Meet Johnathon, who first walked into UEC Hair Studio not as an entrepreneur or an expert in hair systems, but as a customer. A police officer by profession, he knew firsthand the toll hair loss could take on one’s confidence and sense of identity. So when the opportunity arose to take over the business from its retiring founder, it felt like destiny. What began as a personal solution to his own hair loss became a calling.
Today, Johnathon leads UEC Hair Studio not just as a business, but as a deeply personal mission: to restore confidence, dignity and hope to individuals battling the emotional weight of hair loss. His work bridges aesthetics with emotional healing, proving that when done with compassion and purpose, entrepreneurship can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.
What inspired you to start UEC Hair Studio and specialise in hair replacement solutions?
I wasn’t the original founder of UEC Hair Studio. I was actually in the police force. I first came into contact with the business as a client. The owner at the time wanted to retire, and if no one took over, the studio would have closed down.
As a customer who had experienced the effectiveness of the solution, I knew how life-changing it could be for those battling hair loss. It felt like the stars aligned, and I decided to take over the business.
Hair loss affects people on a deeply emotional level. What was the moment you realised this work goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about restoring identity and confidence?
As a customer myself, I experienced the emotional transformation that came with this solution. What makes our hair replacement unique is that it provides a guaranteed result. It’s not about organic regrowth, but rather giving someone back a full head of hair instantly.
That shift, from having no hair to suddenly having it again, goes far beyond just appearance. Having dealt with hair loss for most of my adult life, I understand how it chips away at your confidence and sense of identity.
This isn’t about vanity, it’s about being able to go to a job interview, maintain relationships, and face the world with confidence again. It has been a journey I have personally walked through.
I believe appearance and grooming are very powerful strategies for workplace success. Of course, skills and substance are essential, but all things being equal, someone who presents themselves well is often perceived more positively.
You’ve also worked closely with HR leaders to help them build confident, polished teams. How does appearance and self-esteem translate into workplace performance and culture?
I believe appearance and grooming are very powerful strategies for workplace success. Of course, skills and substance are essential, but all things being equal, someone who presents themselves well is often perceived more positively.
Whether it’s securing a promotion or closing a sale, personal grooming plays a crucial role. It’s not superficial. It’s strategic. Looking good helps you feel good, and that mindset boost can translate directly into better performance.
UEC has supported cancer survivors through initiatives like Project HIGH (Hair for fIGHting) and Project HALO (HAir for Little Ones). What inspired these programmes, and how have they impacted the people you serve?
I took over UEC Hair Studio only last year, and I wanted to bring something meaningful to the table, something uniquely mine. Coming from a police background, I have always had a service mindset and a strong connection with community work.
I have also experienced personal loss; both my parents passed away within a year. Though their deaths weren’t cancer-related, I became a caregiver during that period, and that experience left a deep impression on me. I used part of their inheritance to start something that could help others.
That’s how these projects were born, out of service, loss, and a desire to give back. Cancer-related hair loss is abrupt and traumatic, unlike the gradual process many others face. These projects aim to help survivors transition back to work or school with dignity and confidence.
What is a common misconception people have about hair loss or hair replacement solutions, and how do you address it?
Due to some social media accounts portraying balding men dancing and switching hairpieces, some people view hair replacement as something trivial or even tacky.
The reality is that this is a serious business that can bring about positive impacts on people’s lives. I try to counter this misconception by posting wholesome content that tells the story behind each individual’s struggle and success.
How do you define success?
For me, success is about control over your life. That’s why many people leave their corporate jobs to start a business. They want to reclaim their time. But beyond that, I measure success by the impact I make.
With the profits I earn, I fund initiatives like Project HIGH and Project HALO. Knowing that our craft can help someone move forward in life is, to me, the biggest success of all.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
I have never really thought about a national vision. But in terms of my own path, I hope to grow the business and increase our impact.
The more people learn about our services, the more revenue we generate, and that means we can support even more beneficiaries through our projects.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
I would want the ability to turn back time. Not because I have regrets, but because I realise now how much I neglected my family while chasing career and business goals.
If I had the chance, I would spend more time with them before it was too late.
Connect with Johnathon: UECHairStudio and Instagram.
