If you want the TLDR: I cannot recommend this place enough. THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO! 10/10!
If you want the details: I've got you covered.
Growing up, I always had to go get my haircut wherever my mom got hers. The haircuts usually were never the problem (we all make the mistake of getting a bowl-like hair cut, it's an inevitability growing up as an Asian girl). Instead, it was how I felt in the chair and when I left the place. That specific salon ALWAYS made me feel like I was making a mistake for asking for the haircut I wanted. I specifically remember being told something along the lines of: "you want bangs? no!! bangs are going to make your face look like a gnome. squashed."
And when I DID get the bangs, I loved them, but could feel the stare of auntie disappointment when we paid at the register. My mom liked the place, but as a kid who is struggling to find her identity and then not feeling like she is in a safe place to do so, and that could also help build that self-confidence - all of that was shut down.
Years after that, I just let my hair grow out. No trims. No salon. No problem! Eventually, though, I wanted to switch it up. However, I never really connected with the people at the salons, and so - I never really wanted to go. Again, it all came back to wanting that safe space that I felt comfortable in general and comfortable communicating my dreams with and could walk away confidently.
Cue April 2023. I had my first great experience with a hairstylist in Japan who took my hair goals seriously and I came back with beautiful orange hair. After a few months, the orange faded out and my roots were GROWN. BADLY. My hair NEEDED fresh life!
I am so THANKFUL for meeting Annalizay. We connected online and she asked me what my hair goals were. We met and in that first chair meet, I felt that I could connect with her. She was kind, thoughtful, and made sure I was comfortable. My biggest takeaway was that she really made me feel I could be in control of my own hair, away from judgment (the trauma of filipino aunites is REAL YA'LL). She asked what music I wanted to play because it was my session.
YOU GUYS. When I tell you that Heal Hair Studio is the place to be, I am SERIOUS! I've never felt so empowered to be able to communicate my wants and needs with someone who is full receptive and communicates just as clearly, kindly, and thoughtfully to what the process will look like / what the realistic goals will be. I've been working with Annalizay since around August 2023 up until now; I have not had any other hairstylists touching my hair but her since I found her!
Annalizay is not only talented in getting THE COLOR you are looking for, but she STRIVES to make sure you have the healthiest hair possible! I find her so easy to talk to, and I swear you will also fall in love with her talent, kindness, and work that you will continue to come back to this studio!
TRUST. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for that safe space to vocalize your hair dreams.
Check out my hair! I've had an amazing hair journey and been able to explore my identity, feeling safe to express it here at Heal Hair Salon.
I cannot WAIT to see how they grow!
(FYI, for those of you wondering about Pamela, she is JUST AS AMAZING! I haven't had her work on my hair personally, but she makes the space feel so welcoming and bright with its design and her personality. I've seen her clients BEAUTIFUL hair when she finishes their style when I have an appointment booked simultaneously with Annalizay.) read more