Hive Hair Spa

4.5 star rating
17 reviews Rating Details

Category: Hair Salons  [Edit]

8257 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC V6P
Neighbourhood: Marpole
(604) 267-0026
Hours:

Mon, Wed-Fri 10 am - 7 pm

Sat-Sun 10 am - 6 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Good for Kids:
Yes
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
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17 reviews in English

  • Review from Vincent N.

    • 128 friends
    • 83 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    1/20/2012

    I think I find it funny that Hive actually has more reviews then some restaurants I know. I decided to try this place after Sachi M. gave it such a good review. Based on deduction it seems like she lives in the same neighborhood as I do so I've put a lot of trust in her reviews.

    First off, they gave me a 20% off my first visit. Many places I go, well they only a discount if your friend goes their the first time. And that's kind of stupid in my opinion that most salons have such a backward policy. So to me that is a bonus that the recognized and took time to understand things from a customers POV.

    The stylist. I'm not really fussy who cuts my hair as long as the job is done right. And she did a great job. After it was all cut, washed and waxed, I was so freaking happy. I honestly can say I don't think I got a better style in my life. I'm usually very blah about my hair, so it takes a lot for me to feel excited about hair.

    Service: Service was fantastic. Not only did my stylist get in on the chat, but the receptionist did as well. They brought me something to drink, and brought me chocolate pocky as well. And I felt so comfortable the whole time. They don't have these comfortable one seaters as their "barber chairs."

    And if you go, tell them that Vincent N from Yelp sent you!

    P.S. they also have free parking on the side as well.

  • Review from GirlintheCity A.

    • 0 friends
    • 43 reviews

    Montréal, QC

    4.0 star rating
    3/3/2012

    I am extremely picky with my hair and was a bit skeptical of going to this place as I knew a girl who had her hair dyed there and ended up with a really bad bleach dye job.

    I had a hair cut and it turned out to be one of the best hair cuts of my life.

    The male Japanese stylist (forgot his name) spent a long time analyzing my hair and asked me many questions about how I would like my hair cut. Although very picky, I was tired of paying $80 at the place I went to before so I wanted to try a new place out.

    I have long hair and asked for layers that would minimize my round face shape and give volume to my normally flat hair. He gave me exactly that. Of course when he was done I wasn't completely satisfied so I simply asked him to fix it a bit and after that it turned out very well.

    I find that most hairstylists dont pay attention to your face shape and just give you run of the mill cuts without any attention to detail. I was happy this place was not like that.   I would have given this place 5 stars but the head massage was bordering on painful.

  • Review from Kenneth E.

    • 193 friends
    • 580 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2012

    Getting ready for the Chinese NY! so as tradition goes, the haircut to start off the 'new year'...

    Anytime you serve chocolate Pocky, the chocolate-dipped cookie sticks, is a great time!  Plus they offer you tea, think pop was available too.

    They're known for their Japanese hair stylists, and probably not as pricey but for $40, nice head massage, and attention to detail, with the vip service, sure why not?

  • Review from Anita C.

    • 30 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/10/2011

    My go-to place for my do! =) Hair is a very particular and personal thing and especially for us gals...it can completely change how you look! I've always preferred the Japanese style and their techniques.  

    This time, I was going for a drastic cut...the last time I cut my hair short, like 4 inches above my shoulder was in high school and against the preferences of the BF.  So pressure was on to find a stylist who knows her scissors!  And I found her at HIVE!!! MANAMI YOU THE BEST!!! The cut she gave me received so many comments I felt a lil' embarassed to get so much attention!! My hair went from about mid-back to just under my ears; at first I was hesitant to see my locks fall to the ground and it felt like 2-3 lbs was lifted off my head! Especially when my hair was still wet and matted to my head, my larger-than-normal didn't look that appealing with so little hair! But after she blow-dry and styled it...I was looking at younger and fresher me! I felt so light and airy and stylish with my new haircut!

    The whole time Manami was very detailed in styling, layering, trimming and made sure it was even on both sides.  She gave me tips on how to style my hair afterwards and very personable from start to finish! It also helps when you step in and you feel you just stepped into your living room with comfy chairs! I guess it will feel like that if your living room has little wine glasses of Pocky and a menu of drinks you would want to hang out.  Super cute! And don't forget their loyal customer program...20% off!  call them!!

  • Review from Kassi L.

    • 0 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2012

    I was very impressed with my haircut that I received today. It was the best one that I have had in a very long time, as it suited my face perfectly. The salon is nice too, you get to sit on sofas while the stylist cuts your hair. The staff are really friendly too. I love how they offer you pocky sticks and a nice warm cup of tea. Its a definitely affordable salon to go to, with really good results.

  • Review from Spring B.

    • 3 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I love going to this salon....best hair cut and color! The stylists are very professional and know what they are doing.

  • Review from Mishka Y.

    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2011

    Best salon ever. I've seen both Sho (who has since left) and Rae and am so beyond impressed with this salon, I can even find the words. The customer service is impeccable, the shampoo lounge chairs, yummy lychee tea, pocky and massages are just bonuses to the great hair cuts. I have thick, wavy, impossible Asian hair and they have both done great jobs with thinning and taming my hair and giving me a great cut. Hive is now my regular salon and I am recommending it to everyone.

  • Review from Angela L.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    10/14/2010

    I was always confused when people gushed about how great their hairdresser was or how much they loved their hairdresser, because I had never had such an experience. You would think that I wouldn't be very picky, growing up with my mother cutting my hair at home in the bathtub, but at least the haircuts my mother gave me were straightforward.

    After going through a bit of an "experimental" phase where I would tell the hairdresser to "cut my hair however you want," I discovered that this was no longer a good tactic if I didn't want to end up with the same bizzarely cartoonish haircut every time, that forced me to wear a ponytail for a few months until my hair was ready for its next mangling at the hands of a different hairdresser.

    Discovering Hive was the very best part of living in Marpole. I've finally discovered what it feels like to be happy with my hair walking out of the salon. All of the stylists (and staff) there are exceedingly friendly and professional, and their prices are super reasonable. I love how they wash your hair after they cut it so you don't walk around with bits of hair in your clothes and all over your face for the rest of the day, and people who are less awkward than I am seem to really enjoy the complimentary massage.

    I've never had anything done to my hair here other than haircuts, but Hive has allowed me to cross off "finding a good hairdresser" from my to-do list for life.

  • Review from Sachi M.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/11/2011 1 photo 7 Check-ins Here

    Kazu has gone back to Japan, but Sho is still here (maybe he's an owner?).

    Since I was having a drastic cut, I said, "I read that if it's longer than 8 inches..." and Sho immediately knew that I was talking about donating hair. He tied a ponytail a bit longer than I want to keep my hair (with elastics that I brought), and cut it. Then, he wrapped it in plastic wrap for me to take.

    Honestly, I'm not that excited about this place anymore. I think it's nice that they give a massage while towel-drying my hair, but... I find the service good, but I don't remember anything exceptional. I do appreciate that I didn't have to explain the procedures of donating hair. So I guess the professionalism keeps this a five.

    The haircut I got doesn't look as light and airy as the photo I brought. I wasn't sure if it was possible to do my hair like that with just a cut, or it would need a light perm. However, I wasn't ready to pay for a perm this time. I guess they didn't have time to perm me, either, so he didn't suggest.
    However, I wish they had told me that it's basically impossible to replicate with just a cut. My haircut looks really boring stick-straight if I just dry it. He showed me the way to put some wax on and twist a bit to group it into strands like the photo. I didn't think it looked like that, though...
    A few days later, I figured out that I could get it to look how I wanted if I used rollers and curling iron in the morning. I'll have to see how long I can last doing that.

    Listed in: FTR (or Second or Third)

    Was this review …?

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      6/16/2010

      I don't have a specific stylist here... they all seem to know what they're doing with my Asian hair,… Read more »

  • Review from Marjorie D.

    • 6 friends
    • 77 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    11/13/2010

    Found the salon on Google and tried it out because I wanted to try a different stylist, especially someone closer to my neighbourhood. I was excited to hear about the Japanese salon nearby.  Plus, the hot tea, pocky and comfy looking chairs were enticing.

    I went and wasn't too impressed with the results. My stylist didn't really do a lot with my hair and it didn't really look like it was cut at all! The only things about the visit were the hot tea, pocky, comfy chair, and free head and neck massage. That's about it. Sorry, Hive, I'm still sticking with my tried and trusted, usual salon.

  • Review from Sheryl D.

    Coquitlam, BC

    5.0 star rating
    8/15/2010

    Based on other Yelpers review, I took a chance yesterday and went for JP Ionic Straightening.  My hair was done by Manami. I was not disappointed!! The service was impeccable down to the fine, fine details.  I loved how they cover your eyes with a soft, cotton cloth while your scalp is being massaged during the shampooing.  Only an Asian salon would care about these small details! It made me feel like the pocky pretzels, free drink and head and neck massage was just standard with the cut I got after JP straightening. The best part was the 20% off first time client discount I got! It saved me a fortune.  My total bill (with tip) only came to $225 and I'm a very happy woman.

    I also noticed they had an assortment of clientele, men, women of all races in the 4 hour period I was there so despite being known as a Japanese salon, it was clear they catered to everyone.    If you're a very particular person like me, this salon is a must visit.  Appointments are highly recommended as they are packed all the time, or call ahead!

  • Review from Jady L.

    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    9/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I really like this place! When you come in, it looks really upscale with the nice comfortable chairs! You sit down and they get you a drink of your choice and there's even a wine glass with Pockys! I always get Sho. My mom got a different stylist and while she was good, I wouldn't trust any other stylists here with my hair. If you're a student (until 18 or 19, can't remember), you get a discount and in addition to your first time here, I think I paid about $15-$16 tax and tip included! Great place!

  • Review from Jenn W.

    • 93 friends
    • 229 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2008

    Haruno and the rest of the team at Hive make sitting in a chair for 3+ hours a luxurious experience (it helps that the chairs are comfy leather and come with  foot stools and blankets).

    I go to Hive for Japanese Ionic Straightening, and really appreciate the chance to be able to read a book for three hours while being served a selection of hot and cold teas and complimentary pocky.

    More importantly though, is that the people at Hive do a fantastic job at a much lower rate than one would pay downtown, and they give awesome neck & scalp massage.

  • Review from Kitty C.

    • 2 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Calgary, AB

    5.0 star rating
    6/11/2010

    Went in today for a cut and color.
    First visit - so I received a 20% discount on my total bill.
    Pampered with hot tea and pocky!  
    Comparisons:  I've had hair cuts and colors at most of the local hair places in GVR.

    Hair peeves: Some stylists try to solve the problem of coarse, thick,  hard to style asian hair with quasi mullets.  One indicator of things are going to  turn out is whether the stylist starts thinning with shears or with razors.  Razors are a bad sign.

    I have come to appreciate the experience at most Japanese salons because they go the extra mile on service -- not to mention being more experienced with asian hair texture.
    Now that I've tried Hive...I'm going to have to say that Hive and Chura are definitely tied for the top hair spot in vancouver.  
    What Hive does better is a shorter wait time for getting an appointment.  I typically have to book with Chura 2 weeks ahead.  Hive was a mere 3 days wait and the experience was comparable or even slightly better.

    Manami was my stylist.  She was easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and very professional.  She did an amazing job on my thick unmanageable hair.  The color is just as I wanted and my hair cut is so flattering!!  She thinned my hair out perfectly with scissors, gave me long layers, swoopy bangs, and gave tips  on care and styling.  The color she gave me flattered my skin and was perfect.

    A bit more pricey than my usual, but for a girl who gets a cut every 3 -6 months, very do-able.  Loved Hive!! Definitely a recommend and worth being a regular for.

  • Review from Emily L.

    • 5 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/25/2010

    This is where I will be getting my hair cut from now on...
    The team at Hive really know how to pamper and make you feel like a princess (..or a prince)!
    I've always drove by it and wanted to try it out during Christmas but they were fully booked!  I was lucky this time when I came back to Vancouver for spring break and they were able to put me in on Thursday when I phoned at the beginning of the week!
    I've been to many hair salons as well (Mentor, Zeal, a couple in Kerrisdale...etc) but Hive is definitely the best priced and has the BEST service and pretty knowledgeable staff.  The moment I walked in, I was greeted warmly by everyone and they offered me a list of complimentary hot or cold drinks and ...pocky?!? haven't had those since i was 10!  
    My stylist and I then talked about how I wanted my hair cut etc. and she gave many helpful suggestions for styling and which haircut would suit my face better.  The staff at Hive were all super friendly, attentive  and it never felt like I was hurried or abandoned when hair stylists are attending to multiple customers at some other hair salons.
    The big leather chairs were so comfy and the decor was simple, chic and really cute!
    A great haircut  and great for a great price; I will definitely be coming back!
    p.s they do accept walk-ins but making an appointment is definitely better as they are usually pretty booked.

  • Review from Amy P.

    • 3 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    3/17/2011

    Had a great hair cut there in 2010 Oct.  Returned there this month but disappointed.  Their japanese stylists come and go.  So this time I had a dfferent stylist.  The service and hair cut was good.  I would not recommend coloring though.  I have long hair and asked for whole hair color.  The color comes out different at root and at the end.  The stylist put the hair dye on the root waited 10-15min then color the rest of the hair.  And the hair dye she prepared was not enough.  She had to mix more dye 2 times. After the 30minute wait. 2 of the Japanese stylists check my hair and talk among themselves.  And added more dye.  I suspect the color didn't turn out well and they had to cover it again.  No wonder my hair color is not balance.

  • Review from Hayley B.

    • 3 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    4.0 star rating
    4/4/2009

    I really like this place.  I got to lounge in a big leather armchair with a foot rest, and was offered complimentary ice tea and pocki snacks.  When you have your hair washed, you actually get to lie down flat on this long flat bed/armchair...super relaxing! I had a cut and colour, along with an awesome head/neck/shoulder massage.The stylist (Sho) took time to figure out what I wanted. The colour was perfect, exactly what I asked for.  The cut was definitely good and worth the price I paid but my bangs could have been cut/styled better.  All in all, an awesome salon with really good prices.

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