Today we’d like to introduce you to Miwako Urasugi.
Hi Miwako, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up surrounded by tea fields in Kyoto, Japan, and began my career as a hairstylist more than 21 years ago. My work eventually took me from Kyoto to Tokyo, London, and then New York, where I moved in 2019.
Over the years, I have worked across fashion, editorial, advertising, and celebrity grooming, contributing to projects for publications and brands including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, The New York Times, Nike, Amazon, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and David Yurman.
After many years of working internationally, I wanted to create a space that reflected everything I had learned, not only about hair, but also about culture, craftsmanship, and the importance of genuine human connection. In 2025, I opened Borderless Hair: A Medium in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Borderless is more than a traditional hair salon. I see hair as a medium through which people can express themselves, connect with others, and feel truly seen. Today, I continue to balance my editorial and commercial work with building the salon and developing a Japanese-inspired head spa experience rooted in preventative care and well-being.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! Moving between Kyoto, Tokyo, and New York meant repeatedly rebuilding my career, community, and sense of belonging from the ground up. When I moved to New York in 2019, I had experience and a strong portfolio, but I still had to prove myself all over again—while working in a different language and navigating the uncertainty of the immigration process.
I have also experienced profound personal loss, including the death of my sister, while continuing to work and build a life far from home. More recently, opening my own salon brought a completely new set of challenges. I had to learn how to be not only a hairstylist and artist, but also a business owner—managing finances, construction, people, and countless unexpected problems.
There were many moments when I felt exhausted or uncertain, but I kept moving forward. My journey has taught me that strength is not always about pushing harder. Sometimes, it is simply about standing your ground and refusing to give up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Borderless Hair: A Medium is an appointment-based hair salon and creative space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. I chose the name because I believe hair is a medium—it can express who you are, how you feel, and how you want to be seen.
We offer personalized haircuts, color, styling, and treatments. I don’t believe in pushing the same trends or beauty standards on everyone. I like to take the time to understand each client’s hair, lifestyle, and personality, and create something that feels natural and true to them.
After working as a hairstylist for more than 21 years in Kyoto, Tokyo, London, and New York, I wanted to create a salon that brought together Japanese attention to detail, my international experience, and the creative perspective I developed through fashion and editorial work.
More than anything, I want Borderless to feel welcoming, personal, and creative, place where people can relax, be themselves, and leave feeling like the best version of who they already are.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One thing I’m especially excited about is the Buckwheat Therapy Head Spa experience we are developing at Borderless. Inspired by Japanese wellness traditions and the idea of preventative care, it is designed to support not only the scalp and hair, but also relaxation and overall well-being.
Growing up surrounded by tea fields in Kyoto gave me a deep appreciation for nature, ritual, and the care behind Japanese craftsmanship. Through Borderless, I hope to share those values in a way that feels authentic, modern, and accessible in New York.
And since we are still a new space, I’m excited to see how Borderless continues to grow and evolve with our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atelierborderless.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borderless.ny/
