"Recently, I feel a bit off"—such a morning.
Hair not styled well, or bangs growing out and obstructing your view.
When small "discomforts" persist, doesn't it strangely bring down your mood?
"I want a hairstyle that allows me to be more myself."
If you feel that way, it’s a timing to reset both your hair and your heart.
I would like to introduce "NikA Hair Salon," a warm and cozy little salon in Kurashiki, opened by my trusted hairstylist Naoki Sakamoto, whom I have relied on for over 10 years.
Owner Naoki Sakamoto
After graduating from a beauty school, Naoki Sakamoto started his career as a hairstylist, leaving his hometown with the desire to "live a life where I can decide what I want to do on my own."
After many encounters and experiences, he returned to his hometown in Okayama Prefecture after over a decade of achievements and realized his long-held dream of independence in 2023.
The name "NikA" is derived from the character Nika from the manga "ONE PIECE," which Sakamoto has loved since childhood.
Like Nika, who is depicted as a symbol of freedom and smiles, he wishes to create a place where "visiting customers can genuinely smile."
About "NikA Hair Salon"
Located about a 10-minute drive from JR Kurashiki Station, "NikA Hair Salon" quietly stands along a main road.
There used to be a specialty gray hair dyeing shop at the same location.
Taking over from the previous owner, "NikA Hair Salon" has evolved into a salon catering to a wider range of generations.
The landmark is a warm brown sign with white letters displaying the logo "hair salon NikA." It is located in a corner where small shops are lined up, resembling a hidden "healing salon".
Inside the Salon
Upon opening the door, you are greeted by wood-grain interiors and a calm dark brown floor.
American retro posters and colorful pop art with "WOW!" written on them catch your eye, creating a comforting space.
Wooden mirror stands, vintage-style chairs, and neatly arranged magazines. The attention to detail in creating the space makes you realize, "This is not just a place to get your hair done; it’s a place where your heart can relax."
"I want my customers to enjoy not just their hair but the very 'time' itself," smiles owner Naoki Sakamoto.
Attractive Points of NikA Hair Salon
Let me introduce the attractions of NikA Hair Salon.
- Careful gray hair care and cutting techniques
- No reservation needed for gray hair dyeing, making it easy to visit
- High quality at reasonable prices
Careful Gray Hair Care and Cutting Techniques
At NikA Hair Salon, the condition of each customer's hair and scalp is carefully assessed before any treatment, which is a significant feature.
For gray hair dyeing, they use high-quality products from the Japanese professional brand "COTA." With a moist finish, pleasant fragrance, and a wide range of options tailored to hair types, you can find the "perfect gray hair dye" for yourself.
Additionally, customers who dye their gray hair can enjoy a "self-dry" service, where they finish styling their hair themselves. This new experiential service allows for a more "personalized style" to be completed.
This initiative, which goes beyond the typical salon experience, has received positive feedback from many customers for its fun and freedom.
By adding volume to the top and creating a natural roundness at the back of the head, it creates dimension and youthfulness. The nape is also neatly tightened, giving the effect of a slimmer neck.
Moreover, there is no compromise in cutting techniques. The ends are lightly trimmed, and with just a quick dry using a hairdryer, a natural finish is achieved, showcasing Sakamoto's skill.
I personally always have a great time chatting while getting my hair done, and I am always satisfied with the finished hairstyle.
I have never had a bad experience with my hairstyle.
That sense of trust is what you will find here.
No Reservation Needed for Gray Hair Dyeing
“I wanted to create a beauty salon where people could come without a reservation,” says Sakamoto.
For those using the self-dry gray hair dye service, the flexible system that allows walk-ins without a reservation is also appealing.
Self-Dry
While staff perform the gray hair dyeing and shampooing, customers need to dry their hair themselves using a hairdryer.
From such thoughts, Sakamoto has built up both skill and trust step by step, and with a staff of four operating on a rotating schedule, open year-round, it’s a nice point that customers can drop by whenever they feel like it.
In fact, this system was adopted directly from the previous shop, which was a “gray hair dye specialty store.”
“I wanted our regular customers to continue coming as they always have,” Sakamoto explains.
High Quality × Affordable Pricing
Sakamoto values accessibility in addition to the cutting techniques honed over more than 20 years of experience. That’s why he is particular about the pricing structure.
| Menu | Regular Price (tax included) | Referral Campaign Price (tax included) |
| Root Dye | ¥2,300 | ¥2,000 |
| Full Dye | ¥3,400 | ¥3,000 |
| Cut | ¥2,100 | ― |
| Color | ¥2,500 | ― |
| Cut + Color | ¥5,100 | ― |
| Cut + Shampoo | ¥2,900 | ― |
| Cut + Perm | ¥5,500 | ― |
The referral campaign applies only to “Root Dye” and “Full Dye.”
If you mention that you were referred, a special price will be applied.
Other menu items will be at the regular price. For details, please check with NikA Beauty Salon.
Conclusion
After visiting numerous beauty salons in Kurashiki City, I ultimately found my way to Sakamoto’s cuts.
I am always amazed at how easy it is to manage my hair with just a hairdryer, and how light and fluffy it feels after each visit.
“NikA Beauty Salon” is a place you want to tell someone about, but secretly want to keep to yourself.
When you start feeling uncertain about your hair, or when you think, “I haven’t felt like myself lately,” please do visit at least once.
Experience a time at “NikA Beauty Salon” where both your hair and heart can feel light with a hairstyle that reflects your true self.
NIKA【ニカ】 Data
| Name | NIKA【ニカ】 |
|---|---|
| Address | 593-1 Shirakuratown, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Kameyama General Building 102 |
| Contact | 086-454-8626 |
| Parking | Available 17 spaces |
| Business Hours | 【Beauty Salon】 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM 【Gray Hair Dye (Self-Dry)】 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | 【Beauty Salon】 None 【Gray Hair Dye (Self-Dry)】 Sundays and Holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | NIKA【ニカ】 |
