J Salon
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Garage
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: Yes
17 Reviews for J Salon
i have been searching for over a year for that salon that has just "got it". as of today that quest is over. after reading the rave reviews here, it was time to give it a try. i was greeted with a smile as well as some sweetend iced tea. everyone was super friendly. the interior is sleek and chiq and the shampoo massage was nothing short of fantastic. I got my cut from none other than Joe, the owner of the salon. Joe is an amazing stylist who has great instinct as to what kind of cut you are looking for, and his cut was dead on in matching my style and It was honestly the best cut ive ever had. he also did a thorough job in educating me on the types of kerastase products to fully bring out the potential in my hair. this truly is the best salon in hawaii. now go book an appt with Joe and tell him cameron sent you! you WILL NOT be disappointed! :D
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I had high expectations for this place, and they were met! I'll be back!
What I loved: the stylist (Melvin) took the time to listen to what I wanted; the atmosphere/experience didn't feel rushed or hectic; the music was nice (not too loud or trendy); the products they use (my hair feels healthier already!); they offer you a drink and serve it in real glass (not a big deal, but it's a nice touch); and finally, the owner's philosophy- he said they like to make people look "pretty, not interesting."
What I didn't quite love: the chairs are really close together, so you hear everyone's conversations (although this is how I discovered that I was sitting next to our very own Edwina K.! Too funny!), the pricetag of aforementioned products (I can handle $110 for a haircut and all-over color, but $80 for shampoo and conditioner...I just can't do it! Then again, I did spend about that amount on styling and finishing products, go figure...), and lastly I didn't like that Melvin had to flit back and forth between me and another client (he apologized sincerely, and it didn't bother me too much, but it's nicer when you have the stylist all to yourself!)
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Funny story. So I was in hawaii for a last minute get away with my family and I was in desperate need to get my hair done! I wanted to try something new, somewhere exciting, and what better not to get my hair done in Hawaii! So for the hell of it, I ended up going on yelp to search for hair salons. Immediately J salon popped up as the best one here on the island. Let me say this, I'm from San Francisco and I've tried a bunch of salons but no one compares to the amazing work that these stylists can perform. I was lucky because when I called in the friendly receptionist Shirley told me the only person available to cut my hair on Saturday was Melvin... and I am SO glad he was the one to die my hair. When I got to the salon it was in a random location, Chinatown, but the inside was very spacious and clean. But let me get to it... Melvin and I just started to click it off from the start! I came in with highlights and I wanted a rich chocolate brown color... and the result I WAS SO HAPPY!! He knew what I wanted and the results was nothing but FANTASTIC!! I don't know why but every time I get my hair done here around the bay area, no one knows how to get a chocolate brown color, it either comes out looking like it's BLACK or they tell me they cant make my hair chocolate brown because my highlights were too light... so it ended up being like a light brown color(( those lies were all BULL SHIT, until I met Melvin )). At first he told me it was going to be $95 bucks but then it turned out to be only $85, probably because we got along really well. The shampoo massage was heaven, and he even asked me how I wanted to style my hair! Back in San Francisco, the salons that I have been to just end up straightening your hair, not asking you how you want it styled. I wish they had a salon back in San Francisco where another "Melvin" would be =( because I could officially declare him as MY stylist =P ... he sure does spectacular work as a hair stylist and anyone who lives there is indeed LUCKY to have a place like this to get their hair done at. I'm so picky with my hair and how I want it done. As a result of his phenominal work, I came out walking out of the salon with a big smile on my face.. and I carried the smile with me all the way back to San Francisco where I get compliments on my hair at least once a day.............
yes, I will definitely be back here when I visit Hawaii next summer!!!!!! and for the next summers to come, haha.
Need a new hair stylist, that will give you what you need to look gorgeous and feel like a million bucks? Joe, definately is a the one!! Professional, artistic and fun...I go in not knowing if I want to go short or keep my length...I put my trust in him and he comes through every time.
I've been to many stylists, if your hair starts looking bad after 3 weeks, you have been going to the wrong stylist...Check out Joe....he is a fantastic stylist and consistent with making me feel and look my best!!! His cuts are worth every penny.
Thanks to yelp, I found my hairdresser for life! - owner, stylist Joe himself. After reading the great reviews on J Salon, I just had to experience it myself. My appoinment was earlier today and ever since I Ieft the salon, the compliments have been coming my way!
I was greeted with a smile & enjoyed a glass of water while waiting in the lounge area. Layout: Very simple, clean lines. Less is better. I was then greeted by Joe's assistant, Melissa and she took me over to a dressing room where I can dress myself with a smock. Then to the consultation chair - oh no, what is he going to say about my hair:o Of course he asked "what can I do for you today" and I frankly told him I needed a stylist who provides feedback. I want to look good damn it!
He smiled and said he definitely gives feedback and usually to much. First, he asked what shampoo I use and my response of a grocery store bought brand gave him a heart attack! He told me to use it on my dogs! What's great about Joe is that he is not only a stylist, but a teacher. Educated me that store bought products are bad b/c they coat your hair with wax. I never colored my hair and pointed out that my hair should be shiny if taken care correctly, not dull. Also told me to stop using a roundbrush to dry my hair - the breakage in my hair was evident!
Melissa then whisked me away for my individualized shampoo treatment: Joe recommended the Shu Uemura Moisture Velvet Nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Melissa gave excellent scalp massages!
I was then brought over to the "stylist" area and that's when Joe came over and stated "you're hair looks sooo much better" after using the right products. And another thing, come to find out - my natural part was actually opposite of how I've been wearing it! Oh my gosh! So after a quality cut, style, flat iron, and some fun coversation, I looked good! My hair looked so shiny and beautiful.
I promise to treat my hair with respect!! Thanks Joe:-)
FYI: they are scheduled to relocate in September to the Ward area.
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My stylist was really nice and she did a great job cutting and coloring my hair. She also did a deep condition thinggy that my hair really needed, and she was very diplomatic about offering it to me (i.e., she did not come out and say my hair was in a state of horrible neglect and I needed conditioning badly, even though it was true).
So why 4 stars instead of 5? Two main reasons:
Number One: When I called to make the appointment the receptionist assured me they (J Salon) would be able to handle the details to donate my hair to Locks of Love. When I got there however, I was told that they do not do that, so I had to mail in my hair myself, which isn't a big deal, but one of the reasons I went there was because I thought they would do all that for me.
Number Two: After doing such a great job on my hair so it fell flatteringly, felt soft, silky and looked naturally highlight-y, my stylist started flat ironing my hair. My hair has some body, but it's basically straight. She didn't ask if I wanted that done and I guess I wouldn't have minded if I hadn't ended up looking like Professor Snape from Harry Potter. Seriously.
My hair looked stuck to my scalp, and while it wasn't greasy, it looked that way because of whatever product she put in there after she flat ironed my hair. As soon as I left the salon I started shaking my hair and trying to get some body into it so I would look less Snape-like. *sigh*
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Jessie is a woman with some serious skills!
I have been a salon addict since I was about 13 years old so I have seen many many people do color and you can believe I know what I am talking about when I say Jessie is Amazing.
I don't know anything about the other salons on the island but if J salon was in San Francisco it would be one of the top salons.
Wonderful wonderful staff, beautiful environment, great product lines and the cuts & color on their clients are gorgeous.
Go to J salon!
If you are looking for color be sure to see Jessie.
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I needed a good cut & color and figured Hawaii would have lots of places to choose from for Asian hair. Relying on yelp reviews, I decided to make an appointment during my vacation which I don't usually do. Thanks to yelpers, I didn't regret it. Melvin is one of the top stylists who was trained by Joe the owner of the salon. After my consultation he gave me the layer cut & color we agreed on-a rich chocolate brown. What put this experience over the top was the truly amazing shampoo/scalp massage.
The cost was reasonable for a nice salon compared to San Francisco salons. They will be moving to another location soon with better parking.
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I got home from my first trip to J Salon about five minutes ago. Some clothes I ordered online arrived in the mail and are sitting on my counter. I am writing this review before I check out my new clothes - *that* tells you something.
Like a lot of people, I didn't think there were any top salons in Hawaii. I was about to book an appointment at a Los Angeles salon - just randomly pick some place from the Allure "Best Of" list. But I checked Yelp first for Hawaii salons, just for fun. To see how bad they were, mainly.
I was surprised to find J Salon with it's perfect 5 star rating. But now I can see why they have it.
This place rocks. It's in Chinatown and super nondescript from the outside, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find the place. From the outside if you just glance it looks a bit like an empty/abandoned office space.
One I found it and went inside, I was immediately greeted and offered a drink. I waited in the waiting area and read some magazines. The music was nice - stuff I'd expect to hear in a mainland salon (I heard a remix of Yellow by Coldplay and some downtempo, dreamy sounding stuff that made me want a mixed drink). They're not blasting 102.7 Da Bomb (thank god). I was offered another drink after I'd waited for a bit.
They were running a little behind - like 15 minutes. I saw Melvin. He apologized for the wait. I changed into a smock and they stored my top and bag in a closet. The space has a very, very minimalist decor. It's all about the hair.
Melvin was amazing. I thought about requesting one of the stylists raved about on here, but I'm glad I took who they gave me so I can add Melvin's name to the list. His suggestions on what to do with my hair were spot on, and gave me my dream hair. His highlighting was *meticulous*. My highlights look so incredibly natural. He spent three hours perfecting my highlights and a cut (I have very long hair) and the total was only $145. I was in shock when I was total my total - what an incredible deal.
I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I will definitely return. Melvin is incredible - tell him Emily from Makaha says "hi!" if you go.
Going to go look at my clothes now! :) And admire my new hair.
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I have lived on the island for two years now and been to various talented stylists who seem to disappear without letting me know where they've moved to. (wonder why?) I did a Yelp search on salons around Oahu and liked what I saw for J Salon. I decided to go ahead and book an appt to chop off my hair for a spunky short 'do.
My senior stylist Monique was awesome in putting together what I wanted and balancing the look I was going for with my face shape. I've had short styles in the past where the stylists just went with what they thought was cute, wheareas Monique took the extra minute to talk with me about it.
Afterward, she began cutting away, and girl let me tell you it was a relief to see how smooth and precise her cutting was- especially when it came to the texturizing process in the rear and crown of my head. I was comforted to see her attention to detail, even after she had styled it for me in two different ways. I think that part goes along with their product marketing, so it is probably omitable if you are in a hurry. But in the end I really enjoyed feeling fabulous and hearing the compliments from everybody even after leaving the salon.
Ironically I also had a meet and greet with a potential employer later in the day and I felt so confident, I think it helped me make a great first impression. Kudos to J Salon for it's knowledgeable staff, great ambience, and parking is not hard at all considering it's downtown location.
Book your appointment today, and if you decide to go with Monique, please let her know we're giving her mad props on Yelp- she'll be so thrilled! Mahalo!
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There isn't a week that goes by that I am not asked "where do you get hair done!?!" I always grab a stack of business cards every time I get my haircut because I know that I will need to hand them out to complete strangers or friends.
I randomly discovered J Salon on an internet search. I had a bad experience at another salon, and needed some serious help. Thank God I found these guys!
My experiences in the salon have been phenomenal. The staff is super friendly and welcomes me in with green tea or sparkling water.
Monique is amazing! Not only is she an awesome person but she has some serious talent in cutting and styling hair. I really appreciate the detail that she puts into her haircuts.
J Salon is #1 in my book, and should be in yours too. :) (Now go book an appointment with Monique!!!!)
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i'm in love with a girl, and her name is joy. (her assistant bobbi was excellent as well!)
only once before have i ever had such enthusiasm and such genius applied to my complicated thick hair. this was a brilliant experience (with iced tea! sweetened or not!).
she transformed my sun & salt water fried hair into a luscious easy-to-manage style with some spectacular (expensive!) products. i can literally feel the health of my hair. it feels so amazing in fact that i, the cheapest person on the planet, splurged and bought some stupidly expensive shampoo and conditioner.
she did not try to blow out my hair (which i would never, ever do- i missed the part of growing up where you learned to use one), she did not try to straighten it. she showed me how to make my not-curly-not-straight kinky mass into a casual wavy style (made possible by her true-ly amazing cutting skills). she worked with my hair's natural proclivities to create a spectacular hair style for ME!
everyone was very pleasant (they even called me to tell me i left some Very Important Papers there). get thee here!
this experience (personalized hair treatment & love-it-cut) was provided for $90, a true bargain in my book.
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I am REALLY picky about my hair. And I almost never like a new haircut right after its finished... i hate it for a few days until it grows on me and I finally decide its genius! So I was seriously bummed when my trusted hairstylist moved on to bigger and better things on the mainland. I saw all the rave reviews that everyone had written about the different places on Oahu and finally settled on J Salon. I checked out the website and calculated about how much it would be and then started saving.
The day of my appointment I decided to skip traffic on the H-1 then realized I only had directions if I was coming from there too late. I called the salon and they gave me impeccable directions as well as suggestions for the best place to park (China Town Municipal Parking) and I was pleased with the location. The salon itself was very nice and clean. I saw a few of the stylists consulting with their clients and overheard them asking in depth questions about what they wanted. I immediately felt a little bit safer.
I had booked an appointment with Jessie but because she is so busy I had to book my haircut on one day and dye for another week. Initially, I was a little sad about that but figured it might be worth it. Jessie is super sweet and knew exactly what to do with my hair. I was immediately smitten with my new cut and when I went out that night I got a ton of compliments. (I've been getting compliments ever since!)
Jessie also recommended some Kerastase products for my hair to get it back in fighting condition and after a month of using them I'm seriously impressed. I've noticed that even the individual strands of hair are much stronger than they used to be and the overall smoothness of my hair has improved greatly.
At the end of both appointments I was VERY satisfied and am looking forward to future appointments there. It was pricey but I think it is worth it. Your hair is something you wear everyday and you want it to look it's very best!
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This is the best salon in Honolulu, hands-down. Joy is an amazing stylist and I completely trust her to cut and style my hair. I'm not picky, but I expect the cut to be modern and easy to manage, and Joy always did an amazing job. Joy even styled my hair for my wedding! Parking is a bit tough, but there's a public lot about a block from the salon, so try this salon!
I've recently moved to Washington, DC, but I cannot find as wonderful a stylist as Joy. I miss Joy and J Salon!
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I'm very impressed with this salon. Friendly staff, reasonable prices, sleek interior and most importantly..I found the best colorist for blonde hair in Honolulu..Jessie did a great job with my color and I'll definitely go back again..
The Best Honolulu Salon - It is totally styled like a big city salon without the airs. Joe, the salon owner is an amazing stylist with extensive international experience, Jessie is the best colorist for blondes I've been to EVER. It's not cheap but they take fantastic care of you, you get incredible cuts & color. They also carry the full line of Kerestase products which I love. Located directly across from Indigo restaurant. If you want a haircut people will comment on this is THE place to go. See you there!
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I love this place! The salon is not crowded and hectic like others ive been to. Monique was very knowledgeable and had great ideas. I absolutely love my haircut and so does everybody else! They use Kerastase products which are top quality and will improve the condition of your hair instantly. Its definitely worth giving it a try.
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