Did You Know NIKI’s Hairstylist Is Filipina? Get to Know Athena Alberto

NIKI has been captivating audiences worldwide with her soulful music and dynamic stage presence. But beyond her amazing vocals and electrifying performances, her effortlessly chic hairstyles also stand out, leaving fans in awe.

The talent behind these stunning hairstyles is Athena Alberto, a Los Angeles-based Filipina making her mark on the international beauty industry. She has styled NIKI’s hair for several tours and appearances, including her recent sold-out “Buzz World Tour” concerts on February 11 and 12 in the Philippines!

Photo courtesy: Natt Lim, Courtney Kiara, Mikka Marcaida

A Humble Beginning in Hairstyling

Hailing from the province of Isabela, Athena began her journey in hairstyling with her innate talent. Although she initially perceived it as a career limited to local salons, her skill and creativity shone through when she styled her friends’ hair for events in high school, earning compliments on her intricate hairstyles.

“I actually didn’t know that hairstyling could be much of a career beyond working at a local salon when I was growing up. In high school, I would always do my friends’ hair for events, and I constantly received compliments on my own hairstyles before I realized that hair was really my artistic outlet,” she told WhenInManila.com.

She revealed that it was her mother who first saw her potential as a hairstylist and encouraged her to attend cosmetology school—a decision that would eventually lead her to work with some of the biggest names in the industry.

The Collaborative Creation of NIKI’s Iconic Hairstyles

Living in Los Angeles opened doors for Athena. Surrounded by creatives, she built friendships that organically led to her work with NIKI.

Since their collaboration began in 2020, Athena has been an integral part of the Indonesian singer-songwriter’s glam team, crafting iconic looks for tours, album rollouts, magazine covers, and television appearances, including features in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Photo courtesy: Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar

Athena described working with NIKI as “watching a little sister grow into a woman.”

“I first met her over my kitchen counter before she was even 21. Seeing her now—performing her songs in front of arena-sized crowds all over the world—really puts our journeys into perspective, both together and individually,” she recalled.

She even shared that her approach to hairstyling for NIKI is highly collaborative, evolving with the vision of each project.

“Finalizing her looks is definitely a collaborative process. The inspiration for her looks changes depending on the vision of the project she’s presenting, but we always make sure they feel true to her,” she continued.

Photo courtesy: Natt Lim

When asked about her favorite look, she finds it impossible to choose, saying, “There are too many! I love every look we’ve ever done, and there are truly too many great ones to choose from.”

For NIKI’s hairstyles during her shows in the Philippines, Athena emphasized that, as always, her priority is to ensure NIKI feels like the most beautiful, radiant, and authentic version of herself on stage.

How Athena’s Filipino Heritage Shapes Her Craft

Athena’s Filipino heritage significantly influences her approach to hairstyling. She reiterated that it’s more than just creating beautiful looks, it’s about care, connection, and bringing joy to others—a philosophy deeply rooted in the strong sense of community and hospitality inherent in Filipino culture.

“Being Filipino, caring for others in my community is something ingrained in my DNA. We’re known for being great nurses and caregivers, and hairstyling is my outlet for making people feel cared for and loved,” she explained.

“As much as I love the art of hair, nothing beats the feeling of putting a smile on the face of a client or friend who feels like a more beautiful, confident version of themselves after I do their hair.”

Photo courtesy: Mikka Marcaida

Returning to the Philippines as part of NIKI’s tour was a meaningful experience for Athena, allowing her to reconnect with her roots while showcasing her talent on an international stage.

“It was an honor to return to the Philippines as a member of the team on NIKI’s tour. I visit home often, but being part of such a special event made this trip unforgettable,” she noted.

“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude knowing that my hair journey has empowered me to return home, and this experience inspired me to find more ways to give back to my motherland and work there as often as I can.”

Among her most cherished memories is the profound sense of belonging she feels every time she returns home.

“The unspoken love and comfort I feel when I get to speak my native tongue with my people and immerse myself in our shared culture is something that will always be unique to being in the Philippines,” she expressed.

What’s Next for Athena?

Athena also enthusiastically discussed her upcoming projects and dream collaborations, revealing her plans to return to the Philippines by the end of the year.

As the owner of Athena Gallery Salon in West Hollywood, she aims to bring her hairstyling approach to the Philippines and teach local stylists her techniques.

Photo courtesy: Mikka Marcaida

Additionally, she is currently developing programs for her non-profit organization, Start Here Empowerment, which provides education and resources to underserved youth in Los Angeles.

“My goal is to show kids that no matter where they come from, anything is possible with the right guidance. Eventually, I want to expand the non-profit beyond Los Angeles to also help kids back home in the Philippines,” she said.

For her dream collaborations, Athena aspires to work with Heart Evangelista and Anne Curtis, with the hope of styling their hair in the future!

Through her talent, passion, and unwavering dedication, Athena transcends the art of hairstyling—inspiring a new generation of creatives while proudly embracing her Filipino roots.

ALSO READ: NIKI Expresses Gratitude to Filipino Fans: “I will be back”