The Placebo Effect of Famous Salons — What You Should Truly Look At Is Not the “Brand” but the “Person”
Today, I’d like to talk about the “placebo effect” of famous brand salons.
The placebo effect, simply put, is when you feel greater results due to “belief” or “preconceptions.” While it’s a common term in the medical field, I believe it definitely exists in the beauty industry as well.
Do you always meet an amazing stylist at a famous salon?
I worked for more than 10 years in well-known salons in Tokyo’s Omotesando and in London. I’ve served clients from around the world, with many different hair types and ethnicities. But to be honest — “famous salon = every stylist is top-notch” is not true.
Of course, the average skill level is high. However, stylists who can truly be called outstanding in every aspect — personality, technique, and proposal skills — are only a small minority. From my experience, perhaps only one in 20–30 stylists fits that description.
In other words, just because the salon’s “signboard” is impressive does not mean the stylist you meet will necessarily be as impressive.
The brand’s strength is supported by a handful of stylists
Often, brand salons are elevated by a few charismatic stylists whose presence raises the value and influence of the entire organization.
That’s why clients may feel, “If it’s this salon, I’m safe,” which creates a placebo effect and leads to higher expectations than reality.
I don’t think that’s a bad thing. When belief works positively, it can raise satisfaction. But what you should be careful about is this: sometimes that satisfaction may not come from the stylist’s actual ability, but rather from the brand’s image.
So, how do you choose a truly great stylist?
In conclusion, the only real clue is to look at “the information that stylist shares as an individual.”
Official messages from salons and organizations tend to be more like advertisements and superficial. But when stylists personally share information, their way of thinking, their character, and their approach to work show through.
Whether it’s on social media, blogs, or videos — the format doesn’t matter. When their “human side” is visible, in my experience, those stylists are often trustworthy.
How to avoid being misled by the placebo
There’s nothing wrong with going to a famous salon. But relying too heavily on the “signboard” carries risks.
The most important thing is who styles your hair.
What kind of person they are, and how they approach hair.
Identifying that is, from my experience, what truly enhances satisfaction with beauty services.
👉 Next time you think about making a reservation, try choosing based not on the “salon,” but on the “person.”
Surely, both your hair and your spirit will feel more fulfilled.
