RENOWNED hairstyling maestro, Shunji Matsuo started styling hair more than 40 years ago. From Japan to Europe and even to the United States, this international hairstylist has worked with familiar names such as Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Uma Thurman.

Starting out in Osaka, Japan, where he graduated from the Yamano Beauty School, Matsuo was already the partner of a salon in Kobe at the age of 21.

Working his way up in the international scene, Matsuo started as an assistant to Suga Yusuke in New York, the renowned celebrity hairstylist of the '70s and '80s.

He came to Singapore 10 years ago and decided to make Singapore his base in South-east Asia - a decision he has never regretted. Now a permanent resident, Matsuo's brands include Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio and ICON By Shunji Matsuo.

The New Paper sat down with the 59-year-old to find out what drew him to Singapore and where is his favourite spot.

Why is this room your favourite spot?

When I come home from a long day at work, this room makes me feel more calm and relaxed.

You can also see the sunrise from my windows at around 6.30 in the morning, the view is very beautiful.

What do you do in this room?

In the morning, I come here to meditate for about half an hour. Then I do my exercises like lifting some weights.

This room is like the 'stretching room', because it's where I stretch myself physically and mentally.

In the night, I relax here by reading magazines or sometimes I just drink and enjoy my tea here.

Did anything significant happen here in this room?

One of my relatives from Japan came to visit me a while ago and I took him around my home. He was in this room when he told me that he was very happy for me, and happy at what I am doing in Singapore. It's nice to hear that from him.

Did you design this room yourself?

No, I know how to design hair, but not interior design. (laughs)

Actually, this is my first house that I've bought in Singapore. I just moved in seven months ago after being recommended by a client about this estate.

I spoke to a designer about my home and he decided that this room should have an Istanbul-Turkish theme.

My friends also helped me with it. They told me orange was a good colour for the room's walls because it's very relaxing.

How did you start your hairstyling career?

When I was 17, I saw an article on Suga in a magazine. He was a very famous hairstylist and I decided I want to be like him.

At that time, I didn't speak any English at all and I spent six months in Los Angeles trying to get a hairstyling job. Then I wrote a letter to Suga in New York and he told me he'll take care of me. And that's how everything started.

Why did you choose to set up base in Singapore?

Actually, Singapore was never part of my plan. I always thought maybe Bangkok or Jakarta because I've been there a few times and I know friends there.

But I came to Singapore in 1997 because I was in Malaysia at that time. I stayed in the Orchard area. I realised that Singapore was just like a small New York City, where I had worked before. I decided to give Singapore a try and it turned out to be excellent.

Also, my fengshui master told me that my luck is in South-east Asia, so I'm staying here for good! (laughs)

How do you like Singapore?

Singapore is very convenient and safe. It is also very international. Sometimes people tell me the weather in Singapore is too hot, but I like it hot. I don't like winter.

People in Singapore and New York share the same mentality and lifestyle too. So I know what Singaporeans want because I've practised in New York for 10 years. Singaporeans make up about 90 per cent of my clientele and my business here is excellent.

This article was first published in The New Paper