By Your hairstyle has a significant impact on your appearance, and if you’re happy with your new hair cut or color, it may do wonders for your self-esteem. A strong and healthy head of hair, according to hairstylist Carl Dana, can also function as a form of therapy. Seeing your well-groomed hair first thing in the morning has the power to lift your spirits. “It can set the tone for a positive day,” he says.
For 17 years, Carl has been “obsessed” with ensuring that his clients’ hair looks excellent. Similar to every other child raised in the province, he aspired to achieve success. He studied Information Technology at college, but along the way, he opted to study hairstyling on the side, which he subsequently pursued. “I intend to achieve success in my own way; it is my deeply held belief. After realizing I could make a living doing what I love—hairstyling—I decided against following my family’s wishes, to finish college,” Carl explains. Having mastered the fundamentals in the Philippines, Carl went on to Shanghai to hone his advanced hairstyling skills. “I also received training from Vidal Sassoon in Germany and London. Those were fast training but continuous learning,” he explains. Carl was a former partner at his prior salon and after more than a decade, he decided to leave in order to pursue new opportunities and seek a fresh challenge.
During the pandemic in 2022, Carl felt dejected, depressed, and anxious, as did everyone else who was impacted by this worldwide affliction. But he overcame his mental anguish by planning of opening his very own hair salon. “In contrast to the typical salon, I have designed this one to be welcoming and a safe space for my clients. My dream is for it to be a welcoming garden-style salon where clients can relax in an atmosphere that isn’t too ‘clinical’ looking,” explains Carl. Upon entering Hairticulture, you will be greeted by an abundance of vibrant, lush foliage, beautifully complemented by twinkling fairy lights that illuminate every part of the salon. Plants not only enhance the visual appeal of the salon, but they also contribute to air purification. Various toxins are released into the atmosphere by the use of hairstyling products. However, having plants in the vicinity aids in the removal of these harmful substances. Carl wanted Hairticulture to be home-y, he wants it to be an extension of his home where he finds relaxation. “I built a team that’s highly trained by me and our vibe is just very chill,” he shares. Regarding his crew, Hairticulture has a lineup of highly skilled and jovial hairstylists, particularly Ferlo, Jing, Roms, and Taison. All possess a minimum of five years of expertise in the hair styling profession. They are a good match at Hairticulture because, similar to Carl, they are extremely enthusiastic about their work and dedicated to ensuring complete client satisfaction with their hair color or cut. Hairticulture is well-known for its exceptional hair coloring services, attracting a dedicated clientele of local celebrities, actors, and musicians. Carl ensures that his staff diligently educate their clients, particularly those who will be receiving hair coloring treatments. “Everything begins with a good consultation. We need to meet halfway with the client to determine whether their hair is able to endure what they want done to their hair. You must be honest and truthful with your client. Do not offer them false hope; instead, manage their expectations,” he shares.
After two years, Carl believes Hairticulture is ready to grow. In order to better serve their clientele from the South, they are now searching for an ideal location for a new branch, ideally in Ortigas, Makati, or BGC. His reasoning behind it is to accommodate customers who want “minor styling for their hair,” such as a simple trim or touch-up. Carl is more than ready to teach new hairstylists his trade secrets and impart his code of ethics to anyone interested in joining his team. Hairticulture is bound to flourish in your vicinity soon.
Hairticulture is located at 2F Timog Bldg., Eugenio Lopez Drive, Quezon City. To make an appointment, call 0918 252 7621 or send a message via DM on their Instagram at @hairticulturebycarldana.
Denise J. Mallabo 