The good: I called another Japanese hair salon before this one but they said they weren't taking new customers. Luckily, Van Van was! My hair dresser spent a meticulous amount of time straightening my hair and curling the ends so that it would look cute. I was happy with my simple and cute haircut. I got a slight a-line LOB and cut off many inches of my hair because it was getting unkempt. I get a haircut maybe twice annually. My shampoo was thorough. The bad: My haircut was $57 without tip. I think it's a fair price but on the pricier side. I had trouble communicating with the staff during my phone call with them. They mentioned needing to wear a mask and sanitize our hands before the haircut started but the other customer I saw inside wasn't wearing her mask and they didn't enforce the hand sanitizing. At some point, I was sweating a lot because I had my mask on my face, the garb protecting my clothes, and my bangs in my eyes area as well as a hair straightener and hair blower going on. The interesting: You have to pay before getting your hair cut. I paid and left tip before cutting my hair but I'm unsure if you could opt for tip afterward since tip should be something based on the service you receive. read more

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Brought my daughter here for her first haircut. The staff was so friendly and professional. She had long hair and wanted a bob cut so off we went! She was so excited and they talked and explained as they chopped her hair. We will definitely be back! read more

I love coming here. I've only had Akemi so far, but all my hair cuts have been great. She's very friendly too.

So I called during office hours but they didn't answer so I'll try tomorrow and let you know what I think. The last time I called they were busy and it seemed like the person who answered the phone didn't speak English too well so they were a bit reluctant to take my call. I will update tomorrow and alter the rating accordingly. read more

First time went to there. Junko cut may hair and hair color. I love it very much. She is very friendly with professional manner. Gave me a right advice. The hair style exactly I would like to. Perfect! The price is very affordable. I will definitely, go back to here and highly recommended. Thank you Junko-san! read more

This salon is so great and the hairstylists were so wonderful. I love my new hairdo. Totally recommend it. :)

I have been cutting here for so long, to a point I don't really recall when it was. The stylists here are all good but my personal favorite is Makoto. She knows how to get my hair right. I have tried various salons in the past and I do go to those fancy salons when I am in Asia but this is more like the place to be for my monthly hair fix. read more

Good haircut for kids. Very accommodating with the schedule. Did a very nice haircut.

I used to go to the West LA location back when I lived up there, and am very thankful they have one in my new neighborhood. I went to Noriko for a haircut, and she did a fantastic job of listening to what I wanted, but also giving her input on what would work best for my hair and my lifestyle (I am a wash and go kinda girl - nothing too fancy please!). It was also very easy to chat with her, not awkward at all! Haircut for me (I had medium-long hair that was styled with a straightener after the cut) was $39 + tip. Only reason for the -1 star is that the storefront is difficult to find if you don't know what you're looking for. As you're going south on Hawthorne, look out for a vet clinic after you cross Skypark, then turn into the driveway afterwards - a sign with the address "23727" is there. If you can park in one of the spaces immediately to your left after you enter, take the steps to your left under the archway, and the stairs leading up to Van Van will be in front of you. Clear as mud, no? read more

I used to go to Toshiro at both the Torrance and the Westwood locations for years before I left for Japan. The way he cuts my hair is amazing and though I thought I'd be able to find a place in Japan that was comparable to Toshiro's cuts, I did not find any in the 5 years I lived there. It is a bit difficult to get a hold of Van Van sometimes. When I came back for holiday, I could not get through telephonically. I finally went back, specifically for Toshiro, when I moved back and am so relieved to finally get that cut again. He's not much of a talker so the 45min-1 hour he spends on my hair is usually spent in silence. I thought it was because I didn't speak Japanese back then but I do speak it now but the guy is still pretty reticent. But man, his hands are amazing with the shears. He doesn't use shearing scissors. He does it painstakingly by taking several hairs at a time and that makes a huge difference. I understand that it leaves the hair vulnerable to split ends later on but if you're getting trims every 1.5-2 months like you should be doing, it doesn't really matter. My mother and a handful of her closest friends are/were hairdressers. I've tried about 30 stylists in the States, Korea and Japan. Toshiro is the best. Don't tell my mom I said that. read more

Disappointed!! I asked for long layers and my hair puff up like a mushroom. At the back, one side was longer than the other!! read more

Ask for YOSHIMI! She is such a sweet artist, and she has a great sense of what looks good on a person. I went in just asking her to give me a cut that she thinks would look good on my face frame. I came out of the salon with a really nice cut and good advice on how to keep my hair nice when I get home. She's really talented and really knows what she is doing. You can tell by how she cuts your hair, that she is really experienced.. I am so happy with my experience here. The price is not cheap (around $50 for shampoo + cut), but it is well worth it. Thank you, Yoshimi! read more

I am very impressed with Akemi. I think, I'll be her loyal client. I am hard to please but I loved what she did. She gave me great cut, paid attention to details. Highlights I've got are shiny and blond without being yellow (hate it!). Update: I am Akemi's loyal customer now, adore her work. She made me blonde I always wanted to be. She makes the best cuts and has great customer service skills. read more

After reading so many positive reviews and hearing recommendations from my cousins, I gave it a try without asking for any particular stylist since it seemed like a great place. I had the first appointment that morning and came five minutes early. Okay, so I thought I would just sit and wait in the place. But as soon as I stepped into the salon, they told me I had to wait outside until opening time. I was pleased with the results but displeased with the service. I asked my stylist what would look good with my face frame and she kept saying it really depends on me and it's all up to me. I wanted her professional opinion and that was all she could give me! It's not like I was asking for her to make decisions for me. I was pretty pissed off about it. Wish I could remember her name though. I ended up with cutting my hair a few inches shorter and layered my hair. My cut came out about $40-ish. But since I was so happy with the results, I'll probably try this place again. I'll just have to listen to the reviewers and ask for specific stylist next time. read more

Hmm not sure why others are giving so many stars... Maybe a lady who cut ms hair wasn't skilled?? Anyways I had a haircut there and the outcome wad bad. I do have very thick and way hair which is typical for Japanese. That is why I go to Japanese salon. I used to go to kne in west LA but since j moved to Torrance I decided to try van van as it is near where j live. She was very kind and sweet bur my hair looked horrible after washing my hair at home. I believe a good hair stylist can cut anybody's hair considering various types of hair. My hair looked good in a salon as she straightened it with hair iron. After meeting my friends they didn't give me any compliment ( and I don't blame them) there are so many other Japanese salons in Torrance so I wouldnt recommend van van i u want a hair cut in torrance area. read more

I've been going to them for almost a decade now and can't find a place that's better! Awesome service and they never disappoint when it comes to the style I want. Price is affordable too. Definitely worth the amount of time and attention they give you. read more

Such nice area and cant accommodate, I felt like if i was not wanted. Ima go somewhere else.

I always get a haircut at Van Van since I moved to Los Angeles. Great price, parking area available, and friendly. read more

This is my 2nd time. I went here for highlight correction (since Salon Image gave me a very weird, bad highlights that I personally want to rip my head of). It was very difficult to color correct, since my hair has been damaged from that terrible highlights a week ago. But Makoto managed to get my hair back in a good shape and colors. Not to mention my hair was softer and looks really nice. The color treatment was $65 (not bad compared to that $100 highlights!!!! argh!!!) and my hair was back to "normal". They give out membership coupons. I'll go back here again for another color treatment and some trimming next time...after 8 weeks or so. I'm a regular now. read more

I've been coming here for a little over 2 years now. I also had my then-7-year-old's hair cut there. We see Akemi and she's wonderful! It's also walking distance from my place and I can usually call and get an appointment that day or the next day! Win! read more

I went after reading the reviews here. Nice little salon and nice staff as well. My stylist was Akemi, She was very nice and cut my hair conservatively so that I wouldn't feel uncomfortable! She took her time and did a great job! I have long fine and wavy hair and for a haircut and straightening she charged $47 plus tip. I will go there again. read more

I had my first haircut at Van Van about a month ago. Per Mike I.'s recommendation I booked an appointment with Noriko (Thanks Mike I.). I asked for a short and professional cut because I had an interview the next day. Noriko studied the shape of my head and asked me some hair related questions before starting. She did a great job, and I had a blast chatting with her. It turns out that I landed the job and also received many compliments regarding the haircut! It was a win-win situation for all! The entrance of the salon faces Hawthorne Blvd. Cuts are in the $20 range and are a great value. read more

I've been going to Van Van Hair Salon for over 10 years now and I'm finally writing a review..... I've been getting my haircut from Toshiro and I can't even think about getting a haircut from anyone else. I always get compliments from other people when I get my hair cut. He makes it easy to manage my hair every time. He'll let me know if he has better suggestion on what kind of hair cut I want. And he charges very low price. I can't even believe how much my friends are paying for their haircut. So I just give him a big tip. He's not a chatter but he's really nice and I like that since he's more focused on my hair than talking. I highly recommend! read more

Akemi was my hair stylist. I went on the weekend, which was their typical walk-in days. Waited for about 15 minutes before I got to seat down with the super efficient and professional Akemi. I had a big cut, chopped about 20" off my old long hair, to a fresh bob hair! She started on my hair cut and went away for a short 10 mins to finish up her previous coloring client - understandable for a busy morning. It proves how popular they are! I don't normally pay for my haircut more than $30 on a cut or trim, but this time I wanted some place professional to handle my big cut. I am really happy with my new hairdo. Got a lot of compliments, will definitely consider going back! read more

I used to go to Van Van hair for 4 years when they were at the Sawtelle location. When they closed, I was so sad. For two years, I wandered from stylist to stylist trying to find a replacement. Everything was either low quality (clipper heavy, not Asian experienced) or overpriced I have barely any hair, I don't need to pay $60 cause it's hand cut). Then fate had my business moving down the street to Torrance. And I was reunited with my favorite hair crew! Akemi is my favorite person to book, she's a cool little punker chick who suits my style and always shows some extra love on her hand cut. Chiharu and the rest of the crew will also do a great job if you can't get her. I think I've had my hair cut by every stylist there! hooray for Van Van! read more

For starters...I have thick hair so it's really hard for any stylist to cut my hair well! I've gone to different places and the results were unsatisfactory!...until I found out about Van Van. I've been going here for the past 4 years and I always come out satisfied! Firstly, newcomers might have trouble finding the place! It's kinda hidden, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you'll find it! I drove past it the first time I came here! For awhile, I've went in without requesting a specific stylist to see how they would be able to handle my cuts and make it look good! It wasn't until this year that I decided to stick with Chiharu! I'm pretty simple and I just ask for a regular cut (basically not too short, not too long). She's very precise and makes sure you're all cleaned up, which I was extremely pleased with! I went today and asked Chiharu if she can cut the backside more than the other side, but she told me if she did that, she would have to cut more of my hair in general. She said she'll cut what she thinks would be good and if I want it shorter, we can adjust it then. She was right! Also, she's fun to talk to! :) Note that during the week, you will have to call in for appointments, which I did. On the weekends, they do walk ins only! read more

I HIGHLY recommend this place! I've been coming here since I was in middle school! I've tried to go to different hair salons but this place have the BEST customer service and AMAZING hair styling technique! I walked in a weekend with no appointment to get a hair color done. I originally had really dried, damaged and bleached blue hair... I had 5 bleaching sessions at a different hair salon, which I highly regret... But, my hair stylist did miracle wonders and managed to get it to a beautiful matte ash brown color!!! She noticed how worryingly damaged and brittle my hair from the rough bleaching sessions so she added A LOT of treatment, which brought back life into my prior dead hair! I knew my hair was super dry and damaged so even combing through it would be a painful process. Now it's all soft, smooth, glossy and healthy looking hair!!! Even throughout the process of applying toner, she CAREFULLY combs through to make sure I feel minimal hair pulling and she frequently asks if the toner was burning my scalp or not. The pricing is not the cheapest but it's very reasonable for the quality of customer service and hair styling skills! The location is a bit hard to find and there isn't a lot of parking space but it's definitely worth to stop by. read more

Referred by a great friend and neighbor to Chiharu. Super nice and really love my new haircut. Chiharu curled my hair and I got the best time of my life that day to prank my kids by telling them it's a perm. lol I would love to go back again for my next haircut. Thank you, Chiharu! read more

Went here to get a short cut. I have pretty long hair and needed to cut it because of too many split ends from over processing =\ .. Akime did my hair. She is very friendly and welcomes you right away. I suggest bringing a picture of what you want . Overall I'm very happy with the results! I'm gonna go there for the japanese straightening when i have more $$! read more

I've been going to van van for several years now. Never have I been disappointed by Junko. The other stylist are great too, but Junko is my go-to-stylist. She is always meticulous and neat. On some occasion I would end up getting my cuts from surrounding salons, but end up telling myself "why why why". You'll definitely get your money's worth at VAN VAN!!!! read more

I visited here April 19.Parking area was street type.The hairdresser and stylist accepted about my request well. I ordered cut and hair-treatment.They said the treatment material comes from seaweed. We can walk in there without appointment there.Especially on weekend.Price and services were awesome. read more

Van Van Hair Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Torrance, California

Japanese hair salons are better than 95% of salons . They are detailed and artisans. van van is one of these salons. Chiharu is my go to person. Just like the sushi chef one chooses to be a regular with. It is always worth finding one stylist that gets to know one's hair and it's peculiar features. I stress going to a new salon or new stylist. Definitely recommended. read more

Best haircut! Super cool lady who knows what she is doing. Cool salon and great price. Will never go anywhere else.

I have been searching forever for a place to cut my hair in Torrance and I found it with the friendly staff at Van Van. No reservation was necessary and they were able to cut my hair right away. I was meeting my girlfriend's parents for the first time and I had no idea how I wanted my hair (apparently my current homeless man look doesn't fly these days), but Akemi (the person who cut my hair) listened to my situation, made great suggestions and cut my hair accordingly. What I was more impressed was that there was absolutely no loose hair stuck in the neckline of my shirt. I used to always have to change my shirt after getting my hiarcut because small pieces of sharp hair would sting my neck. When I was done, I was given a point card towards a free haircut. Great job, I think I found a permanent place to cut my hair now. read more

I don't post on yelp unless I really like a place or person. I get my haircut by Akemi and this was my first time for color. She always does a great job on my haircuts and the prices are great; I have fine thick med length hair. Her sweet demeanor and bubbly personality makes the time go by fast - it's like I am talking to a friend. I really cannot say enough great things about her, but I always leave quite happy with my haircut. This place is wonderful and everyone is very kind and helpful too! read more

I've been coming to Van Van for years. I started with their Sawtelle location and now I go to their Torrance store. Van Van reminds me of a Tokyo style salon - they definitely specialize in Japanese hair trends. The service there is great and prices are reasonable. A men's standard cut is $27. I recommend Noriko or Akemi. read more

I like my haircuts bold, funky and exactly my way (despite my abstract instructions/drawings how to get there). Chiharu never flinches with my weird Asian punk rock requests and always accommodates. When I find a good stylist I trust, I stick with them forever. Took me a while (about 7 different people/places) but from the first cut, Chiharu was the one--my styling rock star. Please don't ever leave, Chiharu! read more

Just got a hair cut from Akime. She was very friendly and I showed her the picture that I would like to replica... The result turned out al-right. I ask for less layer, however, I still feel I got more layer than I wanted. She definitely did a good job on thinning my hair. I paid $44 +20% tip. I didn't want her to shampoo or style my hair. I will wait for a week or more to see, based on my previous experience, if you have a good hair cut, even when your hair grows a bit, it still holds the style, looks and feels good. read more

I used to drive 45 mins to Monterey Park and waiting for more than one hour (with reservation) to get a hair cut in a Chinese hair salon. This time I was looking for a place to cut my hair in Torrance which is closer to my home. I found Van Van at Yelp.com by google. After I read all positive and negative comments, I decided to give it a try. I made reservation with Ms. Noriko. She is very nice and professional. Though my new hair cut is much shorter than I was expected, but it still looked very nice. $47 + tip.I received many compliment on my new hair style from friends and co-workers. I will definitely go back there again. read more

One of the only haircuts in my life that I ever loved! For just $42, I got a great style consultation, cut, shampoo, and blow dry styling. I've gotten compliments already! Excellent, Japanese service, and they were very nice to talk to as well. Ask for Makoto! read more