Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2013
Japanese people tend not to have naturally curly hair—so most salons here aren’t experienced in dealing with it. Frizzy folk resident here should seek out the dynamic, all-female staff of Nepenji in Ebisu, Tokyo’s premium curly hair specialist salon.
A former stylist at Lorraine Massey’s famous Deva Salon in the Big Apple, Nepenji’s Kiyoko is an experienced professional. She’ll happily show you Massey’s book of advice for lock-bearing ladies and explain its contents to you. She’ll also advise on how to make your hair behave and which products to use. One key point is to use only sulfate-free products. See the ingredient lists on bottles to avoid sodium laurel sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate or sodium laureate sulfate. Kiyoko will also let you know how to treat your hair on a day-to-day basis to keep it at its best.
A hair consultation and treatment is free with your first cut—all for just ¥8,400. You can also add a hair treatment for just ¥2,100. As a Metropolis special, Metropolis readers visiting the salon will receive an annual 10%-off membership card for your hair cut, color and more.
How has your experience working in NYC contributed your success here in Tokyo? What separates Nepenji from other Japanese hair salons?
Working in New York City—with people form all over the world—there were so many different types of hair and color, each with their own demands. Many varieties I had never experienced in Japan. It was difficult for me to cut customers with curly hair until I started working at Devachan Salon. But after working there for six years, I learned so many techniques and methods that I’m now a confident curly hair specialist. I like being an advisor for those who have trouble with their ringed locks here in Tokyo. It makes me happy to help clients look and feel great using my knowledge and secret tricks. Nepenji is different from other salons in that our shop is a gathering of specialists—in every aspect of hairstyling: curls, colors, cuts and care. We want our customers to be 100% satisfied.
You’re experts in working with curly hair. Do you specialize in other Western hair traits (thin, naturally red etc.)?
Yes. We not only understand curly hair, but also different hair colors. Black, brunette, red and blonde hair types all have different pigments. When styling and cutting hair, pigment differences don’t really matter. For coloring, though, it is really important to understand the hair pigment when preparing the color.
Can the Japanese climate (humidity, rainy season, etc.) affect hair with curls? Do you have any recommended tips for those with wavy hair in Japan?
The weather in Japan is very humid and since curly hair tends to be dry, humidity is the enemy! Your thirsty hair will try to soak up as much water as it can from the air. My advice would be to use a non-silicone conditioner (a little more than usual) and let a little of it stay in your hair. Also, if you think your hair is really dry, try reducing the number of shampoos to just twice a week—and always use shampoo that is alcohol- and silicone-free.
Can Nepenji style my straight hair in beautiful ringlets?
If you would like to turn your straight hair into curly tresses, I would recommend a perm. We use a special technique learned at Devachan Salon to set your hair into natural looking curly waves. Of course it all depends on your hair type, so we would go through a counseling session to help you choose what’s best for you.
What hair products do you recommend for curly hair? Do you stock special items?
The products we use at Nepenji are all direct from Devachan, such as DevaCurl Low-Poo, DevaCare One Condition, DevaCurl gels, DevaCurl Set It Free (a 24-hour moisture lock and anti-frizz spray) and more. All of the products we use are non-silicon, non-alcohol and water-based.
What’s your philosophy or motto as a top hair stylist?
The philosophy at Nepenji is to use everything I learned at Devachan in New York City to make customers in Tokyo as happy as possible. I want to help those people that might have hated their wild, curly hair as a child so that they can love who they are. It’s a characteristic you were born with, so embrace it. Be you—be unique!
Nepenji
2-6-14 Ebisu-Minami, Shibuya-ku
Open: Wed-Sun 11am-9pm
Nearest stn: Ebisu
Tel: 03-3793-2357 (Kiyoko)
Email: info@nepenji.net
URL: http://meturl.com/nepenji
