When people are asked to picture Japanese girls and guys, the first thing that comes to mind is their clear skin and shiny, well-maintained, healthy hair.
Call it stereotyping, but many Japanese have dark hair that looks sleek, shiny, and always put together, even in the coldest winter or most humid summer. Some old women even sport thick hair and don’t seem to suffer from hair loss!
If you’re wondering how they maintain beautiful hair and how you can do it, look no further. We’ve researched Japanese hair care trends to unveil their hair care secrets and replicate their success.
How do Japanese people maintain their hair?
One of the most essential steps in Japanese hair care is brushing.
Everyone knows brushing the hair at least once a day is an integral part of a hair care routine, typically in the morning after rolling around during sleep. You don’t want those knots traveling with you throughout the day, do you?
But Japanese women brush more often than that. They brush their hair multiple times daily, in the morning, midday, and before bed, to maintain their shiny hair.
Besides that, it also benefits the scalp and hair. This Japanese hair care routine keeps the hair straight.
Moreover, brushing frequently distributes the oils our scalp naturally produces, ensuring the rest of the hair becomes moisturized. This also prevents oil build-up on the top of the head.
To do this, they often use handmade tsuge combs or brushes made from boxwood, which is hard and dense wood, that works well to distribute oils throughout the hair and scalp.
What hair routines do Japanese people use?
In addition to brushing hair frequently, Japanese people use sulfate-free shampoos to avoid stripping the hair of necessary shine-inducing oils. Instead, they choose those with botanical oils and organic extracts like tsubaki shampoo and conditioner.
And they don’t just use any product to wash their hair. Japanese women select the appropriate shampoo for their hairstyle, whether it has extra moisturizing properties or adds volume, plus the matching conditioner.
Besides authentic Japanese shampoo and conditioner, they apply hair masks and oils to keep hair nourished and well-maintained.
Many Japanese women apply hair oils to their damp hair after cleansing. Applying hair oils after a shower is an effective method to lock in moisture and avoid frizzy hair.
You can do this too!
Apply a small drop of oil to your palm and work it from the scalp to reach the hair roots to the tips. This will give your hair extra shine without making it look greasy.
How do Japanese people achieve that silky, smooth look?
Following a proper routine is essential to achieve a silky and smooth look. But it is more than that!
Yes, selecting the correct shampoo for your hair type is incredibly important, as is following it up with hair oil and brushing frequently. However, other factors contribute to effective hair care.
Diet is also crucial to keep the hair nourished and skin healthy. Remember, what we ingest plays a part in how the outside of our bodies look.
Japanese meals often include vegetables, rice, and fish, which are excellent for our body and overall health. These foods contain vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help the body fight toxins. They also help prevent early aging, skin inflammation, and hair issues caused by toxins.
Their meals also include seaweed and kelp packed with keratin, which the body needs to maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Japan also produces more accessible superfoods than other parts of the world, like kinako, konjac, and natto. Superfoods work well to contribute to the body’s overall health.
What oil do the Japanese use on their hair?
Hair oil is an integral part of the Japanese haircare routine, so selecting the proper oil is essential.
The most common oil used is camellia oil.
It is so popular that it’s often incorporated into shampoos and conditioners – you only need to use the oil form if you want your hair to shine.
Women apply a drop of oil to damp, brushed hair to lock in moisture. This keeps hair hydrated to reduce the risk of damage or breaking.
Besides that, camellia oil also prevents split ends and can help repair damaged hair.
If you live in the United States, you can buy Japanese beauty and hair care products online that contain camellia oil and other natural ingredients.
Embrace Japanese Secrets for Revitalizing My Hair into Radiant Locks
I stayed in Japan for a long time. I tried their secret hair care routine to verify its effectiveness. Based on that experience, I recommend incorporating Japanese hair care routine elements into your regimen. This can make your locks healthier and more vibrant.
- Start with a sulfate-free shampoo to maintain your hair’s natural oils, and follow up with a nourishing conditioner. Add a weekly deep conditioning treatment or hair mask and oil to keep your strands hydrated and prevent breakage.
- Consider using a green tea-infused shampoo or incorporating a green tea rinse into your regimen.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help nourish and strengthen your hair, promoting a healthy scalp. Additionally, the caffeine in green tea may stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. - Make sure to brush your hair a few times daily to make it smooth and shiny.
- Embrace the Japanese practice of air-drying your hair whenever possible to minimize heat damage like I did; you won’t regret it.
- If you need to use heat styling tools, ensure you apply a heat protectant to safeguard your hair from excessive heat.
- Incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your diet, as the Japanese do, to support overall hair health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals contribute to more robust and resilient hair.
Remember that consistency is key.
You can gradually improve the health and appearance of your hair by incorporating these practices into your routine.
Adjust your approach to match your hair type and specific needs to achieve the desired results. This will help you meet the Japanese beauty standard we all aspire to.
