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Meet Miki, hair guru from Japan

August 28, 2001

At the launch of Loreal’s latest product, Maji Lift, last week, we met up with renowned hair stylist, Mikikazu Watanabe and bring you an exclusive interview with the hair guru. Also, find what local stylists have to say about the hair colours for the Winter 2001 season.

By Peng Wan Joo

(Click on pictures for larger image)

>> What local stylist says about hair colours for Winter 2001 Season.
>> View some of the latest styles and colours from the Loreal Hair Show

Miki (as Mr Watanabe is affectionately known), a hair guru with a special affection for hair colours has, interestingly, a clean-shaven crowning glory.

Explaining the reason for his shaved head, the training director one of Japan’s most prestigious chains of hair salons, TAYA, says, “Even though my work is closely related to fashion, I do not like to be bothered with fashion.”

Any hair colour is suitable for Asian skin

Asked if any particular colour is more suitable for the Asian skin tone, the hair guru who has had 17 years worth of experience in the industry says, “Any colour is suitable for Asian skin.”

He adds, “It actually depends look and the character of the person and not the colour of your skin or the colour of your eyes.”

Going on to illustrate his point, Miki says that while a shocking head of red hair or green hair may brighten up any face, these colours are probably best left for the more funky and not the reserved lest they feel uneasy with colour.

Pointers to note when colouring hair

The first and most important step is the choice of colours, it seems.

While Miki holds the view that Asian skin can take all colours, he advises people to choose hair colours based on their image and character.

”If I were to use red and green on a normal girl, no doubt she would look very outstanding. But she would actually be too outstanding as it would not be suitable for her image. But if I were to put these colours on someone more funky, it would look good.”

Another important point to note when it comes to hair colouring, he emphasizes, is getting the right salon.

“Only the good salons will use the good quality hair dyes that will not dry out or damage your hair. Some salons may offer cheaper rates but the products they use could be very damaging to your hair,” he warns.

The latest hair trends

When asked about the latest colouring and hair trends, Miki cites that his current favourites are lighter shades of brown like warm copper coupled with some transparent tones.

Currently, he reveals, the trend is a colouring process called the double process where the black hair is bleached completely before a new color is added to give a very rich colour and additional tones are then added to highlight the hair.

“Singaporean hair colours are too dark and not obvious enough, “ he notes. Perhaps, this is why he took the trouble to come all the way to Singapore to promote Maji Lift, a range of elegant and bright colours (such as autumn hues) from Loreal.

We speak to well-known local stylist, Addy Lee from Monsoon (link to Part 2) and find out if brighter colours are the “style” for the next season in Singapore.

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