Make the most of gray and wavy hair with a perm
Hello, I’m Chinatsu Sakamoto, a hairstylist and the owner of 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, wavy hair, and an oval-shaped face
My customer, Shizue Imai.
Gray hair makes up 60% of her hair. Due to aging, her hair is dry and difficult to manage because of waves and curls. On rainy days, the humidity causes her hair to frizz and spread out, which is a major concern for her.
This is a photo of Shizue during her time as a civil servant, when she used to dye her gray hair.
After that, she took early retirement before reaching the official retirement age to pursue her passion for knitting as her life's work. She now runs a knitting class from her home.
She used to dye her gray hair every three weeks.
"How long am I going to keep this up?" she wondered, and then decided to stop dyeing her hair and embrace her gray hair.
By the time I first met her, she had already completed the transition.
The key points of the haircut are the oval shape and the wide bangs
Shizue's bone structure gives the impression of a long, vertical face.
"An oval shape that gives a sense of horizontal volume" = Lifts the elongated impression of her long face
"Thick, wide bangs" = Covers the forehead and exposes more skin on the sides, balancing out the long face
By designing a hairstyle that emphasizes horizontal elements against her vertical bone structure, the overall look becomes well-balanced. This transforms her gray hair into a more youthful appearance.
The key points of the perm are thick hair sections and the technique of wrapping the hair at a lower angle
To enhance wavy hair with a perm, it is crucial to use techniques suited to the hair type; otherwise, it can lead to unwanted volume and frizz, having the opposite effect.
"Thick hair sections" = Creates shiny and manageable sections of wavy hair
"Wrapping the hair at a lower angle" = Prevents excess volume and frizz caused by wavy hair
By using these techniques, we aim to create a perm hairstyle that highlights the beauty of wavy hair while addressing its challenges.
AFTER
SIDE & BACK
How does it look? With a rounded, three-dimensional shape and short bangs, it's a stylish transformation.
For the finishing touch, we recommend letting it air dry or using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer.
WET → DRY
Key points of the hairstyle
Create horizontal volume with an oval shape to lift and balance out elongated contours
Apply a perm to enhance and even out wavy hair into uniform curls
In this way, there's always a reason behind a lively and eye-catching hairstyle, even with gray hair.
Understanding the hair texture, bone structure, and the individual's personality deeply is crucial in finding a design that balances these elements.
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?
[ Related Links ]
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 https://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
