Kino "mood haircut"

Feb 21, 2006: After a superb cut in Singapore over New Years, was time for another Asian creation. So where to go? Why not the "Best Japanese Hair Stylist" in New York... Kino... who runs Kino International, 214 E. 10th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-475-6826... here's the New York Times:

"No photos allowed. Best thing about going to a foreign hairdresser is the lack of chitchat. No small talk, no how ya doin’ can ya believe this weather? Just us, our hair and whatever newspaper is stuffed in our bag. With Kino, we get all of this—plus a mirrored studio that from the street looks more like the hallway of a spaceship than anything in the same genus as barbershop. The place is miraculously dirt-free, like an operating room from a 50s sci-fi movie.
Kino happens to be a superb hairstylist. Here’s his secret: Once you’ve you finally gotten over your fear of being the dirty Westerner who has ketchup somewhere (you just know it) on your outfit, Kino asks what kind of music you listen to. And that’s it. There’s no more talking, no labored conversations, and you get exactly the type of haircut you want.
Though we suspect that Kino is a mostly-dude dude, we wouldn’t discourage women from checking him out. Helpful tip: There’s no exterior sign, just a teensy little card in the mirror inside that says "KINO." Just because Kino’s place looks too cold for Kraftwerk does not mean you and your copy of the Post can’t go there."