Hello, I’m Agent BL.
I work as a Public Speaking Coach and Professional Speaker by the day and introvert by the evening.
Find out more about what I do here: benjaminloh.sg
You see, I’m not your metrosexual, urban or chic guy who knows style inside out.
But due to my “public” profession, I have to be mindful of how I look because yes, my audience form their judgments the moment they look at me.
I used to have really spiky hair until I had my mentors gave me feedback that I was looking too youthful, punkish and out of place for my professional job.
As a result, I turned to the those gentlemen’s barber that have popped up recently. They are good, don’t get me wrong.
But sometimes, when you need a professional opinion about your visual outlook and hairdo for example, I thought it would be great to have a second one.
I turned to Agent G for advice and she recommended me to give Juz Salon @ Mandarin Gallery a go.
After reading on Beauty Undercover that most stylists here have over 30 years of experience under their belt, I knew my crowning glory would be safe and sound.
Hence, I said yes to Beauty Undercover’s invitation for a sponsored visit immediately!
First Impressions
Quietly tucked away in the almost serene Mandarin Gallery in the middle of Orchard road, Juz Salon is almost a hidden gem as most would associate it.
I was welcomed personally by the Co-Founder of Juz Salon, Patrick, the moment I walked in.
Consultation
Instead of diving straight into the cut, Patrick chatted with me about my work, the kind of clients I had to interact with on a day to day basis and how I would like to be seen in the eyes of my clients and peers. Based on my responses, he recommended a trim to round off my hair so that I’ll have an easier time styling.
This differs slightly from his initial assessment of a short makeover cut and a sliver of colour to accentuate my features. However, given my requirement of an easily manageable haircut that make me look more senior in stature, a careful trim following my natural hair growth would better fit what I am looking for.
This whole process, I thought, was the most meaningful as it’s easy to come out with a snazzy hairstyle but not always, a relevant one.
The Haircut
Soon, Patrick began to wield his scissors.
The way Patrick cuts hair is very systematic; he shared that he cuts hair by following the natural hair lines so that the hair that grows out stays in shape for a longer period of time.
The haircutting experience was an amazing one with Patrick taking extremely great care of my hair – so much so, I felt a bit embarrassed being pampered.
Although he looks serious in the photos, Patrick is rather jovial in person as we conversed on a wide range of topics, some hair-related, some not.
We talked about getting a perm for men and he shared some unknown pitfalls that I was previously unaware of. We also chatted at length about the economy given his experience in the finance industry.
I later found out that Patrick is also the stylist to Bruneian royalty so I cheekily thought that puts me in the same league!
The Hair Wash
For me, the hair wash is often the highlight of a haircut, where I can just relax and let myself be pampered.
I’m glad that Juz Salon exceeded my expectations in that aspect as the hair assistant here gave me one of the best head massages I have ever had, period.
Blowdry and Styling
In terms of attention, I liked that the hairstylists here are extremely hands-on.
While Patrick was blowdrying my hair, I could already see a sharper hair shape taking its form.
As I expressed some apprehension over styling my often-unmanageable hair, Patrick went the extra mile to coach me on how I can better style my hair.
Although it took quite a bit of time, Patrick encouraged me to style my hair in his presence so I don’t just walk away with a spiffy hairstyle at the salon, but be overwhelmed to create it the next morning.
He highlighted areas I should give special attention to and also showed me how I can style my hair to give it the flowy feel.
Here’s the end result after my styling:
It may be “just a trim” but it’s pretty amazing how a slight change in length and easy styling can make the difference between looking just-out-of-bed to appearing sharp, confident and professional.
Patrick’s skill is especially evident from the back as you can see how the cut creates a shape that makes the head shape more aesthetically pleasing.
My hair is also easier to style now.
Overall impressions
Juz Salon is no Kim Robinson or Passion Salon where hair assistants flutter over your every need.
However, the years of experience for the stylists here manifests in the quality of their cut and the strength of their clientele, which I hear include several C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and people at the top of their fields. Having experienced Patrick’s haircut, his genuine personality and attentive service for myself, I can understand why he is demanded by top bosses.
As a whole, Juz Salon is just simply hairstyling goodness in every aspect of it.
It’s nondescript for a very good reason – because gems are meant for you to uncover and keep it a secret.
But now you know.