Keelung Neon Hair Salon: Bar-inspired salon, unique hair styling experience

2024-12-26｜Lena

Breaking away from mainstream salon formulas, Neon Hair Salon was founded with the vision of creating the "best salon from the heart." Located on the second floor across from Qing'an Temple on Zhong'er Road in Keelung, the glowing neon sign at the entrance invites you upstairs to experience a unique hair styling world.

Catalogue

I. Keelung salon recommendation - Neon Hair Salon

II. Spend your time on beautiful things

III. Not the only one, but we are the first

IV. Collaborating with local brands: Book a dye or perm appointment and get a free cake

V. Introduction to Neon hair stylists

VI. Neon hair salon information

Keelung salon recommendation - Neon Hair Salon

Walking through the streets of downtown Keelung, you're surrounded by vibrant neon signs. The drizzling rain combined with the dazzling neon lights gives the city a natural filter. "We are all children of the Rainy City," says brand founder Page, perfectly capturing the inspiration behind the name Neon Hair Salon.

Neon Hair Salon was established three years ago with the belief that authenticity creates meaningful stories. Breaking away from traditional salon frameworks, it strives to provide a more relaxing space for clients. The name combines "Nisi," where "肆" (freedom) complements "霓" (neon), symbolizing a space created by a group of Rainy City kids. It’s more than just a place for hair services—it’s a space with no boundaries.

Neon Hair Salon's interior and environment photos

Spend your time on beautiful things

As you walk up to the second floor and step inside, you might think you've entered a bar. Unlike the traditional reception desks found in most salons, Neon Hair Salon features a central island bar design for its counter. A small fridge nearby offers craft beers for purchase. On the other side of the counter, you'll find a variety of manga displayed on shelves. In front of the manga shelf, a cozy sofa area is adorned with a neon sign that reads "霓好漂亮" ("Neon is Beautiful"). A projector screen completes the ambiance, playing anime or sports events, making the space both relaxing and vibrant.

Sofa waiting area

Spending precious time off at the salon often involves long periods of waiting for treatments like softening agents or hair dye to process. Page hopes that those visiting Neon Hair Salon can "waste their time on beautiful things." "We want clients to feel that getting their hair done is a wonderful experience. Even though it involves a lot of waiting, the process should leave them feeling relaxed and confident." This philosophy led to the decision to prioritize comfort over maximizing revenue opportunities. In the 30-ping (approx. 100 sqm) space, a cozy and inviting waiting area was designed, ensuring that clients undergoing dyeing or perming treatments aren’t left sitting idly in salon chairs, but can instead enjoy a more pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

Not the only one, but we are the first

Would you choose to follow the mainstream profit-making formula, blending in with most salons, or to create a distinctive personal style that might limit your clientele? Page chose the latter. He recalls his early days at 16 when he first entered the traditional hairdressing industry, describing it as akin to working in a factory, repeating the same steps day after day. "It felt so impersonal," he reflects. This experience laid the foundation for his decision to establish a brand centered on more interaction and warmth, redefining the salon experience with a focus on meaningful connections.

Neon’s Bar-like signature counter

Knowing exactly what he wants, even taking on the design and decoration himself, Page has infused meaning into every corner of the brand. He explains, "Being the only one is difficult because others can replicate it, but we are the first, as there truly isn’t another salon like ours in Keelung." While the bold and unconventional style may limit the number of clients willing to venture up to the second floor, Page believes this is what gives the brand its soul. It allows him to connect with clients on a deeper level, sharing stories and creating a warmer experience. Though the journey has been challenging, he takes immense pride in everything he has built.

Collaborating with local brands: Book a dye or perm appointment and get a free cake

Loving Keelung and wanting to make a difference, Page uses hairstyling as a bridge to connect with local brands and amplify their collective strength. At Neon Hair Salon, booking a hair dyeing service comes with a complimentary slice of mille crepe cake from a partner store. As night falls, the space transforms into Neon Bar, occasionally hosting live performances by guest musicians. Nisi's connections also extend into the art world, having collaborated with Japanese artist Masayuki Senzan, who once faced a diagnosis of having only seven days to live, to host an event at the salon. Through these efforts, Nisi becomes more than a salon—it’s a hub for creativity and community.

Page has also led the team beyond the salon, participating in two editions of the Keelung Ocean Waves Music Festival, offering free haircut services. In the future, he hopes to collaborate with more local businesses, aiming to break the closed-off nature of the hairdressing market through diverse cultural exchanges. By fostering greater interaction and collaboration, he envisions elevating Keelung's hairdressing industry and building stronger trust in the services they provide within the city.

Neon Hair Salon's charity haircut events

To close, here’s a favorite quote from Nisi’s Facebook page: "After work in another city, I take the bus home and walk to Miaokou in the evening. Light rain drizzles, and the neon signs illuminate the streets, flickering like always—just another ordinary day for the people of Keelung." If you also want to experience the daily life of Keelung or step into Nisi for a unique hair styling experience, feel free to click below for stylist introductions!

Introduction to Neon hair stylists

Hairstylist: Sid

Instagram: @neon_ceo

Specialties: Men's Japanese-style perming, unique color dyeing, women's unique color dyeing, and soft, natural hair dyeing.