"Understanding the intricacies of the clients’ problems will help in giving the right Solutions.”

"Professional Beauty & Hairdressers Journal gives exposure to many budding and established artists. It gives you a glimpse of their perspective on the current trends in the industry. Also, the magazine surely inspires artists through its coverage and articles and keeps one updated on recent products, events and much more.”

charmi Sen, Indian Competitor, World Skills, and Creative Director, Prabhat Salon & Academy, Rajasthan, shares her experience at the India Skills, hair care tips for the winter, and why it is important for a hairdresser to have good product knowledge and be up-to-date.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT INDIA SKILLS 2021.

I have been participating at India Skills for six years now. I started competing in 2016 and competed for India skills 2017 that was organised in Abu Dhabi. I was a silver medallist in the year 2017 and 2019. This competition has given me immense exposure as I have had the honour of receiving training from more than 21 experts, both nationally and internationally. For me, it has always been about meeting new people, learning new things and gaining experience, and India Skills is a befitting platform to garner all this. It has more than 48 skills, so you get to meet many students from all over India with different interests. And I feel great joy in representing the hairdressing industry on this esteemed platform.

Without any hesitation, I can say that I have had a long, rewarding and exciting journey at India Skills.

OU HAVE ALSO BEEN AWARDED Y THE CM OF GUJARAT. HOW ID YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT CHIEVEMENT AND WHAT ARE OU LOOKING FORWARD TO OW?

This was the regional competition in he West Zone organised in Ahmedabad. all the states from the west zone came together to fight for the title of the West Regional round, and I represented Rajasthan. Again, it was an exciting Experience. Being awarded by the CM f Gujarat holds a very dear place in my journey because I remember how he had come in for a very short period of time and had awarded only five people from different states across the country, which included me from Rajasthan.

Now, I am looking forward to the national rounds. This will be organised in January 2022 in Bengaluru, and the winner of this contest will represent India in Shanghai. So, I am optimistic and looking forward to representing the country, and hopefully, COVID would be stale news by then.

ARE THERE ANY HAIR CARE TIPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US NOW THAT WINTER IS AROUND THE CORNER?

In winters, your hair and skin tend to get dry, so what you need is an adequate amount of conditioning. Milder conditioning and moisturizing shampoo for your scalp, coupled with a hair mask and a good serum is what your hair needs! But, before choosing the products, the clients should consult with their stylist. Because it is important to use the right products for concerns related to the hair.

NOT MANY HAIRDRESSERS ARE ABLE TO GIVE SOUND ADVICE TO THE CLIENTS AS THEY ARE NOT VERY WELL-EQUIPPED. ANY TIPS FROM YOU THAT COULD BE A VALUABLE ADVICE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS?

Every hairdresser should have an indepth knowledge about the products to offer appropriate advice to the clients. Additionally, they should keep themselves updated with current developments in the industry. Good product knowledge and staying up-to-date are the necessary ingredients that help in giving sound advice to the clients. Also, understanding the intricacies of the clients’ problems will help

HEN IT COMES TO AIRDRESSING, ARE THERE ANY TYLES THAT ARE AN ABSOLUTE NO’ ON YOUR LIST?

We see instances where clients are Inspired by the hairstyles of celebrities and expect us to replicate those for them. Before agreeing to such requests, it is the responsibility of the hairdresser to consider various aspects such as the personality, ace cut, and lifestyle of the client and hen guide them in the right direction before giving them a particular hairstyle. believe that there is nothing called as a ad hairstyle. But incorrect or inadequate advice from the hairdresser often leads o an inappropriate hairstyle for a articular person.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT’S GOING O BE EXCITING FOR THE BEAUTY NDUSTRY - SALON OWNERS, AIRDRESSERS, SKIN EXPERTS, AKEUP ARTISTS, BRANDS, ETC - IN THE YEAR 2022?

Our services involve close contact with he clients, and so, the pandemic has Infused a sense of fear in them. We lost any clients to online services due to which quite a few salons went out of business During the lockdown. I am looking forward o the year 2022 and will focus on meeting All the clients personally. I am sure that they would be happy to come back because he environment and ambience we craft in the salon can never be created in their come. As soon as the client steps into our salon, it is our responsibility to take care of hem and ensure that they have a great experience. Hopefully, the New Year 2022 ill usher business for this industry.

"The Professional Beauty & Hairdressers Journal Magazine has numerous benefits for us readers. It has invaluable information from the leading members of our industry worldwide. Top educators share their experiences and new approaches. We get all the latest information on the trending beauty and hair treatments, business education and insights on the future of the beauty industry with articles that help us understand what the most cutting edge techniques are and technology to invest in as-well as great reads on organic innovations. It is the ultimate guide for salon owners and beauty experts."

"We are all for the journey to a greener environment.”

Danielle Jones, Director, MUA , Bridgette Jones Fashion Salon, and certified Integrative nutrition health coach, shares insights on salon management, sustainability, and what’s going to be exciting for the beauty industry in 2022.

HOW DOES EFFICIENT SALON MANAGEMENT PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN TERMS OF INCREASING THE CLIENTS’ FOOTFALL, AND MANAGING THE STAFF?

Efficient salon management is a crucial part of the way in which a salon functions. In fact, it is the only way to see your salon business flourish. Salon management plays a key role in increasing footfall, sales and ensuring that your team works efficiently and effectively. Salon management is beneficial to increase productivity, improved focus, boosts morale, improve revenue, and ensure more reliability. Better planning is better forecasting. Creating systems for your business not only helps you increase revenue but trickles down to creating a great atmosphere and experience for your clients nd allows space for making sure that your staff is both satisfied and delighted to work within your team.

Some of the simple yet most effective ways f managing every aspect that contributes to smooth working of the salon business include setting goals for team members, tracking inventory, easy and flexible appointment scheduling, assigning duties, giving each team member delegated responsibilities, Recording client data, client feedback, and hygiene and sanitation education alongside education of products and services for he team.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT HAS LAYED THE MOST IMPORTANT OLE IN YOUR SUCCESS?

It is hard to narrow it down to one thing but, if I had to, it would be the relationship we share with each of our clients, ensuring that they have a wonderful experience each time, which has led to positive word of mouth resulting in winning the trust of our loyal clientele.

HOW CAN BEING SUSTAINABLE MAKE BUSINESS SENSE TO THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY? HOW HAVE YOU IMBIBED SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN YOUR SALON?

Besides its massive presence and rapid growth on the global stage, the beauty industry can be far more sustainable than it is now, so long as brands take the necessary steps towards this lifestyle.

One can start with recyclable packaging, decreased use of single-use plastics, and safe to use components. While there is little FDA regulation in the beauty industry, we are doing our best to source from brands that are taking matters into their own hands and supporting sustainability. With the personal care industry being a top contributor to packaging waste, it is definitely worth taking a minute to assess this situation. Having multiple brands approach us to use their products in-house, we ensure to only select ones that match our criteria and have even visited factories to see if they live up to their claims on their website. We have had to shut the door on numerous brands irrespective of their customer response, social media blue ticks and ratings. It is also upon us to train our team members and make them aware of the environmental impact the beauty industry has on our planet.

We at the Bridgette Jones Fashion Salon are doing our best to move towards an eco-friendly environment. From tying up with brands that are sustainable, to taking action to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging and making sure our products are ethically made. There is a lot of green washing in the industry. The words natural and organic are essentially meaningless. Research the products you are using, what goes into it and most importantly how it is made! We are constantly going through our inventory to see what products can be substituted with eco-friendly alternatives. It is a tedious process to shift an entire salon business into a sustainable one, but we are all for the journey to a greener environment.

One of the biggest responsibilities that rest n the shoulder of a beauty expert is to be absolutely thorough in practice as well as communication skills. We must understand hat the client wants to achieve and guide hem with our professional knowledge. Our suggestions play a vital role in the health of our clients’ skin and hair. It is our responsibility o suggest products and services that best uit the individual clients’ needs. At the nd of the day, the client has complete faith in us and it is our duty to meet their expectations, if not exceed them.

WHAT’S GOING TO BE EXCITING OR THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY IN THE EAR 2022?

That’s the thing about our industry. It is Always exciting and new. Creativity seems o peak every season! Although the last wo years have been uniquely challenging or our industry with the word “uncertainty” thrown about everywhere, it is a tad bit tough to decode what will be big next ear! However, what I am looking forward o is a host of local beauty brands creating come of the most amazing sustainable products, same day delivery services, more professional organic hair colour or brands. see a lot of futuristic looks being made casual, which is awesome. With hair, I see ore placement colours, low maintenance, shorter hair and edgier cuts (more detail, shape and form) French bobs and Berkin bangs! What I am most looking forward o is stricter regulating of the beauty and cosmetic industry by banning most harmful chemicals and toxins!

We will see a lot of AI in the coming ears. Virtual try-ons has seen plenty of interest, especially now under the given circumstances. I am looking forward to come great skin and hair machines for professionals to boost their services and help achieve optimal results for their clients. Overall, the emphasis is going to e on self-care. No better way than to get he professionals to suggest you the best products for each ritual, I would say!

Definitely numero uno on everyone’s list: include immune health, gut health, face yoga, cryo skin, and slow beauty to name few.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the entire team of Professional Beauty & Hairdressers Journal India for providing such a valuable service to the industry with daily updates and launches. I have truly been able to benefit from reading it.”

“I strive to upgrade my kills constantly so that I am never behind he curve.” .

Deepak Jalhan, Creative Director and Educator, LOOKS Prive Salon, shares some tips on salon management and what’s going to be exciting for the beauty industry in the New Year 2022.

HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY BEEN FROM BEING A HAIRDRESSER TO HEADING A SALON?

I have always worked as if it was my own salon even if I was still learning my art in those days. But yes, running a salon has its perks and challenges and I truly believe that it makes you more patient and strong.

EFFICIENT SALON MANAGEMENT PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN TERMS OF INCREASING THE CLIENT’S FOOTFALL, AND MANAGING THE STAFF. FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE, ANY SALON MANAGEMENT TIPS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

• Keep the team motivated and updated with newer possibilities.

• Your goal should be to maintain a positive attitude, gain your client’s trust, and make them feel comfortable in your salon.

• There is no other way to increase footfall in a salon than through word of mouth.

HAT IS THE ONE THING THAT OU FEEL HAS PLAYED THE MOST MPORTANT ROLE IN YOUR UCCESS?

It is consistency and belief.

"I truly believe that running a salon makes you more patient and strong."

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SALON FOR THE NEAR FUTURE?

As a professional, I strive to upgrade my skills constantly so that I am never behind the curve. I will also continue to apply sustainable techniques to my salon to help Mother Nature.

We want our salon to be a happy place where everyone feels welcome and can open up about anything they need. The ultimate goal is to have more like-minded people around who have the same goals and vision for themselves and the salon.

WHAT IS GOING TO BE XCITING FOR THE BEAUTY NDUSTRY – SALON OWNERS, AIRDRESSERS, SKIN EXPERTS, AKEUP ARTISTS, AND BRANDS IN THE YEAR 2022?

In 2022, everything is going to be exciting! In these last two years, a lot has happened in regard to the salon industry – we have already seen a huge transformation as a result of aesthetics being n top. Because of this, business dynamics and consumer demands have changed significantly.

"This magazine is breaking the norms by giving the current and future professionals a true insight into the hair and beauty industry. Be it with respect to hairstyles or makeup or featuring the best brands that they can aspire to be. It also introduces up-to-date technologies that current professionals can update themselves with. Basically, it is a one-stop-shop and that’s what makes it impeccable"

"The next most exciting thing ill be to stand apart in an online world.”

Elisha Chauhan, Founder, Hair & Beauty Tour LLC, reflects on her new venture – one of the world’s first blended learning and gamified platform – and shares her training experiences in the hair and beauty industry.

FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE WORLD SKILLS COMPETITION IN INDIA TO SETTING UP AN ASSOCIATION IN THE USA FOR HAIR AND BEAUTY, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY?

It has been an extensive journey as the dynamics in the two countries are different. Education is unstructured in India, with no licensing system and salons having their own academies. However, with the huge population, you stand a good chance to practice and that is amazing. On the other hand, the beauty schools in the US are extremely structured; beauty schools do not have salons and salons do not have beauty schools. As a student, you have to go to a beauty school first, then to the state board to appear for an exam, and after you start performing well, you get the license to work in a salon or open your own salon. With both inds of learning in the two countries, would say, I have learned the best of both worlds.

AN YOU THROW LIGHT ON THE IFFERENCES IN LEARNING IN THE S AND INDIA?

If you are training in a salon in India, your earning will be limited to everything that is current or conventional. This will not include styles, such as perming, that are not in trend but are a part of hairdressing. Similarly, if ou are in a salon which does not specialise in colour, you will not gain knowledge in hat area as well. However, the syllabus is complete and structured in the US and you have to give weightage to everything to get our license. This makes you a complete hairdresser.

WHAT DOES YOUR NEW VENTURE HAIR AND BEAUTY TOUR LLC OFFER?

Hair and Beauty Tour LLC is a platform for structured education. It offers gamified education, navigation path for structured learning, scoring system and community building to bring about a great relationship between a mentor and mentees. The e-platform offers everything that typically happens in a university but online. It currently offers its signature course BASH – Bridal and Special occasion Hairstyling. We have done a beta testing and so far, it has given a good response. We are launching the platform in 2022 in beauty schools across the

IN TERMS OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION IN HAIR AND BEAUTY, HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE INDIA AND THE US?

Training and education in India and the US or, for that matter, the UK or Canada, is different because of the change in demography. People around the world have different ethnicities, hair types, skin types, makeup preferences, hair preferences, so the skills in hairstyling and makeup are adaptable, flexible and varied. Secondly, health and hygiene have become pretty huge after COVID; but even before that, disinfecting and sanitisation have been supreme. Thirdly, people are extremely career focused here.

It’s a well-chosen path for teens and young adults and you have to use their energy and teach them in a creative and unique way.

WHAT IS THE MODE OF EDUCATION IN THE US?

It is fun, interactive and comprehensive, and gives a lot of time and flexibility to teachers. It goes through a licensing system and people have to put in a lot of time due to the state mandates. The one thing that I don’t enjoy, but is extremely important, is the documentation. We have to document everything for the students to get their licenses. And that’s a big task for teachers as we have to grade their papers and put that in state systems.

ANY VIVID MEMORIES THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

One incident that totally changed my life was watching the OMC Asia Cup back in 2011 in Sri Lanka. While studying engineering, I had accompanied my mom Dr Sangeeta Chauhan (Founder of All India Hair and Beauty Association) and her colleagues o Sri Lanka to see the Asia Cup and was amazed to see that there exists a whole new world in which hair, makeup, and nails, can each such great altitude. That opened my ind and changed my ideology. I suggest all professionals in the world of beauty and wellness to witness the Asia World Cup competitions to understand the kind of success they can achieve if they put their mind and heart to it.

AN YOU SHARE SOME TIPS FOR UR INDIAN HAIRDRESSERS?

Every artist is amazing but the problem is n the consultation process. Having worked ith people of different ethnicities and enders, I have formed a special technique f TASTY Consultation and would recommend everyone to follow it.

TASTY Consultation comprises the following steps: .

1 T: Talk politely. There is absolutely never a eason to raise our voice.

2 A: Ask questions. Ask what the client wants. .

3 S: Stop assuming. We never know what the lient wants to look like. .

4 T: Take out your phone to confirm the icture. It’s the picture acknowledgement. .

5 Y: Yes that’s right. Confirm the information ou gathered by taking notes.

HAT WILL BE THE NEXT MOST XCITING THING FOR SALON WNERS, HAIRDRESSERS, SKIN XPERTS, MAKEUP ARTISTS AND RANDS IN 2022?

The next most exciting thing will be to stand part in an online world. The pandemic as already led people to create their own website or make a Google or social media age – if they didn’t have it earlier. Once the social media page is set, the next step is to stand out in terms of marketing and customer acquisition to get noticed by clients or gain heir trust. I also believe that we need to work n ourselves and use some time and space or social detoxing. As professionals, we need o create a lot of content for social media nd be online during the process of learning r connecting with colleagues. But we also need to tune out of all the social media platforms and go within to find our own peace and calm. For an artist, that is where creativity or nirvana is. A balance between standing out as a brand and social detoxing is oing to be really strategic in he year 2022.

"The Professional Beauty and Hairdresser Journal India magazine provides us with all the latest information and happenings in the hair and beauty industry nation-wide. This helps us to keep up with the international market as well as provide quality and international services to our clients."

"My goal is to win a medal at the OMC Hairworld ompetition for India.”

Shwetasha Paliwal, Creative Director, Prabhat Spa Salon & Institute, Udaipur, talks about her father as her role model, what has inspired her, ultimate goal, and her perspective on the year ahead.

YOUR FATHER IS YOUR ROLE MODEL. PLEASE SHARE YOUR KEY LEARNINGS FROM HIM THAT HAS HELPED YOU GROW IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD.

The most important thing apart from learning hairdressing skills from my dad is our personal behaviour with our guest. Taking care of him/her before, during and after offering the services as well as keeping yourself grounded even if you have attained a position in the society. Treating everyone, be it big or small, equally with your smile and love are among the key learnings that have helped me and will help me to grow in this world.

YOU ALSO ADMIRE BRITISH AIR STYLIST VIDAL SASOON LOT. WHAT HAS BEEN MOST NSPIRATIONAL ABOUT HIS STYLE ND HOW DO YOU TRY TO IMBIBE HE SAME IN YOUR WORK?

When I see Vidal Sassoon, the only word hat comes to my mind is precision. His work speaks for himself. Each and every work of his is like an art form which inspires ach and every hairdresser generation ill date. The time I started hairdressing, I always tried to give each and every work y 100 percent. I focus on details, try to be precise in my work, then be it cut, colour r styling.

"The most important thing apart from learning hairdressing skills from my ad is our personal behaviour with our guest."

HOW DOES CONSTANT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE PAVE THE WAY FOR SUCCESS IN ANY FIELD? HOW HAS IT HELPED YOU IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?

According to me, you need to educate and update yourself in each and every field to keep up with the race, especially when social media is ruling people’s mind. Each and every day something new comes up and demands that come from the clients keep us motivated to learn new things related to what’s coming up in the market. Apart from being a hairstylist, I am a trainer too. So updating myself helps me to share more detailed information about new technologies to our students.

"You need to educate and update yourself in each and every field to keep up with the race."

IN TERMS OF ACHIEVEMENT IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY, WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL AND HOW ARE YOU WORKING TOWARDS IT?

My ultimate goal is to win a medal at the OMC Hairworld competition for my country. For that, I have continued participating in the Asian and world championships ach and every year, be it live or online ompetition, because consistency is the key to success whether I win or lose. With each and every competition, I learn new techniques

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT’S GOING O BE EXCITING FOR THE BEAUTY NDUSTRY – SALON OWNERS, AIRDRESSERS, SKIN EXPERTS, AKEUP ARTISTS, BRANDS, ETC – IN THE YEAR 2022?

During such times, can’t say anything about exciting, but yes, we are all prepared for the ew year and new beginnings in this new normal life. And we hope everything goes ell as everyone has suffered physically, nancially and mentally during the last two ears. We humans adapt to situations, know o fight all odds and emerge successfully. so I wish all the best to the entire beauty industry for the coming New Year and keep he show going as this is called life.

"The Professional Beauty & Hairdressers Journal India keeps me well versed with the industry and the fraternity. It is a platform that keeps stylists up-to-date on the latest trends and brings industry professionals together in the most meaningful ways. It is also a great platform to showcase creativity and talent that is growing in the industry today. I deeply appreciate how it captures the latest trends – both Indian and international – for stylists and beginners."

“Clients are lready starting to rush back to salons, and hat’s really exciting for us.”

Swati Gupta, Director, Bodycraft Spa & Salon, speaks about what has inspired her in the professional realm, what salons need to focus on to bring customers back from their ‘at home’ skin care treatments, and the importance of work-life balance in the beauty industry.

YOU HEAD THE CREATIVE DEPARTMENT OF BODYCRAFT. WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION, AND WHERE HAVE YOU IMBIBED YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS FROM?

I have two key sources of inspiration. Mom, of course. She started Bodycraft when I was fairly young and watching her grow the brand has endlessly inspired me. As someone who has grown up in the beauty industry, this is home to me.

My education in the field only formalised my knowledge of the industry. Secondly, my team inspires me every single day because of what they do. Watching them join the industry and grow makes everything we have built worthwhile. I learn from them, and that is the best thing could ask for.

OME WINTER AND THE SELFARE ROUTINE CALLS FOR A EVAMP. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR EAUTY TRENDS THAT ONE CAN EE THIS WINTER THAT WILL E ROOTED IN WELLNESS AND TYLE?

Just like how our hair and scalp change depending on the season, how we look after it should change too. This time of he year, I would recommend clients to opt for more nourishing, soothing and hydrating products – instead of focussing n actively treating concerns. Swap out your conditioner for a more moisturising one. Invest in hair masks and leave-in serums that maintain the health of hair this winter season

THE PANDEMIC MONTHS WOULD HAVE GOT MANY OF YOUR CLIENTS OPT FOR AT HOME SKIN CARE TREATMENTS. ANY TIPS ON HOW SALONS CAN ADOPT A HEALTHIER SKIN CARE ROUTINE FOR CLIENTS?

It is unfortunate that a lot of our clients lost their salon ‘me-time’ this summer and had to figure out at-home hair and skincare regimes. I am sensing that long breaks from salon services are breaking, as we speak. I think customers know that they can’t cut and colour their hair at home in the long run, especially with the ongoing wedding and party season. Salons need to focus on providing professional treatments and care that their customers missed out on this year.

HOW CHALLENGING AND IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A WORK-LIFE BALANCE IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY? HOW HAVE YOU BEEN MANAGING THE SAME?

I believe that work-life balance follows if you enjoy what you do. Just like any other industry, a work-life balance is what works for you. I make sure I set aside time every day for things I love like dance classes and cooking. I also set some time part for self-care, and to me, self-care s medication, exercise, taking care of y skin and hair. I also enjoy travelling to help me unwind.

"Salons need to focus on providing professional treatments and care that their cutomers missed out on this year (2021)."

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT IS GOING O BE EXCITING FOR THE EAUTY INDUSTRY – SALON WNERS, HAIRDRESSERS, SKIN XPERTS, MAKEUP ARTISTS, RANDS, ETC – IN THE YEAR 022?

Clients are already starting to rush ack to salons, and that’s really exciting for us. It shows how much hey trust us to keep them safe. After being away from salons for so long, clients also appreciate their salon time ore than ever. The most exciting of t all is having clients who used to be fairly conservative with their hair and bakeup stepping out of their comfort one and experimenting. I believe it is going to happen a whole lot more in 2022.