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Few everyday tasks intimidate new arrivals in Japan quite like the first haircut. What if I walk out with something completely different? How do I explain “just a trim”? Do I tip? Relax — Japanese salons are among the most professional in the world, and with the phrases and booking tricks in this guide, your first cut can be one of the best you have ever had.
Quick answer: where should you go?
| Option | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| QB House | ¥1,400 | Fast 10-minute cut, no frills, no booking |
| Local barber (理容室) | ¥2,000-4,000 | Classic mens cuts, shaves, older-school vibe |
| Salon (美容室) | ¥4,000-8,000+ | Styling, coloring, consultations |
| English-speaking salon | ¥5,000-10,000 | Zero language stress (Tokyo/Osaka mainly) |
The phrases that actually work
Write these in your phone notes and simply show the screen — staff are used to it:
- すきてください (suite kudasai) — please thin it out (huge for thick hair)
- 揃えるだけ (soroeru dake) — just a trim / tidy it up
- 2センチ切ってください (ni-senchi kitte kudasai) — cut 2 cm off
- 短くしすぎないで (mijikaku shisuginaide) — not too short, please
- お任せします (omakase shimasu) — I trust you (for the brave!)
The single most effective trick, according to expat community feedback: show a photo. A picture beats every phrase above.
Booking with Hot Pepper Beauty
Japan’s dominant salon booking app lists prices, stylist profiles and reviews, and often has first-visit discounts of 20-40%. The app is Japanese-only, but it works beautifully with your browser’s translate function. Look for salons tagged 英語対応 (English OK). Booking online also means you skip the phone call entirely — the part most foreigners dread.
What to expect during the visit
- Consultation: you’ll be asked how you want it. Show your photo here.
- Shampoo: almost always included at salons. You’ll get a face gauze at some places — totally normal.
- The cut: Japanese stylists are famously meticulous; expect it to take longer than back home.
- Blow-dry and set: included, no extra charge.
- Payment: at the front desk. No tipping — ever. It can even cause confusion.
FAQ
Can they handle non-Asian hair types?
Big-city stylists increasingly can, but curly and afro-textured hair is still a specialty. Search for “foreigner friendly salon” + your city, or ask in expat Facebook groups — a handful of Tokyo salons specialize in it.
Do I need to book?
QB House and barbers: walk in. Salons: booking strongly recommended, especially weekends.
What about coloring?
Japanese salons excel at it, but note that bleach-heavy Western coloring may be quoted higher. Expect ¥8,000-15,000 for cut + color.
More daily-life guides: Cost of Living in Japan · Laundry in Japan · Konbini Guide
Cheat Sheet: Salon Phrases That Actually Work
| What you want | Say / show this | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Just a trim | “Soroeru dake de” (整えるだけで) | Safest option |
| 2 cm off | “Ni-senchi kitte kudasai” | Show fingers — universally understood |
| Thin it out | “Suite kudasai” (すいてください) | Japanese stylists love thinning shears — say “sukanaide” if you DON’T want it |
| Keep the length | “Nagasa wa kaenaide” | Important if you only want shape |
| Show a photo | “Konna kanji de” | The single most effective method |
| Shampoo included? | “Shampoo tsuki desu ka?” | Often a set; massage is normal! |
Price Guide & Where to Go
| QB House & quick-cut chains | 1,400 yen / ~10 min. No shampoo, ticket machine, perfect for maintenance cuts |
|---|---|
| Standard barber (床屋) | 3,000–4,500 yen with shave & shampoo — the hot-towel shave is a must-try experience |
| Salon (美容室) | 4,000–8,000 yen cut; +5,000–12,000 for color. Look for “Hot Pepper Beauty” coupons — first-visit discounts of 30–50% are standard |
| English-friendly salons | Tokyo (Omotesando/Hiroo), Osaka, Kyoto have many; search “English speaking salon + city” or book via Hot Pepper Beauty’s English site |
よくある質問（FAQ）
Do I need a reservation?
Salons: yes, book via Hot Pepper Beauty (big discounts) or the salon’s Instagram. QB House and barbers: walk-in with a ticket machine.
Should I tip?
No tipping in Japan — ever. Great service is the default.
Can they handle non-Asian hair textures?
Many stylists train on straight hair, so for curly/coily textures seek out salons that advertise experience with international clients (several in Tokyo/Osaka do). Bring photos of a cut that worked for you.
What’s the head spa everyone mentions?
A scalp-massage shampoo treatment (1,000–3,000 yen add-on). It’s glorious — say yes at least once.
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