STARTING with just a RM2 pair of scissors and his friends’ hair to practise on, Sallehuddin Mohd Jupri is now thriving as a professional hairstylist at just 24.
As someone who once operated under a tree, Sallehuddin now owns a barbershop at Mara Arcade in Klang, Selangor.
He shared with Bernama that his passion for hairstyling sparked at age 16.
“I started by cutting my friends’ hair using a RM2 pair of scissors,” said Sallehuddin.
“Seeing my interest, my aunt signed me up for a two-day GiatMara course in Sungai Besar, Selangor, in 2016.
“After completing the course, I received free barbering tools including scissors, combs and a long-wire clipper.”
Despite encountering numerous setbacks, Sallehuddin’s unwavering determination to improve kept him moving forward.
After completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, the third of six siblings enrolled in a six-month hair design course at GiatMara Shah Alam in 2018.
During this time, a tree in front of his family home served as his training ground, with Sallehuddin offering haircuts for as little as RM5.
“I believe that with passion and sincerity, anyone with skills can succeed,” he said.
To hone his artistry, he actively participated in national competitions, eventually earning a bronze medal at Worldskills Malaysia Belia 2019 for hairdressing.
He also underwent training under the Skills Development Department after being selected as the sole national representative in the hairdressing category for the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) in Shanghai, China.
The event was initially scheduled for October 2022 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“During my training for the WSC, I worked from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 9pm, with no days off,” said Sallehuddin.
“At one point, I even ran away because I couldn’t endure the intense sessions and the strictness of my coach.”
The rigorous training led to him clinching the third runner-up position at Asia-Pacific Hair, Make-up and Beauty Olympics 2024, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last October.
Now, in addition to offering hairstyling services to a wide range of clients, including celebrities and brides, Sallehuddin travels across the country to share his expertise as an instructor, after pursuing training at the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training.
His expertise has also garnered attention in neighbouring countries like Indonesia, where he has been invited to conduct hairstyling classes.
He hopes to collaborate with hairstylists from Thailand and South Korea in the future.
Dispelling negative perceptions about technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Sallehuddin is proud to show that TVET graduates can build successful and lucrative careers, as long as they are dedicated to their learning journey and applying the skills they acquire.
