R2 Tolentino: Hair apparent

Schwarzkopf ambassador R2 Tolentino’s journey towards hairdressing started during his college days. A BS Business Administration major, Tolentino involved himself in the undergraduate theater world and discovered his affinity for hair and makeup. In 2001, Huelgas Hairdressing asked him to work in its salon as a makeup artist and, after a year, he started cutting hair. With the keen guidance and strict supervision of his mentor, Rene Huelgas, R2 was able to learn the art of haircut and styling in a short period of time.

In 2005, Schwarzkopf sent Tolentino to Kuala Lumpur to attend the Trend Workshop with Winnie Loo at the A Cut Above Academy. In 2007, he qualified to join the Schwarzkopf Philippine Hairdressing awards and won the Men’s Style Category and went on to represent the country in the Asian Hairdressing Awards.

“My loyalty to the brand proved to be very beneficial because, in 2010, Top Style Marketing asked me to go to Bangkok, Thailand to attend a course on Essential Skills. As soon as I got back from the training, I proceeded to cascade what I learned in that course to the local hairdressers by facilitating a workshop. Eventually, in 2011, they offered me the Schwarzkopf ambassadorship and, due to my trust and confidence in its products, I accepted the position,” R2 shares.

As a Schwarzkopf ambassador, it is Tolentino’s duty to learn and share the latest in hair trends. He recently was sent to Macau to attend the launch and training for Schwarzkopf’s Spring/Summer 2011 Essential Looks. Tolentino relates, “It was a big event since it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Igora Royal, Schwarzkopf’s signature hair color brand. With four iconic Essential Looks  Pure, Metropolitan, Edge and Urban  I got an overview of the latest trends in color, cutting and styling. Using these Essential Looks as pegs, I was able to interpret them in my own way and showcased my looks here in the Philippines by doing hair shows and heading seminars and workshops at Schwarzkopf Professional’s Ask Studio.”

The Essential Looks training gave Tolentino a new perspective on what can be done in terms of cutting and coloring. Being exposed to them has also enabled him to translate them into his own commercial looks that would appeal more to the local market. These very edgy and eye-catching trendy looks serve to tickle the creativity of hairdressers who in turn transform them from runway to streetwear.

R2 says, “I enjoy exercising my creativity and coming up with new looks to suit each of my very different clients. I create styles that are adaptable and can be fixed in several ways depending on how they feel for the day. Also, due to the personal nature of the hair and beauty industry, my clients and I end up exchanging a lot of personal life stories and experiences and have become good friends. I consider this aspect one of the perks of my job and it really humbles me because of the client’s level of openness and trust in me.”

R2’s hair forecasts

Look: Rustic Dreamer

Inspired by Essential Look: Pure

Comments: “This look is for the woman who likes to keep her hair long but wants to add a new twist to it. I’ve made a strong and full fringe with forward graduation to add movement. Whether it be the straight variant or the long and curly variant of this look, I combine square and round layers to create rustic and loose layers. I also used organic colors from Schwarzkopf’s Essensity line for this look and this creates the perfect color shine.”

Look: Modernista

Inspired by Essential Look: Metropolitan

Comments: “The look is based on what we call a graduated bob with a clever undercurrent form that accentuates the immaculately tailored bob with a well-kept edge. With Schwarzkopf’s Igora Royal color, I create a seamless transition of color from cherry to violet red with the clever undercurrent of black.”

Look: Artisan

Inspired by Essential Look: Urban

Comments: “Adaptability is key in this look that’s fashionable, fun, highly individual and directional. The cut is based on a short round layer while keeping a long well-defined asymmetric fringe. I then used Igora Royal color to layer deep violet, red and copper shades.”

Look: Rebel Rocker

Inspired by Essential Look: Edge

Comment: “Young, energetic and giving off a sense of anti- establishment, this look is based on a short diagonal graduation at the back. The sides are kept strong and graphic to create contrast with a short jagged fringe. For the color, I’ve kept it bright by using Igora Royal’s copper with intensive red violet highlight to add depth.”

R2’s do’s and dont’s for hair care

For hair coloring: Always ask the help of a professional to color your hair in order to avoid mishaps.

Styling: Use styling products as you please and, if unsure about which product to use, you may consult a professional to find you the appropriate product for your look and hair type.

Hair care: If you are not sure about the credibility of a particular hair treatment, don’t use it. The effect on your hair and scalp in the long-term will be unknown. It is worthwhile and safer to use a trusted brand. Schwarzkopf has a wide range of hair-care products from Bonacure to Essensity (organic line) and has a corresponding hair-care product for every hair type, texture and special needs.