Beauty

The Imperial Hair Guru: Unveiling the Japanese Royal Family’s 5-Step Routine for Reducing Hair Loss and Breakage

Ryuki Oba, a former hairstylist and hair care specialist to Japan's Emperor Akihito and subsequently, Crown Prince Naruhito, from 2007 to 2017, shares his expertise on the safest way for women to wash their hair with these incredibly simple five steps.

Administrator

1 September, 2024

Mastering the art of hair washing will grant you that smooth and healthy hair you’ve always wanted.

There are 5 essential steps to proper hair washing, as shared by the hair expert of the Japanese Emperor.

Step 1: Pre-Rinse with Warm Water for 1-2 Minutes

Most people tend to wet their hair with clean water before shampooing. However, expert Ryuki Oba recommends pre-rinsing your hair with warm water for about 1 to 2 minutes. This not only cleanses your hair but also washes away most of the dirt and grime from your hair and scalp, making it easier for the shampoo to lather and for nutrients to penetrate the roots. The ideal water temperature is 36-38 degrees Celsius, which helps remove excess sebum without damaging the scalp and hair. Water temperatures exceeding 40 degrees can melt away the necessary sebum, causing dry and irritated scalps.

Pre-rinsing with water ensures a deeper clean for your hair.

Step 2: Lather the Shampoo

It is common to apply shampoo directly to the hair and start washing. However, the correct way is to put the shampoo on your palms, rub them together until it lathers, and then apply it to your hair. This ensures that the shampoo is evenly distributed across your scalp and hair, effectively removing dirt, excess oil, and impurities.

Lathering the shampoo ensures even distribution, effectively removing dirt and excess oil.

Step 3: Spend 3 Minutes Massaging the Scalp

Ryuki Oba instructs to insert your fingers close to the scalp, using the pads of your fingers to move across the scalp and gently press. When washing your hair, spend 2 minutes creating a lather, and then dedicate 3 minutes to scalp massage to promote blood circulation. Start from the sides of your ears, gradually moving upwards, and use your fingertips to massage your scalp in a circular motion for about 3 minutes before rinsing. Avoid pressing too hard, and imagine your head as a peach—a gentle touch is all you need to create a dent in the fruit. Similarly, the scalp is delicate and sensitive, so pressing too hard can cause damage and increase hair loss.

Scalp massage improves blood circulation and strengthens hair roots.

Step 4: Use a Towel to Absorb Excess Water from Hair

Some people tend to vigorously rub their hair with a towel to speed up the drying process, but this can weaken and damage the hair, especially when it’s wet. It is crucial to gently pat your hair dry with a towel, layer by layer, to avoid causing harm to the roots and scalp.

Gently pat your hair dry to avoid damage and breakage.

Step 5: Combine Hot and Cold Air to Dry Hair

Ryuki Oba reveals a little secret to achieving voluminous hair after washing: start blow-drying from the back of your head, where the hair is thickest. First, use warm air to dry your hair, and then switch to cold air to thoroughly dry it. The cold air will help set your hair, making it appear fuller and thicker. Alternating between hot and cold air while blow-drying will also add shine to your hair. Remember to maintain a safe distance between the blow dryer and your head, and vary the direction of the airflow to minimize hair damage.

Alternating hot and cold air while blow-drying adds shine to your hair.

By following these 5 simple steps, you can reduce hair loss, strengthen your hair, and improve scalp blood circulation. These steps also ensure that nutrients penetrate deep into your hair, nourishing it from root to tip, resulting in softer, smoother, and healthier hair.

Frequently asked questions

The first step is to use a gentle, natural shampoo to cleanse the scalp and hair. The second step is to apply a nourishing hair mask to treat hair loss and damage. The third step is to use a wide-toothed comb to detangle wet hair gently. The fourth step is to pat the hair dry with a soft, absorbent towel instead of rubbing it vigorously. The fifth and final step is to apply a small amount of hair oil to the ends of the hair to add moisture and shine.

This hair care routine is designed to reduce hair loss and breakage, improve scalp health, and promote the growth of healthy, shiny hair. The gentle cleansing and nourishing treatments help to strengthen the hair and improve its overall condition. The use of a wide-toothed comb and gentle drying method reduce mechanical damage to the hair, while the hair oil adds moisture and enhances shine.

The products used in this routine include a natural, gentle shampoo, a nourishing hair mask, a wide-toothed comb, a soft and absorbent towel, and a small amount of hair oil. It is recommended to use natural, organic, and sulfate-free products whenever possible to minimize scalp irritation and potential damage to the hair.

The frequency of this hair care routine may vary depending on individual hair needs. However, generally, it is recommended to follow this routine consistently, especially if you are experiencing hair loss or damage. The shampoo and conditioning steps can be done a few times a week, while the hair mask and oil treatments can be applied once or twice a week for best results.

In addition to this hair care routine, it is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support hair health, such as proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E. Managing stress levels and getting enough sleep can also positively impact hair health. Additionally, avoiding excessive heat styling and chemical treatments can help prevent further hair damage.