Winam Studio — Local services in Honolulu

I found Wynham studio on both Yelp and Google when I was looking for someone who was comfortable doing a dramatic cut. I've been considering a new hairdo for about two years and finally felt comfortable pulling the trigger.

Off the website I was able to get Hilary's number and text her about my situation and desired haircut. I showed her photos of similar haircuts and described what I was looking for. I also showed her pictures of my current hair and of me holding my hair sort of how I was hoping the final cut would look.

The text-based consult was great! Hilary was excited about the job, but also said I could go somewhere else if I wanted to get color done at the same time, since she only does haircuts. After telling the stylist she referred me to for color the same information I gave Hillary, she thought it best I go to Hillary for the cut and her for the color. I don't think everyone is comfortable doing this kind of dramatic cut, and I may have made her nervous when I said I was an artist educator.

I ended up doing both appointments the same day, one right after the other this was fairly easy, since both locations were within walking distance of each other. I'm happy I had two experts each doing what they loved doing best!

Winam Studio is above the Post Office on 11th Ave. in Kaimuki. I came in the afternoon (post lunch) on a weekday, and parking was fairly easy in the metered lot in the middle of the block, and I showed up right on time. The studio was clean and fun, with pops of color inspired by a Rubik's cube, and Hillary was ready for me. She'd been talking to someone in the waiting area, but stopped to attend to me immediately. There was one other person and her hairdresser in the studio. Hillary and I talked through the cut one more time, and she expressed gratitude about my specificity and the reference photos I brought. She asked her colleague for ideas before starting to firm up her plan of action. We had interesting conversation throughout the shampoo and cut, and Hillary even treated me to some theatrical snipping during the experience. This woman is an artist with her shears. She thought and walked me through her process the entire time, sculpting my hair with precision using only combs, shears, and razor blades, and even throwing in a bit of theatrical pins he that made me laugh. I kept a lock of my long hair for my son. It was an awesome collaboration!

Both the cut and color turned out better than I could ever have imagined! It's comfortable and super low-maintenance. I don't have to wash my hair as often, don't sweat as much, and never need a hair tie. My hair looks amazing after simply messing it around with my fingers and flipping to the side. Friends that have known me for years have asked me why I hadn't had this haircut sooner. They tell me it fits my personality perfectly! I love that I can look chic or punk rock, depending on what I wear and how I wear my hair! Now I look like the artist I am! Thank...

The salon itself is lovely and serene, refreshments are offered, and it's great to be able to book an appt online. I'm afraid the positive ends there. Yes, parking is a problem, but that's an issue on the entire island. It's the stylist that I had issues with. I went to Hillary a few times, thinking she was just having a bad day, etc, but finally gave up when she was just abrasive and insulting throughout my entire last appointment. That visit, which I had booked a week ahead, and that I believe was her last of the day, began with her acting as if she'd forgotten about my appointment, and I was terrible imposition.

During a previous visit she had taken one look at the pic I had brought in, of a haircut very similar to one I'd had previously, on a person with curly hair very similar to mine, and said that styles on "hair models" could never be duplicated. She shot down my attempts to disagree. I had also made her aware on each visit of the problem I have with fragranced products (I get red itchy sores on my skin/scalp); she once asked if I wanted to try a particular product. She let me smell it, and with all the other aromas in the place I thought it might be ok. She was in too much of a hurry to let me read the ingredients. So she put on my head at the sink and I immediately caught a whiff of perfume and stopped her. She actually said, yeah, I wondered how you were ok with that one, even I could smell it... I had to wonder why she wouldn't have said something before putting it on my head?? I had to shampoo as soon as I got home.

Well, I could go on about each and every snide and prickly thing she said on each visit, especially that last one, but suffice it to say that I won't be back. The cuts were mediocre, the price was no longer a bargain, and I'd rather not pay - cash only - to...

Hillary & her staff make getting your hair cut and or colored an experience. You are warmly greeted then quickly offered an espresso. For those that go in for her first appointment of the day which is before 5 am that first cup of Joe is welcomed. Why so early you may say, you get to enjoy your new style all day. You get to have someone else make you look pretty before going to work. Hillary is a teaching/learning salon. Hillary always has mentors come in to teach her & others the newest cutting techniques. Hillary will listen to what style you like & work with you to get the best hair cut ever. Everyone walks out happy. Hillary’s prices are very reasonable. She does green haircuts to get you in & out. She even offers free fringe trims. Hillary also does color. Thats what I go in for. It’s very easy to book an appointment. Hillary does on-line booking. Go in & check out Winam Studio. You’ll have an...