It’s time for a new look for the festive season. If you’re tired of your hairstyle and looking for a bit of a makeover, we’ve got just the place for you – a café and hair salon (with bilingual hairdressers) in the heart of Omotesando.
Established in 2001 in Tokyo, 76 (fondly known as “Nalu,” which means “waves” in Hawaiian) is a trendy spot just a few minutes from Omotesando Station. Its dual concept of a café and hair salon has seen it turn into something of a lifestyle hangout, gradually gathering a following of regulars who stop by for coffee and a trim.
Artworks at the café change periodically
Pop by the café before hitting the salon and tuck into a meal that’s more than worthy of a mention. We especially enjoyed their signature 76 Style Caesar Salad of fresh crunchy greens and a soft boiled egg, the lusciously creamy Honey Camembert Cheese, as well as the Roasted Beef Tortilla Roll with tender chunks of flavorful beef. For real sustenance, we recommend the avocado taco meat rice – so tasty it is bound to hit the spot.
Signature 76 Style Caesar Salad
Honey Camembert Cheese
Roasted Beef Tortilla Roll
Next, head upstairs to the hair salon, which offers a menu of services starting from ¥6,000 for a hair cut (including washing and styling). My stylist, Yoshiyatsu Iijima, has over a decade of experience under his belt, and a portfolio of influencers who swear by his work – and we can see why.
Allowing him to work his magic, Iijima revamped my dull locks with a new cut and color, and I’m now sporting stylish ash-grey locks that have scored me more than a few compliments, if I do say so myself. The whole process was nothing short of amazing – even a simple hair wash and scalp massage was soothing and relaxing, nursing me back into strength after a stressful day.
After
Before
Hair color after two months
All the staff at Nalu are friendly, thoughtful and incredibly attentive, from periodically checking in to see if I was chilly, to offering me snacks during my treatment. But besides their exceptional service, there is just a certain je nes sais quoi about Nalu that keeps people coming back – and I’ll definitely be one of them.
