Goto

I really really wanted to like goto after reading all the fantastic reviews. Alas it was not meant to be. First let me clarify that I never had my hair cut by him. I bought a groupon after much researching on hair salons in New York and was excited to see that goto was offered a deal on women’s haircut especially after reading all the rave reviews. I was really wanting a deal for color and haircut as my hair was in desperate need of some color as well. But all the other groupons for hair and color had less than stellar reviews so I chose goto even though he was only offering a haircut and not color. I was willing to pay full price for coloring as long as the guy was good. I bought it excited to make get my hair done. I read the reviews and went in expecting to wait a good month for a hair appt. no problem as long as he was good. I called the next day at 11am when I knew he was opening, nobody picked up so I left a message. In fact I wasn’t even sure if it was the right number as it was a generic voicemail. I called randomly throughout he day hoping he would pick up. I left another msg just in case he didn’t get my first one. Finally he called me back at 8pm! He was apologetic but that he was the only one at the shop and didn’t have any time to pick the phone up. Understandable. He immediately proceeded to tell me his next appt time is a a month and a half later. I asked him if I can also get my hair color at the same time. He then tell me that he is too busy and won’t be able to color anyone hair. He then states if you want a refund just call groupon. I felt like he never attempted to work with me. It was very much I don’t do that and that was it although his website clearly listed the service for coloring. I did ended up getting a refund through groupon. I wanted to like goto but i felt he could have tried to rectify the situation especially because I was trying to pay him for a service. Unfortunately goto just lost a future customer.

My groupon experience! It took a while to get an appointment but I tracked him down and appointment was set. When I got there, I realized that this place is located right next to another hair salon I used to go when I was in school. Weird! But anyways, great thing about Japanese salons is that they really take care and time during the appointment that I really don’t feel rushed. Goto asked me the style and recommended I cut some more to create better style. I was a bit hesitant but went along with it. My hair definitely got the make over that it needed. I love it! Would recommend any day if you are around the area.

Mr Goto is great! He is very patient and give you true advice. I told him that I wanna cut off all the split and dead hair, and I always do style by myself in the morning. So he cut the hair about two inches short and the next day I curled my hair I got a lot of compliment. Was to buy another groupon but It was sold out already #sad face. Definitely worth visiting. Will come back again if I need next hair cut.

Goto was absolutely wonderful when I came in for a haircut and deep conditioning. He listened to what I wanted and made suggestions before explaining what he would do. It was a huge relief to have someone who knows Asian hair and he will tell you if a certain style is not suited for your type of hair or face. Ultimately, he lends his expertise and leaves the decision up to you. I had a bad coloring last fall that left my hair in the worst condition it’s ever been in. Goto cut off enough of the damage without sacrificing style or too much length. After my appointment, my hair felt so much lighter and healthier. This is a one man operation so you should be prepared to book at least a month or two before your appointment. He was very apologetic about this, but it was not an issue. This haircut was worth the wait.

Yay! Finally got to my hair appointment and I’m happy with the cut and the experience. The salon is on a quiet block and easy to find– the frosted windows and black door– not the Salon on the right. I feel it was a pleasant total local East Village NYC experience. Goto was the only stylist there, in a spacious quiet space, with a calm little dog.
Goto knew a lot of hair cutting tips and advice. He gave good opinions about the cut I wanted and haircare tips. To dye or not to dye. There was pleasant conversation about art, architecture, Chinese hair salons, and dogs! He has years of hair cutting experience in Japan and NYC, many long-​term customers, and I’m glad I found this unassuming Salon!

I was skeptical about purchasing a Groupon for hair services, but was confident once I read his reviews.
Very happy with the service and cut! Well worth it.

The owner is a sweetheart! The atmosphere is not what I was expecting in a NYC location– it was very quiet and laid back. At first I was a little unsure because it was so quiet, as I’m accustomed to a fast pace and noise ²⁴⁄₇! Lol. However, he did a great job and took his time. And it was nice to step into such a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
I also tend to break out from just about every hair product under the sun, which I explained to him. He asked if I wanted any products and mentioned that he had light products that were not harsh (I mostly break out from the perfumes or anything with an alcohol base). The product he used was great, I did not break out– thankfully!
The only downside is that it is difficult to book an appointment in less than a few weeks from your call.

Goto is amazing! he spends his time with each customer to ensure that he understands exactly what you want and suggests recommendations if he thinks that it won’t suit your hair type or face. He loves getting to know his customers and is eager to meet new ones. Definitely going to go back!

I went to Goto with a Groupon, so naturally, I was a bit skeptical since so many places have a tendency to treat Grouponers as «less than». Not here! Goto was really great. He’s very attentive, complimentary, and listened to what I wanted, not pushy but creative! He took his time, I never felt rushed. The experience was great! I love my cut! I also got a deep Japanese conditioning, which left my hair feeling so healthy even my BF noticed, and he usually doesn’t notice these things! I’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!

Goto did both an excellent job on my hair as well as being warm, friendly, and conversational. I went to him with Groupon and he did such an excellent job that I will be back again for sure. I cut about 8 inches off into a long, textured bob and it looks great and only took about an hour.

Goto is the best hair stylist I’ve ever had in NY! He has excellent haircut skills and willing to spend time with you to know what style you want.
Highly recommended!!!

I’ve been having Mr Goto cut my hair since 1994. My hair is thick and wavy, needs to be kept cut short and very difficult to deal with. After my first cut in NYC at a salon at Saks Fifth ended as a disaster, I learned Goto was a head stylist for Shima Salon in Tokyo and decided to try. Ever since, I’ve been following him to this location. He is honest and knowledgable, always listens to my needs and wishes, takes me to the right direction. I don’t know how many times I have been asked who cuts my hair for all these years.

I am so pleased with my hair and with the experience I had at Goto’s salon! Goto himself has a pleasant, calm presence and made me feel totally at ease while we discussed options for how to fix my hair. I had quite a bit of damage before my haircut and we were able to agree on a style that has brought my hair back to health and completely satisfied me. Goto is incredibly knowledgeable and has great intuition when it comes to hair. The space Goto styles from is very cool, open and simple. Overall, I absolutely will be recommending him to friends and look forward to my next cut!

It was a great hair cut experience. My stylist, Goto, took care of my hair carefully and my hair turned out beautifully! It’s a small salon but it does magic.

Amazing experience! Goto is so delicate and definitely knows what he’s doing. I don’t like talking during haircut which he understood completely and I’m grateful for this. My hair came out perfectly! Exactly the way I wanted it. Thank you Goto! I’ll be back.

Great salon, very personnel and professional. Goto is focused and talented. Very pleased with the short cut he gave me. I was very nervous because John Dellarian, who had been cutting my hair for many years, just retired. John is a hard act to follow, but Goto came up to the challenge.

Goto san is really professional, experienced and friendly. Love my new haircut so much.

Goto is AWESOME. He’s been my stylist for at least 10 years and while I don’t live in NYC anymore, every time I go back (frequently), he’s my first stop.
I won’t fuss with my hair and Goto’s cuts compliment my style: it’s always easy, beautiful and stylish. He takes time at the beginning to focus on what you want, your lifestyle, and what looks best on you. If you’re not sure on a style, or want to make a change, he makes fantastic recommendations and works with you to create something personal and unique. He does great coloring, too.
His shop is clean, beautiful and comfortable — and Poody is the best dog around!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Goto is an amazing stylist who takes care of your hair. He cuts hair like it’s an art form and the results are just as gorgeous. If anyone is looking for someone to take care of your hair then he is the one to go to. The Japanese man is kind and gentle with a sense of humor.

Goto has been my hairstylist now for at least 15 years maybe more! I have moved all over the country and anytime I am anywhere near NYC I stop in for the most amazing haircut with my dear friend. His salon is very relaxing, love his dog Pooly! It starts with a shiatsu hair shampoo massage that takes the hustle and bustle of nyc right out the window. And I dont think that my hair has ever been that clean and smell so good! Goto is a true artist and has a way of keeping me current and cute! He listens and observes and knows what kind of haircut is best for you. I sit in his chair and could doze off to sleep and wake up with the best cut hair in nyc… it is all about your hairstylist! He cuts your hair while it is wet and then blow drys, and then dry cuts the style. Gifted hairstylist nothing more to say!