Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Kawahara D
Hi Meg, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved from Japan to the United States in September 2018. All I had was 6 years of cosmetology experience in Japan and the ability to say “Hi. I am Meg from Japan” in English.
Currently, I specialize in low-maintenance hair services, focusing on providing these services exclusively to my clients.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Looking back now, I can say that my years as an assistant in Japan was the most difficult period of my life. Overtime, I developed an allergy to hair color products, because of excessive shampooing. My fingers would bleed and ooze pus daily. I even collapsed a few times and lost my hearing. Despite having confidence in my physical strength, living on just four hours of sleep each day took a toll on my body. Still, I continued to work without taking a break.
Honestly, if I didn’t go through that experience, I wouldn’t have had the courage to overcome the challenges I faced after moving to America.
I’ve always had a too positive mindset, believing that I’m talented and capable of doing anything. However, one day, a teacher at my beauty school in Japan told me, “You’re clumsy but hardworking.” I knew they meant it as a compliment, acknowledging my efforts, but the words shocked me and made me sad. Up until that point, I had been under the impression that all my achievements were due to my talent. I believed I was naturally skilled, so realizing that everything I had achieved came through non stop hard work was an embarrassing truth to confront.
But then, memories of the past started flooding back. I remembered always being the first to arrive before anyone got there to practice and staying late to study. I didn’t want to admit it, but I realized that I defintely took initiative and gone above and beyond what was expected. And my teacher really noticed. Still, at that time, I felt uncool, and it made me feel both embarrassed and sad.
Thanks to that same teacher who helped me realize who I truly was while I was still in my teens, I continued to practice even after starting work at a salon. I would go in on my days off to hone my skills. Looking back, I might have been scared that if I didn’t keep practicing, I’d lose the image that I was a naturally talented hairstylist.
And I can confidently say that I excel at assisting and helping others. I can tackle someone’s goal with more passion than they might have themselves. I realized this when I was working as an assistant in a hair salon. Supporting others gives me more motivation than focusing on myself. But going forward into the next chapter of my life, I’m practicing concentrating on myself as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So, when I was working in Japan, it seemed like everyone was hitting up the salon almost every month. I thought that was just the norm. But honestly, I was more of the ‘get my hair cut once every six months to a year’ kind of person—I guess you could say I’m a bit lazy about it.
Then, when I moved to the U.S. and discovered the ‘Lived in Balayage’ style, it was like a lightbulb moment for me. The idea of going to the salon every 6 to 8 months really clicked. It was such a game-changer, it felt more laid-back and suited my lifestyle perfectly.
I definitely enjoy when clients come in regularly, but what really makes me happy is hearing how well their cuts and colors are lasting.
Sometimes clients feel bad for not styling their hair at home, but honestly, even I have days when I skip drying or brushing mine. I always tell them, ‘Don’t stress about it. You’re doing just fine.’ I just ask them about their daily routines and then give them tips for easy, minimal care to keep their hair looking beautiful. And if they want to put in extra effort, that’s awesome!
I specialize in low-maintenance styles, perfect for busy people juggling school, work, or family, but who still want to look good without too much hassle. Shifting to this approach has helped me find my niche and shaped my career as a hairstylist.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My husband is my biggest supporter. Just like me, he is a very giving person supporting others and putting people first. He’s always so positive and encouraging, and I really feel his belief in me every day. I really appreciate him.
And my family back in Japan has been amazing too. When I decided to move to the U.S., they backed me up completely. I know some families might not be so supportive of such big moves, so I’m really grateful that mine has always allowed me to follow my own dreams, even since I was young.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hairby_m_e_g
