By Pia Kahn
May 6, 2016
Tired of your profile pic? Need the prefect selfie for a blog, job or dating site, or just a message to loved ones?
These locally owned salons offer the latest hair and makeup styles to update your look.
At Studio 211 in the Micronesia Mall, you’ll find 11 stylists who constantly keep abreast of the latest techniques in styling, coloring, and other cosmetic services for their diverse clientele.
“I go to the states from time-to-time to educate myself, and sometimes bring some of the employees to attend hair shows like the International Beauty Show in Las Vegas,” says Rene Perez, a stylist for the salon for 22 years. “We get to take classes and workshops, sample new products and meet distributors.”
Perez goes on to explain that the salon, started by her mother-in-law Maria Perez and legendary Hair Stylist Anita Manibusan, has been around since the mall first opened. In fact, they have a 19-year-old client who has been coming to salon since he was five years old, which lends to their family-oriented environment.
Among Studio 211’s stylists are 3 barbers, one of whom loves to visit Manila and meet with the barbers there – Earl is his name. He has experience in training in the latest techniques in contemporary barbering that he learned from the international celebrity barber, Pacinos, in Florida.
Barbering is a hot trend among increasingly fastidious males who know their ‘tapers’ from their ‘fades’, blunt cuts and point cuts. But Earl also likes traditional barbering.
“I’m into combining the ‘old school’ — you know, the comfort experience with the barber’s massage and hot towel (on the face) — and ‘new school’ blading techniques, like contrasting and blurry fade,” says Earl.
For the women, the latest styles are the ‘ombres’, according to another Studio 211 stylist, Shirley. ‘Ombre’ coloring is a gradual color, generally darker at the roots through the mid-shaft and then gradually lighter from the mid-shaft to the ends.
Shirley, who has been with Studio 211 for five years, graduated from the Mariacy Beauty Academy in Maite, where she specialized in hair sculpting, coloring, and waxing.
“I encourage people to come here,” says Shirley. “While some salons specialize on particular designs, we offer a variety of styles and accommodate people of all ages.”
Every salon has its focus, which is why it pays to shop around.
“How often do we wish for some “me time” – with no distractions, and having someone catering to you for a change?” asks Diane Canovas, owner of It’s Me Time Barber & Beauty Salon in the American Grocery Annex Commercial Building in Dededo. The name is not just a clever name, it’s what they strive for.
“We opened our doors in September last year, and we’ve already received so many positive comments on our Facebook page from existing and new customers,” says Canovas. “There are several barber and beauty salons in the village of Dededo. However, we like to think our salon has it’s own charm and ambiance.”
Surely the cozy atmosphere of the salon is part of its charm, but it’s the friendliness of the staff and their positive and can-do attitude that people come back for.
“No matter how tired you are, you can’t show that to the customer,” says Agnes Flamenco, It’s Me Time’s top stylist and working partner of Canovas. “They can sense it… you have to be friendly, because customers come here to relax… but I like to talk, too,” she laughs.
It’s this adaptability and open communication that has built Agnes’s reputation as a stylist among a mostly Filipino clientele for the past 16 years. It was not uncommon for loyal clients to seek her services no matter which salon she worked in.
“I prefer people to just show me a picture of a hairstyle they want instead of explaining it to me. The picture is my guide. I can follow that. It may not be exactly like the picture, but very close to it,” says Flamenco. “More often than not, clients are satisfied with the result. If I can’t do it, I don’t just say I can’t. I explain why. I am known for that.”
This accommodating attitude towards the individual suits Canovas’ philosophy when it comes to styles.
“We’ve seen many style trends, but it’s the individual that sets their own trend. It’s really about what works for the individual. If you can rock it, go for it,” says Canovas.
One style more women have been asking for is the long bob”, or “lob”, for short. The lob has been dubbed the haircut of the year by many style magazines. As for men, their style choices have increased as they’ve become more fashion conscious — from combovers and man buns, to various types of mohawks and faux hawks. Canovas has plans to hire barbers for her current salon and for another salon slated to open in Yigo.
STUDIO 211
The average fee for a haircut in Studio 211 is $25, with blow dry styling for $35. A hair and makeup makeover starts at $75. Full waxing services are available at the salon with private rooms for men and women.
IT’S ME TIME
The salon provides a full range of services for hair, makeup, nails and full body waxing. Haircuts start from $15.
