Shining Salon

I never usually leave reviews but I wanted to spread the word about this salon because I believe it deserves some recognition! I started going to this salon 2 years ago. At the time, I had a somewhat unusual request – an asymmetrical bob, with one side being longer than the other side. I was going for the edgy look and I wasn’t sure how well it’d turn out, especially because asian hair salons are usually a hit or miss (my worst, very common experience at these salons was getting layers that turned into a mullet look over night – waaay too much volume on the top of my head!!) Anyway, so I went in with this request and my stylist was this man with a tattoo on his arm and who was rocking some chin hair. Even though there was a language barrier (I can understand chinese but can’t speak it, and he can somewhat understand english), I showed him pictures and he knew what to do. It turned out amazing, and I was so satisfied with his work that I kept going back to him. My most recent cut was a bob style and ombré dye. Again, I wasn’t sure if it would turn out right… because maybe he had never done or seen it before. But I showed him pictures, he recommended some colors, and 2 ½ hours later, I had my perfect ombré. I loved it and I totally recommend going to see my stylist. Wish I knew his name though ! Make sure to bring pictures if your chinese is non existent or not that great. Prices are very reasonable and I got my cut and dye for a steal !!!

This is a pretty good place. The hair washer was not bad. She did a fairly good job massaging my scalp without using her nails, but with the appropriate amount of pressure. Jack was my stylist, and he was quite knowledgeable. He asked me where I got my last haircut from, and somehow guessed that I had recently gotten it cut short from a long haircut. How did he know??? He said it had to do with how hair looks when pulled back into a pony tail. That was impressive. He did everything right except with the bangs, which he asked me many questions about how I wanted them cut — at some point he asked if I wanted them layered, and I thought, I have no idea what that means, but sure! maybe a little! Perhaps that was not a good idea. It didn’t look bad, but he later seemed to regret having done them the way he did, as he pointed to a picture and said, I think you would look best with those bangs. I would try them again, particularly because Jack seems to know what he’s doing (sans the mediocre bangs — but perhaps it was poor communication).

Shining Salon has been my family’s go-​to haircut place for the past few years. They’re located in a slew of other stores with staircase entrances along this road. Just look for their bright yellow sign propped up outside, and head up the stairs to the second floor.
The people here speak Mandarin, Fuzhounese, and Cantonese. I always ask for the owner, Mr. Ling — he’s the 40-​something-​year-​old balding guy. If you know exactly what kind of haircut you want, I recommend him because he follows your instructions with no questions asked. I normally don’t do anything complicated with my hair, just layers. He cuts with the scissors at a side angle rather than just straight across, which gives the ends of my hair a more natural look when it grows out. If you’re the kind of person who likes getting opinions on what kind of cut looks best, I would go with one of the other stylists, a younger guy (late 20s), who is more likely to give recommendations.
My usual haircut costs $ 17, which includes washing and blow drying. They also offer head/​neck massages during your shampoo. I can’t comment on perming or coloring because I’ve never had those done.
Overall, Shining Salon is inexpensive and quick (I’ve never had a haircut take more than 30 minutes) and I definitely recommend them!