Frequently Asked Questions
Hoʻala Gift Cards
Traditional Ho’ala Salon and Spa Gift Cards and printable Ho’ala Gift Cards are non-refundable and not redeemable for cash or its equivalent but do carry a balance, do not expire, and can be used until the entire value is depleted. Ho’ala Salon and Spa is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged cards, but we will try to assist you if at all possible. Cards are valid for the purchase of products and services at Ho’ala Salon and Spa located at Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. #3201, Honolulu, HI 96814. Printable and traditional Ho’ala Gift Cards cannot be used to order products or gift cards online or over the phone.
If you experience technical issues with a printable Ho’ala Gift Card, the issue must be reported within three working days of purchase date. We may be reached at 808.947.6141.
If the text on your printable Ho’ala Gift Card is difficult to read, check the ink or toner in your printer. If you are running out of ink or toner, the print will be light and sporadic. If you are using a color printer, the printer may be out of black ink. Please be sure your printable Ho’ala Gift Card has printed legibly for redemption in the salon.
FAQs Hair Extension
At Ho’ala Salon and Spa we use Great Lengths for our hair extension services.
What are hair extensions?
Are hair extensions real hair or synthetic hair?
How do the hair extensions stay in my hair?
Will hair extensions cause damage to my natural hair?
Will people be able to see the extensions bonds?
How much do hair extensions cost?
Do I pay for the service all at once?
How long does the hair extension service take?
Do I need a haircut after the extension application?
What if my hair is colored, permed, or relaxed?
With hair extensions, will I be able to blow dry, straighten, or curl my hair?
How long will my hair extensions last?
How are the hair extensions removed?
Will any of my hair extensions fall out?
What are hair extensions?
The hair extension service is a service where pieces of hair are bonded to your natural hair to create a long hair look or add thickness to your natural hair.
Are hair extensions real hair or synthetic hair?
Ho’ala extensions are 100% authentic human hair.
How do the hair extensions stay in my hair?
Great Lengths Hair Extensions are bonded to your natural hair with a unique keratin protein bond. While others use techniques such as welding, waxing, gluing or knotting, which strain and very often damage your hair to a high degree, Great Lengths is based on a much more gentle principle: modulating. This is an extremely high-tech method of bonding between the Great Lengths strand and your own hair. This point of attachment is composed of polymer chains whose molecular structure is very similar to that of human hair. It is activated by our Great Lengths applicator and bonds the Great Lengths strand with your own hair in this way. It can, however, be easily removed by an expert!
Will hair extensions cause damage to my natural hair?
Great Lengths Hairs Extensions are non-damaging to your natural hair.
Will people be able to see the extensions bonds?
Hoʻala Salon and Spa utilizes the Great Lengths Hair Extension System because we feel it is the most natural looking extension process we can offer to our guests. It blends very well with your natural hair and looks completely natural.
How much do hair extensions cost?
A hair extension application first requires a complimentary consultation from a Ho’ala extension specialist who will inspect your hair’s condition and discuss with you your desired outcome. The price will vary based on thickness of your hair, the texture, and length you wish to achieve. A lengthening service generally starts at $1200+. Services for fullness, adding highlights and dimension, or a few flashes of vibrant color can cost considerably less than a lengthening service.
Do I pay for the service all at once?
You are required to pay for one half of the total quoted price of the service at the time of the consultation when booking the appointment. A credit card number will be taken for the balance of the service and because hair is specially ordered for each person there is no refund.
How long does the hair extension service take?
A hair extension application can vary in length of time, depending on the amount of hair you want and the thickness of your natural hair. The service takes an average of 4 hours.
Do I need a haircut after the extension application?
A haircut is required to complete the hair extension service to blend the extensions with your natural hair and create a beautiful, natural looking style. The haircut price is included in the quoted price for the hair extension service.
What if my hair is colored, permed, or relaxed?
If you color, perm, or relax your hair it is important that you have this done one week prior to the application of your extensions. We strongly recommend that you return to Ho’ala for all chemical services while you are wearing extensions to ensure that the professional familiar with the Great Lengths extensions are performing the service.
With hair extensions, will I be able to blow dry, straighten, or curl my hair?
Hair dryer, curling Irons, flat irons and hot rollers are safe to use with hair extensions. Be prepared for your regular styling routine to change – longer, thicker hair does take more time to style.
How long will my hair extensions last?
The Great Lengths hair extensions will last approximately three to six months, depending on individual hair growth and the type of service done.
How are the hair extensions removed?
Hair extensions require professional removal by appointment with your Ho’ala Extensions Specialist. Removal can take anywhere from two to six hours based on the number of extensions and the maintenance of the extensions during wear. An hourly fee is charged for removal.
Will any of my hair extensions fall out?
Some extension loss is normal and to be expected.
FAQs Thermal Hair Straightening
also known as a Japanese Straight Perm
What is Thermal Hair Straightening?
What makes the Hoʻala Thermal Straightening Service different?
How long does the service take?
How much does Thermal Straightening cost?
What if my hair is colored?
Will I be able to curl my hair after thermal straightening?
Do I need to get a haircut after my service?
Will I need to redo the service after my hair starts to grow out?
Some tips for the day of your appointment…
What is Thermal Hair Straightening?
Thermal Hair Straightening is a chemical service that incorporates Japanese technology to make even the curliest hair permanently pin straight and mirror shiny. For those of you who are tired of the lengthy morning ritual of straightening your hair, this service is for you! The service is ideal for anyone with hair that is naturally curly, kinky, frizzy, highly textured, colored, or even permed. It is not recommended for hair that is highlighted with bleach or hair that has been relaxed.
What makes the Ho’ala Thermal Straightening Service different?
Our continued commitment to excellence and the highest quality of services has made Ho’ala Salon and Spa an expert in Thermal Hair Straightening and it shows in our rigorous training schedule. Ho’ala professionals have each completed more than 60 hours of extensive professional hands-on training to achieve amazing, professional results from Thermal Hair Straightening.
How long does the service take?
The Thermal Hair Straightening process generally takes about 3 to 4 hours but can take longer, depending on hair type, length, and thickness, so the price will vary from client to client. When scheduling your appointment, choose a day when you have no other commitments. The Thermal Hair Straightening service should take about 3 to 4 hours, but could take more than 4 hours. A rushed service will produce less-than-desired results.
How much does Thermal Straightening cost?
Before scheduling a Thermal Hair Straightening service, you must first schedule an appointment for a complimentary consultation with a Ho’ala Thermal Straightening Specialist. During your consultation, the specialist will discuss the process of the service, the expected results for your hair type, length, and thickness, the estimated time to complete the service, and an estimate on the cost of the service. Based on 3 to 4 hour service, prices start at $360 and go up depending on the stylist and their experience. Depending on hair type, length, and thickness, the service can take longer so the price will vary from guest to guest.
What if my hair is colored?
If you color your hair, the color service must be done at least 1 full week prior to the straightening service and the hair may not be colored until at least 2 weeks after the service.
Will I be able to curl my hair after thermal straightening?
The Thermal Hair Straightening process will create straight hair that will likely not respond to setting, a curling iron, a round brush, or the like. Please be certain that straight hair is what you want.
Do I need to get a haircut after my service?
Yes, we recommend a haircut after the service to reshape your straightened look. If your hair is layered, the layering will look much more pronounced and somewhat jagged when the hair is straightened.
Will I need to redo the service after my hair starts to grow out?
The average retouch for this service is 6 to 10 months after the original service. A minimum of two inches of regrowth is necessary for a proper, effective retouch.
Some tips for the day of your appointment…
Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. We will ask you to change into a service gown to protect your clothing. Bring a lunch and/or snacks and plenty of reading materials. It will be a long day.
Do not shampoo your hair on the day of your Thermal Hair Straightening service.
During the service, a number of solutions will be applied to your hair, processed and then rinsed out.
Next, your hair will be 90% dried and will look frizzy. Your hair will then be extensively flat ironed straight. Tension must be used, so you will feel some pulling during this part of the service.
Results depend on the texture and previous chemical services on the hair. In some cases it will be necessary to do a small amount of daily styling to achieve the desired results.
If you desire some flexibility in your hair after the process, so that the hair will still respond to a round brush or rollers, the service will need to be “underprocessed.” In this case it will be absolutely necessary to spend time styling your hair after each shampoo. Hair may revert back to curl in certain areas.
Best Results Tips
Your hair CANNOT get wet for 48 hours after the service. This means no shampooing, rinsing, styling, etc. Don’t even get caught in the rain! No ponytails, no hairpins, and no tucking the hair behind the ears.
FAQs Spa Appointment
(Facials, Massage and Body Treatments)
Where will I change?
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
What if I am not feeling well?
What if I’m late for my appointment?
How far in advance do I need to schedule?
May I request a male or female therapist?
What about my jewelry and valuables?
Should I shave prior to my spa service?
Are children permitted in the spa?
Do you allow cell phones and pagers?
Where will I change?
Before your service begins you will be escorted into our ammenities room to prepare for your treatment.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
These things happen! If you find yourself unable to keep an appointment, we request a 24-hour notice. Guests who do not honor their appointments or cancel in less than 24 hours may be charged a cancellation fee.
What if I am not feeling well?
In the interest of your health and for the consideration of others, please contact us as soon as possible to reschedule if you are experiencing a sore throat, high fever, chills, sneezing or coughing.
What if I’m late for my appointment?
It’s possible we may have to shorten or re-schedule your appointment. If your treatment is shortened, it will end on time so that the next guest will not be delayed. We hope you understand.
How far in advance do I need to schedule?
It is best to call as soon as possible. As availability often varies, we are more than happy to check on any scheduling request. As a guide weekend appointments require more advance planning, for a single service call one to two weeks in advance and for package appointments about three weeks in advance. For weekday appointments plan one to two weeks in advance. We do have cancellations from time to time so please feel free to call us and check for same day appointments.
May I request a male or female therapist?
Yes, of course. Whether you choose a therapist of the same or opposite gender, the utmost respect for your modesty is a priority. While body treatments require you to remove all of your clothing, careful draping procedures are observed at all times.
What about my jewelry and valuables?
We recommend you leave your jewelry and watches at home. Unfortunately, we’re not able to take responsibility for your valuables while you are at the spa.
Should I shave prior to my spa service?
We recommend that you do not shave before any of our exfoliating services, which may irritate freshly shaven skin. All other spa services will not be affected whether you shave or not. We do recommend men shave prior to their facial.
Are children permitted in the spa?
No. For the comfort of all our guests and the enjoyment of your experience, children are not permitted in our spa.
Do you allow cell phones and pagers?
No. In order to maintain our peaceful atmosphere, we request that you turn off your cell phone when visiting our spa.
FAQs Body Waxing
Why should I wax instead of shave?
Does waxing hurt?
How do I prepare for a Brazilian Wax?
First time having a Brazilian?
How long does the hair have to be?
Should I trim my hair before my appointment?
How long does waxing last?
Will my hair grow back thicker?
Will I have a reaction to waxing?
What if I’m on my period?
What if I’m pregnant?
How should I take care of my skin after waxing?
When should I come back?
Why should I wax instead of shave?
When hair is shaved, within a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface of the skin and coarse stubble can be felt. Shaving commonly results in ingrown hairs, bumps and ongoing skin irritation. When waxed, hair grows back slower, softer and without stubble. Waxing will, over time, make hair growth finer, and hair will become less in volume; but there will always be some re-growth.
Some people wax because they feel it is more hygienic. Our body releases natural oils and sweat on a daily basis. Our hair can hold on to them as well as the odor they produce. When you remove the hair you can stay cleaner and fresher longer.
Does waxing hurt?
Every person’s pain tolerance is different. The good thing is that the pain goes away quickly. For your first Brazilian waxing service you may consider taking aspirin or 2 Advil an hour before your appointment. The procedure, like any waxing, can be very painful at first, but frequent visits usually cut down on the pain factor.
How do I prepare for a Brazilian Wax?
A shower is ideal. Hot water opens pores and allows hair to come out easy, making it less painful for you. If you cannot shower, please use personal wipes we provide to clean the area that we will be waxing.
Your hair should be grown out at least three weeks prior to your first Brazilian wax. The longer the better, so don’t trim. This will ensure the best results that will last longer.
It is a good idea to exfoliate your bikini area, very gently, the night before your Brazilian Wax. In fact, you can gently exfoliate your bikini area every day.
First time having a Brazilian?
Expect a little skin irritation. If you get waxed regularly, your skin will become accustomed and you should not have the irritation. If you only do it once or twice a year expect to go through this each time. It is normal to get tiny whiteheads after your first or second time of being waxed. This too shall pass if you keep waxing. Just lightly exfoliate with scrub to avoid pore blockage after 24 hours.
How long does the hair have to be?
At least ¼ inch. In other words – if you can pinch your hair and lift your skin without the hair slipping through your fingers, it should be long enough. It usually takes on average of 2 to 3 weeks of growing out your hair to be ready to wax.
Should I trim my hair before my appointment?
NO. The longer the hair, the smoother your skin will feel after the wax. Also, the results will last longer. If your hair needs to be trimmed, your esthetician will take care of it, as she knows the best length for your procedure.
How long does waxing last?
It differs with each person depending on how fast the hair grows. On average, your waxing can last from 2-4 weeks. The good news is the more you wax, the longer it lasts.
Will my hair grow back thicker?
No. The hair will actually grow back lighter and softer every time you wax. It usually takes at least 3 procedures to really notice a change in how fast your hair grows back. But you can notice your hair coming in softer after the first wax.
Will I have a reaction to waxing?
Most likely not. But that largely depends on whether you are taking any medication. We recommend you do not get waxing done if you are taking Rx Accutane, Differin, Retin A, Antibiotics, or any medication that may cause sun sensitivity. You should also avoid waxing while using salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, Obaji products, any harsh exfoliants, or any facial peels.
All these products thin out the skin and will make you more sensitive and likely to burn or peel. You should wait 2-6 weeks depending on how long you have been on the medication before you wax, as we want to make sure the meds are out of your system so you have a pleasant waxing experience. If you are not sure of how you may react from any other prescriptions you are taking, please give us a call, we can help you determine whether you’re able to get waxed.
What if I’m on my period?
Some women find that when they are on their period, their skin is more sensitive and more likely to burn or peel. If you would rather reschedule, we completely understand. The important thing is to communicate with your esthetician so that she may deliver the best service to you.
What if I’m pregnant?
Yes, once you have completed your first trimester you can get waxing done. Many of our mothers to be like to have a Brazilian wax done before giving birth.
How should I take care of my skin after waxing?
After waxing, avoid tanning and extended sun exposure for 48 hours. You will want to avoid hot showers or baths, sauna and steam room use immediately following the service. Scented lotions, perfumes, or colognes should be avoided for 48 hours.
When should I come back?
Typically, you’ll need to wax every 3 to 6 weeks (depending on the area waxed) and the more you do it, the less painful it becomes. For Brazilian waxing we offer a maintenance savings of $15 if you return within 8 weeks.
