When people picture a Japanese person, the first thing that may come to mind is their clear skin and shiny, well maintained hair.
Many Japanese people have dark hair that always seems to look sleek, shiny and always put together.
Women of any age are never seen without a hair out of place, even in the coldest winter or most humid summer.
We’ve researched Japanese hair care trends to figure out just how to replicate their success.
If you’re wondering how they manage to do that on a daily basis, and how you can too, look no further.
How do Japanese people maintain their hair?
One of the most basic steps when it comes to hair care is also one of the most important: brushing.
Everyone knows that it’s important to brush your hair at least once a day, 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 frequently than that, and many use a special wooden brush to do so.
Japanese women will brush multiple times per day, in the morning, midday and before bed, and that has many benefits for the head and scalp.
Hair remains straight, and brushing frequently also distributes the oils that our heads naturally produce. This keeps the oil from making its appearance on the top of the head and it also makes sure the rest of the hair becomes moisturized.
They also use tsuge combs or brushes, made from boxwood. This hard and dense wood is often handmade and works well to distribute oils throughout the head.
What hair routines do Japanese people use?
In addition to brushing hair frequently, Japanese people will use shampoos (read our article on all you need to know about Tsubaki shampoos), conditioner, and also hair oils to keep hair healthy and well-maintained.
Japanese women will select the appropriate shampoo for their hair style, whether it be one that has extra moisturizing properties or one that adds volume.
They will also select the matching conditioner.
Both the shampoo and conditioner should not use sulfates or other surfactants, the harsh chemicals that make the product lather. This strips the hair of necessary shine-inducing oils.
Following hair cleansing, many Japanese women will apply hair oils to their damp hair. Applying hair oils after the shower is a great way to lock in moisture.
Simply apply a small drop of oil to your palm and work it in from your scalp downwards.
This will give your hair extra shine without making it look greasy.
How do Japanese people achieve that silky smooth look?
In order to achieve the silky and smooth look, it’s important to follow a proper routine.
And that doesn’t just mean hair routine.
Yes, it is incredibly important to select the correct shampoo for your hair type, follow it up with a hair oil, and brush frequently, but those are the only important factors.
Diet is also important when it comes to hair appearance. It plays a large role in keeping our hair and skin healthy. As you know, what we put into our bodies plays a part in how the outside of our bodies look.
Many Japanese meals include vegetables, rice, and fish, all of which are great for the body and our overall health. These foods are rich in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, aspects that help the body fight toxins and the subsequent premature aging and inflammatory skin conditions that they cause.
Other nutrient-packed foods like seaweed and kelp can often be found in their foods, and those are full of the keratin the body needs to keep healthy skin, nails, and hair.
Japan also produces some superfoods that are more accessible there than in other parts of the world, such as kinako, konjac, and natto. Superfoods work well to contribute to the body’s overall health.
What hair oil do Japanese people use?
Hair oil is an important part of the Japanese haircare routine, so it’s important to select the proper oil.
The most common oil used is camellia oil.
It is so popular that it’s often incorporated into shampoos and conditioners – it only needs to be used in oil form if you really want your hair to shine.
Women will apply a drop of oil to damp, already brushed hair to really lock in that moisture. This keeps hair very hydrated, enough that there is less of a risk for damage or breaking.
Camellia oil also works to prevent split ends and repair hair.
So if you’re looking to have the polished shine that so many Japanese women are able to pull off, make sure to brush your hair frequently, select the correct shampoo and conditioner combo that doesn’t contain sulfates, use hair oil, and be sure to eat a nutrient-rich diet.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have hair in no time.
