The Strength to Truly Choose What You Love — What I Learned While Working in London As a hairdresser, I’ve worked in Omotesando and London — two cities known for having some of the highest beauty standards in the world. Both are at the forefront of fashion and hair trends. People with sharp aesthetics gather there, and new styles are constantly being born. After working with over 10,000 clients of various nationalities, cultures, ages, and hair types, one thing I’ve come to feel strongly about is the difference in how “beauty” is viewed in Japan and in London. ⸻ What I noticed while walking through London In London, hairstyles and […]

Why I Look to Nature for Inspiration When Creating Hairstyles One of the most important things I value as a hairdresser is “not clinging to fixed ideas.” That means setting aside labels like gender, age, or nationality and truly facing the person right in front of me, just as they are. “This person is a woman in her 40s, so this hairstyle suits her.” “With this hair type, only this kind of style will work.” If I confine myself to those past experiences or trends, I don’t think I’ll ever reach that person’s true beauty. That’s why when I seek inspiration for hairstyles, I try to draw from “nature” rather […]

Can You Get a Perm with Fine or Soft Hair? – Best Techniques for Hair Textures Often Seen in Western Clients “My hair is soft and fine, and it’s hard to get volume… Can I still get a perm?” This is a question I often hear from clients—especially those with finer hair textures or of Western descent. The answer is: Yes (absolutely possible). But it does require a bit of thoughtful technique. ■ A perm isn’t just about tight curls. Many people think of perms as something that creates big waves or curls, but that’s only part of the picture. A perm can be used to: add volume, create movement […]

“Is this the right length?” — What to think about when you’re unsure｜Hairdresser TAKA Have you ever found yourself wondering, “How much should I cut my hair?” You might feel like going shorter, but there’s still a bit of hesitation. You care about how others see you, and maybe it doesn’t quite feel right to you either. Surprisingly, choosing the right “length” can be pretty tricky. Even 1cm can change the impression Take a bob haircut, for example— Whether it covers your ears or not Whether the neckline is exposed Whether the bangs are slightly wider Just these small changes can make someone say, “Wow, you look different!” That’s why […]

Not a High Price, But High Value ── The real reason behind Taka’s pricing Many people care about the cost when choosing a hair salon. That’s totally natural — I also care about the price when I receive any kind of service. But what I always feel is that “whether it’s cheap or expensive” is less important than “whether it feels worth it.” ■ Sometimes people say, “That’s expensive.” To be honest, my pricing might feel expensive compared to chain salons or standard hair salons nearby. “This much for a haircut?” “Isn’t that pricey for the time spent?” You might think that. But for me, there’s a clear reason behind […]

Are You Choosing a Hairdresser Who Sees *You*, Not Just Your Hairstyle? There are many different ways people choose a hair salon or hairdresser. For example… You’re not completely satisfied with your current salon You’ve moved and want to find a new place nearby You just feel like a change and want a new style So, how do you make your choice? Price, location, atmosphere, the stylist’s personality, photos on Instagram… They’re all valid reasons. Everyone has their own best way to choose, and that’s totally okay. But still—there’s something I’ve always been wondering about. ⸻ “I can do this style” doesn’t always mean it suits you. Social media is […]

Who’s the first person you want to show your new hairstyle to after leaving the salon? On your way home from the salon, you catch your reflection in a window and think, “My hair looks pretty good today.” In that moment, who do you want to show it to first? A friend? A family member? A coworker? A business client? A partner? Or someone special in your life? Choose your style for yourself—but it’s okay to consider how others see you too. When choosing a hairstyle, I believe it’s most important to start with your own feelings. Because— Your life belongs to you. It’s not about what others think, but […]

Choosing to Cut Only the Gray Hairs – How Hair Salons Can Support Aging Hair Concerns As we get older, the role of a hair salon gradually begins to shift. In our 20s and 30s, we often come in with positive goals like “I want a new look” or “I want to change things up.” But in our 40s, 50s, and beyond, the purpose often shifts to “taking care of concerns.” For example— You may notice more gray hairs, thinner strands, or less volume at the crown. Your facial impression may change, your skin may look dull, or you may appear more tired. On top of that come physical changes, […]

They Had the Skills—But I Didn’t Want to Choose Them The other day, I went to see a dentist. The purpose was to consult about getting my teeth straightened. As we age, we tend to clench our teeth more without realizing it. This can cause subtle shifts in alignment over time— It’s not something that was terribly noticeable, but as someone who works in a client-facing role, I started to think maybe I should take better care of my appearance. Just like a hairstyle, our smile and teeth make a big impression in service industries. So I decided to go for a consultation at a dental clinic that specializes in […]

Choosing to Color Only Gray Hair – Did You Know It Can Become Your Personalized Highlight? Take a moment to look at your hair in the mirror. Do you see a few gray strands… or maybe even a bit more starting to show? How many gray hairs can you spot? And where are they located? Actually, based on the position and number of those gray hairs, you can create a unique color design just for you. What does it mean to “color only the gray”? Many people choose to dye their entire head of hair because they’re concerned about gray hairs. But what I often recommend instead is— 👉 A […]