Series: Michiko Fujiwara, October 2012 | Become a "Woman of Sheen" with Treatments and Coconut!!
BEAUTY / THE EXPERTS
February 13, 2015

Series: Michiko Fujiwara, October 2012 | Become a "Woman of Sheen" with Treatments and Coconut!!


October 2012 | Realizing the Importance of Hair at Any Age


Achieve a "Glossy" Look with Treatment and Coconut Oil!!


Last month, the lingering heat of summer continued. "This summer is so long, so hot," I muttered, glancing at my reflection. "Oh dear, my hair is so dry!" I realized. It seemed the summer heat had sucked all the moisture from my hair, leaving it looking like corn silk. This was unacceptable! I decided to visit a place I'd been wanting to try for a while. It was...──.




Photographs & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko



My Hair: Dry, Frizzy, and Prone to Damage



──Before I get into that, let me tell you about a time I was working with an actress for whom I do hair and makeup. When I touched her hair, I noticed something different. It had become wonderfully soft, making it much easier to style. Previously, her hair was quite coarse and frizzy, making styling a challenge. What had caused this change? She told me she had visited a certain salon for a hair quality improvement treatment. "Wow, if it can change that much, I want to go too!" And that's how I got the recommendation for that place.

My hair is naturally dry and tends to spread out, with a frizzy texture that's easily damaged. It also tangles easily, meaning I can only brush it smoothly after shampooing – a real nuisance. The only upside is that it naturally forms curls, almost as if I'd used rollers (though this depends on the humidity). I usually tie my hair back precisely because it's so difficult to style. This is why I was so intrigued.

I received the salon's recommendation around springtime, but I kept putting it off, thinking "I'll go eventually." Before I knew it, my hair damage had worsened, and I finally felt a serious urge to "do something about it." That's when I decided to go, which turned out to be last month, after the summer had passed. It's like how we often put off going to the doctor until we're really sick, isn't it?


A Halo of Shine – When Was the Last Time I Saw One?



So, this place I visited is a medical hair care salon called "Salon de Rejue." It's not an ordinary beauty salon; it's famous for specializing in hair quality improvement, so I imagine many people who are particular about their hair know of it. The treatment I received was called "H&A Reaction Treatment," designed to restore hair's natural beauty and give it a "healthy, glossy shine." Health and shine – exactly what I was looking for! This treatment works by creating an ideal balance of moisture, oil, and protein in the hair. It uses protein as a base, blends in the specific nutrients each individual needs, and allows them to penetrate deep into each strand to rebuild the internal structure of the hair.

"Oh, my hair will regain its shine too?" I thought, my heart full of anticipation as I underwent the treatment.──When I touched my hair, my fingers glided smoothly all the way to the ends! It felt soft and pleasant to the touch, even for me. And there was a halo of shine at the crown of my head! When was the last time I saw that? It felt wonderful.

My hair was quite damaged, so the technician told me that three sessions, spaced ten days apart, would further improve and stabilize my hair quality. "In that case, I'll definitely come back!" I declared, and I completed the three sessions last month, leaving my hair beautifully glossy. They also mentioned that receiving this treatment before coloring makes the color appear more vibrant and last longer. So, from now on, I plan to visit once a month before my coloring appointments to maintain that beautiful shine and color.


Versatile Coconut Oil: Perfect for Body, Hair, and Cooking



Now that my hair has regained its shine, I've noticed the change isn't limited to my hair alone. Having beautiful hair makes me want to wear it down. And when it brushes against my cheek or when I touch it casually, I feel a sense of femininity. They say, "Hair is a woman's life," but I believe it's more than just that. Beautiful hair feels good to the touch, which leads to a more feminine mood, which in turn, I believe, stimulates female hormones. That's why I think it's so important for women to take care of their hair, no matter their age.

Incidentally, there's something else that contributes to my "glossy" look: coconut oil. I remember reading an article around springtime about how top model Miranda Kerr raved about coconut oil, and I thought, "I'll try it too!" So I bought some. However, I didn't feel like using it during the hot summer and put it away. But as soon as my hair started to shine, I remembered it and began using it. Perhaps it's a case of "like attracts like" – shine attracting more shine? This oil gives a beautiful luster to both skin and hair. It spreads smoothly on the skin, absorbs quickly without any stickiness, leaving it moisturized yet feeling pleasantly smooth. When I apply a small amount to my face as the last step of my skincare routine, pressing it gently with my palms, the next morning's radiance is noticeably different. I also use it all over my body after bathing. For my hair, I massage it into my scalp before shampooing, or apply a small amount during the day if I feel my hair is getting dry, warming it between my hands first. Coconut oil is liquid in the hot summer months, but solidifies in cooler weather, requiring warming. However, it melts instantly in your hands, so it's not a hassle.

While coconut oil is so versatile, there are apparently inferior products out there, so it might be wise to be discerning about where you buy it. The one I love is "ORGANIC VIRGIN COCONUT OIL," which won the Best Virgin Coconut Oil award and is handled by "LIVING LIFE MARKETPLACE," a place I sometimes buy raw food products from. It's made using a cold-press method, so its nutrients are preserved and concentrated. It's not just for skin and hair; it can also be used for cooking (which is its primary use, really), so having one bottle is quite convenient.

So, with my regained (or perhaps newly acquired?) luster, I aim to be a "woman with a glow" this autumn! ...What do you think?
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