FAQs

General

  • Founded by Mika, an IAT Certified Trichologist, we bring together the art of bespoke Short Hair Design, Japanese Head Spa rituals and Trichology-informed scalp care—creating a personalized approach to beautiful, healthy hair. A commitment to high standards, precision, skill and cutting-edge knowledge are consistently maintained.  The salon is a sanctuary for hair care, offering a calm serene space where clients not only feel relaxed but also gain a sense of clarity and inner balance that lasts beyond the salon experience.  

  • Because beautiful hair begins with understanding the person—and the environment from which the hair grows. Our philosophy brings together the art of hair design, the science of Trichology and the restorative traditions of Japanese Head Spa to create an experience that considers both the hair you see and the scalp beneath it.

  • Originally developed in Japan and taking influence from Indian Ayurveda practices, head spa is a highly sought after treatment that combines scalp cleansing, a relaxing head massage, and scalp & hair conditioning.

    All elements work together to preserve the true beauty of hair, promoting a clean scalp free of buildup, while also relaxing the mind and stimulating the senses.

  • Not at all. Head Spa can be enjoyed as both preventative scalp care and a deeply restorative wellness ritual.

  • Yes. We consider your scalp condition, hair type and individual goals when selecting the appropriate treatments and techniques.

  • No. If you would simply like to relax, restore, refresh and reset your scalp, you can always book any of our Head Spa Rituals.  All our Head Spas and Scalp Treatments will start off with a scope analysis and brief consultation to address your scalp issues, if any.

  • A consultation with our IAT Certified Trichologist is always recommended if you’re experiencing hair loss, persistent shedding, changes in density or have ongoing scalp concerns.  Hair loss is very personal and every person’s hair loss journey is different.  Finding the root cause(s), assessing the scalp / hair at a deeper level and building a treatment plan requires more time. 

  • We look beyond trends. Each haircut is bespoke.  We consider your bone structure, face shape, texture, density, movement and natural growth patterns, your lifestyle, fashion style and even your daily habits to create a shape designed specifically for you.

  • Yes. Selected experiences can be combined with services such as our hair-specific Milbon Gold 5 step Hair Treatment, Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT), Hand Spa (only available during October~January) and Care Pro Ultrasonic Spa Mist Treatment for hair.  We will be happy to recommend the best combination for your goals.

  • There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Some guests visit seasonally, some visit after a vacation, while others incorporate Head Spa into their regular hair and scalp-care ritual every 6 weeks.

  • If you’re looking to experience your very first Japanese Head Spa, we suggest you book for the “House Of Yoko Signature Head Spa” or the “House Of Yoko Luxury Head Spa”.  If you would like to book for a cut only, you may do so. If you would like to book BOTH cut and Head Spa, you may book the “House Of Yoko Experience”.

    If you’re still not sure, simply contact us. We can help you select the experience that best suits your hair, scalp and desired outcome. You can call our landline at (604)985-8836, Text us/WhatsApp at 778-874-2083 or email us at info@houseofyoko.ca

  • Our services are by appointment only, allowing us to give each guest the time and attention their experience deserves.

  • House of Yoko brings together the art of precision hair design, Japanese Head Spa rituals and Trichology-inspired scalp care, all offered in a quiet, serene restorative environment. Every experience is designed around you—your hair, scalp, lifestyle and desired result—rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment.

  • Founded by Mika, an IAT Certified Trichologist, we bring together the art of bespoke Short Hair Design, Japanese Head Spa rituals and Trichology-informed scalp care—creating a personalized approach to beautiful, healthy hair.  We always take a thorough considered approach. It is all in the details.   A commitment to high standards, precision, skill and cutting-edge knowledge are consistently maintained.  The salon is a sanctuary for hair care, offering a calm serene space where clients not only feel relaxed but also gain a sense of clarity and inner balance that lasts beyond the salon experience.  

  • Both—House of Yoko is a specialized hair and scalp studio where precision hair design and scalp wellness come together.

  • You will notice that we do not have it in our service menu when booking online.  The health of your hair is always the priority.  We do not offer bleaching services because pre-lightning compromises integrity of the hair.   However, during our consultation we will discuss your maintenance level and recommend colors and techniques that complement your look while preserving the integrity of your hair.  We are also supportive of those who are considering “transitioning” to their natural hair colour via designing a bespoke cut that will support the transition.  Either or, please contact us for further inquiries.

  • Yes. We have 2 different kinds:  A physical gift certificate presented in our beautiful blue Tiffany box with a ribbon, perfectly presented as a stand alone gift.  This may only be purchased in our salon.   Or, for greater convenience, you may purchase a ‘virtual’ one online on our Fresha booking system.  The latter will generate a code and you may send it to your loved one in an electronic format.  House of Yoko experiences can make a beautiful gift for someone who appreciates hair, wellness and restorative self-care.

Before Your Appointment

  • Arrive with your scalp relatively free of heavy styling products when possible. Please avoid shampooing for 24 hrs prior.

  • In most cases, yes. We select treatments according to the condition of your hair and scalp. Please let us know about recent colour, chemical services or other treatments when booking. 

  • No.

  • Comfortable clothing is recommended, particularly for longer relaxation-focused treatments. We will be providing you with a bath robe and slippers.

  • Yes, depending on scheduling and the services selected. We can help you create an experience that combines your hair and scalp needs. 

Haircuts

  • A high-quality haircut is not about following a trend. It is bespoke.  It is meticulously designed around your bone structure, face shape, hair texture, density, movement, natural growth patterns, your lifestyle, your own personal fashion style, your daily hair habits, all taken into consideration to create a cut that works with you—not against you.

  • Yes. Short hair is one of our specialties. Precision cutting requires an understanding of shape, balance, texture and growth patterns, and our approach is highly personalized to each client.  However, this does not necessarily mean that we design short hair exclusively.  Our cuts are all about creating a shape that is bespoke to each unique individual. 

  • In general, the shape will get ‘heavier’ in around 6~7 weeks. This depends on your cut, hair growth and how you like to maintain your shape. During your appointment, we can discuss a maintenance schedule for you and your lifestyle.

  • Absolutely. Most clients are unsure what would suit them.  Following a thorough consultation, we look at your facial shape, body proportions, facial proportions, bone structure, natural hair texture,  lifestyle, fashion style and hair habits or restrictions before creating the shape.  

Head Spa & Scalp Care

  • Originally developed in Japan and taking influence from Indian Ayurveda practices, head spa is a highly sought after treatment that combines scalp cleansing, a relaxing head massage, and scalp & hair conditioning.

    All elements work together to preserve the true beauty of hair, promoting a clean scalp free of buildup, while also relaxing the mind and stimulating the senses.

    At House of Yoko, each ritual is adapted to the condition of your scalp and hair.

    • Detoxes hair and scalp

    • Restores hair’s volume from the roots

    • Alleviates scalp issues - preventing hair loss, dandruff, and odor

    • Eases headache and eye strain 

    • Relaxes body and mind

    • Anti-aging effects such as softening facial lines

  • A regular shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp as part of a haircut or styling service. It is quick, mainly cleanses the hair, there is minimal scalp care and tension release.  It is less about relaxation and more about styling prep.  Meanwhile, A Head Spa is a dedicated treatment experience that places greater emphasis on deep scalp cleansing, gentle exfoliation, soothing therapeutic massages, breaks stiffness and swelling of the entire body due to improved lymph  and blood flow.

  • Yes, your scalp condition will be assessed with our dermatoscope at the beginning of all Head Spa services.  Your concerns will be discussed before selecting the appropriate products and techniques. This allows us to personalize the experience rather than simply performing a predetermined ritual.

  • That depends on your scalp, hair and desired goals. We offer different levels of treatment, from restorative Head Spa experiences to more intensive scalp-focused rituals and enhanced hair treatments. If you’re unsure, we can guide you toward the most appropriate option.  Feel free to reach out.

  • Absolutely. Head Spa is not only about addressing concerns. It can be a beautiful preventative and restorative ritual for maintaining a healthy scalp and beautiful hair.

  • There is no universal schedule. Some clients enjoy a Head Spa seasonally, while others incorporate it into their regular hair and scalp-care routine. Your ideal frequency depends on your scalp condition, lifestyle and goals.

Trichology

  • Trichology is the specialized science of the hair and scalp. It is science grounded in anatomy, physiology, pathology and evidence-based research.  Certified Trichologists will identify various scalp/hair disorders but unlike doctors or dermatologists, we cannot diagnose.  We looks at the many factors that can influence hair and scalp health and if further investigation is required, we will refer you to a medical specialist.

  • We address the main concerns of your hair and scalp by looking into your medical history, family history, lifestyle, stress level, diet and your most recent bloodwork. Further examination of your scalp using our Trichoscope provides us with greater details on happening beneath the surface.

  • No. Certified Trichologists can identify various scalp disorders and provide valuable assessment and education around hair and scalp concerns, but it does not replace medical diagnosis. When a condition requires medical investigation or treatment, we may recommend that you consult an appropriate physician or dermatologist.

  • Not necessarily. Our Head Spa treatments can be enjoyed independently. A Trichology consultation is particularly useful if you have persistent scalp concerns, unusual shedding, changes in hair density or other issues you would like to investigate more deeply.

  • Yes. We believe your scalp and hair should never be treated according to a generic formula. Products, techniques, massage and treatment intensity can be adapted according to your individual needs.

  • A scalp treatment focuses primarily on the scalp environment and its condition. A hair treatment focuses on the hair fibre—hydration, conditioning, strength, smoothness and damage prevention. All of our Signature Head Spas will combine both. However, for an even more deep conditioning ‘transformative’ hair treatment, you may choose the House Of Yoko Luxury Head Spa which will include the Milbon 5 Step Hair Treatment. You may also add this to any of your other services such as Cut, Follow-up Scalp Treatments.

  • Yes. Certain treatments can be thoughtfully combined—for example, a Head Spa with an intensive hair treatment or LED Low Level Light Therapy. We can recommend combinations based on your goals and available time.

MILBON GOLD 5 STEP HAIR TREATMENT

  • No. The Milbon Gold 5-Step Treatment is specifically designed for the hair fibre. For scalp health, it can be paired beautifully with our Signature Head Spa, Haircut  or our Follow-up Scalp Treatments.

  • Anyone who has  dry, dehydrated, porous, dull,  fragile, colour-treated, frequently heat-styled or lifeless limp hair. Your treatment is personalized according to your hair’s condition and needs.

  • The five professional steps work in precise sequence—preparing the hair, replenishing its internal condition, and then smoothing and sealing the outer cuticle. The result is hair that feels dramatically softer, smoother and more luminous like glass.

  • Milbon states that results can last up to 5 weeks, particularly when supported with the recommended home-care ‘weekly boosters’.

  • No. The treatment is selected according to your hair type and condition. The goal is beautifully conditioned hair without compromising movement, softness or manageability.

  • Yes. However it is included in our House Of Yoko Luxury Head Spa, where the Head Spa focuses on the scalp and relaxation while the Milbon Gold treatment focuses on the hair fibre. You may also add it to your follow-up scalp treatment, Shiro Jala Rasayana Ritual or prior to your haircut or post-colour service.

  • Yes. Deep-conditioning treatments can be particularly beneficial for hair that has been exposed to repeated colour or chemical services. Your stylist will determine the most appropriate treatment for your hair’s current condition.

  • For ongoing maintenance, approximately every 4–5 weeks is a beautiful rhythm, depending on your hair’s condition, styling habits and lifestyle. Milbon describes its professional treatment and home-care system as a recurring beauty cycle. You may also purchase the weekly booster to extend the in-salon treatment benefits.

  • Yes. It can be enjoyed as a dedicated hair ritual or added to another House of Yoko service.