This is unquestionably the best salon in Vancouver for permanent hair straightening!

I have been seeing Takeshi for haircuts and permanent straightening for several years. Once I made the mistake of going to a different salon for straightening and I will never make that mistake again! Takeshi is also excellent at cutting and styling and all the staff are very professional and polite.

Thank... more

I have been going to AOI for over ten years and it is without a doubt the best place in the lower mainland for hair straightening!  You will not get better results anywhere!  Great haircuts and service too.  The staff is very polite and professional.  Takeshi is my stylist and he is just fantastic.  I never want to go anywhere else for my hairdressing needs. Thank you so much Takeshi!

I have been getting my hair cut and coloured at AOI for years! I don't trust anyone with my hair other than Sayoko! The service is amazing and the staff is  the sweetest. I have recommended AOI to family and friends and they are loyal customers now as well.

Came here a couple years ago for a cut to remove my dead ends and assistance working with the new tape in extensions I purchased from Bellami. First, let me explain that I am not one to write reviews, whether it's a good or bad experience. But I felt absolutely compelled to share my experience after reading a rather pompous remark from a previous reviewer of AOI saying that anyone rating this... more

Too expensive - not worth it, especially when they don't do the hair straightening properly. I paid $450+ for the Japanese Hair straightening, and the lady did NOT do it properly, so it didn't work. They did nothing to fix it: I STILL HAVE TO USE MY FLAT IRON!! Go to Hair on 14th in Lonsdale - they do it for $250 and it works!!!! So disappointed in AOI!

My first review here just to praise Takeshi amazing skills. I would definitely recommend him for hair cut and color

Takeshi is such a sweetheart! I have recently moved to Vancouver and struggled to find a stylist who could cut my hair like my Paul Mitchell color expert from back home. Takeshi expertly cut my hair just like my previous stylist based on the photo I shared with him and a few questions about my personal preferences. He was very considerate and careful, as well as patient with me when I practiced... more

I come to Vancouver every now and then and I love getting eyelash extensions on vacation. AIO Beauty has done a consistently great job and their prices for full sets are much better than most places. Fast and polite service from everyone in the shop as well. I look fab!

I've been coming here for years and Takeshi is the best. He knows exactly what I want and never disappoints. He's very busy so you will need to book one week to two weeks ahead. Not very convenient but it's worth it. I've been a loyal customer of their scalp cleaning and facial services too. The girl who works there is so detailed and so good with message. It's always a happy relaxing experience.

I've gone to many eyelash places, explored many options, and researched a HUGE amount. Although this place definitely is a cheaper place to go to, which I admire, I've noticed as I keep going back for refills that the extensions are coming out, but my natural eyelashes are staying on. This is bad because they're supposed to fall out when your natural eyelashes fall out, so now when I go back to... more

I have been a loyal customer of AOI for a decade.
Yes, this hair salon is THAT good and a top notch rating for many reasons. Mainly I like the fact that the entire staff is extremely professional and I get EXACTLY what I want every time I visit, a picture perfect hair cut and style.

Aside from that, the service is unbeatable for the moderate price point right down to taking your jacket upon... more

This review is long overdue, as I've been going to Takeshi (Hair Master Guru Extraordinaire) for years. Takeshi takes his time and works with you on what you want, communicating with you every step of the way. I totally trust him and unlike some other stylists, doesn't aggressively upsell you on products or unnecessary services. They have a loyalty membership card which gives you small promos... more

To say this place embodies the Japanese philosophy of hospitality, courtesy, and dedication maybe a bit of an overstatement, but the staff makes it as welcoming as it can be. It doesn't look like a high end salon: in fact it look like just your pieced together neighborhood barber. But the service on every one of my visit has been top notch.

Most of their exemplary service is reflected on... more

DON'T GO TO THIS BAD & UNPROFESSIONAL & EXPENSIVE SALON! There are so many BETTER salons in Vancouver and you better not spend your money here.

THEY ASK FOR A FREAKING DEPOSIT TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Who do they think they are?? They are not the best salon in town, even the best fine dining restaurant does NOT ask for a deposit.

The guy who took my phone call can't speak proper english and he... more

Hair nightmare is what I had been experiencing before I found Takeshi at AOI. I have short hair, and it's changing colour and texture as time goes on. For nine years I had been loyal to one cutter, but in the way of hairstylists, he had begun to lose his touch, or else he was just bored with me. I was desperate. Probably went through at least four bad haircuts before I ended up in Takeshi's... more

My experience may be unique to me, but I still feel like I need to share it and I am writing is as honestly as possible and will also include pics of my hair!

**Warning, long review, but I want to make sure it's explained properly!

I have wanted to do Japanese hair straightening for some time and have done it twice before (albeit 10 years ago!) and had good experiences. My hair before getting... more

We have been customers of AOI for many years. The staff are very professional and friendly, and they always take good care of us. We go here for cuts, styling and coloring. I am always satisfied with the quality of their services. Sometimes I fall asleep during my appointment because it's the only time I get to take a rest from my busy life! It's kind of embarrassing but that tells you how... more

I had to sign up and write my very first review because I am just so grateful for having found Takeshi at AOI. I just moved to Vancouver less than a week ago from Calgary. Honestly, my whole life I think I have only received two haircuts that I was pretty happy with, as I am extremely detail oriented and I know what I want, but this is the first time I have received exactly what I was looking... more

After having lived in Vancouver for many years, I've tried several different hair stylists including expensive ones. A lot of them struggled with my wavy hair which can be very tricky. Above all, I can honestly say that Takeshi is one of the best. He listens to understand what I want, and offers his ideas as suggestions which I sometimes take. He is experienced and highly skilled and delivers a... more

I came here for eyelash extensions as it is close to my house and had great reviews! The people were nice but my extensions were not done well. I'm not sure if it is because I had a new girl who wasn't experienced but I was not that happy with the results. she used too much glue and all my natural lashes were stuck together. This made it really uncomfortable when they were growing out and i had... more

I've been coming here for over 2 years and I won't go anywhere else. I always get compliments after I have my hair cut and styled by Takeshi. The staff at AOI are Japanese and very easy to communicate with. They are masters at dealing with all types of hair, but especially asian hair. The staff's attention to detail and consistency is very high. I told my brother about this place and now he... more

If things could go back, I would not go to AOI for my haircut. I had Takeshi as my hairstylist; I don't know was it because of language or the way I delivered my message was confusing, now, my hair looks weird! My hair was about mid of my back, or a little bit longer than that. I wanted trim bangs and blunt cut. Maybe Takeshi is a very Japanese hairstylist--love layers! My hair now looks super... more

I took a day trip to Vancouver to keep my bf company on the drive up to a toy show. I decided while driving from Seattle that I wanted to get a fill for my lashes. aoi had good reviews and I liked that it was Japanese ran since I am Japanese. Lol. It was early so I drove by right hen they opened to see if they could see me in a few hrs. Success. Free parking too and the process were reasonable... more

Narumi gave me a beautiful set of eyelashes!  The first set lasted  almost a month.  The application was smooth, I fall asleep a couple of times. There was no stinking or itching during or after the application. There was no fall out during the first week.  I love how they always offer a selection of soft drinks after the service (not just tea like most places). Very reasonable price for the... more

Narumi did a beautiful job on my eyelash extensions! I don't have a lot of eyelashes and she gave me a nice full natural set! I was very pleased and will definitely go back to see her.

This place if freaking FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!. I am the Asian girl that is blessed with a wave---- and it is virtually impossible to find a hair dresser that knows how to deal with my temperamental Asian hair. I've searched long and hard in both Calgary and Edmonton and have yet to find someone to cut my hair.... Yes I know hair grows but I too am the girl that will cry with a bad hair cut! Taking... more

Excellent customer service at AOI beauty studio! Staff is very welcoming and polite!
Tried their eyelash extensions and it was great! :) will definitely come back next time :p

I got my eyelash extension done somewhere else but I am not very satisfied with the result. thats why only one week after i got my eyelash extension, i decided to have them removed. Before calling AOI, i tried calling 2 others shops for eyelashes removal however since I called in the morning and required the service in the afternoon, the 2 shops didnt have any time spots available. But i am... more

I'm the 4th member at this salon out of more than 10,000 and I always come back. I'm now on my third stylist and quality always improves.

I have been a customer at AOI for several years. I've done everything from basic hair cuts to hi-lites. I am always impressed with the staff's friendliness and professionalism.  Staff is all Japanese, yet English is never a problem. The service is excellent. Often, they will recommend products that would best meet your needs. They are not hard selling, but they have your best interests in mind.... more

LOVE this salon! I had an appointment with Takeshi for a haircut and perm today and it was amazing! This is the BEST hair service experience I have ever had; I love the way Takeshi layered and styled my hair. He is extremely talented! Also, the service is very friendly, professional and efficient! The atmosphere is comfortable, location is convenient and parking is free. I will definitely go... more

One of my friends brought me to Aoi when I was in Vancouver looking for an Asian stylist. It's so hard to color Asian hair in Calgary! I also have a hard time with trust and hair stylists.

I am so happy that I went! Takeshi is so detailed in is work, that it's amazing to watch! I've been back now 3-4 times, and I don't even live in Vancouver!

Loved the 3-4 times I went here during my short stay in Vancouver. The service, friendliness, and expertise were extremely high and wonderfully Japanese. They paid great attention to detail on my hair and always made sure that I as comfortable. Plus, they deliver their service with a friendly sincere smile!

I really looked forward to each hair cut each time! Go here! It's awesome and... more

I've been going to AOI since 2004, and I will never ever leave as long as Takeshi is there. Prior to Takeshi, I had my cuts done by Kensei who has since returned to Japan. I have referred several of my friends to AOI and all of them have been pleased with the results, and all but one are still returning clients. I lived in Halifax for 2 years and would leave my hair unkempt until I could get... more

Our family normally sees Naoki and Takeshi and their cuts are worth every penny. Super friendly service, great hair cuts that last (no more messy head after a month!) and great patience with our 5year old. Highly recommend this place!

A couple of years ago I was told that I should visit this salon by a friend after being made fun of for my less than impressive haircuts at great clips. I was a bit reluctant at first as the price was higher but now I realize it's completely worth it so that I look clean and proper :).

As soon as I walked in I knew I made the right choice. The employees here are so friendly that I often feel... more

I decided to give AOI a try after I googled about the best salons in Vancouver...  seems like a lot of people had great experience at AOI. I've had a lot of bad experiences with hair dressers, either they try to convince me to do a whole bunch of stuff to my hair, or the haircut just turns out to be hideous. I just got my haircut at AOI today and I gotta say AOI is my favorite salon now! I love... more

AOI is the best hair salon in town!i have been on my search of finding the right hair salon for a long time in vancouver.   i've tried so many places, literally everywhere... nowhere i felt comfortable with.....then i met AOI.   AOI was the only place  helped a shy person like me to realize what i want and what looks better on my facial structure.  they really try to understand your personal... more

I need to start off by saying that i am VERY picky when it comes to my hair, because it is something everyone sees right away when they look at you..as it is on ur head and very prominent..
I think I'm probably one of those customers that hairdressers will see in their appointment book and then take deep breaths to calm themselves down about needing to work on me that day =P

With that said,... more

I've been going to AOI for a few years now, and have absolutely no complaints. The service is great, and the staff are very nice, polite and respectful. And above all, they are very skilled at cutting hair. Their haircuts are so good, I don't have to get haircuts as often as I used to at other places. Unlike other cheap salons that use electric hair clippers for half the haircut, AOI's stylists... more

I think one's feelings waste themselves in words, they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results. Highly recommended!!

AOI is a great hair salon, their stylists are trained in Japan and are always up to date with the technique. I went there for a hair cut, japanese hair straightening and dyed hair with henna - I was more than satisfied with the results.They have a great atmosphere inside, all staff are very polite and friendly and  the service is well worth the price.

ok... i really didn't want to have to write this, since my experience was pleasant last time, but i couldn't help but be a lil miffed. I called AOI twice this week because i have a very important event to attend and i wanted to get hair extensions (my hair recently got straightened and colored, so it's a frizzy disaster). i tried to make an appointment and asked a few questions about the... more

Natsuki Watanabe is a very nice japanese hairstylist. The location is right under skytrain station and that's free parking available! HIGHLY RECOMMENDATE!