Toshi

Toshi is SUPER talented and has a great personality. He is great for UP-​DOs and WEDDING /​ENGAGEMENT MAKE-​UP.
I searched diligently for a hair stylist & make-​up artist for my wedding at Cityhall. I wanted a professional stylist /​make-​up artisit, had a budget in mind, wanted to change at the location of my hair stylist /​make-​up artisit, and have the service be located near Cityhall. Toshi met all the criteria!
Toshi has been in the industry for a long time and have worked with professional models in Japan. He used to run a hair salon but decided to do work independently now.
I showed Toshi the style of Updo I wanted and told him I wanted bridal make-​up. Toshi was super creative and created a classic look that matched my wedding dress. He also helped me choose the right accessories and made me look like a princess right before I left his studio!
He is located conveniently in Union Square and has a very clean studio. I HIGHLY recommend him!

I love Toshi!
A friend from college recommended Toshi back in 2009 and I have been going ever since. I relocated to Seattle and always make sure to get an appointment in when I am back in San Francisco. I have tried looking for places to get my hair cut in Seattle but have never been satisfied, and always go back to Toshi.
He is very friendly and funny, and great to talk with, not to mention he does an excellent job with thick, Japanese hair. I have brought pictures in the past and sometimes just show up for a trim and he always cuts it the way I want. You can’t go wrong.

excellent guy’s haircut!
Toshi knows how to use comb and scissors. He just gets it. Clearly, his skill is honed from years and years of practice and a natural aptitude.
Great shaping, care to detail, and the ability to leave with a haircut that looks super clean, yet not like you just-​got-​your-​hair-​cut.
I’m hooked. I’ve been looking for a guy like this downtown for the better part of a decade. Through the 90’s I’d cut the top myself, then go to the barber on Pine St. to clean up the back. I don’t have the time or patience I had in my twenties but haven’t found anyone who doesn’t leave me needing to go clean up their work afterwards, or wear a ball cap for a week while the whitewalls grow out.
Seriously, he’s great.

I just love this man! He knows my hair and my style. He is fantastic as a hair stylist and make up artist. He will make you feel pretty and perfect!

Toshi is such a talented artist. I’ve been truly amazed at the depth of his artistic talent and creativity. His hair styling skills are top-​notch. If he cuts your hair, your hair will behave until your next appointment. He also gets the best out of you by providing the hair style that works for you based on the shape of your face, etc.
He also did the hair and make-​up at our wedding. He used the fresh-​cut flowers generously and we all had beautifully styled hair all day long.
Recently I was again impressed when he did my daughter’s hair for a ceremony at a Japanese temple. At a lightening speed, her long straight hair turned into a beautiful Japanese hairdo with flowers. He also put on kimono on her (he’s very skilled at this, too) and make-​up.
Besides being a great hair and make-​up artist, Toshi is also a fun and very personable person. I highly recommend Toshi for all the services he offers.

So Toshi used to run a hair salon «Toshi Union Square Salon» but is now working independently as a hair stylist and make up artist.
I used him for my wedding in June 2008 and he was FANTASTIC. He came to my house in the South Bay (Palo Alto) and finished hair and make-​up on me and my bridesmaids (3 of them) in about 3 hours. He is as charming as it gets and has the most amazing hair and make-​up talent. His make up and hair were natural-​looking, but definitely enhancing. He is particularly good with Asian hair and make-​up (challenging given our very thick /​straight hair and different skin tone). His rates are also fair (about average from my comparisons of 3 – 4 other wedding hair/​make-​up artists in the South Bay). Best of all, the make-​up lasted all-​day for my wedding (no major touch ups necessary). I have seriously never felt as beautiful as on my wedding day and I loved working with Toshi!

Toshi is one floor down… can’t remember the suite #… but no more «overly assertive facial lady…» :D

****Toshi’s number is: 415−596−2504****
‘Yall are ALL MISSING OUT because Toshi is BACK! Same building and location as Toshi Union Sqare Salon (I think the name has changed to «J Union Sqaure».w/e) except IF YOU CALL HERE, they will either not give you Toshi’s phone number or give you his cell # that has been disconnected.
I got an excellent hair cut from Toshi san today~ He seriously is as good as everyone says. And has such a wonderful personality and service. I really like him both as a hair/​makeup artist as well as an individual.
Also, I cannot end this review without mentioning the fairness of his pricing and service. There are even STUDENT DISCOUNTS. He treated me with such kindness and hospitality THAT I WILL NEVER GO TO ANY SALON EVER AGAIN. Only Toshi!
Give it a try~ You will fall in love just as hard as I have.
****Toshi’s number is: 415−596−2504****
P. S. I have NEVER BEEN TO toshi union sqaure salon, I am rating the one star for the horrible treatment that they gave me when giving me the WRONG NUMBER to CONTACT Toshi! Toshi gets 10 stars out of 5!!!

–13 stars. The worst salon experience I have ever had. Believe me this place is not fancy or shmancy. Nope, no siree! Mr. Toshi is gone, sold the business and moved to Japan.
I was there last week and the stylist I had the appointment with — Sumi — butchered my hair (literally) I was pretty surprised by the lack of skill this stylist had. She did not section my hair before the cut and started to blow dry my «curly» hair with a paddle brush vs. a round brush. Before long she was trying to flat iron the front of my head while the back was still damp. I couldn’t believe what was taking place.
Long story short, I walked out after having her rewash my hair. I was completely blown away by the lack of professionalism and terrible service. Consider yourselves warned.
Good ending — I happened upon HBR Studio on the 7^th floor of 166 Geary on my way out. Pepe fixed me up. He was extremely skilled in the art of hair cutting and styling. He was able to repair what the previous «stylist» cut unevenly and gave my hair some shape and lovely texture.
Happy Ending.