UPDATE:
Tanya (the owner) was great about following up with me, suggesting that I give it another try and offering to cut my hair. So, I gave it another go. :)
My second time in was pleasant; they washed/shampoo'd me after treating me to a cup of green tea and they were really kind the whole time. For Tanya, I'd give her 5 stars. :) Very kind but professional; serious about her work but remembers the person attached to the hair haha ;) Note on the haircut: my friends joked that I should be in a commercial :)
Thanks Tanya :)