Finding a good hairdresser while traveling in Japan is never easy. Ippei-san at Laff hair design takes good care of his customers in both English and Japanese. Laff is one of the only hair salons in Hiroshima that is completely bilingual, it evens runs a different number for English reservations.
Not only is his English good, he is also very good with coloring and cuts. A haircut from this shop seems to look better longer than cuts from other shops. I have only had cuts and color done here, but some friends have also been happy with straight perms they have had done at Laff. As he trained in both Tokyo and then in London, he is familiar with working with non-Japanese clients who have different hair types.
Laff opened in July, 2009. The owner, Ippei, trained at Vidal Sassoon London for 6 months after previously working in Tokyo, Omotesando for 2 years.
Starting in July, 2012 he will open a shop downstairs which will multi-function as a flower art shop and grassy garden to the rear of the building. Ippei's wife is also a hair stylist and a color expert- she also has wonderful technique and strong fingers that turns any shampoo into a relaxing massage.
There is another new staff member at Laff who doesn't speak English, but like Ippei and his wife, is very friendly and is great at cuts and coloring.
One thing that is striking about Ippei and his staff is how young they are to be running an independent, fashionable shop in the center of the city. Most hair salons are either run by older managers who have trained in other salons first before opening their own; or some shops are managed nationally. Laff's success is a tribute to the many young entrepreneurs around Japan making a-go of things on their own. Still in his 20's Ippei-san started hairdressing training at 17. He says he was always interested in creative things from a young age which may be influenced from his mother who was an art teacher.
Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Services available are: Coloring, cuts, straight permanent and other perms. Most cuts and services come with shampooing and blow-dry. Discounts are given for reservations earlier than 2 weeks, students and seniors. There is also a "friend" discount if you introduce someone to try Laff, you can both get a significant discount. Cash & Major Credit cards are accepted.
You can make appointments through the English appointment form on their website by clicking the "Reserve link", or call the English phone line listed before.
