(Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Tokyo gets the makeover of the year as it leaves behind the frosty blue and grey palette of winter in lieu of pastel pinks that pop up in cherry trees throughout the city,
completely vivifying the landscape.

Why not give springtime a run for its money with a revamping of your own? Let go of that hairstyle you’ve been rocking since last October, and give your coif new life at the hands of some of Tokyo’s best English-speaking salons.

Afrodita
Yokohama

Hair stylist Yoshiko Morimoto is on a mission to bring the high-level of style and service available in Beverly Hills to Japan. But unlike salons in the most exclusive parts of Tokyo, Morimoto offers this in English and without huge fees. Having trained at Vidal Sassoon in London and at top salons in New York and Los Angeles—where her clientele included Hollywood entertainers and models—she knows how to work with Western hair. Upon her return to Japan in 2001, Morimoto opened Afrodita near Yokohama Station. Today, clients travel from Saitama, Chiba, and Yokosuka just to get styled. And as customers from many countries will tell you, Morimoto never fails to satisfy them with her eye for style, especially with trending colors. Her friendly, international staff all speak English, as well as other languages from across the globe. Afrodita salon even stocks exclusive American hair care brand Redken. Follow the photos of her latest cuts on Facebook at “Afrodita Yokohama Hair Salon.”

Special offer

• Metropolis readers who bring this ad for color treatment receive 15% off. Valid until June 30, 2015.
• 1F, 2-108-1 Sengencho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama. Tel: 045-311-0139. Wed-Thu & Sat-Sun 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-8pm, closed Mon-Tue. Nearest station: Yokohama. www.yokohamahairsalon.com. Facebook: Afrodita Yokohama Hair Salon. Instagram: @afroditasalon_

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Dude

Shimokitazawa

At a typical Japanese hair salon, you are confronted by an army of staff fawning over you like a movie star or minor member of the Royal Family. Instead of just getting on with the job, they wrap you up like a Victorian doll and subject you to endless interrogation about what you eat and don’t eat, where you’re from, the weather in Japan versus your home country, and other delightful topics. This might be great for some people, but if you just want a haircut with no extra hassle you should zero in on Dude. Located among the trendy lanes of Shimokitazawa, Dude is a salon with its priorities firmly in place. Friendly and efficient, the staff give both dudes and dudettes what they came for—the stylish haircut that suits them best. They also provide a totally relaxing atmosphere that leaves customers feeling peaceful. So aim for a hassle-free life—and haircut—at Dude.

Special offer

• Free consultation in English for Metropolis readers.

2-26-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku. Tel: 03-3468-9116. Wed & Fri 10am-7:30pm, Thu 10am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon-Tue. Nearest station: Shimokitazawa. E-mail: dude-hair@nifty.com. www.dude.jp

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Gold Salon
Azabu-Jūban

Gold Salon Tokyo is a top choice for foreign residents seeking a hair salon experience closer to what they might be used to back home. The fact that 98 percent of the salon’s clientele are foreign residents is a testimony to their skill with foreign hair. English is the first language in the salon, so communication—from booking through to consultation—gives Gold the leading edge. The stylist/colorists have many years experience working with the variations in hair texture and myriad of color options demanded by their discerning, international clientele. As salon owner and director Howard Regner likes to put it, “If the U.N. set up a hair salon, it would pretty much look like Gold!” So whether it’s a great cut, superb color, or the smoothest Brazilian keratin treatments in town, the choice is simply Gold!

Special offer

• 20% off our entire range of services on your first visit!

6F, 4-1-9 Azabu-jūban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6436-0228. Mon & Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, closed Tue & Sun. Nearest station: Azabu-Jūban (exit 4, 1 min). www.goldsalontokyo.com

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Hayato Tokyo
Roppongi

Hayato Salon is bringing a new option to those looking to make their daily hair care easier. Their formaldehyde-free keratin treatment is the first customizable, long-lasting smoothing service for silky smooth hair. It makes unruly, frizzy hair manageable, softens waves, smoothes overall hair structure, reduces daily styling time, and lasts for up to 5 months. In addition to keratin treatment, Hayato offers a wide range of treatments, and satisfaction is always guaranteed. Each team member is bilingual and does their very best to create a relaxing, comfortable, and classy environment. The stylists are all experts—especially at handling the varied hair types of foreigners—thanks to a training program developed by founder Hayato himself. Stylists receive on-the-job training at Hayato New York for two years, where they learn to speak English, so when they debut at Hayato Tokyo they’re more than ready to serve you.

Special offer

• 30% off cut, color, and perm for first-time visitors (excludes Keratin treatment)

Keratin Treatment

• Short ¥20,000-25,000
• Medium ¥25,000-30,000
• Long, from ¥30,000

206 The Roppongi Tokyo Plaza, 3-7-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5574-8844. Mon & Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Tue. Nearest station: Roppongi. www.hayatosalons.com

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Sin Den
Omotesando

Changes are a big commitment! At Sin Den, we so get that! When you’re ready to make a change and freshen up for spring, our stylists are right there to discuss how to go about it, and how to make it work for you. We know what’s trending now, but we also know that it’s “old-fashioned” to simply follow trends. What’s hottest this season is to find the look that makes you feel fabulous. Whether you’re an international banker, domestic diva, fashionista, or chic kid, dare to be different and dare to be you. No style is crazy if it’s yours, and puts a little strut in your step! Woof!

Special offer

Mention Metropolis to get:

• 20% off all hair services and 40% off Japanese straightening perm and intense treatment with stylist Yuri on your first visit. (Valid until April 30.)
• First-time Shellac nail coloring manicure for ¥4,500 or pedicure for ¥6,500.

3-9-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3405-4409. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm. Nearest station: Omotesando. http://sinden.com

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VIP Creative hair salon
Roppongi

VIP Creative Hair International is there to meet all your hair care and beauty needs for any special occasion. Their team of experts has served Tokyo’s Japanese and foreign communities for many years, and they work to provide a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere of pure luxury in their private treatment rooms. Their exclusive tewaza (hand technique) spa relaxes the head and scalp muscles, improves circulation, stimulates facial muscles, and enhances your body’s natural healing powers. The salon staff have extensive experience in the U.S. and Japan, and can work with a full range of hair colors—as their many loyal foreign customers can attest. Leave your stress behind, relax, and enjoy the VIP treatment at this exceptional hair salon!

Special offer

• Mention Metropolis and receive free Kerastase hair treatment (¥3,000 value) and more!
• Pearl Mask Facial Treatment 20% off (First-time visitors only)

(These offers cannot be combined with other coupons)

Services

Hair: Cut, color, perm, highlights, and head spa
Body: Waxing and facials

2F YS Bldg, 2-1-21 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6408-6132. Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun & hols 10am-7pm, closed Mon. Nearest station: Hiroo or Roppongi. www.vipcreativehair.jp

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Watanabe Hair Dressing
Harajuku

To visit Watanabe Hair Dressing is to experience the best of Tokyo’s hair salons, where English-speaking staff pamper clients from start to finish and use unique techniques to create sophisticated looks. If you’re looking to discover a great new style this summer, a visit to Watanabe Hair Dressing may just be a step in the right direction. Forbes once called Aki Watanabe “the best hairdresser in Tokyo.” Trained at the Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy academies, his own salon, Watanabe Hair Dressing, celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. Aki has done hairstyling for magazines such as The Face and i-D, and worked for brands like Red or Dead. Some of his celebrity clients include Beat Takeshi, architect Paul Tange, and Massive Attack. But you don’t have to be an A-lister to enjoy his latest styling trends and techniques. Aki has trained his young staff to provide great coifs at affordable prices for everyone.

Special offer

• Metropolis readers visiting for the first time receive 10% off all hair services.

Services

• Haircut by hairstylist Aki: ¥9,720
• Haircut: ¥5,940 (stylist)
• Gray cover: ¥5,940
• Henna from ¥7,560
• Coloring from ¥8,100
• Highlights from ¥8,640

B1 Sun Beauty Harajuku, 3-25-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3405-1188. Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun & hols 10am-8pm. Nearest station: Harajuku or Meiji-Jingūmae. www.watanabe-hair.com

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Elana Jade Organic Beauty Salon
Azabu-Jūban

Turn back the years “naturally” with Elana Jade’s amazing organic peeling course! Chosen by celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Hudson, Ilsci Organics offers the benefits of a chemical peel without the potential long- or short-term chemical damage. For this month only, Elana Jade is offering this unique four-treatment course for only ¥42,000.

The salon is a short five-minute walk from Roppongi Hills in Azabu-Jūban, and exclusively uses certified organic ingredients in all treatments. Elana Jade also specializes in waxing (specifically Brazilian wax), and organic facials, as well as hot-stone and oil massages. They also have specific ranges for men, brides, and mommies-to-be, making Elana Jade your oasis in the heart of Tokyo.

Special offer

• Receive four 60-min peeling facials for only ¥42,000 (a savings of ¥14,000)

3F Latorie Memorial Bldg, 1-5-19 Azabu-Jūban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6438-9895. Mon-Tue 11am-9pm, Wed-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm. Nearest station: Azabu-Jūban. www.elanajade.com

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MDSA
Azabu-Jūban

Springtime is upon us, and that means it’s time to lose the scruff and do a little “manscaping” to look your best for the warmer weather and outdoor activities. MDSA Hair Removal Salon, just a two-minute walk from Azabu-Jūban Station, offers secluded treatment rooms, English-speaking staff, a reservation-only policy, and an atmosphere that caters to both men and women, so it’s not all feminine. The tools and procedures used to remove unwanted hair from backs, shoulders, bellies, and those “mankini” lines come direct from the U.S. Head in for a free consultation and a localized hair-removal trial to see for yourself how it works. You’ll be impressed by the efficiency, minimal discomfort, and good value. Rooms can service two people, so bring your friend or girlfriend along to also benefit from MDSA’s service while they hold your hand—if you’re man enough!

Special offer

• Bring this copy of Metropolis and receive a full face treatment for ¥23,000 (reg. ¥29,250) or upper back for ¥17,400 (reg. ¥20,500)

Services

Men’s hair removal (per visit/per five sessions):

• “Speedo” area: ¥38,000/¥133,000

2F Ishihara Bldg, 3-7-1 Azabu-Jūban, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6435-1276. E-mail: info@mds-a.jp. Mon-Fri noon-11:30pm, Sat-Sun & hols 10am-11:30pm. Nearest station: Azabu-Jūban. http://mds-a.jp/english

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Shou Salon
Omotesando

Shou Beauty Salon, located just five minutes from both Omotesandō and Meiji-Jingūmae stations behind Omotesandō Hills, last year celebrated 15 years in business, during which they have served more than 30,000 customers from many countries. Owner/beautician Hiromi Matsumaru understands all skin types, having trained in the U.S. and Australia, and Shou’s wide range of treatments includes many that you would find back home, such as Brazilian waxing, deep cleansing facials, manicures and pedicures (including speedy Shellac polish), and eyelash tinting in popular colors like blue, black, and brown. A hugely popular treatment is the Endermologie facelift, which utilizes the latest techniques to give you a double lift, stimulating revitalization of your collagen and further brightening your skin with a CO² mask.

Special offer

• Mention Metropolis for 15% off all waxing services

Arrow Plaza Harajuku 312, 4-19-8 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku. Tel: 03-3470-7109. Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Nearest station: Omotesandō or Meiji-Jingūmae. http://shousalon.com