Celebrity Hairstylist Jay Wee on Why the Best Creatives Never Stop Learning

People choose hairstylists they trust to make things happen, which is why a willingness to keep learning can take them far. And that extends well beyond the technicalities of the job. For Jay, the profession first taught him more about himself. “Becoming a hairstylist was never in the cards for me. Yes, I was fascinated with hairstyling growing up—it was and still is the first thing I see when I watch films or browse a magazine—but I thought that was just because I am queer and I love everything flamboyant!”

He pursued hairstyling as a full-time profession in 2010, though the path revealed itself almost by accident. After completing a summer course in fashion design and patternmaking at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, he set out to build his portfolio. When no hairstylist was available for one of his shoots, he stepped in to do the hair himself. “Before I knew it, I had more hairstyling work in my portfolio than clothing design.”

Jay began essentially as a self-taught hairstylist who had to learn the basics from the ground up. The techniques, approaches to different hair textures, and the various hairstyles clients request can all be studied, but he soon learns that no tutorial can instill the grit and resilience it takes to walk this path.

“Back then, creatives had to seek out opportunities. I had to go to publications and show them my portfolio before I could book an editorial job.” He went beyond his responsibilities as a young hairstylist and built strong working relationships with the people around him. He believes this is one reason he became constantly booked and how he met the celebrities he still works with today.

Jay highlights, “Definitely, having good work ethics will take you places in this industry. That includes showing up on time and being a team player!”

Hairstylists keep a close eye on image previews during editorial shoots to make sure no strand of hair is out of place, developing an editing eye in the process—something Jay considers “a big part of creating a cohesive look.” He continues, “I truly believe in collaboration, and I don't mind taking a step back if it means having something work in the best way.” As a creative, he recognizes the value of contributing his own perspective while remaining open to new ideas.

Still, the job isn’t always glamorous. Self-doubt can creep in, whether it’s about one’s ability to execute a look or feeling worthy of an opportunity. In the process, Jay learned to find assurance elsewhere. “I get extra confidence in the fact that I'm skilled and hardworking, which is why I greatly value the opportunity to learn new techniques and to always evolve—not only as a hairstylist, but as a person.”

The path may have revealed itself to you, too, whether intentionally or by coincidence. Once you decide to take it, it keeps unfolding, offering opportunities to explore, learn, and evolve. Along the way, “you let yourself fail,” Jay advises. “Learn from it, and never make the same mistake twice. At least that's how I think I grew and am still growing.”

Take on projects with excitement, nerves and all. Doing so will allow you to “keep showing up and never rest on your laurels.”

Perhaps that is the real skill: remaining curious enough to keep learning, humble enough to collaborate, and resilient enough to begin again. A hairstylist’s ability to tame a mane or transform hip-length tresses into a temporary pixie cut may demonstrate technical mastery, but technique alone does not define the craft. The best hairstylists are those who continue to dream big, show up, and find a better way to do it all over again.