts. Thanks, Ikuo! read more

East-West Hair - East West Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Ayumi is fast, professional and precise. Booking process was super easy and the quality of the haircut is exceptional for the price. Switching to this place for the foreseeable future read more

I have gotten my hair cut in Japan before, and I have always felt that Japanese stylists have a unique skill in cutting Asian hair. I am so happy to find this hidden gem in Costa Mesa and to have Yoshiko as my stylist :) She is professional, precise, and with an eye for detail that makes the cut look effortless yet perfectly styled. Yoshiko really understands how to shape and layer Asian hair so it looks natural and easy to manage. The salon itself is warm and chic. I highly recommend Yoshiko to anyone looking for an exceptional haircut experience! (Book ahead of time online or by phone as their schedule can get busy - appointments preferred) read more

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Ikuo is skilled in cutting hair precisely as requested. Did a short bob but might do a longer one next time. So hard to find cutters that have the skill for Asian hair; this place did not disappoint! I think they would do well with any kind of hair. Prices very reasonable for OC too which is an added bonus. read more

zero!!!! not even worth a 1 star !!! stay away from this place!!!! they cost an arm and a leg for nothing!!!! until now still suffering from my haircut which cost $72. i gave $80!!!! not worth it!!!!!never never never coming back!!!!!! read more

I used to try different salons ever since my stylist left a salon I frequented 10 years ago... Needless to say, I tried a salon in Ginza when I went to Japan recently and was blown away by the quality and service of Japanese hair salons - which led me to East-West Hair! I did thorough checks of reviews and products salons around the area used and decided that I would trust Ikuo-san's judgment and talent. (+) easy to make an appointment (+) super friendly staff (+) my hair feels so soft (+) my split ends are gone (+) Ikuo-san just knows what style matches me when I left it to him (+) super clean shop! And smells so nice too Overall, very impressed and happy with my treatment and hair cut! I'll be bringing my friends! 今日はありがとうございます、イクオさん！髪がふわふわします。笑　 また来ます！ read more

Got my hair done by Yoshiko, she really did an amazing job! Love how my hair looks. Definitely recommend!

Ikuo gives an amazing haircut, especially for Asian hair! The cut costs $50, plus I usually tip him $10. Look good, feel good!! read more

They are very polite and attentive, and the atmosphere is extremely relaxing. They are also very meticulous and careful when cutting your hair. read more

Followed Yoshiko here and I highly recommend her! She gets my haircuts exactly the way I want it and it's been so hard for me to find a hair stylist like her so I am very grateful! Overall, I think this is the few Japanese hair salons in OC and they do a great job. The salon is very clean, beautifully designed but not too big. I think the hair washing is my favorite because you get a robe, blanket, a little eye mask and a small head massage. Great location too since it's right next to Mitsuwa, and a very yummy pizza spot owned by a Michelin guided chef. They deserve all the support! read more

Was good for the most part, hairstylist was friendly. Had some black dye still in my hair that the bleach wouldnt lift and the hairstylist did not want to dye the color i wanted because if that issue. took lots of convincing and pleading. My hair was cut a little shorter than preferred, but it can all grow back, just a little sad. was worth it, hair looks and feels really nice but was a very expensive. if you have the budget and know what you want this place is for you read more

I am very anal when it comes to getting a hair cut, I have been thinking of getting a blunt bob cut for a while (french bob if you will) my usual hairdresser happened to be on vacation so I had to get on the hunt for another that I could potentially trust with my hair. I came across East West Hair, which I never known of before even though it's been around for decades. It's literally right by Mitsuwa. Also their a Japanese hair salon so I felt a bit better to dig deeper here. As I am researching on all the hair dressers names I really couldn't decide who I want to get my hair cut from, I decided on Naomi as time was ticking and I needed one sooner than later. I walked into the salon, the vibe is super chill, simple but modern. and Naomi was so sweet. We had some great conversations as well, she's not super talkative, it was just the right amount of conversations. So the most important part came, she now told me about why she doesn't recommend hair go any shorter then what we decided on due to the hairline in the back I will need to worry about shaving it from time to time. And then she also mentions how my hair grows more and thicker in the back, so she asked to layer just a little to keep it in tact. All I can say is, she's very good at what she does, and after this I definitely want to come back to her for the upkeep of this hair style that I never knew it screams me. read more

East-West Hair - after Naomi cut my hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Hair dresser was very kind! The location is also very clean. However, I think the haircut I got was wayyyy overpriced and did not satisfy what I had asked for. I had medium/long hair and asked for a butterfly cut. I did not get any layers and only a small change was made to give me somewhat of a layered curtain bang. Pretty disappointing as the total price was $75+tip :/ I thought that for the price I had paid, it would include at least a hair wash but that was going to cost extra! No hate to the hairdressers at all and I think they have a fine business going on. But the cost to service deterred me from wanting to return again. read more

Mutsumi did a great job on my boyfriend's hair! She was honest, efficient, and informative.

The haircut and dye quality are excellent. After searching for a skilled hairstylist, I discovered Yoshiko, and she has been consistently wonderful. Have been coming here since. read more

very good hair cut five star. Everybody should try . Always best fit for everyone . Please

I had an hair cut with a lady and she did an amazing job without even needing to explain her much... this place gonna be my go to haircut place... thanks read more

This review is specifically for Yuki! I met her over two years ago at her previous salon and I followed her here to this salon. Yuki is so nice, considerate, and always makes sure that the haircut is exactly what I want. She thoroughly washes the hair, gives a scalp, neck, and shoulder massage, then proceeds to the haircut. Afterwards, she will blow dry and style. Her prices are very reasonable (especially because I have thick, heavy hair). Yuki is so personable and has great memory (she'll remember details about my personal life and ask how my family is doing). She takes her time and always delivers. Yuki, thank you for always taking care of my hair! read more

Nice and clean. Good haircut. Fast and efficient. Would definitely recommend. I came at my appointment time and was done in 30 min. Good service and friendly staff. read more

I had a fantastic haircut with Mutsumi and was impressed by her quality and skill. A very nice and calming atmosphere as well.

I've been coming here since college. Ikou is my to go hair stylist. He's very good at what he does and listens to what you want. Price is very affordable, considered that you are getting all Japanese treatment. Highly recommended read more

East-West Hair - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Had a great experience at East-West Hair! The hair stylist (I forgot her name) was very kind and helpful. She made sure that the haircut was what I wanted and was very cautious before cutting. I really appreciated this. The price was also very decent and affordable, especially for a women's haircut. read more

Followed Yoshiko from previous salon. I am happy with her haircut and coloring technique!

Followed Yoshiko from her other salon and she is absolutely fantastic. She gave me the best haircut I've had. Thank you Yoshiko!

Im usually a food reviewer so bare with me but east west hair has breathed life back into my hair!!! Literally the BEST COLOR AND CUT OF MY ENTIRE LIFE AND YALL HAVE FOUND YOURSELF A LIFE TIME CUSTOMER!!! No one except for the lovely people at east-west hair will be allowed to touch my hair again!!! I have nothing but nice things to say :) read more

I been coming here since I was in college. Ikuo is awesome and always knows how to cut your hair especially if you're an asian guy. They recently remodeled and the salon looks super modern and welcoming. The best part of the haircut is the when Ikuo washes your hair! Always get the shampoo. read more

I didn't hate my hair but I don't necessarily like it. I got a 2007 Bieber cut. Not a huge fan. This after showing a picture of my hair and how I wanted. This was an actual picture of me. Anyways, ill live with it for a bit. Not thrilled though read more

I just went back for another haircut. I asked Kayo to give me more layers and she did. I'm happy with my haircut. Even though most people can't tell the difference saying it's still long and looks the same. As long as I know, that's all that matters. Plus I can see after a cut my hair becomes really wavy. Love it! Arigato, Kayo! Wanted to say Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto. Note: Kay will be on maternity leave from when she's due till July. But for sure she'll be back full time in September, probably part time in August or so. read more

East-West Hair - Kayo added layers to make my hair have more volume and my waves came back. - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Hygiene: 5/5 Stylist's technique: 5/5 Price: 5/5 Highly recommend Naomi! Full Review: I've been to this salon once before and the remodel has completely changed the energy of the salon. I love the minimalist design- it looks super organized. I came in for a basic trim and Naomi did an excellent job. Her overall technique was great but there was also an above and beyond level of care that she took throughout the entire appointment that made an incredible difference in the overall experience. It's hard to describe exactly, but if you've been to a few salons, you've probably come across cosmetologists who are sort of on auto-pilot the entire time. No shade to those kinds of cosmetologists BTW! My point is that Naomi felt very present the entire time and you could tell there was intention with every action. She was friendly, welcoming, and made some great product and haircare recommendations. I'm really satisfied with the results and will definitely be coming back to this salon. I paid about $50 (not including tip) and that included my hairwash cut, and styling. In my opinion, pretty good value compared to other salons in Costa Mesa. read more

I love Mitsuwa market and needed to get my hair done so I looked up salons nearby and East-West popped up. It's located in the strip mall just in front of Mitsuwa off Paularino and Bristol by the 405 fwy. and down the way from 7-11. I needed to cover my grays and to cut off the dead-ends. My appointment was at 5 I believe and Yoshimi was my stylist. I wasn't feeling well that day so my hair was a mess (it's thin, curly, and at the time dry and coarse). Yoshimi washed my hair first, then cut it, then colored it. The process took two hours which was a long time considering I don't have that much hair (a little past my shoulders but not thick), so when it came down to the final style look I told her I just wanted it to be curly since I was tired and wanted to leave and curly is my natural hair type. Well, she turned off her flat iron (she must have thought I wanted it straight)and attempted to put some sort of product in, but it was a fail. She tried scrunching my air dried hair and pushing it forward but it just looked like a nappy mess. She didn't know how to style it and I was too tired to complain, but she charged me $95 for a touch up to my roots, two inches off my hair, layers and a frizzball hairdo at the end. Overall Yoshimi's a nice lady and for $20 less ($10 off for the frizzball and I normally pay $85 at other salons for my hair) I would've given a fourth star. Later that week I blow dried my hair straight and it looked amazing and it's never been that straight before. I'd definitely recommend her for haircuts and tell her you're in a rush for jobs that require haircolor and have her blow dry my hair straight next time. read more

I've been getting my hair cut and straightened here for many years. They did a wonderful job with their recent renovation of the salon. The place is modern and kept very clean. Ikuo does the best job! He's friendly, efficient, and knows what will work well. He listens to what his customers want. Best of all, prices are really good, especially for Japanese hair straightening. Make sure you make an appointment in advance, as Ikuo gets fully booked quickly. read more

It's been a while since my last visit but I wanted to put in a review. When I know I'm going to be in the area and have time, I make an appointment with Kayo for haircuts. She's very sweet and I like the way my hair looks after she cuts and styles it. I like the shampoo and conditioner they use. When I say I want a trim of a 1/2" (half an inch), she does that. Not like other places where 1/2" becomes 2 or 3 inches!!! You've experienced that at other places, haven't you? Well, it hasn't happened to me with Kayo. After the cut is finished, she gives me choices for styling, asks me my preference and I end up looking and feeling great. I got compliments after my most recent cut. I should go back soon. On another note, there are both English and Japanese magazines available to read. Japanese isn't my second language, but I think I'll give the magazines a browse the next time around. I only thought about that now... read more

I didn't know it until the very end, but I got a perm from the infamous Kayo. I asked over the phone for whoever does the best perm, and I somehow landed the best. Although I initially wanted a digital perm, (which I had heard was the healthiest perm for your hair) Kayo did something much more basic. She trimmed my hair, then rolled my hair up in medium curlers half way up to my ears, and doused it with the perming liquid. She pushed my curlers up with a couple rolled up towels, in order to protect my face from the chemicals. She reexamined and doused again, rinsed, and doused for a total perming time of about one hour. I didn't do anytime under the heat lamps, just rollers and smelly chemical. Although her English is limited, Kayo will try to chat with you and discuss your hair aspirations to the best of her ability. She will look at your face shape, look at your hair type, and really give you a frank consultation before she starts. She doesn't rush to cut, but takes her time to make sure the customer is comfortable and fully informed. Although I wanted tighter curls, I'm extremely happy with the result. Because my hair is so resistant to curl, Kayo told me my waves would be bigger than some more product-loving hair. Almost a month later, my hair is still wavy, but much more voluminous than before my perm. It has a lot more bounce and shape than before, but still healthy and shiny. It's also super easy to maintain. I get out of the shower and let it air dry. Jennifer Aniston has nothing on my California waves. read more

East-West Hair - Perm after 2 months (air dry and scrunch with a bit of pomade) - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I had the sudden urge to chop off my hair last week and I decided, why not a bold pixie cut like Ginnifer Goodwin's! I've always loved short hair, but I wanted to try something really different like a pixie cut and I love Ginnifer's style. It was rather last minute so I couldn't find some other Japanese salon with openings today until I called East West Hair. I was able to make an appointment same day for both me and my bf (30 minutes right after I made the phone call, haha). I was super excited, but also anxious to get a haircut so short! The salon is located in an unassuming plaza right next to Mitsuwa. It doesn't look as fancy as some other Japanese salons, but it's still pretty nice and clean. The staff are all Japanese, but their English is decent enough to communicate and have a conversation with. My stylist for the day was Tomo. I showed him pictures of Ginnifer Goodwin and Anne Hathaway's short haircuts and off to work he went. I have to say, even though I arrived a little late for my appointment, Tomo was so quick that he finished my haircut within the hour. But more importantly, I was sooooo happy with how my hair turned out! My bf said my hair looked exactly like the pictures and I agree that Tomo did an excellent job. He seemed very skillfull and detail-oriented the whole time he was working on our hair. My boyfriend also got a haircut from Tomo which came out well and even faster, although my bf and I both agree Tomo did a more impressive job on my hair, haha. Female prices range from $35-45 depending on hair length. My cut was $45 because my hair was long while my bf's cut was $30 (male prices range from $30-$40), not including tip. I'm just super ecstatic about my haircut and have been raving about it to friends all day. I know where I'm going the next time I want a haircut! P.S. Cash only. read more

East-West Hair - Short haircut by Tomo! Was going for Ginnifer Goodwin's pixie cut and Tomo delivered. I absolutely love it! =D - Hair Salons Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I was going to make an appointment with Kayo after reading all the great reviews here about her, but she didn't work on the day I wanted to make appointment on, so I made an appointment with Hiro instead. The salon is just like what others said, it's plain and not well decorated. I dont really care about it. Hiro speaks English well and tries to initate conversations. What I don't like about it is that she kept pushing me to do straight perm with her and push me to buy her hair products. I have long and very naturally curly hair and had a striaght perm one or two years ago, and since then I use flat iron to manage the curly part. She kept emphasizing how bad job was my last straight perm and asked who did it, how much they charged it and I should do it with her next time. I got annoyed by this easily. The haircut I got from her is not bad but not good either. I would not make another appointment with her again, and will try Kayo next time for sure. read more

I was afraid to look yelp for this since I've been going a while (because I like it) and didn't want to look to find it being bashed. I always see Hiromi. I don't see why people said it's cash only...I guess it depends on who you get. Hiromi takes personal checks ^_^ Anyway...I usually get a cut and dye which ends up being $90. Hiro is friendly and nice; often I dread the conversations I feel obligated to have during such procedures, but I like seeing her. I like that she explains what she's doing and keeps records for her customers so she knows what she's done before. I've bought some leave in conditioner and hair wax she recommended that I liked. Oh, another thing: I came here because I wanted Asians who knew about Asian hair to help me with mine. I saw a blonde Caucasian with rather thin hair come in and tell a guy she wanted ringlets with her updo, and that her hair doesn't really hold curl. He fussed with it for a long time, and it didn't work. She got upset with him and ended up leaving, no charge, of course. But be careful if you want something like that because the communication IS a problem if you're not careful who you get, and if you're pressed for time, etc. like that lady was you'll probably end up like her (upset and disappointed). read more

Kayo cut my hair and I love her. I came here looking for a perm. You know, the need to totally reinvent myself (mid20 crisis anyone? Why yes, I am spoiled). I have waist length pin straight hair, never been styled before. I got a really nice perm and trim for only 108!!! Not only is that cheap, my hair three months later STILL looks amazing. Everyone comments on how lovely my waves are. When I came in here, I told them I knew nothing at all about hair. I wanted curls, but Kayo told me straight up that it wasn't possible, and instead showed me pictures of what a perm would look like. They didn't try to rip me off or make me buy anything... in fact, when I asked Kayo on recommendations for hair products, she didn't try to sell me anything! She told me to go to the store and to find what product worked the best for my own hair, because her hair and mine could be different and she didn't want to recommend something that might not work for me. I have found my new hair salon. After all, every sophisticate needs her own hair stylist, no? (haha) The only thing I must mention is that English is their second language (for almost everyone), so it's easier to make appointments and talk about things in real life. read more