Creative, innovative and highly talented, get to know Ken Hong! The charismatic founder of Evolve Salon, that has works that leave an impression. Once you’ve had your hair done by him, you’ll be begging for him every time you think of getting it fixed! Having been in the industry for over 20 years, Ken Hong has also won several awards such as the International Creative Colorist Award. Not only that, but Ken Hong is also a frequent traveller of international waters!

His creativity and outstanding work have brought him to different shows and stages across the world. Might we add that he’s also at the top of many celebrities lists as their hairstylist of choice? Do you remember Lindsay Lohan? Ken Hong was The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday stars hairstylist during her stay in Singapore, back in 2009! Stick around, and Beauty Insider might just let you in on all the dirty little secrets Ken Hong has! 

What made you want to have your own salon such as Evolve Salon and how would you describe its current style?  

Evolve Salon Singapore

The main reason is that I want to have my own environment. In fact, I was not in a hurry to have a salon of my own, and only did so 13 years after being a hairstylist! During my seventh year as a hairstylist, people started asking me why I have yet to open my own salon? I told them that I did not feel ready in many aspects. It wasn’t until I was in my twelfth year of being a hairstylist when I finally felt ready to have my own store.

Mainly, it was because I wanted the environment of Evolve Salon to be exactly how it is currently, with this specific style. It is exactly my taste. There is a lot of focus on using cement, so it looks relaxing. It does not look too intentional, and yet at the same time, it does not look too old! It sort of has a minimalist look and with the high ceilings, it is perfect. 

When did your passion for hairstyling develop? Was it since childhood or did you wake up one day and decide that you wanted to become a hairstylist?

Ken Hong

When I was eleven or twelve, I would play with girls’ hair because I was curious. I have sisters and female cousins in my family and I really enjoyed messing up their hair! I also wanted to tie and style their hair for them and at that time, I did not know that I wanted to be a hairstylist. All I knew was that I enjoyed messing around with their hair, and it made me happy! 

When I was thirteen, I halted my education and decided to come out to society and work. From the ages of 13 to 21, I held 7 different jobs within those 8 years. It was only when I was 21 years old that I finally picked up hairstyling properly and professionally.

Did you train to become a hairstylist in Singapore? 

Ken Hong

This might come as a shock, but I am actually Malaysian! I learnt the art of hairstyling in JB, Johor Bahru. During my training, I travelled to other countries in order to take classes and improve my skills. Time really does fly because now that I think about it, I came to Singapore almost 25 years ago! That was 1996 and look where we are now! 

You mentioned previously that you had seven jobs before training to be a hairstylist. When you decided to be a hairstylist, did you already decide that hairstyling was something that you may enjoy? or did it happen by chance?  

Actually, when I was 16 years old, I asked my hairstylist if I could pick up this skill if I was illiterate. I do not know why, but he said that it was an impossible feat to learn the art of hairstyling if I was illiterate, and I believed him. It was not until the age of 20 when I met a friend who just so happened to be a hairstylist. He told me that it was possible. Upon hearing that, I immediately started to train to become a hairstylist the following year.

What is your favourite thing about the team at Evolve?

My favourite thing about the Evolve team is their attitude. Apart from their willingness to help anyone, I really like how they are always ready to help and offer their services to the customers.

Are there any tips on maintaining hair colour and hairstyles at home? Especially during this pandemic.  

When you colour your hair, the most important thing to communicate with your hairstylist is the type of shampoo and conditioner to use. There are many different series of hair homecare products in the market now! For instance, there are those targeting bleached hair, permed hair and rebonded hair. Even if you’ve done nothing to your hair except a simple haircut, there is a shampoo for you. As long as you select the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair, you can take good care of it at home. Well, you are in for a treat, because this is the most basic step! Subsequently, after you have washed and dried your hair, apply some leave-in products to your hair so that your hair can be protected. 

Tell us about the Goldwell Products Range that you have been using at your salon.

I would say half of our customers get to know the Goldwell brand when we are styling their hair for them. They might feel how a certain product makes their hair feel (e.g. soft texture), or they might be intrigued by the smell of the product! This usually prompts them to ask us more about the product/brand. Mostly, some of our customers would have seen the products in the media!  

What would you like your customers to know most about this innovative brand?

Goldwell’s colour is brighter and longer-lasting as compared to other brands. For instance, when you dye your hair a natural shade of brown (e.g. working adults), it would normally fade to orange. This makes it lack the lustre/gloss/sheen and look dry. However, after using Goldwell’s colour range, the colour stays on for a much longer time! Let’s not talk about bleaching your hair to blonde or silver, because most working adults prefer a natural hair colour.

What do you value most as a hairstylist?

As you pose this question to me today, I have been in the industry for 25 years! Although you might think it is a long time, it actually is not that long and I am also not considered a newbie. At this point in time, I think sincerity, patience and attentiveness to details are the most important, along with your attitude. 

Lastly, what was the most difficult situation you’ve had to deal with in your career so far?

In my career, I think that I am able to cope with most difficulties and situations, and would feel okay in a short period of time. Managing an entire business and shop, however, is the one thing that I find difficult. Hairstyling is not difficult for me. Regardless of whatever request a client presents to me, I can solve it within a few hours! Currently, I think that managing all my employees and arranging schedules is the most challenging for me.

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