I had some brown/blonde balayage that I had grown out for 2 years since I first got the color done that I wanted to cut off. The problem was that the color was still pretty high up such that I would have to cut off too much hair to get all the remaining color gone, so I needed to dye my hair back to black since my goal was to go back to my natural hair color and go short for the summer. Yvette (colorist) and Jairol (hair stylist) handled my appointment and were awesome! First off I was LATE by half an hour which I was so embarrassed by but they still took my appointment. Yvette's scalp massage during the hair washing was very relaxing! I showed Jairol example photos of the cut I was going for and he gave me advice on what he thought suited me, so my cut ended up being like a mix of the reference photos that I showed him. Before he was going to move on to blow drying my hair, I voiced my wish to go a little shorter, to which he obliged. I like that it seemed like both Yvette and Jairol took their time to do a really good job. Despite me being late, there was no sign of them rushing me out the door. Overall I felt very taken care of while I was here. Yes this is a bit of a higher end salon (I spent $370 here for cut + color + tip) but it's worth it. I personally only get a haircut like once a year so for me, it's worth the investment. I would definitely like to come back! read more

Disappointed with my experience. I came in with very specific instructions and even brought my own box dye to ensure I'd get the coppery red I wanted. Instead, the colorist completely ignored my request, used her own dyes without asking, and now my hair is pulling a fire engine red -- the exact opposite of what I asked for. When I brought up how my roots weren't done correctly, she claimed my dye was expired (it wasn't), even though I've used the same box over 10 times with no issue and know how it behaves, especially at the roots. (She did not leave it on long enough) She also made an odd comment: "I'd love to make you a brunette," despite me clearly asking for red/copper -- and the fact that I'm a natural brunette. Throughout the appointment, I felt constantly dismissed and second-guessed. I even told her a previous stylist had butchered my hair, and instead of showing empathy, she defended him, saying maybe it wasn't malicious -- when I know it absolutely was. At the time, I questioned if I was asking for too much, but in hindsight, it's clear the experience felt so off because she argued with nearly everything I said. Overall, I felt gaslit, ignored, and very disappointed. read more

The salon is nice in a nice neighborhood. I had an amazing haircut that lasted a good 6 months.

I have been going to Masa Kanai for a few years now and have a great experience at each visit. I go regularly for color and haircuts, always leaving happy with the results! I also recently had a Head Spa appointment and loved the session. Everyone is kind and attentive, products used are high end, and you feel like you are getting quality service from very skilled stylists. I love the salon and my hair has never looked better! read more

Love the cuts and service both I and my visiting son from SoCal get here. Discovered this neighborhood gem when a Japanese friend moved here to get treated at MSK. Tsukasa always made her feel beautiful and comfortable. So pleased with both uws locations. read more

The head spa is a game changer! I have dealt with dry scalp for years. I normally rinse my hair with bottled water my scalp is so sensitive. This past year was the worst. None of my usual remedies would work. I heard about the headspa and booked an appointment for a couple of months away. It's pricey, but you put 1/2 down at booking and pay the rest after the service. Ritsuko is amazing, such a calming presence and non-judgy. She has you sniff some essential oils first and then examines your scalp in a microscope. Mine was awful, but Ritsuko worked to clean and clarify my scalp. The treatment was calming and included masks and steam and hand, neck, and shoulder massages. She recommended some Oway products to use in between treatments. My scalp felt so clean after, I wanted to cry cause it was such a relief. I also think clarifying my scalp will make room for new hair growth that was previously blocked by sebum and oil. Obsessed with the head spa. I consider this a necessity now more than a luxury. Enjoy! read more

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The head spa was absolutely OMG ::winks to their card ref:: it was literally like a quick therapy session and a physical head session and I adore the woman that takes care of you. She's something special. I fell asleep. I'm a mom of two toddlers so I was at a peace and calm and I just let her do her thing. I wish I knew how to spell her name but I don't want to butcher jt. So pretty. I did an hour and it was the best. The blowout was done by (geez I forgot his name) but he did a great job!!! I wish we took pix but I was in the moment. I was given this as a present from the hubs and it was nice to do something that was just for me. I'll def be back! They didn't push products at all but I bought two products bc to me with the service they provided and their kindness. I had too and I know it'll help my scalp and hair. read more

Masa Kanai - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I did not know what to expect and was completely blown away with a scalp treatment by Ritsuko. She is an angel. Clean, friendly vibe here. The only negative thing is salon noise can be heard from treatment room. read more

Masa Kanai - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Go see Jairol if you want a great haircut on the UWS! After years of seeing him hone his skills, he will do right by your hair request. I tend to want a simple cut, but I have loads of hair, and he thins it out, gives great layers and makes it shine. He has worked hard to reach his well-deserved stylist title at the inviting minimalist-designed Japanese salon, with several senior stylists available to jump in for a tweak or two to get that neatly coiffed look. read more

Masa Kanai - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I went for the 90 minute hair spa with a blow out, and I wasn't disappointed. The receptionist greeted me right away and started with the check-in process. Hiroko either came out right as I finished or was waiting, but regardless, she took me straight to the back. She was thorough in making sure she was addressing all of my scalp and hair concerns. When she started washing my hair, it was so relaxing. I practically slept through the entire session. She's just the sweetest. I highly recommend her if you get the chance to go. Masaya was the one who dried my hair. He was thorough and made sure to not add any more unnecessary damage to my overly processed hair. My hair looked absolutely amazing at the end. Thank you again Masaya and Hiroko. I will definitely come back! read more

I have so many questions about the Japanese head spa I just had there for $300. First off it's not relaxing bc you're in this room next to the washing station, not full walls - you hear everything. The person assesses your scalp with a Camera then makes recommendation. You lie back in a chair & I have no clue what she's actually putting on my hair/scalp. For all I know it's Pantene conditioner. I guess I'm just surprised that you wouldn't actually get a full arm / head message and to top it off - they make it clear that they don't blow dry your hair. The massage I get on the chair during my wash before cut is more relaxing. So in the end. for $300 it's just a hair mask - nothing else. You walk out with wet hair. I can say it was NOT worth it. Not relaxing as "spa" would suggest & prob better to just do a quick add on mask when you get your haircut there. read more

I've been going here for a while now. Tiffanie does fantastic highlights and is very kind. I decided to get my hair cut there the last time I went to get highlights (usually I try to go to a cheaper place). However, Deborah cut my hair and she did such a wonderful job I think I'll just go to her from now on. She was also very kind and understanding of my current hair situation (thinning and brittleness due to medication) and really listened to my needs and preferences. read more

As someone with Asian hair that grows out into hilarious cowlicks, I was apprehensive about having to look for a new barber, but I figured I'll try a Japanese salon. The front desk was very kind and friendly about helping me find a stylist and book an appointment. They had Jennifer give cut my hair and she did a great job, helping me change my hairstyle from a side part to a textured crop. She was meticulous and patient, and worked with the direction of my hair to help the cowlicks lay down. I also have wavy hair that tends to be a bit messy to style, but she was able to achieve great texture on the top. Gave a great fade, too! Would highly recommend Jennifer, she definitely knows how to cut Asian hair. read more

My wife got the scalp massage from Hirako and loved it! She gave good recommendations for products to use in the future as well! read more

Head spa is wonderful- I left with my scalp feeling amazing (I have dry scalp) and hair shiny/healthy. Hiroko is brilliant!

I've seen the same stylist in my hometown for the last eight years. When I wasn't able to see her before my wedding, I researched like crazy to find a salon and stylist that I could trust with my hair for my big day. Deborah and the staff at Masa.Kanai delivered! I had my hair colored and trimmed. Deborah and the gentleman that washed my hair were amazing. I will be returning! read more

Masa Kanai - Before & After - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

Fantastic salon. From the second I walked in the door I felt welcomed and valued. Everyone is so professional and friendly. I got a haircut from Masaya. Sometimes it takes a couple of haircuts to make a connection with a stylist but with Masaya he immediately knew what I was looking for and showed me how to dry my hair so I could get that salon look at home. I really recommend the salon. read more

Agree with other reviewers who call out Jairol. He's lovely and capable and gave me a wonderful shampoo. I've had horrible experiences with more senior stylists, however -- a shame since I'm just around the corner and am still searching for my go-to salon in the nabe. Yes, I swim and ski and go out in winter with my hair wet so it freezes and sublimates dry. And yes, I have split ends and there's a bit that I had to cut off because one of my kids got gum in my hair. Ok. Ok. No need for that judgy, sour disapproval. All I need is a haircut. Thanks. Spendy, judgy. Not for me. Go if your hair is already perfect. read more

Giving a 1-star review given the worst customer service at the salon. As a long-term client of multiple years, I called the salon and asked to speak with Tommy, the owner (who has always been nice to me), after my husband had a terrible experience to share our side of the story. Shin, who works at the front desk - and frankly should not be allowed anywhere near customers, given how rude and disrespectful he has been to me personally on many occasions in the past - said the owner doesn't speak with clients as a matter of policy. This is truly disappointing, especially at a business I've supported for years. The owner used to thank us personally for coming during the pandemic when the salon was empty, and we brought our little kids for 10-minute haircuts while paying full price of nearly $100 and never complaining about that. After I posted a 1-star review given our experience (which is my right as a client), instead of trying to understand what actually happened and addressing our concerns, Shin replied entirely misrepresenting what happened and including personal details about me and my family in a way that's subjective, petty and offensive. The response is full of lies (including lies about how I was charged much less than other clients; I always paid standard prices aside from a tiny discount for bringing my own color because I am allergic to the color they use at the salon) - which is a pity because the only person we have an issue with is Shin at front desk, not any of the stylists or anyone else at the salon. If that's how a business treats a poor review, that's a big red flag to anyone considering this salon. There are lots of other salons in the neighborhood who value their long-term patrons and don't lie blatantly about their loyal clients after a poor review. So petty. read more

Reviewing for Ritsuko and the amazing head spa service. She is AMAZING. For all of the curly/textured hair people on the fence definitely take the leap! After doing sew-ins forever I wanted to make an effort to take better care of my scalp. I have natural 4A/B thick hair and Ritsuko did a great job gently detangling through the whole process and making sure my hair was properly cared for and never matted. She addressed my personal scalp concerns with care and consideration and provided a relaxing experience. This was a treat I will definitely return to. She offers curl diffusing as a finish or you can blow out your hair. I was going to do a silk press after so I chose to section and twist my hair. She is so kind and genuine. Highly recommend this service. As for booking I signed up for the waitlist on the first of the month and gave them specific days I would be free to come in on a last minutes notice. They suggested saving their number so you'd know who is calling because they go through the waitlist and they were confident I would get a call. They called me on a Wednesday to let me know they had an opening on a Friday. Booking as a return client is much easier. read more

Adam was amazing. Fantastic cut and color and he is so kind. Such an artist! The overall experience was great. Everyone I encountered was nice and helpful. read more

I went there after another salon ruined my hair and I'm so glad I found this place. They are amazing at what they do and the customer service is great as well. Hands down one of the best salons in NYC, especially on the upper west side. Also, the ambiance of the salon is so beautiful and very clean. read more

A lovely salon with a bright and airy space. Overall, a serene, creative environment. Tiffanie helped me with highlights (first time visit) She is extremely talented with color, and a very kind individual. Grateful to have found Masa Kanai. read more

Jennifer did a great job cutting my hair, love this salon. And the front desk team is always so nice. I will continue to get my hair cut here once again in the future. read more

amazing, always amazing. their cuts, blow drys and scalp spa treatments = hair that looks and moves perfectly, and scalp that = skin & hair healthy. (I've had cut, blow drys, and scalp-spa treatments here, but not yet the color so I can't comment on color). You leave with hair that will look good no matter which way the wind blows. I live downtown and Masa.Kanai is uptown so I end up going to quite a few salons throughout the month for blow drys; not 1 other salon in NYC is as focused on monitoring, managing and assuring results that walk out the door of their salon are A+++ as Masa Kanai does. I have extremely allergic sensitive skin and have never, not once, walked out without my hair and scalp-skin being more healthy and stronger than when I walked in. All of their work, they're warm friendly perfectionists, results in your hair ending up looking naturally and effortlessly perfect; no matter which way the wind blows, your hair will look excellent and your scalp will feel good and foster stronger healthier new hair growth. read more

My last few cuts have been with Kyoko who is truly top-notch. Whether you're getting a trim or a full transformation, she listens carefully to your preferences and has a gift for understanding your vision and bringing it to life. From wash to cut, you'll feel at ease knowing you're in the hands of a true professional. Highly recommend her services! read more

I had high hopes when I booked an appointment at Masa Kanai. It's in the area & gets great reviews. First off, the head massage during shampooing was fantastic. When it came time for my haircut, I felt like the stylist wasn't really listening to me - and I was right. I asked for long layers and he gave me a medium-long blunt cut. I have very wavy hair therefore my hair needs to be thinned out at the ends otherwise it looks awkward. I have absolutely no layers to my hair what-so-ever. It seems he only wants to cut off my dead ends, which I understand but it isn't what I asked for. He sort of just kept nodding when I would say I wanted layers. Unfortunately I will not be returning and do not recommend unless you want a completely different cut than what you expected. read more

Good professional service in a bright and cheery atmosphere. I went for a color, did not have to wait, and had my hair done by Kyoko. She suggested a slight change from my usual. It's been a few days, and I am happy (still) with the look. Unlike other places which charge extra for drying (like you really have the choice of leaving a salon with wet hair?!?) the price was all inclusive, sand on par with the "drying not included" at other salons. Good value for service. read more

Got a pretty bad hair cut for nearly 180 bucks. Seemed like a nice guy but he completely ignored my request. I even showed him a picture of the model from different angles but he kinda tried to convince me away from it. Maybe he knew he didn't have the skillet to pull it off? I asked for layers, but he just chopped the ends off. My hair style has no structure, he gave no consideration of my hair texture either.... Back of my head has no layer, just one straight line, like it got chopped off with a knife. read more

I came here to get HeadSpa this morning as a friend of mine raved about it!!! The reservation process was very smooth(reminder text came about 2 times)and I was greeted by a lovely lady. I instantly liked the atmosphere with minimal approach, but warm touch of some wood pieces and Jazz for background music. Hair stylist Ritsuko gave me a nice consultation about my hair and what blend might benefit for my head and overall body, so we picked "strength". I was served a cup of herbal tea while having this conversation and I was warmed up to go into a special spa room. The spa room was very peaceful with a minimal nature's sound(wave/water drip/birds... maybe I was imagining)away from other parts of salon. I was awake the entire time though I felt I was drifted away with head massage/warm water pressure/very pleasant smelling oils and shampoos.., I can't actually remember lots of details!!! I don't normally do Yoga or meditation type of things, but I believe I was in a highly relaxed state thanks to Ritsuko's super skills along with her guidance. I would definitely try 1 hour course next time as I promised myself I NEED THIS once in a while. Highly recommended!! read more

Masa Kanai - Ritsuko is making "strength" blend for my head spa! - Hair Salons Near Me - New York, New York

I am writing this review after my second haircut with the owner Tommy. I came to know this salon from an article about the head spa service here so I wanted to first try a haircut. When I called, the friendly receptionist recommended that I book an appointment with Tommy (for Asian haircut). I went there end of Sept and left loving my haircut, his styling, and just being at the serene UWS. And yes, the cut grows out well which is what I love the most. It is well worth the value of the service. I can tell Tommy is a perfectionist and I appreciate someone that wants to be so very skilled at his craft. The studio is designed just right: comfortable chairs for the shampoo (please don't forget to the tip the assistants that wash your hair), nice restrooms, tea & coffee and above all, friendly staff. I can't wait to schedule a Head Spa appointment next and write about it! read more

I got my hair cut and colored here. The staff were warm and professional. I got my hair done with Jennifer and she was great to work with. She asked me some questions before working on my hair to make sure that she knew what I wanted. Shin at the front desk was also really very friendly and inviting. He helped me with scheduling my appointment and answered a lot of questions I had before my appointment. read more

I came here for the first time today and was booked with Masaya. I have never been so impressed and satisfied with a haircut in my life. I had seen a previous review where someone complained about being asked to stand for the cut, but I was actually impressed by this. I was more than happy to stand twice (for a wet and dry cut) because Masaya was being meticulous and wanted the cut to be evenly cut and perfect. He spent a lot of time on the cut and was very particular which I appreciated and was happy to sit through. He not only gave me what I asked for but went above and beyond to ensure that I was able to replicate the cut on my own. I'm definitely coming back and would recommend him to everyone! read more

Shoki listened to what I wanted, understood expressed his opinion, got my buy in and explained what he was doing along the way. My long hair was a mess of shaggy layers and he transformed it into the polished neat look I wanted. I will definitely be going back read more

It pains me to write this review but here it goes. I always want to root for the local business, especially during these difficult times, but I had a pretty bad experience here. I normally go downtown to a Orchard Salon but figured I'd stay local today. To preface my review, I have 3b curls and while I have a lot of hair, it's pretty easy to straighten. In experienced hands, my hair is fully straightened in about 90 minutes. Excitedly, I made an appointment for a blowout and haircut. I was told on the phone that Tommy was the curly hair specialist as well as the salon owner so I had very high hopes. Once I arrived, I had a great shampoo and head massage - probably one of the best ever! My good experience sadly ended there. I sat down and told Tommy that I wanted my hair straightened, then cut. He appeared surprised as he may have thought I just wanted a haircut. Despite this, I figured with his experience, he would have no problem straightening my hair effectively and efficiently. I was wrong. Initially, he seemed patient and kind but as time went on, he became visibly frustrated at how long it was taking. He didn't know how to part my hair and straighten it in an orderly manner. To make matters worse, he abruptly walked away from the chair on multiple occasions. While he worked on my hair, he was frequently checking his Apple Watch. I couldn't tell if he was checking messages or looking at the time. A few times he stepped away to check his phone. I slowly began to feel like I wasn't an important or valued client. The third time he abruptly left, he returned with the nice lady who had washed my hair. He informed me that she would be taking over the hair straightening process and he would be back for the hair cut. I believe he went to work on another client who had walked in without an appointment but I wasn't 100% sure. Unfortunately, she was not experienced enough straightening hair and was visibly fumbling with the hair iron. Another stylist joined her about 10 minutes later and began to help her but then essentially had to redo all of the hair she had attempted to straighten. At this point my disappointment was snowballing. The second stylist was nearly done when Tommy returned and finished up the last bit. When all was said and done, my hair didn't look good. It was still partially curly, the roots were not properly straightened and this definitely went down as the worst blowout I've ever had. Tommy had returned in a better mood, and began the haircut. He was very detail oriented and precise. He spent the time at this point to make sure everything even and neat. Despite this, the damage was done. He should have stayed the course and seen my hair through the appointment. It's really not a good look when the owner of a salon seems overwhelmed or too impatient to completely work on a clients hair. Moreover, I hate to say this but I was made to feel "different." I know my hair is not the easiest to deal with or the most commonly encountered. But I asked for the curly hair stylist and he should have been able to manage my hair. At the end of the day, I paid $180 for a good haircut, a terrible blowout, and a great deal of disappointment. read more

My first time here and I randomly was assigned a stylist named Jairol. He gave a great men's cut. Very professional and friendly. What I liked the most was, it was done all by scissors. Other places I go to rush it with clippers, but here he took his time to make sure the quality was upheld. In addition the front desk was very friendly and accommodating. read more

I got a haircut from Adam last Saturday and it's quite honestly the best haircut I have ever gotten. Overall everyone is so friendly but from the second you meet Adam, he puts you at ease and is so knowledgable on hair. I also really appreciated that he walks you through everything he is doing before he does so it's not a surprise (e.g. measures how much he's cutting off with his comb to make sure it's okay with you, asking if the front layer length was okay etc.). Will 100% be back just to see him. read more

If you want a precision haircut you should see my girl Jacelyn at Masa Kanai. She always cuts my hair in a way that works with my face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. I also appreciate her honesty when I show her a trendy hair style that won't work on me or will require a lot of up keep. I've had one or two bad hair cuts because the stylist wasn't up front about how a style in a picture would translate poorly to my head. I have straight hair so it's important that my cut be exact otherwise something will look off and Jacelyn always takes the time to make sure it's perfect. On top of it all she does one of the best jobs at styling and an absolute delight to talk to. She's a master at the "relaxed wavy" look. The salon itself has a bright and welcoming vibe. I found the rest of staff to be very kind and accommodating too. The hair wash / head massage they give is an unexpected treat. I would give 5 stars for that alone. I highly recommend Masa Kanai and Jacelyn if you're looking for a great cut and with a fantastic overall experience! read more

Love coming here - they give the best head massages and are so thorough. Adam is amazing for women's hair and coloring! read more

My hair is short but wavy and so I can't just go to a barber shop. I had been getting it cut at Aveda but when the price went up to $90, I stopped. Walked by Masa Kanai one day and made an appointment because the salon looked new and clean. Tsukasa cut my hair on the spot. He talked me through his cut and asked permission along the way. He was amazingly thorough and skilled. I go every four weeks and haven't let anyone else cut my hair since. read more