"Figue hair" is a private salon that opened in February 2017, located a 7-minute walk from Ikeshita Station on the Nagoya Subway Higashiyama Line.

It was a clear autumn day in November. I spoke with Mr. Iwashiro while feeling the sunlight from the large entrance. Here are some of the reasons why he opened the salon, and his styling philosophy.

What is Figue hair?

Figue is French for fig. With the familiar sound and a tiled entrance, it is said that there are many customers who like France because of the name and appearance of the salon, which makes you think that it is a European atelier. The rustic textures of wood and paint match the lean and simple exterior.

Upon entering the salon, a faint, refreshing aroma wafts through the air. Sunlight pours in through the large floor-to-ceiling doors, creating a sense of spaciousness.

The birth story of the salon

Ms. Iwaki graduated from a beauty school in Nagoya and started working at a hair salon in Nagoya. She provided us with a photo of herself when she was in her 20s at the time.

– How do you look back on your life back then?

Ms. Iwaki: "When I was in my 20s, my life was centered around work, and for 10 years I would go home by the last train most days. Even on my days off, I went to training sessions and put all my time and energy into it. Thanks to that, I developed my mental strength, and I feel that it helped me develop my technical skills and sense of style as well."

– After that, you went to Tokyo. What was the trigger?

Ms. Iwaki: "The general trend is to work in Nagoya for 10 years and then open a business, but I really had done it all (laughs). I was determined to live in the beauty industry, but I wanted to try something new. I wanted to see the new world of hair and makeup. The customers at that time were taken over by people from the salon, and I went to Tokyo."

– How did you work in Tokyo?

Ms. Iwashiro: "I originally wanted to be involved in hair and makeup for musicians because I love music. In Tokyo, while working as a freelance hair cutter, I learned from my hair and makeup masters who took me to various photo shoots and took me to see their work. The world of hair and makeup is totally different from that of a beauty salon. While learning the techniques, I gradually made more and more connections."

– So you came back to Nagoya after working in Tokyo for 8 years?

Ms. Iwaki: "We moved to Nagoya because of my husband's work. It was the same when I was working down in Nagoya, but when I came back to Nagoya, I wasn't with the intention of opening my own salon."

– What was the impetus for opening a business in Nagoya?

Ms. Iwaki: "I was empowered by my fellow beauticians in Nagoya. I knew many people in the same profession, and although we were not in constant contact when I was in Tokyo, we stayed connected. Whenever I met them, they would tell me that I would definitely be able to open my own business, and I think that was the main reason I was able to open my own business."

- You opened in February 2017.

Mr. Iwaki: “It was a snowy day.

Commitment to the interior

Ms. Iwaki says she wanted to emphasize the female perspective. She shared with me three particulars about the interior design.

Commitment to the interior ① Use of tiles

Ms. Iwaki: “We asked ARCH DECO to do the design. The fact that the designer is a woman and seeing her past work made me want to leave it to her.

The details would be completely different, so I wanted to get a design proposal from a woman's point of view. Since the salon is attached to my home, I think the kitchen area in particular would make a difference. I also like tiles, so I thought those characteristics would be nice as well。"

Commitment to the interior ② Ceiling beams

Ms. Iwaki: "The second is the ceiling beams. When we renovated, we decided to remove the ceiling to reveal the beams. We chose white for the color and tried to create a sense of spaciousness."

Commitment to the interior ③ Antique furniture and accessories

Ms. Iwaki: “I like the fusion of Asian and European works. There are works by artists, or from Asias like China and ethnic countries like India. The balance of the materials is just right, and I have chosen items that have a crafted feel and texture one by one.

In addition to furniture, I also collect antique hairpins, which I sometimes use for hair arrangements at the salon. Materials, designs, and other originals are attractive, aren't they? ”

Ms. Iwaki: “I also have a few other little favorite objects scattered throughout the salon.”