Roy Thean, Hair Stylist, Hair Bar Estudio

Roy Thean

In this interview, Roy Thean, hairstylist at Hair Bar Estudio, tells about life in the salon and his passion for craft beer.

What do you do and how did you get into the industry?

Before I was a hairstylist I was in the retail industry as a visual merchandiser in a fashion company. I was making visuals and displays for them and did some marketing too. A few years later I was inspired by a few famous hair artists, both local and international, so I quit my job and joined a famous hair academy in Malaysia called Kimarie Hair Academy. That was the start of my hair journey.

Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes.

I have had the chance to travel around Asia to study hair design and shows in collaboration with some international hair artist from overseas. I have travelled to Bangkok, Taiwan, Korea, Beijing, Melbourne and Sydney for classes and shows because I was previously the artistic educator for Matrix and ID artist for Loreal Professional.

What’s a travel memory that stands out?

I love hopping between craft beer bars with my Bangkok, Korean and Sydney friends. I am a craft beer drinker and beer geek.

What’s the best/worst part of your job?

The worst part of my job is not having many holidays and spending a lot of time in the salon with long working hours.

What is your favourite food and beverage pairing?

A milk stout with Hokkien mee or an IPA with a curry dish. Hops bring out the subtler notes in the dish. I have a craft beer and food pairing page! 

What is one of the scariest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?

The scariest thing behind the scenes is seeing my scissors drop on the floor – they are an expensive tool! … and, also no craft beer for life – that would be pretty scary too!

The perfect day off for Roy Thean would be …

… hanging around craft beer bars like Farmer’s Bar, Taps Beer Bar or Paus Craft Bar with beer geek friends, chilling and spending time together.

What do you do for fun?

I drink. I drive (not at the same time). I am a car lover. I edit YouTube videos (I am a YouTuber).

What is something you’d like guests to know about Hair Bar Estudio?

Hair Bar Estudio is a bar concept hair salon that encourages friends to hang around and chill

while waiting to get their hair done. They can also come to look for me for a glass of beer!

What is something you’d like people to know about being a hairstylist as a profession?

To be a hairstylist you need passion and time and to keep on learning and training.

What is your view on the beauty scene in KL?

The beauty scene in Malaysia is very happening and very interesting. There is always something new in the industry. I am very happy that I currently collaborate with a new beauty brand from Barcelona, Spain called Montibello.

They bring a lot of new colours, styling products and education to the scene. Hairdressers are always looking for new inspiration.

What in store for you in the upcoming months?

Coming up we have a full new range of hair colours and hair treatments arriving at our store.

We will also have more promotions so stay tuned!

Find more interviews similar to this one with Roy Thean here. And, stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here.