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Chura Hair Salon
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
161 Baldwin StUnit 4
Toronto, ON M5C 2B7
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 979-5405
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 10 am - 8 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
13 reviews for Chura Hair Salon
13 reviews in English
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Review from Suki L.
Markham, ON
5/13/2012
Can you say UH-MAZING?!
I think I have officially abandoned my ex-go-to salon in Ktown and switched to Chura instead. Today was my first time at Chura, after having to wait for their usual booking of two weeks in advance. Kazuma was my hairstylist for today and boy, did I ever find one of the most detail-oriented hairstylists ever!
My appointment was for a haircut + colour and lets just say... I made Kazuma and the assistant stay an hour past their closing time (yes, a huge tip was received). My stubborn hair wasn't taking in the colour after two tries due to my previous strong hair manicures I've gotten from my (now, EX) go-to salon. Despite all the complications, the duo kept on going at it until the light shade of brown I wanted was achieved, and did I mention all without ANY noticeable damage? It was way past their closing time, and no rush was made to defeat the stubborn hair. Needless to say, the haircut turned out perfect as well probably due to the detailed consultation with Kazuma.
My haircut + colour for long hair came up to $100 without tax or tips. I'll say that's freakin UHMAZING for their expertise! -
Review from Joanne W.
3/19/2012
Love love love it! Thank you, Yelpers for suggesting this place for a haircut. Surprisingly, one of my friends from Vancouver knew exactly about this place when I mentioned it to her:
Me: "I'm going to get my hair cut."
Her: "Where?"
Me: "In Kensington Market"
Her: "Oh - Chura?"
It's because of Hiroki, he's apparently quite well-known. It was to the point where my friend's friend had came to visit from Vancouver, and purposely went to see him to get her hair cut.
My friend had Hiroki, and I had Kazuma. There was a slight language barrier between Kazuma and I, but I can't complain -- he still had put some great layers in my hair.
Did I mention that the hair cut was only $33?! (Well, including tax and tip, it's about $40 something).
Will DEFINITELY come back. -
Review from Athena Y.
Toronto, ON
3/6/2012
Just came back from Chura, and I am one happy girl. I went based on Yelp's reviews and some recommendations from friends back in Vancouver, and I was not disappointed.
I have thick, wavy Asian hair, and it was all choppy after the last place I went to screwed up big time. Hiroki, who is absolutely AMAZING, listened to what I wanted, made a few suggestions based on my hair type and condition, and now I have a sleek, airy hairstyle that requires absolutely no maintenance. All for the amazing price of 33 bucks.
The salon itself is small and rather minimalist, but it's clean and very well-lit. I wasn't used to the lack of conversation, though, and this is the first time the hairstylist hasn't chatted with me. Language barrier, perhaps?
I will definitely be coming back!
Note: I hate how they blowdried my hair. I accidentally fried my hair in elementary school by holding the blow dryer too close, and so I respect the arm's length rule. Here, though, the blow dryer was less than 5cm from my hair. -
Review from Bev Y.
Toronto, ON
2/24/2012
After trying to find a new salon to call my REGULAR GO-TO salon, I think I've found it.
I've been here three times, but only one of those times did I get Hiroki. But every time, I've been happy with the results.
I usually come for a cut and digital perm and price-wise, it's way better than at similar Japanese salons I've tried. The digital perm is also superior to the typical chemical perms in that there are no stinky, chemical smells afterwards and it's supposed to be less damaging to your hair. Yes, for a few minutes when the initial curlers are removed and you have crazily curly curls, you might have a moment of panic but rest assured, after they apply more creme stuff to your hair, it'll go back to normal. And out of places I'd trust to do a digital perm and not for ridiculous amounts of money, this place is it.
Communicating what you envision for your hair is easy because they are fluent in English. Plus there are tons of magazines to show what you were thinking. Hiroki, for example, will also give you input so that is always helpful.
The wash is also great, comfy seat and they usually will do a head massage while they are shampooing.
After my perm was done, Hiroki (and likewise, whoever else is working on your hair) will give you some styling tips. As you leave, some hair treatment is applied to your hair (and it smells nice!). -
Review from Olivia O.
Toronto, ON
4/23/2012 2 photos
Chura's prices are pre-tax. $33 for haircut is pretty reasonable.
They had 30% off promotion in the month of October last year.
The stylists are very skilled, don't get turned away by the size of the shop.
Most customers are girls because guys think it's a little expensive! Same price for guys and girls haircut! -
Review from Roma M.
12/31/2011
I think I found my new salon!
Based on the rave reviews here I made an appointment with Chura. The salon is cute and extremely tiny, but with a good enough layout that you don't feel cramped. I first had a consultation with my stylist, Kazuma, who tried his best to understand what I wanted from a haircut. I'd probably do better if I knew how to speak Japanese, as it was a little hard to communicate. This is not new to me, however, as I've been going to hard-core East Asian salons since my 'tweens' (I can't believe I used that term).
There are two stylists and 1 or 2 assistants who do things like, wash hair, assist in blow drying and ring you up at the cash. They were super gentle with the wash, but I wish they wouldn't rub my wet hair with a towel as it's pretty damaging.
Kazuma was super skilled and worked the scissors as a pro with tremendous attention to detail. As a girl with thick hair, I was thrilled with the results since he also thinned out my hair really well. If I ever want a blowout, I'm definitely coming back since he can blow dry like it's nobody's business.
I'm going to come back really soon. -
Review from Mariko M.
Updated - 8/28/2011
With the new school year starting in a week's time, I decided to get rid of my split ends and get my bangs cut again.
I continue to be impressed.
As long as Chura continues this trend, I will be a client here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/16/2011
My outlook on life is to see the positive in everything that may seem negative. On Thursday, I was… Read more »
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Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
10/13/2011
THANK YOU FOR COMING TO TORONTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been going to Chura for the last couple of years when I was living in Vancouver and Hiroki was the hairstylist many of my friends went to. But his popularity led him to be always booked and I was never able to get a hair appt with him (and I didn't have the patience to wait more than a week).
So very random - my friend from Abu Dhabi comes to my wedding in Toronto and tells me she gets a haircut at Chura (rings a bell) by a guy named Hiroki (coincidence)?
Best hair case ever! Got an appointment with him the following week and my hair dreams come true!
No - I don't need anything extravagant, but I need someone who understands what I want with my hair, and actually takes the time to examine and cut (as opposed to thinning and sheering and doing nothing with my thick never stops growing asian hair!)
He was super nice and we chatted for a bit and even when the next customer came in, he wasn't rushing to finish.
Prices are great and everyone is super friendly. See you in a few months! -
Review from J L.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2012
After reading these reviews, I decided to give Chura a try for my colour and cut and it definitely did not disappoint. The staff were friendly, experienced, and gave me a great cut and a fantastic colour.
This salon is great and the price is very reasonable. I would definitely come back next time. -
Review from jennifer w.
Toronto, ON
12/18/2011
I read the strong reviews of Chura and decided to come here. Boy am I glad I did! I almost went to another salon in Koreatown but when I called, their English was terrible and I was worried I would be misunderstood.
I have never been to a Japanese hair salon but really needed a digital perm because my mid length hair was flat and boring. I just went today and was happy with the results. I booked with Hiroki 4 days ago and went on a Sunday at 4 p.m. The place is not in the heart of Kensington market, almost at the corner of Spadina and Baldwin.
You need to make a reservation, don't walk in. This place is tiny but clean and well kept, only 3 salon chairs, one sink for washing the hair and there's NO TOILET. You have to use the one next door in the parking lot. So if you come for a perm, it may last 2 hours from A to Z (waiting for your turn to paying).
Hiroko asked me what I wanted, and showed me some magazine pictures, which helps. They have all the fashion mags from US editions to Japanese fashion. And Hiroko's English is good, so no worries. He cut my hair first, just to shape it for the perm.
I noticed there's lots of teamwork amongst the 4 employees. Hiroko (the boss) cut my hair, applied the solution with another colleague, it dries up in a Saran Wrap for 7 minutes, somebody else washes it out. Then, the perm rods are applied by 2 people and a 3rd person hands over some curling rod separator that looks like carpet fabric. Unlike a traditional perm, there's no liquid dripping along your neck, or forehead, and no need for Vaseline to be applied along your hairline. Everything is done quickly, professionally and efficiently.
The digital machine is only in my hair for 20 minutes, not more than that to my surprise. Once it beeps, the staff of 3 quickly comes and removes the rods. Don't be alarmed if the curls are super curly, another solution is applied and left in the hair for 10 minutes. Then, it's rinsed out and Hiroko comes back to dry your hair and explain what to do at home.
My hair didn't look dry and the trick is to use Biosilk right after you shampoo, twirl and blowdry with the nasal tip away from the curls, not straight in. Also, use hair cream or paste to keep the curls intact. Hiroko said I only need to return in 2-3 months for a cut. We'll see about that but I do plan on growing my hair maybe 5 inches longer.
The total price I paid was $130 including tips and tax. Everything before tips and tax is $109 for mid-length hair. Price goes up if you hair is longer.
Last thing is the place has some great pop music but everybody works in a silent mode. There's no yelling or loud chatter.
And there was a non-Chinese customer in the salon getting a straightening perm in case you were wondering if ithey serve non-Asian clientele :-)
Hope this helps. I plan on coming here for a haircut (only $33) since it's cheaper than my current salon in Yorkville! -
Review from Yelper Z.
Toronto, ON
9/3/2011
I went here because of the reviews here, and i wasn't disappointed. I went here to get a digital perm.
First off , I like the location its around kensington/spadina area, lots of shopping! and the salon is really close to the parking area.
the salon is small (3 chairs) but nice.
My hairstylist , Hiroki was legit on his bidness..hes PRO
i got a digital perm, and i like it , just wat i wanted. looks natural.
my hair is no longer flat n boring.
initially i wasnt sure if i should get a regular or digi perm, but i described the look i wanted, wavy not really curly, not 'Poofy' for sure..he handed me magazines (didnt even ask) to show what kind of hair i wanted...
n he decided on a digital perm...
the hair assistants / stylists were also good, because unlike other places ive been to, they DONT harrass ur head when they shampoo/condition ur hair! other places they shampoo ur head like an agressive italian grandmotha pounding on some pizzaDOUGH.
they also provided magazines (and i didnt even ask) when i was getting my hair did. Thats the first time that happend when i went to a salon.
also , without even asking, Hiroki advised me how to manage my perm.
No other hair stylist did that.
HAHA FCUK FIRST CHOICE HAIR CUTTERS !
this is my salon to go to now.
ive been to other salons (more xpensive than first choice)...
they SUCK..and the hair stylists dont seem to take their time initially to try to understand what u want for ur hair or ADVISE u about ur hair! they should!..or suggest even, how to make ur hair how u want it...hiroki and staff get 5 stars
only negative might be: no washroom in the actual salon. -
Review from Peter L.
Toronto, ON
7/14/2011 1 photo
The reasons I started going to Chura are twofold:
1) I became obsessed with Japanese fashion and aesthetics after a trip to Tokyo, and I wanted to have a Japanese hairstyle
2) I had always chosen salons based on proximity and price, but it had never occurred to me to choose salons based on the stylists' experience with the hairstyles I wanted or my particular hair type
So last Christmas, I looked up 'Japanese hair salon' on Yelp while vacationing and came across their wildly successful location in Vancouver (they also have a location in Tokyo). Although I never managed to get my hair cut (their legion of stylists were all booked two weeks in advance), I was told they had just opened up a location in Toronto. I was really excited to give it a try when I got back.
I've been going to Chura for half a year now and I'm happy to say it's my default to get my hair done. My stylist Hiroki, the manager and a veteran from the Vancouver location, is really nice and has executed really challenging hairstyles time after time. Hiroki just permed my hair today, and it looks amazing. In comparison to my last perm at Mosheta which left my hair scorched, frizzy and extremely kinky, the one Hiroki gave me looks natural (no obvious perming pattern), and my hair still feels hydrated! Thanks! -
Review from Mirabel L.
Mississauga, ON
3/2/2011
Just came back from Chura Hair Salon yesterday and I am one happy camper! I've heard many great things about this salon from my friends in Vancouver so when I found out that they opened a branch in Toronto, I was excited!
I called last week for an appt. as I was desperate to get my hair fixed. I went to a salon in Scarborough two Sundays prior to get a digital perm and cut. Not only did the perm flatten out after 2 days, but the hairdresser also cut my bangs too short! I paid a lot of money (over $300) to get my hair done so needless to say, I was not happy.
After a detailed hair consultation with Hiroki, he went ahead and fixed the bad haircut and gave me the digital perm that I wanted. I came out with gorgeous, curly hair and he did it in half the time it took from that previous salon. He also gave me tips and pointers on how to style my hair and what products to use. Hiroki is an extremely talented hairstylist and is a master of his craft. I highly recommend giving this salon a try. I guarantee that you will leave happy.
