LOWONIDA is a private, one-on-one hair salon.
From consultation to the final finish, everything is handled by me alone.
What I value is simple:
an environment where I can deliver my best possible work,
and a space where the person in front of me can feel comfortable and relaxed.
Nothing more, nothing less.
There are several reasons why I chose this style of salon.
Where I Started
My career began in a large salon with 13 styling chairs and a busy colour space.
It was a place that believed “liveliness equals a good salon.”
Loud voices filled the room every day.
“Client seated at number five.”
“Thank you.”
Even after becoming a stylist, it was normal to respond loudly while cutting another client’s hair.
I don’t deny that this style works for many salons.
But honestly, it never suited me.
Even in my private life, I prefer calm restaurants and quiet spaces.
Crowded, noisy environments make me feel uncomfortable.
That salon atmosphere felt suffocating at times.
Another issue was the structure itself.
Assistants handled most treatments, including colour, while the stylist only checked in briefly at the beginning and end.
Even clients who chose me specifically were spending very little time with me.
Over time, I began to question this.
At the same time, I was constantly busy—
working on my own clients, assisting senior stylists, answering phones when everyone was occupied.
Every day was about speed and volume.
Back then, I believed that being busy meant being a popular stylist.
I was proud of that.
How London Changed My Values
That mindset changed completely when I moved to London.
The working style there was very different.
Rather than running the salon smoothly as a team, each stylist worked as an individual “artist,” fully responsible for their own work.
The base salary was low, and without results, life was difficult.
Still, that way of working suited me far better.
In London, tasks outside your work were minimal.
I wasn’t asked to answer phones or help with other stylists’ clients.
My focus was solely on my guests, and on models for shoots and shows.
That experience made something clear to me.
If I were to open a salon in Japan, I wanted an environment where I could fully concentrate on my craft.
Designing LOWONIDA
LOWONIDA was built by carefully selecting what truly matters to me,
while still respecting the strengths of Japanese hospitality.
Phone Calls
At LOWONIDA, phone calls are not answered during treatments.
Many people have experienced their appointment being interrupted while the stylist answers the phone.
I believe the time and focus taken away from the guest in front of me is a greater loss.
There is a salon phone, and I always return calls once I am free.
Guests can also contact me via Instagram or LINE.
It may be slightly inconvenient for future guests,
but when they visit, they receive the same undivided attention.
Drink Service
Some salons offer elaborate drink services—seasonal drinks, desserts, café-level menus.
I respect that approach.
However, I prefer to use that time and energy to improve the quality of the hairstyle itself.
At LOWONIDA, drinks are simple and quick to serve.
During colour processing time, I review consultation details and previous records, focusing on the result.
For hygiene and efficiency, drinks are provided in sealed bottles or disposable containers.
This avoids contamination and reduces unnecessary tasks, allowing me to concentrate on hair.
If a treatment requires a long processing time, guests are welcome to bring food or use delivery services.
This freedom is something I adopted from my London experience.
Styling Station Design
Most salons place a table between the mirror and the guest.
At LOWONIDA, there is nothing there.
Even slight changes in posture or eye line can affect balance and precision during a cut.
Sometimes, I need to stand directly in front of the guest.
By removing unnecessary objects, I can work with greater accuracy and freedom.
A side table and tablet are provided only during colour services.
Japanese Quality, Thoughtfully Used
When it comes to equipment, Japan is world-class.
The shampoo unit at LOWONIDA is a full-flat, heated model—the highest grade available.
Many guests comment on how relaxing it is.
Friends visiting from London are often surprised by this level of comfort.
In Closing
If you are already a guest, some of these choices may sound familiar.
Everything in LOWONIDA is designed with intention.
This salon may not suit those who prefer immediate phone access or café-style services.
LOWONIDA prioritises one thing above all else:
the quality of the finished hairstyle.
I chose this environment because it allows me to be honest with my skills and sensibilities.
That choice is what defines LOWONIDA today.
