By Dahvi Shira

While we’re big fans of luxuriating me-time, we’re also big on no-fuss efficiency. There’s a time and a place for both. When we’re on vacation, we’re not above the six-step skincare or haircare routine. But in our day-to-day lives—whether we’re managing a family, a busy work schedule or both—we don’t like wasting time (or money, for that matter) on a bunch of products when we can stick with a selection tailored to our individual needs. 

That’s where the Japanese concept of Kanso comes into play. Defined as “simplicity” or the elimination of clutter, the term is a strong reflection of the culture, which supports everything having a purpose. Think: Marie Kondo’s famous KonMari method. It’s safe to say her thought process incorporates Kanso ideals. 

But the idea of minimalism isn’t limited to what’s in the house. It also refers to self-care and overconsumption. J-beauty overall stresses the importance of simplicity, tradition and natural ingredients. Sure, that multi-step haircare routine may be a relaxing, sensorial experience, but what if you could keep the luxury yet skip the extra steps? Nature Lab.TOKYO’s team took it upon itself to develop effective formulas targeted to several unique concerns or hair types. Regardless of your hair’s current state, if you’re discovering J-beauty for the first time, the Kanso collection is a key entrypoint. 

Your New Haircare Routine, In Kanso Terms 

Step 1: Shampoo

We offer four problem-solving shampoo options, ultimately designed to gently cleanse, remove impurities and reset the scalp for healthier hair. We recognize that everyone’s hair is different, and therefore want to provide accordingly. 

Our Saisei Stress Defense Amino Acid Shampoo—infused with black spruce bark and apple extracts—is designed to revive strands showing signs of aging. So, if you’re experiencing thinning, breakage or graying, this bad boy is calling your name. The end result over time? Hair that appears thicker, fuller and more pigmented, thanks to soothing, hydrating ingredients that also protect the hair from environmental stressors. 

The award-winning Perfect Smooth Shampoo is the closest in our selection to achieving signature Japanese glass hair. If silky, frizz-free strands are what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place. Packed with a nourishing blend of exotic plant oils, quinoa and yuzu ceramide, this calming concoction detangles, hydrates and strengthens. 

Much like it sounds, our Perfect Volume Shampoo offers full, bouncy, hydrated strands (without weighing it down). A potent blend of apple extract, along with rice and soy proteins, revitalize the scalp, restore hair’s natural thickness and give new life to fine, thin hair. We’re convinced this will save you a few trips to the salon. 

Heat and color can do a number on all of us, which is why our Perfect Repair Shampoo is key. When we feel like our strands have reached the point of no return, we turn to this powerful blend of bamboo extract, smart keratin, argan oil and prickly pear oil. Combined, the nourishing formula helps strengthen and protect, hydrate and soften. So, when the hair feels like hay? Yeah, you know where to turn. 

Step 2: Conditioner

We developed four problem-solving conditioners designed to work systematically with their accompanying shampoos. You can choose from our new Saisei Restoring Therapy Conditioner, along with Perfect Repair Conditioner, Perfect Smooth Conditioner or Perfect Volume Conditioner. Each formula is a botanical oil-rich treatment designed to nourish the strands.  

Step 3: Treatment

To round out your specially tailored shampoo and conditioning regimen, we’ve developed a number of meticulously formulated treatments to ensure your specific hair needs are met. We know that said needs are ever-evolving, depending on season, color treatments and of-the-moment hair goals. Therefore, we make it easy to add something new from our collection into the mix if you feel the time is right. 

Our Saisei Biomimetic Peptide Treatment Essence is a daily scalp spray that stops hair damage in its tracks. Biomimetic peptides, paired with red clover flower extract, work to revitalize hair follicles and stimulate melanin production, supporting thicker, fuller strands while helping restore hair’s natural pigment. The lightweight, cooling formula absorbs quickly and is encouraged for use even on no-wash days.

Then you have our Perfect Repair Treatment Masque, a cutting-edge deep conditioning rinse that penetrates the hair's core to restore dull hair from scalp to strand in only 3-5 minutes. Formulated with lightweight oils, plant extracts and botanicals, this concentrated formula is designed to repair hair weakened by chemical treatments, heat styling and environmental stressors. Results are noticeable after just one use. 

You can also choose from our award-winning Perfect Volume Thickening & Conditioning Masque which provides weightless lift, body and softness to fine hair after just one use. Packed with vitamins, plant extracts and volumizing rice ingredients, this ultra lightweight formula also supports longterm scalp and hair health.

Still on the fence about the Kanso Core system that’s right for you? Take our quiz HERE!