Why I Focus More on Haircuts Than Hair Color, Perms, or Hair Straightening

“I want my hair cut by a hairdresser who is truly good at cutting hair.”

Many people have probably thought that at some point.

But what does it actually mean to be good at cutting hair?

I worked as a hairdresser in London for many years,
and as an Art Director (Head of Technical Education), I was also involved in training local staff.

Today, I offer a wide range of services including hair color, perms, hair straightening, head spa treatments, and conditioning treatments. However, the service I still focus on the most is hair cutting.

There is a reason for that.

Haircuts Reveal Technical Skill More Directly

Hair color, perms, and hair straightening are wonderful services.

They can change hair color, add movement, or smooth out natural texture.

They greatly expand the possibilities of hairstyle design.

However, all of these services require chemical products.

No matter how skilled a stylist may be, the service itself cannot be performed without those products.

Haircuts are different.

With scissors, a comb, shampoo, and a hair dryer, a haircut can be created.

Of course, that does not mean it is easy.

I believe hair cutting is one of the services where a hairdresser’s technical ability is most clearly reflected in the final result.

Length, weight, shape, and volume.

How these elements are designed can dramatically affect both the finished look and how manageable the hair is afterward.

Even with the same short hairstyle, there are people who:

• Find styling easier in the morning
• Struggle to keep their hair under control shortly after the cut
• Maintain the shape for months
• See the style lose its form within a few weeks

The difference often comes from the haircut itself.

That is why I believe hair cutting is a service where technical skill has a particularly direct impact on the result.

I Value What Can Be Achieved Without Relying on Chemicals

When I was working in London, there were times when I could not access the products I wanted to use.

Due to import and distribution limitations, I did not have the same freedom of choice that exists in Japan.

I especially felt that Japanese products and technology for perms and hair straightening were exceptionally advanced.

Of course, hair color, perms, and straightening all require a high level of skill.

Hair color requires knowledge of color theory and how colors complement different skin tones.

Perms require careful rod selection and curl design.

Straightening requires precise heat control when using flat irons.

Each discipline is deep and there is always more to learn.

Even so, high-quality products remain essential.

That is why I began asking myself:

“What can be improved without using chemical services?”

and started considering that first.

• Volume at the crown
• Hair movement
• Frizz and lack of manageability
• Excess weight in the hairstyle
• Making grey hair less noticeable

Many of these concerns can sometimes be improved through haircutting alone.

You may not need hair color, a perm, or straightening every time.

I prefer to first consider how much can be achieved through the haircut itself.

That approach remains important to me.

Haircutting Is a Skill That Can Benefit Anyone

Haircutting is a skill that can be provided regardless of hair type, cultural background, age, or gender.

Throughout my career, I have worked with people from around the world with a wide variety of hair types and textures.

What I have learned from that experience is that a good haircut can make everyday life easier.

It can shorten your morning routine.

It can make your hair easier to dry.

It can help your hair fall into place with just your fingers.

These small improvements add up and contribute to greater comfort in daily life.

That is why, even today, I think about the haircut before I think about chemical services.

And moving forward, I will continue refining my technical skills and creating personalized hair designs tailored to each individual client.