Having your hair cut in a foreign country can be as rewarding as it is stressful, especially when the language barrier mixes. In Japan, hair salons operate according to specific codes, combining precise gestures, specific vocabulary and well-established rituals. Here is a complete guide to understand the operation of a Japanese hair salon, prepare your visit and avoid bad surprises.
Choose the right type of living room
In Japan, several establishments coexist according to the type, the services offered and the price ranges. The women’s salons are called For men, it is rather referred to as “tokoya” or “sanpatsuya”, equivalent to “barber”.
From top-of-the-range brands to fixed-price chains such as 1000 yen trade fairs, the offer is varied. They usually offer a quick cut without shampoo or brushing, ideal for small budgets or maintenance cuts.
Book an appointment
Even if some lounges accept visits without an appointment, it is advisable to book in advance, especially in busy areas or for well-known salons. This can be done:
- By phone, in Japanese (even basic)
- Through trade fair websites
- On booking applications (often in Japanese)
Some useful phrases:
- (Ashita no gogo sanji ni yoyaku dekimasu ka): Can I book tomorrow at 3pm?
Understanding the services offered
Service menus are often displayed outside the living room or in the waiting room, and use many English words transcribed into katakana:
- (katto): cut
- (shanpū): shampoo
- (Burō): brushing
- (pāma): permanent
- (torītomento): hair care
- (sutoreeto pāma): permanent smoothing
Do not hesitate to ask:
- How much does a cut cost?
- (Karā mo dekimasu ka): Are you doing coloring too?
Explain what you want
To describe a cut or hairstyle is often the most delicate moment. Here are some useful strategies and expressions:
Use photos
It is the simplest and most effective method. Show a picture on your phone and say:
- Do as in this photo.
Useful standard formulas
- (Kami o kitte kudasai): Cut my hair, please.
- 5
- (Maegami o mijikaku shite kudasai): Cut my shorter fringe.
- (Suite kudasai) : Show off, please.
- (Karuku shite kudasai): Clear a little volume.
Specific vocabulary
- (kami): hair
- (nagasa): length
- (maegami): fringe
- (saido): side
- (bakku): back of head
- (toppu): summit
Colouring, permanent and treatments
Japanese trade fairs offer very precise services. Here’s how to approach them.
Colouring
Hairdressers often display colourings. You can ask:
- Do this color, please.
- (Akarui iro ga ii desu): I prefer a light color.
Some colors:
- (kurokami): black hair
- (chapatsu): chestnuts
- (kinpatsu): blond
- (hairaito): clear wicks
Permanent
There are several types of permanents in Japan:
Useful phrases:
- (Pāma o kaketai desu): I’d like a permanent.
- Do as in this photo.
Hair treatments
Japanese care is known for its effectiveness. Ask:
- What treatment do you recommend?
- (Konono kamishitsu ni aimasu ka): Is it suitable for my hair texture?
During and after cutting
The Japanese living room experience can include unusual attentions: neck massage, warm towel on the face, or even ear cleansing in some cases.
Before leaving the salon, the hairdresser will often ask if you want adjustments:
- (Mō Sukoshi mijikaku shite kudasai): A little shorter, please.
Payment
Fairs generally accept cash and cards. Just ask:
- (Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka): Can I use a credit card?
Haircuts in Japan become much easier when you know the basics of vocabulary, the stages of the appointment and local customs. Even in a rudimentary way, one can experience a pleasant and rewarding experience. And why not take advantage of it to make this moment an opportunity to learn some more Japanese words?
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
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