Popping my head in

Countdown to Christmas! Happy Holidays everyone!

So, I had my haircut with Asuka at Hive the other day. She's amazing. So friendly and helpful, she keeps checking with you while she cuts to make sure you get what you want. And very skilled, too, of course.

Oh yeah, Hive has a new male stylist, Mineo, a guy. So that brings them up to 3 stylists, Sho, Asuka, and Mineo. I got a little gift of a hair gel and shampoo sample. Yay for Christmas freebies!

Just to let you know, Style06 is running two contests right now, one for hair and one for fashion.

The hair contest is your standard rack votes up and win contest. It's Winter themed, which means try to throw in some Winter elements (wear a scarf or something. but not a toque). Prizes (for top guy and girl) will be a hair product from our newly expanded e-store, or an article of clothing from Lenasecret. Due date is Feb. 1, 2010.

The fashion contest is called FOB Fashion, ie. send in a picture of yourself in your best Asian outfit. Guidelines to FOB style are on the website, but the basics are: mismatch your clothing in an aesthetically pleasing way. Once again, rack up votes and win. Prizes for this contest will be an article of clothing from either Charmsky or Lena's Secret Closet. Due date is Jan. 25.

Salon review

In Rowland Heights, California, there's a little Korean hair salon called Hair Quarter.

19234 Colima Road, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

You should go there, call 626-272-9002 and book an appointment with Xiao Yang. Book in advance, he takes weeks off sometimes to style hair for tv shows. He's Chinese, and doesn't know American celebrities, so if you want to look like one be sure to bring your own picture in.

He's quite good. From observing his techniques, he does much the same as my Japanese stylists back home. He's also very experienced at choosing a hairstyle for you that suits your face shape, aka, just ask him to make you look good.

Well-priced: $25 for guys, $35 for girls.

I'll definitely go again.

Hive Hair Spa - Asuka

My friend got her hair permed at Hive Hair Spa the other day with Asuka, so here's some of her comments:

Like usual, service was performed with a smile. Asuka is very friendly, and will do her best to make you happy.

Of course, this all starts with the consultation. Unlike many stylists these days, Asuka actually takes the time to listen to what you want and discuss it with you. This doesn't mean starting right away cutting your hair to what you said, but actually explaining what she can do or can't do with your hair. After all, it's better for your stylist to explain the limitations of your face/hair than to disappoint you.

For example, my friend was getting her hair permed, and Asuka explained that since she'd never had her hair chemically treated before, there was a chance that the perm wouldn't turn out as curly as they were aiming for.

After the perm was done (some 3 hours later), Asuka also took the time to explain how to care for her newly permed hair, as well as her hair in general.

If Jun isn't back the next time I go back to Vancouver, I'll definitely give Asuka a chance with my hair. And you should, too!

Tipping and Stuff

I noticed that one person came across my blog with the google search "chura what wax"

If this person is referring to the watermelon-scented wax, that would be the Bedhead Texturizing Paste that I in fact have already reviewed for this blog. See it here.

Also, Hive Hair Spa has updated their website. It now includes a policy page, as well as the promised promotions page. The August Promotion is 20% off Hot Perm (aka Digital Perm). A hot perm (which includes haircut) normally costs $200, so with 20% off that comes out to $160 +tax and tips.

Speaking of tips, how much should you tip your stylist?

If it's your first time with that stylist, 10% is good. Of course, if you don't like the haircut or you feel that they cut against your wishes, you can tip less. And if you absolutely love your haircut, you can always tip more. If you keep going back to the same stylist and your haircuts come out better and better each time, you should definitely increase your tippage, since your stylist obviously remembers you and is paying attention to how your hair is growing.

In terms of numerical values, $3-4 on your first time is decent, $5+ is fair after a few haircuts. This is student pricing, mind you. If you walk in to the salon in your $3000 business suit, you should probably tip a little higher so you don't come across as cheap.

And of course, if you don't give the tips to your stylist directly (which I usually don't do, it's kinda awkward handing over cash like that), just add it to the cost of your cut when you pay and make sure to tell the receptionist that the extra is for your stylist (and use his/her name to avoid any misunderstanding). You don't want the receptionist to pocket your stylist's hard-earned tips!!

Hive Hair Spa Pt. 2

I know, I know. Sparse posts don't make for steady fan base. But summer just isn't meant to be spent in front of the computer. School's starting up again soon though...

So anyway, I was making my last appointment for a haircut at Hive Hair Spa before I go back to LA, and I have some updates:

1. Jun Ozawa, head stylist and owner of the salon, is currently in Japan and tending to an injury. I don't know the details, but they aren't making any appointments with him for the time being.

2. Shizuko Sambe, Hive's first female stylist, will be leaving on July 31. After a brief trip to the USA she will be moving back to Japan. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to experience her skills, but my sister and her friends did and they all looked great afterwards, so this will be a loss for Hive.

3. Since the month of June, a new female stylist named Asuka has joined the team. She has over 8 years of experience and has been living and working in Vancouver for the past 4 years. I haven't even met or seen her yet, so if anyone has had her yet, please let me know what you thought!

Anyhow, I'm getting Sho on Aug. 8. I'd try Asuka out myself, but I'm always wary about trying new stylists. Seriously, I used to have haircut anxiety nightmares about a week before getting a haircut with a stylist I've never had before. Of course, I've never had a bad haircut yet, but still...

Hive

Finding a good hair salon (and hair stylist) is one of the most important steps in having great hair.  Your stylist is the best person to go to with your questions, since he/she can give you advice specific to your hair.  And of course, your stylist can cut/sculpt your hair into the style that best suits you and your face.

So today, I give you the greatest gift I have to offer:  a referral to my favourite hair salon.

Hive Hair Spa

The stylists are all Japanese, of course.  Japanese stylists are the leading experts on hair these days (and apparently Taiwanese styles are copied from Japanese ones).  So, Hive is in Vancouver, BC, so I can imagine that unless you live there you might have some trouble getting there.  But then again, I live in Los Angeles and I still go there for my haircuts.  =)

It's a small salon, three stylists last I heard (one of which is also the owner).  It's a very cosy, friendly atmosphere.  There are pictures of the salon on the website, so go check it out.  Anyway, the three stylists are:

Jun Ozawa (male) - he's my stylist

Sho Sasaki (male) - he did my most recent cut while Jun was in Japan for spring break

Shizuko Sambe (female) - I haven't had her, but my friends have and she did a good job on them

Most Japanese salon are renowned for their unparalleled quality of service, but Hive has something the others don't:  tea and pocky.  That's right, you get served food and drink during your haircut.  Oh yeah, you also get a neck massage.  What more could you want?

They also offer monthly promotions, ranging from things like 20% off cut with colour to free conditioning treatment on Mother's day.  This month's promotion is 20% your haircut if you go at the same time as a friend.  I've already booked mine.

And of course, pricing.  The price list is on their website, and trust me, the prices are excellent.  Most salons charge around $40 for a guy's haircut, $50+ for women, for a lesser service.  And with Hive's constant promotions, you rarely pay full price for a haircut.

So go!

Oh yeah, make sure to make an appointment.  They're usually booked at least a day ahead, so to guarantee your time-slot (and your stylist), call or e-mail in.  And when they ask who referred you, tell them Brian Lam.