When I first approached Henri Calayag, hairstylist to models, celebrities, and Manila’s elite, he immediately ran his hands through my hair and fixed it. Like he’s always been my hairstylist. Like he had a duty to do it without being asked. I guess that’s what makes him the top in his industry, and why countless clients who appear on society pages attest to his taste and skill. (Remember, how he once saved us from a really bad haircut?)
“It’s been so long since I started and I still can’t believe I am here,” he said with that friendly comfort in his voice. You could tell people love him because of his manner too. He began the interview without me talking. And here I was wanting just hair advice, when he’s ready to teach so much more about the beauty world. “I woke up and realized that it’s been 36 years since I started and I’m still learning.”
What has your 36 years of experience taught you?
I have learned to compromise with my clients, to be precise, to be determined in what I do. In the 36 years I’ve had my salon, it’s just really my determination [that brought me here]. It’s my passion.
How did you find out that hairstyling was your passion?
In the early days, I was already fiddling with my sister’s hair. I was 13 years old. I then went to Marinello School of Cosmetology in the ’80s.
Favorite clients?
Tweetie De Leon and Apples Aberin. They have been with me for 30 plus years. I started with them when they also began modeling. I keep their look precise and on the dot. I then tend to follow what their style is, I also guided them. I helped mold them into who they are.
What should one remember when looking for the right hairstylist?
When you go to a hairdresser, it also reveals what your taste is. You absorb their taste and it translates into who you are.
Are you tired of new hair trends?
In this business, you cannot have that excuse. It’s a must to [know and master them]. You have to because it’s courtesy to [your clients]. It’s showing that you’re still [relevant].
What’s one thing that will make you succeed in this business?
My clients are why [I have] come a long way. It’s also like how to get hold of your client is an ability.
What style has recently challenged you?
Recently? Nothing. (Laughs) If you Google “Who does a good pixie cut in the Philippines?” I think my name will come up.
What’s your favorite from the Tresemme Keratin line?
I like the treatment mask. It’s concentrated and it’s for every hair problem.
What’s your stand on using bottled water for your hair?
It’s so expensive. I know Demi Moore uses Evian water. I think, kung saan ka maligaya. (Laughs) It does have a benefit but it doesn’t change if you keep the same routine. You can keep using the most expensive water but if you keep bleaching your hair, it still won’t have an effect.
One question hairstylists hate to hear?
There’s a lot. But I will not tell you. I love my clients. The relationship I have with my clients, we’re always the ones who compromise. They will be the one to tell their friends who they go to for their hair. At the end of the day, the clients still rule.
What’s the next 30 years going to be like?
I don’t know. I never really planned everything. I just go with the flow and I will just keep creating new things for my clients. I will keep making people beautiful and feel good.
Photo courtesy of Henri Calayag’s Instagram
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