Hairstylist Ryu Oba, formerly an area manager for Japanese salon Kizuki+LIM, strikes it out on his own with B+LIM. Tucked away in a basement behind Naumi Hotel (and identifiable by a row of potted plants at the entrance), the salon’s location was an unutilized space previously occupied by a Japanese restaurant upstairs.
The subterranean outlet, manned by both Oba and his assistant, Tomoko Kasai, is an intimate and minimalist space with simple but stylish interiors. There are sleek, industrial-style tables, mirrors and chairs (seating only four), and the cool, speakeasy ambience is only further enhanced by laid-back tunes spun by a gleaming vinyl player at the back. The salon specializes in precise Japanese cutting techniques, with cuts for men at $80 and women at $100. Hair coloring services start at $100 and a perm from $150. As it can get busy during weekends, an advanced booking is advised.
