Digital Perms for Women Over 50: Taming Frizz and Waves with Grace
Hello, I’m Chinatsu Sakamoto, a hairstylist and owner of the private salon CHINATSU SAKAMOTO in Ginza, Tokyo.
My concept is “Positive Aging through Perm Design,” creating hairstyles that enhance the beauty of women in their 50s and 60s.
In early October, the streets and window displays of Ginza were filled with the calm atmosphere of autumn.
As the season changes, I often sense subtle shifts in my clients’ moods and fashion.
This time, my client was Yoko Yanai, age 50.
We’ve known each other for about seven years, ever since I started doing her hair.
She has appeared as a hair model in magazines such as Precious (Shogakukan) and Croissant (Magazine House), exploring various styles from short to long.
Yoko’s main concern was frizz and lack of control, especially on humid days.
As hair becomes drier with age, managing natural waves can become more difficult.
From my professional perspective, her long, straight black hair—reaching to her chest—felt slightly unbalanced in proportion to her 156 cm height.
To address these concerns, I suggested a Digital Perm that would add shine, smoothness, and natural movement, while maintaining control over frizz and volume.
We also decided to shift from long to medium length, to enhance her overall balance and elegance.
I began cutting the hair in a dry state, which is essential for wavy or frizzy textures.
When wet, curls relax due to moisture, but as hair dries, its length changes depending on the curl pattern.
Dry cutting ensures a more accurate length and natural balance.
To maintain a beautiful silhouette from every angle, I adjusted the length as the head tilted, refining each line around the face and neckline.
The bangs were designed with soft curves following the cheekbones, framing the face naturally.
After the cut, we moved on to the Digital Perm.
A cream-based solution was applied to the lower third of the hair, then wrapped around the rods about two and a half turns.
Depending on the section, I used various angles—parallel and 45 degrees—to achieve the best fit for her head shape and cut line.
Unlike a cold perm, the Digital Perm uses gentle heat to reshape the hair, resulting in longer-lasting curls and less damage.
It also helps align the cuticle, creating smoother, shinier, and more manageable waves—making it ideal for frizzy or wavy hair types.
For straight hair that needs more volume, I recommend an Air Wave Perm, another type of hot perm with a soft, airy finish.
After rinsing and drying with low heat, Yoko’s black hair revealed a new elegance—glossy, soft, and beautifully curved.
Her overall appearance became more refined and sophisticated.
Click image to enlarge
Before, her one-length cut was designed to suppress frizz and volume, but the narrow bangs tended to split, exposing the forehead and hairline.
After, a medium-length same-layer cut enhanced her natural wave.
The bangs were redesigned with deeper width and rounded lines along the cheekbones, framing her eyes and adding strength to her expression.
As you can see from the transformation, incorporating the idea of embracing aging hair into the design makes a striking difference.
Changes in hair texture are signs that it’s time to transition to a more mature, personalized hairstyle—one that harmonizes with your face shape, body balance, and lifestyle.
In this era of longevity, our 50s are just the beginning of a new stage in life.
Why not seek the guidance of a professional to help you update your look and bring out your natural beauty?
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Featuring before & after hair designs for mature women.
PROFILE
Chinatsu Sakamoto
She began her career as a hairstylist in 2010 in Omotesando, Tokyo. In 2024, she relocated her base to Ginza and opened her own salon, CHINATSU SAKAMOTO.
Focusing mainly on salon work, she is also active in editorial shoots and media appearances. She has received wide recognition from media outlets targeting mature audiences, including Croissant and ku:nel (Magazine House), Halmek (Halmek), and NHK’s Asaichi.
She specializes in perm designs that bring out the beauty of aging hair, supporting the style and confidence of middle-aged and senior clients.
Her refined hair designs, shaped by a global aesthetic cultivated through her travels and rooted in Japanese craftsmanship, have earned high praise.
Website www.chinatsusakamoto.com
Instagram @chinatsu.hairdresser
CHINATSU SAKAMOTO Hair Salon
RoomB meby CURAGINZA7F, 5-12-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0061 Japan
1-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station (Exit A1)
Direct underground connection from Ginza Station (Exits A1 and A2) via Higashi-Ginza Station
Mon/Tue/Wed Closed Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun 10:00-19:00
