Korean Slate

This is one of the popular and flourishing beauty complexes in Koreatown. As far as I know they started out with just hair cuts. Now they’ve got several buildings in this strip mall — having branched out to skin care and other services. This is where I have my hair done (my “designer” or stylist is Robin Lee who looks like Yoko Ono!) and just recently my nails.

A manicure costs 15 dollars and a pedicure $20. They’ve got a wide collection of OPI colors, and there’s a sterilizer on site, though I haven’t directly seen the cuticle cutter taken out of it. I give them the benefit of the doubt — I’ve not gotten a fungus infection like Paula Abdul with her Vietnamese manicurist. Also, they give you a free manicure after doing 10 with them.

Shampoo, trim and blow dry is around 30 dollars. More complex services like dye coloring and hair strengthening (Magic Straight) are expensive and can set you back $200-300, which is still cheaper than at Japanese hair salons. Do call for an appointment, although it’s not uncommon that they can see you when you call in the morning. They open 10 AM or earlier.

Address: 300 N Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Corner Beverly Boulevard. Phone number: (323) 467-4247
Korean speaker will answer but can manage to take simple English info like dates and time. Don’t be scared.