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July 2024 by Brandon Sarabia
Great hair cut
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February 2024 by Sabrina B.
TLDR: I got my haircut here and thought I had a rather simple request, but we had some serious communication issues and the techniques used make me question if this stylist was even trained properly. I can say this is one of the worst haircuts I've ever had and I would not recommend getting a haircut here. I came to Pono to correct a blunt hair cut I got elsewhere with a trim to make the ends the classic "U" shape rather than straight across - and to add more layers. Since I had just had it cut recently, I didn't need more hair cut off necessarily, but if a little bit needs to come off to accomplish this I understood. My hair was medium length. I showed photos of the butterfly haircut, a style I've had done many times before and loved. Unfortunately, either I didn't do a good enough job communicating what I wanted, or maybe I did but the stylist didn't do a good job communicating to me that she didn't understand. The first problem I realize looking back is they cut hair dry, then wash. This technique works on perhaps on straight hair, or even really curly hair where you are adapting to the curl pattern. My hair is naturally a little bit wavy; one side is waving one way and the other another way... long story short I can see that the layers are not even, and this is likely due to the waves being cut dry without taking this into account. She didn't ever check to see that they were even either, which I know is usually something a stylist does. You know, symmetry for those face framing layers. The other main issue I have is that she overly thinned my hair. We talked about how I have a lot of hair. This comes up every time I get it done. It's fine hair but there is a lot of it, and it takes a long time to cut. That's why I wanted some layers that blended well in the style of the butterfly cut, rather than blunt straight cuts. Some basic layers let my hair wave without getting chunky. Towards the end of the cut, she pulls out the thinning scissors. I didn't process what was really happening until she had gone through quite a bit of my hair. I don't like to tell people how to do their job, I really would rather trust someone like a hair stylist to know what they are doing. But I could feel her going in with the thinning scissors on all of my hair - up to near my scalp/neck - and at that point, the damage was halfway done. I thought, maybe this is ok. I do have a lot of hair. Maybe it can handle this much thinning. But when she pulled out the mirror and felt my hair in my hands, it's like half of the hair on my head is gone. The length is shorter than I asked and with the thinning looks pretty stringy. When I stood up, I could see all my hair on the floor. What should have been some trimming was a pile of long hair. It was pretty upsetting. But not something that she can fix. Essentially, it seems she interpreted my mentioning that I have a lot of hair was me asking her to thin it out as much as possible. She admitted that she was also trying to cut off more of the dyed blonde to help it grow out faster. I would never ask for that since cutting the blonde that's mixed in with my brown how will look very strange. I think this was a communication issue on both ends, but I know I did not ask her to do this. I've never had someone go so intensely with the thinning scissors to this degree, I didn't think this was even going to be an option. I absolutely do not have a butterfly cut. I'd say I have a weird, long, asymmetrical wolf cut. I would rather if a stylist does not know a cut like the butterfly just say they don't, rather than nod and try to wing it, which is what I think happened here. I'm in a bit of a shock because I run my hands through my hair and I feel how much volume is missing. It's incredibly hard to style it now, and I'm not the kind of person who uses straighteners and curling irons all the time, so I am probably going to rock the ponytail/bun until my hair has a chance to fill out again enough to be styled w
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January 2024 by Ruoyi Liang
I’ve been looking for a hair salon that can deal with my hair for a long time. Chloe from Pono did a great job today to trim and style my hair! She listened to my requests (attending a wedding but low daily maintenance request), as well as gave me easy to follow hair maintenance and styling tips. I’ve learned a lot! Thanks Chloe for giving me a great haircut! Would love to come back next time. ☺️
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November 2023 by Jennifer L.
Always enjoy the expert coloring and haircuts at this salon. The stylists take the time to understand what you want and offer tips and advices for you to style and care for your hair.
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September 2023 by Jourdan M.
I had a wedding that I am attending at the end of the month. I first contacted Pono Salon back in July but didn't really hear back from them, until I checked my Promo tab on my gmail account(for some reason their mail went into that category) in August, (although she did reply back to me in July 14... which I am sorry). I asked her about my situation and wanted to scheduled for an appointment for a perm/cut 1 month in advance, and also asked to come in on a different day to get a consultation because I wanted to see what they would think. I don't know why but she ignored my haircut/perm schedule and only thought I was scheduling for a consultation(?). I replied saying that I can come in for the consultation (though I was thinking that I would also be getting my scheduled appointment for my haircut/perm as well on the day I asked for). Was wrong... So I came into the salon, and Jun told me that apparently she didn't receive me replying to her telling me that I would be coming in? which is strange because I have the logs of me replying. but anyways she lets me have a talk with another one of her staff's. So I told her the kind of style what I'm looking for and told her about the wedding and the appointment that I mentioned earlier, and to my surprised they didn't take the appointment down. and they won't be able to fit me in on any other day because they're booked... so all my month of planning has gone away... The wedding is in 2weeks.... 2WEEKS! They basically fucked me over and didn't give a shit about my problem so it's whatevers. I hope my 1 star review will help them communicate more with customers... and hope this review will help new customers about their type of communications.... In the end I can't really rate their haircut services because I didn't get a cut.
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September 2023 by Amy C.
Jun did a marvellous job on giving me a very nice bob's haircut!! I've very straight hair & always want my hair to be a bit more volume to complement my oblong face shape. Jun also taught me how to easily blow dry my hair to give it more volume. Thank you very much Jun!!
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August 2023 by Kenjiro Y
Reservation was lost. Waste of time and rude.
Talked over text to book a time. Pono Hair Salon responded with a time that's open so I responded that we will take that time. That day came and they said no such reservation was made. They hardly answer their phone either.
Miscommunication happens, but no apologies and just attitude. I asked if any other time works and was told that she doesn't know because she would need to look at her calendar...
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August 2023 by emi Miyashita
I asked a Japanese hairdresser, Mr. Okudera, who has been in the US for 20 years. They will check the details of your current hairstyle and perm. In the end, it's up to you! Even if you throw it all away, it will give you a nice finish. He is very friendly and makes you feel comfortable.
They seem to carry hair care products that can be found in Japan, such as Milbon.
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June 2023 by Yuiko Matsumoto
I've been going to Pono Hair Salon for years now, and I've always been super happy with the service and beautiful style I've received from Jun. The salon is located in a small strip mall in San Jose, but it's a little oasis of calm and relaxation. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. I always feel relaxed and refreshed after a visit to Pono.After a visit to Pono, my hair feels soft and healthy and looks its best. I would definitely recommend Pono Hair Salon to anyone looking for a great hair salon in San Jose!Services: Haircut
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June 2023 by Yuiko M.
I've been going to Pono Hair Salon for years now, and I've always been super happy with the service and beautiful style I've received from Jun. The salon is located in a small strip mall in San Jose, but it's a little oasis of calm and relaxation. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. I always feel relaxed and refreshed after a visit to Pono. After a visit to Pono, my hair feels soft and healthy and looks its best. I would definitely recommend Pono Hair Salon to anyone looking for a great hair salon in San Jose!
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June 2023 by nat su
Late policy penalty fee is not clear when schedule the appointment, no grace time allowed. Even if you are late for 15 min, they suggest to cancel the service and pay the cancellation fee.Service: Haircut
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May 2023 by Kenjiro Yagi
Reservation was lost. Waste of time and rude.Talked over text to book a time. Pono Hair Salon responded with a time that's open so I responded that we will take that time. That day came and they said no such reservation was made. They hardly answer their phone either.Miscommunication happens, but no apologies and just attitude. I asked if any other time works and was told that she doesn't know because she would need to look at her calendar...Service: Hairstyling
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May 2023 by D M
I just had yesterday the best hair cut of my life thanks to Chloe ? I have thick curly hair, so usually hairdressers don't get precise while cutting my hair, but Chloe took her time and triple checked every strand of my hair to see if it's cut properly. She also did a beautiful gradual layering that highlighted my curls. I am so happy to find this hair salon and highly recommend it!
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January 2023 by Taylor Chen
I have been going to this hair salon in Santa Clara for the past 2 years and I am extremely happy with the services I have received. The owner and stylist is highly professional and always goes above and beyond to make sure I am satisfied with my hair.Not only is the stylist talented at what they do, they are also extremely friendly and make the experience enjoyable. The shop itself is beautifully decorated and has a welcoming atmosphere.One of the things I appreciate about this salon is the convenient parking. It is always easy to find a spot and I never have to worry about being late for my appointment because I couldn't find a place to park.The location of the salon is also easily accessible, making it convenient for me to stop by for a quick touch-up or for a full styling session.Overall, I highly recommend this hair salon to anyone looking for excellent service and a pleasant experience. The owner and stylist are skilled professionals who truly care about their clients and it shows in the quality of their work. The convenient parking and accessible location are just added bonuses.Service: Haircut
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October 2022 by Minshi C.
Jun is so good! I found this salon about 3 years ago and since then this is the only place I go to cut my hair. I am very satisfied with the result every time. Jun understands my hair well and really listens to what I want each time. Will keep coming back :)
