Éclat, Daikanyama

Finding a new hair salon can be difficult, no doubt about it. There's certainly no shortage of them in Tokyo, and from cheap haircuts to a luxurious spa experience, they can offer just about any experience you could want. But key for many of us is finding a salon with stylists who have experience with, and can skillfully cut, color and style non-Asian texture hair. Nothing is worse than a stylist coming at you with thinning shears as they would for a Japanese client, and leaving the salon feeling half your hair has been stolen. This has happened to me...I feel your fear.

Éclat Daikanyama, located in Ebisu Nishi, is a salon you can trust and have peace of mind with, especially if you are after the latest ombre or balayage color techniques or are looking for a salon that specifically deals with lighter colored hair and highlights. The master colorist at Éclat, Kyosuke, is internationally trained, having worked here in Tokyo, as well as London, Thailand and Paris. He is also a celebrity colorist and consultant for several Japanese and visiting celebrities. He and the salon have been featured in Elle magazine, and are regularly hired by various magazines to do hair for editorial shoots. In addition to Japanese, Kyosuke speaks English, German and Thai. While he deals strictly with color and consultations, another stylist, Yoko, cuts and styles. She has worked in various international salons in Tokyo, and speaks English. She never suggests thinning shears on a person with straight, fine hair. For this, I am grateful.

It seems a bit silly, but as a person who watches a lot of Japanese dramas, it is rather fun to go to a salon and spot some actor I have seen on TV walking in or out. And regardless of how long it has been between visits, the stylists always recall my preferred hair color and style. Originally, Kyosuke was at a salon in Ginza, and his friendly demeanor, as well as his ability to correctly color my hair, is why I not only followed him from the previous salon to Éclat, but also refused to have my hair colored elsewhere for the year he was transferred to Thailand for a salon opening.

Éclat Daikanyama has a selection of international and Japanese premium brands that the stylists use for coloring, styling and treatments. It also specializes in using ammonia free and organic ranges that are formaldehyde free and gentle on hair and skin. The staff also offer nail services, makeup applications for special occasions, perms and straightening. Prices for coloring are based on the length of hair and the chosen process, and range from ¥6,300 to ¥21,000.

The salon is located a short taxi ride from either Ebisu or Daikanyama station, or if you prefer to walk, it is about eight minutes. The way is a bit twisty and could be difficult to find the first time. I’d suggest a taxi for first time (¥710 yen to get from station to salon), and pay attention to the landmarks and turns to get there for future walking. Check out the salon’s website (Japanese only, but formatted so Google Translate does work!) for a detailed map and directions.

The Deets

Address: 2F Green Hill Daikanyama, 1-30-13 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Tel: 03-6455-0614

Open: Tue-Sun & hols, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m.