Japanese Straightening + X Treatment for a US Client in Tokyo (Before & After)

The story: a visitor from the USA who wanted better

This client came to me while visiting Japan from the USA. Last December she’d had Japanese straightening at another salon in Ginza — but this time she came to me looking for an even better experience. Her hair was thick and dry, and she wanted it smooth, healthy and easy to manage.

What I did

Cut. A customized cut to keep a beautiful silhouette with natural movement — shaping thick hair so it falls well rather than sitting heavy.

Japanese (acid) straightening. I used acidic straightening for a natural, sleek, frizz-free finish. Because it works at a gentle, near-neutral pH, it’s much kinder to the hair than traditional straightening.

X Treatment. A 4-step treatment with keratin, collagen, lipid and chitosan — for deep repair, moisture and long-lasting shine. This is what takes the result from “just straight” to soft, healthy and glossy.

Before & after — thick, dry hair to smooth and sleek

The result

Her thick, dry hair is now beautifully straight, soft and supple, with real shine. Smooth, soft and healthy — the kind of finish that’s easy to live with, even away from the salon.

Natural, sleek and full of shine

The X Treatment is built around keratin and collagen, the proteins healthy hair is made of — if you want to understand that side of it, see my honest guide to keratin treatments. And if humidity is your enemy, here’s how to fix frizzy hair in Japan’s humidity.

By Kenji — English-speaking stylist for international hair, Ginza & Yokohama. 23 years of straightening, cutting & hair repair.