Transform Beautiful Gray Hair with a Perm! Graceful Short Hairstyle
Hello, I'm Chinatsu Sakamoto, a hairstylist at the hair salon “CHINATSU SAKAMOTO” in Ginza, Tokyo.
With the concept of "positive use of aging in perm design," I mainly create hairstyles for clients in their 50s and 60s.
In addition to my salon work, I have had the opportunity to contribute to various media aimed at mature audiences, including photo shoots and interviews for "Croissant," "ku:nel" (Magazine House), "Precious.jp" (Shogakukan), and "Suteki na Ano Hito" (Takarajimasha).
In recent years, it has become increasingly common to see women with beautifully styled gray hair in the city. Many people admire these women and are curious about their hairstyles.
I will share methods for creating stunning perm designs that make gray-haired women shine.
BEFORE
Hair type and bone structure analysis
Gray hair, straight hair, and a square-shaped face
I met Miwa Sugita during a magazine photoshoot.
Currently, her hair is 80% gray, with the remaining black hair serving as lowlights, creating a natural contrast.
Her hair is coarse and straight, which results in a lack of volume in her hairstyle and gives her face an elongated appearance, which is her main concern.
Here is a photo of Miwa Sugita from when she used to dye her gray hair. She mentioned that her daughter used to help her with the dyeing at home.
Don’t you think she looks much younger in her current photos?
As we age, having a dark hairstyle can unintentionally make us look older, even when we are trying to cover our gray hair. With gray hair, the brighter frame around her face makes her complexion appear more radiant.
However, since the boundary between her skin tone and hair color becomes softer, careful hair design is necessary to avoid looking older.
Now, let’s uncover the secrets to achieving a stunning gray hairstyle for elegant ladies.
The key points of the cut are asymmetrical bangs and a diamond-shaped silhouette
Miwa's bone structure features prominent cheekbones and a strong jawline, giving her a square-shaped face.
"Side-swept asymmetrical bangs" = Covers the cheekbones and enhances eye definition.
"Diamond-shaped silhouette with a tight finish" = Covers the jawline and gives a lifting effect.
These two elements add definition to her face, which tends to lose its contour and focus downward with age, transforming her hairstyle into a more three-dimensional look.
For this cut, I used a razor. It works well with her coarse hair, creating a soft-touch finish without reducing volume.
The key point of the perm is the technique of winding the hair at appropriate angles according to the bone structure
The key point of the perm is the technique of winding the rods at appropriate angles according to the bone structure.
Understanding the layout of the haircut and winding the perm at angles tailored to each section are crucial.
Utilizing this technique, it becomes a key factor in giving dimension to the hair and counteracting the tendency for Asian bone structures to appear flat and rigid, thus imparting a youthful impression to gray hair.
This time, I chose the type of perm known as "air wave."
Miwa's straight hair texture and gray hair tend to be resistant to perms, so it's better to opt for types of perms that use low heat.
AFTER
SIDE & BACK
With soft, wavy perms and a sleek diamond-shaped hairstyle, she has achieved a much more refreshed look.
Finish with mousse to add shine while maintaining the texture of tousled strands.
Key points of the hairstyle
Lift-up with a diamond-shaped silhouette
Height at the top created by the perm and roundedness at the back of the head
Contrast between short bangs and longer bangs emphasizing the cheekbones for enhanced eye definition
In this way, there is always a reason behind vibrant and eye-catching hairstyles, even with gray hair.
Understanding deeply the texture of the hair, the bone structure, and even the personality of the individual is crucial in finding a design that harmonizes with them.
Embracing aging and living proactively.
Meeting a hairstylist who shares such values and exchanging opinions, it would be wonderful to find a one-of-a-kind hair design that suits you, don't you think?
PROFILE
Chinatsu Sakamoto
In 2010, began a career as a hairstylist at a salon in Omotesando, Tokyo. Currently based in Ginza for salon work and actively involved in various activities such as photoshoots and interviews.
Particularly sought after by media catering to the mature generation such as 'Croissant' 'Ku:nel' (Magazine House), 'Precious.jp' (Shogakukan), and 'Suteki na Ano Hito' (Takarajimasha).
Supporting the beauty of the middle-aged and senior generations with perm designs that embrace aging and color techniques that stylishly enhance gray hair.
Custom-made hairstyles, designed with a blend of aesthetic senses gained from traveling the world and the Japanese spirit of craftsmanship, receive acclaim.
Website http://www.chinatsusakamoto.com
Instagram @chinatsu.hairdresser
Hair Salon CHINATSU SAKAMOTO
104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-12-6 CURAGINZA 7F meby Room B
1minute walk from “Higashi-Ginza Station" A1 exit / “Ginza Station” A1 and A2 exit side, directly connected to Higashi-Ginza Station via the underground passage
Mon/Tue/Wed Closed Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun 10:00-19:00
