Arriving at 美容室マ・レーブ: First Impressions

Hi, I’m a writer for sarukuma — a local guide covering family-friendly spots across Kumamoto. Today’s destination: 美容室マ・レーブ, a neighborhood hair salon in Kashikogi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City.

The landmark is easy to spot: look for the cheerful red heart motif along National Route 3 (Sango-sen), the main artery running through northern Kumamoto.

One detail parents will appreciate before even walking through the door: the covered parking. No juggling an umbrella while unbuckling a toddler — the roof keeps everyone dry whatever the weather throws at you.

The entrance to 美容室マ・レーブ. The vibe is warm and unpretentious from the very first step.

A stylish counter greets you inside — and so does an adorable little dog. It’s exactly the kind of laid-back, homey atmosphere that puts you at ease immediately.

The interior opens into a bright, spacious floor with several styling stations. Cheerful lighting and an open layout make the whole space feel welcoming rather than clinical.

Prices & Services: Affordable for the Whole Family

The main menu board. Haircuts (cut only) are priced by age group: Adults ¥3,800 / High school students ¥2,700 / Junior high school students ¥2,200. Color services start at ¥5,200 for a root touch-up and ¥6,200 for full-length. Gray coverage runs ¥4,700 (roots) to ¥5,700 (full-head). Perms range from ¥7,000 (partial) to ¥9,000 for a digital perm — a heat-set perm technique popular in Japan that creates longer-lasting, defined waves.

The kids’ pricing menu — and here’s the standout deal: ❤️ Kids’ cut: ¥1,700. And if a parent receives any service, children aged 3 and under get their haircut completely free. For many families, this is the perfect first-ever salon experience for a little one.

Payment options are impressively broad: cash, credit card, IC card (electronic money such as Suica or iD), and QR code payments (PayPay and equivalents) are all accepted.

Why 美容室マ・レーブ Is a Parent’s Best Friend

A toy corner stocked with things kids actually love. Younger siblings who come along can play independently — which means you can actually close your eyes and relax in the chair for once.

Kids get a booster seat at the styling station — and unlimited YouTube during the cut. Keeping a small child still long enough for a precise cut is a challenge every parent knows well. 美容室マ・レーブ has quietly solved it.

A shampoo wash is included — though you can skip it if your child prefers. The lighting is dimmed in the wash area, lending it an almost spa-like quality. You might drift off.

After the cut, the stylist takes a photo to keep on file. Next visit, you can simply say “same as last time” — a genuinely useful touch for kids who tend to stick with one style for years.

And then —

Every child who sat bravely in the chair gets a sweet treat on the way out. ✨ Even the little sibling who came along and didn’t get a single hair cut walked out with a snack in hand. (Thank you, 美容室マ・レーブ.)

美容室マ・レーブ is the kind of warm, unhurried salon where families are genuinely welcome — not just tolerated. Whether you’re in Kumamoto for a few days or settling into the neighborhood, this is exactly the kind of local gem worth knowing about.

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information was accurate at time of visit. Prices and hours are subject to change — please confirm before your trip.