What Is Good Customer Service? When you hear the words “good customer service,” what comes to mind? Reading the atmosphere? Enjoyable conversation? A comfortable space? Or perhaps receiving service in a stylish salon with the latest equipment, or in a luxurious, high-end environment? The standards differ entirely from person to person. Some may think, “This person’s service is wonderful,” while others may feel, “It didn’t really suit me.” In other words, the value of customer service is different for everyone. ⸻ The Difference Between Large Salons and Freelance One of the reasons I became independent as a freelance hairdresser was precisely this issue of “customer service.” In large salons, a […]

“Can you make my hair look like this picture?” This is a common request in salons, but in reality, even if two hairstyles look the same, subtle differences can arise in the final result. Why is that? One of the reasons is: “Where the cut begins.” The point where the haircut starts can subtly change the balance, texture, and shape of the final style. The first cut becomes the “reference point.” For example, when creating a style with distinct layers and movement at the top— If you start cutting from the sides or back, the top may end up longer and heavier than intended. On the other hand, if the […]

The Difference Between “Quick-Turn” Salons and Me, Who Thinks About How Time Is Spent Lately, I often see advertisements for salons promoting speed, like “Cut + Color + Treatment in 2 hours.” It’s true that finishing quickly is convenient, and in our busy daily lives it can be a very welcome service. But when I see that, to be honest, I feel a little conflicted. My style is completely one-on-one. From consultation to finish, I handle everything myself. So, especially for first-time clients, the process inevitably takes more time. Sometimes, even just the consultation before starting the actual service can easily take over 30 minutes. You might think, “Does it […]

Hygiene Management in Hair Salons — Are the Towels and Tools That Touch You Really Clean? When you visit a hair salon, have you ever wondered whether the towels or gowns you wear are truly clean? And does that salon really prepare enough towels and tools for every single customer? ⸻ What You Often See in Hair Salons In busy salons where many customers rotate quickly, it’s common to see stylists wearing scissor cases on their waists. These are always filled with scissors, brushes, and combs. While this looks professional, it raises the question: are they really disinfected for each customer? Likewise, are the capes and towels replaced with brand-new […]

The Happiness Discovered After Losing Hair — What One Client Taught Me｜Hairdresser Taka Ten years ago, one of my clients was diagnosed with cancer. Due to chemotherapy, they lost all of their hair. They said not a single strand remained on their head. Today, they are living well and healthy. The illness is completely cured, and their hair has fully grown back just like before. You wouldn’t even notice their past if they didn’t tell you. But to me, their past speaks more about their “way of living” than just their “hairstyle.” ⸻ Someone Who Truly Understands the Blessing of Having Hair This client visits my salon regularly. During consultations, […]

What is the Added Value of a 1,000 Yen Haircut?｜Hairdresser Taka You often see “1,000 yen haircuts” inside train stations or shopping malls. At first glance, it may seem like just a cheap haircut service—but is that really true? Globally, you can find haircuts for less than 1,000 yen and others costing over 100,000 yen. Prices range widely. However, in Japan, the well-established “1,000 yen haircut” carries value that is more than just “cheapness.” The Real Value Behind 1,000 Yen Haircuts Many people may think they go there simply because it’s cheap. Of course, some customers use it for financial reasons, but that’s not all. The reasons 1,000 yen haircuts […]

Hairdressers are often thought to be the ones who “know the right answer.” They have knowledge about hair, skills, and a good sense of style. That’s why people expect them to confidently say, “This suits you.” — That’s the common perception. But I have a slightly different way of thinking. For example, during a consultation, advice like “This will make your balance look better” or “This shape will make your face look smaller” is often correct from a theoretical standpoint. However, whether that is truly “the right answer” for that person is another matter. This is because the “right answer” lies within that person. How they spend their days, what […]

I’ve Always Felt a Subtle Discomfort with the Word “Looks Good on You” “I think it looks good on you.” As a hairstylist, I’ve said this phrase countless times. But to be honest, it’s always made me feel a bit uneasy. Why? Because I’ve always wondered: “By whose standards am I saying it looks good?” For example, when a client says, “I want this kind of hairstyle,” and from a hairstylist’s perspective it seems a bit unbalanced or difficult to recreate due to their hair texture— The old me would’ve immediately said, “This one would look better on you.” But one day, something a client said really hit me. “Even […]

No Magic Tricks Needed: The Quiet, Simple Path to Real Beauty “I want to become beautiful easily.” “I want to be healthy effortlessly.” “I want to know the easy way to succeed in business.” —Thinking like that isn’t bad at all. In fact, it’s totally natural. If possible, we all want to reach our goals faster and with less effort. Everyone thinks that way. I do too. But most people probably already realize: What really works isn’t something “special” — it’s the “quiet, daily habits.” And that’s especially true in the world of beauty. “One haircut or treatment will transform your hair.” “This one procedure will eliminate all damage.” I […]

If Everyone in the World Had a Buzz Cut, Would You Get One Too? For example, imagine if everyone in the world had a buzz cut. Or if everyone wore exactly the same T-shirt. —Would you go along with it too? I’m sure some people would want to say this: “No, I like different hairstyles and want to wear clothes I like.” I think that “NO” feeling is something really important. It’s scary to be different from others. But people who stick with it are probably the ones who can truly choose what they like. If your sensibility, appearance, or lifestyle is a bit different from others’, and you try […]