Golden Henri

On the odd occasion I actually got high grades in school, my mom would give me a prize. One prize that would define me forever. Well, my look at least. I had Sadako-long hair and it was my father’s archaic way of keeping me feminine since my brother and I looked alike and even dressed alike – in Cacharel nonetheless. I was given free reign and I did not even have to think: Henri Calayag, please. I was a major Sharonian and my mom had to ask my cousin who was doing her shows if I could come and watch every Sunday. I even had a backstage pass. I loved her and everything about her down to KC. So if I was to be de-virginized in the world of the elite fashion forces, Henri would be my general. He also did the megastar’s hair then. He chopped my Dyesebel hair to a short crop. I cried just like someone would when they break up with someone they don’t really like. Break-ups are hard, no matter what. But I never went back. I tried to grow it once and my dog started humping me – flattering but no thanks. Henri has been my messiah when it comes to hair. He once colored my hair F4 orange. At first, I was terrified but when I got used to it, I realized that I was pretty happening. He did this wonderful China chop that made me look entirely different. It was jet black and I think it was an homage to his dear and best friend, the most innovative and talented designer Michele Sison who donned that signature chop of hers in her Studio 54 days.

My favorite was my Kate Moss hair. Just the idea of Kate Moss on my head was enough. It’s my forever cut and I have christened it "the Henri." The joy of being with Henri is that you get chismis or all the meaty advice while getting the works. I have a superstar complex without the celebrity element, so it’s always a joy to have Henri cut my hair while talking about the unfortunate lives of the privileged. We’re such Dominick Dunnes. I only get scared when he admonishes me on my choice of boyfriends. Even then, he doesn’t screw up my hair, he just makes me sabunot in the end. He is the only man I trust with my rather plain face. His good friend Eric Maningat is also wonderful, too. He transforms me into a princess for the night and as the night swells into dawn, the makeup makes me look like rock royalty. Something only a once-consummate party lothario like Henri would know. My sister Melissa swears that she always manages to get her man when she wears a Henri face on promising nights – this, of course, was when she was still single.

The vibe you get in the salon is that it’s like a home set in Rustan’s. I swear it’s the best when you’re getting highlights and checking out the wares in Culte Femme, my obsession, with foil in my hair. The staff will sometimes surprise me with wicked flower slippers or funny hair bands! All gifts from Mother. He is so well loved by his staff. It’s such a serene atmosphere. And seeing his joyful gait and the freshness of his spirit, it’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years. Henri’s golden patina shines stronger then ever.

His legion of swans also has beautiful things to say about our mother. Tim Yap, who has relied on Henri for his numerous and unforgettable incarnations, enthuses, "Henri Calayag is my mother. H Salon is my home. I can’t live without Henri. He knows that. He’s like a diamond. He is the master of the cut and has immense clarity of vision. Then and now, he remains instinctive, able to preempt trends and start his own. His magic touch goes beyond hair and looks. More than just taming tresses, Henri’s warmth affects a whole room. His artistry is able uplift a person’s soul."

Style queen Bea Valdes, who recently launched her bag in New York with a nod from Vogue, says, "He’s adventurous, and it’s magic to be in his hands." Wendy Hotung, who I know is a very thorough person and not one to settle for anything but the best, adds, "He was the first real stylist who cut my hair when I escaped from my mom’s oldie salon." Rustan’s VP for cosmetics, the unstoppable Rhoda Campos, says, "He is truly one of the best makeup artists we have locally. Such a big heart, too." More than his genius he has endeared himself to everyone with his warmth and genuineness. "He’s a true-blue Leo, artist, and the best adviser if you need an honest to goodness opinion. He gives justice where justice is due. And he’s tough but kind," says Mariko Jacinto, VIP consultant of Rustan’s ladies wear. Designer Randy Ortiz, his partner in crime, agrees. "Mother Henri is the ultimate style guru. He’s very creative and full of enthusiasm for his work. He’s forever young at heart and a dear friend, most definitely an inspiration to most of us." Vicky Tensuan, beauty editor of Mega, favors his more entertaining qualities, "He always has the latest chismis and he’s hilarious. He knows exactly what to do with your hair. As a beauty editor, I always get free haircuts from other people which usually end up being a disaster. Henri does reparative cuts a.k.a damage control. Yes, he’ll make you feel guilty but he’ll make you look better – as in so much better. I love him to death." Ruby Gan, a long-time client and friend also sees Henri as a godsend. "Henri is a genius!  He does wonderful things to my hair!  Love the guy!  He’s loads of fun!"

Rhett Eala has also been one of Henri’s best friends and confidantes, and one of the only two men Henri grooms himself. (Tim Yap is the only other one). "A true pioneer in his field, he broke down many barriers and created looks that defined the times. A formidable talent in whatever he does whether it’s hair, makeup or styling. On a personal note, he is one of the greatest friends anyone can have. He inspires me and supports me in whatever I do. He lifts me up when I am down and always keeps me grounded. One of the best human beings I’ve encountered in my lifetime. He also does a mean Marilyn Monroe!" Henri’s talent is surpassed by his compassion for others (and perhaps his weakness for Italian men), ruling out the tired cliché that fashion forces are evil.

There are those, like me, who are highly dependent on him. My cousin Audrey Puckett-Chui says, "Having known him for as long as I can remember, I could not trust anyone to do my wedding but Henri. I had to fly him over to Hong Kong! I wore my hair long and I couldn’t wait to see it to get it cut. He’s a master."

Fashion guru Jenni Epperson is also bound, ball and chain, to Henri. "Mother H knows best. Before Henri, I had a hairstyle only a mother could love. Like a true mother, he has an intuition for what works for you. He is also a visionary – he has the pulse on the next hottest look and it can work for you," Jenni enthuses. Leica Carpo of L’Oreal agrees. "He’s a wiz with hair. I can trust him to make me look fab even during my really bad-hair days!" It’s hard to imagine the stunning Leica having one to begin with.

Henri has been through it all. From the rock star life to realizing his fortune in being part of an industry that means more than just glamour and partying. It’s not just about hair. It’s fostering real relationships. He has elevated the art of hairdressing and makeup artistry into a more personal craft. A rarity, indeed, in his trade. It’s been almost 15 years since I first sat in Mother Henri’s chair and I continue to love Mother Henri. He’s a true friend, a mother to all his "children" and a genius. Now, how is that humanly possible?