AOI Beauty Studio & Esthetics Ltd.

土萠ほたる

Sep 8, 2025

Update: (Sep 7, 2025) My boyfriend had a wonderful hair coloring service under Takeshi's care & I left a quick positive review update as thanks. However, Takeshi went as far as sending multiple harassing SMS from his personal mobile next day while I was still commuting back to my home city via Hullo Ferry & 2 hour drive. My boyfriend attempted to diffuse the situation by returning a phone call to Takeshi's personal mobile without success. I am now beyond furious that my personal information is being used for less than diplomatic purposes outside salon hours to the point I had to pull over in Ladysmith to calm myself down. I felt completely betrayed as a loyal client & to his salon in addition to referring close friends to his business. I am permanently boycotting this business, blocking this establishment's contacts from my email & mobile number which is to my absolute dismay because Eriko is still the best trichologist but now I cannot go to her due to not feeling psychologically safe to return to this salon, period. She is the only reason I come here as a client. --- Sep 8, 2024: Name correction 😅 to original review from 3 years ago (incorrectly identified trichologist Eriko as Sayaka) Finally had a haircut from Takeshi in this second visit for the head spa treatment with Eriko in which their services now includes an analysis with a camera. Had my scalp visually assessed and appears before treatment I had combo dry & oily scalp (first visit was straight up dry). After treatment, my hair was glistening & soft while the scalp was nicely exfoliated from contaminants. Was able to squeeze in to get my bangs trimmed & 3 inches of damaged hair lopped off as suggested by staff. The result? The most gorgeous tresses I had touched on my head in years. I also read reviews about the price being a little steep from Takeshi? It's worth the price because trust me, if you've been to Victoria, there are salons there that charges way more for lackluster services. Usually pricing is based on hairdresser skill; if you're under Takeshi's care, you've entrusted yourself to a top stylist and now I'm understand first hand why he received accolades in the reviews. I am fully convinced as a very picky person with my hair. Also convincing them hard to consider opening a satellite location in Vancouver Island as not everyone can afford to travel to the Lower Mainland to hunt down elite services only found in metropolitan areas. --- Original review: Aug 23, 2021 I wished I live in Vancouver but well worth the ardous trip from afar to visit this salon due to the fact there is no Japanese head spas in Vancouver Island. Takeshi had been most polite conversing with me over the phone since June but finally had the opportunity to reserve a spot this month as the salon is busy and I had to coordinate availability with my limited trips to the mainland. I was fortunate to meet him in person and I saw how highly in demand he was (was working with another client as I walked into the salon). Eriko did my scalp cleansing and I appreciate all her humble education and tips about my scalp condition and what I can do to improve it and hair quality. All this time I thought my hair was oily when in fact it was the complete opposite, dry as a bone. The head spa was exhilarating; I felt so incredibly relaxed and comfortable throughout the experience. For those who have never tried a Japanese head spa before, I encourage to try it out. There was no camera to the scalp for a visual exam but the modest pricing makes up the value ($75 for 90 minute treatment) & my hair was incredibly soft to the touch like an infant's according to my boyfriend and his friends. The compliments and positive feedback blew me away. I had damaged hair on the tips & Eriko recommended a trim of a few inches, but the only availability was on the date around the time I was heading to the ferry home. Thanks to her evaluation, I will have the maintenance trim in my home town, but I hope to arrange haircuts & head spas with the salon in future whenever I'm in the area.

Sofía Martín-Muñío

May 13, 2024

Absolutely recommend this salon. The attention of Takeshi and the colour he did to my pretty damaged hair was spectacular. His attention to detail and kindness made me feel very comfortable and the years of experience they have is noteworthy. Will be back for sure 😊

Ana Acevedo

Mar 19, 2024

In the attached photos, you'll see the before and after shots of my visit to the salon. While I was pleased with the outcome and particularly liked the style I got, I can't quite give it a full five stars. At $95, I expected more from the overall experience. Perhaps offering some tea, a face mask, organizing the place and playing relaxing music could enhance the ambiance. Additionally, the salon's back area was cluttered with pallets, giving it a messy and disorganized appearance. As someone who values relaxation during a haircut, this detracted from my enjoyment. Now, I'm just eagerly waiting for my hair to grow back—it's been three months since this haircut!

M Siu

Feb 13, 2024

Been twice to have a cut, trim and simple layers by Takeuchi. His skills and experience shows in the final result. And the service is great. He has great memory about what we talked about even if the visits are almost 8 months apart 😁 I also had a head spa last summer. Loved it and I'm looking forward to my next one when the season warms up.

Jungwon Shin

Oct 19, 2023

Takeshi, the master hairstylist, is so professional, attentive and delivers high quality haircut services always! He simply takes time to communicate with me to address my concerns and makes recommendations on stunning styles for my type of hair and lifestyle. Also, he uses no razors but scissors only to create layers meticulously, which can be achieved by someone highly skilled like him.