BEAUTY TALKS
HOW DID YOUR LOVE FOR HAIRSTYLING BEGIN? I used to be in the corporate world. Before I moved to the States— where I lived for ten years—I had this hairdresser in Manila. I always thought, Wow this guy is so cool, so badass. So I told myself that if I wanted a career change, it would be in that industry. I loved how he was able to express himself.
WHAT SETS THE COLOR BAR APART FROM OTHER SALONS? Asidefromour expertise in color, one way the salon is different is our culture—the attitudes of the stylists only add to the experience. The number one thing I look for when hiring someone is the right attitude. Skills can be learned, but you can never learn attitude. Plus, I’m there working with them so I want a relaxed, stress-free environment.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? Everywhere! I look for hair inspiration in magazines and also a lot of the times on social media. It’s where I can access so much— from the latest editorials to runway trends to the best dressed in Hollywood.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR MUSES, GARIE CONCEPCION AND NICOLE CORDOVES? Both started being my clients around 2018. Garie came to me devastated because a salon she went to beforehand had bleached her hair without her knowing it, and her hair ended up damaged. She was scared to go lighter. She soon started to trust me and now, she wants to go lighter and lighter! Nicole has a more subtle color which she carries very well. She shows us that color doesn’t always have to be bold or in-your-face.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT BEING A
H A I R S T Y L I S T ? The best feeling is when you see that authentic smile in your client—when they gasp—the moment they see their finished look. It’s great when you give them what they didn’t know they wanted. A lot of my clients were surprised that we were able to achieve a certain color. Seeing them happy and more confident makes me feel so fulfilled.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ASPIRING HAIRSTYLISTS?
Educate, educate, educate. The hair industry is constantly evolving so you should always stay updated. Every year, I go to the US for this very reason. I attend classes; I update myself with the latest trends, techniques and tools. When it comes to attitude, on the other hand, you have to be open-minded and absorb whatever you learn like a sponge.