If you’re up to date with local celebrity style, then you’ve definitely heard of the name Jing Monis. Jing is Manila’s hairstylist to the stars and with the amount of buzz his name creates, he might as well pursue a career in show biz.
Top celebrity endorsers often rely on him for their looks for TVCs and print ads. Monis was responsible for giving Sarah Geronimo her first makeover when she was just 15, before the singer-actress was launched to stardom. His show-biz clientele includes the likes of Kris Aquino, Anne Curtis, Mylene Dizon, Judy Ann Santos and current rising star Lovi Poe.
He has also worked with models such as Tweetie de leon-Gonzalez and Georgina Wilson, socialite Divine Lee and fashion stylist Liz Uy.
In early 2000, Monis and his colleagues in makeup and hairstyle— Juan Sarte, Marlon Rivera, Jay Lozada and Cristine Duque—opened Propaganda in Greenbelt 1. In 2009, the group decided to dissolve the partnership and give Jing full control of the salon. Now renamed after him, the Jing Monis Salon continues the same winning formula of great service, a clean environment and educated stylists, with a second branch opening in Alabang.
The salon is on the third level of the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang. It has a suburban yet classy feel, with pristine white walls and modern detailing, adjacent to a relaxing poolside. It is home to a dynamic and creative team headed by Monis himself.
Guests can schedule a JMS Style Consult and discuss their needs with the stylists. A myriad of hair services are available in the menu, but one definitely worth trying is a Signature Cut from Jing Monis himself for a personalized new look (P2,000). Among those I’ve tried is Wella Alchemy treatment (P3,000- P4,500, depending on hair length), foot rejuvenation with pedi (P600) and mani (P250). For the list of other services, it’s best to inquire with the salon.
Adjustments
What happens when someone wants to look exactly like any one of Monis’ star clients?
“I tell my regular clients that I can give you the cut of Anne or Georgina, but you don’t have the same head shape, pigmentation, etc., so it might not come out the same,” Monis explains.
“It has to be adjusted to your personality and your lifestyle. The most important thing for me is that hair should move.”
He’s not out to make clones of these celebs and It girls; individuality must always shine through.
“Filipinas in general are afraid to change their hairstyle. They say, ‘Give me a new look,’ and then they run down a list of things I cannot do,” Monis says. “So I do it step by step. I say, okay I’ll do this today, but next time we should do this. That happens quite a lot until I gain their full trust.”
What does he suggest for women wanting to try a new hairstyle?
“Women wanting to go short can take ‘Harry Potter’ actress Emma Watson’s pixie cut as their peg. If you wish to keep your hair long, the trend points to lots of layers and waves.”
And for those who want to follow in his footsteps: “Never stop learning. Go to school and train continuously. I’m going to school again next year. I’m always studying because I want my staff to also learn from me.”
Visit Jing Monis Salon at 3/F Greenbelt Mall 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City; tel. 8934098; or 3/F, Main Tower Wing, Bellevue Hotel, North Bridgeway, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa; tel. 0917-5214480 https://www.thejingmonissalon.
com.
Humidity-resistant serum
With the heat and humidity constantly weighing down our new salon locks, it’s important to protect it from the sun. Try: Some Like it Hot heat and humidity resistant serum from Bed Head (P1,670). It helps control fizz while adding shine, leaving it with a delectable Tahitian coconut fragrance.
But for those who already have hopelessly tangled and damaged hair, try Bed Head’s Treat Me Right hair mask (P1,950). It’s a hair spa treatment that will give you full, shiny, healthier hair in just 5 minutes. You can relax and indulge yourself in its peppermint fragrance.
And why stop there? To nourish the hands with a similar delectable scent, try The Body Shop’s Almond Hand and Nail Butter (P895) and Wild Rose Nourishing Hand Butter (P895). These body butters burst with irresistible fragrances and gloriously indulgent aromatic spices to cocoon and pamper your body in pure pleasure this year of the Dragon.