When I was in Tokyo, I spontaneously decided to treat myself to a professional hair treatment. After all, Japan is famous for its ultra-glossy, silky hair treatments — the kind that makes your hair look like it belongs in a shampoo commercial. I had not planned anything in advance. I just knew I wanted that iconic Japanese shine.

I randomly came across a reel on Instagram that immediately caught my attention. The results looked unreal — smooth, reflective, glass-like hair. The salon featured in the video was U-Realm Hair Salon Tokyo and it turned out to be not too far from my hotel in Shibuya. That is why I decided to book an appointment there.

My First Visit in 2024
The first time I visited was in 2024, right after my Kimono portrait shooting at Esperanto Studio. I thought it would be nice to complete the experience with a professional hair treatment. I was honestly very pleasantly surprised by the result. I am not sure what exact treatment they used and I don’t know the technical name for it. But the final look was beautiful. My hair felt silky, smooth and very shiny. I was assigned to Hiroto-san, and I liked him from the start. Last year, I went back for a haircut, and once again he did a great job. He is calm, attentive and really understands what I want. In general, I really appreciate stylists in Japan. They seem to know exactly what suits you and they handle my half-Asian hair so well — something that has often been more challenging for me in Switzerland. Finding a stylist you truly trust just feels comfortable and reassuring, especially when it comes to something as personal as your hair.

How Long Does the Effect Last?
Of course, the ultra-glossy effect does not last forever. Over time, it fades, which means ideally you would go back regularly for maintenance treatments. Unfortunately, for me, that is a bit difficult — I am only in Tokyo about once a year. Still, even as a one-time experience, it was absolutely worth it. I also believe the effect fades faster for me because of the difference in water quality. The water hardness in Europe is simply different. In Japan, my hair (and even my skin!) always feels softer, smoother and healthier. There is just something about it.

I will be back in Tokyo this spring, and I am already excited to book another appointment at U-Realm with Hiroto-san. It has honestly become part of my Tokyo ritual — a little luxury moment that makes me feel polished and put together.

If you ever visit Tokyo and want shiny, silky hair, I highly recommend trying a treatment at U-Realm Hair Salon. Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you do not plan — a simple visit can turn into a highlight of your trip. For me, it has become a little Tokyo tradition I always look forward to.

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☆U-Realm Hair Salon
東京都港区南青山3-6-7btowa 南青山2F-D
3 Chome−6−7 B-Town, ２F-D, Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
+81 3-6384-5020
u-realm.com

Online Reservation
u-realm.com/special/salonreservation

♡My Plan
U-REALMオリジナル髪質改善トリートメント
U-REALM Original Hair Quality Improvement Treatment: ￥13,200 (90min)
Hair Cut by Hiroto-san: ￥8,800 (60min)

Opening Hours
Weekday 11:00 – 20:00
Weekend 10:00 – 20:00

How to make a Reservation:

1. Go to u-realm.com/special/salonreservation and click on WEB予約
2. Click on クーポンを利用しないで予約 (make reservation without using a coupon)
3. Select the desired option (for example haircut and/or treatment etc.)
4. Select the desired stylist for your haircut (I pick Hiroto-san ^_^)
5. Select the desired date and time
6. Complete the contact form and finish your reservation