“I request that all my fellow artists be true to their clients.”

Magazines are a driving force in shaping the industry and bringing up the latest trends in the industry. Professional Beauty India has always been in the forefront of showcasing new launches. It’s a must read for all!”

Vaishakhi Haria, Salon Director, Splash Salon & Mantastic - the barbershop, shares her views on Hollywood inspired styling, tips to damaged hair care, and her ‘do not suggest hairstyles’ to the clients.

WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR MOST LOVED CELEBRITY STYLE (AND WHY) AND A CELEBRITY THAT YOU ARE YET TO STYLE?

A lot of factors have to be considered while styling hair for celebrities. If they have an on-going role, or a particular character to play, the look has to be maintained as per that. I don’t have a most loved celebrity style in particular but I love it when celebrities agree to experiment with their looks as they are trendsetters and that in-turn passes on to clients.

ARE YOU DRIVEN BY HOLLYWOOD-INSPIRED STYLING? ANY TRENDS THAT YOU HAVE TRACKED, AND HOW HAS THAT REFLECTED IN YOUR OFFERING?

I love how the French stylists create hair, and the aesthetics that they follow. It is absolutely inspiring and modern. I like to keep my styling very visual. I am not more of a technical person. I do not follow a-b-c rules when it comes to styling, and for me, it is more about the final look

WHILE YOU WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE CLIENTS APPROACH YOU TO TREAT DAMAGED HAIR, WHAT WOULD YOUR HAIR CARE APPROACH BE FOR YOUR CLIENTS? ANY TIPS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES?

I always follow one rule of work – honesty. I request that all my fellow artists be true to their clients. Damaged hair is just one concern, and clients have multiple hair concerns. Honest advices, treatments and sharing knowledge with the clients about their hair will do wonders and in turn build trust. To me, hair care routine must be consistent. I always insist my clients to stick to one stylist who will be aware about their hair history and they can keep track of the hair improvements with regular consultations.

SPEAKING FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHICH HAIRSTYLES TOP YOUR ’DO NOT SUGGEST TO THE CLIENT’ LIST (AND WHY) CONSIDERING THE DAMAGE THAT THEY CAN CAUSE TO THE HAIR?

In my experience, any hairstyle that your client cannot manage should be a no-no. We have to understand the client’s habits and personalities and accordingly suggest them a style. If a client insists on experimenting and we feel that they will not be able to manage it, we must train them on how-to!

"{We have to understand the client’s habits and personalities and accordingly suggest them a style."

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT’S GOING TO BE EXCITING FOR THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY – SALON OWNERS, HAIRDRESSERS, SKIN EXPERTS, MAKEUP ARTISTS, BRANDS – IN THE YEAR 2022?

We have gone through a lot in the past two years, and I am really hoping that the industry comes back to its original “normal” and we don’t have to face more set-backs. In a way, COVID has taught us a lot. Most salons have adapted to extreme hygiene measures for their clients, and they are taking utmost care of safety. In the pre-COVID days, many salons had neglected these factors. In a way I am happy we all have had our own learnings from this period and the year 2022 may turn out to be a booming period for the beauty industry!