When you find a hair stylist that you're comfortable with, you follow that hair stylist wherever he or she goes. Sounds familiar? We all have gone through hair stylists that have cut our hair too short or styled our hair in a manner that were not happy with. But when others compliment your hairstyle and you feel good how you look, thank your hair stylist. My go-to hair stylist has been Hair by Nora for the past 12 years. After graduating from Trendsetters Beauty College in 1979 in hair styling and hair design, Nora Kawakami started working at Noriko's Beauty Salon in 1980 as a shampoo girl and soon afterwards, a hair stylist. Nora left Noriko's to open her own self-employed hair styling business in 2009. With the help of family and friends, she set up her business at her home, renovating her car garage into a beauty salon. She worked long hours, 10 hours per day, to establish her business. She did haircuts, hair styling, coloring, highlights, perms, and eyebrow shaping for individuals, as well as for proms, weddings, and special celebrations. She worked alone, without any employees. Nora is now semi-retired, working limited hours, only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8a to 12noon. She accepts referrals only and does not take any walk-ins. She no longer does proms, weddings, and celebrations. I first went to Noriko's about 2008 to have my hair styled with another hair stylist, following my co-workers who were going there on a regular basis. After Nora had started her own business, I decided to go to Nora for hair styling in 2009 and have been with her ever since. I feel very comfortable with Nora, as she knows my hair and is creative enough to try different styles, knowing my likes and dislikes. She is a proponent of taking care of your hair so that your hair is healthy. And her goal is to make her customers feel comfortable with her and physically transforming them outwardly, which then turns to inward transformation that bring confidence to them. She feels very rewarded if she is able to do this with her hair styling skills. I've found Nora to be very personable, friendly, and always smiling. She's a good listener and tries to accommodate you with your hair ideas, and yet will tell you otherwise based on her expertise in hair styling skills. She is passionate about her job and wants the very best for you. Her cuts are precise, as she finds a style that is a good fit for you. While you may bring in a picture of a hairstyle, she also considers your hair texture, color, lifestyle, and if the style properly frames your face structure; and if she doesn't think it will work, she will tell you so. She has a good eye as to what looks appealing to you and is passionate to have you gain confidence by having the right style. Love to see her clients' "before" and "after" photos. Nora is adept in scheduling her clients, as she's able to work on other clients at the same time, e.g., while you're waiting for your color to set, she'll be cutting another person's hair. Her timing works well, as I've never had to wait for any long periods of time when she is working on someone else. She does a thorough job shampooing and conditioning your hair, even including a nice neck and scalp massage to get all those stressed kinks out. Her clients are one big happy family, as she will introduce one client to another if both of you are there at the same time. Great way to meet new people! And you'll be sure to meet her mom and husband. And one of the benefits of working out of your home is that her two cute dogs are in a little fenced area by her side. Nice that they're partly outdoors and how they love to see Nora's clients come and go. Nora has cosmetics (she has a good mascara) and shampoo items that she believes in if you're interested in buying, but she will not push for you to buy them. In fact, she won't even mention them unless you ask about them. Covid restrictions were adhered to, as she required everyone to use the hand sanitizer that she provided when they arrived, wear face masks the entire time you were there, and have social distancing with chairs strategically placed while you were waiting. Nora's home is in Pauoa Valley, where she grew up. Free street parking is available in this residential area, as well as her concrete slab fronting her garage. One of the reasons why I love going to her is that I also grew up in Pauoa Valley, and that her business is straight up on the same street as my childhood home. Although I didn't know her in my younger days, we have mutual friends who grew up in the area and went to the same schools. Brings back a lot of good memories when I pass by my childhood home, homes of childhood friends, Booth Park where we used to play, and Pauoa Elementary and Kawananakoa Intermediate schools that I attended. I always look forward to my visits at Hair by Nora every six weeks. As she nears her retirement, I will surely be in a quandary as to who will take her place. read more

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My family has gone to Nora for years....she cuts my dad's hair, my sister's hair, my mom's hair, my grandmother's hair, and my hair....there are others in the family that got o Nora, but the list would be too long. She was previously working at a salon off of school street and ventured out to start her own business...thanksfully, she is located in Pauoa Valley, which is centralized and off the main traffic routes. Her salon is actually in her garage, which seems weird at first, but makes total sense. She has a pretty full service salon and does an amazing job with men's and women's hair cuts. I enjoy growing my hair out and then donating it. It's fun and has a good use for my hair. My hair was just above my butt and yesterday I went to vist Nora and asked her to cut it all off. She made sure my ponytail was tight and actually let my husband do the "chopping" 16 inches....gone. I was able to talk with her about styles and what I was thinking, and for the first time since I was 5 years old, I have bangs. She did my hair so nicely, and the best part is...it self styles and I don't have to do anything other than wash and conditioner. I move my bangs forward and the rest of the really short cut falls into place, no product needed....I hear from my friend (who is much more stylish than me) that it is a sign of a superior cut. :) Nora also does hair styling. She did my hair for my wedding....and all my bridal party. She was fast and our hair looked great. My sister preferred to have her hair half-up and that looked amazing too. She let my make-up artist come and work in her garage too so we could do it all in one location. So great! I'm so grateful to have someone who can help me through my major "hair-moods" in my life. A haircut doesn't seem like much to some people, but I have to wear it on my head every day. read more

Nora by far is the best hair stylist I've ever had. My hair is really thin and fine with a high hair line in the back and she's the only that can cut my hair short perfectly. I love her, she's the best. Go see her if you want a great hair cut every time. read more

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Nora is amazing and wonderful. I've been looking for a perfect cut, and she did it. She gave me a perfect cut exactly what I wanted. I was so thrilled and happy when she was done. It made me feel like a new person. Thank you so much Nora. I can't wait to see you again read more

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Just had my hair done. Always a happy camper when done and makes me look beautiful. No matter what my hair looks like she knows exactly the color I like and the style that matches my face. Such an awesome hairstylist! read more

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Nora does my mom, aunties, friends and brother's hair. They all have been to her place several times. Their hair looks great. What did I have to lose? So, I called Nora. She returned my call and my appointment was set. She is friendly, open to doing what you prefer and fast. Nora shampooed my hair, colored and styled it. She is so affordable. I am pleased. I brought my own henna as I have an allergic reaction to certain brands. We discussed the process and we got started. I paid $40. It was worth every dollar! It was embarrassing that I forgot my checkbook. So, I had only forty (no tip)! She was gracious and did not make me feel bad. Keep in mind to bring cash! She does take checks too. Her dog, Snowball and family made me feel at home. Thanks! Thank you, Nora! read more

I am over joyed with the highlights that Nora did for me today! My goal was to blend my gray so,that I wouldn't have to color every two weeks and she gave me a fresh fantastic look. Thank you Nora read more

I get complimented all the time on a great hair cut, everyone wants to know who cuts my hair? Nora works her magic and can take off 10 - 20 years!! Yes she can make 40s the new 20s. I will not go to anyone else, customer for life. Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes read more

Nora has been doing my hair for 13 years and I'll never go to anyone else. She makes you comfortable with her skill and her gentle demeanor, and for a man getting his hair cut, that is a big plus. She can do any style you want - bring a pic of what you want done, and watch her do her magic. Her doggie Snowball is always close by, and customers love him! In addition to a great haircut, she offers a very family-like experience, and customers love the conversation and atmosphere of being in a hair salon/barber shop that is a genuine throwback to the days of our youth. On any given day, you might hear music - guitar, piano, ukulele, singing, or sports talk, current events updates and golf jabber! Hair by Nora is so much more than a place to get sheared... It's a place to make new friends, see old friends, share stories, laughs, tears and memories, and walk out looking and feeling great. Oh, and the prices are more than reasonable. Yep, I'm her husband, but I'm also a customer, and though this may be a tad biased, it's all still true! Please come and check us out! We're human and pet friendly and can make special accommodations when needed. We're wheelchair accessible and if you're a football fan, I hope I'm there when you visit so we can talk sports! Give us a try! You'll never go anywhere else! read more

Hair By Nora - Hair Stylists Near Me

Thank you for a wonderful first experience! I feel so much better now that my hair got cut and styled by Nora! Definitely made a new friend and will be coming back soon! read more

Nora should be a saleswoman because she has the best listening skills. Always listens to the color I want, the haircut, and highlights. Nora has been doing my hair for over 20+ years. Best hairdresser...and she has the best personality too! read more

Love my haircuts by Nora!! She listens and takes time to consult with her clients for the best result! Today I had an opportunity to witness a complete hair make over with another customer. The before & after photos are dramatic. When that customer left, she looked younger and happier! Nora's 30+ years of experience is so valuable! If you are looking for a new stylist, call Nora today! read more

Nora is one of the best hair stylist on Oahu!! I've been going to Nora's for more than 20 years and don't trust anyone else!