A hairstylist is confessor, therapist and friend wrapped up in one hard-to-book package.
That’s the case with Jing Monis, the man behind my bangs and sharp bob, who comforted me after the death of my beloved dog (RIP Pochie), who made me laugh after a stressful day (a stressful year!) and never fails to leave me pleased with myself and the world around me after a haircut.
This is an ode to Jing Monis, but this also goes to all stylists. I met Jing over a decade ago, when I was much younger, desperately seeking a haircut that wouldn’t make me feel like an overdressed poodle.
Like a therapist, he determined what I needed: something easy, fuss-free, wouldn’t require a blow-dry.
“Don’t use a brush,” he’d inform the assistant assigned to blow-dry my hair after a haircut. “Bea doesn’t like it too perfect.”
The first time he told the assistant, I felt like weeping. After years of emerging from salons looking like an electrocuted poodle (hair shocked to a flat-ironed crisp), it felt liberating to be seen and understood.
“Jing’s particular talent is connecting with his clients in a special way and creating a look and style for them that is unique to their individual personalities,” says singer Mica Javier. “He truly cares, and it shows with every head of hair he puts his hands on.”
Personal touch
“The thing about Jing is that he knows how to customize every individual’s style to the latest hair design and color,” dermatologist Aivee Teo says. “This is because of his personal touch. His clients usually become his close friends, and this trust factor is very important in ensuring amazing natural results.”
His celeb clients consider him a confidante.
“When everybody wants to make a spectacle of themselves, he knows how to focus on his client’s needs and helps them evolve through his intuitive hands,” Tim Yap says. “He shapes celebs’ heads the way one would shape a career, and knows perfectly well when to cut and when not to.”
“Jing is a people person,” actress Judy Ann Santos observes. “He knows how to make you feel comfortable and confident with his work.”
“The best thing about Jing is his ability to genuinely build relationships with clients and sustain those relationships over time. And through the process he shows openness to grow and adapt with them,” stylist Pam Quiñones says. “I think that’s what separates a good hair dresser from a great one.”
At the 10th-year anniversary of Jing Monis Salon in Greenbelt, celebs and loyal clients came to fete the talented stylist.
After a decade, how does he remain relevant?
“Jing has an eye for innovation,” says show director Robby Carmona. “He is ahead of his time.”
“Jing genuinely cares about his trade, so he puts in the hard work to always better himself and stay relevant,” says Booky app founder Ben Wintle.
Wintle’s wife, actress Iza Calzado, adds: “Jing Monis hustles, and he hustles hard. He stays on top of his game because he is passionate about what he does and he loves the people he works with.”
“His creativity is based on the pulse of what is modern yet timeless because he is constantly looking outside the box, always training, and isn’t afraid of taking risks with confidence,” Mica says. “I think this is key to the longevity of his career.”
“My favorite haircut would be the first time he cut my hair, short and textured,” Judy Ann remembers. That was a long time ago, yet the cut remains a favorite.
“It also helps that he is constantly honing his craft by training overseas with only the best,” says Aivee, who returns to Jing for her signature blunt lob.
“He always reinvents himself,” Tim adds. “Whether he’s showing off his bikini body, doing derma treatments or giving a YouTube tutorial, he knows the game and is always ahead of the curve.”