Kamiya-A

Saw all the great reviews for Akiko on Unilocal so I went to her for a full head of highlights and a cut. She is extremely nice and you can tell that she loves what she does but I was a bit disappointed in that not only did she not get the color very close to my roots but I had extremely large un-​colored spots on my head that she completely missed. Even my boyfriend (who doesn’t ever notice much about my hair) pointed out blotches on my head. She was also far more expensive than anyone else I’ve ever gone to in DC and spent way less time on me which probably explains the roots and blotches =(I don’t mind paying for a really good hair cut and color but I didn’t find this experience worth it.

How do I make a reservation?
I called but always goes to VM and suggested me to email them for an appointment. I did that but haven’t received any info from them. How do I know if my appointment is available/​granted or not?

I used to believe in $ 5 haircuts to save money. Never have I ever considered paying $ 80 for a haircut before. But I would pay a lot more for Akiko. She is amazing! I was referred from a friend who is a regular there.
I was only back in DC for a week and so I emailed her 2 weeks before. She said she didn’t have availability so I replied asking to let me know if anything opens up. She emailed me back the next day saying that a spot had opened up — so yay!
The place is super clean and cute with all these unique decorations. I really love the Star Wars figurines she had. So I’ve had long hair for a majority of my life and this was a drastic change to short hair. I showed her pictures of what I had in mind. I also asked her about her opinion to make sure it would turn out okay. Unlike those with straight fine Asian hair, I have wavy, thick, coarse hair. I told her my worries about my head looking too big or my hair being too frizzy, but she was able to quell those fears by explaining what she would do to overcome what I didn’t want (the massive triangular poof that comes with short hair).
While she was washing/​cutting my hair, she was giving me advice as to how to take care of it more and what I should do to get the look that I wanted. She dried my hair and then went on to do more detail when my hair was fully dried. It came out looking so good! My hair feels a lot lighter and much bolder. None of my fears came to fruition and so I was really happy with the end result. I cannot wait to come back!
My sister also came here for Balayage and that turned out amazing as well. I probably will come back for dye soon!

Akiko is amazing! Very nice hair cut and color! Plus she has a very sweet dog that loves everyone! :)

We love Akiko!!! My husband went to another stylist at her old Salon and once treated me to a haircut by her. It was so great — my hair has never looked better! Now that she has her own salon, we’re never going to anyone else. She always delivers a great cut and is so easy to talk to! Next time, she’s cutting both of our hair and dying my hair before our vacation — I’m so excited! Cannot recommend her enough.

I went to Akiko on word of mouth from my most chic, stylish coworker and she did not steer me wrong! Akiko understood exactly what I wanted, what was possible with my hair texture, and what kind of haircut would work with my low-​maintenance hairstyling ability at home. I am so pleased to have finally found a hairstylist I can trust completely with my hair. I already have a second appointment on the books.

I can always count on Akiko for superb haircuts. She definitely have mad skills to transform your do to pretty much any style you’re asking for. She’s that talented of a hairstylist.

I Love getting haircuts from Akiko. She listens well and adapts hair styles to your face shape. My haircuts always grow out beautifully. I followed her from her old post and her new salon is the cutest! Love her dog Puddles, sweetest pup ever!

Akiko has all the qualities of a great hairdresser. She loves what she does, is extremely skilled and knowledgeable about hair. I love the fact that I can go into her salon with an idea, ask for input and come out looking great! She’s a top notch hairdresser!

Akiko is amazing. Its been a long time since i found a good hairstylist in DC to do my hair. I cant wait til i go back for color soon.

I’ve been going to Akiko to have my hair cut for over 6 years now. I’m so glad she finally opened up her own salon! She is just fabulous. I have fine hair and she cuts it perfectly so that it has a bit of natural curl. Akiko uses all Japanese products which are great for fine or thick hair, but you of course never feel any pressure to make extra purchases. The space is funky and modern with lots of décor from her native Japan. One of the best perks of her salon is that her adorable, chill dogs are often there hanging out. (Note: if you are afraid, no worries, she will keep them in the back).
Highly recommend Akiko!

So I have been hearing rave reviews about Akiko for the past several years from friends but I have hesitated because coming from California– I never paid more than $ 40 for a very good haircut. Finally, this past weekend– tired of my unruly mane– I went to Kamiya-​A salon and had the best haircut since moving to Washington. Akiko was running late but thankfully, there are plenty of shopping in the area to keep you occupied and Starbucks is just down the street. Akiko gave me the best shampoo and cut without any tugging or pulling. I asked for a medium length bob and got exactly what I wanted. My new haircut is so light and airy that it has actually made me a happier person. She is also very sweet and personable. The studio is simple and efficient. I felt like I was hanging out with an old friend. My only regret is not going to her sooner– I could have save myself a lot of agony, bowl haircuts (I am looking at you Bang Salon across the street), and countless bad hair days.
To make an appointment, you should email her at
, she is very responsive and she works weekends! You can thank me later.

I’m so glad that I checked Unilocal before I called Ozuki salon to make an appointment with Akiko. I’m also very happy that she now has her own salon. It is very cute, cozy and playful. I just loved her dog, too.
If you are looking for a salon that gives total attention to you and your hair, Kamiya-​A is it. Akiko was more attentive and gave me a feeling of getting VIP treatment. This is not to say she wasn’t attentive at Ozuki Salon, but she was often booked back to back. So there were times when I knew she had to rush my haircut. (but still came out great! that’s why I kept going back to her)
My haircut was long overdue. My hair showed roots and extensive damage.
I only had very vague idea about how I wanted my hair to look like. I just knew that Akiko would make me look nicer. She was patient with indecisive me and helped me pick what I want to do. So I had a haircut and color, instead of haircut and perm.
It took about 90 minutes for cut and color, and result came out great. It’s been a week+ since Akiko did her magic on my hair, and I still get compliments.
By the way, for those Asian ladies who were told that perm is not suitable for Asian hair, that statement is a BS. They just don’t have the right chemical or right techniques. We just need to find the right salon. Akiko has permed my straight Asian hair and done a fantastic job. I plan on going back in 2 months time to get my hair permed.

AKIKO IS A MAGICIAN! That’s the only thing I tell people when they compliment me on my hair (which is quite often). Akiko has been my one and only stylist since 2006 — even when I moved away to NC for 4 years, I still made the drive up to DC to see her. When I came back to the city in 2010, it was a no-​brainer decision to have her as my stylist again.
WHATEVER YOUR HAIRSTYLE IS — PIXIE CUT SHORT OR LONG LOCKS — AKIKO WILL CUT, COLOR, AND STYLE YOUR HAIR IN A WAY THAT YOU’LL NEVER GO TO ANOTHER SALON AGAIN! She’ll listen to what you want, look at any pictures that you bring in, and tell you the pros/​cons of that hair color or style — she’s the best!
I’m so happy that Akiko has her own salon now — it’s a modern yet earthy/​balanced vibe. 3 blocks away from the U St metro with plenty of coffee shops and good eats nearby. Akiko is great with email communication and her sweet personality makes me smile every time I’m there! :)

I love this lady. This is my second cut with her and she’s worth every red cent I save up to see her.
I have classic thick-​ass asian hair. It’s pin straight and it’s hard to even make it that nice blow dry poof with a shit ton of product. Akiko is able to work it to make it look polished even when I’m running out the door with my hair wet (when it eventually dries).
Which leads to the other reason why I love Akiko — she listens to you and doesn’t try to tame your hair. She works within your lifestyle. I am not very good at styling my hair in the mornings, as I value sleep over beauty. If it was for the metro ride to work, I wouldn’t have make up on my face before getting into work (yes I’m that girl on the metro),
Also her hair cuts lasts — which is a mark of an excellent hair cut. I can go up to 9 months before needing another cut, and it’s because the split ends drive me nuts not because the cut doesn’t last. She is definitely a perfectionist in her cuts and she will not schedule over you and try to work on two people at once (at least I’ve never seen it).
And one last thing — FREE PARKING!!!

I’m so proud of Akiko for starting her own salon. Akiko is the best hair stylist I have found here in DC and am impressed with her new salon. I have straight hair and recently had a trim and gloss treatment, and am really happy with the results.

I’ll be honest — I’m the serial cheater of the hair styling world. I have a deep inability to be faithful to my stylists. My eye wanders, and I wonder if the grass is greener on the other side…
It isn’t. Always, I end up back in Akiko’s chair, because she is amazing. For short hair, I refuse to go to anyone else. Akiko is very, very precise, spending quality time cutting and re-​cutting, to make sure your look is nothing short of perfection. She spends time getting to know you, and reflecting your personality in your new style. But if you have something particular in mind, she’ll listen and give you exactly what you’re looking for.
The new space is fantastic — warm and inviting, and filled with personality. As another reviewer said, there is no hint of snobbiness here! The experience is all about having a good time and ending up with a wonderful new style. Bravo!

I rarely give Five stars but Akiko definitely deserves it! I love the atmosphere and welcoming environment she has created. Her Hair house is so funky cool and clean, the décor is warm and welcoming not snobby like some salons. I found Akiko when my stylist was no longer accessible and I found her at Ozuki, i never saw anyone else there and followed her to her dream house. My hair has never been healthier, shinier, and colorful. My unruly, colored, Asian Thick in the back and thin in the front hair has a mind of its own sometimes and Akiko always brings it back to life with an awesome cut or gorgeous color that compliments my face. If you have difficult hair she is your angel. She is genuine, beautiful and caring and makes you feel gorgeous when you leave her hands. Go see her you won’t regret it

I’m so excited to see Akiko’s salon. It’s super modern and inviting. I found Akiko in 2008 and was fiercely loyal to her at Ozuki salon, despite hating having to go to Georgetown. She’s so talented and also a genuine person who cares about her clients, and I’m so happy that she’s opened her own salon in the U street area with parking in the back. yes, you heard right. parking!
There’s not much to say as far as how awesome Akiko is. A tip for folks with thin hair — she is great at adding body and life to your hair. She really knows texture.

Congrats to Akiko and her new hair house. I have been going to Akiko when she was at Ozuki since I moved to DC in 2012. I was glad that she finally has her own salon, and more excited that it is closer to my house.
I was overdue for a cut and color and didn’t realize it until one day, I was trying on a dress at H&M and saw the back of my head! Why didn’t anyone tell me my hair color was a hot mess? Being that it is busy season at work right before I was going on vacation this Saturday, it totally slipped my mind that I was leaving in DAYS and still needed to visit Akiko. I emailed her this past weekend asking when she can take me asap. First she said she can take me on Saturday, but I couldn’t come in since I was leaving town that day. She quickly replied via e-​mail and I was able to come in Wednesday night after work. MUCH APPRECIATED!
My sister and I came in Wednesday and was welcomed by her sweet dog. Her new place is very nice and inviting. I love the décor, I think it represents her very well. I was immediately seated and I showed Akiko exactly what I wanted which was to color the base, then add highlights and a trim. I am so happy with my lighter colored hair. I have received many compliments right away. I must say, Akiko’s reallllllllllly awesome at cutting hair. I just wanted a trin, to add more body and layers to my hair since I felt like it grew out. I received exactly what I wanted. My hair is still long, it is bouncy and has more volume from the layers. My sister who was watching was very impressed by the way she cut my hair that she is also going to be making an appointment soon. Ladies, if you have the fine Asian hair and even thicker stick straight hair and want an amazing cut, come here!
There is parking behind the building. Don’t worry about the numbers though, you can park anywhere. If the back area is too tight, U St. street parking in available. Did I mention she is three doors down from Hana Japanese Market? I love that!
She also takes all major credit cards where you can tip on. Not like some salons where you have to bring cash for tip…
Overall my experience at Kamiya-​A was great. It just felt like I was hanging out with some of my girlfriends. I felt very welcomed. I will definitely be back. Thanks Akiko!!!