You know you need a haircut whenever you spot a pair of scissors (or two) and wonder what it'd be like to pick them up and just start snip, snip, snipping away. But since I don't have the best track record when it comes to cutting my own hair, I thought it best to make an appointment and make one quick before my appointment became a remedial course of action, rather than a simple cut.
As I perused Yelp trying to figure out the best hair salon for my needs, I found myself continually coming back to Hi-Lites Salon. If I had to be honest, I think the main reason for the choice was due to how close it was to home. However, I also appreciated the fact that their prices were affordable and their website gave prospective customers a glimpse at each of their stylists and what they specialize in. I ultimately chose Takuji for my appointment because with a profile that boasted twenty plus years of experience with clientele in Japan, L.A., and Hawai'i, I was definitely intrigued.
I arrived about ten minutes early to my appointment and was quickly checked-in by one of the staff members who' d been taking a break outside of the salon. She had checked my temperature and then let me know that I could take a seat and that Takuji would be with me shortly. Apparently, Takuji had been running a little late that morning, but fortunately for me, I had the day off, so had no issues at all. But the staff was very attentive while I waited, and even salon owner Jenne had come by to ask if I'd been checked-in and if I wanted a water while I waited. Takuji himself had even stopped by a couple times to check on me and to apologize for the wait. And before I knew it, it was my turn in the chair.
I liked the fact that Takuji took the time to assess the health of my hair as well as what I'd hoped to achieve with the appointment. I had told him that I wasn't quite sure what I wanted--though I do have to note that earlier that morning I was about ready for a buzz cut--but that I wanted something light and short due to how long and heavy my hair had become due to two years' worth of growth. To put it simply: Cousin It had been living rent-free on my head for the past two years and we needed to evict him pronto. I also informed Takuji that I'm really bad when it comes to maintenance, so something that didn't require a lot of styling or frequent trips to the salon would be ideal. He then made suggestions (layers and gradual trims to see what length would be suitable) and then we hopped over to the wash station before returning back to the chair.
Now, if you've never seen Takuji in action, I have to say that he's probably the only hair stylist that I've ever seen where each movement or decision is all with intention. He is truly passionate about what he does and really takes into account his clients' needs and how best to showcase their best self through the medium of their hair. I had a few kinks here and there due to how dry and thick my hair was, but rather than yanking at them, Takuji would gently unfurl them until they straightened out and would go back to cutting my hair. He would even check-in with me to see if the length was appropriate, and whenever I'd say shorter, he had mentioned something along the lines of, "I'm worried" or "I'm scared," so eventually, I just rolled with it, and I'm glad that I did. But the cut was just one piece of Takuji's magical work, the second piece was the blowout and/or style. Initially, when he began rolling my hair up with barrel brushes, I thought he was messing with me for giving him such complex hair to work with, but once he had finished styling my hair, I honestly couldn't believe my reflection. My hair was soft, shiny, and full of body, something I can't ever recall happening to my hair in all the years that I've gotten haircuts even if they were far and few between. As we checked-out, one of the other stylists had even complimented the cut and color of my hair (the latter of which I got from my mama), and I left the appointment feeling so grateful that I made the appointment with Takuji. When I had returned home, even my husband--a man who notices nothing--had even commented, "WHOA, BABE!"
Overall, I would highly recommend Hi-Lites Salon because it was a really phenomenal experience from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. Whether you're looking for a haircut, style, or even in need of other services (check out their website for more details), Hi-Lites will have you covered. The staff are also friendly and welcoming, and I can only imagine how talented each and every one of them are based on my experience with Takuji. Plus, I appreciated the fact that Takuji didn't reprimand me for taking such terrible care of my hair or attempted to push products on me after my appointment. Look, I can tell you all of the phenomenal things that happen when you make an appointment with one of their stylists, but trust me when I say that you'd have to experience it yourself to believe it. read more