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HAIR STYLING WORK in NEW YORK
By TOMO JIDAI
The reason why New York’s leading artist chooses LINC
Based in New York, Japanese hairstylist TOMO JIDAI (hereafter JIDAI) continues to create works alongside the world's top creators for fashion magazines and high-end brand advertisements. Among his tools for working at the global forefront are products from LINC ORIGINAL MAKERS (hereafter LINC).
We asked him about why he loves LINC, the differences between hair styling practices in Japan and overseas, and memorable episodes from his creative work.
Effective ingredients that thoughtfully care for hair.
“Just styling without proper aftercare is not enough,”
JIDAI, a top stylist behind renowned artwork in London and New York, began by sharing his passion for hair care—the very foundation of hair styling. “Only with proper care does hair become vibrant and beautiful. LINC's products contain effective ingredients even in their styling formulas, reviving the hair. And the fact that they improve scalp health is truly excellent.”
In November 2024, LINC opened its first overseas flagship store in New York. When asked about his favorite LINC product, JIDAI mentioned the care oil (HAIR OIL -CARE-). While he sometimes mixes it with other styling products for styling, he primarily uses it for post-shoot hair care.
Models and actors experience hair damage in ways ordinary people can't imagine. For example, the frequent use of hair styling tools like flat irons for styling at shows or shoots, or the loss of moisture from flying multiple times a month. That's why they need to give their hair a break. That's when I hand them LINC oil, saying, "Use this—it will repair your hair." The next day, they often came back saying, ‘It was amazing!’ with such excitement. That's when I truly realize how incredible this oil really is." He shared that this care oil is a product he loves so much he also uses it personally.
New York brings together people with all kinds of hair textures.
Rough and unconventional styles are popular.
When asked about the differences in hair styling between New York and Japan, he replied, “The approach is different in Japan and overseas. First, hair texture is different. Japan has more people with straight hair, but people here have wavy hair, so it blends in easily after a cut. Also, there are more styling products that utilize texture. Japan has high humidity, so the hold strength of the wax I use here just isn't enough. Especially in Asia, holding strength is crucial, which is why gel is so popular. LINC's products provide strong hold, which is a major appeal. They're also incredibly useful for me as a stylist on the job.”
Jil Sander S/S 2025 campaign / images photo by Mario Sorrenti
Jil Sander S/S 2025 campaign / images photo by Mario Sorrenti
Additionally, differences in personality between Japanese and foreigners are also reflected in hair styling.
“In Japan, styling tends to be very precise. You really get the sense that hair products are used,” JIDAI explains. In contrast, New Yorkers often take a more relaxed approach to their hair. Primarily, they wash their hair less frequently, which prevents stripping too much natural oil. This oil creates a favorable environment for the hair.
“Eventually, that's natural, right? But precisely because they don't do much maintenance, shampoo and conditioner become crucial. That's where LINC's products fit perfectly.”
Levis x Sacai photographer Craig McDean
When asked about hair trends, he explained that because New York has people of many races with very different hair textures—whether White, Black, or Asian—it’s hard to point to a single key item. However, hair perfume-like dry shampoos are quite popular.
“A lot of people tend to prefer easy styling and products, for instance, even at photoshoot, when you want to create a sexy look, you can just quickly give hair texture and make a natural bedhead. Additionally, I want to broaden the awareness of containing ingredients such as human type ceramide and keratin make even better. I wish to spread the importance and consciousness of hair care products while using LINC’s products.
Levis x Sacai photographer Craig McDean
With ingenuity and quick thinking
Raced through the harsh environments
JIDAI has worked across various fields like magazines and advertising. When asked about memorable project, he shared an episode about meeting legendary art director Fabien Baron. Recommended by a photographer Steven Klein, he joined Calvin Klein’s global campaign. Meeting Fabien with no prior information, he felt pressured to offer opinions on the models ‘characters, which made him so nervous.
“During the conversation, I suggested him a classic hairstyle reminiscent of Olympic gymnasts from the 50s and 60s, he immediately said, ‘show me’. The shoot was held in a tropical desert with a brutal condition, but by layering gel, the model’s hair held perfectly, so Fabien instantly asked, “What product are you using? This is amazing” After the shoot he even said, “This was the best hair ever, let’s keep working together.” I was thrilled because I'm such a huge fan of his. Then Fabien and the crew left the location by helicopter—it felt like something out of a movie haha. I'll never forget that moment."
JIDAI, who has pioneered groundbreaking hairstyles through countless projects, will surely continue to reveal new worlds to us.
TOMO JIDAI PROFILE
At age 22, he moved to England and graduated from the Vidal Sassoon Academy. While working at hair salon, he met and studied under Eugene Souleiman, a hairstylist active in the fashion industry.
He blossomed in his talent in London fashion magazines, including i-D. In 2011, he participated in Calvin Klein campaign, gaining recognition from legendary art director Fabien Baron and stylist Karl Templer. This led him to move to New York in 2014. Since then, he has worked extensively on fashion magazines like VOGUE and numerous advertisements for high-end brands including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, and sacai.
LINC ORIGINAL MAKERS
NEW YORK
130 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 United States
LINC opened its first overseas flagship in New York, aiming to deliver its philosophy of “connecting people” and “essentials” directly to the city that has profoundly influenced the brand.