The UKIYO Client Experience: What to Expect From Your First Visit

Updated November 2026. Service prices are from our live price list; product prices are our live online prices.

New clients ask us the same handful of questions before they come in, so here is the whole visit, start to finish. If you want the general version (tipping, how long things take, salon etiquette), we cover that in what to expect at a premium salon.

How do I book my first appointment at UKIYO?

Online, any time, through our Kitomba booking page. You pick the service and the stylist. Not sure who? Our stylist guide matches people to specialties, or call 03 443 1040 and we'll suggest someone.

• Colour or lightening: book the free 15-minute consultation first.
• Extensions: also starts with a free consultation, with Jack or Kelsey.
• Cut or blowwave: book straight in.

A 25% deposit is taken when you book. It isn't an extra charge; it comes off the service on the day.

What happens at a colour consultation?

We look at your hair in natural light, because indoor light flatters colour. Then we ask about your colour history. Box dye, henna, a toner you did at home, a lightening job that went patchy: all of it changes how your hair takes colour, so the more we know the better.

By the end, you'll know three things: what result is realistic for your hair this visit, how many visits a larger change might take, and what it will cost. Nothing gets mixed until you've agreed. Our colour consultation guide goes into what we assess.

What is the salon like?

We're at 28 Helwick Street in the Precinct building, an easy walk from the town centre. Public parking is on Helwick Street and the streets around it. Give yourself ten minutes so you aren't rushing.

Jade, our studio coordinator, is usually the first person you'll meet. Expect a proper coffee and a seat with a view; the lake and mountains through the windows come up in our reviews more than anything we say about ourselves.

A client put it better than we would:

“I was intimidated by the swanky salon when I first went looking for a hair stylist in Wanaka. I was correct about the swank but that did not translate into elitist or snobby.”

Charity T., Google review, from our testimonials page

What happens in the chair?

For a colour service, this is the order:

1. Consultation check-in. A quick recap of what you agreed.
2. Bond care. For lightening we can add Wellaplex Bond Restore (from $45) to protect your hair while it lifts.
3. Application. Foils, hand-painting or a root application.
4. Tone and treat. Toned to the shade you agreed, then a treatment matched to your hair.
5. Finish and plan. Styled, with a plan for home and your next visit.

Timing depends on the service. A cut and blowwave is about 45 minutes to an hour; balayage and full head foils run two to two and a half hours. Every time is listed on the services page.

What is the Kérastase ritual at UKIYO?

It's the part of the visit people rebook for. There are three ways to have it:

The Mya package is the easiest way to try UKIYO before your first colour appointment. More on how Fusio-Dose works in our Fusio-Dose guide, and the full menu on treatments and rituals.

What aftercare will my stylist recommend?

Whatever we used on you, and nothing you don't need. If your hair is lightened and dry we'll usually point you to a repair shampoo and a leave-in, then a heat protectant if you style daily. Two ways to do that, by budget:

Same job, choose by budget. You can buy in salon, or order online later. More in best hair care in Wānaka.

When should I rebook?

Before you leave, if you can. Our stylists book out, and Nicole is often 3 to 5 weeks ahead. As a guide:

• Root touch up: 4 to 8 weeks
• Foils: 6 to 12 weeks
• Balayage: 12 to 16 weeks
• Cuts: 6 to 10 weeks

Balayage clients, our balayage maintenance guide explains what happens between visits.

Do you do men's and children's cuts?

Yes. Men's cut and style is $85 and a men's restyle $110. Children 0 to 5 and boys 5 to 11 are $55, girls 5 to 11 are $70, boys 12 to 16 $65 and girls 12 to 16 $85. It's an easy way for the rest of the household to try us out, and the same stylists, the same consultation and the same coffee apply.

Can I buy a UKIYO visit as a gift?

Yes. Gift vouchers can be bought online through our booking page at any hour, or see gift cards for product gift cards that work on the online store. A Signature Ritual voucher is a popular one for someone who has never been in.

What is the cancellation policy?

We ask for 24 hours' notice to change or cancel. Inside 24 hours, 50% of the service is charged; a no-show is 100%. It protects stylists' time, and with notice we can usually offer the gap to someone on the waitlist.

Book your first visit

Why buy from UKIYO

We're working stylists at UKIYO on Helwick Street in Wānaka, and these are the products we use on clients every day. Everything we sell is genuine salon stock, bought direct from the brands' New Zealand distributors. Free NZ shipping over $75, or pick up in the salon at 28 Helwick St.

Questions we get asked

Is the colour consultation at UKIYO free?

Yes. It takes 15 minutes and is required for new colour clients and any first balayage, blonde or lightening service.

How much is the deposit to book at UKIYO?

25% of the service, taken when you book online. It is credited to your bill on the day.

What is the UKIYO Signature Ritual?

A Kérastase Fusio-Dose treatment matched to your hair concern, finished with our signature blowwave. It takes about an hour and starts from $119.

Can I add a treatment to my appointment?

Yes. Kérastase Fusio-Dose and Wellaplex Bond Restore can each be added from $45, and take about 10 minutes.

How long does a first colour appointment take?

Balayage and full head foils take two to two and a half hours. Global colour takes 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 depending on length.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Give us 24 hours' notice and there's no charge. Cancellations inside 24 hours are charged 50% and no-shows 100%.

Is there parking near UKIYO?

Yes, public parking on Helwick Street and the surrounding streets. We're in the Precinct building at 28 Helwick Street.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Photos of hair you like, and of colour you didn't like, plus anything you know about past colour, including box dye or henna.

Keep reading: Our stylists: training, specialties and how to choose the right one