Hayato Salon New York

Profile

Stylist and salon owner Hayato Tanoue has been so successful in his native country, he's been labeled "karisuma." Meaning "charisma" in Japanese, this term is reserved for those trendsetting stylists-to-the-stars who have managed to achieve celebrity in their own right. Tanoue's New York salon has earned its own cult status as one of the top places in the U.S. for thermal reconditioning (also known as a Japanese perm, or simply “TR” to regulars). Thanks to prices significantly lower than those at other salons around the city ($200 to $400, as opposed to the usual $500 to $1,000), there can be up to two months’ wait for a straightening appointment. The owner himself makes appearances only a few days a month, but the salon's hip, young staff—who look like they walked straight off the streets of Harajuku, or St. Mark’s Place—are sufficiently talented to fill his shoes while he’s in Tokyo. Unfortunately, the setting doesn't do justice to the expertise it houses: White walls and leather couches are supposed to look clean and sleek, but chipping paint and the lack of a cohesive decorating scheme leave the space looking unpolished and unfinished. Luckily, the amazing free shiatsu head massage that comes with every cut, perm, or color takes your mind off the surroundings. — Kathryn Williams

Hayato issues its clients a membership card stamped for each visit. After every five visits, members are raised to a new level with increased benefits, like discounts and free hair treatments.