A model shows a hairstyle. Photo provided to China Daily

Trends come and go, and it seems people always want what they don't have, Chan says.

He points out a phenomenon he has observed in Europe and Asia.

"If people have straight hair, they curl it. When they have thick hair, they thin it," he says.

"But, sometimes, natural is better."

His Chinese customers generally fall into three groups, he says - conservative, trendy and unconventional.

Since his styles are expensive, most of his customers are lawyers and bankers, the types prefer conservative styles, he adds.

"I miss the days when I cut young people's hair," he says.

While Western people use hairstyles to express themselves, Chinese are typically more concerned about whether the cut looks good, Chan says.

"There used to be a wrong perception among Chinese clients that fashion was about money. They would buy an expensive bag and believe it was fashion. But, actually, cheap stuff can be fashionable if it is different.