Laff Hair Design

February 2, 2012May 3, 2022 jjwalsh 13544 Views Credit cards, English spoken, Hondori, Near Peace Park, Non-smoking

Ippei-san at Laff hair design takes good care of his customers in both English and Japanese. Laff is one of the only hair salons in Hiroshima that is completely bilingual, it evens runs a different number for English reservations. Not only is his English good, he is also very good with coloring and cuts. A haircut from this shop seems to look better longer than cuts from other shops. I have only had cuts and color done here, but some friends have also been happy with straight perms they have had done at Laff. As he trained in both Tokyo and then in London, he is familiar with working with non-Japanese clients who have different hair types. Laff opened at this central location in July, 2009 and the downstairs garden-salon opened in 2012.

The owner, Ippei, trained at Vidal Sassoon London for 6 months after previously working in Tokyo, Omotesando for 2 years. Starting in July, 2012 he will open a shop downstairs which will multi-function as a flower art space and grassy garden to the rear of the building. Ippei’s wife is also a hair stylist and color expert. She is also the go-to staff for shampooing as she has great technique and strong fingers that turns any shampoo into a relaxing massage. There is another new staff member at Laff who although he doesn’t speak English is, like Ippei and his wife, very friendly and great at cuts, perms and coloring.

One thing that is striking about Ippei and his staff is how young they are to be running an independent, fashionable shop in the center of the city. Most hair salons are either run by older managers who have trained in other salons first before opening their own; or some shops are managed nationally.

Laff’s success is a tribute to the many young entrepreneurs around Japan making a-go of things on their own. Still in his 20’s Ippei-san started hairdressing training at 17. He says he was always interested in creative things from a young age which may be influenced from his mother who was an art teacher.

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Services available are: Coloring, cuts, straight permanent and other perms. Before going for a haircut, you can have a look at the website Book of Barbering to know all about men’s grooming, haircuts, best hair products, and discover the latest hairstyles.

Most cuts and services come with shampooing and blow-dry. Discounts are given for reservations earlier than 2 weeks, students and seniors. There is also a “friend” discount if you introduce someone to try Laff, you can both get a significant discount. Cash & Major Credit cards are accepted.

**The following prices are for a general reference, they were correct at the time of writing, please refer to the Laff website for the latest pricing, discounts, services and special offers.

Shampoo & Cut ¥4725 ~
Cut and color ¥9450 ~ (add ¥3000 for highlights and ¥6000 for whole head highlights)
Perm ¥9975 ~
Straight perm ¥13,000 ~
Super straight ¥18,000 ~

Student discounts:

Elementary: Cut ¥2,100 ~
JHS customers: Cut ¥2625 ~
SHS:Cut 3,675~
University: Cut 4,200
Color & perms are 10% off the regular price

Senior discount

5% off normal price of everything for 60 years and over

You can make appointments through the English appointment form on their website by clicking the “Reserve link”, or call the English phone line listed before.

Opening hours: