Shu Uemura, in my mind, equates with my simply-can’t-live-without 18K gold lash curler and my wanna-be Madonna faux mink false lashes— so I was a little skeptical when I heard the hubbub about the Japanese cosmetics brand venturing into hair care. I definitely have my preferences when it comes to hair products (whatever I try, I end up going back to Paul Mitchell’s lightweight Super Strong Daily Shampoo and Conditioner, and Bumble and Bumble’s styling lotion for a smooth and shiny finish). Still, as a beauty editor, I’m probably more adventurous then the average person when it comes to using myself as a product-testing guinea pig.

Only a handful of salons in the city have started carrying the Shu Uemura Art of Hair line; a new Euro-chic salon in Russian Hill, aptly named Salon, is one of them. Last week, I headed straight for the petit salon’s Blow-outs and Bubbly event to scope out the hair care hype. There, a lovely stylist named Kelly gave me an expert cut, followed by an application of Shu’s silk oil, a blow out, and finally an all-over spritzing of the Shu micro-fine finishing spray. Even on my fine, straight Asian hair, the products felt light yet conditioning, and smelled fresh, not perfume-y. I usually have to wash and dry every morning, but even after sleeping on it, I woke up sans bed head and maintained my smooth and shiny locks. I headed out for the day, greeted by co-workers who commented: “Did you get your hair straightened? It looks amazing!” Looks like I’ll be hooked on Shu for more than lashing out.


courtesy of Shu Uemura