I've been going to Shizen since July 2020 and was a loyal client of Yuta until he moved back to Japan. I always had great experiences there, which is why this is disappointing to write. About two months ago, I went in for a haircut and single-process color with a new stylist, Jane. The blowout looked good initially, so I didn't realize until later that the haircut was uneven -- one side had noticeably more weight than the other. I politely emailed the salon asking if I could come back to have it adjusted, fully intending to tip for the correction. The response I received felt curt and dismissive, which left a bad impression, but I decided to let it go and simply try a different stylist next time. Unfortunately, the color service was also disappointing. While the shade was close to what I wanted, the application itself was uneven. At one point, another stylist had to mix more dye because there wasn't enough prepared initially, but the second batch clearly wasn't the same tone. As a result, my roots ended up noticeably lighter than the rest of my hair, despite it being intended as one uniform color. Now, two months later, I tried booking another appointment for a trim and highlights. I called multiple times over three days with no answer and also sent an email that went unanswered. Out of curiosity, I called from a Google number, and while they still didn't answer, that was the only number they called back. I genuinely liked Shizen for years, which makes this experience especially disappointing. But after the poor service, dismissive communication, and now being seemingly ignored altogether, I'll gladly be taking my business elsewhere. read more

I've gotten my hair cut by Angela a few times and was initially happy enough to recommend her to friends and family. While one friend mentioned she found Angela a bit rude and that her cut was uneven, I continued going because the prices were affordable and I'd had good experiences. I booked appointments for my mom and myself on a Sunday evening. I asked for a simple bang trim below my eyebrows, but Angela quickly cut my long bangs and face-framing pieces into thick, uneven bangs above my eyebrows. I was shocked and didn't know how to respond in the moment. When I later asked if she could blend or fix them, she seemed annoyed and said it would cost the same as a full haircut. I agreed to pay, but she said she was too tired and told me to come back the following week. I was charged $60 for the trim, and my mom paid $85 for her haircut. I left upset and later reached out to schedule a fix, but she couldn't fit me in for two weeks and was rude. I ended up paying $200 elsewhere to have it corrected, plus additional money on products to help my bangs grow out. What was meant to be an affordable haircut turned into a stressful and expensive experience. I also question the professionalism of scheduling clients so late if stylists are overworked and exhausted.... leading them to make mistakes that they are 'too tired to correct'. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as the quality and professionalism that evening were far below expectations. Anyways... Kimberly at Fox and Jayne in the lower east side fixed my hair after it got butchered here if anyone needed a rec for a hairdresser! read more

I got a digital perm here and I am extremely happy with it. It cost $185 and I was charged $40 for a long hair fee so the total was underneath what I was expecting. The only thing that surprised me was they gave me a trim right before the digital perm and the trim cost $110 read more

I've never had a good experience here (but it's cheaper) and the last time was bad enough to never return. For color, I showed multiple photos of the light-to-medium brown I wanted with a subtle ombré. I said my hair was too dark and wanted to go lighter. She dyed my hair black, at least two shades darker than what I walked in with. She spent another hour getting the black out with toner, then left me with my head in a sink for 40 minutes without checking in or telling me how long I'd be there. My hair is still almost black but now with a toner that left uneven streaks of red. For the cut, I showed multiple photos and videos of 70s curtain bangs, which I already have and needed cleaned up. Not sure why, but she cut two huge chin-length chunks that don't blend into the rest of my hair. Also, did not know how to blow dry curly hair. The whole process was unpleasant and the two women working on my hair could see that. When I called a few days later to express my disappointment, she remembered me and understood. I was offered both a refund and re-do with a more experienced stylist. They left me two voicemails confirming our conversation. The first was about the refund being issued, and the second one was about the reschedule with no stipulations stated, i.e., that I must make the appointment within a certain timeframe. When I called back after traveling (the reason I got my hair done in the first place was for my trip) to reschedule, they not only said that they never offered to reschedule me, but that even if they did it was too late. They further said that I was "given a choice between the two and chose a refund," which is literally made up. I didn't ask for either a refund or a reschedule and was both surprised and very thankful to them for their offer. They did not respond when I sent them the voicemails confirming this. They almost redeemed themselves, but then this last bit was very weird and unprofessional. read more

Edit: WARNING: My Instagram connected to the email I provided them was hacked the day after I posted this. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR EMAIL AND PW I believe their slogan is "You're grateful for our business". These people are so rude and condescending that even as a native New Yorker, they have me floored. Granted, there were countless red flags prior that maybe I should check if I'm into abuse. Red flag 1: tried calling and emailing them for an appointment. They eventually called back but I missed their call. Their response? "We're sorry YOU missed our call". Okay maybe a typo. Nope, that's their personality. Red flag 2: requested email confirmation and pricing for appointment. I made the appointment 2 weeks prior and requested 1 week after for confirmation and pricing. Even after I called them, asking them for the above information, walking through with them regarding my email, they still failed to email me back with that information. Red flag 3: arrival, I made the appointment at 10:30 and they switched me to 10. I arrived at 10:20 and they said it was too late to take me. They said I had to wait. I requested for a time frame and they wouldn't give me one. So ladies, if someone blames you, ignores you, refuses to give you any confirmations (commitments), and tells you to wait for an undisclosed time, please leave. It's not right for you. Don't stand for this abuse. Wait... this is a business, not a bad date? read more

first time, I asked top stylist, and the cut and color's were Great. However, second time. only the director was available and Her service was too bad.I asked for an Asian haircut service, she said, "We don't do that haircut in America," and she stubbornly refused. So weird.Why did I came here because I wanted to receive an Asian cut service, but it's strange that I was refused the service. She seemed to refuse because she didn't want to do it. The cut is suitable and the finish is terrible and color was also out of fashion, and I didn't think I had the technology to pay a very high fee for the director. On top of that, when I talked about my job, she was treated negatively. It was very sad to hear from you and be treated as discriminatory. There are directors whose names are so bad that the first experience is clouded, so you have to choose your stylist carefully. I don't want to use it again. read more

Sadly I had to give them a 1 star even though I used to love this place and had been going there a few times a year. The bad experience happened yesterday when I got my haircut. The haircut was alright, I felt scissor touching my neck while the cut. When I went home I started to feel sting pain on the back of my neck,  there was some blood when I touch it. I took a photo and email them about this. Although they're refunding me for the cost of haircut, but they don't admit that I got those sharp scratches from the haircut. I'm really disappointed and also paranoid of infection. Trying to go to urgent care for checking if there's any possible infection today.  I'm not going back. read more

SHIZEN BROOKLYN - Neck injured by scissors - Hair Salons Near Me - Williamsburg, New York

My stylist was very sweet but was doing 2 other people's hair at the same time as me! I felt like my cut was really rushed, not great for paying $130. read more

Mai is the best and very professional they are very knowledgeable and have done the most amazing dyes and cuts on me. You pay for amazing result and that's what you get! read more

The owner and the staff were speaking in Japanese and they must have thought I couldn't understand what they said. Not only the worst service but also they talked about things in their own language. No respectful of customers. He told his staff that he was uncertain about the color that he was about to apply to my hair. What?!?!! The owner didn't listen to me or didn't understand what I said whatever, he did my hair in the wrong direction. I didn't want him to cut the bangs but he did, and the worse thing was he didn't feel sorry about it, even didn't say anything about it. I tried to talk with him to find the plan b for my failed hair but he didn't try to do anything. Of course, he didn't feel sorry about it. This place is the worst!!! read more

Awful!!!!! I spent almost $400 and look a kappa now. 1. I made appointment at 10:30 but was pushed to arrive at 10:10. Are you innumerate? 2. Annoying promotion. The stylist kept saying that my hair is really damaged and wanted me to buy olaplex. 3. Poor skill. The stylist has no idea about how to make hair thinner. I require it but ended up with even shorter hair, and it is impossible to make up for it due to the length. The stylist also made my hair layered in a ugly way just as those posted on their instagram. 4. Obscure charge. My hair is shorter than neck length but I was still charged an extra $20. The stylist claimed that it is a length fee. I was not informed of it when I was in salon and cannot find it on their website neither. I wonder what is their definition of "short hair"? Bareheaded? 5. Threat the next day. I was TOTALLY unsatisfied with my haircut and gave no tip. Then I got a phone call, saying that they want to make sure everything is ok, otherwise they won't serve me again. I am curious why to tip the stylist ruining my hair and what their solution to my awful haircut is so I called back. It turned out that they have no intention to make up for it, and asked me to find other salon. And please...you are not the only group of people speaking Japanese in the world... read more

Beautiful salon, but my cut took 2 hours (had to wait 30 min just to start) because my stylist was doing 2 other peoples hair at the same time... my haircut was not even and I have to go elsewhere to fix it. Extremely disappointed read more

Extremely rude receptionists. Exceptionally long wait times. Operational nightmare, unprofessional. My first experience, my hair was shampooed and they left me at the sink, laying down for 25 minutes. They didn't even put my hair up in a towel and seat me upright. I was freezing, didn't offer a blanket, didn't didn't offer an explanation. My last experience, I had an appointment yet I waited for 40 minutes in the chair while my stylist was with another guest. I don't understand why they double book and leave people waiting, why make the appointment at all if I have to sit there and wait? When I complained to the receptionist, she did not apologize but instead very rudely, condescendingly explained that 'this is how it works in NY'. I was born in Queens, I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a hair appointment. read more

I had such a great experience in their Tokyo branch, The Oversea. So I visited this location when I was on a holiday trip to NY, and everything was good until the hair was done. The stylist in charge was Junko, and she is a very sweet person. I wanted to try very NY style and have some fun with colors. She suggested bleaching my hair first for a greater effect then coloring them with light and dark purple. They bleached my hair from somewhere excluding the root part, giving some kind of "ombre" effect, toned the bleached part with ash light purple and highlighted the middle with dark purple. The stylist started the work, but for the major part, "all" the assistants in the salon took their turns and worked on my hair here and there, making it a hot mess. The boundary between the root and bleached part came out unnatural and uneven, and the length of purple highlighted part did not match left and right. As the hair was done during the trip, and I had to leave the next day, I had no chance to complain and go get it fixed. I wasted 6 hours sitting there, and they charged me $320 for it. I've been doing my best to get the color removed and faded, but the ugly boundary still bothers me every second. I wouldn't recommend if you are considering some color job done. read more

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loved YUTA, went to SHIZEN in their new space in green point , he did an amazing job. highly recommended

The best hair salon in NYC. I go to their Tokyo location too when I go home. Either Koshi or Yoko cuts my hair depending on their availability. I've been their client since soon after they opened their original location in East Village. The space is nice too. I almost took one star because prices went up quite a bit over time but that's understandable, I guess. One minor negative thing is that they don't answer phone calls in a timely fashion (or at all sometimes!). read more

My favorite salon, by far. It speaks to me in more ways than one. Exactly my taste and how I imagine my future home would look like (white interior). Was referred to this salon by a coworker and was super excited to get a trim and some layers. Made a phone reservation a couple days prior and they set me up with Jinko. Ample street parking outside and luckily got a spot right in front of the salon. I came a few minutes early but didn't have to wait long at all to get a shampoo and head massage by a lovely lady! They used Aesop hair products too which I adore! My stylist really knew what she was doing. And I couldn't have asked for a better end result. She cut, dried, and cut my hair again before styling it and adding some shine and scent. I felt amazing afterwards! The saddest part of all this is that I live in LA but luckily I do not need a haircut every month. Cant waittttt to come back forever!! read more

SHIZEN BROOKLYN - Hair Salons Near Me - Williamsburg, New York

Please train your employee to make appropriate phone conversations! Asking your customer to wait a minute but then hang up on them after a 10-min wait is not acceptable. I know you are busy. Guess what, I'm busy too! You can simply choose not to pick up the call! Apologizing by saying "oh I'm sorry" in a Kim Kardashian bitchy tone after the customer calling back in as if the customer was being ridiculous is not acceptable either! It's already frustrating to make an appointment with you guys so please at least try to make the conversation pleasant. read more

So sad to see that they became so arrogant. I called today to make an appointment. A lady who picked up the phone told me they aren't taking new customers until late May, so I told her I've been there at least 2-3 times but I just didn't remember the name of stylist. I tried to share my name and phone number, but she just interrupted saying they don't store stylist info, so basically I just need to remember the name. I understand they are busy, but there was certainly a better way to communicate it. Instead she was vert unwelcoming. Japanese places usually have a great service, so this was a surprise unpleasant experience. I called Tokuyama Salon right after, and the lady on the phone was so pleasant. Very sad as I live a block away from Shizen, and they used to be better than this. read more

My sis goes here because 1) it's Japanese and so are we (well, haifu) and 2) it's a block from her apartment. She loves this place, and I found myself bereft of my usual stylist (it's a long story) so I decided to give it a go. I have to say, it was worth the 2 hour commute from my house in the suburbs. First, it's a beautiful space, with lots of cute Japanese people with pink hair running about (with purpose, not just randomly, or for exercise or something). Plus everyone is so polite. Second, you will get the most awesome head massage. Not just a cursory scritch scritch scritch. You will feel your brains reformed within. Third, Junko is a magician with hair styling. She turns my sis's hair, which is so thick that other, less tenacious, stylists have complained that it grows back as you are cutting it, into a beautiful sexy work of art. As for my hair, I came in with an overprocessed, desert-dry mess. Somehow, I came out of Shizen transformed so dramatically that a number of people have commented on how great my hair looks. It feels and looks healthy and shiny, and is exactly the cut I asked for, meticulously done. In addition to Junko, I highly recommend the Japanese moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that they used (and I bought) -- Janelle AX and ER. Like Rumplestiltskin, it somehow turned my straw hair into gold. read more

I came several times with my sister and she is the one making appointment for me. I never known that they request to put down credit card information to make an appointment. I get it that they want to protect their own business by charging a cancellation fee of no show or cancel. However, I completely don't feel comfortable to provide my credit card information before receiving a service. read more

Got the cheapest haircut option here ($65 I think), a 2 inch trim from a lower level stylist. He was excellent. My trim was great. The space and location were perfect. The receptionist was lovely. I WILL BE BACK! THANK YOU SHIZEN!!! FYI - any other salon salon and stylist in this area charges about $110 - $175 for a woman's trim. It's absolutely disgusting! read more

I had my third or fourth hair trim here today and I'm always incredibly happy with the results. They recently expanded the space, which is now even brighter and airier than before. The staff, all intimidatingly fashionable with their rainbow neon and pastel array of hair colors, are extremely polite in that Japanese way. The shampoo and head massage is a 5/5, and the prices are fairly normal for the area ($88 for a trim, not including tip). The one star-deduction is because I find it difficult to make reservations, but maybe bc they're so popular. If you have a favorite hairstylist, it's hard to pin them down bc it seems they're always traveling to the other salon in Tokyo. I'm sure many hair salons can achieve the same cut, but I basically come here to momentarily feel as cool as the staff. read more

SHIZEN BROOKLYN - Hair Salons Near Me - Williamsburg, New York

Amazing experience!great location! Can't wait to go back! They did an amazing job,I got the Japanese strengthening and my hair look just amazing! read more

First time trying out Shizen and Yuta was awesome. I'm the kind of person who has an idea of what she wants but needs the hairdresser to kinda fill in the gaps and Yuta did that exactly! He was also very attentive and meticulous with his cut. Very intentional and considering of my level of desired maintenance of my hair. Will be returning to Yuta again! read more

I've been coming here for years and love it! Junko used to cut my hair, she was very professional and did exactly what I wanted every time! Since she's left, I've gotten a cut by Mai who is equally as talented! All of the staff is welcoming and sweet. The shampoo/head massage experience is top notch. I absolutely love this salon. read more

YES! I found my hair salon! :) I first got a hair cut from Junko back in August when I was pregnant and scoped it out as a potential place to get a digital perm. The hair cut I got that day was great. I had asked for something that I could easily manage and would grow out well. She did just that! Flash forward to March of this year. I went back for a digital perm and it came out awesome. I have had a bunch of perms in the last 7 or so years and this would have to be the best. As usual, it does take 3-4 hours and is kind of pricy, but it's worth it. She also cut my hair to make the curls nice and light. I also had my hair shampoo'd like 3 different times and each time, the person gave the BEST head massages! All the staff are super sweet even though it can be a little difficult to understand them through their accents. Will definitely come back! read more

I just had my first appointment at shizen and they did not disappoint!! I got a full color and cut + a treatment and my hair looks so great. Yuta did my cut+ color and is an angel. The rest of the staff were also very helpful and accommodating. I'll def be coming back. read more

As North Williamsburg gentrifies some more, with it come the amazing hairdressers and all. Shall I give thanks? I was in desperate need for a solid cut recently and my friend told me to call Shizen and they'll give me the best service I could possibly want. True to her words, I called them and set up an appointment. They were really friendly and accomodating on the phone especially when I ran 20 minutes late for my appointment. When I got there I was told Junko was going to cut my hair and moments later was seated in a chair ready to begin. Of course, me being super indecisive of the type of cut I was looking for turned to her for guidance. She showed me a bunch of pictures and we settled on the one I thought would look great with my face. The process that Shizen puts you through to have a haircut is simply amazing. By the time it's over, you almost feel like you were just at the spa relaxing. From the person who shampoos your hair, to the green tea they serve, it's all just so perfect and relaxing. Midway through the cut I asked her if she had time to add some colors to my hair. Thankfully, although they are a super busy salon, she had time to give me that treatment. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of it all. I received so many compliments the moment I walked back into my office. The care you receive at Shizen is definitely like no other and will be a salon I'll be getting my hair treatments from now on. read more

I can't even begin to say how satisfied I am with this truly Amazing Hair Salon. The owner Koshi and Yoko are super friendly and polite and his staff is very professional and creative. They genuinely care about clients and treat you like you're family here. Great service and atmosphere!! I can say this beauty salon is the best hair salon in the world!! I am definitely recommending this place to anyone who needs a haircut or color to be done. read more

So happy with the haircut Mai gave me! I previously always had Aki cut my hair, but now he's in Tokyo. I would feel comfortable with any stylist at Shizen cutting my hair. They're all great. Thank you! read more

A friend introduced Junko to me a few years ago when Shizen was originally located in East Village, two years ago they moved to Williamsburg, it's now a more chill and relaxed space on the North Side, I took a picture of the interior and showed a lot of my friends in the salon business, to my surprise, they all want to pay Shizen a visit. I had Junko trim my hair, thinned it and had a digital perm like always. It took me awhile to make an appointment for a Saturday afternoon, they are usually completely booked 2-3 weeks in advance, so if you have an event to go to or need your hair done, plan ahead! I trust her so she's the only hairstylist I go to. I did a hair modeling for a friend back in August last year and had my hair cut quite short, now that I finally grew it out, I comfortably handed my hair over to her touch. I usually ask for her opinion, and I'm completely comfortable with whatever she wants to do...she doesn't do anything crazy though, something that works for me. My curl came out so natural, it's got body and volume, I love the way they do a spa hair wash, they use Aesop products and a range of Japanese products to style. I also notice they have their own brand of butter that works as a wax or even skincare. Pretty amazing stuff. I'll be coming back in a few months. read more

I recently went in for a haircut since I had split ends and it was damaged from all the coloring in the past. This was my first time at Shizen and the staff was very friendly from the moment I stepped in. Everything was done in a timely manner and I am very happy with my haircut, done by Mai! She was so sweet and really cared about the look I was going for. I can tell she genuinely cared for the best result and was time efficient! Really appreciate it and am looking forward to visiting again. read more

Good enough for Xiao Wen Ju, good enough for me, and probably you too. Great products, great service, it was $65 for a wash/cut/treat for my badly damaged hair. Well deserving of their reputation. read more

My fear of bad haircuts had resulted in a very long, damaged tangle of hair. I was tired of convincing myself that my hair was fashionably long vs. witchy weird-girl long. And after a two-year hiatus of not cutting my hair, I made an appointment at Shizen Brooklyn. The decor is great. Nice, stark white walls. A small ledge of Japanese fashion/lifestyle mags line the wall. Hip, japanese stylists work at their stations. The thing about getting your hair done in Williamsburg, is that sometimes the very hip can be very intimidating and unapproachable (yes, I'm generalizing). But, I didn't feel this way at all when entering the welcoming atmosphere of the salon. Junko cut and styled my hair. With very little direction, she knew exactly what look I was going for. She did a great job! Nothing too dramatic, nothing too over-styled. Just well cut hair. The price is VERY reasonable for an NYC haircut. Plus, they offer a student discount along with a 'frequent customer' card. 10 cuts and the 11th is free -- or something to that effect. Thus, my fears of going under the shears were allayed. Thanks, Shizen! I will be back. read more

I didnt know what to expect when I called for a hair coloring appointment. But boy was I taken care of. FAVORITE SALON HANDS DOWN - I seriously have never been so pleased with a hair coloring. Junko and her assistant Hidu, were amazing. They took my long curly BRIGHT RED hair to a ashy warm blonde. My hair doesn't look nor feel damage. The products they use are amazing and make sure you are comfortable at all times. I will definitely be returning to near future retouching. I recommend Shizen read more

super rude receptionist, She'll just pick up your phone and then leave you hanging there and greet other clients without even telling you to wait read more

I have been a user of yelp for years and have never ever written a review. But today I came here to write one for the first time, because my experience at Shizen was so special. The shampoo was incredibly relaxing and wonderful. And then I explained to Jinko that no hairdresser knows how to cut and thin out my thick hair. She awed at the hack chop of my last hairdresser. Then she went to work and 40 minutes later she let me feel my hair. And for the first time ever she thinned it out perfectly on the first try. I almost cried tears of joy i was so happy. Also, soooo affordable. I'm never going anywhere else again. read more

Best Japanese salon. I've been going here for over 4 years, I still make the trek to get here every 6 weeks. They really understand asian hair and the weight we have, how to cut the weight down without thinning it too much or over texturizing. All the stylists have a really good eye and know what each client needs. Really incredible service and have recommended to many friends and family and will continue to do so. Love the whole team at Shizen. read more

I was one of thier first customers. These are very very professional very very nice people. All of them. For years Junko cut my hair and when she left Miyuki gave me perhaps the best cut of my life. You will not find a better hair salon anywhere. read more