Hair talk with Pin Antonio

If I have hair, I would go to Pin Antonio.

And anyone in showbiz who has seen her work would probably reply, "But of course!"

Known far and wide as the High Priestess of Cut and Color and Hairstylist to the Stars, Pin has got to be one of the most intuitive and creative players in her field in the last 26 years she has been in business for Salon de Manila. Her talent has made her a favorite of countless celebrities like Sharon Cuneta (remember that McDo commercial years ago where the Megastar wore trend-setting short hair?), Amy Austria, Bing Loyzaga, Erik Santos, Ariel Rivera, Amy Perez, Rufa Mae Quinto – the list drags on for days. 

Her guiding principle towards her work is Brave Beautification.

"I’m not afraid to suggest and explore new looks for my client," she says. "I believe in reinvention. Times change and so must everyone who wants to move forward. You don’t have to go on wearing, say, one length of hair or short hair or whatever all your life. C’mon, hindi lang iisang style ang bagay sa kahit kanino!"

Pin knows this not only through experience but training. Since opening Salon de Manila with sister Ruby Tubig in 1983, she has made it a point at least once or twice a year to go to other places like Moscow, Singapore, London, to refresh and add new ideas to her knowledge either by studying the latest techniques and technology in hair, or by exposing her ideas and works to the international industry via hair exhibits.

Yet despite her credentials, Pin remains humble. She talks to clients about their lifestyle, what they want to do with their hair and sometimes even why. Pin never, ever imposes on her clients.

"I respect my clients because in doing so I win their trust which redounds to good outcomes. Many people think credit for a good hair style solely belongs to whoever cut or styled it. Wrong. Achieving beauty is a collaborative effort. Your client must also like what you’re doing to his hair because in the end, it’s his hair and satisfaction with your work that will show in his eyes, in the way he carries himself, in the way he walks, etc. What is a good haircut or style? One that gives character and confidence to its wearer," she says.

Then again, Pin rarely has problems convincing clients about what’s good for them. Most of Pin’s suki who go to Salon de Manila for her services merely plop on Pin’s chair when it’s their turn and would rather engage in idle talk versus discussing hair. People know Pin knows what she’s doing.

"I think it’s called mutual respect especially if you’re working with an actor. Because they’re artists, they recognize the artist in me, too. It’s respect for respect. What I have with my clients are relationships based on tacit understanding that we are working towards a common goal," she says.

Little wonder some of her celebrity clients have agreed to support pro bono Pin’s upcoming photo exhibit, Hair Pin. To be held at M-Café on Nov. 17, Hair Pin will be participated in by Danita Paner, Rufa Mae Quinto, Erik Santos, Mariel Rodriguez, Amy Perez, Bing Loyzaga, Ariel Rivera, Tessa Prieto, Claudine Barretto, Raymart Santiago, Rica Peralejo and Eula Valdes.

Photographers tapped for the task are Patrick Dy, Sarah Black, Francis Abraham and Raymund Isaac. "I’m excited with my photo exhibit because this is the first time the focus will be on a hairstylist," says Pin. "Funny, but in the past, photo exhibits were strict domains of designers and makeup artists. I’m not taking anything away from these people but hair is important, too! Hair hugely determines physical beauty. Everyone can put on makeup, choose clothes for one’s self, but not everyone can style hair. It’s time people are reminded of this."

Hair Pin is hardly for vainglory, though. The photo exhibit, after all, is being mounted primarily for the benefit of CBN Asia Operation Brotherhood. She will select battered women she will beautify.

"It seems like a small thing – beautification through makeover – but its impact, we believe, will be far-reaching," says Pin. "When they see themselves beautiful, then maybe they’d have the confidence to stand up for their rights and better their lives. Maybe they will tell themselves, ‘Wait, why do I allow this, when I’m so beautiful?’ Maybe they will realize they deserve recognition and respect."

But what if they don’t realize this?

"Then I’d tell them so habang inaayusan ko sila! I will even teach them how to cut hair so they will have a source of livelihood and have the courage to change their lives," says Pin, who will use top hair care products by Wella and Davines on her stars.

Asked what advice she can give aspiring hairstylists and other salons, Pin goes pragmatic. "First, never stop learning, growing. The moment you do, your career is only up to there. The world is full of equally-talented people and your only edge is determination and dedication to stay ahead," she says.

Pin adds: "To other salons, don’t pirate. Develop the talents of your own staff. It’s the least you can do for your business and its employees. Teach them to find their place in the business. Encourage them to be their own artists. This way, the hairstyling industry is elevated. Hairstyling is an art so what you need here are artists with attitude and originality. Make your artists brave with their craft," she enthuses.

If I have hair, I would definitely go to Pin Antonio.