Eight hairdressing apprentices from Rainbow Room International recently travelled to Japan to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese hairdressing – renowned globally for its precision cutting, salon etiquette, and deep-rooted respect for craft. This trip gave the apprentices a unique look into Japanese hairdressing techniques, from disciplined training to shiatsu massage rituals. Here, they share the five key learnings they brought home from this transformative experience.
1. Japanese Salon Customer Service: A Relaxing Client Experience from Start to Finish
One of the most immediate differences the apprentices noticed in Japan was how salon customer service is elevated into a ritual. From the moment the client walks through the doors, every detail is designed to make the client feel honoured. “When clients arrive at the salon, the stylist bows to welcome them,” said Arrah from Rainbow Room International Crow Road Salon. “Everything feels very calm and respectful.” Meanwhile, Ava from the Ayr salon was struck by the serene, almost meditative energy of the space. “It was so chilled and quiet. You felt relaxed as soon as you stepped in.” Likewise, Mairi, from the Great Western Road salon, noticed how starkly the Japanese approach contrasted with the UK. “Back home, salons are busy, noisy, full of chat. But in Japan, everything is quiet, chilled and calm."
To fully embrace the experience, Molly from the Howard Street salon became a client herself by booking in for a blow-dry. “You take your shoes off at the door, and they give you slippers,” she explained. “It’s a small thing, but it felt thoughtful, like they genuinely wanted you to be comfortable.” Kaysie from the Royal Exchange Square salon highlighted how attentiveness was woven into every interaction. “There was such care in everything they did, they were so focused on the client and their needs.”
Lucy from the George Square salon was struck by the one-to-one nature of the appointments. “They often see just one client for the whole day,” she said. “That means more time, more attention, and a real sense of care.” Caroline from the Bearsden salon added that this elevated approach comes with a premium price tag, but it’s clear that the client is paying for more than just a haircut, they’re investing in the full experience as well as the expertise.
2. Japanese Precision Haircutting: Less Product, More Technique
The apprentices soon realised that Japanese hairdressing emphasises technique rather than products or heat tools. From the way stylists hold their scissors to how they use a single pin to set a shape, every movement is intentional, and every detail is carefully considered.
“They use way less product than we do,” said Arrah. “It’s all about working with the hair, not layering stuff on top of it.” This minimalist approach was particularly striking during a dedicated hair-up day, where the group observed traditional techniques for creating elegant, structured shapes. “We watched them create a perfect French roll,” said Ava. “There was no heat, barely any product, just backcombing and a single pin to hold it in place. It was so precise and so effortless.” That same sense of control and precision carried through to the cutting techniques. Emma from the salon group’s Uddingston Salon noticed during a demonstration on layering: “It wasn’t just about the sectioning; the way they held their scissors changed how the cut fell and moved."
For the apprentices, it highlighted that great results often don’t come from more products or the latest tools but from disciplined technique and a deep understanding of the craft. In Japan, less really does mean more.
3. Hairdressing Apprenticeships in Japan: Long-Term Training and Mastery
In Japan, hairdressing isn’t just seen as a job, but rather as a respected craft, and the training reflects that. For the Rainbow Room International apprentices, this deep dive into Japanese training culture was both eye-opening and inspiring. “It takes five years to become fully qualified,” said Mairi. “The first two years are just theory; you don’t even touch the hair. You’re learning the science, the foundations, health and safety, everything before you ever hold a pair of scissors.”
That structure stands in contrast to the more hands-on, fast-paced apprenticeship model in the UK. While both systems have value, the Japanese approach places a huge emphasis on mastering knowledge before technique, which in turn reinforces discipline and confidence. “You can tell how respected hairdressing is,” said Arrah. “It’s seen as a skilled, technical career – and that shows in the way people are trained and the pride they take in their work.”
In a world that often celebrates speed and multitasking, Japan offers a powerful reminder: true excellence takes time. And training isn’t just about ticking boxes it’s about building a foundation that lasts.
4. Shiatsu Massage in Japanese Salons: Tradition Meets Relaxation
The Shiatsu head massage has been part of Japanese culture for centuries; it is an ancient technique that blends relaxation with therapeutic benefits. While Rainbow Room International was an early adopter of the practice in the UK, nothing quite compares to experiencing the real thing at the source.
In Japan, the Shiatsu massage isn’t rushed or simply just included as part of a hair wash. It’s a central part of the salon service, carried out in dimly lit rooms where clients recline fully, allowing body and mind to relax. “It felt modern and updated,” said Arrah, “but rooted in something traditional. It’s so much more than a massage – it’s an experience.” The apprentices noticed that finger pressure and rhythm were tailored to stimulate specific pressure points. It wasn’t just soothing, it also helped rebalance the scalp, regulate sebum production and promote healthy shine. “There was so much knowledge and reason behind it,” said Ava.
You can find out more about Japanese head spas here.
5. Creative Japanese Hairstyles: Bold, Experimental and Full of Inspiration
The apprentices were inspired by the creativity, boldness, and self-expression they saw in Japanese hair and culture, from colour and cut to fashion and music. From bold fringes and vibrant colours to experimental styling, Japanese hairdressing embraces individuality with confidence. “People weren’t afraid to go for it,” said Emma, reflecting on how creative and experimental the looks were, often using bold palettes and strong shapes, with no hesitation in making a statement.
Ava noted how Japanese hair, often thicker and coarser in texture, lends itself well to strong styles, while Mairi was struck by how the movement was created through clever, subtle techniques, especially on naturally straight hair. “It opened my eyes to what you can do when you think differently,” she said.
In a culture where hair is not just styled, but used to express identity, individuality and artistry, the apprentices are left with a renewed sense of creative confidence full of inspiration to take back to the salon.
