Chura Primo — Local services in Vancouver

Absolutely LOVE this place, and I’ve been going to my stylist (Yuki) for 10+ years now – and he NEVER disappointments. Only complaint (which has nothing to do with the salon itself), is that it is located in a slightly sketchy part of downtown Vancouver, on West Pender Street. It’s about 10 min walk from Pacific Centre, and very easily accessible by skytrain as well (10min walk from either Granville or Stadium Chinatown skytrain station). They do not accept walk-ins, so you must book an appointment over the phone (I usually book 1 month prior, as his schedule can fill up quite quickly). Very friendly and polite staff, with excellent service overall. They’re also very good with the timing of each appointment. I never wait more than 5-10 minutes for an appointment, and always leave on time too.

COVID-19 precautions: There are plastic curtains between the hair washing stations. Just check in and wait outside until it’s your turn for the appointment. Hand sanitizer available upon entry, and there is a washroom. Keep your mask on, and all staff members also wear masks.

Woman’s haircut usually takes 45min-1 hour and includes a wash, blow dry, and also minor styling (straight iron or curling iron at the end).

This time, I bleached my hair (with toning) and also got a haircut which was included in the pricing. The goal was a natural ombre ashy brown that would grow out blending nicely (roots unbleached). There was a 5% off promo for following their Instagram (limited time only, and I’m not sure how long this promo will last). After tax, my total was $230 which is very very reasonable in my opinion, especially since a haircut is included.

Total time spent in the salon was 4 hours. Process: Bleach (on dry, unwashed hair), wash off bleach, tone, wash off toner, dry, haircut, then style with curling iron. Yuki takes his time and foils small sections of hair, which ensures a very natural blend. The haircut style is Japanese-style, which is usually softer and “whispy” looking with layers. I have pretty thick hair, but the haircut makes it look light, bouncy...

I used to come to this salon a lot in the past. I really liked the hair stylist I had previously. However, after a haircut I was not very fond of, I decided to take a break and try other hair salons to get a sense of what other salons offered.

Eventually, I came back to try Chura Primo again and decided to go with Hiroko. I really liked her work on Instagram, but I was sorely disappointed by my haircut experience. She was quite condescending that I had my highlights done at another salon and even commented on why I did not get a haircut done there. It was too bad that my experience did not go well with her, as I did like my haircut. If I had enjoyed having Hiroko as my hair stylist, I would have continued seeing her at the salon and potentially have a balayage done by her.

My previous hair stylist, Yuki, was very professional, and even though I was not happy with one haircut I had in the past from him, I would still recommend him to friends and others. I guess that once you switch to another salon, it is best to not revisit this salon, otherwise you may receive a rather...

I made an appointment around a month in advance and was contacted a few days leading up to my appointment for details of what I wanted. I told them I wasn’t completely sure (maybe something lighter or darker), but sent over some inspiration photos upon request. I was then advised that those hair colours would require a longer appointment time and they weren’t able to extend the appointment I had originally booked. They offered me the option to rebook and would honour the promotion they currently have, but not for the stylist I booked for.

I am not a hair expert so I don't know how long it will take or what can/cannot be achieved. My inspiration photos are not a dramatic colours – they are brown.

I was given the option to shorten my appointment to one service but I declined considering I live far away and the drive itself would take longer than the actual appointment.

Overall, I recommend changing your online booking system or contacting customers more in advance to discuss. Having to cancel an appointment I made 3-4 weeks ago is not a...