Keisuke lets off steam!

We hear of quite a lot of bad experiences from clients who went to popular or famous branded hair salons.I’ve been in this industry for the last 24 years, found it challenging in the beginning, but all of us had to do hard training in order to improve our skills. We still have to up date our skills from time to time to keep up with the current trends.

In Japan where I came from, we had to go to the hair and beauty school for a year ( 2 years now days ) and take a theory exam. Then we started working in a salon as an intern for a year to learn more about the basic skills after which we take a technical exam run by the Japanese Government. Only after we pass the exam will the government issue us a “License”, yes, it is like a Driving License; without this we can’t work in the salon.

But, that doesn’t mean we are all stylists, not even junior stylist yet! It is very strict that all trainees are monitored by a top stylist, owner and all senior stylists above us. We can never mix with the top stylists but our levels of respect are so high to catch their eyes for us to gain some chance of them to teach us their skills. There are no big headed stylists before the age of 24 because we want to complete all the skills perfectly.

Working from 8 am until the salon closes at 9 pm, then training every night until midnight was usual. Naturally it all depends on the person as to how quickly they learn and master the skills, but we would not call ourselves “TOP STYLIST” like they do in other countries. Like the ones who just finished their 1 week cutting course or who just graduated from whichever famous school. What all hair dressers need is lots of training and experience with constantly up-dated skills & techniques.

I met many clients who’ve had a very bad experience at a few famous hair salons and came to our salon for a repair. They all say it was so expensive even when the hair cut was done by a junior stylist but the worst thing is some of the cuts were done by senior stylists!

“They can’t push the client to have a hair style that they don’t want! They can’t just cut our hair by saying “Trust Me! You will love it!” then end up giving us a mis-match hair style that maybe suits a 20 year old girl okay but not for a 50 year old lady. It’s wrong of them to charge us for some creation that only the stylist wanted to try or create. Lots of them just do their own thing!”

Well, unfortunately these are some of the stories from our clients who have been to these salons before and received a bad experience, and I agree with them.

We all have to ask the client what they really want and need and then be able to give them a manageable hair style. Lots of people say the style “isn’t manageable” (yeah okay if they can afford to employ a personal hair stylist for 24/7) but many people can’t spend too long sitting in front of the mirror doing this doing that and ending up with a bad hair day.

All our hair is different. The texture, amount, colour, consistency, head shape, movement etc… and stylists have to consider based on all the above giving the best advice, ideas and offering a suitable hair style but most importantly we must listen to clients!

To avoid any misunderstanding, every client needs a good consultation before the service. Please don’t be afraid to say anything, even in the middle of the service, if your hair stylist looks like they are beginning to do something of their own.

I hope everyone can walk in the street with the hair style they truly like.

Have a good hair day.

K (Keisuke)