Woon's World
By: Sandra Ramani Photo: Woon / 081185.com

For stylist Kevin Woon, it all began with the 80's and those crazy music videos. “Growing up in Malaysia at that time, I was really inspired by videos and those hairstyles,” he laughs now, sitting in his cozy new Soho salon. “I just had to figure out how to do those cuts! I remember in high school, I would bring scissors and cut students' hair after class—without any training!”

So naturally, the young Woon—who says he was more of a fashion “observer” than participant—enrolled in beauty school, enduring months of intense training before earning his certificate and buying a one-way ticket to New York. Finally able to pursue his passion…he had to start all over again. “My diploma wasn't good here,” he explains, “so I worked as a Chinatown shampoo boy until I could get enough hours for my cosmetology license.” Paper finally in hand, he got hired at one of the first places he applied—a salon called Oribe.

The rest, as they say, is history. Working with celebrity-staple Oribe for 13 years, the friendly, soft-spoken Woon built up a steady clientele while doing his share of runway shows and editorial shoots. “It's such an adrenaline rush,” he says of the fashion show experience. “It forces you to be on top of your game because it's so fast-paced. It was such good training, having to be both fast and good under pressure.” Wanting the freedom to both see clients and enjoy his exploding freelance career, Woon set up his own shop in 2000, working out of two different spaces before opening this current jewel box in late 2004.

Nestled behind an unassuming, frosted-glass storefront, the salon reflects its owner to a T: the vibe is intimate and relaxed, the stylish design is tropics-meets-modern, and Woon's personal iPod pumps out everything from Van Morrison to Depeche Mode to hip-hop. And with only Woon and colorist Michaelanthony (whose day job is lead hair designer on “Saturday Night Live”) on staff, the salon offers customers flexible hours and very personalized attention. “It's exactly what I wanted,” Woon smiles. “Simple, good quality, back to basics.” Even if it means he's the one answering the phones.

Style by Woon:
By: Sandra Ramani Photo: jedroot.com
---“My philosophy is ‘Timeless with modern details.' Start with a good classic cut that's modern--from there, you can style it any way.”

--“The cut has to suit you and your personal style. So many people come in with a celebrity's picture and want that cut, and I have to educate them on why the look won't work with their hair type or face shape. Plus, it takes a team of people—and hair extensions—to create those celeb looks!”

-- “Dishevel it,” says Woon. “Even a conservative cut can rock out if you mess it up a little and add separation.” Favorite products include Redken's Rough Paste and the natural wax-based texturizers from Japanese line Crede.

--“Enhance your best feature.” Enough said.