Solving thinning hair concerns with an “esthetic salon feel”—We asked YUI, owner of Okinawa's Uruma City salon “REPLAY,” about scalp tattooing as a new option.
THE SCALP INK-certified artist YUI’s challenges and aspirations.
YUI manages “REPLAY,” a scalp tattoo specialty studio in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture.
These days, clients visit the studio from all over Japan, and as an instructor, she now has over 50 students. We asked her about discovering THE SCALP INK, her dedication to technique, and her vision for the future.
Taking on the Beauty Industry — “Training Skills” Honed Amid Price Competition
——First, what kind of work did you do before starting scalp tattoos?
“Originally, I ran a hair removal salon and a cosmetic tattoo studio. But in Okinawa, price competition is really intense. There are so many salons doing very cheap hair removal that it was difficult to compete on price.”
During her 10 years in management, YUI said she was most dedicated to staff training.
“I wanted to stand out through skill and hospitality, so I worked hard to thoroughly improve the quality of each staff member. Thanks to this, the number of staff grew, but it was still a tough battle.”
With many tourists and a crowded beauty industry, Okinawa is a market that requires price competition and service differentiation.
The “staff training” honed through salon management is clearly also utilized in running the scalp tattoo studio “REPLAY.”
Fateful Encounter — The Turning Point Brought by THE SCALP INK
——How did you first learn about scalp tattoos?
“It was really just by chance. One day, I saw an Instagram ad for THE SCALP INK, and thought, ‘Scalp tattoos?! There’s a genre like that?!’ I was so shocked that I reached out right away.”
“The person who responded was Remy, CEO of THE SCALP INK, and it turned out that Remy was also from Okinawa. I thought, ‘This must be fate’ (laughs). Everything progressed so smoothly, and before I realized it, I had decided, ‘I have to do this!’”
YUI’s ability to act on intuition defines her; even seemingly coincidental encounters feel inevitable in retrospect.
——The timing was good as well, right?
“Exactly. At that time, THE SCALP INK was entering a phase of nationwide expansion in Japan, so I think my timing in reaching out was really fortunate.”
THE SCALP INK’s scalp tattooing technique was already drawing attention overseas, and around this time, they began promoting it in Japan.
Ultimately, this “timing of connection” became a major turning point in the growth of REPLAY as it stands today.
Opening the New THE SCALP INK “REPLAY” — Why Returning Clients Spread the Word
——How did you launch THE SCALP INK “REPLAY”?
“I was already running a hair removal salon, so I opened ‘REPLAY’ as a neighboring specialist studio for THE SCALP INK. At first, I promoted it on Instagram, and the clients who came became repeat customers, spreading the word through recommendations.”
Okinawa’s international population and relatively low stigma toward tattoos mean many foreign clients as well.
“These days, people even visit from all over Japan to receive my services. I’m truly grateful.”
——You’re active as an instructor as well?
“Yes. Now I have over 50 students nationwide. More and more hairstylists and salon owners are adding scalp tattoos as one of their menu options. It’s gaining attention as a new technique.”
YUI also started a school, offering a fully licensed two-day intensive curriculum.
Students receive practical training and follow-up support so they can start working right away, with a supportive community of graduates.
The Greatest Focus on “Counseling”
——What is the most important part of your procedure?
“Above all, I’m really committed to counseling.”
“Many people are anxious about getting a scalp tattoo, and hair concerns are so sensitive and difficult to talk about. That’s why I try to close the distance with the client during counseling and communicate thoroughly until they’re satisfied.”
Her careful approach, like that of an esthetic salon, puts first-timers at ease—precisely because YUI takes each client’s feelings seriously.
This sincere communication leads not only to “good procedures” but to “a highly satisfying overall experience.”
“I also prepare detailed counseling forms, filled out with as much care as at an esthetic salon. That connection to thoroughness helps with the quality and satisfaction of the procedure and has led to more repeat customers.”
The counseling forms viewed by the editorial team included fields for treatment area preferences, skin health, and the number of sessions.
The attentive counseling that continues until clients feel completely comfortable is a major strength of “REPLAY.”
——You also focus heavily on sanitation?
“Yes. We’ve obtained international hygiene certification (ISO) and maintain strict hygiene protocols. I believe that a commitment to safety and security is the first step toward building trust with clients.”
Such efforts explain the high level of repeat clients. Combined with technical skill, her aspiration to be “a place you can trust completely” comes through clearly.
Making Scalp Tattoos the Norm
——What do you want THE SCALP INK to become for you?
“Most of all, I want scalp tattoos to become the norm—something people seek out like a beauty treatment!”
“Many recent hair thinning treatments push expensive solutions like transplants or medication with advertising. But transplants have a long downtime and obvious wounds, so the hurdles are really high.”
“With THE SCALP INK, you can see results from the first procedure. After a few sessions, the change is truly dramatic.”
“Visible change” right after the procedure and the boost in self-confidence are major features of scalp tattoos.
This “new way to address thinning hair” is only expected to become more accepted in the future.
——But there are still barriers because of the word “tattoo”, right?
“Exactly. There are still many who don’t know about scalp tattoos as a genre, and the word ‘tattoo’ feels intimidating to a lot of people.”
“But I want to break down that barrier. I want people struggling with hair thinning to feel free and positive about considering this as an option.”
She speaks of spreading the technique from Okinawa across Japan—and eventually overseas.
The desire to make “scalp tattoos accepted as part of beauty culture” is now taking shape.
TattooJapan Editor’s Note
Throughout the interview, it was clear that YUI’s approach consistently centers on “standing with the client.”
Her experience prioritizing staff training at the hair removal salon now leads to her “counseling-focused” style.
Through the new technique of scalp tattoos, she hopes to restore confidence to those who worry about thinning hair—maybe this is what draws people from across Japan.
When her vision of “making visits as comfortable as those to a beauty salon” comes true, options for addressing thinning hair will be more accessible and familiar.
