From Tokyo To Los Angeles- Meet Chiyuki.

If you were to run into her on Colorado Bvld., she would give you a gentle smile and a delicate “Hello.” but behind the chair, she is creating some of the most badass work in the industry.

 

Our new girl on the block, meet Chiyuki.

 

Chiyuki was born and raised in Japan & graduated from Tamagawa University in Tokyo  for International Economy. Like most hairdressers, she questioned her career choice. “I was always thinking about becoming a hairstylist, but I always had the doubt in the back of my mind. ‘No, No, No. You can’t do this.’” After Chiyuki graduated University, she came to her fork in the road; Do I stick with what I studied in University or do I follow my heart and do hair? “I always thought ‘Is it too late?’ because the majority of hairdressers go straight to hair school right out of high school.” Chiyuki sat down with her parents to tell them her dilemma, and they encouraged her to do what made her happy. She told herself ‘it’s never too late’. A weight was lifted off her shoulders; from that moment on, it was all about hair.

Chiyuki started at her cosmetology school while assisting a small hair salon located in Yokohama, Japan. At this salon, she became an expert in extensions, braids, & dreadlocks. After  3 years, Chiyuki decided to move to a bigger salon, right in Tokyo, where she was educated on Sassoon-style cutting. She worked there for 7 years but always felt like her heart was in Los Angeles. “I always loved the culture of the United States, I used to visit Los Angeles to see my mom’s best friend. I always loved the style of the city.”
With nothing holding her back from her passion in hair, Chiyuki decided to move to United States.

I had to ask her why. Why leave all that you know; your family, your friends, the life that you’ve built in Japan to come to a foreign place like Los Angeles? With both cities being staples of the world, why leave one to go to another? Her answer was simply- Creative Freedom.

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She told me that in Japan, the clients like to stick to a status quo. “So for example, if I recommended a hairstyle that was out of the status quo, the client would second guess it; ‘Is this too much for me?’ I would always try to stress to them, “Be unique!” but in Japan, some of the hair that I like to create is out of most clients comfort zones.” In the United States, we love to be unique with our hair. Adding our personality to our tresses is something we have loved for years. (remember the iconic feather extensions?) In Japan, hair is extremely detailed and precise. “There are so many extremely talented hairstylists in Japan & I learned so much, but wanted to give more unique hair. I can be more creative here.” Chiyuki told me with a huge smile. “When I visited LA, I saw so many people that were unique. They knew what they liked.”

 

“Its not only about hair. When I’m doing my clients hair, that is the closest I can get to them. I am kind of shy, but when I’m doing hair, I can touch them, and I feel like I’m becoming close to them. A mutual trust. When I’m finished and they look happy, that is the most amazing feeling to me.” -Chiyuki Furuta

 

 

Sometimes your passion can take you places you’d never think you’d end up- like half way across the world for Chiyuki. We are more than excited to have her on our team.

 

@Salon_Sessions | #SalonSessions

Taste of Soul 2015: Salon Sessions Team Takes Over!

Salon Sessions is all about supporting local communities and the 2015 Taste of Soul event was no exception. This year, our salon was honored to be a sponsor of this event and we had a blast! Our Creative Director, Neeko Abriol, and a few of our talented team members were a part of the introductory, Taste of Beauty Pavilion.

Neeko and James at the Taste of Soul Entrance. Photo by Neeko Abriol.

Hairstyling Tip: Benefits of a Haircut

Light, airy, and fresh: nothing beats that feeling after your hair has been cut by your hairstylist. Aside from using hair products, achieving your new hairstyle can be as simple as getting haircuts regularly. While men tend to freshen up their locks more frequently, women tend to hold off on getting haircuts. For healthy hair, it is recommended to get a haircut every 4-6 weeks. A regular haircut can benefit your hair, check out these top three reasons why:

1. Hairstyle Maintenance: If you have a short hairstyle, like a pixie or men’s haircut, maintaining that hair with regular trims is sure to freshen up your hairstyle.

2. Say Bye-Bye to Split Ends: Both medium and long hair lengths can benefit from a regular trim which in turn takes away split ends caused by heat styling. Remember, split ends don’t just stop at your hair’s ends–some split ends continue all the way to the scalp. Regular haircuts also maintain your hair’s health.

3. Avoid Losing Inches from your Hair: Do you wait more than a year to have your hair cut? While the length in your hair may grow, your hair may not be completely healthy. When you decide to cut your hair, you may end up having to cut a few inches off to make it look healthy, opposed to the small amount you get trimmed off during regular haircuts.

This client benefited from a haircut done by Jonathan Serna. Photo by Jonathan Serna.

In the Pasadena area and feel the need to get a haircut? Book your next hair appointment with our talented team at Salon Sessions and get that hair ready for the summer season!

Hair Trend: This Summer’s Must-Have Haircuts

Spring just got here and while we are just starting to enjoy the season, we are already dreaming about summer hair at Salon Sessions! That means it’s time to start thinking about that summer hair color and haircut! Before you consider switching up that hairdo, check out our favorite haircuts for the summer 2015 season:

1. Long Blunt Haircut
Got long layered hair? Get rid of those layers and keep your hair one length. Long, blunt haircuts are predicted to be popular this season. Recently, celebrities like Allison Williams and Ciara have been spotted sporting their long locks with no layers and they look fabulous!

Allison Williams. Photo courtesy of Google.

Ciara. Photo courtesy of Google.

2. Asymmetrical Long Bob
The Long Bob, a.k.a Lob, has been trending and opposed to the typical shoulder length style you may see, the asymmetrical long bob is predicted to be popular this summer. Celebrities like Kristen Bell have been spotted with this type of cut. This haircut includes angled ends is sure to add some edge to your hair!

Kristen Bell. Photo courtesy of Google.

Our Favorite Hair Products: Meet R+Co’s Newest Additions

The three newest R+Co additions. Photo by Antoinette Rodriguez.

Hair products are a dime a dozen. How many times have you purchased a hair product and it did the exact opposite of what it advertised? We are all guilty of this. Don’t waste your time or money on a hair product that doesn’t work, instead try one of our favorite hair product lines: R+ Co.

In the past, we introduced you to our favorite R+Co products and just when we thought this line couldn’t get any better, it did! The brand introduced us to three new additions in March when we received test samples, and boy were we anxious to get it on our shelves! And rest assured that the three newest additions have the awesome and unique packaging designs that go with the rest of the line. Meet R+Co’s three newest product additions:

Stylist Spotlight: Jonathan Serna

Jonathan Serna. Photo by Ethan ValVerde.

Jonathan joined the Salon Sessions team in March 2014 and we couldn’t be any happier to have such a talented and hardworking hairstylist at our salon. Jonathan graduated from the Citrus College Cosmetology program in 2014 and has since been on the rise with his career. While at Salon Sessions, Jonathan has had the privilege of assisting some our team’s best, including Sessions’ owner, Victor ValVerde, Anabelle Ruiz and Karissa Guerra. When he’s not creating gorgeous balayage and ombre looks on his clients, you can spot Jonathan’s hair designs on local brides, or on the models of Beverly Hills’ Sanctum Club. Jonathan hopes to advance his career in the editorial world and enjoys establishing his client base here at Sessions.

Jonathan working an editorial shoot for Sanctum Club in Beverly Hills.

Hair Trends: Valentine’s Day Hairstyles

Happy Valentine’s Day from Salon Sessions! Photo from Google.

Valentine’s Day is almost here and love is in the hair! Whether you’re spending it with your sweetheart or just hanging out with friends, you want to look your best wherever you go. Make a statement when you pair that new dress with a great looking hair-do. Don’t know what to do with your hair? Check out our Top 4 Valentine’s Day hairstyle recommendations:

Hairstyling Tip: Why You Need Dry Shampoo in Your Life

Who says “second day” hair has to be a drag? Add some dry shampoo! Photo Credit: Pinterest.

Let’s face it: we’re all guilty of skipping out on washing our hair. Whether it’s because your hair is processed and you want to keep it healthy or maybe you’re feeling a little lazy, don’t be afraid to admit it! So what’s a girl (or guy) to do when they decide to miss out on shampooing their hair? Use a dry shampoo, of course!

Dry shampoo is a water-less spray or powder product alternative for ALL hair types on those days you don’t want to wash your hair.  It is perfect when it comes to absorbing that excess oil your hair may build up when it hasn’t been washed and it also removes any odor you hair may have. When applied to unwashed hair, dry shampoo can give the hair a matte texture, so it’s best to apply on the roots and ends of your hair. So how many days in a row can you use dry shampoo? It’s best to wash your hair after you’ve used the dry shampoo three days in a row, which is technically four days after you’ve washed your hair. It all depends on how long you feel about not washing your hair. Check out our top three picks for dry shampoo:

Stylist Spotlight: Salon Sessions’ Owner Victor ValVerde Gives Back

Salon Sessions’ owner, Victor ValVerde.

As a senior hairstylist for nearly two decades, Salon Sessions owner Victor ValVerde has been creating some of Hollywood’s hottest looks for A-listers. Victor’s passion for hair began at the age of 15 and has not stopped since. At only 24 years old, he opened his first hair salon where he set a new standard of service and continued to thrive in his profession. With so many experiences in the hair industry behind him, it’s no wonder why he has become such an inspiration in the hair community.

Our Favorite Hair Products: Oribe

The Oribe logo. Photo from Pinterest.

Hair products are a dime a dozen. How many times have you purchased a hair product and it did the exact opposite of what it advertised? We are all guilty of this. Don’t waste your time or money on a hair product that doesn’t work, instead try one of our favorite hair product lines: Oribe.

If you are into fashion, then you must certainly know about Oribe. Oribe (pronounced OR-bay) has graced the hair and fashion industries for the past three decades. His work has been featured on the covers of countless magazines, such as Vogue, actresses, like Scarlett Johansson, models, like Cindy Crawford and brands, like Dolce & Gabbana. His list can go on and on, and it’s nowhere near being done! It’s no wonder he would eventually create his own hair product line and we L O V E it!

At Salon Sessions, we believe in using hair products that actually work and Oribe hair products, without a doubt, fit into this category. Here are our top 3 favorite products: