Transform Your Hair, Transform Your Mood: A Sophisticated Short Hairstyle for Embracing Age-Related Texture
September in Tokyo is still marked by lingering summer heat. The streets of Higashi-Ginza, where my salon is located, offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity, from the iconic Kabukiza Theatre reflecting classical heritage to GINZA SIX, a symbol of contemporary innovation.
Today, I welcomed Ms. Aimi Miyake, a mother of two sons working in the media industry. I’ve known her for over ten years since she first modeled for a magazine shoot.
Ms. Miyake recently celebrated her 47th birthday and has entered middle age. She has begun noticing changes in her hair texture, including grays, waves, and curls. This summer, with its intense heat, she mostly tied her hair up, as it had become dry and difficult to manage when worn down.
Her triangular facial contour and slim frame, combined with subtle dullness in her skin and a decrease in elasticity and moisture, suggested that her previous hairstyles no longer complemented her evolving features.
Given that she entrusted the styling entirely to me, I proposed a short haircut that embraces her natural waves and curls, enhanced with highlights to elevate her look to a sophisticated adult style.
During significant length changes, I begin cutting hair while wet. Using the mirror to observe facial features, I carefully determine the length and weight placement to design a haircut that perfectly suits Ms. Miyake.
One of my signature details is creating volume around the cheekbones to add dimension to a slim triangular face. I also comb the hair along its natural pattern while cutting, ensuring the hairstyle is easy for Ms. Miyake to style herself at home.
For a hairstylist, the cutting process demands imagination, planning, and intense focus while directly engaging with the hair’s texture and movement.
After cutting, I applied highlights, carefully selecting thick and fine strands to frame areas with concentrated grays, particularly around the crown and face.
This sophisticated short hairstyle enhances natural waves and curls, adding dimension and elegance to age-appropriate hair.
Subtle highlights near the ears catch the light like jewelry, illuminating the complexion and giving a polished, luminous finish.
Click image to enlarge
Before: Her previous medium-length hairstyle followed trends with outward flicks. While fashionable, the hair did not accommodate her natural texture, resulting in a less defined facial expression.
After: Her hair now shines with healthy volume and manageability. The face appears more defined, and her overall impression has shifted from youthful and cute to refined and sophisticated.
Trend-driven hairstyles can sometimes clash with the natural changes that come with age. Changes in hair texture are a signal to transition into a hairstyle suited for adulthood.
Finding a haircut tailored to your hair texture, facial contours, and body type is the first step in embracing your mature self.
In today’s era of longevity, middle age is just the beginning. Those who continue to learn how to work with the changes of age may be rewarded with the gift of true maturity.
To elevate yourself to the next stage of adulthood, consider incorporating expert advice across different fields—hairstyle, makeup, and fashion—to refine your personal style.
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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
