Hair Styling Tools with Extra Lift

The beauty and hair tool industries are becoming increasingly competitive. In addition to well-established legacy brands from Europe and the United States, we’re also seeing the rapid rise of South Korean influence—fueled by K-pop—and the proliferation of competitively priced products from China. In the midst of this intense global competition, what do you believe sets Japan apart in the beauty and hair tool industry?

One of Japan’s key strengths lies in its expertise in market segmentation, which is clearly reflected in the wide variety of product lines we offer. At YS Park, our philosophy centers on enhancing beauty in a way that is also environmentally responsible. We are committed to creating products that are beneficial not only for people but also for the planet.

A core element of our approach is the focus on balance and sustainability. We believe that everyone involved in our ecosystem—those who create, use, and sell our products—should be treated with equal respect and consideration. This philosophy guides our commitment to a circular economy, where we prioritize recycling, sustainability, and thoughtful design throughout the entire lifecycle of our products—from development to sales.

Japan currently has the world’s most aged population, and its population continues to decline year by year. This demographic shift is contributing to widespread labor shortages—not only among stylists but also among skilled manufacturers who uphold the country’s tradition of craftsmanship. How is YS Park addressing these labor shortage challenges across both the creative and production sides of the industry?

As a smaller business, we’re not as directly affected by Japan’s broader demographic challenges. Our focus is on a niche market—specifically professionals in the hairstyling industry—which allows us to remain relatively resilient.

Interestingly, while sectors like fashion are experiencing a decline, the number of students enrolling in hairstylist schools has remained stable, with around 20,000 new entrants each year. This consistency reflects the enduring appeal of our industry. When you combine that with continued population growth in global markets, it presents ongoing opportunities for us, both in Japan and internationally.

In recent years, the beauty industry has undergone notable changes, particularly in the men's segment. Social media has helped normalize the use of cosmetics among men, and more male consumers are now willing to invest in hair care and grooming products. How is YS Park responding to these emerging opportunities within the men’s beauty and hair care market?

We’re fully embracing the growing momentum in the barber industry and are prepared to ride this wave of opportunity. Thirty years ago, it was common for combs to be made from water buffalo horn—that was considered the industry standard at the time. However, I felt that approach wasn’t environmentally sustainable.

As a result, we made the decision to transition to plastic combs, which are now a core part of our product platform. This shift reflects our ongoing commitment to both innovation and sustainability, even as we respond to new market demands such as the rising interest in men’s grooming.

YS Park’s roots trace back to 1980, with the company officially established in 1987. Could you walk us through the history of the company and share some of the key milestones that have shaped your journey over the years?

As you mentioned, I founded a salon in 1980. At the time, I wasn’t particularly skilled, but the salon quickly became busy with customers. That environment pushed me to improve my speed and efficiency.

Outside of hairdressing, I’ve always had a passion for horseback riding, and one key lesson from that world is the importance of having a high-quality horse—just as professionals need reliable, high-quality tools. My interest in motocross and car maintenance also taught me the value of precision tools in performance-driven settings.

These experiences shaped my mindset and ultimately led me to start designing and developing specialized hair tools for use in the salon. That passion for quality and innovation became the foundation of what would later become YS Park.

First beauty salon opened in 1980, Y.S.PARK Daikanyama

Hair tool manufacturers often face a familiar challenge: while stylists prioritize speed and efficiency to minimize chair time, customers are focused on receiving the best design and experience. How does YS Park navigate this balance when developing products that must meet the needs of both professionals and their clients?

Beauty is deeply personal, and preferences vary widely. Some people appreciate a quick and efficient styling process, while others prefer to take their time and enjoy a more relaxing, indulgent experience. We recognize this diversity by actively engaging with our customers and listening closely to their feedback.

Interestingly, I never set out to sell products. My original focus was simply on creating great hairstyles. That mindset led to the development of our signature wax, which was initially designed for sumo wrestlers. It’s formulated using Japan wax, known for its strong hold and ability to deliver a sleek, glossy finish—perfect for the firm hairstyles favored in the sumo world.

While it wasn’t a mainstream product at the time, it quickly caught the attention of hair and makeup stylists working in studios and on fashion shows. They appreciated its ability to create a shiny texture simply by applying it to the ends of the hair. As interest grew, a community of enthusiasts emerged, and that demand naturally led us to expand our product line to include tools like combs and brushes.

Developing our Japan wax took three years due to the meticulous attention to detail required. And when it comes to our beauty tools—whether it's shampoo combs, cutting combs, or brushes—we produce everything in-house. That level of control is rare in our industry.

In fact, when we visit Italy, people often compare us to Ferrari—not just because of the quality, but because, like Ferrari, we oversee the entire production process ourselves. We’ve come to be recognized as the "Ferrari of the beauty industry," and we take great pride in that reputation.

With its wide range of products, Y.S.PARK meets the diverse needs of professionals

One unique strength of YS Park is your ability to produce a broad range of products—from cosmetics and scissors to brushes and combs. In each of these categories, you’re competing with highly specialized brands—Hikari for scissors, Jewel for brushes, and globally recognized names like Mason Pearson. Despite operating across such diverse segments, what enables YS Park to remain competitive? What would you say are the key advantages that set your brand apart from these more narrowly focused competitors?

I always say—you need to touch our tools to truly understand what sets them apart. The moment you do, you’ll notice a consistent feel and texture across all our products. For top hairstylists, their fingers are like their eyes—they rely on touch to detect the finest details. Hair itself is only about 60 microns thick, so tactile precision is absolutely essential. That’s why we’re so meticulous with every tool we create. One leading stylist who tried our tools for the first time instantly recognized the quality just by feel.

Another strength lies in our deep understanding of what busy salons actually need. In fast-paced environments, stylists may apply color directly using a comb—so every second counts. When we release a new product, we have a loyal customer base ready to purchase it, often before they’ve even seen it. But that doesn’t mean we rush development. On the contrary, it typically takes us six to sixteen years to bring a new tool to market. That’s because we build everything from scratch and keep all development in-house. This allows us to ensure perfect synchronization across our product range—something that other brands, which often outsource, simply can’t achieve.

Many companies don’t fully grasp how stylists use their tools. We do. And that understanding is what has enabled us to progress steadily in both product quality and brand presence.

Our marketing strategy is also intentionally different. While many brands focus on mainstream tools for mass markets, we prioritize the specialized needs of elite professionals. For example, we offer tools specifically designed for techniques like dreadlocks, highlights, and other advanced styles. These are not gimmicks—they’re built to meaningfully reduce the time stylists need for each client. That kind of efficiency benefits both the professional and the customer.

This commitment to precision, customization, and real-world usability is why so many stylists continue to choose YS Park. Our tools are not just well-made—they’re purpose-built to elevate the art of hairstyling.

You mentioned that YS Park has a large international fan base, with exports to over 40 countries through your global partnerships. Among these international markets, which ones do you find most exciting or promising? Which regions or countries are you planning to target next for expansion?

We’ve now expanded our reach to 52 countries, with a strong presence established across Western Europe and the United States. These markets have been central to our international growth.

When considering new regions, such as South Africa, we recognize that hair types and styling needs differ significantly. Entering such markets would require us to develop specialized tools tailored to those unique requirements, which is a longer-term endeavor.

Rather than aggressively pursuing entirely new regions at this stage, our current strategy is to focus on deepening and strengthening our presence in the markets where we already operate. By continuing to build stronger relationships and offering greater value in these existing markets, we believe we can sustain long-term growth and better serve our global customer base.

In addition to your success in the professional market, you’ve also built a growing fan base in the B2C segment. In 2018, you received the Good Design Award, and one of your hairbrushes was recognized as a top consumer product. Are you planning to expand your B2C business internationally, or will your focus remain primarily on your B2B model?

At this time, our primary focus remains on the B2B market. For example, in the United States, we currently work with two dedicated distributors. Shifting toward a B2C model could potentially disrupt the balance and effectiveness of our existing distribution channels. That’s why we believe strengthening our B2B network through trusted distributors is the most effective path for sustainable growth.

We also recognize the importance of local culture—particularly in regions like Europe and North America—so we make it a priority to leverage local languages and expertise through our distributors. This approach allows us to better connect with each market while respecting the nuances of local consumer preferences and communication styles.

As you mentioned, there are significant differences between Asian and Caucasian hair types, which require different approaches and tools. How do you stay closely connected with stylists and customers around the world to ensure their feedback is integrated into your product development process?

While we don’t directly reach out to individual customers, we receive valuable feedback through our network of distributors. In addition, we get direct messages from users, which gives us insights into their needs and preferences. This ongoing communication helps guide our product development.

On a personal level, my experience working in cities like London and Vancouver—and even in Japan, where I often worked with Caucasian clients—has given me a deep understanding of different hair types and how our tools can be optimized to serve them. That hands-on, cross-cultural experience continues to shape how we design and refine our products for a global audience.

Signature wax “JAPAN WAX”

Now that you've recently stepped into the role of president Mr. Park, have you set any specific goals for your leadership? More broadly, what do you see as the key objectives or responsibilities for your generation as you guide the company into the future?

You're right—I officially took on the role of president last year. That said, the first generation of YS Park leadership is still actively involved in the company, and I expect that collaborative structure to continue for the next several years.

At this stage, my primary goal is to preserve the company’s core philosophy and continue building on the legacy that has brought us this far. At the same time, I’m also looking ahead with curiosity and energy—exploring new business opportunities that align with our values and can help us grow in fresh and meaningful ways.

What kinds of new business opportunities are you currently exploring or considering for the future of YS Park?

While our primary focus remains on the B2B market, I see significant potential in expanding into the B2C space. It represents a major growth opportunity, and I’m very interested in exploring ways we can thoughtfully and effectively tap into that segment moving forward.

If we were to return for YS Park’s 50th anniversary, what would you hope to have achieved by that milestone—both for the company and as its president?

My hope is to uphold and carry forward our core philosophy, which is centered on enhancing beauty through our tools. By the time we reach our 50th anniversary, I want to ensure that our products continue to make people around the world feel more beautiful—both in appearance and in spirit. That has always been, and will remain, the heart of what we do at YS Park.

For more information please visit our website: https://www.yspark.co.jp