Give those summer streaks and shimmer powder a break and go for big curls, smooth matte skin, smoky eyes and deep-red lips, says hair stylist Jing Monis
WONDER HOW JUDY ANN SANTOS AND Sarah Geronimo achieved that classy glam? Check out their hair. They have traded their signature flat, long hair to soft, layered, oh-so-sexy curls. With the right cut and color, you can also have your own hair makeover.

“For the holidays, sport big waves, have it long and layered,” says hair stylist Jing Monis of the newly opened Jing Monis Salon (tel. 8934098, 8404773; www.jingmonis. com). “Deep colors are so hot now—deep red, purple, chocolate brown and jet black.”

So before December kicks in, make sure to have that light, highlighted hair fixed. It would take time for your hair color to “settle” so have it done now. Summer streaks are so over; have your hair colored darker.

“It all depends on the texture and condition of the hair,” Monis says. “The first thing we do is we sit with our clients for consultation before we do anything, for them to understand their hair condition.”

Sexy eyes, sexier lips

For makeup, Monis suggests to give up shine and go matte.

“Matte makeup is all the rage now, which works well if you have well-polished skin.”

For your endless Christmas parties and New Year bashes, Monis dares you to let go of your shimmer powder and liquid lips and go vampy with smoky eyes and dark red lips, all in shine-free matte.

How about for men? Since a date is always a nice accessory, how should they wear their hair?

“It’s extreme, either you go short, say military cut but with long bangs or mid-length messed-up, something-happened-last-night hair,” he says.

Of course, it is best to find the right stylist to guide you through your holiday makeover, from getting the right cut, shade and highlights (crucial!), foundation and lipstick that matches your skin tone—that’s where Jing Monis’ experience and expertise take over.

And how could his celebrity clients who have been with him over the years go wrong? Mylene Dizon, Wilma Doesnt, Agot Isidro, Tweetie de Leon, Joey Mead, Joann Bitagcol, Mandy de la Rama Santos, Vicky Herrera, Robin Padilla, Martin Nievera, Paolo Paraiso and designer Rajo Laurel are among his loyal patrons.

“I base my cut according to the shape of their head, lifestyle and personality of the client,” Monis says. “I go to school abroad for training once a year or every other year to keep myself updated. When I travel, I observe what’s happening, what’s new in hair trends. I also go through fashion websites for fresh ideas, and read tons of fashion magazines.

“I’m very professional with my work and I was able to build a good friendly relationship with them over the years.”

His works have been featured in Hong Kong Bazaar and Elle magazines, as well as a number of local magazines.

Global inspiration

Monis knew he’d be in the beauty biz since he was in high school, when he started fixing his sister for her prom and Santa Cruzan.

From working as an assistant in a small salon, Monis was able to work his way up and got jobs in Jacques Dessange in New York; L’Oreal Paris; The Powder Group Academy in New York; Toni & Guy Salons in Sydney, Australia, and Singapore; and Le Salon Orient in Hong Kong.

And he shares the knowledge he gained from these global beauty houses to his stylists in the Jing Monis Salon. It used to be called Propaganda, a partnership between Monis and friends Juan Sarte III, Cristine del Valle, Marlon Rivera and Jay Lozada. The team agreed to reformat Propaganda, give Monis full creative and operational control, and call it the Jing Monis Salon.

The 120-sq m salon with modern mediterranean interiors in Greenbelt 1, Makati is ready to give a new look to those who are tired of their usual ’do. And Monis assures you you’ll get your pesos’ worth.

“Our prices are reasonable, especially because we use hair products like Schwarzkopf. I make sure the staff is trained to do the latest style and techniques.”

Your hair could make or break your wardrobe (and could make you thinner, too!), so book an appointment and make your holiday hair work for you.