No Degree Required: How I became a hairdresser leading a team of 24 despite my family's initial concerns
It has been 16 years since I first picked up a pair of hair scissors, and I’ve not looked back since.
In secondary school, I wasn’t motivated in my studies and struggled to pass my exams.
My best subject was Design & Technology. This made me consider doing something that was skills-based at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), instead of continuing with my O-Levels.
A new hairdressing course at ITE College East caught my eye.
At first, my parents were sceptical when I told them of my choice. They felt hairdressing was not a reputable industry and were worried for me.
I explained to them the possibilities if I became a successful hairstylist, and they relented.
Having seen how far I’ve come, I think they are relieved that I’m doing well.
I started my Nitec in Hair Fashion and Design in 2008.
It was tough at first — cutting hair is not as easy as it seems! My lecturers kept lessons enjoyable though.
The facilities at ITE — including a fully-equipped salon where we could learn everything from hair styling to colouring — also helped keep me motivated, as did the support I got.
Back then, I practised on my family and friends — cutting their hair along a HDB corridor, with perspiration and hair all over my face. I supposed they liked it since they came back for more. That gave me more confidence to pursue my “art”.
In 2010, I was selected to be part of Team Singapore at the 8th WorldSkills Asean in Bangkok and pit my hairdressing skills against other youths in the region. I had to train intensively before that, and I’m proud that it paid off — I earned a Gold medal.
In 2011, I travelled to London for the WorldSkills’ international leg. This meant competing with the top-performing youths of each participating country. It was an eye-opening experience being able to represent Singapore on the global stage. I was glad to bring home a Medallion for Excellence.
I completed my first Nitec in 2010, and graduated with my second in hair and scalp therapy in 2012.
My first job was a hair assistant. I was later promoted to stylist and moved around a few salons over the next few years. However, it was always my dream to open my own salon.
In 2016, that dream finally came true. With some savings, and plenty of support from my family, I opened Harts Salon in Bugis.
As a salon owner, I have a lot more responsibilities. I have to provide for my team, get customers in, manage people, and generally make sure things run smoothly.
To attract customers, I turned to social media marketing, showcasing our services and whatever was trending in the industry.
The effort paid off and soon, I was getting back-to-back appointments.
Before I expanded, I was attending to three to seven customers a day. It was a challenge to meet their expectations and I did worry at times that they would not like what I have done for them.
These days, my challenge lies more with managing and training my team of stylists. I started out with a team of four and I’ve steadily expanded it to 24 across three salons.
With a large team like this, it’s not easy paying attention to the individual stylist’s performance, but I try my best.
I’m still growing and seeking out new ideas so I can stay ahead in the industry, for example by keeping in touch with the latest hairstyle trends.
Operations-wise, I make sure there is transparency, and emphasise the need for good customer service among my team.
As an ITE graduate, I’m committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for fellow alumni in the industry. For example, before Covid-19 hit I was going back to ITE on an ad-hoc basis to share my experience with students.
I have also hired some ITE grads at my salon, and I'm proud that a few of them have advanced to higher positions elsewhere!
For those looking to join the industry, you must enjoy hairdressing. When you start out, you are at the bottom rung but with perseverance and determination, you can be successful.
ABOUT THE WRITER:
Noel Ng, 31, is the owner of Harts Salon located in Bugis. He also co-owns Hint Salon at Tanjong Pagar and Hei Ardour at Orchard Road. He believes that a good hairstylist is like a surgeon operating on hair — and can earn just as much as one. Outside of work, his favourite pastime is searching for good food.
If you have an experience to share or know someone who wishes to contribute to this series, write to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.
