Short Perm for Gray Hair Over 60: A Modern, Youthful Lifted Style
In February, as plum blossoms begin to bloom in Prunus mume, we sense the first signs of spring. The season shifts gradually, moving back and forth between cold and warmth — much like the process of human maturation.
Miwa Sugita, 60, wears her gray hair beautifully.
Seven years ago, she decided to stop coloring her hair and has since embraced hairstyles that enhance her natural gray.
Designing a Youthful Short Hairstyle for Gray Hair
Ms. Sugita has a square-shaped face. Her hair is firm and resilient, yet naturally straight. As it grows longer and the weight of the hairstyle drops, her cheekbones and jawline become more prominent, creating an elongated impression.
To ensure her gray hair looks modern, youthful, and sophisticated, I designed a dimensional short hairstyle with a perm.
First, I created a diamond-shaped silhouette to soften and visually balance her cheekbones and jawline. This contouring technique enhances facial structure while adding height at the crown and roundness at the back of the head. The result is a subtle lifting effect that counters the natural downward shift of facial and body lines that comes with age.
Why Asymmetry Works for Gray Hair
By incorporating asymmetrical lengths and a slightly edgy fringe, the gray hair gains a defined presence.
When designing gray hair, simply following trends can sometimes make the look appear older. Instead, adding a touch of edge — a small but intentional design detail — elevates the entire style and prevents it from feeling conventional.
Choosing the Digital Perm for Resistant Hair
Because Ms. Sugita’s hair tends to resist traditional perms, I selected a digital perm to create a soft, single-curve flow.
The left side falls at lip length, while the right side sits at chin length, creating an intentional asymmetrical balance. The gentle movement from the perm adds elegance and softness.
The short hairstyle reshapes the facial outline, while the airy texture brings vitality and expression to her overall appearance.
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Visible Changes: Lift and Definition
The silhouette was updated from a simple oval shape to a more dynamic asymmetrical form. The visual center of gravity shifts upward — from lip level to eyebrow level — creating a lifting effect.
Before the transformation, her forehead was more exposed. Afterward, the hair design subtly covers the hairline and softens the appearance of fine lines, resulting in a fresher, more youthful impression.
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Her profile also transforms. The line connecting the rounded back of the head to the tip of the chin changes from an obtuse angle to a sharper one, creating a more defined and refined contour.
Just as a beautiful frame enhances a painting, the right hairstyle enhances the natural beauty of gray hair — and even reflects the wearer’s presence and way of living.
The Secret to Making Gray Hair Look Beautiful
The key to beautiful gray hair is balance — finding the right harmony between hairstyle, makeup, and fashion that truly suits you.
Mass-produced, trend-driven hairstyles can sometimes be overpowered by the strong presence of gray hair, unintentionally adding years to one’s appearance.
If your eyesight begins to blur with age, you can wear elegant glasses.
If your body lines begin to soften, you can choose structured fabrics that lift your silhouette.
Perhaps true richness in life lies in embracing and enjoying the process of maturity.
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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
