Toshi Kino provides a top-tier hair cut and styling experience without any compromises. His attention to detail, tact with scissors, and keen perception of what works and what doesn't for your head of hair is unmatched. His shop is spacious, and well equipped with a traditional robust barbers chair. Before beginning, he will clean your hair to remove any product. Else that part happens at the end. When it comes to starting the cut, he carefully examines where your hair breaks... and this is an intentional process, not something just for show. Once ready to cut, you'll immediately notice how skilled he is with scissors. No need a razor, nor sacrifice the speed of a razor. The scissors move at high frequency, cleanly sculpting, layering, and finessing your hair. Toshi is not bashful to share suggestions of how your hair and head could be best complemented by a certain style... and this is a very good thing. He knows what he is talking about--trust his judgement. That said, if you still want to not heed his advice, he will still put the same effort and care to make it look good for you! 110% recommended--thank you for, Toshi, for a great cut. read more

As a long time patron of Hair Kuwayama, I made an appointment yesterday (12/29/2019) for an end of the year cut. My last two visits to Kuwayama had been to their new location on 3rd Street but, unknown to me--and Google Maps, apparently--they have since moved again, this time back to their original location. I don't blame Kuwayama for this, as their website is updated with the right info, but it does set the stage for my surprise haircut with Kino. So, there I am, on 3rd Street in the rain, making my way to the former Kuwayama space. Inside I see one male stylist with a client, a strangely empty scene for the usually bustling Kuwayama. I try the door. Locked. The confused male stylist gives me a goggle-eyed look and I tap on the door. He pauses, opens it. I explain that I have an appointment for 5pm, under my name. His confusion gives way to a mumbled "Okay, probably" and has me sit down to wait. I already feel that something is off, so I double check Google Maps, the number I called, and Kuwayama's number. All match. I reason that maybe this guy is the only person working a quiet Sunday and suddenly feel bad that I am keeping him later at work than he has to be because I booked a 5pm. He has me sit and I show him a few pictures of a previous cut to give him an idea of what I'd like--basically the same haircut I've gotten for the last 4 years. His client says goodbye to him in Japanese and I catch his name, Toshi, and see his business card, Kino / Toshiaki Kino. Alright then, I figure, maybe Kino is a senior stylist and wasn't expecting a new client. I figure I can roll with that. He asks if I have product in my hair (I did) and we go through a brusque shampooing, sans the usual pleasant head massage I've become accusmtomed to. Oh well. He has me return to the chair. Then he goes into a styling mode, cutting away with a very specific energy that only the brilliant or insane possess. I pray it's the former. It is mostly a silent affair, which I'm fine with. For the first time in my life during a haircut, my entire chair is rotated to help him cut the sides and back rather than him moving. It is... odd. But it gives me something to look at besides myself in the mirror, so I shrug it off, even as the chair crashes into Kino's styling cart. At some point I begin to suspect that Kino has misunderstood the pictures I showed him and thinks my part is on the other side. I try to correct him and everything goes downhill. Kino becomes huffy and irate, and eventually tells me to stop telling him how to cut my hair and that I have confused him. He tells me he knows what style to do from the picture and that he'll cut it his way. I wasn't born a tall man, nor a particularly svelte one. But I was born with great hair, and suddenly it felt like Kino was holding my hair hostage. Do I keep arguing with him and risk a vengeful chop-job? Or do I back away and hope that his vision doesn't leave me a laughing stock? I wrestle with my irritation and let it go, surmising there is only one way through this barber-y: Kino's way. Kino continues his cutting. I make a promise to the Goddess of Scissors, that I'll stop making last minute appointments if she spares me. The hair dryer comes out and I wonder if Kino intends to do a final shampoo before styling. Nope. He dries my hair and blows away the remnants of my locks, and then begins to work product into it, sculpting and shaping. He asks if I wear glasses and I'm so confused by the question that he has to repeat himself three times. When I say no, he hands me a mirror to check out the sides and back on my own as he begins cleaning up. I am beyond thankful that it was a good cut, though not quite my cut and, despite Kino's insistence that I didn't need a part, my morning shower proved otherwise. Strange how having your own hair all your life gives you that sort of insider knowledge. While I wouldn't mind styling my hair the way Kino did, I'm not sure my hair will allow for that, so I'm likely waiting a few days for my hair to get used to the new length. That's fine. What's not so fine is that either through miscommunication or misdirection, Kino took me in as an appointment when I clearly didn't have one for his salon. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say it was miscommunication. But even so, his brusque treatment and annoyance at my feedback made sure that I wouldn't even think of switching from Hair Kuwayama to Kino. That was a chance for him to win new business and as far as I'm concerned, he flubbed it. I see people saying you go to Kino if you want your hair styled and if you want it cut, go elsewhere. As I intimated before, my hair is important--as is my feedback to a stylist about what to do with it. I'm okay letting a stylist take control, but as with other areas of life, make sure you get consent, talk things through ahead of time, and always listen to the safe words. People who want control without these things aren't artists, they're egotists. read more

Where do I begin with Toshi? - Never a shampoo before or after, or even a warm towel. He leaves hair all over your face, clothes, and shoes. - Doesn't honor appointment times. Be ready for a 30 minute delay or more, and anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes in his chair. - Sometimes you get a fantastic cut, other times it's completely lop-sided. Maybe it depends on his mood? After you tell him what to do, he proceeds to do whatever the hell he wants. Often it leaves my hair much shorter than I asked for. His scissor work (on short hair) is sloppy. Avoid at all costs. This guy is clearly past his prime and is not worth the hassle. read more

Absolutely 100% would follow this man everywhere! Hair cutting skills: AWESOME. He is such a pro with those scissors, it becomes a treat just to watch him. What an experience, I will definitely be coming back! read more

Superb hair cutting skills - Kino is the best. He understands hair and his cutting technique is with like watching a master hair precisionist. He looks at the movement and flow and his cuts fall naturally and grow in beautifully. But, you have to trust him to do his thing. My first cut with him was great, followed by my next cut, which was even better, and better and better. The man is a master - hands down best hair cut ever (and I've spent plenty of money at top salons). Give him some general direction and trust him to work his magic. I would follow him to the ends of the earth! read more

I skipped an appointment with Tomomi at Hoshi Coupe to give Kino a try. Kino transformed my boyfriend's long hair into a great short and sexy cut. So I was referred by my boyfriend and some crazy article on Kino 5 years ago online. I was hesitant, but willing to try something new. It's just hair anyway. My turn: When I went to Kino, he told me to wait while he had his cigarette break. When he came back reeking of cigarettes, he ran his tobacco hands all through my hair and did a shitty job of shampooing and conditioning. Much of the conditioner was still in my hair when he was done. I tried to tell him, but he didn't listen.Then he didn't listen when I told him what my few specific problems and special requests I had. He asked me to close my eyes several time as if my eyes open interfered with his cutting-BIZARRE. Long story short, it was a bad cut. No one said, "Is that a new cut? Looks great!" Not even the obligatory, "New hair?" Boyfriend wanted to defend Kino, but agreed that Kino wasn't good at listening. TOO MUCH INFO,TOO LATE! I think people wanted to avoid my new do. I thought I would give it a week after I had washed it myself and styled it myself before having a redo. 1 week later, I talked to Kino in person on the phone and I asked for a redo. He said he would call me when he had time to do the redo. He hung up. He never called, for he didn't know who I was and what I was talking about. Good example of what a bad listener he is. 3 days after, I showed up in person and asked very nicely for him to fix the parts that he royally fucked. He seemed indignant and spoke begrudgingly to his assistant. I was very clear and even brought several pictures this time of what I wanted. AND I have no delusions of grandeur- it was totally do-able. KINO DIDN'T LISTEN OR LOOK AT THE PICS. The end result was better but lopsided. My self-esteem hasn't been the same since. Also, the thing that eats me is while I was waiting for my redo, people walked in and asked for his price and he quoted them $60. I was charged $84 and the cut was shitty. My hair was shorter than their's. WTH? I tipped him 20% because I have been in the service industry, but now I can't forgive MYSELF for being so willing to let KINO be a sloppy and overstated has-been. He's old and sloppy now. I don't recommend it unless you don't care about the end result. I would have rated KINO zero stars, but it's not possible. read more

I had a terrible experience at this salon, and I would think twice before you get into his chair. I walked in, and Kino was watching a mini DVD player, which he continued doing all through my haircut. At the end of the cut, i was really not satisfied. I tried to communicate to Kino what I would like changed, and he got really defensive and aggressive. He pulled out the blow dryer to restyle my hair, and he pushed my head to the side using a very sharp, prickly brush. I got out of the chair as quickly as I could before he brought out the scissor again, and I got out of there fast. That's the last time I ever go to Kino. read more

The most precise, relaxing haircut I have ever had. Kino is a magician with a pair of scissors! And the way my hair grows in it grows perfectly at any length! read more

Kino is the best bargain in town. His salon is quite minimalistic, and you might even miss it if you weren't looking closely enough. His cuts, however, are amazing. Kino takes his time to actually look at your head of hair and conforms the cut appropriately. Don't be scared away by the minimalism and the language barrier (he and his assistant are both from Japan)! This is the best haircut I've ever had, better than those overpriced salons which rush you in and out. And, at $60 for a cut, the price is well worth it. read more

This guy is top-notch and well worth the $60 fee. He does exactly what I ask him to do with a tremendous eye for detail, laboring over the tiniest features. Not surprising coming from a Japanese trained hair stylist who works the fashion shows in New York, Milan and Miami. $60 is a lot, but with this guy it truly is a bargain compared to the higher rate he could get if his shop was uptown or on Wall street. read more

he is a great professional with a very reasonable price. I am having his cuts fanaticaly since years and never ever had any complains. he is sharp and very focused. Yes there might be a language barrier but he always asked and tried to understand my opinion before the cut and after the cut. I would highly recommend his cuts. read more

Been going to Toshi for almost 15 years. Best haircuts I've ever gotten...and my mother was a hair dresser!

Kino didn't care too much about my hair, and the whole cigarette break thing is his funny style. he seemed disinterested cutting away. haircut was ok, ill take my money back to hairmates where they cut meticulously. read more

Kino's genius is as fabulous as he is 'odd'. I took a chance while my regular hairdresser was out of town. He was close, and the price was right. He wouldn't let me talk about what I wanted and insisted that I let my hair do the talking. Although this was not easy for an aesthetically focused control freak like myself, I threw caution to the wind and now happily have the best haircut I've had in over a decade. It works both naturally and blown dry - with no product. This guy has the sexy layering thing down. Worth every moment of his seemingly non-communicative style. My hairdresser has definitely been replaced. read more

I like Kino. I've introduced his shop to many of my male friends. I was originally sent here by a high profile socialite - she said it was her little secret. Kino is a lot cheaper than comparable stylist, charging only $60 for a cut. Usually someone of his skill set would go for at least $100 - $125. But because it's his shop, he charges what he wants. I would say if you want a great haircut for a reasonable price, go to Kino. I, unfortunately am very, very picky about my haircuts. So I go to Kazunori at Kayrunn Hirsch, who charges $150, and cuts an amazing do. So it's up to you, Great = Kino, Amazing = Kazunori. Either way, you don't really lose. read more

He was very careful and paid a lot of attention to detail. I only had a vague idea of how I wanted my hair, but he had a great sense of style and I was really satisfied with how it turned out! Definitely recommend and would come back again. read more

Toshi is a genius with scissors. He has been cutting my hair for at least a decade, I have never seen anyone else come close to his skill level. His cuts respond naturally to the shape of your head and the qualities of your hair. Simply put, he's a consummate artist. I trust him completely, and always leave feeling like some more perfect version of myself- it is worth every cent and more, every single time. I honestly can't believe he's still so affordable, in a city where people often pay $200 and up for haircuts, Toshi is still charging less than half of that. read more

Kino is the absolute best. By far. I have been going to him for several years now (on 10th street previously and where he now has a chair on 2nd St). I cannot wait for him to open a new place. He takes a lot of time and knows what he is doing reminding me of a "master" in the way he approaches his work. His pricing is more than reasonable. If I move from NYC I will return just to have him cut my hair. Dead serious. read more

Kino is absolutely the best hairdresser I've ever had. He's been cutting my hair for over ten years and every time he's super meticulous and literally spends the entire hour making sure my hair is properly textured and falling as it should. He went to school in Japan for 4 years to learn how to cut hair! I get so many compliments on my hair and it looks stylish, even after his cuts have grown out a bit (because he spends so much time texturing). His rates are reasonable especially for the amount of work he does. read more

Update: I recently went back for another cut, and it's definitely one of the best I've had in a long time. A good haircut can be hard to come by; Toshi Kino is talented, I recommend him. read more

In a first place, Kino himself is a very rude person, not even mentioning that he is very bad hairdresser. I understand that its only 85$ haircut, but its the worst experience you can ever get. Or, like in my case it will cost you more because of the second haircut I have to have after him. I clearly explained him my preferences and I dont really have a hard haircut to maintain. It was short and stylish boy haircut, which grew long a little bit and I just wanted to trim my ends and in the end I received from KINO, 60 years old haircut which made me look terrible. My head shape looks awkward, he cut almost all my hair in a disgusting manner I dont even know how its possible to fix, unless I shave it all. THATS NOT ALL, when I saw him cutting so much I made two comments and on a third I asked him to stop. He stopped, he blow dried my 1 inch hair in a way as if I just got out from psychic house and wanted me to go, you could tell he was annoyed, he nervously took the mirror, he was so angry that he hit my hand with this mirror (not intentionally of course) but he didn't even apologize, threw it into my hands and walked outside to check on the next costumer. I was shocked with his rudeness and my haircut I didn't know what to do, whether I should start crying or run or what.....But it was so bad I couldn't even go on the streets like that. When he returned I asked him if he can do something with my hair, at least style it somehow. I asked him if I can use his blow drier to fix my hair, in return I got: "I dont trust you and I dont want you to touch my stuff". I was stunned with his words... he ruined my hair, he ruined my weekend, I was crying all day and every time I see myself in the mirror. I understand its just a hair and they'll grew back and I'll get over it, but I still wouldn't recommend anyone to visit this place. At the end he will just tell you "Leave NOW, I have another costumer". I've never written bad reviews and complaints, but this experience I could not leave without the comment. I personally think New York is the city of best service,on every corner, every place, no matter if its food service, merchandise, or just a hot dog stand, everyone is polite, nice and friendly. I am sure Kino lives in New York for a long time, but he definitely couldn't adapt cultural environment of the city. read more

MEN WITH THINNING HAIR - Kino is Propecia with a pair of shears. Every time I go into Kino's shop thinking that I'm going to walk out with resignation that it's finally time to just ask for the #1 razor all the way, Kino works his magic and CREATES new hair somehow. I've been going there for a few years, so we have some minimal conversation (otherwise, don't expect it) and at the end of the cut he often says "Magic! More hair" and he's not kidding. It really looks like I've gone back a few years in time and I love it. The process of the haircut is also my style. I'm not there to have a full on conversation about my day or politics or whatever other small talk most barbers try to make. That's fine, but I honestly would rather close my eyes and meditate blissfully for 30 minutes while Kino does his work with Bonsai technique (sorry, he's Japanese, and his approach really does remind me of Bonsai trimming) and leaves me with an amazing cut every. single. time. Before anyone complains on here (give the guy a break please), the price has been raised to $65 per cut now. It's worth every penny. read more

If you want your hair to be STYLED go to Kino. If you want your hair to be CUT go elsewhere. Kino is a hair scientist! I have wavy hair and have been going to him for over a decade now. He is not a typical hair dresser. His background is in high end fashion and he has spent many years with upscale and celebrity clientele. He is a no nonsense kind of guy and will not indulge in too much conversation when he is working. His focus will be to style your hair and generally he takes 30 to 50 minutes getting the job done. I have always left his salon very happy with the way he has styled it. He has a knack for cutting hair so that it follows its own natural flow while satisfying your style request. His new location is 7 East 3rd Street- Go check him out! read more

He has amazing skill. My hair is impossible to cut and style. But he managed to make it look great. He is a genius.

I have been going to Kino for 2 years regularly to get a trim and never anything more complicated than that. He does a very precise job and I am always pleased with how my hair grows out. He is quiet and serious which is fine by me--more attention on my hair that way. His salon is small and minimalistic One star off because he usually smells of cigarette smoke which is unpleasant. read more

Toshi Kino is the best. He cuts hair and he does it very well. He is currently in between locations so call the number to get more information but he is well worth hunting down. Is he for everyone?.. maybe.. maybe not. But if you want a solid hair cut from a pro this is the guy. No BS.. and his price suggests that. Great deal for 60+ dollars. read more

Toshi is bar none the best hair dresser ever. He is extremely precise. He is an artist and doesn't want direction, which is fine with me. It's a joy to not have to give directions. Do not ask for bangs. He won't give them to you. He worked many of the fashion shows back in the day. I always leave beyond pleased. read more

As a guy who decided to grow his hair a little longer than usual, I knew I would need something more than the typical barber shop-chop, so I searched and searched (on yelp) until I came across the reviews from Mila, Rrose a Lady L - all of whom raved about this curious stylist that seems to be an artist/magician with hair. My hair grows in some pretty interesting directions on my head so I knew it would take some serious skill to be able to make it work with the hairstyle I was looking for. So I called up Kino's studio and made an appointment with his assistant and eventually made may way to Kino's "minimalist" shop. And minimalist it was, indeed. No sign, and a couple of doors with the same address (241 E. 10th). The curtains are usually drawn except over the door, so when you're down there, look in through the door to find the word "KINO" in red on the white wall. Anyway, it was already past 7pm and Kino had me sit down and get comfortable on one of his famous red chairs while he finished up with his previous client. As I sat there and watched him cut this man's hair, I was struck with how focused he was on what could have otherwise been cut with a electric clippers and number 4 attachment. I though to myself, "wow, this guy is really serious about his art" - which is something I respect. When my time came around, he triple washed my hair and, I believe inadvertently, gave me what I think is the best scalp massage I've ever had. He then went on to ask me how he could help me and after a quick overview of what I was looking for began to cut my hair with more types of scissors than I knew existed, and with such focus that I couldn't help but be impressed. I don't know anything about cutting hair, but I could see that the guy has some serious skill. He used an array of techniques in order to get my hair to present exactly the way I wanted it to. I've never had a haircut like it and it was spot on. I would recommend this guy to anyone. The price was $63+tip, and he doesn't take credit cards. read more

Just got a haircut with Nao and I love it! I've been going to her for some years now and have had both long and short hair. She can cut any style and make it modern and sophisticated. read more

I've never been able to find someone who really knows what to do with my hair, which is typically Asian. It's straight and thick. Most of the time, I walk out looking like I didn't even get a cut. I went to Kino last year after reading an impressive review on another site. I like his space and the fact that he is the only one who actually does the cutting. And I don't like it when a stylist chats away while cutting my hair, so I appreciate that he doesn't say much. But his silence can be intimidating. He doesn't ask questions that might help him determine how to cut your hair. You have to do most of the talking. Still, he manages to convince you beforehand that you are in good hands and he knows what to do. Yet, while his focus is admirable, it seems like he's already decided what to do with you hair before he listens to what you have to say. When I went to him a year ago, I did not get what I wanted. I paid $65. But it grew out so well that I eventually did and so this is why I decided to try him again. This time I brought a photo so there would be no confusion as to what I was hoping for. English may not be his first language, but he does speak English and I do think he understands. It seems like he has a very defined signature style that informs his work regardless of who the client is, what their hair texture is like and what they've asked for, and this is my problem with him. No doubt the man has quite a technique, which is extremely meticulous. But, in the end, what I want to walk out with is the cut that I asked for. And if not that, something that makes me look better than I did when i walked in. This time he charged me $74. My new haircut doesn't resemble the photo I brought and even though he told me my hair is so different from the photo, his job is to interpret it as best as possible to achieve a similar look for me. I hate what he did to my hair. And rarely do I HATE my hair since I don't fuss with it much. He seems to like layers. A LOT. He's not bad at what he does, I just think he has a very specific style that's not for everyone and to me, he doesn't feel very versatile. I suppose I could have said that I was unhappy with it, but like I said, he has this intimidating presence. And he didn't exactly give an opening to express my dissatisfaction. Needless to say, I tried. Twice. I will not be going back to Kino. If anyone here has a stylist they could recommend, I'd really appreciate it. Tks! read more