Salons in Honolulu

For Salon Blanc co-owner Alan Vuong, hair is more than something to tuck behind an ear or sweep over a shoulder—it's an artistic medium that inspires creativity and pride. The salon's website even asserts that "hair is an expression of the moment we live in." Nothing could hold truer for Vuong and his team, who are continually educating themselves on the latest cutting and coloring techniques and products. They displayed these to full effect when they journeyed to California for the 2011 International Salon and Spa Expo—one of the largest professional beauty events on the West Coast—a trip chronicled on Living Local.

Vuong's trendsetting artistic vision earned him the title of Honolulu magazine's Editors' Pick for Best Hairstylist in 2009, and according to that publication, "he even has clients flying in from Japan and Guam to get the Vuong vibe." He and his crew rely on the Kérastase and Shu Uemura lines for haircare, and also offer services such as bridal packages, makeup, and waxing.

It should come as no surprise that Vuong is as concerned with the salon aesthetic as he is with his clients' satisfaction. His blank-canvas hair philosophy is much like the look of the Ala Moana Beach–facing salon itself; in fact, he compared the space to an artist's studio in a feature in American Salon magazine. The minimalist, white-on-white interior is accentuated by black leather chairs and feathery chandeliers that are lighter and more elegant than a performance of Swan Lake on the international space station.

Since 1988, the deal-hunters at Dry Clean Super Saver have connected customers with a trustworthy network of dry-cleaning and automotive-repair technicians. Armed with easy-to-use punch cards, clients save huge amounts money on dry cleaning and automotive maintenance, the two costliest household expenses after plumbing repair and poltergeist removal. The association of participating cleaners and garages stretches across the country, ensuring that cardholders can remove stains from a dress shirt or change an oil filter wherever they happen to be.

Signature Service: Express discount hair installation.

Brands Used: Trade Secrets

Reservations/Appointments: Required

Staff Size: 1 person

Parking: Metered street parking

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Good for Kids: No

Pro Tip: Total privacy; no one sees you come in or go out.

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At Billy Fong Studio B, talented stylist Herve' tames wild, frizzy hair with Brazilian blowouts and Keratin smoothing treatments that make strands easier to style for months to come. During haircut sessions, he complements the client's face by tailoring a style to the individual. His diverse skill set enables him to craft new looks for men, women, children, and mannequin heads at department stores.

At J Boutique Salon & Spa, the stylists cut, color, and coif locks with the mindset that beautiful hair builds confidence, and that each guest should leave with just that—beautiful, confident-inspiring tresses. In addition to hair services, the staff helps beautify clients with facials, makeup, waxing, and nailcare.

Inside Yogur Story's airy two-level dining area, patrons feast on American favorites such as omelets and sandwiches or creative Asian-Pacific fusion fare. Hurricane Bowls combine Korean-style rice bowls with prime rib beef, vegetables, and a poached egg, and the K-town combo places 8-ounce steak aside spicy Asian shrimp.