Meet Michelle Liu, the General Manager of the Professional Division of Shiseido Singapore and also, the brand guardian of Hair Kitchen.
You can think of Hair Kitchen metaphorically as a Japanese haircare brand that when used together in tandem, forms a “recipe” for stronger and smoother hair. Or, you can visualise it like how the brand does: vessels of hair care products that combine the natural energies of vegetables and fruits alongside technology (hey, it is a Shiseido brand after all) to make your grooming routine that much more delightful.
Here, Liu takes us through the genesis of the brand, and yes, each of the products in true Shiseido form are pleasantly gentle and wonderfully efficacious: an analog pleasure that just takes us five minutes or less of one’s time.
Hi Michelle, how’ve you been?
I have been busy with a lot of exciting projects such as the launch of our all-new brand Hair Kitchen. The planning and incubation stages go as far back as two years ago, so we are very happy to bring it out to the sunlight. Other than work, I am also fitting in gaps of time to entertain my almost two-year-old toddler.
View this post on Instagram
What I usually like to do with first-time interviewees is that I get them to introduce their brand in 10 words or less so if you could humour me.
Like that lemon water in the morning – just drink it.
With just three steps using the products from Hair Kitchen, would you say that’s enough for most men? When would you recommend perhaps, adding another step like a leave-in + a mist, etc?
Hair Kitchen’s Triple Protect Technology covers three steps: cleanse, replenish and shield. For men with short hair, the first step of shampooing can be sufficient on a daily basis as scalp care and cleansing would be key for them. The ‘replenish’ and ‘shield’ steps, corresponding to the treatment and leave-in products respectively, cater more to the hair cuticles, hence short hairstyles would not require daily use.
Use what feels good and natural for your hair, rather than for a routine’s sake.
For each of the Hair Kitchen products, they seem very gentle on the hair. Do you think results could perhaps, take time to show?
Hair Kitchen products are gentle on hair thanks to our “free-from” formula. For example, the shampoos are free from sulfates, silicone and paraben, yet they are able to cleanse the scalp effectively. This is part of the brand’s commitment to natural ingredients and sustainable practices, without compromising on the quality of haircare.
Of course, our hairstylists (Hair Kitchen Chefs) play a big part in recommending the best beauty recipe for you – visit a Hair Kitchen partner salon for professional advice if you have strong hair or scalp concerns.
View this post on Instagram
The recipe concept for Hair Kitchen is very interesting: how were they developed? Were they also specifically developed with Asian hair in mind?
Hair Kitchen was developed to meet the growing global sensitivity for sustainable products that contribute to society too. This sentiment also ties in with increased awareness and demand for natural-ingredient formulas. As a Japanese brand, Hair Kitchen is indeed developed especially for Asian hair and its common conditions. The brand also provides flexible choice in mixing and matching shampoo and treatment types because “haircare” often involves multiple hair and scalp concerns.
Hence, the idea of crafting your own beauty recipe is about giving yourself the best, all-around haircare.
What is Hair Kitchen’s definition of “the power in nature”?
Nature thrives well on its own energy and life force. That same power benefits us when plants become vegetables and fruits we consume, providing rich nutrients, powerful antioxidants, and fresh fragrances. Hair Kitchen takes this power of nature from the wild and the plate to the hair by combining the benefits of natural vegetables and fruits with our own technology for beauty that’s both clean and effective.
What do you think is next for the brand? Will a full range be developed?
We are really just scratching the surface for now with the first launch of retail home care products and a minimal in-salon (professional use) range. Products in other categories such as colour and perm are progressively being researched and developed and could potentially be launched to markets in our region in the coming three years.
It is important for us to strategically introduce this new brand to our salon clients and end consumers in a delicate yet focused manner, ensuring its foundation of appreciating nature and sustainability is well understood before we expand its horizon.
Lastly, out of curiosity, do you know the #1 song on your Spotify playlist last year?
Look For The Good by Jason Mraz.
Once you’re done with this story about Hair Kitchen, click here to catch up with our April 2022 issue!
RELATED ARTICLES
The AI-fication Of Facial Treatments
