Zeal Hair Salon

Not quite the place to get a mans haircut. I find they tend to be a bit frilly. Took my nephew to get his hair cut and we wanted a more manly cut and the stylist, didn’t do that.
He made him look like a poodle!
I really think it comes down to who you get, but more importantly the stylist should try to make the hair style you want, not what they want.
This is why they only get a 3 star from me and my nephew would probably give them a 2 star review.
However, If you get the right stylist, then it can be bang on.
I’d recommend real men to go to a barber for what they want.
You don’t need to pay extra when all you need is a buzz cut.
For you lady types, this place could be your next 4 – 5 star shine.

(Zeal Hair Salon — Robson Street Location): So let me start by saying that I come here all the time for blow outs — and they do a great job! I like the message chairs when they wash your hair and the price is reasonable. .. so based on this experience, I had them do an updo for a wedding I was going to last week. OMG. .. it was HORRIBLE!!! It cost 90 $ (their updos starts from 45 $ and up). .. . it was so bad, that after paying 90 $ I cried by eyes out, went to another salon (my luck they had an opening) had them un do the up do, wash my hair and just do a blow out.
DO NOT AND I REPEAT NOT, go to this place for an up do. it is horrendous. The lady, without asking me, put green glitter on the back of my head (i don’t know why???) and as if the green glitter was not enough she had put pink pearl all around it. I had given them a photo of what it should look like and the end product was no where near what I requested — GREEN GLITTER!!!
STAY AWAY, unless you want just a blow out — they do a good job on that.
Also, when I politely asked that they re-​do it (and I would play!!! again) — they said they did not have time and asked me to leave.

I’ve been to Zeal quite a few times and have always had a good experience with my results. They are professional, polite and I have never had a problem with communicating what I had in mind for hairstyle. Most of the stylists have many years of international experience and can speak multiple languages. I don’t think there should be any issue with non-​Asians to come here, as mentioned in another review. I’ve seen quite a few non-​Asian customers the times I have been there.
Their price is on par with other salons, at around $ 45 for a women’s cut with a Master stylist.

A bit pricey but they’re really good at what they do. All stylist have had at least 12 years experience and have a great sense of style.
I’ve had trust issues before with other salons, either they don’t know how to cut Asian hair or I get cuts that aren’t fitting for my face. Zeal was the first time in a long time that I could trust with my hair.
I’ve only been here a couple times when I’m in Richmond, and each time I came out loving my hair! They listen, make and show examples of suggestions. Safe to even say, I could go in and say to any stylist ‘Do whatever you want with my hair!’ And trust their idea.
This is also one of those salons that massage your head during shampoo.
Very professional, fast and overall excellent service.

Whenever I am in Richmond and desperately need a haircut, I’ve given this place three tries and they struck out three times.
First, for a $ 50 cut, I can get a better cut at one of those Chinatown $ 6 barber shops on Main or some other cheap haircut places like Supercuts.
Second, because they tend to keep hiring student-​working-​visa-​hairdressers who have no idea how to cut hair, you never get the same person twice (probably a good thing).
Third, I really don’t think any of them are really trained properly to cut hair.
Sure, they are very friendly there, but they can’t cut hair.
Can someone recommend a good hairdresser?

There’s a surprisingly few amount of reviews for the Aberdeen Centre location of this hair salon. But whenever I’m visiting Richmond, this is my go-​to place.
It always seems to be busy. This is because people know they’re going to leave with an awesome cut. I’ve also seen some of the stylists working there for the past 3 years. Something must be right with this place.
Mens cuts hover around $ 35. Very well worth it.
Japanese style cuts only. Though some of the staff speaks Chinese, so they might cut your hair more influenced by HK.
Overall, I love this place. I will continue to return.

I had a digital perm done by Michael a couple of years ago. This included a cut, so I told him that I wanted a cut that would increase volume. So WITHOUT TELLING ME, he crimps about 2 inches of my hair at the top of my head for volume. I didn’t even realize this happened until after the appointment was over.
yeah it did increase the volume, but to have like only 2 inches of your hair damaged without even being told really pissed me off.
what pissed me off even more was wtf I was supposed to do about it as it grew out? It’s been 2 years now and while I’ve had some great stylists cut my hair in such a way that I don’t end up with huge volume in the middle of my head as my hair grew out, I still have the damage crimps that are always getting tangled.
NOT recommended!

Was looking for hairdressers and stumbled upon this place upon the recommendation of mother (of all people). Got Sonoko, as suggested by mother as well, and it turned out pretty well I must say. Other than the initial amused chuckle when I admitted to not dealing with my hair beyond blowdrying, the appointment went as planned. My split ends are gone and I can actually claim to have a hair style. Like her a lot. Didn’t have to say much for her to figure out what kind of style would suit me…
Only downside to this place is the awkwardness of the place if you’re not asian. I am and was uncomfortable.

Been going to Zeal Hair in Richmond since its pre-​Zeal days. That’s how much I like the place. For about 5 – 6 years now, I’ve had haircuts from Taka and once, from Taro (yes, named like the vegetable but not after the vegetable) and Sam because Taka was not available. They have all done a fabulous job with hair but I stick with Taka because he seems to understand my hair the best and is one of the master stylists. I remember my first haircut with him, we barely understood each other because of the Japanese/​English language barrier. But, after pointing out certain styles I saw in their magazines, I was amazed by the way he would measure out my head with his hands (never seen a stylist do that before so I was impressed) and sculpt my thick hair into something stylish and manageable. Heck, I even felt bad that there was so much hair on the floor. Since then, his English has improved and he still pays just as much attention to my hair as before (well, maybe less head measuring), whether it’s cut or colour.
The rest of the team is attentive and helpful as well. Appointments are easy to make. Once you’re there, they offer hot tea. The hair washing experience is quite relaxing and not only does it come with a nice head/​neck massage but a chair massage, too.
If you want a good stylist, I highly recommend Taka. Also, recommended are Taro and Sam (not sure they are still there though) but I’ve heard that the female stylists are pretty good too. Make sure to book an appointment as the place gets pretty busy, especially on weekends.
Ladies’ cuts cost around $ 50 including tax. Depending on the length of hair, haircut and colour can cost from $ 100-​$ 200.

i live in San Diego, CA but I never used to cut my hair in San Diego… I would wait until i visit my grandparents in Vancouver to get a haircut at Zeal. I think that says a lot about the hair salon — my sister and I would wait for a trip to Vancouver to cut our hair, just b/​c we love Zeal… my whole family comes here, my sister, cousins, aunts. they love it!
my stylist was Ryuji and he was the BEST! he’s the coolest stylist ever! i’ve coloured, cut, and permed my hair with him, i trust him completely!
My sister’s stylist is Kazumi and she’s great too, my sister brings in a photo of the most ridiculously difficult hairstyle and Kazumi brings it to life!
Price is very reasonable, the vibe of the salon is cool and hip, Sometimes I wish it wasn’t so busy and more relaxing, and their time pressure takes 1 star off. i have since stopped going to Zeal as I don’t visit Vancouver as often and found a Japanese salon here in San Diego. But i would still recommend this salon to anyone in the area.