[Vol. 6 Hair & Scalp Care] Start today! The right shampoo and self-massage for your hair and scalp | Learn about higher-level grooming with announcer Genta Aoki
Common hair and scalp problems include greasiness and odor in the summer due to excessive sweat and sebum secretion, and itching and dandruff due to dryness in the winter. In addition, if styling products are not completely rinsed out, dirt remains in the pores and around the hair, which can lead to greasy hair and a lack of volume.
Since "the face and scalp are one continuous layer of skin," let's start taking care of your hair and scalp in conjunction with the skincare and wellness support we've learned about so far. This time, we'll focus on " hair care and scalp care ." We'll learn about daily hair and scalp care, as well as special care tailored to your specific concerns, with freelance announcer Genta Aoki!
1. Correct shampooing method and scalp massage
-- Ms. Aoki, do you have any concerns about your hair and scalp?Genta Aoki (hereinafter, Aoki) : Hair condition is something that people worry about from a young age, but the truth is, many people don't know the correct way to care for their hair. When I was 25, I interviewed a famous hair manufacturer and was shocked by the condition of my own hair... It's still okay for now, but I want to know what I can do to improve it from now on!
Easy hair and scalp care you can do at home
--Today, we welcome Mariko Otomo, a highly popular head spa specialist whose salons are always fully booked at the total beauty company uka, to give us a lecture on "Easy Hair and Scalp Care You Can Do at Home." Let's learn a lot from Ms. Otomo, who has a deep understanding of hair and scalp!
With 8 years of experience in head spas and a strong reputation for scalp treatments, she is a highly sought-after head spa specialist at uka/uka salon, a total beauty company, with a constant stream of bookings.
Aoki: I touched my scalp myself and it feels quite stiff. I'd like to soften it; are there any methods I can use to do this myself?
Mariko Otomo (hereinafter, Otomo) : Many of our head spa clients don't know whether their scalp is hard or soft, but as fatigue accumulates, changes tend to occur in the scalp, and "softening the scalp" is important for both the hair and the body.
I often hear that "blood circulation is important" for the scalp and hair.
Otomo: Hair grows by receiving nutrients from the blood, so improving blood flow is important for hair health.
I've also heard that "washing your hair too much isn't good."
Common hair and scalp concerns in Otomo include itchiness and dandruff due to dryness in winter, and greasiness and odor in summer due to increased sweat and sebum secretion. However, the amount of sebum produced varies from person to person, and whether or not shampooing is necessary also depends on one's daily routine, so it's quite difficult to judge for yourself.
Aoki: You can't see your own scalp, can you?
Since you can't see your own scalp , it's an area where you're more likely to make mistakes in skincare than with other skincare products. Please be sure to learn the correct hair and scalp care techniques.
Self-check your scalp's firmness! The correct shampooing method and massage.
- Video Review ① HowTo
- "Daily hair care"
- ① Use lukewarm water to thoroughly pre-wash your scalp with a shower for about 30 seconds. Doing this will significantly improve how well the subsequent shampoo removes dirt.
② Massage while shampooing. ③ If you are concerned about hair damage from coloring or perms, use a light treatment or conditioner. If you are not concerned about damage, shampooing alone is fine.
④ After showering, towel dry your scalp and hair to remove excess moisture. ⑤ Apply hair tonic and massage your scalp while moisturizing. ⑥ Dry your hair with a hairdryer.
- Video Review ② HowTo
- "Massage while shampooing"
- ① After lathering the shampoo well, wash thoroughly starting from the hairline where dirt tends to accumulate. ② Next, massage the temples with a comfortable amount of pressure in a zigzag motion. ③ Gently lift and soften the scalp above the ears. ④ Massage while consciously lifting the scalp from bottom to top, as if returning it to its original position. Applying a little pressure when lifting upwards will make it feel refreshed!
⑤ When you reach the top of your head, massage the temples (the bony protrusions) using the base of your hand. ⑥ Finally, massage the back of your head and the rest of your head upwards from the bottom.
--What did you think of Mr. Otomo's lecture?
Aoki, I learned a lot. I want to keep in mind the perspective that "the face and scalp are one continuous layer of skin." I now understand that it's not enough to just focus on facial care.
2. Recommended Daily Care Items
--Now that Ms. Otomo has taught us about the importance and methods of skincare, we will introduce some of our recommended items, carefully selected from the wide range of cosmetics available on the 1st floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .Shampoo / Natural
Refresh Hair & Body Shampoo 3,080 yen (200mL) View Product
The rich lather, formulated with moisturizing ingredients, thoroughly washes away sebum and dirt. It leaves hair smooth and manageable, and moisturizes the skin.
2. FIVEISM × THREE
THREE For Men Gentling Shampoo 3,850 yen (250mL) View product
This silicone-free shampoo creates a rich, bouncy lather that effectively washes away greasiness and odor from hair, leaving it feeling refreshed and healthy from the roots.
3. Davines Oi Shampoo 2,970 yen (280mL)
A creamy shampoo that cleanses hair with high-quality oil ingredients. It envelops hair in a whipped cream-like lather, gently cleansing each strand. It's Davines' No. 1 best-selling shampoo.
*Available in stores now. Also available at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store from February 16th (Wednesday).
4. SACHAJUAN
Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo 3,520 yen (250mL)
Formulated with treatment ingredients to care for damaged hair. It gives hair firmness and body from the core, creating a voluminous look where each strand of hair feels light and airy.
5 uka/Uka
uka For Men GT Shampoo 3,025 yen (200mL)
This all-in-one shampoo eliminates the need for conditioner and is suitable for men's scalps, which tend to produce more sebum than women's. Amino acids and high-quality plant-derived surfactants create a fine, light lather that effectively removes greasiness.
--ATHLETIA's Refresh Hair & Body Shampoo is a full-body shampoo that thoroughly cleanses both your scalp and body.
Aoki : This is great for lazy guys like me. I appreciate how easy it is to just take this one thing to the gym.
Shampoo/Scalp Care
This non-silicone formula is gentle on the scalp, and its ultra-fine foam effectively removes sebum and dirt. It's a revolutionary scalp care and cleansing experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and utterly hooked. It's also recommended for those with short hair who want a thorough clean.
2.572/Gonanani Medicated Scalp Shampoo [Quasi-drug] 4,180 yen (300mL)
This medicated shampoo leads to firm and supple hair, and is a scalp shampoo perfect for men's scalps that are "oily but dry." It's recommended to use it with a shampoo brush.
3. AVEDA Invati Advanced Exfoliating Shampoo Light 4,180 yen (200mL)
This daily anti-aging shampoo uses micellar technology to remove sebum and dirt from hair and scalp, leaving it feeling light and airy.
*Available from Wednesday, February 16th at stores and the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.
4. E STANDARD Shampoo Scalp 3,080 yen (250mL)
In addition to conventional scalp care aimed at cleansing the scalp, this shampoo specializes in moisturizing and anti-aging care*.
*Available in stores and on the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store from Wednesday, February 16th.
*Aging care refers to skincare appropriate for one's age.
-- Scalp care shampoo is a shampoo designed for scalp care and is suitable for people who want to thoroughly cleanse their scalp.
I was very convinced when I heard from Mr. Aoki Otomo that "gravity causes the scalp to sag." Using a brush is suitable if you're massaging in a way that lifts the scalp towards the crown.
3. Special Care Recommended Items
--For those who want to take extra care of their hair, we recommend our special care items: hair tonics to use after bathing. You can choose from a variety of types to suit your needs, including medicated types that promote hair growth, and those that offer a refreshing scent or prioritize a pleasant feel.Aoki , the items that look like they're meant for special care after shampooing are quite impressive.
Hair tonic / For those seeking stronger hair growth effects
Medicated Scalp Tonic [Quasi-drug] 5,500 yen (200mL)
A medicated scalp tonic for men that activates hair follicles and promotes the growth of new hair. It prevents hair thinning and promotes the growth of hair with firmness and body.
2.572/Gonanani Medicated New Rev Bioion b [Quasi-drug] 6,380 yen (180mL)
A hair growth tonic for promoting hair growth, nourishing hair, preventing hair loss, treating post-illness hair loss, dandruff, and itching. Recommended for use with a scalp care brush.
3. SCALP D Medicated Scalp Tonic NK14 [Quasi-drug] 3,300 yen (180mL)
It contains ingredients effective in improving blood circulation in the scalp and "soy milk fermented liquid (moisturizer)" to keep the scalp healthy.
4. Depth Medicated Scalp Essence AN (Medicated Tonic Essence) [Quasi-drug] 3,300 yen (130g)
This tonic cleanses with shampoo, moisturizes with conditioner, and then adds an essence to keep the scalp healthy. Finally, it delivers hair growth ingredients to the scalp.
Aoki: When it comes to "hair growth," it's something that requires long-term care, but because of the nature of my job, I think I put a lot of stress on my hair by using a lot of hair styling products, so it's great to be able to choose products based on "purpose and use."
Hair tonic / Choose based on scent and feel
uka For Men GT Scalp Tonic 5,500 yen (100mL) View product
Formulated with skin-conditioning ingredients, it soothes scalp itchiness and greasiness, while the cooling sensation of menthol provides a refreshing feeling. It keeps the scalp healthy and promotes supple hair.
2. ATHLETIA
Scalp Refresh Lotion 3,300 yen (100mL) View Product
This scalp lotion keeps your scalp healthy, especially if it's prone to sweating due to sunlight and heat. Simply spray and massage to refresh a sweaty, sticky scalp.
3. Depth Essence (Scalp Care Essence) 6,600 yen (80mL)
A pre-care essence that prepares the foundation for a healthy scalp. This essence is used after washing your scalp and helps the hair tonic applied afterward to enhance its effectiveness.
—This hair tonic prioritizes fragrance and feel, allowing for a more emotionally resonant choice rather than being categorized by purpose or use.
Aoki: I think many of you will agree that as you get older, you'll find yourselves more and more soothed by your favorite scents. It's different from fragrances that you apply directly to your skin, but using your favorite scent after a bath, or using hair tonic to refresh your scalp and feel a sense of warmth, is a wonderful way to end the day. I think hair is something men are most concerned about, so I want to use it correctly as a preventative measure.
Hair oil
Cigaro Hair Oil Swinging Fougere 5,500 yen (50mL) View product
This hair oil contains moisturizing ingredients such as camellia oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil. Despite its light texture, it prevents hair dryness and provides moisture.
2. Davines Oil 5,610 yen (135mL)
This hair oil provides soft volume while adding flexibility and a radiant shine. It protects hair from dryness and damage caused by heat from hair dryers and UV rays, keeping it healthy.
3. SACHAJUAN
Sasha Wang Intensive Hair Oil 5,830 yen (50mL)
This hair oil can be used on both wet and dry hair. Its light, non-greasy texture spreads easily through the hair, protecting the surface and adding moisture and shine.
—And finally, let me introduce you to "hair oil."
I didn't even know Aoki Hair Oil existed. I didn't know they had a men's version. It smells nice! I'd like to try it.
—Hair oil is used to protect hair from the heat of a hairdryer, to create a glossy look, and to improve manageability. It's essentially a "leave-in treatment."
At Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st floor cosmetics section, you'll find a wide variety of hair care products, from shampoos to styling products such as waxes and greases.
- Davines
In addition to the brands mentioned above, three new hair care brands will be added to the cosmetics section on the 1st floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building on Wednesday, February 16th, as part of its " refresh reopening ."
AVEDA
In hair salons, spas, and shops in over 45 countries worldwide, we offer a holistic approach to beauty that integrates beauty, health, and the environment. Our products and services, born from the fusion of ancient Indian wisdom and advanced plant science, are loved by professionals around the world. We use carefully selected ingredients and believe that the rich essence of nature is what effectively approaches hair, scalp, skin, and body.
E STANDARD
This brand quickly gained popularity through word-of-mouth as a self-care product for hairdressers, remaining unaffected by trends. It's a product that embodies the pursuit of "gentleness," aiming to be "good" for hair, skin, and the natural environment—everything you need going forward. A MADE IN JAPAN hair care series that prioritizes meticulous material selection, attention to detail, and a sincere approach to craftsmanship.
uka/Uka
uka refers to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. The name embodies the wish that both women and men, as adults, will shine more beautifully and spread beauty throughout the world, just as butterflies help pollinate flowers. uka's vision is to be the shop with the most happiness in the world. It's wonderful to feel beautiful, and it's wonderful to receive compliments. Hair, nails, skin, body, mind, family, friends, the planet... We want to increase the things that make you, me, and the planet more beautiful and happy. This is the sentiment behind uka's total beauty.
The theme for the final episode in March is "Lifestyle".
Next time will be the final episode. We'll be introducing wonderful items from the new brands in the cosmetics section on the 1st floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , which will be reopening on Wednesday, February 16th, with the theme of "a higher-class lifestyle." Stay tuned!
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■Click here for the Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store's "Cosmetics & Fragrances" special feature page.
■ Click here for the official Men's Cosmetics Instagram account
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Photograph: Tatsuya Ozawa
Text: ISETAN MEN'S net
*All prices include tax.
*The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.
For inquiries, please contact: Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor, Cosmetics Department, Tel: 03-3352-1111 (Main number)
For inquiries via email, please click here.
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