It’s no longer about the salon — it’s about the stylist. These days, the evolution of AI is truly impressive. Texts, images, videos — anyone can easily create them for free, and the quality is getting so good that it’s hard to tell what’s real. It’s convenient, and even kind of magical. But in the beauty industry, I feel that it’s also creating some complex challenges. Take hairstyle photos, for example. In the past, salons would actually cut, color, or perm a model’s hair and then photograph it for use in ads. Finding a model, doing the styling, photographing, editing — it was a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process. But […]

Learning from UK Healthcare: The Art of Seeing the Essence in Beauty When I was living in the UK, there was always a specific route to take whenever I needed to go to the hospital. That was through the “GP (General Practitioner),” or what we might call a “family doctor.” No matter what symptoms you have, you first go to your GP for an initial examination, and then you’re referred to a specialist if needed. Whether your eye hurts, your stomach aches, or you injured your leg — you always start with the GP. That’s the foundation of the UK healthcare system. ⸻ But in Japan, things are different. If […]

What We Lose Behind “Fast and Cheap.” Lately, I often see phrases like “quick salon,” “time-saving cut,” or “speed color.” Of course, we live in a busy world, and there are times when those services are absolutely necessary. But I want to pause for a moment and think— what are we losing behind all that “speed” and “cheapness”? Hair actually reflects everything — your daily rhythm, your stress level, even the way you think. For example, just by looking at the way bed hair forms, you can often tell whether someone has relaxed mornings or is always rushing out the door. That’s why, before I start cutting a client’s hair, […]

What do you look for in a hair salon? For example, some people want to have their hair cut by someone who’s technically skilled, while others simply want to enjoy a relaxing time. Some may prefer someone who finishes quickly, and others may want someone who takes time carefully. I believe everyone has their own idea of what “comfort” in a salon means. As a hairdresser, I’ve designed hairstyles for many people in Japan and overseas. But what I’ve realized over the years is this — “There isn’t just one right answer.” That’s why I don’t have a fixed way of doing things. There’s no manual that says, “If you […]

Why I Keep Working Out — The Habit That Builds Self-Esteem “Why do you keep working out so much?” Sometimes, clients ask me that. Well… to be honest, at first it was for my family. When my child was born, I started because I wanted to be strong enough to protect my family if something ever happened. But as time went on, I realized it wasn’t just about that. Working out is, in the end, “time to take care of myself.” It’s for health, for posture, but most importantly, it’s about building confidence. That’s what I call my “habit of nurturing self-esteem.” Self-Esteem Isn’t a Complicated Word When people hear […]

Everyone Already Knows — The Feeling of “This Is What I Really Want to Do” “There’s something about this person that’s just… wonderful.” Have you ever felt that way while walking down the street? Their outfit, hairstyle, makeup, gestures — you notice the appearance first, but what really attracts us is the glimpse of their true self behind it all. It’s never because they’re wearing luxury brands or following the latest social media trends. The real charm comes from people who choose what they truly like, what feels right for them, and who express themselves naturally without forcing it. But how about here in Japan? Many people tend to choose […]

Lymphatic Neck Massage That Transforms Facial Expression I often think about this. As a hairdresser, I’m certainly a “specialist in hair,” but the concerns that clients actually have are often more about “how they look and feel about their own face and appearance in daily life,” rather than just their hair itself. For example, when you look in the mirror in the morning and think, “My face looks puffy today…” “In photos, I look a bit tired…” Have you ever felt that way? Of course, changing your hairstyle is important—but simply improving the “lymphatic flow in your neck” can also reduce puffiness and make your expression feel lighter. ⸻ Changing […]

99% of Information May Be “Advertising.” That’s Why the Real Question Is: Who Do You Choose? Whenever we search for something on the internet, we inevitably judge based on the “information” we see. The same goes for finding a hair salon. If you type “hair salon,” “hairdresser,” or “hairstyle” into Google, you’ll almost always see Hot Pepper Beauty or large corporate advertising sites at the very top. But how much of that information truly holds value? Honestly, there are times when I feel it may not even be 1%. Latest Technology and Equipment — Is That Really Value? Open an advertising site and you’ll see a flood of words like: […]

What Matters More Than Technique in a Hairdresser’s Work The essence of being a hairdresser is not just about “technique.” Of course, technique is very important. But there is a reason why I intentionally don’t post much on my website or social media about trendy methods like “We can do ○○ color!” or “We specialize in ○○ cuts!” The Importance of “Mindset” Beyond Technique Even with the same hairstyle, the result can be completely different depending on who cuts it and with what mindset they face the client. Looking only at surface-level techniques or before-and-after photos doesn’t show whether a particular service is truly necessary for that person. Hair texture, […]

“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 […]