Kuniya Hair — Local services in New York

Update: Im updating it from 1 star to 4 star. The owner Masa contacted me and offered to fix it, Masa is really nice, patient, and professional, explained what happened, I appreciate that. So if you're going I definitely would suggest sticking to Masa, they also seem to specialize in coloring if that's what you're looking for.

Original post: I went to this place a couple of weeks ago because I need to do Japanese straightening soon and they have good reviews on both google and yelp, so I thought they must be good. However I was smart enough to try their service first before I make the big move, so I made an appointment for haircut and blowout. Maybe I should have seen it coming when I phoned them and after two people on the phone, they still couldn’t quiet understand me. This is normal with most Japanese salon so after a long frustrating phone call I booked my appointment and went. My stylist was Fuji, when I talked to him about what I want: no bulky or chunky(straight blunt cut), but not too much layers as I have lots of hair and need some weight for it to settle. At first he interpreted it completely the opposite way, I had to talk him through again, and told him if he’s not sure just ask me and confirm with me, he just smiled and nodded. I hesitantly let him do my hair, ok, never have a haircut when you don’t have your contact lenses on! He started to thinning my hair and put crazy layers in it, the way he cut was like attacking my hair, at one point I started to question if I’ve ever unmatched him on Tinder or what as it didn’t quiet make sense anymore, then he started to do the blow out, tbh the look has this old school vibe in it (in a bad way), the length of the hair was not even so I asked him to adjust with hairdryer again (warning again!), after as I stroked my hair, the cut strings and clumps of hair just kept coming out, he had to blow it through again to get rid of all the cut hair. At this point I just want to leave and be done with this place, oh and it’s cash only, I had to ran to the bank and get the cash. I couldn’t believe I still gave a decent tip. smh Because it was a blow out I couldn’t really see how it’s cut, although I see lots of flyaways. After I washed my hair, it was like a semi-Afro! I mean I know my hair needs a perm soon but this is ridiculous. I went to another salon for Japanese straightening of course, they were shocked at how my hair was cut and told me I need to wait and let it grow for at least 6 months to start reshaping it. Argh! I was growing my hair out, and now I have to do this all again! Seriously if you struggle with English, just double check and confirm! I know because English is also my second language but when in a business that interact with costumers so much, language skill is vital! Plus this place has opened for a year so why?! I’m just looking at the bright side that I didn’t let them out permanent chemical in my hair. At this stage, when I looked at my hair I don’t even know if I should laugh or cry, it’s funny, it’s miserable, it’s definitely a lesson to learn. PS:the first four photos were taken after I’ve don’t the root touch up for Japanese straightening at another salon, they did a good job, but still my...

My true rating for Kuniya would be a 3.5 if I could give half ratings. I have gotten my hair cut by Masa in the past and he is one of the best - hands down. Masa gets a 5/5 in my book. But with inflation and the current economy I’ve recently chosen to opt for the regular stylists, and unfortunately with them my experience has been mixed. I can’t tell if the skill is just not there or if they’re not as passionate about their craft, but they don’t seem as careful as Masa. The haircut looks good when it’s freshly styled, but the issues are apparent after the first wash when hair is left unstyled - an indication that the hairstylist cut some corners in his/her work. A great haircut like the kind Masa delivers looks great even without much styling. For a $120 haircut (after tip), I still think it’s reasonable to...

I got my hair done at Kuniya Hair every single Friday (sometimes even twice a week) for six years, and the biggest reason I kept going back was Nao-san. She is, hands down, one of the best stylists I’ve ever had - gentle, intuitive, insanely skilled, and always consistent. No matter what kind of week I had, sitting in her chair felt like a reset. She has magic hands and an eye for detail that never misses.

I also had the chance to get my hair done by Wata-san a few times, and he was fantastic too.

Kuniya Hair felt like a second home. Masa-san, the owner, always made me feel welcome, and the whole team is so warm and talented. There’s a calm, comforting energy in this salon that’s hard to find elsewhere. I genuinely miss being a regular there. If you’re looking for a stylist who will always get it...