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Arty
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
1680 Post StSte G
(between Buchanan St & Laguna St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhoods: Japantown, Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights
(415) 931-4405
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9:30 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Michel Gillet
Get 46% off your purchase at Michel Gillet
192 reviews for Arty
192 reviews in English
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Review from Julia K.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2012
Joe did my digital perm. It was $200 for a cut and perm, and it took a bit less than 3 hours.
This is a reasonably priced salon which definitely knows its stuff with Asian hair. The cuts are $55-$60. Come with pictures if you don't speak Japanese.
I was worried that this $200 would be a waste because my hair just does not take curl. But, I'm so pleased! I have fluffy waves, something I thought I could never have. I definitely plan on going back and asking for even more curl next time.
Joe told me the perm would last 2-3 months, which seems shorter than what other people have had, I'll update later with how long the perm lasts.
As a salon, this place is not cushy. But I just want results. They offer tea, they are efficient, they have a ton of magazines and reading material, they don't babble, and you come out looking awesome. My new salon! -
Review from Denise C.
Pacifica, CA
12/18/2011
So I usually don't bother getting haircuts... let's just say, I'm cheap and I usually too lazy to go out and get one. It's been about three years (?) since my last haircut -_-; (I usually just cut my own hair and bangs). Anyway, I figured it was about time to fix up some of my layering and my bangs (I'd been super lazy and not even cut those myself) and also get a decent trim (my hair was a bit damaged at the end). I figured I would invest in a decent place, just to see what they could do with my usually dull and lifeless hair :(
Made an appointment on a Saturday (they seemed to have lots of openings) and went in not knowing what to expect. When I got there, they had a coat check (so I didn't have to sit wearing my jacket the whole time; which was great because it was kinda hot in there) and told me to sit and wait a bit while they got everything ready.
I was seated relatively quickly and had a quick discussion with my hairstylist, Lenka (I did not catch her name at all... thankfully, she handed me a card with her name on it later). I'm relatively particular about my hair, as I like to keep things simple and low-maintenance (don't have a whole ton of time to do anything on my hair in the morning). I usually tie my hair up sometimes, but I do like to leave it down for special occasions. I described everything I was looking for and Lenka took it all in and gave me a very detailed plan of what she was envisioning.
First was the shampoo/wash. Definitely a great experience and super relaxing. They put a sheet of tissue paper (I think) on your face so that water doesn't splash all over your eyes and you can just sit back and relax. I didn't really know what to expect (since I've pretty much only gotten one professional haircut in my life...), but it seemed like she was doing a pretty good job. Lenka was very friendly, accommodating, and professional.
Then the haircut. Since I wear glasses, it was pretty much impossible to tell how it was going... so I literally had to go on blind faith on her ability to cut my hair. And to tell the truth, I think it came out pretty good. Lenka did a great job with the layering and my hair feels so much lighter now that I've gotten rid of all the damaged ends. The bangs she cut were definitely better than I could do, but I'm still a bit mixed about it as they sit on my eyes a little funny. Not disastrous or anything and I don't really know how she could've done it better.
Pretty satisfied with this haircut. Since I was waiting for my boyfriend (he got a haircut here too), Lenka offered to give me a curls as well (with a curling iron) to show me how I might be able to get more volume with my hair ('cause I suck at being a girl). She even gave me a shoulder massage after she was done! (that I didn't expect) AND I got a complimentary drink after (I got mango Calpico). The haircut did cost me a bit more than I would've liked (~$60), but I did look them up before and knew about their pricing.
They get four stars because I had a pretty good experience (first time I might've actually liked how my hair looked). My boyfriend on the other hand, didn't get any of the perks I got... and I'm not sure if he really liked his cut in the end (plus it cost him the same amount as mine...). I don't think I would mind going back here, but this is definitely a place for more Asian hair (very Japanese looking hairstyles) and they seem to specialize in Asian haircuts (but I'm Asian, so it was a good fit). -
Review from Lisa Q.
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
My girlfriend Pearle and I went here to get digital perms and we are both giddy as schoolgirls about our results!! **VICTORY SYMBOL**
There's nothing like huge bouncy volume and a little curl to make you feel ridiculously happy. I mean... my hair is now BIG, but in a rather tasteful way *winky face*. You get a relaxed curly look with a digital perm rather than an insane out-of-control bush on top your head.
They gave me a really great haircut before the perm and probably washed my hair three times to get all of the chemicals out. I also got a shoulder massage.... whaaaaat?
The Japanese are the best hair people out there and Arty is the best of those Japanese hair people (for their price). There are just so many nice things they do for you. I love that they put a cloth over your eyes during the shampoo so that you can fully relax into a scalp massage, yum!
If you're an Asian person, you can't go wrong with getting your hair done here. -
Review from Maitai N.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
Good atmosphere and friendly staffs. Love Kumi-san! Unfortunately she left the salon recently but I will give it a shot to try out new hair stylist:)
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Review from Kris S.
Colma, CA
1/29/2012
I love Arty! I have thick Japanese hair that is impossible to do anything with. So my sister treated me to a haircut here, and I just happened to get the owner, Kudo. I don't want anyone else to touch my hair, he did the best job ever!
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Review from Kel C.
Updated - 11/28/2011
Update: Got a second Digi Perm, this time by Rena. She was super friendly and sweet. I told her I wanted long layers so she did not butcher my hair in the typical layered Asian-style. This time, Rena used one size smaller rollers on me because I told her that my first perm did not hold. Discovered that perms last much longer on coarse hair (mine is fine). So far, the perm with smaller rollers is much more noticable than the first perm I received. Price went up from $160 to $200 for a perm + cut. Still a solid 4-star salon.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2010
This review is for a digital perm and haircut with Kyoko.
I cheated on my stylist last weekend... my… Read more »
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Review from Emorn A.
Sacramento, CA
10/9/2011 1 photo
I used to live in SF, then I moved to Sac but I still keep on coming back here. I only cut my hair here!
I tried some other salons but Arty always wins my heart.
Miji, Kudo or Kumi doesn't really matter they all are very professional!
I personally like anything about Japan/Japanese. I have to admit that it is pricey just for a hair cut, but I never regret. -
Review from Sascha O.
7/20/2011
I used to come to Arty to get my hair cut, and got my husband into them as well. I used to get Kudo a couple of times, but stuck with Michi afterwards, whereas my husband gets his cut done by Kudo or his wife Kyoko.
My husband still goes there because he likes the atmosphere of the salon, the drink selections they have, and how nice their staff is. He finds Kyoko's haircut very thorough.
However I no longer go here. I have specific requests for my hair and am really picky, and compared to the level of haircut I'm used to getting back home in Japan or in LA, Michi's cut always were... just OK. It looks nice when I walk out of the salon but somehow the layers always gave me really weird bumps on the back of my head and it wasn't looking quite right.
I have since switched to Japan Center Beauty Clinic out of luck one time when I called Arty for a haircut and found out that the entire salon was closed for a few weeks due to an educational trip back to Japan. When I went to Japan Center Beauty Clinic and saw Aya, she immediately pointed out that the layers "aren't connected properly". Layers, specifically the top layer of your hair, if done right, should flow nicely from your sideswept or parted long bangs (that's the look I had back then), and "connect" to the back in a gradual, slanted line. It suddenly made so much sense to me why my hair was looking kinda iffy since I started getting cuts here, and was hard to manage. I got Aya to fix my hair, and was floored how much nicer the layers looked. That was all it took for me to ditch Arty, despite their hip atmosphere, nice people and good selection of yummy drinks.
Oh and also, may I point out that Michi often skipped giving me a shoulder massage? My husband ALWAYS got massages, without fail, but I walked out without a massage and with stiff shoulders at least 3-4 times.
So I have no interest in returning to Arty unless they can prove to me that they have a staff that can cut my hair better than my Aya : P (and no, I didn't quite like the way Kudo cut my hair either and he's the director).
On the other hand, my husband is still a regular here. I'm giving this place 2 stars but he probably will give 4 stars. Having said, the other ironic thing is that Arty raised their prices a little this year and now, my husband's hair cut cost more than my own at JC beauty clinic (Japan Center's sister salon. Aya transfered to it last year). Men's haircut costing more than Women's haircut??? Me thinks not. -
Review from Meliza C.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2011 1 photo
Received my first digital perm today by Kudo. I love it! It looks fabulous and my hair remained hydrated and healthy.
Thank you Kudo for bringing body to my lifeless hair.
To see my results check out the picture I just posted. I'm the one in a white turtle neck. -
Review from Chieko H.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2011
This is my favorite hair salon. Hands down.
I first went in for a digital perm, and was fortunate to get Mr. Yasuo Kudo, the Director of the store. I completely loved the digital perm, and I really appreciate the little tips here and there about how to best take care of it. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to girly stuff (hair, makeup, nails, etc), and the tips really helped!
Ive been going back to him ever since, for hair cuts and colors. Last time I went in, I went in for a cut, and at the end, I asked if he had time for color. He was happy to squeeze me in, and I got my hair colored a medium brown (which i have loved since leaving the salon), and I'll be going back soon to re-touch it.
It seems their prices have gone up, but I think it's worth the price when you are completely happy with the result for months and months after! -
Review from cc c.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2011
This review is for my haircut by Kudo!
The +s:
+++++ A big plus is when your stylist advises against your wishes to save your hair and money. I was so excited to get my digital perm but disappointed when Kudo advised against it. My hair was too dry and would not take the perm well. To reconfirm his opinion, he had asked Kumi for a second opinion. She agreed. I love that Kudo did not give me the digital perm because it would have been a waste of my money. The outcome would have been disappointing since my hair was so damaged.
+++++ Kudo advised that I have my dead ends cut and to wait 8 months for regrowth. I wanted a digital perm and long hair so unfortunately I have to wait for my damaged ends to grow out. Meantime we settled on cutting 4-5 inches off. It looked so much healthier when he was done! I couldn't believe I had been walking around town with dead locks!
+++++ Great shampoo service! The white napkin over my forehead kept my face dry from any splash.
+++ Green tea as a beverage! Yes!
+++ Great reception service! Everyone here is so polite and upbeat.
+++ Tons of Japanese magazines with every hairstyle imaginable.
+++ Just $60 for great cut!
+++ Kudo gave advice on styling my hair with a curling iron while my hair regrows and recovers.
+++ Gratuity and payment on credit cards only. Good because I hate carrying cash.
The -s:
- Street parking or find the garage
Overall I am pleased with my haircut and can't wait till my hair is ready for a digital perm (lasts on average 4 months)!!! -
Review from xiaofei p.
Los Angeles, CA
10/27/2011
Bang trim is reasonably priced...for the SF area.
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Review from Alice L.
San Francisco, CA
3/7/2011
Once I moved to San Francisco, my first goal was to find a good hairstylist. I've tried many many hair salons, far and near but I wasn't satisfied or happy until I came to Arty's (the name used to be Comsa and I'm happy that it was changed to Arty's).
By chance, I was assigned to Tomoko. I like her techniques and how she always cut my hair like the picture I show her from magazines. I told myself, wow, I've finally found my place! But then, Tomoko had visa trouble and had to go back to Japan...sad face!!!
Then I was introduced to Michi--I'm so glad that Tomoko gave her clients to Michi! If you can't remember her name, she is the lady with tattoos all over her body. I love her; I seriously wanted to be selfish and didn't want to mention her name in this review because she gets so busy lately but I suppose sharing is caring...
Please note that she will cut your hair like the pictures you have shown her. She also cuts bangs really well. After each haircut, she would always ask me if I want her to curl my hair because she knows I like it. I have long hair and with color, cut, shampoo, blow-dry, and set, the total price was $160. You will also get a massage is the session is long!
I will not cheat on this place by getting my hair done at anywhere else! If you are looking for a good hair salon place, give this place a try!
P.S. the reason it's 4-star: Hard to get an appointment and once in a while, you will get an inexperienced shampoo person. -
Review from Jennifer C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/6/2010
Kyoko does it again. I love my haircut and perm even more this time than the last.
For those of you who may not know what style you want, or don't have a picture that perfectly represents what you have in mind, I recommend arriving early to your appointment to flip through their Japanese fashion and hairstyle magazines. Their styles are often far superior to the ones in American hair magazines (which for some reason seem stuck in the 90s), and give you a glimpse into what is possible for Asian hair.
NOTE: They do not accept debit cards, even if they are backed by credit card companies with the logo on it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/22/2010
For women, haircuts are long-term investments. You pay an arm and a leg for it, and it's something… Read more »
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Review from Marlis T.
Updated - 1/25/2011
Seems like I've been coming here for a long time now.. my first review was written in 2008. WOW!
I never left Arty disappointed. I tried somewhere else, but never found anywhere better... and again found myself back to Arty.
I love Kyoko. She is my Goddess. From trim to extreme makeover, she always did amazing job. Whenever she is cutting my hair, I know I'm in good hands.
Service is great, and price is reasonable.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/28/2009
I came here again a few weeks ago. I had a bang trim and it was BANG! so nice. I felt like I just… Read more »
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Review from J O.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
Arty is a nice Japanese salon where I used to get my haircut- they only get 4 stars bc they made the mistake of not holding onto my favorite stylist, Michi!! If you're looking for a great haircut (especially if you are Asian bc a good haircut can be hard to come by), it's worth following Michi to her new spot, Rubio & Raven (142 Fillmore st. @Waller St). She does a really great job on both women and men (she cuts my husband's hair too). I love how she cuts and styles my hair. I walk out of her haircuts looking like I'm freshly styled for a special occasion every time! I've sent a few friends to her for cuts and the wave perm and they all agree that she is awesome. Michi also happens to be super nice which is a plus! Next time you need a haircut, give Michi a try...she gets 5 stars!!
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Review from Sarah C.
Boston, MA
3/16/2011
I have to admit that I go here every so often when I feel that my hair is becoming unmanageable and I want to try something edgier! Arty is the only place I'd trust for this. I feel that the women here all know hair very well.
This being said I will caution people from coming here unless they really like Japanese feathering/styling, etc. If you have never done this then I strongly recommend going online and google images of what this is. After you have done that then you can see if this place matches your personal style. I think its not for all.
If you are still unsure, come, bring a picture of the look you are trying to copy and then go from there. I tend to give my stylists full creative rein and since I trust them I feel like I've never had an awful cut. I leave here feeling like I'm about to go to a Japanese photo shoot...but I like that look :P -
Review from Rho T.
9/30/2010
I've been going here regularly for the past 2 years. I've searched high and low for a regular stylist that I could call my own, and Kyoko has pretty much come close to it.
When I was a newbie to Arty, I had a few moded blonde dyed chunks hidden in my hair that I wanted gone...plus I wanted a digital perm. Kyoko told me I couldn't get the digital perm until ANY dyed part of my hair completely grew out long enough to cut off. Uh.....so that would take about 10 years, I thought. At any rate, I decided to wait it out. She dyed over my blond chunks and gave me an all over even dark blackish-brown. She trimmed my split ends, gave me long layers, and nice big curly waves to end my visit. I always felt like I had an invisible Miss America sachet on when I left Arty..my hand semi-lifted up as I'd fight back doing the pageant wave..
Where could I debut my wonderful hair? How come I couldn't schedule my appointments right before a major event so that my hair was slammin when I arrived? Well, because I'd rather spend my time on odd weekday mornings getting my hair done because there's no long wait, barely anyone in the salon, and I'm outta there w/in an hour or so. (that was my tip, ladies & gents)
So, even though I wasn't headed straight to a wedding or a party, I'd march my ass straight into Ichiban Kan across the street and strut my stuff around that dang store saying LOOK AT MY HAIR people! Ain't it nass!!! Then of course, I'd trip over my own two feet and knock over a bento box display. Go figure.
At any rate, I highly recommend Kyoko, she's an awesome and very sweet stylist. She can be fully booked for weeks, months at a time, then sometimes by luck she could be available within the next week. In regards to payment, they don't accept Bank issued debit cards even though it has the VIsa or Mastercard Logo on it. Just for that, I'm takin off half a star. I'm giving Arty 3.5 and rounding up.
OH! And it didn't take 10 years for my blonde chunks to grow out, so earlier this year I got my digital perm which I LOVE. It comes out more like a wave, but that's fine because my hair is naturally thick and has a bit of a wave to it already..so the digital perm made it more wurlier. (wave + curly) Yeeeee!!!! -
Review from Caroline L.
Cupertino, CA
4/2/2011
I've been to Arty Salon a couple times and each of my haircut experiences were nice. When it comes to getting haircuts, I usually always end up leaving salons crying because I always get all my hair chopped off. Coming to Arty Salon, the receptionist greeted me, took my jacket/bag and offered me tea while I waited for my turn. So far, I've had 2 stylists work with my hair. Mr. Kugo the director of Arty salon and Junko.
The first time I went to Arty for my haircut appointment, I was almost an hour late due to traffic and finding parking. They almost had to reschedule me because the next client was waiting. Fortunately, Mr. Kugo was able to squeeze me in and cut my hair for me. He was very quick and I was really pleased with the results. Although I would have preferred if he spent the whole hour cutting my hair instead of working on my head and another clients, but it was kind of my fault for being late.
The next time[about a year later] I had Junko cut my hair because Kugo was all booked. Junko was really really sweet and talkative. She doesn't work as fast as Kugo, takes her time - which I liked and gave me tips on how to take care of my hair. She was really careful to not cut off too much hair because I told her I wanted to grow my hair out long. I really loved the results.
It's sometimes quite difficult to book a haircut appointment here. I recommend booking maybe a week or 2 in advance. It's always busy, all the stylists look good, trendy, cute and professional. The service here is really great. I am always treated with nothing but kindness when I come here. I rate this place 4 stars because Arty is quite pricey! I usually don't mind paying a little more when the service is really good, but damn.. sometimes getting a haircut here really burns a hole in my wallet. Besides that, I highly recommend this place!! Will definitely come here again!!! ... Sometime soon hopefully..!! -
Review from Sabrina S.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2010
As a rule, I don't normally get haircuts outside of New York, but had to make an exception this past month as I was in desperate need of a cut days before heading off to our wedding in Cabrera (FYR I'm probably the most last-minute bride you'll ever meet). I went to Descend which had great Yelp reviews, but ended up with a terrible (and terribly expensive!) cut - super upsetting as I was getting married that very weekend! The hair stylist at Descend wasn't able to fix my cut, so I went over to Arty (on Wen-Ching's recommendation) to have Kyoko recut my hair.
I'm not sure I'd trust Arty for a more adventurous style, but Kyoko did a fine job fixing my cut - long layered, side swept style - she also took just 20 minutes and only charged me 35 bucks. Really not bad at all.
Anyway, I love trendy salons as much as the next girl, but Arty's no-frills setup, friendly staff and affordable talent is the way to go.
Really hoping to find something better in SF, but until then I'm sticking to Salon Musa in NY.Listed in: Grooming
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Review from Juan C.
New York, NY
12/15/2010
I went to Arty spontaneously while in town for business, and I could not be more pleased. Since I have a spanish/asian mix, my hair is as thick as it gets and grows in every direction. I'm usually partial to japanese salons, but I believe this is the best one I've been to out of all of them.
Ayoko is the stylist who tendered me. She asked a few insightful questions to consult about my hair, and some of those I had never been asked before. After a good shampoo/conditioning rinse, she went off to work. Ayoko is extremely social, and had no problem talking to me about various topics. It was easy to tell how comfortable she was behind the chair, and that regardless of my response, she never flinched. In fact, I've never seen anyone so comfortable while cutting, and thus I've never been so comfortable during a cut (and I am usually pretty nervous that something will get messed up!)
She did a great job cutting it to the precise lengths I wanted, and she did a good job thinning my hair without overthinning (a problem I've encountered in the past). 3/4 of the way through, she asked me to check the progress, and I thought it was perfect. She motioned to have me rinsed again, and after, I received a nice shoulder massage and a hot wet towel for my face. Ayoko then completed the final touches on my hair, and I was set to go.
I was thankful for the personalized business card I got from her, and I'll definitely visit for another cut next time I am in town. -
Review from yoshie k.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2011
I've been here for a few times already and I looooved my hair cut, the only reason I'm giving a 3 star review is because of the recent bang trim that I got.
Got a bang trim by mr kudo (i think that's his name, the owner and the lead hair stylist), and I regret getting it done by him. I told him, (in japanese) I didn't want it thinned, I jus want it cut, but he thinned it. My bangs doesn't have any volume that's why I didn't want it thinned, I really don't understand why he did it and I even explained it in japanese. I will never again let him touch my hair, EVER!! -
Review from Kitty O.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2010
I've been coming to Arty for 3 years, always with the super-cool Michi.
I used to live in Japan, and I loved Japanese hair styles. But I was going to language school the whole time, and I was so shy and unconfident in my Japanese to go in to a salon over there. I always regretted not going by myself.
I found Arty when it was still Comsa, and it was everything I missed out on in Japan! I love the layered styles, and I always get exactly what is pictured in the books. I have thick latina hair, so I need to have it thinned out as well, but always a great job done! -
Review from bcby c.
Orlando, FL
Updated - 7/23/2011
Love this place. It is pricy but it is worth it. Michi was very patient. She knows what I want and took her time to cut my think hair. She made delicate layers. This is definitely the best hair salon I have ever been to.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/13/2008
Mickey helped me do the digital perm. She is fantastic. She understood my needs and did a tighter… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany T.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2010
i got a haircut with a last minute appointment at Arty's after searching for a Japanese salon.
Got in. told her what i wanted and off to shampoo. I don't know about other people but i usually get an awesome massage with my shampoo. I didn't get anything!! Not so much than a simple scratch on the scalp.
Ok. off to the cutting. i told her i wanted more volume and trim off my split ends. She ends up cutting 4 inches off my hair at a straight line and kind of shaves through the hair. She told me she was giving me more layers and more volume. i didn't get it.
She only blew dry it and gave me a little bit of max to my bangs. the style was not as intricate as i wanted and from start to finish it only lasted 30 mins!!! shortest cut ever.
Maybe it was because she had another client waiting. i had high hopes for this place too. -
Review from Berna T.
5/20/2008 1 photo
I totally cheated on my hunky Brazilian hairstylist. Actually, more like, left him for another man. Who happens to be a woman, and Japanese.
For most of my life, I've been "the girl with the long hair". Like this: http://static.px.yelp....
Check it:
http://static.px.yelp....
When I was 8, my hair was past my butt (I danced hula). When I was 11, my hair was down to the middle of my back, and spiral permed. When I was in high school, my hair was straight and long, parted down the middle. My first year of college, I whacked it all off into a graduated bob and subsequently began playing pick up soccer with some girls from my dorm. (Not sure if the somewhat butch hair and sudden desire to participate in team sports is correlated, but I digress.) I decided from then on that short hair on me is not sexy and I looked WAAAAY better with long, straight hair with layers and no bangs.
Since then, I really haven't done anything different to my hair, except color it. There *was* that one unfortunate incident where I decided to attack my own locks with scissors and it ended up looking spiky & piecey & cool (to me) but my stylist grabbed both of my hands, looked me dead in the eyes, and said, "NEVER. DO. THAT. AGAIN." Since that moment, I have left my locks to the professionals.
My last haircut was with my stylist that I've been going to for the past three years - he's a friend, who works at a salon in San Mateo. Well, gas is expensive, and he's also kind of hard to get an appointment with these days, and his prices have gone up. (Sorry, dude, I love you, but I can't afford you anymore.) When my hairstyle becomes a daily ponytail, it's time for a cut. I consulted Yelp and found Arty, located a mere three blocks from my apartment, in Japantown. It's really modern looking, tucked away atop California Bank & Trust, with a friendly staff and 99.7 blaring away in the background (I still "Can't Get Kylie Minogue Out Of My Head", dammit.)
One of the sweetest stylists EVER, Kyoko, took a look at the picture I brought, and went to work. I watched her snip deftly as giant pieces of my hair fell to the floor. I was having a bit of a panic attack, but I tried to focus on the fact that it's just HAIR and it grows back. An hour later, I was surrounded by a good twenty five pounds of fallen hair (okay, slight exaggeration). And got my brand new do. With bangs. Hey, I look fucking KAWAII. I realized that I have a tendency to hide behind the long hair thing and I'm going to try out this shorter, more stylish and fun hair. I'm still getting used to it...but I'm TOTALLY digging the bangs.
You like?
http://static.px.yelp.... -
Review from Linda C.
1/27/2008
I love this place.
Had a digital perm by Mickey a few months ago, and have been waiting to write the review in case something happened to the perm. You know. Like it stopped being curly. Or one day became frizzy. Or became so unruly that it had to be shorn off. Can you tell I have serious phobias about trying a new hair salon? Or doing anything drastic to my hair?
But nothing catastrophic has happened yet. I have long hair and wanted the large, wavy, victoria's secret model curl - think Giselle hair - and Mickey made it happen. It's still soft to the touch and looks very healthy (major fear prior to the perm), and have gotten many compliments on it.
The actual perm takes like 4-5 hours. She perms ALL the hair, (so at one point you look like Shirley Temple), but then straightens the part closest to the head, so the curls start where they should. Now, after you wash the hair you have two options: the easiest is to scrunch some mousse into it and blow/air dry, which gives you a pretty large wave look. The other option is to digitally enhance the perm by blow drying the curls using a highly specialized device known as THE FINGER, to get gorgeous curling iron locks. Either of these are easily do-able at home, and amazingly, the curls hold up until the next wash.
It's been months and I'm still loving the curls. If you ever wanted to try a digital perm, Mickey is the one to see! -
Review from Wakako U.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2008
If you get your hair colored or permed, hair cut is included. What a steal! Bleach plus toner plus haircut was only $130 for short hair girl. WOW.
I've docked stars because my stylist doesn't know how to cut so that it grows nicely. Just a stylist, not an artist. -
Review from Jen D.
6/30/2008
I actually made an appointment here a few months ago, but I was hesitant to actually go so I gave my appointment spot to Eugy. I'm super particular about my stylist. I had a great stylist back in NYC from Hair Kuwayama. I still wasn't quite ready to go to a new person. Well, today I was ready!
I stopped in without an appointment. I was only in need of a trim anyway. Kyoko took care of me. She was really nice and quick! She really cleaned up my hairstyle since it was a big out of sorts. And she gives a mini shoulder massage at the end. Perfect way to end the session.
I'm so happy to have found a good stylist on my first try in the city that I now call home. -
Review from Andrea P.
San Leandro, CA
2/1/2009
Looking to get a Japanese style hair-cut? Look no further. I got my hair cut in Japan a couple years ago, and have let it grow out and gotten it cut elsewhere since I got back; recently, I decided I wanted to get it cut Japanese-style again, yelped, and found this salon.
Kudo-san, the director, cut my hair and I'm ABSOLUTELY COMPLETELY HAPPY with it! :) In fact, I think I like this cut even better than the cut I got in Japan. I showed him a few pictures and pointed out aspects in each that I liked, and he totally made them work for my hair. He even taught me a fairly simple way to style it and get what I want from it.
The total process took only an hour, including shampoo, cut, shoulder massage, and styling/style teaching. My hair is now layered in a way that only Japanese stylists can do. And only $55? No extra charge for length, and no extra charge for an appointment with the director? I am SO coming back. Looks like I'll only be going to Aveda for color and deep conditioning from now on.
Anyway, you've found your place. And since they're good, they book out fairly quickly, so make your appointment now. :)Listed in: salons, spas, and other guilty…
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Review from cheryll g.
Washoe, NV
12/2/2009
I did my research on digital perms before I got one. I decided to get it done at Arty because of the reviews I found on yelp. The lady who did my perm and haircut was Kyoko. I thought that the haircut she gave me was cute even before the perm.
In any case the process was long, but she tried her best to make me comfortable. She gathered all the magazines in english in the place for me to read. The girl who washed my hair gave me a massage too.
Kyoko dried my hair, styled it a bit, and put some product on. I ended up buying a can of it while I was there.
My hair after the digital perm was surprisingly soft and smelled of soap as opposed to chemicals. My hair was pretty healthy when I had the process done, and I know that makes a difference. I love the waves in it now. Kyoko gave me tips on managing it. Even without any product, I think it looks great.
I don't have any complaints.
I'll definitely come here again. -
Review from Liz S.
8/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Yay Arty! Deciding I wanted to get a straight perm while I was on vacation and considering I have no loyalty to any particular stylist in Seattle I turned to Yelp, found this place and set am appointment after much debate over where to go.
Immediately when I walked in I was greeted welcome (in Japanese) by all the staff members present - a good sign. Someone took my bag and sweater for me and was escorted to my chair. What was a nice touch is that the same assistant who helped me check in (and who washed my hair a couple times) handed me some magazines in English in case I wanted to read something.
Kudo-san was my stylist and is also the owner of the salon, I was a little intimidated because I didn't know how chatty he would be with me throughout the long 4+ hour process but it was nice that he was. They have a decent beverage list but I only had two cups since I wanted to be on the safe side; and though I'm no novice to the straight perm process I appreciated how the staff would walk me through their process from start to finish.
Their method of tackling the perm is a bit new to me, using plastic wrap to keep the hair intact and using handy dandy ear covers to keep them clear of chemicals. The haircut itself was pleasant. I had an idea of what I wanted and Kudo-san worked with it.
A tip for anyone who plans to get a cut or other service: when they wash the hair they do place a paper towel of sorts on your face to help with the water splash. That said I highly suggest you make sure your ears are clean before your visit - the assistants and stylists will wipe (lightly) in your ears with the towel and then rub it all over you hair and scalp. Think about it.
This place is more of a 4-4.5 stars type of place because while the service was great, the wash station was very uncomfortable to have to bend my neck back against hard plastic, made it difficult to swallow.
Overall I'm super happy I came here! Thank you Arty! You turned my frizzy dried out candy corn mess of hair (small on top, poof out at bottom) into something sleek and awesome for fall~! Hope to make it back next time I'm in town! -
Review from Christina C.
San Francisco, CA
4/13/2011
I got my first digital perm here a month ago, and I'm torn between giving Arty a 3 or 4. My experience in the salon deserves a 4, but a month later my hair looks like a 3.
I've got the cliche pin-straight Asian hair. It wouldn't hold a curl to save its life and it was SO BORING to look at and style everyday. When I heard of the digital perm, I immediately wanted to try it, so to Arty's I went.
The workers were so nice; no matter how busy everyone was, when someone walked through the door they'd all say "Welcome" in Japanese. I haven't seen that in any other salon I've been to.
I got Hana as my stylist and she was really sweet. She looked at the pictures I brought in for reference and said said the digital perm would be perfect for what I wanted. I told her I had been coloring/highlighting my hair for years (no bleach, though) and she warned me that there would be a slight chance the perm would not take. I think they give this warning to pretty much everyone, though, so I wasn't worried. (Btw, she says a digital perm will NOT work on bleached hair, but colored hair should, just don't expect it to last as long.)
After my consultation, off we went to the sink to wash my hair. I was pleasantly surprised when she placed a tissue of sorts over my face to prevent any water from splashing up and ruining my makeup. In all the American salons I've gone to, I've always had to redo my makeup after my appointments because of water splashage, so this was a really nice touch. After washing my hair, she gave it a trim. I had read in a previous review that these stylists will give you lots of layers like a mullet unless you specify not to, so that's what I did... except maybe I emphasized it TOO much? (I'll elaborate more on this later.)
After the cut, she put the perm solution in my hair and had me wait for 20 minutes. She brought plenty of magazines to keep me busy, as well as a cup of hot chocolate since it was particularly windy and rainy that day (NOT ideal perm weather, guys!) and I was sitting by 2 open windows. I tried to ignore the draft because I figured they left the windows open to keep the place from smelling like hair products, but seriously, it was COLD. I ended up having to ask to shut them, after all, I knew I'd be there for another 3 hours.
After 20 minutes, we washed the solution out and that's when the curlers went on. I kept on reading magazines while she did her thing and before I knew it, my head felt heavy from all the extra weight and she was plugging me in! When all the lights turned green, I seriously felt like a Christmas tree. I stayed there for about 25-30 minutes (longer than the standard 20 min because my hair needed more time to take the curl) before she turned the machine off and let my hair cool for another 5-10 min. Right before she took the curlers off, she told me I should get my camera ready because I'd laugh when I saw myself. She was right; those curls were INSANE! I knew this was all part of the process, though, so I didn't freak out.
On went another solution (a relaxer, I think?) and I resumed my magazine reading for another 20 minutes. After my final visit to the sink, Hana took me back to the chair and showed me how to style my new 'do. My hair had so much volume, I felt completely transformed!
The perm cost $200 and I left a $50 tip. Some people might say this is a pricey process, but I figured if it lasted over 4 months, it was definitely worth it.
Anyway, so that was the 4-star salon experience I had. Fast forward a month later, and here's why I'm giving Arty a 3-star rating:
I am completely hair inept, that's why I got the perm. Styling is easy; I twist my hair like Hana showed me and I blow dry it like she did. However, after I'm done, my left side of my hair looks so much better than my right side! The left has a lot more curls, whereas the right side's bottom layers are much straighter. And, on top of that, there is about a 2 inch section of hair in the back that is DEFINITELY straight; it's just slightly curved at the ends. At first, I thought I was blow drying it wrong, but after closer inspection, these sections of hair are actually less layered than the other hair around it! This brings me back to what I said earlier about me possibly overemphasizing my fear of leaving with mullet-style layers. Maybe I scared Hana into cutting my hair with the right kind of layering to make these curls pop, but still... you'd think I would have still walked away with an even cut.
I still think my perm looks great; I'm getting compliments all over the place and I love the volume my hair has now. I just wish the cut was perfect so the perm could live up to its full potential. -
Review from Seong P.
2/26/2009
4.5 stars. I have been regressing into my high school self lately. It's not completely my fault as fashion is cyclical so I can't help it that it is again acceptable for me to wear shorts with tights and boots, plaid jackets and coats, Doc Martins, leggings, tunics, onesies and vests. I'm not saying it's age appropriate but I can't be fully blamed.
So, furthering this backward trending of mine, I have curly hair again. Like the clothes that are reminescent of the 90's but are more tailored and flattering, so is my hair, after my cut at Arty.
I'm growing it out but keeping it curly so I was limited in my choice of cuts but I am happy with my somewhat fobby layered cut with bangs since it is exactly what I asked for. I showed Ayako some pictures, explained the quirks I know about my hair and then let her get to work. The massage from her assistant at the end was short but much appreciated.
I am going to wait a couple of weeks to see how it starts to grow out before deciding if I have found my new stylist but so far so good. -
Review from tigerlilyrubyrose c.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2007
Had one of my most stylish, sophisticated and sexiest haircuts EVER! It was my first time here and I made an appointment for a cut and digital perm with Kyoko. She was honest with me, which I really appreciated (thank you Kyoko!), and told me that she didn't think the perm was a good idea for my hair, which was really long but had been through highlights, bleaches, straightening perms and hair coloring. She said it's a possibility that my hair might turn blonde in the parts that's been bleached in the perming process or even melt and she didn't recommend that I do the perm at all.
So we ended up just doing a cut and deep conditioning treatment. She even gave me great assymetrical bangs that no other stylist has so far been able to. And she curled my hair with the curling iron and showed me how I can style my hair if I still wanted it curly.
She took her time with my cut, which made me feel that she was really focused on what she was doing, and through everything she was very professional and sweet. I really don't mind paying $50 at all for a satisfying haircut. And even though my usual stylist is such a sweet lady too and does wonderful coloring for my hair, she lacks the creativity somehow to create modern, comtemporary hairstyles, so I think I'll be switching over to Kyoko from now on.
UPDATE: Went back to ARTY today to get some red extensions put in. I initially wanted to put some highlights in so that my hair didn't look so blah color-wise. I absolutely love the cut Kyoko gave me a few weeks ago. Kyoko said perhaps to save my hair from being bleached, I could try some color extensions. They braid these extensions so it doesn't damage your hair, unlike glues and weaves, and I have more creativity and flexibility to change these extensions to another color in the future. And I do love to play with color. They last for about 2 months and it was a breeze for Kyoko and Ayuko to put them in. Took them like 30 minutes to put in 10 pieces. Compared to other hair extension places that charge a bomb, they are only $10 per piece (for both the hair and labor), and it's real hair on top of that. I'm loving my red highlights! Thanks Kyoko & Ayuko! -
Review from Stephanie p.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2008
"Fierce!" Arty is the mother lode for Asian haircuts. If you have Asian hair or an obsession with the Japanese "look", finding Arty is like stumbling upon Godzilla's long lost treasure.
All of the stylists are painfully cute, authentic from-Japan Japanese and they will chop your coiff up real good. I feel like most stylists are often overly cautious when doing super layered ("deconstructed?") cuts, which is why I like getting my hair styled by Japanese girls, who are unapologetic, unworried and ready to CHOP! Beware if you're not used to Japanese haircuts... you should be prepared for some quick, no-regrets, "funky" and seemingly extreme cutting. But rest assured, they know what they're doing and you won't leave looking like a Dragon Ball Z character (unless you want to).
If you're indecisive like I am, show up early 'cause they've got a plethora of Japanese hair mags to flip through. I should note, for the boys, that I have NEVER seen so many men's hair 'zines in one place in my entire life. I didn't even know men had so many options. Amazing!
Special thanks to Ayako for taming my unruly mane and doing a lovely job of layering and thinning out my wild, yet luscious locks. I'll be back.Listed in: This Is Why I'm Hot
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Review from Judie N.
Santa Clara, CA
Still LOVE my digital perm. Thinking about going back to get it done again... not 100% sure since I normally don't like to perm my hair more than once in 5 years.... hahahaha. But, definitely thinking about going back for a haircut with Kudo-san :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/20/2010
Normally, I don't write a review for a salon until couple weeks later when the style has settled in.… Read more »
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Review from Olivia L.
11/29/2008
My digital perm today looks fantastic! Let's hope it stays this way several months from now. Here's a quick summary of my morning:
I parked at the parking lot attached to the Miyako Hotel (the name of the hotel might have changed, but it's the lot that is right under the Peace Plaza). Arty is right across the street from this lot. I got to Arty at approximately 9:30am for my appointment with Michi. She is really awesome, and went through some Japanese magazines with me to select a hairstyle. After a good 3.5 hours, Michi showed me how to style the hair and what neat things I could do with it. I walked out feeling very unsure about my hair, but now after staring at it for a good while, I love it!!! It's more wavy than curly, and overall AWESOME. -
Review from Hae Young L.
SOMA, San Francisco, CA
12/9/2009
Kudo is an amazing hair stylist who DOES speak English. He is really talented; and honestly, where has he been all my life!!! I'm sure he does an amazing job on all hair types, but he definitely knows Asian texture.
Waited an extra day to write this review, to test "the day after look". And I still LOVE it!!!
He books fast, but I've already got my next appointment, so go ahead call him;)
Bonus: Head massage while getting my hair washed & 10 minute shoulder and neck massage while waiting for the curling iron to heat. Happy ending - for sure!!! -
Review from Aya O.
Emeryville, CA
11/24/2009
My experience at this hair salon.
1. I had Mr. Kudo who is the owner do my hair. Probably this was the mistake. I didn't know he had such a bad reputation as a hair stylist.
2. I asked him to dye my hair very very very black. Since my natural hair color is kinda brownish and I love black hair much better on me. But somehow he tried not to dye my hair black. He started saying ' do you wanna add some blue or green color.. Once you dye your hair black, it won't be easy to change to another color... blah blah blah.'
OKAY, I WANT TO DYE MY HAIR BLACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All I want you to do is just listen to your customer and do what she wants.
3. Finally he dyed my hair 'green-black' or something. Something I didn't ask but it was okay enough to say my hair is black now. BUT, he didn't dye the roots, where brown hair shows the most. HELLOOOOO????????
4. And the price. I found a much much much better salon for lower price.
(If you wanna know where, check out my other reviews!)
Bottom line: I will never go back here. And you don't wanna go here either. But if you don't trust me, then at least avoid to have Mr. Kudo.
