Japanese women are globally renowned for their shiny black hair, true symbols of beauty, just like their fresh and flawless skin. While genetics play a role, it’s not the only secret behind the radiance of their hair. In reality, Japanese women have a sophisticated hair care ritual that combines ancestral know-how with technological innovations. Here are their tips for achieving hair as radiant and shiny as theirs.
1. Reduce Friction
To preserve the natural shine of your hair, it is essential to protect the hair cuticles from friction, which damages and dulls their luster. Here's how:
- Gentle Detangling: Avoid synthetic bristle brushes and plastic or metal combs that cause micro-frictions. Use a chrome comb or a special brush, and always start from the ends before moving up to the roots.
- Gentle Shampoo: During washing, limit friction. Use a shampoo brush to gently massage the scalp and rinse your hair with a showerhead that generates a micro-mist, allowing deep cleaning without damaging the hair fiber.
- Gentle Drying: When your hair is wet, it is particularly fragile. Gently wring it out with a soft towel or even a silk scarf to avoid breaking the cuticles. Never brush wet hair without caution.
- Protected Styling: Always use a heat protectant spray before exposing your hair to the heat of a blow dryer or straightener. Uncontrolled heat can damage the hair.
- Nighttime Precautions: Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction during the night, preventing breakage and frizz that cotton pillowcases can cause.
Must-Have
- Love Chrome Comb : This revolutionary comb reduces static friction and minimizes hair damage from combing by up to 70%. It improves hair strength and shine in the long term.
- KOBAKO Brush : Equipped with Pin™ bristles, this brush reduces friction and gently massages the scalp to stimulate circulation.
- Kenzan Brush : Ideal for an acupressure massage of the scalp during shampooing, this silicone brush stimulates the roots and deeply cleanses.
- Oxygen Spa Micro-mist Shower : This showerhead produces micro-bubbles that effectively clean the hair fiber gently, preserving its natural shine.
2. Daily sulfate-free care with an amino acid cocktail
Damaged hair can be regenerated through regular care with shampoos rich in amino acids. These essential components of hair fibers help strengthen the hair while making it shinier. Unlike shampoos containing harsh sulfates, amino acid-based formulas gently cleanse while repairing damaged hair.
At uka, the Wake Up range is suitable for hair seeking volume, while the Nighty Night range is specially formulated for very dry or damaged hair. These sulfate-free shampoos envelop the hair in a rich, nourishing foam, ideal for quick and effective care.
Must-Have
- Wake Up! Shampoo Volume uka : For all hair types seeking volume.
- Nighty Night Shampoo Lissant uka : Perfect for dry and damaged hair.
One of the key ingredients in uka treatments is y-docosalactone, which repairs and protects hair fibers when exposed to heat. This allows hair to become even shinier after blow-drying.
- Wake Up! Treatment Volume uka : For all hair types seeking volume.
- Nighty Night Treatment Lissant uka : Perfect for dry and damaged hair.
3. Weekly Keratin Shot
Japanese women understand the importance of keratin treatments to deeply repair and strengthen their hair. They often apply treatments rich in keratin, a protein naturally present in hair fibers, to restore the shine and structure of damaged hair.
The salon treatment Tokio Inkarami is particularly renowned for its exceptional results. Thanks to patented technology using fullerenes (antioxidants) and several types of keratin, this treatment restores damaged hair, increasing its shine and strength. It is a treatment to be done every 6 to 8 weeks.
For an at-home alternative, the brand also offers a home care range with the Shampoo Platinum and Traitement Platinum duo, to be used once a week for professional results at home.
Must-Have
- Shampoo Platinum Tokio Inkarami : Enriched with hydrolyzed keratin and fullerenes, this shampoo restores damaged hair, giving it shine and lasting protection.
- Traitement Platinum Tokio Inkarami : Used in combination with the shampoo, directly over the foam, this treatment optimizes the penetration of repairing agents for intense hydration and unparalleled shine.
4. Oil as a Shield
The final step of the Japanese hair care ritual involves applying a fine oil to seal in moisture and protect the hair from external aggressions. In addition to providing nutrients, the oil creates a protective barrier against moisture evaporation, while adding extra shine to the hair.
Japanese women often opt for lightweight oils, such as camellia oil, which nourishes without weighing the hair down. For added convenience, brands like uka have developed fine oils that penetrate quickly and offer lasting benefits without a greasy effect.
Must-Have
- Hair Oil Windy Lady uka : Ideal for fighting static electricity, this oil hydrates and adds shine.
- Hair Oil Rainy Walk uka : Perfect for protecting hair from frizz caused by humidity.
- Conditioning hair milk : This revitalizing milk can be applied to dry or damp hair to make it soft, silky, and shiny, thanks to a formula enriched with plant extracts and meadowfoam seed oil.
With these tips and products, you can transform your hair into a shiny and silky mane, just like Japanese women. A precise care routine, high-quality products, and regular care are the keys to sublime and radiant hair.
