Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Yuji Okuda
Yuji Okuda, Hair Stylist
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Based: Paris, France
Representation: Artlist
How did you first discover your passion for hair? Was there a specific moment that made you realize this was your career path?
I’ve always loved making things with my hands, and I’ve always been drawn to fashion. When I chose beauty school in high school, I initially thought I would go into salon work and eventually become an owner. But as soon as I started working, I realized I wanted to become a session hairstylist. From that point on, I kept setting new goals and moving toward them. I left Japan, moved to Paris, and somehow, fifteen years have already passed, which I never expected.
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
I love crafting beautiful, delicate hair textures with movement that feels effortless and natural. The way the hair falls around the face or grazes the ears is everything. It’s subtle, but it defines the entire shape. The roots are almost invisible in the final image, yet they act as the quiet engine behind the whole silhouette. The ends matter just as much; they carry their own quiet story. I’m also drawn to finding the most efficient path between process and result, connecting the dots in the cleanest and most thoughtful way. You don’t always have as much time as you’d like on set, and some of my favorite work has come out of those more urgent, “we have to move now” moments.
What’s your process for conceptualizing a look?
I don’t carry many references with me. I prefer to communicate with the team on set, study the model’s hair closely, and begin with what’s right in front of me. Depending on the texture, I don’t always start by blow-drying. Sometimes the hair’s natural texture is already perfectly suited to the model.
What non-fashion/beauty influences shape your creative perspective?
My family and the creative friends I met in high school had a huge impact on me in my late teens. I grew up in a creative household, with my father working as a graphic designer. My friends and I spent a lot of time talking about design and fashion. After moving to Paris, I assisted Tomohiro Ohashi and worked on countless shows as part of Anthony Turner’s team. In my mid-twenties, I approached everything with a sense of curiosity, trying to absorb as much as I could. Those years became the foundation of my creative perspective today.
What other jobs have you had?
Professionally, I’ve only ever worked in hair. Outside of that, I’ve explored photography, making clothes, building websites, laying tiles, constructing terraces, pouring concrete, and even creating an artistic wooden door.
What’s one thing outside of your work that you’d like people to know about you?
1. I’m good at DIY.
2. I also love the mountains. Skiing is one of my favorite things to do.
3. Once, a photographer asked me to join a shoot on the ski slopes. We had to move between locations on skis, and he asked if I was good. I said “ very good,” and he confirmed me instantly. I carried a backpack filled with a hair dryer, products, wigs, etc., and created big hair on the terrace of a mountain restaurant. It was an unforgettable experience.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career, and what did you take away from it?
Probably the constant need to surpass myself. There’s no room for “things were better back then.” You have to evolve, always.
What’s a common misconception about what you do that you wish more people understood?
My father worked in information design, a field that isn’t about decoration, but about bringing clarity and simplicity. People who don’t know much about hair might look at my work and think it doesn’t look “special.” But the kind of special I aim for is subtle, the kind that doesn’t shout. That’s the approach I’ve taken for years in my work with Charlotte Gainsbourg.
What advice would you give to aspiring hairstylists?
Take every challenge you can. Dive into the details you love — the shapes, the textures, the small obsessions — and pursue them. Sometimes, learn to break your own rules (even though that’s not always easy). On a practical level, while still assisting, I did many shows. Three shows a day, ten models a day, for weeks. You improve quickly, and you gain real confidence. That opportunity was essential for my career.
Who do you think is one to watch?
Satoko Watanabe, she always inspires me.
Selected Work
Laetitia Casta by Juergen Teller | Image courtesy of Artlist
Balmain S/S 2025 Campaign
This was my first job for Balmain. We shot it at Olivier (Roustein’s) home, and it was an unforgettable day.
Caitlin Soetendal & Olivia Petronella Palermo by Charlotte Stouvenot | Image courtesy of Artlist
Close To Me for The Face Magazine
When using wigs, what’s fun is that you can completely change the model’s character. I often darken the roots, too. I also had a brown wig ready, but once they both put on red outfits like this, the blonde one had a stronger impact.
Ylang Messenguiral by Senta Simond | Image courtesy of Artlist
Me for Self Service Magazine
Ylang (Messenguiral’s) hair, as everyone knows, is beautifully curly. I often work in a spontaneous way that allows the hair to move naturally. I don’t usually set it stiff with spray before the model gets dressed.
Charlotte Gainsbourg by Mark Kean | Image courtesy of Artlist
Harper’s Bazaar France February 2025 Cover
Working on this cover alongside Charlotte (Gainsbourg), Elodie (David Touboul), and Mark (Kean) was an incredible experience. The three of them are very inspiring and talented in their respective fields, and it resulted in an iconic cover.
Cruz Kahlbetzer by Juergen Teller | Image courtesy of Artlist
Dior SS26 by Jonathan Anderson for System Magazine
I trimmed the hair a bit and added texture with 3 different products. I dried his hair, then added water for a more natural look. Shooting with Juergen (Teller) is always something special — every time.
