Richard Tong Hair Artist

I have serious trust issues when it comes to my hair, so before I go to someone new, I check them out for a while before I will schedule.
Richard was referred to me by a girlfriend who has similarly naturally wavy hair. After seeing a few of her cuts & colors over the months, I agreed to at least go with her to meet him the next time she had her hair done. But before I could do that, another girlfriend asked if I knew a good stylist, because her regular guy wasn’t available that week. So I told her about Richard, and offered to go with her to keep her company.
We found parking easily just off Main Street. When we got there, I watched Richard talk to my friend and assess, and I immediately liked that he listened thoughtfully, and had a calming and warm way with her. She came for a cut and color so while her color sat, I told him how we found him, and I explained my own trust issues. Richard gave me his opinion of what he would do for me, and I liked what he had to say.
When my friend’s hair was done, she looked gorgeous! She loved her hair, and the beautiful blonde color he gave her, and — cherry on top: his rate was more reasonable than her previous guy.
That was several months ago, and my friend has since seen Richard a few more times — and never once looked back to her previous guy.
Today I finally went in for my own cut — literally my first cut in over 2 years.
Richard did exactly what I wanted, and I love my hair! Plus, he noticed that my scalp gets hot at night when I sleep (!), so he suggested that I get a cooling gel pillow. I was so happy that I even trusted him enough to ask what else he’d suggest cut and color-​wise. Since I have totally virgin natural hair, he understood that I want to keep it natural, and suggested a few high and/​or low lights, and gradually (so as not to freak me out) trimming shorter layers into the top.
My blonde friend and I joke that Richard is the Hair Whisperer, but we both seriously think it’s true. He is soooo detailed, that he literally looks at each piece of hair to see how they naturally curl and lay — you can almost see him communicating with his fingers as he trims.
I think my days of waiting years between cuts are over. I’ll be back to see Richard in a few months, and I will continue to refer him to anyone who wants to look great!

I left Umberto’s in Beverly Hills for Richard over 8 years ago and I never looked back. My hair color was always difficult to get right, but Richard always does exactly what I want and I walk out feeling beautiful! Love him!

Richard is awesome! I love him, I love his cuts, color and prices! So reasonable, especially for LA. He was the best hair recommendation I’ve ever had from a friend.
I was incredibly skeptical at first as he is in a nail salon. Like hi, I’m going to a nail salon to get my hair done. Not my usual, at all. I’m a DryBar gal through and through. I like the champagne, movies and marble countertops. At Richard’s you aren’t getting any of the interior glam, but you sure as hell are getting one on one treatment with awesome products (Pureology and Alterna).
He took me from brunette to red to auburn and back. My hair has never felt or looked better. You will love your cut, you will love your color and you will really love Richard.
A few extras…
Texting him is best to get an appt.
He has wifi, so I usually work while he is doing my hair.
Parking is usually pretty easy on the street during the week.

I love Richard! Honestly, he is such an amazing hair stylist. I really appreciate his nice personality and caring attitude. He really does care about your hair and takes his time to wash, cut, blow dry, and style it. I always feel so beautiful after leaving his salon. Richard really knows what he is doing. I appreciate his attention to detail. He always responds quickly to my text whenever I asked for an appointment. He is very busy, but as long as you are polite in asking, he always responds promptly. He seriously is one of the most hard-​working people I know!
The salon is at a nail place, but the staff there is pretty friendly. You can always park on the street or at a parking lot right across the street. Google map it and you will see the lot. Not expensive.
You will not regret going to Richard. His rate is very reasonable. Just call to ask.

I am forever grateful for my friend who referred Richard to me.
He is amazing with hair. You can tell he absolutely understands hair and how to make it the best it could be.
I recently went in and for a haircut. He spent a good amount of time studying my hair and communicating to me what he was going to do. He is so sweet and fun.
When I left Richard, I felt so pretty. He gave me one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had. His price point is unbeatable.
Richard is truly a hidden gem ! So glad I found him.

Richard is a gem. I travel often but when I am in LA I always make sure to stop by and see him for a cut and highlight. He listens and gives the cut you ask for, nothing crazy, and his highlights are comparable to those at a much pricier salon. He is also super sweet and nice to chat with while you get your hair done. Highly recommend!

So, here’s the deal… I was frantically looking for a stylist to blowout my hair on a Friday morning. I came across this name and website and was so elated as his hours were 6am to 10pm! There was a phone number listed on his website, naturally, I called, then called again 20 minutes later. Then figured okay maybe he’s with a client so I’ll send a text.
Well… This is what I found out… He’s not really open at 6am on Friday’s. He opens at 9 when the nail salon opens up. I didn’t get a chance to even see him as his response was «The shop is not opened till 9, and I am all booked, thx». I would have appreciated it as a new client if he offered a different day, etc. Politely, I suggested in return that his hours on Unilocal say 6am and he has the nerve to write back… «I don’t know who you are, pls do not call and text before office hour, i don’t open the door for stranger, «
I didn’t reply, of course, but maybe he should take his personal cell phone off his website and maybe he should change his open hours on Unilocal instead of giving potential new clients slight attitude. Bad biz…
Also, I’ve never left a poor review before this..

Richard is amazing & really knows his stuff! My boyfriends been going to him for more than 4 years and I have been going more than 2 years.
He always makes time for us and has reasonable prices! Recommend! Parking in the lot across the way for cheap.

Richard is the best! I wouldn’t even think about going anywhere else. His natural talent with coloring and styling is amazing. If you leave it up to him he will have you leaving in a totally different state of beautification. I’ve referred more friends and family to him than I can count on both hands and everyone has become a loyal client. Hands down my fave stylist EVER! Love you Richard! Been coming for 5 years and will do so as long as I live in Los Angeles