There are so many types of hair salons out there— large chain salons, privately owned studios, freelance stylists… It’s no wonder people often wonder, “Which salon is the right fit for me?” In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of one-on-one services offered by freelance hairstylists based on my personal experience. What is one-on-one service? It’s a style where one stylist handles everything—from consultation to finishing—on their own. I personally work this way, without using assistants, focusing entirely on each client. Advantages 1. Personalized attention to detail From the pressure during shampooing to drink preferences and the tone of conversation, I can tailor everything to suit […]

Just a Hairstyle? Or Something More? What Does Hair Mean to You? A single hairstyle can make life feel a bit more positive. This is a story about one of my clients. They’ve been coming in for a monthly haircut for quite some time. This person holds a very important position in their company, and one day, they casually said something to me: “Ever since I started getting my hair cut by you, Taka, it feels like work has been going much more smoothly.” Of course, I don’t think a hairstyle alone can make everything at work go perfectly. But hearing that made me realize something really important. A hairstyle […]

Why I Don’t Ask “What Kind of Hairstyle Do You Want Today?” When you go to a hair salon, haven’t you been asked something like this at the beginning? “What kind of hairstyle do you want today?” “How many centimeters should I cut?” “What color would you like?” “Do you want a perm?” Of course, some people can respond clearly to these questions. But many people may feel, “I can’t explain it well,” or “I don’t know what suits me.” What if a hair salon were like a hospital? Let’s say you have a fever and go to the hospital. What if the doctor started by asking you questions like […]

Why a “professional’s perfect result” isn’t always your personal satisfaction The idea of a “perfect” haircut from a hairstylist and what feels “just right” to a client often don’t match. As professionals, we tend to think that a good haircut means having clean cut lines or balanced proportions. We often equate technical precision with a “great hairstyle”… But that’s not always what the client is actually looking for. No matter how skilled the cut is, if it doesn’t match the client’s vision, it misses the point. Honestly, even if the haircut is technically perfect, if the client feels like “this isn’t what I imagined,” it’s a failure. That’s not a […]

“I want to get a perm, but what’s the difference between a cold perm and a digital perm?” This is a question I often receive from my clients. In fact, the chemical solutions used are almost the same, but the application methods and the suitable hair styles are different. The biggest difference is whether or not heat is used. Please read on for some hints to help you decide which type might suit you best. What is a Cold Perm? A cold perm is a traditional method that uses only chemicals and rods to curl the hair. It doesn’t involve any heat—the shape is formed by the power of the […]

“Just the haircut changed everything. This is more than enough!” That’s what a customer from France told me yesterday, leaving with a smile. They had originally booked for a perm, but after discussing their hair concerns, current condition, and lifestyle during the consultation, I suggested “just a haircut” based on multiple factors. In the end, they were very satisfied, and we didn’t use any chemicals. No burden on the hair or scalp—we simply enjoyed a natural transformation together. Personally, I believe that if you can avoid using chemicals, that’s the best choice. Color, perms, and straightening are certainly useful techniques, but they take time, they cost money, and above all, […]

I want to offer hair color that naturally enhances each person’s unique individuality—regardless of their nationality, background, or hair type. To do that, I use a product called “PROMASTER” by the Japanese brand hoyu. There are three main reasons why I choose this color product. ① Low-alkaline color that causes only 1/10 the damage PROMASTER includes two types of color: a standard permanent formula and a low-alkaline semi-permanent formula. The biggest feature of the low-alkaline option is that it reduces damage to about one-tenth compared to regular color products. Human skin is naturally slightly acidic. That’s why regular color products, which are alkaline in pH, can put stress on the […]

“I’ll leave it up to you.” It’s something I often hear in the salon, but I try to receive those words with a bit of care. That’s because “leave it to you” can carry many different meanings. For example— ・You’re not sure what suits you and want to rely on a professional ・You prefer a quiet experience and want to relax without much conversation ・You’re feeling a little tired and don’t want to think too much ・You’ve had a bad experience before and want to trust—but with some caution Even when someone says “anything is fine,” they rarely mean it completely literally. That’s why I always try to read between […]

“Wanting to look younger” — I completely understand that feeling, and I would never deny it. But I believe that getting older is something we can embrace freely, beautifully, and gracefully. For example, your hair may lose some volume, or you might start to see gray strands. Many people feel the need to “hide” those changes, but if you shift your perspective, they can actually open the door to new textures and tones. Changes in your hair aren’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s those very changes that expand the possibilities for new designs. When volume decreases, a silhouette that uses that weight can be beautiful, or a length that […]

“I’m not sure how to explain the hairstyle I want at the salon.” Have you ever felt that way? You find a hairstyle you like on the internet or social media, but when it comes time to tell the stylist, you lose confidence. It’s hard to put into words, and your thoughts don’t come out clearly. Actually, a lot of people feel this way. But it’s nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. After all, turning hair concerns into words is part of a hairdresser’s job. At Hairdresser TAKA, I actually welcome those moments of “not knowing how to explain.” It simply means your individuality hasn’t yet been verbalized—and that’s […]