The facade of the Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio

Science and style. Method and creativity. Logic and magic. These are Dr. Boy Vazquez’s mantra for his latest undertaking – the Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio. Yes, the owner of the unique Cafe Juanita has also ventured into the salon business, part of his personal vision of promoting well-being among his friends and patrons. Together with international celebrity hairstylist, Mr. Shunji Matsuo, they are creating a magnum opus that aims to make the “salon experience” – unique gratifying and pleasant.

The “Man Man” – Mr. Shunji Matsuo is a veteran in the international fashion world. He built his reputation while he was in New York, from the 70′s until the mid-90′s, where he worked with celebrities like Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford, Uma Thurman, and Cristy Brinkley, to name a few. His hair creations have been showcased in fashion glossies like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar as well as on the fashion runways of famed designers like Oscar dela Renta, Yohji Yamamoto, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan. In 1999, he settled in Singapore where he established his very successful salons and the recent years witness his continued growth, with new salons being opened in Kuala Lumpur and Vietnam, and bringing his craft to Manila as well in Pasig City, he joined forces with the similarly artistic and creative Dr. Boy Vazquez.

A doctor like no other - Dr. Boy Vazquez

A retired OB-GYN in the salon business? Dr. Boy is no stranger in breaking stereotypes. “Ordinary” and “typical” are not in this doctor’s vocabulary. His idea of beauty goes beyond looks. He has been fascinated by Imelda Marcos, an icon during her time. She was not just as a patron of art and beauty, but one that oozed with flair and classic style. He believes that flair and confidence comes from within the individual and so he wants his clients to feel good while in the salon and hopefully he or she exudes that, when one leaves.

The extraordinarily beautiful interiors of the salon

Much like his restaurant, he wants the interiors of his salon to create an experience of beauty and the so-called Japanese “kimochi ii”, which roughly means “a good personal feeling.” The interiors is the doctor’s installation art, reflecting his moods and ideas. As one entershte salon, a welcoming living room meets the guest, adorned by colorful sofas, vintage center, and side tables, 50′s lamps and warm-colored carpets and luxurious chandeliers. As one settles down, the guest soon notices several pieces that add to the character of the place such as richly colored Thai and Japanese umbrellas, antique cabinets, gentle buddhas, and Thank monk statues. The doctor’s personal collection of antique tocadors often entice guests to sit, pose, and pretend to be a Grace Kelly. The ambience is intended to reinforce the experience of beauty, pampering, and luxury.

Creativity and technique - both mastered by the highly-trained stylists

Behind this experience of beauty and style – is a science. Stylists are chosen not just for their creativity, but at Shunji, they are also trained on Mr. Matsuo’s system and method. An international director is sent by Shunji to stay for at least for two years to lead the team of stylists in the salon. Mr. Aremond Yong, is the current international director. He is veratile in current trends but also uniquely understands clients who want to be a bit “conservative.” The salon stylists are regularly updated by Shunji Matsuo- Singapore’s director for its academy, Mr. Crhistopher Lim. He visits the manila salon every 3 months to update and continually train the local stylists who understand that there is a science behind coloring, perming, cutting, and styling. Stylists at Shunji also enjoy a unique benefit of being educated by a real hair doctor, in fact, one of only two medical (non-surgical) hair specialists in the Philippines – Dr. Jun Bormate, the second doctor of the house.

At the mezzanine of the building, the Adolfo Skin & Hair Clinic, is run by dermatologist, Dr. Adolfo “Jun” Bormate who happens to be the first Filipino dermatopathologist to be board-certified by the International Board of Dermatopathology. In this age of media-hype, he offers nothing less than honesty on the impact of products and treatments on one’s skin and hair. Botox, chemical peels, and other skin and hair treatments also done with a relaxing spa-like setting. Certainly, his expertise lends science not only to his skin and hair clinic, but also to Shunji Matsuo Hair Studo, to whose stylists, he also imparts important cautionary knowledge that other stylists do not even bother to think about. Indeed it is a good blend of science and style.

The wedding of the century has come and gone, and it’s left a lot of us in awe of its simplicity yet subtle grandeur. As with all wedding celebrations however, all eyes were on the bride as she went about preparing for a life of royalty and elegance, and Catherine Middleton, now Catherine Mountbatten-Windsor, Duchess of Cambridge, is set for a life in the spotlight.

Before the big day, the world waited with bated breath to see who was going to design her dress and style her hair. Now that the ceremony is over, speculation may end, because people can now emulate the very crowning glory that did not disappoint wedding watchers.

WHO did her look?

The bride was styled by James Pryce supported by Richard Ward, while the bridal party was styled by the Richard Ward team of Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, a L’Oréal Professionnel salon in the heart of London’s Chelsea that also uses Kérastase. This salon has been Kate’s favorite hair salon for the last eight years.

At the forefront of British Hairdressing, award-winning hairdresser Richard Ward has cultivated a unique team of talented experts, renowned for their outstanding technical knowledge and creative abilities. Ward is famous for his innovative yet wearable couture hair, while Pryce on the other hand specializes in precision and designer cutting of both long and short hair.  Having stayed in the hairdressing industry for over 15 years, he gained extensive knowledge from working in salons such as Trevor Sorbie and Daniel Galvin, with his hair philosophy being that a great look lies in the cut.

WHAT was her look?

Princess Catherine’s bridal look is called the ‘demi-chignon’, an up-do style which combines a classic bridal look with a regal, couture finish.  The focus of the style was her unique halo style tiara lent by the Queen Mother for the special occasion, set back from the hairline and which eventually determined the finished look. A bridal hairstyle totally in line with her beauty and personality, the demi-chignon allowed her to show her luxuriously soft and shiny hair all day.

HOW to do it?

The front part of the styling is done in a very natural way, opening up her face to enhance her pure, beautiful face. The hair stylist has created a classic volume on the top (with or without pads or hair pieces) and set in a classic chignon base that allows fixing the precious royal tiara. He has created a guide line from ear to ear for the level of this base.

The back part of the styling is completely inspired by the natural falling of her hair. The movement is achieved thanks to natural curls of different sizes (curling iron) which give more volume and texture to the hair. The look is finished fixing a long‐lasting spray.

WHAT do you need?

For Construction 

• L’Oréal Professione tecni.art Full Volume: a blow ‐dry volume mousse that creates big boudoir hair and overall volume.

Php 714.00, Available only in L’Oréal Professionnel salons

• L’Oréal Professionel tecni.art Liss Control: an intense control and smoothing serum that gives 24-hour anti-frizz protection and adds natural shine

Php 897.00, Available only in L’Oréal Professionnel salons

For Shine

• Elixir Ultime Kérastase: a beautifying oil enriched with a complex of four precious oils that perfects the look as well as ads soft and shine to the hair.

Php 2,215.00, Available at all Kérastase salons

For Fixation

•  L’Oréal Professionnel Elnett: professional hair spray with microfine diffuser to hold the hair and keep it smooth, manageable and in excellent condition.

Php 680.00, Available only in L’Oréal Professionnel salons

Boy, has it been a long time! We apologize for the blogging hiatus the past months, but worry not, because we’re back and ready for more hair-raising action!

We welcomed 2011 with a dare to change your look for the New Year, and one lucky girl did just that. Read on to find out more about our makeover winner:

Dear HIM,

My name is Irene and I’m a big fan of Hair in Manila. I love reading your reviews on different salons and everything about hair! And quite helpful too as I’m very indecisive as to which hairstyle to wear and where to go.

After learning about the Hair’s to the New Year Hair Make-over contest, I got so excited and the first person that popped in my mind was my very good friend Dionie.

Dionie is turning 26 on February and yes, she has never had a boyfriend since birth! She’s the bread winner to her family. Very smart and pretty. But her pretty face is just not enough. Her looks need character and that extra oomph. Before, she used to have very long hair. Our barkada advised her to do something new with her hair as she wore the same style for so long. She tried perming it which was okay until it became dull again. So to break away from her usual long, boringblack hair, Dionie decided to cut her hair short. I was expecting a stylish bob like those of Victoria Beckham, Katie Holmes or Paris Hilton, but unfortunately, her haircut turned out to be something that made her officemates and friends tease her as the Going Bulilit child star “Chacha”. This “Chacha” look went along with her small, “pa-cute” voice, and I think this image has left an impression on men that she was “childish”, hence no boyfriend since birth. I find this an unfair judgment for someone as responsible, mature and nurturing as Dionie. That’s why I wanted her to get a makeover because she has great potential to be as stylish as the Hollywood A-listers. I believe all she needs is a little more style and color in her hair and she will certainly make men regret why they never took notice of her.

More power to Hair in Manila!

Sincerely,

Irene

Thanks to Irene’s letter, this fashion emergency was turned into an exciting New Year makeover for her friend Dionie.

Our lucky makeover winner was invited to Regine’s Salon, located at The Link in Makati, for her luxurious salon experience. The façade displays not only the very inviting and stylish interior, but also boasts of its professional expertise in the hair color of the future, INOA.

Regine's Salon, Makati

The elegant reception desk, adorned with patterns and a chandelier

As soon as Dionie arrived at Regine’s Salon for her makeover, we instantly noticed her sweet and (initially) shy personality. Her naturally straight hair fell promptly on her shoulders, which complemented her cute, preppy outfit.

As a programmer for one of the well-known management consulting and technology services company, you can’t deny the smarts that come with this CommArts graduate from UST. With the goal of combining creative and chic in Dionie, we started the much-awaited makeover with one of L’Oreal Professionnel’s Institutional Artists, Karina Mantolino of Regine’s Salon.

As Dionie shared her hair story with Karina, she also showed how her hair now is almost the same style as when she was way younger!

Convinced that her look needed some spicing up, Karina decided to match Dionie’s playful personality with a new trendy yet wearable hairstyle.

Dionie’s hair first gets shampooed, with a relaxing massage to boot

Karina then carefully removes some length and adds edgy layers to Dionie’s hair

Someone seems to be enjoying this special double blow-drying experience as her new haircut is revealed

Regine’s Salon stylist, Jimmy Tadeo, then prepares INOA for Dionie’s hair color

The revolutionary INOA (or Innovation No Ammonia) from L’Oreal Professionnel is indeed the hair color of the future because of its ODS or Oil Delivery System. This means that INOA has no ammonia, which is why it has no unpleasant smell and even offers optimal scalp comfort for anyone who wants to have their hair colored.

Dionie is pleasantly surprised that she doesn’t smell anything at all!

Take it from Irene herself who tells us why she thinks INOA is the hair color of the future:

“INOA is the hair color of the future because it is 100% ammonia-free. The best choice for those who haven’t tried hair coloring and for those whose hair have become dried from other hair color product. INOA will leave hair soft, shiny and brilliant in color!”

INOA is then applied on Dionie’s hair, without causing any stinging on her scalp

To complement her new hair style, 3 INOA shades (5.12, 5.17, and 5.62) are applied to add dimension and personality to Dionie’s look. With rich browns and interesting low and high lights, her hair comes to life with color!

A head full of color matched, with a smile of excitement

“We can’t wait to see her new look!” exclaimed Dionie’s supportive friends Cory and letter-sender Irene!

And alas, the final product! The cut and color that changed Dionie’s look - with stylish healthy-looking hair!

AFTER

What better way to (re)start the year than to have great new look care of fun-loving friends (not to mention professional help), right? For daring to change cut and color your hair, and embracing the much-needed change, here’s to you Dionie – our 2011 Hair’s to the New Year Makeover winner!

Dionie shows how she’s A-okay with her refreshing makeover!

Thank you Irene, Cory, and to everyone who joined the contest! For those who weren’t as lucky this time around, don’t worry because we still have a lot in store for you the next coming weeks – so wait for that!

Special thanks to Karina, as well as everyone from Regine’s Salon Makati, who helped make this dream make-over a reality!

REGINE’S SALON

With branches at The Link, Makati and Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa

Book your appointment now and call 028561724 or 028072217

As you all know, HIM is going through some big changes. So for this blog entry, I opted to do something a little different.

Okay, so a large part of this blog has been dedicated to make-overs. I mean, true enough, what kind of a hair blog would this be if it didn’t feature hair make-overs, right? So staying true to that, HIM has featured about 10 wonderful make-overs throughout its existence.

But wait, have you noticed something??? Try to go through the 10 entries and see…

>>Makeovers #1 to #10

Yeap! All girls. We’ve only featured girl make-overs in this blog. So to make this entry a little bit out of the ordinary, I chose a lucky BOY to undergo the make-over.

Meet Jose Gaerlan. He had just returned from a 3-month internship in Hyatt Regency Tahoe in Nevada, and is looking forward to a new semester back here in the Philippines, where he’s currently a Junior taking up Culinary Arts in Enderun Colleges. He came back from Tahoe looking like this—hair already too thick, and quite long in some sections.

So to help him out, I decided that he’d be the perfect candidate for Make Over # 11: Homme My Gosh!

On a Thursday afternoon, I took him to La Maquillage (formerly Menage) in the Mandarin Hotel, where Mr. JohnMagno, one of the talented hairstylists of the salon, spoke to Jose about what he wanted for his new do. Jose was pretty open to just about anything, but had to think about what would be appropriate for school—something not too wild or out-there, but nonetheless, snazzy and up-to-date.

The Le Maquillage lobby portraying both elegance and sophistication

Before getting to the cut though, I recommended that Jose try this new salon treatment for men by Kérastase Paris called Homme Capital Force. It is a deep cleansing scalp treatment that involves a revitalising massage—something appropriate for this overworked intern.

With a newly toned and energised scalp, Jose was off to his cut with John.

And tada, the final look…

Oh, and we mustn’t forget that oh-so-important before and after comparison photos…

Subtle yet such a good change for Jose’s look, ladies don’t you think? Now I can’t wait to hear about the surprise!

At the end of everything, Jose said, “The treatment alone was already such a good experience. But I really like my new hair. John was great in thathe took into consideration what I wanted. And the salon staff was really friendly. I enjoyed the experience a lot. It was pretty cool.”

XOXO,

Maita

Photos by Pranz Kaeno-Billones

Le Maquillage (formerly Menage) is located at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Makati Ave. corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

Tel No.: (02) 894-0487 loc 3002/03

Haircut by stylist John Magno starts at PHP 650

The Kerastase Homme Treatment starts at PHP 1200

It’s been awhile. How have you all been? Any crazy new hair adventures since our last post? With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to experiment on super cool hairstyles to go with your awesome costumes!

Because it’s been so long since our last entry, it seems like there are just so many new hair things to catch up on—new hair treatments, hair products, hair salons and what not. But before we kick-off this new chapter in the Hair In Manila blog, we would like to make a few announcements.

Firstly, notice how we are using “we” now? That’s right! New HIM bloggers are in town. We’ll be taking over for now! Who are we, you may ask? Well, allow us to introduce ourselves to you.

We are Nikki, Jords, and Maita—the new girls of HIM. Yep, that’s us! From left to right. So from now on, we will be joining you in your hair adventures. So feel free to write to us, post comments, and introduce yourselves to us (but only if you want to, of course :p).

Secondly, BIG and EXCITING changes are in store for HIM. For one, we will be featuring more make-overs and more contests. And that means… more prizes too! Also, we will be having an all-new layout, so watch out for that. In fact, maybe you guys can give us suggestions for the new layout! We want HIM to be as much yours as it is ours.

Looking forward to hearing from you all. We’ll be posting a new entry sooner than you think.

Happy Trick-or-Treating!

Nikki, Jords, and Maita

It’s been a while since I last posted. Things have been crazy in the office preparing for one of our biggest launches this year (which I’ll soon feature here,of course)!

Now that summer’s over, many girls who’ve cut their hair short to feel the summer breeze or to change their look during the season want to grow their hair back — and many just can’t wait. Julienne Raboca of Hair Couture PH e-mailed me to ask if we could promote her hair extensions here. This piqued my interest since hair extensions have been on the radar lately. But more than just promoting it, I asked Julienne to show us HOW TO put on hair extensions.

Falling hair it’s not!

***

I always thought that putting on hair extensions is a difficult and painful process, but you’ll be able to see below — and EXCLUSIVELY here in HairinManila — just how easy it is go from a short ‘do to a long (and realistic!) coiffure!

Step 1: Brush

Brush each piece from the bottom-up. Start brushing at the bottom to avoid tangling the hair extensions, and gradually lengthen your stroke towards the top where the clips are located.

DON’T be impatient and try to brush it all in one stroke-this might create knots that will damage several strands.
DO brush your extensions regularly. This keeps them healthy, bouncy, and tangle-free.

Step 2: Part hair

Part your hair in a straight horizontal line on your scalp, and clip on top of your head.

Step 3:Open clips

Open the hair clips like so.

Step 4: Clip on

Clip the extensions on your hair (attach it on the upper half, for better grip), then close the clip.

Step 5: Repeat

Repeat. Clip the extensions on side by side, without leaving a gap between.

Step 6. Wear!

***

Easy! And the best part is — it’s now available locally! I have friends who’d buy hair extensions from Korea and Hong Kong, but Julienne has conveniently set up her own Multiply site for those of you who can’t wait for nature’s slow hair-growing process or who just want a temporary and fun way to change their look in a snap!

The price is PHP 1,800.00 for 4 pieces, and any additional will be PHP 200.00 per piece.

Julienne’s tip: Girls with short hair will need more than 4, but for those with medium to long hair, 4 should be enough!

You can check out Julienne’s online shop at http://haircoutureph.multiply.com and also type Hair Couture PH for their Facebook page. You may also contact Julienne directly at 09228135585 or (02)2112498.

So CONGRATULATIONS to our grand winner, Minski! Here’s what she had to say about it:

Short hair definitely rocks!

It was such a thrill to see the shock on the faces of family and friends when I sheared my long, wavy, envious-worthy locks to a bob (and later to a pixie cut!).
It felt like the rebel inside has been set free as I never imagined myself sporting and pulling off a short ‘do but has always wondered the possibility of defying other people’s expectations of me.
It definitely boosted my confidence and allowed me to be braver and adventurous in my choices, relationships and outlook in life.

If you felt ready to go to the short side, then do so! Seize the opportunity of feeling poised and secure with yourself. After all, hair grows out!

***

Minski wins the great Garnier gift bag with all the goodies in the photo. I’ve also chosen 8 other winners who get a Garnier Pure Pore tightening astringent, a Garnier Pure Pore unblock foam, and a Garnier Pure Self-heating sauna mask! They are:

• Erica yu-b
• Sheila Mari
• Maui
• Cresfel
• Emby
• Maricar Losantas
• Jameela Malicdem
• Eunice Felix

Congratulations all! Please e-mail hairinmanila@gmail.com so I can give you instructions on how to claim your prize! ‘Til our next giveaway! In the meantime, go out there a try a new hairstyle today!

It’s time for another contest! This one is really simple and can enlighten us with answers to the age-old hair question:

Which rocks more,

SHORT HAIR or LONG HAIR?

Simply comment below on your answer and get a chance to win goodies from Garnier! One winner with the best answer will receive the following:

• Garnier LightComplete Multi-action whitening cream
• Garnier Light Whiten & Protect moisturizing cream
• Garnier Light Milky Lightening dew
• Garnier Light Brightening scrub wash
• Garnier Light spot corrector pen
• Garnier Light Visible whitening face powder
• Garnier Light Lightening peel-off mask
• Garnier Light Perfect Fit & Relax whitening mask

Consolation prizes will also be given!

You see how celebrities vary their looks with long locks and short cuts…

Victoria Beckham

Keira Knightley

Halle Berry

Katie Holmes

We’d like to hear which side of the fence you’re in! Join the debate and win!

Contest is from June 16-26 only!

I came upon your blog while browsing through the Maybelline FB fan page. While reading through your older entries, I saw that you’ve done make-overs on several people already; at this point, I got really excited because I myself have wanted a make-over for such a long time now! I’ve always thought that make-overs signaled a definite change for the better in someone’s life (probably due to the loads of Hollywood movies I’ve been weaned on since childhood, hahaha). I’m going to start my internship this April (in an advertising agency); because of this, I want something that’ll be kind of low maintenance but will still look presentable when meeting with supervisors/clients. Something that screams, “Hey world, here I come!”

I really REALLY hope you can help me! THANK YOU!!!

Cheska Teresa

***

I was more than happy to meet Cheska and have her go through her make-over. Maybe it’s because I graduated with an Advertising degree myself. Maybe it’s because her many references to Hollywood attracted me (I myself am a Golden-Age-of-Hollywood cinephile). Or maybe it’s just because it really is HairinManila’s reason for existence to have our readers experience what we write about! Either way, it was a beautiful Sunday morning when I met with Cheska at Aura Salon to have her make-over one day before her internship! Now that’s what we call a photo finish! Read on!

Cheska’s collegiate locks need a boost before her first crack at being a professional!

Cheska Teresa writes:

I’ve always been a fan of makeovers – there’s something extremely gratifying with seeing the normal-looking girl suddenly turn into the campus hottie with only a simple makeover to blame. Clueless, She’s All That, Miss Congeniality – all these Hollywood movies made me appreciate the power and CHANGE that came with a simple cut and color. They made me want to have a makeover all the more.

So when I chanced upon the Hair In Manila site, I immediately wrote to them, asking them to for a makeover. I was just about to start with my internship, and I felt that a makeover would be just the thing to set off an extremely (hopefully!) exciting run in the advertising industry. Call me Hollywood-ified, but I really did believe that!

Just imagine my excitement when Birdie replied, telling me that they WERE going to make me over. And here’s how it all went:

Exterior. Day. Aura Salon at Katipunan Avenue. The make-over begins.

***

The Treatment

When I arrived at Aura Salon, I was immediately greeted by Loreal’s representative Y2 Villanueva and the salon receptionist. I do admit that I was kind of nervous – images of my hair being butchered in the guise of being “radical” and “hip” were running through my head. Y2 and the staff at Aura Salon instantly put me at ease though, asking me about how I’d want my hair to be cut.

Aura Salon’s warm foyer and equally warm staff erase any fear of coming in for a treatment!

Aura Salon deviates from other trendy salons by having a more at-home, cozy feel.

Arnel Bragais, a Junior Stylist there, opted to start with the hair care treatment first before proceeding with my haircut. I had my hair colored medium brown in November 2009, and without much time for regular hair treatments, my hair had become somewhat dry and unmanageable. Add the summer heat and the natural thickness of my hair to the mix, and what should have been wavy, carefree hair becomes a pouffed-up, unruly mess on most days.

Arnel assesses my hair condition from all angles

Arnel opted to use the PUREOLOGY Hydrate line to give my locks the moisture and shine boost that it so needed. Originally developed by Jim Markham in California, Pureology is touted as the number one color care brand in the US. It promises users enhanced color brilliance and intense conditioning through a revolutionary “100% vegan” color care mix that includes an AntiFade Complex, an exclusive blend of potent antioxidants that includes vitamins C and E, and UVA and UVB sunscreens with Heliogenol, a sunflower seed cake extract that offers additional UV protection, and a gentle ZeroSulfate technology that doesn’t strip hair off color for their shampoos.

I was first escorted to the shampoo stations located at the far end of the salon

Pureology HYDRATE shampoo was applied and massaged to my hair

After the shampoo, I was led back to the chair where they immediately started applying the Pureology Hydrate masque to my hair.

The treatment felt cool and relaxing as it began to seep into my hair.

Jed made sure to thoroughly massage every part of my hair with the masque.

***

The Cut

Arnel began cutting after the treatment was rinsed off. I initially thought that they’d be the ones to decide about how my hair would be styled, Sir Arnel gave me free hand on deciding what to do. I didn’t want anything too extreme, just enough for people to notice that something has changed. I don’t like spending too much time fussing with my hair when I’m on the go – something that would look good with minimal maintenance was best for me.

He examined my hair again, combing and parting it into different sections

He then started snipping off inches of my hair, winding his way from the back to the front. He added layers that reduced my thick hair from an unruly mess to a tumble to bouncy waves.

He added side-swept bangs to frame my face, giving it a more youthful look.

To complete the look, they gave me a blowdry that lent my usually wavy hair a straight, shiny sheen – with the help of Pureology Hydrate Shinemax, of course.

Put a few drops of the Pureology Hydrate Shinemax first…

… before applying onto hair for shine and color protection at the same time!