MASA.KANAI - Columbus — Local services in New York

This is a very good salon for passive people that want to be told how their hair should look, not for clients to have their own views or wishes it seems.

I 100% believe the stylists and colorists are very, very skilled. However, despite communicating and bringing in visual aids of what you want, they seem to nod and just do their own thing to your hair - like they know what's best. This has happened to me repeatedly but I went back mostly out of convenient location for me and thought that I can eventually get on same page with them.

But no, they just consistently act like they know what's best...but without even discussing with you first. Tommy the owner speaks or emotes very little, just kinda nods and mumbles like he knows exactly what you want. Twice I've had to stop him mid-cut to say "wait, no, I want the exact opposite of what you are doing." He listens to me at that point but then acts annoyed for remainder of cut. How pleasant!

My last color was the same. I thought we were on the same page as I brought pictures and described exactly what I wanted AND what I didn't want. The colorist nodded like okay fine (no follow up questions) and then 3 hours and $400 later I have not even remotely what I asked for, and almost exactly what I did not want. I hate it and will now have to go elsewhere to pay another $400 to have corrected.

So beware: this is not salon if you want to be heard or acknowledged at all as a customer. Go elsewhere where the stylists engage and ask questions both before and along the way to make sure they understand what you want and that they actually know how to do it. If not, major red flag. I wish I'd taken my business elsewhere earlier but I was stubbornly hoping each time the next appointment would be different b/c I was desperate to make this my local salon. A few thousands dollars later and I've finally learned my lesson....

I feel like this place was actual heaven. I went for a 90 min head spa appointment - TOTAL indulgence with the price tag but it was worth every penny.

You get led to a back private room which is super calming with essential oils filling the room. My appointment was with Ritsuko and she was an utter delight. So calming and respectful and nice. She first used a camera to show me my scalp and listen to any concerns I had and then after a quick neck/back massage, it was head spa time.

You’re given a robe to put on over your clothes so no need to worry about changing. The chair you lay down in the entire time is super comfy and they wrap a warm blanket over you and put an eye mask on. Honestly it was really hard to not fall asleep but I wanted to stay awake to experience the treatment! Even the chair itself is amazing - the neck area of it is HEATED.

I had a few washed and hair masks done and at one point she massaged a mask into my hair for like a half hour straight. So so relaxing and peaceful. After the treatment, I felt like I was waking up from a nap! She then gives out a super simple blowout - that was not part of the massage time so be prepared to be there an extra half hour past your slot.

It’s pricey but man, so worth it. They’re also booked out for three months currently...

Today was my first time visiting MASA.KANAI. I had originally read about their head spa and had an appointment, but then COVID happened. I was way overdue for a cut and made the first appointment available with Deborah. The space is simple, but pretty, and clean looking. The front desk staff was warm and welcoming while observing COVID safety protocols. Deborah was absolutely wonderful, she listened to what I wanted, asked questions, and sent me for an amazing shampoo. It was without a doubt the best and most thorough shampoo I have ever had. I went back to Deborah and she tackled the mess that was my hair. I’m not very good at small talk (the only thing I dread about getting a haircut), but there was no forced conversation and we had plenty of comfortable silence for me to watch and enjoy her work. She went the extra mile and styled my hair after the blow dry. I honestly can’t say enough good things! The prices are not what is featured in one of the pictures on Google (visit their website for updated pricing), but I think it was a bargain for the time and attention I received. I would highly recommend Deborah and the MASA.KANAI salon in general. I will definitely...