Ezekiel Ong, a 17-year-old former ITE student, has turned a bad haircut into a thriving business, cutting hair all over Singapore. After a disappointing trim that left him with a short, bowl-like cut, Ong decided to try cutting his own hair. Surprised by the results, he began practicing on friends, quickly realizing he had a knack for it.
What started as a hobby soon became a full-fledged business. Ong now runs EZcuts, earning between S$1,000 and S$2,000 a week by offering haircuts at various locations, including HDB void decks and basketball courts. Unlike traditional barbers, Ong’s mobile business allows him to work in different places around the island.
Ong began learning the craft in June 2023, watching YouTube tutorials and practicing on himself before convincing friends to be his guinea pigs. Although his early attempts were imperfect—one session even resulted in a friend getting his head shaved bald—Ong kept improving through constant practice and feedback.
Social media played a key role in his growth. Ong posted haircut videos on Instagram and TikTok, gradually building a following. His business now has over 4,300 Instagram followers, 3,700 TikTok followers, and about 2,600 customers on his Telegram channel. Initially charging just S$5 per cut, Ong’s dedication to improving his skills and connecting with clients paid off.
Clients like 16-year-olds Cayleb Lazarusli and GV Vengadesh have praised Ong for his consistent work and personal approach. Ong’s growing reputation has caught the attention of industry professionals, including Moonshee Ismail, director of Hair Mafia & Co. BARBER Academy, who commended his self-taught technique.
Though cutting hair outdoors presents challenges like sweating and loose hair sticking to the body, Ong uses snake powder to manage these issues. Despite the discomfort, Ismail notes that working in such conditions shows Ong’s dedication to his craft.
What began as a way to fix his own hair has turned into a successful venture for Ong, demonstrating that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to turn a hobby into a profitable business.
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