Our Legacy
PEACE . PROSPERITY
THE INTERNET
POP CULTURE TOOK FLIGHT
BIRTH OF NEW MUSIC GENRES
GRUNGE . HIP HOP . RAVE
DANCE MOVIES WERE BORN
"TOO COOL TO CARE" ATTITUDE
FRIEND
90s
We were just getting started in 1990. We ventured from Tampa Bay, learning the art of hairdressing the West Coast way with California style and influences from surrounding areas. Then, the first location was launched in Arizona. We continued to travel, educate, trend watch, meet industry colleagues, and perfect our practices. Following this magnificent growth and new beginnings, the second location opened in Central Florida in the late 90s.
The 90s trends were a decent step away from the 80s rock ‘n roll hairstyles. “The Rachel,” in honor of the bubbly and stylish Friends character, was one of the most popular looks during this era. It featured volume in the crown and taper around the face with bubble-type layering. We customized this look and specialized in the sliced texture that created movement in the hair, which was great for “The Rachel” look!
Crimped waves were another big hit. We created a perming technique that gave the illusion of using a crimping iron. This look was a tousled mess, easy to wear with no hot tools necessary. Half-crimped and half-straight hair was the look of many pop-star divas like Britney Spears, inspiring a wave of popularity in hair and fashion.
Moving along in the decade, super tight curls were also in. As a product of the 1980s, we mastered the perming process with a creative freestyle approach. We permed hair with objects, not rods.
Hairstyles for men had a broad range of looks from Leonardo DiCaprio’s long top to tapered sides, the mullet, spikes with blond tips, slicked back classic, to afros and straight flat top fades.
As freestyle hairdressers, we have always customized the shape's silhouette to fit the guest and the vision. The fusion of international design techniques that our founder, LK, has mastered and implemented in our team training has led us to the creation of our very own YAIYAI Blueprint Philosophy. #yaiyaiblueprintyourstyle
Y2K
WE WILL NEER FORGET 9/11
iTUNES
2007 FIRST iPHONE ANNOUNCED
FIRST INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION CREW
PLAYSTATION 2
2000s
In the 2000s, we were on fire! Two additional locations were launched in Central Florida, one with extended spa and fitness services. We learned a lot about the industry, the issues, and where we wanted to go in the future. The hairdressing industry offered too many product options, too much hype about what the “new cool” was, and basically gave the impression of a sales pitch instead of being personalized. However, this concept did not fit our brand as we are guest-focused. To address this issue, we decided to simplify and customize the experience. As our passion has always been centered around the guest, we made sense of it all and created the YAIYAI Signature Style, continuing to perfect our Blueprint Philosophy and the YAIYAI product lines. This educates the guest, sharing their best options for their personal characteristics, making them feel unique and confident.
We continued to build the YAIYAI brand. The original meaning of “Salon” is a gathering place. We noticed that throughout the years, guests would tend to meet and converse with other guests at the salon during their reservations. This was when we established the YAIYAI experience, creating this “gathering place.” We extended the style experience from a coffee bar to a wine bar, day to night.
Continuing on, let’s talk 2000’s hair! Wavy hair pinned back on the sides created a big trend from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Popstar Brittany Spears continued to inspire others to crimp and go straight at the same time. Super straight with random curls was inspired by punk-pop diva Avril Lavigne. Flipped out on the ends was the craze for 2000! I can’t tell you how many countless hours we designed, flicked, textured, sliced, and diced hair to achieve these looks. Our Blueprint Style Philosophy rocked these silhouettes, as they were very textured, airy, pointy, entirely hand sculpted, and balanced.
The very bleached blond, shoulder-length sloppy bob with a zig-zag part became the dream of almost every girl. It was Christina Aguilera's signature look.
The short pixy rocked by actress Halle Berry was epic. Every guest who loved short hair wanted to be her! We replicated the shape so many times and made it their own!
The side-swept bangs became a “gotta have it” look. They needed to be sliced for texture and sculpted to the face. Nicole Richie inspired this look.
A very dark color with short, choppy bangs and layered lengths was introduced with much personality by Ashlee Simpson.
Singer Rihanna rocked a high ponytail with straight bangs.
Kelly Clarkson inspired the era of chunky highlights with extreme contrast, which created harsh vertical lines.
2010s
SOCIAL MEDIA
STREAMING CULTURE
2010 FIRST iPAD RELEASED
2010 UBER GOES LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO
SUPERHERO MOVIES
NEW GENERATION OF BRITISH ROYALS
During the 2010s, YAIYAI built the HQ Corporate Office, preparing to launch an all-inclusive national brand with a go-green initiative. We went through a market research process and a new product development phase. We launched the latest and greatest organic products from hair care to skincare, men’s line, mineral make-up, body care, and Signature Blueprint Couture line. From coast to coast, we found elite manufacturers that could fulfill our needs. YAIYAI then went through a rebranding process. This evolution has brought us to where we are today.
So, let’s talk 2010s hair. A shoulder length bob with a curvy shape, piecey texture, and curled under ends created a playful bounce for country singer Carrie Underwood.
The pixy continued for over a decade with a fuller look. The looks encompassed the same texture but more volume. This shape was still the signature look of the lovely Halle Berry.
Wild natural curls took the spotlight with much personality by Nicole Kidman. Curls shrink, so this silhouette is a solid-designed bob with a light texture. Natural curls have power. We gently shape them with zero tension, or sometimes freehand design, sculpting them into place!
Grey-blond and pastel colors became a craze amongst the youth and mature. Extremely short and vibrant red hair became a trend by Rihanna.
Two-toned hair began to take over. The darker regrowth with lightener ends was birthed. This is a French colouring technique that started in the 1970s. The color is painted by hand rather than using traditional foiling highlighting techniques.
A jaw-length bob became epic as Katie Holmes went from one length to a sliced-out bang. This featured a deep slice that became her signature style.
Big hair with va-va-voom waves rocked the world of glam as Beyonce showed the world a head-turning voluminous coiffure with balayage color. It was indeed a statement!
The headband became famous with the hit TV show Gossip Girl. It was a beautiful display of femininity and the all-American innocent look! It rocked!
The Pouf was huge, with volume on top! This was done with an updo and with your hair down.
A NEW WORLD
SUPER BOWL LIV
MICRO BREWERIES
SPACEX NEW ERA OF SPACEFLIGHT
JAMES BOND NO TIME TO DIE
iPHONE 13 PRO
2020s
In the 2020s, we completed the rebranding process. YAIYAI proudly launched with a fresh new look! The new trademarks are modern and innovative and best represent the brand. We also launched the YAIYAI UNI, Academy of Unique New Instruction. The new product lines, along with new location buildouts, are underway. The brand is ready for national expansion.
What’s happening with hair in the 2020s? “The Rachel” Friends-inspired look came back with a smoother touch. The Pixie is trendy, with short pieces around the hairline that are pushed up and off the face for a more dramatic look. Also, the Bixie is a big hit, a cross between the pixie and the bob.
One length makes a huge comeback, giving the supermodel vibe.
The asymmetrical bob (called a “Lob”) is a considerable hit worn in several lengths. Chin length is the new thing, worn in straight and wavy braids.
The modern shag frames the face with bangs and long sliced layers.
70’s bangs or curtain bangs rock. Round fros make a statement with huge volume.
The trends of the 2020s represent a departure from 2010s fashion, which has thus far been primarily inspired by fashions of the 1980s, late 1990s, and early to mid-2000s.
