After almost two decades in the makeup and beauty industry, Jing Monis is a veritable institution. He’s handled big stars like Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo, celebrity endorsers like Anne Curtis, and current “It” girl Solenn Heusaff.
Top hair advertisers like Pantene, Sunsilk and Head & Shoulders call on him for their print and TV campaigns. And when he’s not heeding the call of the limelight, he is busy overseeing his hair academy and doing the rounds of his salons in Greenbelt, Belleview Alabang and Resorts World Manila.
Monis’ overflowing schedule is proof of his unquestionable talent. He is a true magician when it comes to giving women the look that best suits them. I tapped this valuable resource and asked him about his salon business, hair forecasts and his most trusted hair products.
I decided to expand and branch out my salon business because… I see the growth in the salon industry and the need for quality salon services. More people are becoming more concerned about their looks. Development of new products, techniques and services also increases the existing customer base.
I’m fixated with opening my new hair academy because… I want to educate and help aspiring beauty stylists by sharing the knowledge I’ve learned through more than 20 years experience in this industry and through my intensive and continuous training around the world. I want my future students to be successful and achieve more than what I’ve accomplished, that is why I also do constant training with my own staff.
My favorite hair color for the season is… Bright colors, because that’s what’s happening this year. I also want people to know that these colors exist and they should be bold and more creative in coloring their hair.
I’m obsessed with changing my own hair color because… I want to be playful and try what we’re also offering in our salon. I’ve tried color green, blue and violet. I do it every 2 or 3 weeks. It depends also on my mood and schedule.
The girls and guys that come to me regularly include… Robin Padilla, Martin Nievera, Mayor Jun Jun Binay, Paulo Avelino, Brent Javier, Benjamin Alves, Fabio Ide, Daniel Matsunaga, JC Tiuseco and Mikael Daez. The women are Vanessa Matsunaga, Jessica Yang, Jasmine Maierhofer, Kara Gozali and Pauline Prieto. Laureen Uy, Sam Pinto, Maxine Magalona, Kris Aquino, Judy Ann Santos, Anne Curtis, Zsa Zsa Padila are also new clients.
The 5 best hair products I’ve tried are… Tresemme (shampoo), Bob by Jing Monis (hair wax), Shaper plus by Sebastian (hair spray), Schwarzkopf (hair color) and Keratin Complex (hair treatment).
The hair products I love but can’t get here are… Aveda Universal Styling Cream and Prive hair products, especially the gel.
I indulge in spa and wax treatments at… this spa near my place; It’s called Island Spa, but when I’m really tired, I sometimes have at-home spa.
Some of my favorite shoes are… Tod’s (loafers), Dr. Martens (moccasins), D&G (leather shoes) and Lanvin (sneakers). My most favorite now is Fiorentini & Baker.
I have an obsession with… Jo Malone candles and scents from La Suisse like Chamomile, Lavender, Lemongrass.
To unwind, I hit bars/clubs like… Opus and Prive.
My drink of choice is… scotch.
Top tip
Monis is on a constant lookout for what’s fresh and new in the world of hair. These two products from Macadamia Natural Oil are the latest in his salon. The nutrient-rich properties of Macadamia and Argan oil are key ingredients found in the product. After you see it revitalize even the most problematic of hair, you’ll never go back to regular shampoo and conditioner again!
1. Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless shampoo:
It is an all-in-one cleansing and conditioning shampoo in a gel-foam texture and does not sud but still cleans. It’s surfactant-free hair-cleansing properties drastically cut down blow-drying time.
2. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque
It is a hair reconstructor that penetrates damaged hair for improved shine and elasticity. It also contains chamomile, tea tree and essence of aloe and algae. It provides deep nourishment and long-lasting conditioning for the hair.
Jing Monis Salon is at Unit 303, L/3, Greenbelt Mall, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City, tel. 8934098, 8404773, 0906-5154848; and North Bridgeway, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, tel. 0917-5214480.
Jing Monis Velvet Salon is at 5F Maxims Hotel, Resorts World Manila; tel. 5111171
