Q&A: Beverly Hills Stylist Yoshi Hagiwara + an Exclusive Discount

We don't know about you, but when our hair struggles, we struggle. For the past month, we've been wearing a ratty old knit cap everywhere we go, and that's when we're brave enough to go anywhere. So, we were overjoyed when famed stylist Yoshi Hagiwara of the eponymous Yoshi Hair Studio in Beverly Hills agreed to give us advice on DIY'ing our hair to health, getting in on the hottest spring hair trends, and picking up the best products at a price.  He also agreed to the following exclusive deal for BGG readers: $75 for a root touchup, accent highlights, and a blow dry with Shelly, Yoshi's colorist. The offer is valid only on Tuesdays and Thursdays through February 28th.  Mention BGG to get the deal.

BGG: Do you have any tips for 'detoxing' your hair, particularly at-home remedies?

YH: 1. Wash your hair with a mixture of your daily shampoo and a teaspoon of baking soda -- it will neutralize the pH in your hair and give it a really good cleanse. 

2. Create a mask with olive oil, manuka honey (found at health food stores), and an egg yolk. Take three parts oil to one part honey. Heat up the honey slightly so you can stir it more easily, then crack the egg and mix it in. You can even throw in some Vitamin E and rose water for extra soothing benefits. This is a very high-protein, high-vitamin treatment that is packed with antioxidants to help cleanse, strengthen, and remove impurities from your hair.

BGG: 2011 was a crazy year for us.  What products do you like for repairing damaged hair?

YH: Yoshi's Conc Treatment mixed with your own conditioner will open up the hair shaft and repair it from the inside out, making hair stronger and less prone to breakage.

BGG: What style trends should we look for this spring?

YH: Styles are going to be a bit more undone for spring -- this goes for updos, rockabilly styles, buns and hair that's left down. We're going to see more of a messy, relaxed look.

BGG: What color trends do you think we'll see this spring?

YH: Rose-gold highlights are going to be a big color trend for spring. This new hue spices up the typical blonde look while keeping it feminine and soft. It's a very wearable look (unlike the super pastels and dip-dyed ends that may be harder to get away with), and it is achieved by infusing golden and strawberry tones into your highlights.

BGG: Is it ever okay to for us to trim our own hair (like bangs), and if so, do you have any tips? 

YH: I don't recommend that people cut their own hair just because I have seen some of the unfortunate results. Bangs specifically can be the trickiest because there is a technique to how much tension you create, and it is such a visible part of your look. 

BGG: Which products are your personal must-haves?

YH: Yoshi's Magic Water is a product everyone should have -- it instantly returns vitality and luster to hair. It can be used as a pre-treatment for blowdrying to smooth the texture and give color a boost, or as a refresher in between washes. Also, I absolutely love KMS Hair Play -- it's a dry shampoo that absorbs oil and refreshes hair.

BGG: What are the tools you couldn’t live without?

YH: I can't live without my ionic hairdryer -- it minimizes damage and dries hair more quickly that the standard dryer.

I also love jumbo hot rollers -- strategically place a few of them around the perimeter and crown of the head and it will give hair a tousled, carefree, wavy look without a huge amount of effort.

BGG: Are there any lines or products that are surprisingly affordable that you think are just as good as the pricy stuff?

YH: You can't go wrong with Pantene shampoo. Also, Garnier makes a great hair cream that moisturizes dry hair.

BGG: Do you think getting one of those super-cheap student haircuts at a beauty school is a horrible idea, great idea, or worth a try?

YH: It's a little risky because it is totally dependent on the person you get. You could end up getting the diamond in the rough, but all of the students have very little experience, so you are definitely taking a risk. 

BGG: What’s the biggest hair crime people commit, and how do you suggest correcting it?

YH: The biggest hair crime people commit is doing their color at home. There is so much to keep in mind with timing, overlaying existing color, etc., and there is so little room for error. Many people end up not being satisfied with the results. If you color your hair, I would recommend spending the money to get it done professionally.

BGG: What’s an easy fix for a bad hair day?

YH: Yoshi's Magic Water is the perfect secret weapon to fix a bad hair day. Spray it on and blowdry or restyle your hair as usual, and you will have refreshed, revived hair.

BGG: What do you suggest for girls who want to change up their look, but don’t want to commit to a drastic or expensive change?

YH: A great way to change up your look without the commitment is to learn how to braid. There are so many great braid styles, be it French braid, fishtail, milkmaid, and others that will totally transform your style and can easily be changed.