Far from simple beginnings in a childhood home in Japan, Yosh Toya has established himself as a premier hairstylist and educator with more than 45 years experience. He has received numerous industry awards, including a NAHA Lifetime Achievement award in 2007. What a great day it was, then, when Yosh paid our school a visit, and gave an afternoon of insightful, inspirational demos to our students.
It is Yosh’s unique approach to haircutting that gave our students such valuable insight. Featured in four books - Toya Hairgraphy, Learn How to Learn; The Yosh Way; Yosh for Hair; and The Best of Yosh Toya - ‘The Yosh Way’ emphasizes a free-flowing haircutting technique that allows stylists to design hair through sculpture cutting, and to personalize each cut to the client’s best fit. It is also a system that empowers hairdressers to work stress-free and be progressive, while developing creativity.
Each of Yosh’s four demos showcased this approach, giving new insights, new ways of working, to our students - one that focuses on using instinct and eye to shape the perfect look. Additionally, with the use of a carefully placed hat, Yosh gave an ingenious and inventive exposition on face shapes; how the structure and angle of the cut can augment, or detract from, each individual profile.
Finally, Yosh took time to tell the students that, as the next generation of hairstylists, it is their work that will define the future of hairdressing, their work that can raise respect for the industry and increase standards in the craft.
So while ‘The Yosh Way’ is this master’s own, it shares the same ultimate vision as ARROJO.
Tags: Continued Education, Educators, Student, Yosh Toya
I really enjoyed Yosh’s presentation. It was so amazing to see someone so talented, yet still so humble after many years in the industry.
His art form was truly amazing. Watching him sculpt pieces of hair off and see the shape take form was great. It was also intriguing to see how he went back to refine his cuts. After sporadically cutting pieces dry, he went back through it wet so you could see the pieces that needed to be cut in his sections to finish the look. Also, really amazing blow-dries on all the models. He also has a great way of explaining so everything is simple and easy to understand. I loved the explanation of face shapes – I get that now! Overall, totally amazing. –– Gary
Not only was it immensely inspirational to watch Yosh practice his cutting techniques in front of all of us, but it was more like watching a superb artist and sculptor working his magic. A once in a lifetime experience that we were all so lucky to witness at ARROJO. –– Veeka
I was really honored that Yosh took the time to visit our school and share his wisdom and education. He has inspired me to not only follow the rules of hair cutting but when I do learn the rules to reinvent them to make my haircut stand out from the rest. He was kind, intelligent, and really encouraged me to do my best. –– Aloysia
I learned a lot about freestyle haircutting. Yosh cut the the models’ hair dry at first, then shampooed it, refined it, dried it, and then added a bit of personality to the haircut once it was dry. I think Yessenia’s haircut looked amazing. Her hair looked healthy, shiny, the color looked better, and the cut fit her face nicely. I really enjoyed the haircut demos and appreciate everything that Yosh shared with us. –– Samantha
Yosh was incredible. It was so inspiring to see someone who is so passionate about what they do – even after doing it for 49 years! His cutting technique was like watching a sculptor. He is an artist and it was an honor to be in his presence. –– Jordan
Yosh’s techniques were very inspiring. His sense of humor and his way of teaching was a great experience. The different ways of cutting that he uses are mind-blowing. He knows exactly what to do to make a great change. His presentation today made me feel so much more comfortable in my hairdressing career. I admire him and his talent. –– Yessenia
Watching Yosh cut hair was like watching Michelangelo sculpt. I learned a lot, including how to be careful with posture and how to be successful. I loved his analogies. He also told us to be self-aware, and always learn and pay attention to other stylists. He taught us how to visualize our design, and to look for areas that contain too much weight. He also showed us some different scissoring techniques. –– Alexa
Yosh’s presentation to the school was absolutely charming and inspirational. It made me value my education here even more because at ARROJO we build such a strong foundation. I think it’s great that we have such great visitors come to our school because they always admire our institution, which makes me really take pride in my education. –– Kelly
Most memorable was Yosh’s use of hats to illustrate that we WEAR OUR HAIR. It’s a structure with a form that can be manipulated to best fit us an individuals. He told us to always take a look from a different angle and to never stop learning. Thank you ARROJO for bringing us such a charm. –– Marisa
Although we get many demos from our instructors and ARROJO studio staff, it is always wonderful and eye-opening to have visitors teach their techniques – those that they have played with and perfected over many years. Yosh is a man with a lot of passion for hair and it shows in the way he sculpts the hair. The way he moves his body, the client’s hair, and the scissor and comb and razor is inspiring. Thanks Yosh! –– Suzanne
I really loved Yosh’s technique. I will definitely be trying it on my mannequin! It was very helpful to see the cuts done in a different way, and someone who has his own style. –– Erica
As a hairdresser, and someone with a great attitude, I thought Yosh was very inspiring. He’s never afraid to try new techniques. I loved how he used hats to show how shapes make the face look different. He also shared the importance of being yourself, and not to be afraid to try new things, or make a mistake. He also emphasized the importance of having your own style. –– Mellodie
I thought Yosh was amazing. He definitely taught all of us a new technique; nothing that I would of expected. His work came out beautiful and he really opened up all of our eyes and taught us to think outside the box. I hope I see him again in the future. –– Daniella
Watching Yosh cut hair was like watching those Tai Chi enthusiasts in the park on Sunday mornings – quiet and skillful masters of their craft. –– Rachel
I feel so grateful to go to this school where awesome, accomplished hairdressers come to speak to us. Yosh spent time teaching us principles and techniques of haircutting – like face shapes and hair shapes and shades. I will always remember his examples and lessons because they were so specific. I want to be as he is. He is warm and genuine and works hard. –– Kristen
From watching Yosh, I learned how important it is to trust your eye and your instincts. If you train and practice continually, you can get to a level where you don’t need to section or be extremely structured. Listen to the hair and let it move and fall where it wants to. I also learned how important it is to pay attention to your body position and not put too much stress on yourself. Lastly, I learned how different types of shears can be imperative in forming your look. With the proper knowledge, you can use a different type of shear for any type of look you desire. –– Lindsey
Yosh was really exciting to watch because his approach is so different than what we’ve learned so far. I’m inspired to keep finding different ways to express my creativity. I loved watching his freestyle techniques and the haircuts he created were gorgeous. He reminded us that our work will shape this industry’s future and that makes me excited to start my own career. –– Karen
I found Yosh very inspirational; probably one of my top five inspirational stylists. What I found most positive and encouraging was not only his techniques, but his attitude and presentation style. He was so humbling and caring about his passion. It made me feel like a better stylist, a better person, just watching him. Today will be a day I remember for the rest of my career. –– Mary