Experimentation and Self-Realization at OOO-ing Studio
How Taiwan’s wildest salon uses vivid colorations and avant-garde hairstyles as radical mediums of creative expression.
In the bustling streets of Taichung, Taiwan, there’s a sanctuary where creativity flourishes and individuality reigns supreme. This haven is OOO-ing Studio, a revolutionary hair salon that has carved out a niche in the global landscape of beauty and style. Founded by Light Liou, May Wang and Wesley Wei, OOO-ing is not just a salon; it’s a think tank of self-expression, specializing in vivid colorations, punk aesthetics and unapologetic explorations of subverting societal norms.
Before the inception of OOO-ing, the founders walked different paths, each guided by a passion to initiate something new. Light, with a background in fashion business management and cosmetic artistry, envisioned a space where unfiltered creativity could thrive. May, a budding designer, saw OOO-ing as an opportunity to meld distinct perspectives into hair design. Their friend Wesley, a rebellious spirit with six years of hairstyling experience, was the final piece of the jigsaw, joining latterly having already been friends with Light and May.
OOO-ing’s members each bring a different philosophical output, with each viewpoint informing a wider ethos. Light speaks of a narrative-driven mission, leveraging beauty as a story with a “beginning, middle and end.” She recalls a childhood spent growing up in the mountains, surrounded by nature, and how the flowers, insects and hues informed her love for natural colors. “When I realized that the sky wasn’t just one shade of blue, I felt like I began to express my thoughts in an imaginative way,” she says. May, meanwhile, is driven by a more radical, impulsive approach, while Wesley maintains a sharp focus on aesthetics.
Five years after its inception, OOO-ing stands as proof of Taiwan’s boundless creativity. In a country so dense, being able to pursue a unique identity is crucial. The salon acts as a journey of metamorphosis. “Although there are various ideas and voices in society, you can still choose who you want to be, and everyone is willing to show respect and love to each other,” says Light.
OOO-ing’s core philosophy celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Taking inspiration from Taiwan’s rich tapestry of traditions and influences, OOO-ing draws on elements from a range of cultures, weaving them seamlessly into hair creations. In a society where conformity often dictates beauty standards, OOO-ing is a testament to the power of individuality. This manifests through the salon’s trademarks: ecstatic use of color and contrasts; bold shapes, textures and finishes; and an overall sense of heightened transcendence merged with electrifying punk prowess. Every hairstyle is deeply idiosyncratic and linked by a spirit of defiance.
To become yourself is a seemingly simple task, but political, social or environmental challenges make it easier said than done. “What I want to convey is freedom and possibility. I want people to look at my work and wonder, ‘How is this hairstyle possible?’” says May. “Perhaps each of my creations is a mischievous question, a challenge to mainstream aesthetics. Beauty is about transformation; it’s like a video game character getting new looks with different moods or backstories, making one feel rejuvenated or more aligned with oneself.”
The video game analogy is logical as a cursory look through OOO-ing’s Instagram page reveals clients and models that could have emerged from Tekken or Final Fantasy. Some looks are so elaborate that it almost seems like AI is at play, yet they’re all very real. “Individuals bring in their own interpretation of beauty, personal preferences and personality,” says Wesley. According to May, the process is “like embarking on a course of self-learning and exploration.” Sometimes that course leads to the visual signifiers of video game protagonists.
Today, OOO-ing’s influence extends far beyond its physical location. The group has made inroads into the style world through collaborations with brands like Sun Buddies and Heaven by Marc Jacobs. Looking to the future, there are ambitious expansion plans in the works, including a nail salon department and a hair styling showcase—the latter a tacit recognition of OOO-ing’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of hair artistry.
Individuals bring in their own interpretation of beauty, embarking on a course of self-learning and exploration.
Wesley Wei, OOO-ing Studio
Light, May and Wesley are aligned in their passion for exploring different mediums, using OOO-ing as the jumping-off point. May says she’d love to create video game characters, reinforcing the concept of characters related to personality; Wesley foresees branching out into mask design, explaining how he believes hair and masks have an innate connection; and Light loves the idea of working with a fragrance brand, conjuring up perfume meant specifically for hair.
In a world of sensible haircuts, OOO-ing represents something entirely novel. By fearlessly embracing cultural diversity and avant-garde technical craft, it’s become not just a hair salon but a movement, inspiring people worldwide. For those ready to embark upon a journey of self-discovery, there’s only one destination: OOO-ing Studio.
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