Getting a Haircut in Japan 2026: Phrases, Prices & How to Not Panic in the Chair

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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?

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

1. Consultation: you’ll be asked how you want it. Show your photo here.
2. Shampoo: almost always included at salons. You’ll get a face gauze at some places — totally normal.
3. The cut: Japanese stylists are famously meticulous; expect it to take longer than back home.
4. Blow-dry and set: included, no extra charge.
5. 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