Is There a Hairstyle That Suits You Because You’re Asian? A Story of a Woman I Met in London
A story about a Japanese woman with a free-spirited sense of style whom I met in London
When I was working as a hairstylist in London, there is a Japanese client who still leaves a strong impression on me.
She was a woman who had married a British partner and had been living in London for decades.
She hardly had what you might call “typically Japanese ways of thinking.”
During consultations,
“Since I’m Japanese, this kind of hairstyle is the safest choice, right?”
She never once said anything like that.
Choosing Hairstyles Without Being Bound by Frames
The styles she requested were very free.
- Boldly shaving only the back
- Chunky, statement-making large highlights
- Choosing based on what feels right for her now, rather than trends
And yet, they never felt overly flashy.
Rather, it felt like her individuality naturally stood out.
“This just feels right for me.”
That one sentence seemed to say everything.
A Multicultural Environment Shapes Sensitivity
London is truly a multicultural city.
Different races, cultures, and values all coexist.
The idea that “because you are from a certain country, you should be a certain way” simply doesn’t hold.
That’s why
- Because you’re Japanese
- Because you’re Asian
- Because you’re white
- Because you’re black
These kinds of reasons for deciding hairstyles or appearance naturally fade away.
I don’t think her freedom came from a special personality,
but rather from the environment she lived in.
There Is No Such Thing as a Fixed “Right” Hairstyle
After working as a hairstylist for many years, I sometimes hear things like:
“This hairstyle suits Asians, right?”
“For this age group, this is the standard, right?”
But to be honest:
There is no hairstyle that suits you just because you’re Japanese.
There is no hairstyle you should choose just because of your age.
Those things don’t exist.
What does exist is:
- Bone structure
- Hair texture
- Lifestyle
- Values
- Your current mood
And your own unique background.
Take a Step Back from the “Answers” on Social Media
When you look around the city or on social media,
there are “hairstyles you see everywhere,” right?
There’s nothing wrong with that.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for you.
- It somehow doesn’t feel right
- You look in the mirror less often
- You settle with “Well, it’s okay I guess”
If you feel that way, it might be worth pausing for a moment.
There Is a Hair Design That Only You Can Shine In
What I value is not making things flashy.
What matters is:
- Feeling right rather than standing out
- Satisfaction rather than trends
- Your own confidence rather than universal approval
What she taught me in London was that
“freedom” does not mean “flashy.”
Freedom means being honest with yourself.
The Best Answer Already Exists Within You
“Maybe this kind of hairstyle isn’t for me…”
“I’m worried about how others might see me…”
Those feelings are completely natural.
That’s why
I don’t simply tell you, “This is the right answer.”
Through conversation, by understanding your background,
we will find the option that makes you look your best.
Why not step away from fixed ideas of hairstyles, just a little?
Your individuality can shine—quietly, yet unmistakably.
That kind of hair design always exists.
