Your hair is your crown, and we make it perfect: Hairstylist

One of the most famous hairstylists in India lets out his trade secrets

Who is a hairstylist?
A hairstylist is one who can make a bald person believe that he has beautiful hair. For me, a client’s hair is like a crown. One can wear the best jewellery, the best clothes, but if one’s hairstyle is not fashionable, one tends to lose out on the style quotient. A hairstylist gives that complete look by taking care of the crown. 

How did you become interested in hairstyling?
I am the third generation in my family to take up hairstyling as a career. Initially, I was not interested but after great persuasion from my family, I decided to give in.

Somewhere down the line, I thought that I could be a part of the glamour world. Then I went to London, where I realised that it was a glamorous profession already.
 
What makes a good hairstylist?
You have to be passionate and dedicated. Whatever you learn at school... even basic science helps, and the rest is creativity.

One should have good management skills besides knowing the art of hairstyling. It is not what it used to be earlier — today it is a business.
When I came into the industry 20 years ago, things were different. But with education, people’s attitude and the way hairstylists work, everything has changed. Today, hairstylists do not have to face social stigma, they only need to be creative.

What does it take to be as famous as Jawed Habib?
It took me almost 20 years to reach where I am. I have 140 centres around the world and to reach there I’ve had to sacrifice a lot. I would say, if you are genuinely committed to the profession, you can be famous. And be ready to sacrifice your personal life.