YUKI YANASE

The Art of Hair as a Storytelling

“Hair as storytelling. Culture as inspiration. Innovation as the future. Every strand holds meaning — whether shaped by history, personal expression, or the ever-evolving world of fashion." From editorial masterpieces to his vision of AI-assisted hairstyling, Yuki Yanase is redefining the art of hair.

Words by Adam Chan. Photographed by Edwin S Freyer. 

For Japanese Hairstylist Yuki Yanase, hairstyling is more than just a profession — it’s a form of expression, a dialogue with history, and a continuous pursuit of creativity. With a career that began in London and an early fascination with Kamo Katsuya’s work, Yanase quickly discovered both his passion and aptitude for hair. Today, he brings his refined vision to editorials and campaigns, crafting styles that are at once modern, elegant, and deeply considered.

Yanase approaches each project with an acute sensitivity to nuance. “Even the slightest

difference can make a huge impact,” he explains, emphasising the importance of texture and detail. While he follows the creative direction given, he also sees room for interpretation, subtly weaving in his own artistic sensibilities. In editorial work, this means pushing boundaries, whereas commercial projects challenge him to find a balance between his own aesthetic and the project’s constraints.

One of the defining moments in his career came early on with a NYLON JAPAN shoot, where he took on not just hairstyling but also the planning, casting, and creative direction. “The passion and creativity I felt at the time had a big impact on who I am today,” he reflects. Recognition from friends and peers further cemented his love for the craft, reinforcing his belief in the power of strong visual storytelling.

For Yanase, hairstyling is inseparable from cultural and historical narratives. “Hairstyles are formed in accordance with various eras and cultural backgrounds,” he notes, explaining that his process always begins with imagining a story — considering a character’s personality, historical context, and how that story translates into silhouette and texture. “It makes the work more convincing,” he adds, as he strives to create something both timeless and modern.

Inspiration comes from everywhere: fashion, art, architecture, conversations with clients — each interaction is an opportunity to refine his creative vision. He cites Demna’s VETEMENTS as a transformative force in fashion, one that shifted long-standing perceptions and influenced his own approach. He also notes a growing demand for twisted modernism and minimalism — an evolution he welcomes, as it aligns with his own refined aesthetic.

Looking ahead, Yanase is intrigued by the possibilities of AI collaboration in hairstyling, imagining a future where AI-generated suggestions could push creative boundaries. He also dreams of hosting a solo exhibition that merges hair with objects — perhaps even integrating hair elements into furniture design. 

But at the core of it all, his passion remains simple: a love of hairstyling itself. “The high I get when I create a cool hairstyle is the moment I feel alive,” he says. Through his work, he hopes to spark inspiration in others, inviting them to imagine the stories and emotions behind every meticulously crafted style.

Discover the full editorial inside The Islands Issue 14. Purchase your copy here.