“Why Hairdressers Should Also Choose Their Clients” — Great Hair Design Begins with Compatibility

In Japan’s service industry, there is a phrase that has remained deeply rooted for a long time.
“The customer is God.”

Of course, in the sense of “treat customers with great care,” this is not wrong.
However, when this phrase takes on a life of its own,
• “The customer is always right”
• “Hairdressers should simply follow whatever the client says”

this atmosphere can become unnecessarily strong.

I value a slightly different perspective.

Just as clients choose their hairdresser,
hairdressers should also choose their clients.

People are sometimes surprised when I say this, but it is not because I want to be arrogant or superior.

Rather, it’s the opposite.
It is a necessary mindset for creating a relationship that is truly happy for both sides.

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■ Both the provider and the receiver of the service are equally important

A hairdresser’s job is not just about providing technical skills.
• The client’s values
• Lifestyle
• Individuality
• Complexes
• Thoughts about their hair
• Past experiences

If we don’t understand these “background elements,” genuine satisfaction cannot be achieved.

That’s why,

✔ The client chooses the hairdresser
✔ The hairdresser chooses the client

When these two align, “positive synergy” is finally created.

If only one side endures or if things proceed without proper understanding,
eventually one side becomes dissatisfied.
That atmosphere always shows up in the final hair design.

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■ When only the résumé stands out, mismatches happen

Thankfully,
many people visit me after seeing my background (Tokyo & London experience, work as an art director).

It truly makes me happy that people think,
“If it’s him, the technique will surely be great.”

But here lies a hidden pitfall.

Having technical skill ≠ simply fulfilling anyone’s requests as they are.

What I value most is
“designing in a way that maximizes the client’s unique personality.”

On the other hand,
• “Make it exactly the same as last time”
• “Copy this magazine style perfectly”
• “This exact length, this angle, this texture”

When a client asks for a one-way order filled with strict instructions,
a mismatch inevitably occurs.

This approach itself isn’t bad,
and many hairdressers excel at that type of service.

But—
that is simply not how I work.

That’s all.

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■ Creating “pre-set hairstyles” is something anyone can do

Recreating trending hairstyles seen on SNS,
or the template-like styles of magazine models—

Many hairdressers can execute these “accurately and precisely.”

That’s exactly why I feel this way.

That job doesn’t have to be done by me.

My prices are not cheap.
Therefore, I want to provide work that delivers “value beyond the cost.”

That means:
• Not simply tracing a pre-set hairstyle
• Reading the client’s individuality
• Creating a design that fits their life
• Providing long-lasting satisfaction and comfort

This is the essence of my work.

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■ What’s necessary to create “your hair” is mutual understanding

Clients who come to me often say:
• “I feel like Taka will understand me.”
• “It’s not just the technique — I like the philosophy.”
• “I feel like he’ll help bring out my individuality.”

Many people visit with such thoughts.

And that’s why I can give my absolute best in return.

Service value maximizes through “compatibility.”

This was true in both Tokyo and London.
In fact, in multicultural London,
“compatibility matching” is even more emphasized than in Japan.

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■ What I want is a relationship where both sides are happy

This is very simple.
• The client is happy
• I enjoy designing
• We share a comfortable and positive time together

When this relationship continues,
better hair design is naturally created.

That’s why I prefer
not a “whoever comes is welcome” style,
but clients who resonate with my way of thinking.

That leads to a far higher chance of happiness.

And I genuinely believe
that this is ultimately better for the client as well.

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■ Lastly: Before booking, I want you to know my “way of thinking”

Hair design is also “the design of compatibility.”

That’s why I want you to know:
• What I value
• The mindset behind my design
• Why individuality matters

I want you to understand these things beforehand.

It is important so that you won’t regret your choice later.

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What matters is
that we understand and respect each other.

When that happens,
the hairstyle we create together becomes
not just a “hairdo,”
but a “design” that truly fits your life.

I will continue doing this kind of work from here on.