One of those mornings when “something just doesn’t feel right lately.”
Your hair won’t cooperate, or your bangs have grown long enough to bother your vision.
When little “things that feel off” keep piling up, don’t you find that even your mood somehow turns gloomy?
“I want a hairstyle that feels more like me.”
If that’s what you’re thinking, it’s time to reset both your hair and your mind.
We’re introducing NikA Hair Salon, a small, welcoming salon in Kurashiki opened by hairstylist Sakamoto Naoki, whom the writer has trusted and continued to visit for over 10 years. Sakamoto recently set out on his own.
The information provided is accurate as of when this article was published in May 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Owner Sakamoto Naoki
After graduating from a vocational school for hairstylists, Sakamoto Naoki left his hometown to begin his career as a hairstylist, driven by the desire to “live a life where I decide for myself what I want to do.”
After meeting many people and gaining a wealth of experience, he returned to his hometown in Okayama Prefecture after more than a decade of work and fulfilled his long-held dream of opening his own salon in 2023.
The name “NikA” comes from “Nika,” a character in “ONE PIECE,” the manga Sakamoto has loved since he was a child.
Like Nika, who is portrayed as a symbol of freedom and smiles, the name embodies his wish to “create a place where customers can leave with a smile from the bottom of their hearts.”
About NikA Hair Salon
NikA Hair Salon sits quietly along a main road, about a 10-minute drive from JR Kurashiki Station.
A “gray-hair coloring specialty salon” previously occupied the same location.
NikA Hair Salon took over the premises from the previous owner and evolved into a salon serving a wider range of generations.
Look for the “hair salon NikA” logo in white lettering on a warm brown sign. Tucked among a row of small shops, it feels like a “healing salon known only to those in the know.”
Inside the salon
Open the door to wood-grain interiors and a calm, dark-brown floor.
American retro posters and colorful pop art featuring the word “WOW!” catch your eye, creating a space that feels somehow comforting.
Wooden mirror stations, vintage-style chairs, and neatly arranged magazines. The care put into every detail makes you realize, “This isn’t just a place to get your hair done. It’s a place where you can relax all the way down to your heart.”
“I want customers to enjoy not just their hair, but the whole experience of being here,” says owner Sakamoto Naoki with a smile.
NikA Hair Salon’s special features
Here’s what makes NikA Hair Salon special.
- Careful gray-hair coverage and cutting skills
- A convenient walk-in system for gray-hair coloring
- High quality at an affordable price
Careful gray-hair coverage and cutting skills
One of NikA Hair Salon’s key features is that it carefully assesses each customer’s hair type and scalp before providing a service.
For gray-hair coloring, the salon uses high-quality products from COTA, a Japanese brand for professional use. With a smooth finish, a pleasant fragrance, and a wide range of options to suit different hair types, you can get “gray-hair coloring that’s just right for you.”
Customers who get their hair colored can also use the “self-dry” service, where they style their hair themselves. Finishing your style on your own makes for a new, hands-on experience that lets you create a look that feels more like you.
This approach goes beyond the usual salon experience, offering fun and freedom, and has been well received by many customers.
Adding volume at the crown and a natural curve at the back of the head creates dimension and a youthful look. The nape is tapered neatly, which also makes the neck look slimmer.
And there are no compromises when it comes to cutting. The ends are trimmed lightly and neatly, creating a natural style that falls into place with just a quick blow-dry—a perfect showcase of Sakamoto’s skill.
I always enjoy chatting and spending a pleasant time there, and I’m always happy with how my hair turns out.
I’ve never once had a bad haircut.
That’s the kind of trust you’ll find here.
A convenient system for gray coverage with no appointment needed
“I wanted to create a hair salon people could visit without making an appointment,” says Sakamoto. For those using the self-dry gray coverage service, the flexible system that welcomes walk-ins is another appealing feature.
Self-dry
Staff apply the gray coverage color and wash your hair, but you need to dry your own hair using a hair dryer.
With this in mind, the salon has built up its skills and trust one step at a time. It is run on a rotating schedule by four staff members and is open year-round, so you can drop in whenever the mood strikes—a welcome convenience.
In fact, this system was carried over from the salon’s previous incarnation as a “gray coverage specialty salon.”
“We wanted our longtime customers to be able to keep coming just as before,” says Sakamoto.
High quality × affordable prices
In addition to the cutting skills he has honed over more than 20 years, Sakamoto also values making the salon easy to visit. That is why he has put careful thought into the pricing.
| Service | Regular price (tax included) | Referral campaign price (tax included) |
| Root touch-up | ¥2,300 | ¥2,000 |
| Full color | ¥3,400 | ¥3,000 |
| Haircut | ¥2,100 | ― |
| Color | ¥2,500 | ― |
| Haircut + color | ¥5,100 | ― |
| Haircut + shampoo | ¥2,900 | ― |
| Haircut + perm | ¥5,500 | ― |
The referral campaign applies only to “Root touch-up” and “Full color.”
Just let them know you were referred, and the special price will apply.
All other services are charged at the regular price. Please contact NikA Hair Salon for details.
From the Writer
As someone who has visited many hair salons in Kurashiki City, the haircut I ultimately settled on was Sakamoto’s.
I’m always amazed by how easily my hair falls into place with just a hair dryer, leaving it feeling light and airy.
“NikA Hair Salon” is the kind of place you want to tell someone about, yet secretly want to keep all to yourself.
When you’re unsure what to do with your hair, or feel that “somehow, I haven’t felt like myself lately,” be sure to stop by.
Why not spend some time at “NikA Hair Salon” finding a hairstyle that feels like you and lifting your spirits, while leaving both your hair and heart feeling lighter?
NIKA [Nika] Information
| Name | NIKA [Nika] |
|---|---|
| Address | 593-1 Hakurakucho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Kameyama Sogo Building 102 |
| Contact | 086-454-8626 |
| Parking | Available 17 spaces |
| Hours | [Hair salon] 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. [Gray coverage (self-dry)] 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | [Hair salon] None [Gray coverage (self-dry)] Sundays and public holidays |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | NIKA [Nika] |
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