Judges Feature - GSA 2019 Student

Each category has its own unique panel of judges, specially selected based on their individual experiences. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all judges for without them, the event would not have been able to proceed. Let’s take a look at their thoughts about GSA 2019.

Johnny Ang Boon Tiong - Jean Yip Group
Issac Ng - TONI & GUY Mandarin Gallery
Gregory Lai - Salon B
Justin Javier Tan - Shunji Matsuo
Irene Teo - Hair Secrets

H4: Thoughts on the mannequin looks presented by our Student Hairdresser Award at GSA 2019...

JA: It was excellent, definitely better than last year.

IT: There is a big improvement and more innovations as compared to last year.

JT: We can clearly see that there are budding talents in our little red dot to be discovered and groomed. It is great that there is a platform for young emerging artists to showcase their creativity.
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H4: On ways students can improve on their skills and apply it in the salon...

JA: Overall at their level, I can see they are doing a great job. Students must remember that when they’ve moved on to work at the salon, it is most important to understand what the clients need, and don’t over do it.

IN: Aspiring hairstylists/student hairstylists have to remember, before they can create a new look, they have to strengthen their fundamental knowledge and skills of hairdressing - that is the most important thing. Although they’ve been through the basic courses and are familiar with it, it is always good to continue refresh your memory and skills, and strengthen it.

GL: I’d advise students to look into the latest international trends to remain relevant with the season.

JT: I think researching is very important. Visual stimulation helps gauge expectations. Sometimes going all out on creativity and technique may give an adverse result. So holding back a little and simplicity can give you tremendous results.

IT: I hope they can have more ideas and suggestions to respond to the customers as there are different ways to deal with different kinds of customers.
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H4: The Top 3 winners for the Student Hairdresser Award are from ITE. What can the local hair institutions do to motivate and push these students to continue pursuing their craft and do better?

JA: I am proud of both the students and the trainers who helped train them and improve their skills. They deserve the recognition as they understand the competition requirement. To motivate these students to continue pursuing their craft, it is very important to give students more opportunities to showcase their work and also provide good mentoring.

IN: Hairdressing institutions should encourage students to participate in hair competitions to help build their confidence and creativity. When they’re in a room with fellow competitors, they’ll see other looks which will motivate them to do better. In addition, when you win an award, people tend to look at you differently. Even if you don’t win, the participation in a competition can help with your portfolio.

GL: Local institutions need to put the students on an international industry attachment so they are able to experience the hairdressing community beyond Singapore. Institutions should invest in these students as they are still in the “infancy stage” of the industry, thus encouragement and support is greatly helpful.

JT: ITE has made improvements over the years. Part of its success would be exposure of its students to the industry, competitions and collaborations, national and internationally. I think keeping the students motivated and inspired are the key aspects that our local institutions should prioritise, therefore curriculums cannot be stagnant. It needs to move with the generations and trend.

IN: ITE is making great progress, and the hairdressing academies in Singapore are looking highly optimistic. I feel that we should encourage students who are interested in this industry by giving them more exchanges in the hairdressing industry, which will motivate them. And in my opinion, I hope that the local hairdressing college can communicate with customers and increase emotional intelligence.
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H4: On whether institutions are doing enough with their curriculum...

IN: Institutions should provide students with more practical work than theory, which will help stimulate interest and enjoyment. Ultimately, hairdressing is a skill-based job. When institutions place focus on theory than practical work, it will affect the students because when they work in the salon, they’ll be awkward.
Students must also remember that customer service is very important. The practical curriculum should include learning how to communicate with clients. Instead of practicing on dolly head, institutions should expose students to interact with live models, where they (the models) are able to ask for the look that they want.
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H4: Thoughts on GSA as a competition...

GL: Lets not look at GSA as a competition, rather, we work towards perfecting our craftsmanship, personality and lifestyle so that it’ll blend into the new millennium - which will be advantageous to the continuity of this industry in Singapore. After all we need to nurture the next generation of hairdressers.