Akiha Imazu

Growing up in Tokyo, I was surrounded by edgy fashion, traditional culture, and colorful seasons. I studied at the Cinta Aveda Institute in San Francisco, and earned extensive cutting training based on Vidal Sassoon’s ABC cutting at Cinta Salon. Eventually, I worked for Vidal Sassoon to be a color specialist.  In addition, I had several advanced color and cut trainings at Vidal Sassoon Academy in London. I have trained with the best in the industry that has developed me into a highly trained stylist and colorist. I believe coloring hair without compromising integrity is one of the most important ingredients to create beautiful hair. My favorite color services are dramatic hand painting/balayage, and creating natural highlights to add dimension and shine to hair.

I have a law degree in Japan, and BFA in Computer Arts in the USA.

Experience and Licensing

Sep 2010 – Graduated from Cinta Aveda Institute in San Francisco (with honor)
Oct 2010 – Received Cosmetology License for the State of California
Oct 2010 – Apr 2012 Cinta Salon in San Francisco (Vidal Sassoon ABC training)
May 2012 – Salon Creative Diploma at Vidal Sassoon in London
Mar 2013 – May 2015 Vidal Sassoon Salon in San Francisco
Jun 2015 –  Edge Salon in Palo Alto

I am a big fan of Mizutani Scissors and I only use their hair cutting scissors. They are handmade by master craftsmen in Japan who have been perfecting their work through generations. Using the excellent scissors make a tremendous difference for the result of haircutting.