How to Communicate at a Japanese Salon: Using Google Translate
“How do I communicate at a Japanese Salon?” Have you ever thought this? I have. Going to a salon in Japan seems difficult, especially when you don’t know much Japanese. I tried out going to a salon called ‘alotta’ in Tokyo only using Google translation services and here’s what I thought about the experience: success!
My Overall Experience
The amount of great salons in Tokyo is amazing. There’s a wide range of salons from cheaper to luxury, but objectively speaking the level of quality is higher than that of other countries in my opinion. Japan has a way with customer service, and the salon business doesn’t fall short of that standard.
This time I went to a popular salon in Kichijoji, a smaller town on the west side of Tokyo, called alotta. This salon instantly impressed me as the entrance of the salon is actually a full fledged beauty supplies shop. From walls of straighteners and blow-dryers, to endless hair treatments, shampoos and such, to even a dedicated section to by nail supplies.
A shot of the beauty supplies shop at the front of the salon.
When taking a look around waiting for my appointment, I saw many products were very reasonably priced and there was an array of options coming from other countries, as well as Japan made products.
Once it was time for my appointment, the stylist took me to the back half of the salon. You enter through a door near the shop’s checkout and are taken to your own private room! Not only did this make me feel more at ease and less worried about communicating, but in this situation it felt much safer in terms of social distancing. With a private room that felt very well ventilated I was able to speak more freely than other salons. My stylist also worked around my mask to make sure that things remained as safe as possible.
Walking back to the private salon rooms.
Next up was the consultation. This is where mostly Google Translate was used. In my opinion, it was helpful, but my stylist was quite good and she did know enough English that through gestures and simple statements Google Translate was almost unnecessary. I think it is a great tool, especially when you have more specific requests and concerns, but things like pictures and gestures are the most important.
Our private salon room fully equipped with shampooing station, and everything.
One key point where the translation service was great was when my stylist wanted to give me some suggestions, and change the direction of my plans a little. I was really impressed and am now very glad that I trusted her to do her thing. I think her variations and suggestions really took into consideration how my hair sits, as well as much facial structure and I ended up with an awesome haircut.
Here’s a short clip of how using google translate on my phone actually went!
While my stylist was professional and talented, she was also really kind and funny. I didn’t feel pressured at all to communicate and we worked together to get a great outcome. I am absolutely coming back to this salon in the future.
My stylist showing off final product, I was really satisfied: Two thumbs up!!
Using Google Translate
Overall the experience was awesome, and I’d definitely look for a salon that uses online translation services in the future just to have that safety net.
Let’s end things off with a few key points to keep in mind when using in-time translation with Google.
1. Be aware of the English you use: keep it simple!
2. Use it to supplement natural communication rather than as the main form of communication
3. Don’t underestimate the power of a good stylist, they will know what to do.
4. Stay relaxed. At the end of the day, it’s just a salon. It’s an experience that should be enjoyed!
alotta in Kichijoji
Store-Info
| Store Name | alotta |
|---|---|
| Address | 〒180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 2 Chome−17−7 フォルムトミノ吉祥寺 1F |
| Phone Number | 0120-900-533 |
| Website | https://www.alotta-hair.com/ |
My Stylist: Kana
Interview
What’s your favorite style to create?
“I like to create short styles and bobs that match customers. I recommend styles that take advantage of daily habits, so you can style at home how you like. I can help teach you how to style yourself if you’d like!”
Do you have any hobbies?
“Now it’s difficult between work and my family, but I like going to live festivals and hanging out with my daughter.”
Do you have anything to say to the readers?
“In the case of first time customers, I think that many customers keep a lot of small questions bottled up, wondering if they shouldn’t ask. However, I think those questions are important, and if you have any concerns please feel free to speak them out during consulting. It’s a private salon so please feel comfortable to ask anything, no matter how small the question!”
