How Much Does a Haircut Cost in Japan? Tax-Inclusive Prices and Extra Fees Explained with Real Examples

Haircut prices in Japan vary depending on whether you opt for a cut only, whether shampoo and blow-dry are included, and which stylist you choose.

As official price examples: QB HOUSE charges ¥1,400 for a cut only; 荘司調髪所本店 charges ¥5,000 for a cut plus shampoo; and ASSORT JAPAN's Stylist Cut is ¥8,800, shampoo and blow-dry included. All prices are tax-inclusive and represent individual salon examples with differing service offerings — not a national average.

When budgeting, be sure to check the total cost — not just the listed price, but also your desired treatments and any stylist request fees. This article covers haircut pricing, what's included, and how to identify additional charges.

Sources:QB HOUSE Official 'Service Guide'／荘司調髪所 Official Menu／ASSORT JAPAN Official Menu(Verified: October 28, 2026)

* Illustrative image

Deciding What You Want from Your Haircut

Before looking at the price list, take a moment to think through what you want from your haircut.
There are two things to decide in advance:

• The Difference Between a Full Haircut and a Partial Trim
• Whether You Need a Shampoo and Finish

Think about whether you want a light tidy-up mid-trip or a complete style change, and match that to your needs.

The Difference Between a Full Haircut and a Partial Trim

If you want to reshape your hair as a whole, start by looking for a full-cut menu option.
Compared to prices listed for bangs only or clipper sections only, it is easy to overlook exactly how much of your hair is actually being cut.

You might think, 'I only want a small trim off the ends, so it should cost less,' but pricing is not determined solely by how much is cut.
Whether your request counts as reshaping the overall style is something you'll need to confirm by communicating your wishes.

Even if you don't know the name of the style you want, saying '全体を二センチほど短くしたい' (I'd like to take about two centimeters off all over) should give you a solid starting point.
To find the right menu option for you, be sure to communicate how much length you want to keep and any areas you're concerned about.

Whether You Need a Shampoo and Finish

If you can wash your hair back at your hotel, a cut-only menu is a perfectly viable option.
On days when you're heading straight out to dinner or a photo shoot, having shampoo and a blow-dry finish done at the salon gives you peace of mind.

Which you choose should come down to your plans for the day and how you want your hair to look when you leave.
There's no need to add shampoo every time, nor to cut it out just to save money.

Telling the stylist '切ったあとに出かけたいので自然に整えてほしい' (I'm heading out after this, so I'd like it styled naturally) is one good approach.
If you'd like extras such as curling iron work, ask whether that finish is included in the price.

Deciding what you need in advance makes it much easier to navigate a long menu.

Real Haircut Price Examples

When budgeting for a haircut in Japan, it helps to look separately at cut-only prices versus prices that include shampoo and blow-dry.
Even within the same salon, prices can vary depending on the menu and the stylist you choose, so use the examples below as a reference.

Haircut Price Examples | Verified October 28, 2026 · Tax-Inclusive

※These are examples selected from standard listed prices, not national averages. As service contents differ, please do not compare by price alone. Please check directly with Shoji Chohatsujo regarding the scope of finishing and menu eligibility. ASSORT's listed prices are estimates; the final amount will be confirmed at the time of online booking.

Source:QB HOUSE official 'Service Guide'/Shoji Chohatsujo official menu/ASSORT JAPAN official menu(Checked: October 28, 2026)

If you also want a shampoo, browsing options listed under shampoo-included services will make it easier to plan your budget.
Rather than starting with a low listed price for a cut-only service and adding fees one by one, comparing menus that already include everything you want will give you a much clearer picture.

If you'd like to request a specific stylist, check the price that applies when that person is assigned to you.
Don't judge a stylist's skill or suitability by price alone — look at photos of finished styles close to your hair type and desired length.

Keeping within your budget and communicating your desired style are both equally important.
Once you've decided what you'd like to prioritize — what you definitely want done — it becomes much easier to choose the services you actually need.

Understanding the breakdown of haircut costs

Even if the listed price is within your budget, it's natural to wonder exactly how much you'll end up paying.
Keeping the following two points in mind will make it easier to check before booking.

• What's included in shampoo and finishing
• Stylist request fees and length surcharges

You don't need to memorize every item on the menu — just focus on the parts relevant to what you want.

What's included in shampoo and finishing

The first thing to check is whether the listed price includes shampooing and finishing.
Even if the price list shows a separate shampoo service, don't add it again if it's already included in the cut.

A blow-dry refers to drying and styling your hair using a hair dryer and brush.
If you're unsure whether your desired finishing style is included, show a photo and ask.

If you'd like your hair styled up before going out, check whether that falls within the standard finishing or requires a separate styling service.
Saying 'I'd like my hair to look like this after the cut' allows you to discuss both the services needed and the total cost at the same time.

Stylist request fees and length surcharges

If you'd like to choose a specific stylist, check whether a request fee is added on top or whether that stylist has their own set haircut price.
To avoid counting the same fee twice, ask for the total price when booking with your chosen stylist.

For example,Shoji Chohatsujo's shampoo course with a stylist request, assuming no other additions, would come to 5,000円 plus a 700円 request fee, totaling 5,700円.
This illustrates how to budget with the cost of choosing a specific stylist already factored in.

Even if a long-hair surcharge is listed, it doesn't necessarily apply to cuts. For example, ASSORT JAPAN explicitly states that additional charges for length and volume apply to services such as color and perm, but not to haircuts.

If you have long hair, check not just the amount of the long-hair surcharge but also whether the cut service you want to book is subject to it. Attaching a photo showing your current hair length will make it easier to discuss.

Source:ASSORT JAPAN official 'ADDITIONAL FEES'(Checked: October 28, 2026)

Tips for Comparing Salon Examples in Tokyo and Osaka

If you're visiting both Tokyo and Osaka, you may find yourself wondering which city to get your haircut in.
Rather than deciding based on city name alone, comparing your options from the following angles will help you fit it into your travel plans.

• The difference between average prices and individual salon examples
• Budgeting to include travel costs and time

Think of the time you spend at the salon as part of your trip, and choose an option that fits comfortably into your schedule.

The difference between average prices and individual salon examples

Even if you want to know the average price in Japan, a single figure can be difficult to work with when setting your own budget.
The conditions you're comparing change depending on what's included — such as whether shampooing is part of the service or whether you're requesting a specific stylist.

The table in this article does not represent averages for Tokyo or Osaka, so please don't use it to judge the overall affordability of either city.
When actually traveling, we recommend narrowing your options down to two or three salons within reach of your accommodation or sightseeing spots, then comparing them.

First check whether the same services fit within your budget, then look at portfolio photos and how easy it seems to communicate with the salon.
Once you've found an option that suits both your budget and your preferences, there's no need to keep searching for cheaper salons in other cities.

Budgeting to include travel costs and time

Even if the haircut is slightly cheaper, traveling far to get there means adding transportation costs.
When building it into your itinerary, factor in both the round-trip cost and the time involved.

For instance, the most convenient option will differ between a day when you plan to stay near your hotel and one where you're stopping in on the way to a sightseeing spot.
Use the map to check your route and find a salon that fits your plans for the day.

If you have dinner reservations or a train to catch after your appointment, let the salon know what time you need to finish.
Rather than squeezing your schedule just to save on the cut price, leaving yourself a little extra time lets you consult more comfortably.

On days when you can't afford to be late, make sure you'll have enough time to travel from the salon to your next destination.

Confirming the Total Cost Before Booking

Don't hesitate to share your budget upfront.
To help the salon understand your needs clearly, follow this order when making your inquiry.

• Share Your Desired Service and Budget
• What to Do When the Price Exceeds Your Budget
• Confirming Extra Charges and Booking Terms

Here's how to communicate your needs effectively, and what to do when you're unsure.

Share Your Desired Service and Budget

When making an inquiry, mention your current hair length, how much you'd like cut, and whether you want a shampoo.
Rather than simply asking 'Do you have anything affordable?', be sure to describe the specific service you're looking for.

For example, writing 'I'd like three centimeters trimmed from shoulder-length hair, with a shampoo included, and a budget of under 8,000 yen tax-inclusive' makes your request far more concrete.
If you have a stylist preference, or would like to communicate in English, mention that at the very start.

Even if you're not confident with salon terminology, there's no need to write a lengthy explanation.
Pair a reference photo with a short message, and check that the quoted price covers everything you've requested.

Sample Inquiry

I'd like a haircut with shampoo and blow-dry, with no stylist preference. My hair is shoulder-length. What is the total price, including tax and any extra charges?

This translates as: 'I'd like a haircut with shampoo and blow-dry for shoulder-length hair. I have no stylist preference. What is the total price, including tax and any extra charges?'

Feel free to adjust the hair length and services to match your own needs.

What to Do When the Price Exceeds Your Budget

If the quoted price is over your budget, don't book straight away—take a moment to clarify what matters most to you.
Whether you can skip the shampoo, or whether choosing a specific stylist is a priority, will shape the direction of your conversation.

If you'd like to book the stylist behind your desired look, you could keep the stylist request and reconsider other add-on services instead.
On the other hand, if your main goal is simply a trim, look for a menu option that doesn't require a specific stylist.

Cutting out services you actually need will only leave you anxious about the final result.
It's worth exploring other salons as well to find both a service and a price you're genuinely satisfied with.

Confirming Extra Charges and Booking Terms

If a treatment or other add-on is suggested after you arrive, you don't have to decide on the spot.
If you're interested, ask for the updated total before agreeing.

If a cut is all you need, it's perfectly fine to say 今回はカットのみでお願いします ('Just the cut today, please').
Keeping your booking messages saved on your phone will come in handy if you need to explain your requests or the agreed price again.

Finally, confirm the accepted payment methods and the cancellation or rescheduling policy.
Knowing the deadline for making changes gives you peace of mind if your travel plans shift.

If a prepayment is required, ask whether it will be applied toward the service cost so there's no confusion about duplicate charges.

How and When Prices Were Verified

The prices listed were verified on October 28, 2026, via each company's official website. The comparison table shows standard listed prices in Japanese yen, tax-inclusive; discounts and student rates are not reflected.

We verified menu names, whether shampoo and blow-dry are included, stylist request fees, and the scope of length-based surcharges. Details such as finishing scope that could not be confirmed from official sources alone are noted as items to check directly with each salon.

The information provided represents price examples for the specific salons and menus selected, not national averages. As prices and conditions are subject to change, please confirm the total cost for your desired service and stylist before your visit.

Sources:QB HOUSE Official 'How to Use Guide'/荘司調髪所 Official Menu/ASSORT JAPAN Official Menu(Verified: October 28, 2026)

Summary | Finding a Salon That Matches Your Needs and Budget

In this article, we've taken a detailed look at haircut prices in Japan and how to find a salon that fits your travel budget.
Start by deciding how much you'd like cut and whether you want a shampoo, then compare menus offering the same services.

If you can also check for stylist request fees and length-based surcharges, you'll have far fewer surprises at checkout.
What matters most is not simply finding the cheapest option, but choosing a service and price you're genuinely happy with.

When searching for options, browse Japan Salon Booking to find salons in your area that match the style you're after.
Start by browsing a stylist's portfolio, then reach out to discuss the total cost.

Price References:QB HOUSE Official／荘司調髪所 Official／ASSORT JAPAN Official