Hot off the salon: Hair and makeup trends for 2011

I trekked over to the Jing Monis Salon to get the latest “scoop” on hair and makeup trends for spring/summer 2011. What better way to get the lowdown on the season’s hottest styles than from the expert himself — Jing Monis?

Jing started out in the business quite auspiciously 25 years ago. “I loved to go out when I was young and my parents got tired of giving me money to enjoy so I got a job shampooing at Henri Calayag’s salon to finance my active lifestyle,” Jing recalls. But after a while “I began to like working at the salon,” he remembers with a smile, and started showing interest in the trade. Henri saw his potential and took him under his wing. “I am very grateful for the opportunity he gave me. Henri was the one who gave me my break in the fashion industry,” claims Jing and adds with great fondness and respect, “Today, I still consider Henri as my mentor.” He moved up to becoming a senior stylist under Henri’s tutelage until he decided to test the waters on his own.  He has since established himself as one of the country’s top hairdressers and makeup artists.

Over the years, Jing has strived to perfect his craft; he traveled and took formal training in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Paris, and New York. At the Vidal Sassoon Institute in London last September, he took the “Master Class,” a highly specialized and exclusive two-week course for hairdressers. He takes yearly sojourns and courses like this to keep abreast of the latest techniques and styles in the business.

The Pixie Cut is a bold and cute hairstyle perfect for those in their 20s like Danielle Faber.

While he may be known for his work with female celebrities and personalities, Jing says, “My clients are from all walks of life.” He frowns upon diva-like clients with unreasonable demands and who treat his staff with little regard but loves to collaborate with customers who know what they want but listen to suggestions. “For me, the greatest fulfillment comes from seeing my clients happy,” Jing notes.

He’s both a master hairdresser and makeup artist but confesses to enjoying hairdressing more. “I mostly like doing makeup when I can create different characters and looks for one person,” Jing explains. He recently created 12 characters for the lead talent in a soon-to-be-shown major TV commercial for a telecommunications company. He takes inspiration from just about anything but most especially his loved ones, particularly his kids. He would like to style Julia Roberts one day since “she has a very distinct look and I would like to see how else I can change her persona and style.”

Jing is very much sought after these days. During the week of our photo shoot he was juggling styling assignments at the ABS-CBN studios, fashion-spread gigs for several fashion magazines and commitments at the salon. His work is currently featured on TV with the Judy Ann Santos commercial for Myra E and the Sarah Geronimo ad for Nescafe.

Jing Monis gives his basic tips for beautiful, healthy hair and flawless, age-appropriate makeup:

• Have regular hair treatments, preferably each time you have a haircut;

• Have your hair trimmed at least every three months and once a month if your hair is short;

• Use leave-on conditioner or apply-it-yourself hair treatment when you go to the beach or expose your hair to too much sun;

• Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize your skin!

• Put a primer before applying a foundation for a smoother, more even finish;

• Choose the right hairstyle and color, skin-care and makeup products by getting expert advice from the professionals;

• Visit a certified dermatologist for age-appropriate and effective treatments and basic skin maintenance.

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The Jing Monis Salon is located at Unit 303, 3rd Level, Greenbelt 1 Mall, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Telephone numbers are: 893-4098, 840-4773 and 0917-830-6515.

The 20s Woman

Hairstyle: The Pixie Cut is the hottest hair trend to come out of London for spring/summer. Known invariably as the “Twiggy” look, the Pixie Cut is both a bold and cute hairstyle, depending on how you want to fix your bangs.

If you have an oval-shaped face or you want to go for a sharp look, leave your full bangs covering your forehead. If you have a round-shaped face or you want to gun for a fun look, go for side-swept bangs. If you want to go for “shock value,” opt for the “annoying” bangs, one that goes below the brows and almost covers the eyes — this look is all about personality.

Since this hairstyle is very precise and must be kept at a particular length for maximum effect, a trim every month is necessary.

Makeup: It’s all about the eyes this season for daytime and evening makeup for women in their 20s. Use a cream-based eyeliner for day and smudge it at night for a thicker and more dramatic effect. Change the color of your lipstick from something neutral and light like pink or coral to deep red with just a hint of pink blush to carry the look from day to evening; use medium-type false eyelashes to add spunk and attitude to the look.

The 30s Woman

Hairstyle: The long, layered cut is the hairstyle of choice for women in this age bracket. Tousled, blow-dried straight or flyaway, it is a sophisticated and soft natural look for the woman who isn’t quite as young but isn’t considered mature either. The layers provide a youthful frame around the face and the length gives the style a sexy, relaxed vibe.

Makeup: Hello, sunshine! It’s all about bronze and browns and just a hint of color and subtle shimmer for this season’s look. No need for excessive blending of color on the eyes; the simpler and more natural the color palette, the more beautiful.

The 40s Woman

Hairstyle: Who says bangs are only for the young? On the contrary, bangs look, hot on women in this age group. Worn with long straight hair or soft curls, bangs highlight the playful side of the mature woman without looking contrived. The hairstyle is versatile and can be worn pulled back or up, depending on the occasion. If you have short or mid-length hair (as in our model Olen’s case) consider wearing hair extensions; they are reasonably priced and if cared for properly, can be used for a long time.

Makeup: Less is more; women in this age group are discouraged from using thick foundations, dark blush colors and lipstick and heavy eyeliner. Instead, mineral foundations, pink blushes and gold eye shadow mixed with some bright color like purple, blue or green are recommended options. To transform the look for evening, wear natural-type false eyelashes and apply a little more eyeliner on the eyelids to accentuate the shape of the eyes. Lip color must remain light so just add lip gloss with shimmer for some evening sparkle.