Andreas Zhu, Hairstylist to the Stars

Andreas Zhu opened his salon only two years ago, but his venture has become one of the top place, to get a makeover in Jakarta. “I am very honoured to have clients from all over Jakarta come to my salon in Pluit,” he says. “They choose my salon, even if it is is far from their home, because they trust me. My vision for this salon is to let our customers experience the best and latest hairdressing treatments and makeovers.”

Andreas Zhu Salon and Beauty Lounge has a high-end clientele. In recent years, Zhu has been making his name as a celebrity hairstylist and
makeup artist. “I’ve worked with clients like Agnes Monica, Sandra Dewi, Dian Sastro, Julie Estelle, Hannah Al Rashid, Nia Ramadhani, Ivan Gunawan and Vidi Aldiano. I also have a lot of socialite clients,” he says. “To build a long-lasting career in the beauty industry, I have to keep my originality and I have to be a trendsetter. If you want to succeed in this field, you need to keep yourself updated on the latest trends. But, don’t forget to put your own twist into the trend itself. That means, always be original. Also, you’ve got to work hard and never stop learning.”

Zhu was born in Jakarta and will turn 30 at the end of March. He has been working in the beauty industry since he was 19. He recalls his days when he first started to do hair and makeup. “I became interested in makeup and hairstyling when I was in high school. When I was 16, I was appointed to do the makeup for the cast in a Christmas play in church. A few years later, I challenged myself to do bridal makeup since one of my friends requested it. Since then, from word of mouth I started a small makeup business that grew into a bigger business. Now I have my own salon. “I’m also very lucky to have Elly Begorgeous and Josephine Widira, two of my mentors that were significant to my career. I always look up to them on many things from makeup to hairstyling. I have learned a lot from them.”

A self-taught hairstylist and makeup artist, Zhu’s first job was in Lu’Vaze salon in Plaza Indonesia. “When I first did makeup and hair, all of my clients loved it and they pushed me to be more serious about my career by encouraging me to open my own salon. This is the best reward for me because they have reassured me to do something beyond my realisation. If they didn’t push me at that time, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

Zhu is known for combining a natural look with a unique approach. “I have been a perfectionist since I was little, this applies to how I do makeup and hairstyle on people. Also, I love to challenge myself and do something crazy like experimenting with different hair colours. Besides, I am also a fashion influencer and I like to try different styles, from something quirky to a very elegant one. So, everything I do in life gives impact to my creations. “As a hairstylist and makeup artist, I have a vision to make people look their best and keep them satisfied with my creations. I maintain high quality standards by using excellent quality products and I’m always looking for new references as well as learning from imperfections.”

Where does Zhu get his ideas? “There are a lot of ways to get inspiration for my creations, especially nowadays with social media. I also read magazines and get more ideas when I travel. “When I do makeup, I examine the canvas and try to elaborate with it. It can be from something very natural to a daring look. As for hair creation, I always go for an effortless look. It looks amazing when they feel comfortable in it.”

A keen lover of the classic era, Zhu takes inspiration from his favourite actresses. “I have always admire Grace Kelly’s look. She was very elegant. Her look was timeless and enchanting. Besides her, I love Dita von Teese. She is the living proof of how vintage looks can also be very alluring. There’s something about the old-school style that fascinates me. That’s why the interior of my salon has a vintage feeling, and it translates into my work.”

After serving a lot of well-known personalities in high society and the entertainment industry, Zhu experienced a life-changing moment. “People have started to recognise me more. But, it surely comes with a price. I need to be more responsible on how I play the role since I have become someone who influences them. “I believe every person has their own beauty and character, and it is very challenging. The best part of working as a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist is I get to meet a lot of clients who then become very good friends and I also get a chance to meet a lot of talented people that I adore. To see happy faces from clients by turning their dreams into reality is a truly satisfying moment.”

What are some Zhu’s tips on having a new look for the New Year? “I think a sexy beach wave hairstyle will be good for a quick change and my tip is to simply braid your hair and leave it overnight and you’ll gain a sexy wave the next day. As for the face, it is best to put skincare first to the beauty regime by applying moisturiser and serum every night to get a glowing and healthy skin in the next morning.”

So, what is next for Andreas Zhu? “I’m currently working on a movie project, handling the hair styles in particular. The movie will be released later this year. Also, I’m planning to open my first beauty institute, so I’ll be able to share all of my experience with people who are keen to learn about makeup and hairstyling. My goal is to share my experience and knowledge in makeup and hair with many others, and I hope one day that I can work with international artists and influencers.”