“I want to look like this photo” — The true meaning behind it. “I want to look like this.” During the first consultation with a new client, it’s common for them to show me a “reference photo.” It could be a hairstyle cutout, a favorite picture found on social media, a snapshot of a celebrity, or a page from a fashion magazine. Photos are a very convenient communication tool. They allow us to share that vague “kind of image” which can be difficult to express in words. But what I always keep in mind is this: The photos clients bring are not always chosen solely for the hairstyle itself. Depending […]

More Than Just a Haircut – Why Expressions Change After a Visit Have you ever noticed how different a customer’s expression can be between when they enter and leave the salon? For most of my clients, there’s a clear change after their haircut or treatment— by the time they walk out the door, their face looks brighter, almost like they’re a whole new person. And it’s not just because of a successful hairstyle. Of course, technique and results are important, but more than that— “I feel relaxed.” “I feel lighter.” “I feel like I’ve reset.” I believe that’s the kind of feeling people take home with them. Is a salon […]

What Do People Aim for Through Beauty? When we think about the world of beauty, a fundamental question always arises. “What do people seek in beauty, and where are they heading?” This is a theme common to everyone, regardless of gender, age, nationality, or culture. One answer that is often spoken of is “a baby-like state.” The Symbol of Beauty Embodied in Babies A baby’s skin is dewy, their eyes are clear, and their hair is soft and healthy. Their very presence conveys purity, innocence, vitality, and preciousness. Everyone sees a baby and thinks “cute” or “beautiful” because hidden within is a universal human standard of beauty. If, hypothetically, babies […]

Hairstyle Balance in the Mask Era ― Creating an Impression with the Visible Parts Wearing a mask greatly changes the impression a person gives. Because the nose, mouth, and facial contours are hidden, the parts that are usually visible are no longer seen. As a result, expressions can more easily appear dark or subdued. In such situations, what becomes more important is “balancing with the visible parts.” When wearing a mask, what stands out most are the eyes, forehead, ears, and neck. In other words, how you present these limited features determines the overall impression. The Relationship Between Bangs and the Forehead For example, thick bangs may normally suit someone […]

The Placebo Effect of Famous Salons — What You Should Truly Look At Is Not the “Brand” but the “Person” Today, I’d like to talk about the “placebo effect” of famous brand salons. The placebo effect, simply put, is when you feel greater results due to “belief” or “preconceptions.” While it’s a common term in the medical field, I believe it definitely exists in the beauty industry as well. Do you always meet an amazing stylist at a famous salon? I worked for more than 10 years in well-known salons in Tokyo’s Omotesando and in London. I’ve served clients from around the world, with many different hair types and ethnicities. […]

The Importance of Knowing What’s Happening Inside Your Hair A salon service is not just a “task to tidy up the finish.” With cutting, coloring, perming, or straightening, changes are always happening inside the hair. For example―― Color works through “oxidation” to fix pigments into the hair A perm works through “reduction” to rearrange the hair bonds Straightening works through “reduction and heat” to lock in the shape Each style only comes to life as an “expression” through these scientific processes. Knowing Both Benefits and Risks Leads to Prevention Every service brings positive effects, but there are always risks as well. For example, with color, the benefit is “freedom in […]

Cosmetic Surgery and Hair Treatments — Seemingly Different, but What Truly Matters Is “Knowing When to Stop” and “Respecting Individuality” Cosmetic surgery and hair treatments. At first glance, they may seem like completely different worlds, but I feel there are striking similarities between them. The reason is that both begin with the desire to “resolve a complex.” For example, correcting concerns about the nose or facial contours through cosmetic surgery. Or changing the impression of the face and overall aura through hairstyle. That “first step” requires tremendous courage and can even carry life-changing significance. The Importance of “Not Overdoing It” But the real issue begins after that. Once a complex […]

Just as every tree is different, you are beautiful because you are different When you look at the trees around the world, you notice something curious. Even within the same species, no two trees are exactly the same in shape, height, thickness, or the way their branches spread. Yet we never think those differences are “strange” or judge them as “imperfect.” On the contrary, when we look at each tree, don’t we feel a sense of calm? Some trees are tall, some are small. Some are crooked, some are straight. We find comfort in the fact that each one has its own form. People are the same ― Beautiful because […]

The Invisible Risks of Inflation and “Unchanged Prices” Prices are continuing to rise worldwide. Japan is no exception, and the cost of everyday goods and services is gradually increasing. Yet, haven’t you noticed shops or services whose prices haven’t changed for years? At first glance, it may seem “kind and considerate.” But is it really so? The Hidden Side of Keeping Prices the Same When prices remain unchanged, it means profit margins are inevitably shrinking. This always creates “strain” somewhere. The owner’s share decreases Employees’ salaries are suppressed The quality of services or products declines Especially in salons, where “time,” “tools,” and “chemicals” are directly connected to the customer’s body, […]

Circulation Is the Starting Point of It All — An Easier, More Sustainable Alternative to Massage “My hair feels thinner.” “I’m getting more gray hairs.” “I’m worried about hair loss.” Whenever I hear these concerns, the first thing I always tell clients is: “Circulation is the foundation of everything.” In Eastern medicine, hair is said to be “leftover blood.” In other words, hair is formed from the surplus of blood that circulates through the body. From this perspective, if blood doesn’t flow well to the scalp, of course healthy hair won’t grow. Not just the scalp—whole-body circulation matters When people think of circulation, they often think of scalp massage. But […]