Shinjuku’s Top 5 Hair Salons Loved by Locals: Extensions, Hair Quality Improvement, and Hair Setting

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How to Find Your Perfect Hair Salon in Shinjuku

Tokyo’s Shinjuku, always at the forefront of trends, is home to countless hair salons. However, to truly achieve a satisfactory look, it’s crucial to identify ‘what each salon specializes in.’

For locals, long-term residents, and international students living in Shinjuku, this article highlights 5 highly-skilled salons known for their loyal clientele and proven techniques. We’ll delve into each salon’s unique ‘strengths,’ such as hair setting, extensions, and hair quality improvement, revealing their true appeal and how to best utilize their services.

Aries Shinjuku East Exit Branch

📍 Address: Japan, 3-21-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, 4F

When it comes to ‘hair setting’ in Shinjuku, Aries, a salon specializing in hair sets, is the first name that comes to mind. They flawlessly style you for special occasions, from weddings and parties to ‘fan event hairstyles’ before concerts and even dressing you in kimono for graduation ceremonies or yukata for festivals.

Their immense popularity stems from their efficiency and exceptional ‘durability’ – styles are renowned for lasting beautifully until nightfall, even on windy days or after long hours of walking. The stylists provide thorough consultations, so it’s recommended to show them your desired look using reference photos. They are also flexible with arrangements using your own hair accessories.

With reasonable pricing, it’s an accessible salon, and many regulars have been loyal to the same stylist for years. It’s truly a must-book, last-minute refuge before any important event.

Hair design Reflet Shinjuku Main Store 1st

📍 Address: Japan, 3-34-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, New Shinjuku Building 3F

If you’re looking to enjoy long hair with top-quality extension techniques, Reflet comes highly recommended. As a salon that offers ‘PluEku extensions,’ popular among models and influencers, it’s highly praised for its natural look and exceptional longevity.

The ‘Diamond quality’ PluEku extensions, in particular, maintain their quality for several months, and a major appeal is being able to enjoy coloring and treatments even with the extensions in. They achieve beautiful, natural-looking long hair without needing blending cuts with your natural hair.

With a welcoming atmosphere for international customers, they provide careful guidance on maintenance for those new to extensions. For international students and long-term residents looking to ‘transform their look with Japan’s advanced techniques,’ this salon is an absolute must-visit.

Aries Shinjuku Southeast Exit Branch

📍 Address: Japan, 4-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Tabata Building 2F

Similar to its East Exit counterpart, this ‘Shinjuku Southeast Exit Branch’ of Aries boasts high quality within the Aries group. Located conveniently close to Shinjuku Station, its speedy and meticulous styling techniques have garnered immense support from locals who frequently use hair-setting services.

Another distinctive feature is the high satisfaction with their makeup services, not just hair setting. They bring out each client’s unique beauty with natural finishes that avoid a heavy look, tailored to individual skin types and preferences.

With multiple stylists on staff, finding ‘your go-to stylist’ whose finishing style and rapport match your preferences is part of the fun. When making a reservation, requesting your favorite stylist ensures consistently satisfying results every time.

she2. Shinjuku

📍 Address: Japan, 1-4-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Ida Building 5F

Located in the Nishi-Shinjuku area, ‘she2. Shinjuku’ specializes in hair quality improvement treatments and coloring. It’s a renowned salon where even clients who ‘thought all hair salons were the same’ become devoted monthly visitors, experiencing fundamental changes in their hair quality.

They incorporate their own premium hair quality improvement care and beautiful hair straightening, leading to fundamentally soft and manageable hair rather than just temporary shine. A sincere approach, they don’t immediately suggest cutting hair but instead empathize with clients’ desire to ‘grow it out beautifully,’ crafting care plans with a long-term perspective over several months to years.

The salon features semi-private rooms, allowing clients to relax in a private space during treatments. They also provide thorough home care guidance (such as the correct way to use a hairdryer), making them a strong supporter for long-term residents unfamiliar with Japan’s climate or water quality, helping them resolve daily hair care concerns.

LaLarOomo Shinjuku Branch

📍 Address: Japan, 1-25-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Wamall Seibu Shinjuku Building 8F

Despite being in the bustling heart of Kabukicho, stepping into ‘LaLarOomo’ reveals a clean and inviting space, like an ‘urban oasis.’ It’s conveniently accessible from Shinjuku Station via underground passages (such as Subnade), meaning you can reach it almost without going above ground, which is a great advantage on rainy days.

This salon’s strengths lie in its advanced high-tone coloring techniques and its latest ‘wrinkle, wave, and curl improvement’ hair treatments. Many clients express amazement as their previously heavy and sprawling hair becomes incredibly light, smooth, and manageable, even without a haircut.

The staff provides extremely courteous service, understanding your requests and proposing optimal styles. With some days having extended operating hours, it’s convenient for locals and international students returning from work or school. As a popular salon with frequent bookings, early reservations are essential.

Local Tips for Smartly Using Shinjuku’s Hair Salons

Shinjuku’s hair salons are in a highly competitive top-tier market nationwide, characterized by exceptionally high quality of techniques and services. However, popular salons often get fully booked weeks in advance, especially on weekends and during event seasons (like graduation ceremonies, Coming of Age Day, or major holidays). Once your schedule is set, make sure to secure your online reservation as early as possible.

For international residents staying in Japan long-term, Japan’s high humidity and different water quality can sometimes cause hair frizz and damage. In such cases, the quickest solution is to visit a salon specializing in ‘hair quality improvement’ or ‘beautiful hair straightening,’ like those introduced here, and get home care advice from a professional perspective.

During your consultation, instead of relying solely on ‘words,’ always present ‘photos of your ideal style (front, side, and back)’ on your smartphone to prevent any misunderstanding of your desired look. Find your favorite salon that suits you and make your life in Japan more beautiful and enjoyable!