Why Barbie Imperial, Priscilla Meirelles frequent this luxe Japanese salon
When I asked why beauty is important for women, owner Kiyosa emphasized that the salon’s success is rooted in one simple philosophy: Self-love.

Barbie Imperial
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/KIYOSA TOTAL BEAUTY
Barbie Imperial, Priscilla Meirelles and Tessa Prieto graced the reopening of Kiyosa Total Beauty on 8 October for a ribbon-cutting that marked both the high-end salon’s 10th anniversary and the unveiling of its brand-new look.
The flagship BGC location now boasts soft hues of rose, white, and beige, creating a calming and elegant atmosphere that’s as chic as it is serene — just the kind of vibe that keeps celebrities coming back.
Prieto fondly recalled being one of Kiyosa’s first clients when it first opened back in 2014. She initially came for their nail art, a service that has since become a signature offering.
“It was like specialized nail art. At that time, it wasn’t a trend — it was just art. And the technician was so skillful and trained in Japan. And they have beads and stuff for nails,” Prieto shared, proudly showing off her current intricate design. “Look at this! This is like solid gold! This is, like, 24-karat gold!”

Kiyosa Total Beauty salon.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPH MAYO FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
Prieto also expressed how impressed she is with Kiyosa’s 36-year-old owner, Kiyosa Kato, saying, “I mean, you know how they say the owner truly exemplifies what the brand is. And if you look closely, she’s incredibly beautiful. 10 years ago (when she opened the salon), she was so young, di ba? And, you know, when I’m an endorser, it feels like family, because I spend more than what I endorse. I want to support.”
The revamped salon reflects Kiyosa’s commitment to high-quality, fuss-free service. Their famous Japanese straightening treatment remains one of the metro’s top choices for sleek, manageable hair, and their precision haircuts are tailored to flatter their regular clients. Their gel manicures, ranging from minimalist to intricate, are also a fan favorite, and they’ve recently added a new service: the “bind lock” eyelash treatment, which lasts up to six weeks.
Kiyosa herself shared her inspiration for opening the salon a decade ago: “When I moved to the Philippines with my husband, I noticed there weren’t many places offering the high-quality service I was used to in Japan. I thought, maybe Filipinos will appreciate Japanese techniques — detailed, careful and customer-focused.”
All Kiyosa’s products are sourced from Japan, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the salon experience.

