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 […]

Does Digital Perm Cause More Damage Than Cold Perm? 3 Ways to Protect Your Hair “Isn’t digital perm more damaging than a regular perm?” This is a common question I hear from clients. The short answer is: digital perm does not necessarily mean “more damage.” In fact, depending on how it’s done and the chemicals used, cold perms can sometimes cause more damage to both the scalp and hair. Let’s clarify the misunderstood differences in damage between the two. First Things First: All Perms Cause Some Degree of Damage Cold perms, digital perms, straightening, coloring — anything that chemically alters the internal structure of the hair will cause some degree […]

Is It Really Best for a Straight Perm to Last Long? “It’s better if it lasts a long time, right?” This is something I often hear—not just about straightening, but also about cuts and perms in general. But actually, “long-lasting equals better” isn’t always true. In this post, I want to focus specifically on straightening and share my thoughts. There Are Two Main Types of Straightening Treatments When people in Japan hear the word “straightening,” they often think of: Japanese straight perm (shukumoukyousei) Straight perm Hair texture improvement Acid straightening Acid heat treatment, etc. But broadly speaking, they fall into two categories: ① Straightening with chemicals + flat iron → […]

Worried About Getting a Perm? We Offer 15 Types of Rods to Suit Your Hair Type Not sure if a perm will work on your hair Want a style that reflects who you are, not just trends Interested in trying a style that’s popular overseas If you’ve ever felt that way— this page might give you the answers you’ve been looking for. At Hairdresser TAKA, we offer 15 different types of perm rods. Our thinnest rod is 6mm, and the thickest is 30mm. We’re equipped to handle all hair types, ages, and style trends. Here’s why having 15 types of rods really matters. 1. Because we can match the rod […]

It’s Not Just About Technique – The Value I Add to Every Hairstyle Hair salon prices vary quite a bit, don’t they? Some are inexpensive, while others are on the higher end. So what causes this difference? Location? Facilities? The vibe of the salon? Skills? Products used? Urban or rural? — Of course, all of those play a role. But there’s one more important factor. That’s “added value.” What is “added value” anyway? Even with the exact same haircut, whether someone feels it’s “special” or not depends on the meaning behind it. To me, “added value” means providing a hairstyle that truly connects with each individual client’s life. The depth […]

Is “No Damage” Really True? A Hairdresser Speaks Honestly About Treatments and Hair Damage We often see phrases on social media and in advertisements like: “Damage-free color,” “Non-damaging perm,” or “No-damage straightening.” — They sound reassuring, don’t they? But let me be honest with you. Such a technique doesn’t exist. It might be a bit shocking, but as a hairdresser, I want to tell the truth. Whenever You Change the Color or Shape of Hair, There *Will* Be Damage The only way to change the color or shape of hair is with chemicals. To let those chemicals penetrate the inner structure of the hair, we must force the pH balance […]

Tired of the Typical Hairstyles in Your Country? Let’s Find a Style That’s Uniquely You This is for you if: You’re getting tired of trendy hairstyles You want to enjoy a look that’s different from others You value “yourself” before what’s simply “suitable” Have you ever looked at hairstyles on the street or social media and thought, “They all kind of look the same…”? If you live in a mostly mono-ethnic country, it’s not surprising—similar facial features and culture often lead to similar styles. And even in multi-ethnic countries, it’s not always easy to know what really suits your unique look. But that’s not enough reason to settle. I believe […]

Have you ever thought, “If only my eyes were bigger…” “If my hair were different…” “If I looked more like that person…”? In many Asian cultures, including Japan, modesty is often seen as a virtue. Saying “I’m confident in myself” can sometimes feel uncomfortable — even arrogant. But I believe real confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about recognizing and accepting who you are right now. Why Owning Your Natural Features is Beautiful As a hairstylist, I’ve seen it so many times: When people stop chasing what they don’t have and start embracing what they do have, something magical happens. Wavy or curly hair? Let’s bring out its natural movement. […]