Inverness may feel a world away from Tokyo or London, but at KIKU Salon, international influence is at the heart of every style they create and service they provide. Founded by Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo, the salon combines Hiro’s Japanese heritage and traditional precision with Paul’s fashion-led London experience, creating hair that is both stylish and healthy with a considered focus on every intricate detail.
Hiro brings traditional Japanese techniques to every cut, focusing on precision, texture, and the natural movement of the hair. As a result, every layer, fringe, and shape is carefully considered, reflecting a deep respect for both the hair and the client as an individual. Paul’s London-trained experience adds a refined, modern touch, ensuring each look feels contemporary and polished. Combined, both approaches create hair that is beautifully crafted and distinctive and is a key element of what has made KIKU a destination salon in the Scottish Highlands. KIKU’s debut collection, ‘ICHI’, very much embodies this philosophy, translating Japanese techniques into styles perfectly suited to a modern salon environment. For spring, three key looks demonstrate how careful cutting, considered styling, and thoughtful colour work together to create beautiful styles to embrace the new season.
The Short Bixie Shag
The Short Bixie shag is a hybrid of a bob and pixie and is set to be one of Spring’s key trends for 2026. Part of the style’s growing popularity is its “graceful grow-out” shape. Hiro explains: “This cut is all about precision and layering. By using traditional Japanese techniques, we create internal layers that give movement and lightness while maintaining structure. Every angle has to be carefully considered so the hair still sits just as beautifully as it grows.” Paul adds: “We balance that precision with a polished, contemporary finish. The dark block colour highlights the shape, giving depth to the choppy layers, while keeping the style modern and striking. It’s a bolder choice, but it works great day-to-day and is low maintenance”.
Bronde Blend
Bronde hair, blending warm and cool tones, is a spring 2026 favourite for its natural, low-maintenance appeal. “The colour is layered to create subtle depth and light,” Hiro explains. “This colour looks beautiful when styled with soft waves and with a smooth, glossy finish. Again, we use Japanese techniques to shape and layer the hair, so the waves move softly and the hair stays healthy and strong.” Paul adds: “The warmth and dimension of the blonde catch the light beautifully, complementing the gentle wave and giving the hair a polished yet relaxed feel. It’s also versatile enough to suit everything from daytime events to evening occasions”.
Soft Low Bun
Relaxed spring styles, such as soft low buns, are perfect for the season, offering looks that suit different hair types and occasions. Hiro explains: “We focus on shaping the hair, so it moves naturally, whether straight, wavy, or curly. By adding internal layering and texture with Japanese techniques, the bun has softness but keeps its form.” Paul adds: “The colour brings warmth, but it’s the styling that makes this look work for different occasions. It can be dressed up or worn casually, making it a versatile option for spring.”