This summer I was invited to visit Salon Eiji for a complimentary haircut and tour.

I confirmed my appointment downstairs via buzzer and was ushered upstairs to the fifth floor, which overlooks Madison Avenue. Upon entering, I was greeted by a narrow passageway and the reception desk. I’ll admit to being slightly ruffled that I stepped directly out of the elevator and into the salon, but I composed myself quickly and introduced myself to the ladies at the desk. On time for my appointment, I was ushered into the main body of the salon. Beyond the reception area, it opens up to an expansive, streamlined room with hardwood floors, Asian-inspired décor and a spa-like ambience. The room has a wide, open flow, which puts visitors (and, I daresay, employees) at ease. There is no effort to cram accoutrement and accessories into every nook to capitalize on the NYC real estate, and the entire space is lit considerately: not-too-bright, so visitors feel relaxed and non-industrial, but also not too dim, so hair designers can put forth their best work. Plus, of course, there’s the wall of windows that lets you look down over Manhattan, detached from the bustle of the street, yet not disconnected from your city.

This is where you can tell I haven’t had a very high-end haircut before. When I was led to the back room to change, I was closed behind plush curtains into my own little chamber, like a dressing room. With a blouse already hanging from the present hook, I was unsure if I was supposed to actually strip down. I decided to go with the old massage therapy rule: undress to the level that you can be comfortable. So I slipped out of my jacket and left the rest of my clothes in place, re-emerging in my black gown.

After a brief wait where I was politely offered a drink and accepted water, I met owner Eiji Yamane, who would be taking my appointment personally. Though it crossed my mind to be intimidated, Eiji immediately gave off a comforting vibe—confident and self-possessed, but utterly warm and inviting. I was surprised at how approachable and personable was the man who constantly has his hands in the hair of starlets such as Sarah Jessica Parker. Eiji (pronounced a-gee), who was mentored by esteemed stylist John Sahag, reinvented the dry cut technique to offer what can only be called ‘hair sculpture’ at his namesake salon, appropriately located just shy of the Upper East Side.

I sat down at a nearby station for an appraisal of my dry hair. Eiji evaluated my unruly mop (which hadn’t been washed or combed since the day prior) and ran his fingers through it, lifting it in his hand before letting it go, meticulously studying how it fell down and where it rested. After a few questions about my hair care routine, I was sent off to the adjacent room with the promise that we would take a look at my locks again once they’d been washed. I immediately felt as though the level of concern for my hair was impressive, and that I was in good hands.

The wash itself was extraordinarily relaxing. With the room to myself, I was able to lean back in a state of tranquil repose as a skillful attendant not only cleaned my hair but massaged my scalp as well. I could have lain there for hours listening to the tranquil music, under the diligence of my washer’s skilled hands—and hey, it didn’t hurt that he was cute. But all too soon it was time to sit up and get my hair cut.

The haircut itself lasted over an hour. Salon Eiji recommends allotting two hours for every appointment. There’s an excellent reason for that: quality takes time. Oh, and your hair is wet, so it needs to start drying before the dry cut can be performed; you might get a little break to enjoy some coffee or browse a magazine post-wash. ‘Performance’ is the correct word. Undistracted by other business matters and making me feel like I was the only person in the world, Eiji spent every moment devoted to my crown. I noted his serene focus as he analyzed and cut my hair, taking pains to touch every small section individually, like a parent who is adamant about not favoring any one child.

Eiji’s dry cut technique allows him to feel the true weight and texture of your hair in its common state—how you wear it everyday—dry. This eliminates the feeling that you might like your haircut when you leave your salon, but you are truly reserving judgment for tomorrow morning, when you have to wake up and do it yourself. Though you can travel to many salons in New York City for a haircut that looks gorgeous when you step out the door, the genius of this dry-cut technique is that you will continue to look stunning every day after. Eiji does not do anything to your hair, but rather works with your hair and face to create angles, lines and movement based on how your locks are wont to lie.

Personally, I’m lazy about my hair; with natural curls, I am blessed that I can throw in some product and air-dry to call my hair ‘styled.’ When I admitted this, Eiji stressed to me that it was his goal to allow me to replicate my hairstyle without stretching the boundaries of my styling ability, nor infringing upon my morning routine. In the days and weeks after my hair appointment, I can vouch that this promise was fulfilled. You will never get such an indulgent, insightful, flattering haircut that requires almost no maintenance. I highly recommend Salon Eiji to any NYC girls who want a caring cut;  Eiji not only made my hair beautiful, but gave me an experience I won’t soon forget.

Salon Eiji is also known for Bangtox™ styling (which uses bang sculpting to lift years from your face), Japanese Water Treatment (which strengthens and silkens strands) and Cashmere Hair Treatment (the ultimate solution for conditioning and soothing stressed tresses). Pricing ranges from $25 for a manicure to $750+ for chemical straightening and extensions. The salon is located between 57th and 58th at 601 Madison Avenue.

~SB