What kind of products do I use for perms and straightening? / International Hairdresser TAKA
I often get asked, “What kind of products do you use?”
This is especially important for people who are concerned about hair damage or have sensitive skin.
I use two types of Japanese-made solutions: ARIMINO and NOEMI.
Both are designed to be as gentle as possible on the hair and scalp.
There are a few key reasons why I trust and continue to use them.
1. Scientifically formulated to minimize damage
Both perms and straightening treatments work by using reducing agents and alkaline agents to reshape the hair.
When the alkalinity is too high, it tends to cause significant damage to the hair and scalp.
ARIMINO and NOEMI have extremely low alkaline levels.
NOEMI, in particular, contains almost zero alkaline components.
In my experience with many clients, I’ve repeatedly seen that reducing alkalinity helps preserve hair quality over time.
Just like with medicine, it’s not about fixing damage after it happens — it’s about preventing it in the first place.
With this “preventive beauty” mindset, I aim to design hair that stays healthy without relying on heavy treatments later.
2. Transparent and safe ingredient labeling
Another important point is whether the product clearly lists its ingredients and chemical data.
The three key indicators for chemical treatments are:
- Reducing power (the ability to reshape the hair)
- Alkalinity (penetration strength)
- pH balance (acidity/neutrality/alkalinity)
But in reality, only a few manufacturers openly disclose these details.
That means you might be using something without fully knowing its impact on your hair or scalp.
It’s like taking a supplement or eating food without any label — you’d be hesitant, right?
Here are some reference values:
- NOEMI: Alkalinity 0ml, pH 6.5, Reducing Power 6.45%
- ARIMINO: Alkalinity 0.7–3.5ml, pH 7–8.9, Reducing Power 5–10.7%
These numbers allow me to safely select the right formula for each client’s needs.
3. Consistent, high-quality performance
It’s also important to work with brands that are stable and reliable.
Brands like ARIMINO and NOEMI maintain strict manufacturing control, which means minimal variation in quality from batch to batch.
As a stylist working directly with your hair, that kind of consistency gives me peace of mind.
To sum up, here are the points I value most when selecting perm and straightening solutions:
- Scientifically formulated to minimize damage to hair and scalp
- Clearly labeled ingredients and chemical values for safety
- Stable, consistent quality from trusted manufacturers
Of course, these products are suitable for all hair types — regardless of your background or nationality.
If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out before your appointment. I’m happy to help.
