DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE
YUKI KANO
4 years ago we featured a bright up and coming young star called Yuki Kano and since that time she has won multiple awards, is globally renowned for her unique approach and love of traditional barbering techniques, not to mention a member of the Wahl Japan Education Team who lives and works in Sydney Australia.
Starting her journey in hairdressing with TONI&GUY, she quickly realised her love for cutting short hair and men’s hair. “I felt that I really needed to add traditional barbering skills to take me to the next level in my work and as an educator,” says Yuki. And that she did! We spoke to Yuki while she was travelling overseas recently about what’s been happening over the past few years and what she has set her sight on for the future.
Some years ago, you met Kevin Luchman, awardwinning London based barber/men’s stylist and photographer renowned for his blend of traditional barbering and high-end male hairdressing. What effect did this meeting have on you? I always enjoy meeting with like-minded people, and Kevin was the one of them. I met Kevin when he came to Sydney, giving me my first experience with barbering techniques, and I knew from that moment on, I wanted to perfect them. I respect him for his super friendly personality and his positive attitude towards life as he always challenges himself with many things. He reminds me to stay humble and also positive and I think of him as a perfect role model for any educator.
“THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO RESPECT VARYING CULTURES AND PHILOSOPHY, BE OPEN MINDED AND NOT JUDGEMENTAL.” 42
Hair Biz Year 16 Issue 4
Having worked for TONI&GUY, knowing the sad loss of CEO Dennis Langford earlier this year, what influence did he have on your career? Dennis was actually like my hairdressing dad. He had noticed me from day one at the TONI&GUY academy and he saw me grow as a hairdresser and barber. I learned so much from him. His
‘presentation skills course’ was phenomenal and every time I got stuck, I would often go to see him for advice. He taught me the importance of being yourself, being positive and surrounded by like-minded people. After I left TONI&GUY, I didn’t see him often, however he always kept his door open for me and when we did cross paths, he always told me how much he continued to enjoy watching my hairdressing journey. I miss him. I wish I could tell him that I’m in Japan now and doing education for Wahl. He would have been so excited to hear my stories.
Having travelled to the UK, Europe, US and Asia to educate, how has this influenced you and how do you adapt to the various audiences in different countries? I really enjoy travelling to different countries because each country has their own style and culture which inspires me a lot. Since I’ve been traveling, I think I am getting very good at adopting different cultures and audiences. The important thing is to respect varying cultures and philosophy, be open minded and not judgemental.
Do you think your hairdressing background and training has assisted you in your barbering?
Definitely! I feel grateful to have had a TONI&GUY background, which is very technical with its terminology and methodology. This became my strength and therefore it is very natural and almost easy for me to combine different techniques and design into new haircuts. Also it helps me a lot when I’m teaching as I am able to explain and communicate my techniques with the students.
