MEET THE GURU

Priscilla Corner, Creative Head, June Tomkyns chain of hair salons, Kolkata, takes Kanishka Ramchandani through her journey as a hairdresser and colourist, as they discuss colour trends, techniques and much more.

TAKE US THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY AS A STYLIST AND COLOURIST.

Year We were constantly surrounded by people and things related to the beauty Industry, as my mother, June Tomkyns -the beauty icon, was so passionate about all things connected to it! I was fascinated by how the proper cut, and then the correct choice of colour, could transform both a person’s look, and their spirit. Their lost mojo was regained almost instantly!

I like precision and detail in my work, that’s what gives me a buzz -the quest to improve daily by addressing the hair at its minutest requirement.

My personal journey began at the ripe age of five, with my three year old sister Sharon, who trusted me enough to insist on me removing her curls so she could have locks as straight as mine.

Then, later, watching my exacting technique oriented mother, and the highly trained staff she employed, inspired me to kickstart my journey into this field. And, so it was that I went from The Ask Academy to Vidal Sassoon training, to Toni and Guy Australia, and then finally, the icing on the cake -Hob Academy, the house of hair that has birthed the finest international award-winning talent in the hairdressing Industry.

My journey has been an exciting one. I have been the Eastern Region Head Hairmaster for ITC Fiama Di wills, National Brand Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Essensity, and a Celebrity Hairstylist and Expert for the Heritage Brand Keo Karpin.

I am also a state-registered Senior Hairdresser with the UK Hair and Barber council and a state-registered barber on the grounds of the overseas hairdresser.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHANGES THAT YOU HAVE WITNESSED IN THE EVOLUTION OF COLOUR IN INDIA WITH REGARDS TO CREATIVITY AND TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW IN ARTISTS AS WELL AS CUSTOMER DEMANDS?

Awareness is at your fingertips now and that’s a good thing. A smarter consumer gives way to service providers who are required to be on the ball and ahead of the game.

There is a sharing of technical knowledge and handson expertise across borders, with visiting and domestic specialists sharing technical know-how. A maestro, through online modalities, is now available at the touch of a button! These facilities, unheard of before, have seen skill levels reaching heights, hitherto left unexplored. This has percolated down across to all salons. Social media, too, has helped hone and reveal many hair virtuosos and we truly are living in times that bode well for the gifted and the bold.

WHAT ARE THE COLOUR TRENDS FOR THIS YEAR, BOTH IN COLOUR PALETTE AND TECHNIQUES?

Very Peri is the Pantone Colour of the Year and we have had many requests for hair colour effects in that palette range.

An overall cooling down of colours, which was the mode in 2021, will continue through to mid 2022. A word of caution though, Indian hair mostly comes in levels 3 to 5, and achieving those pastel shades requires lifting the hair with repeated pre-lightening. It’s an expensive procedure, and many clients think because of the before and after instant makeover impressions viewed on insta that it is possible in a flash-it is not.

WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DON’TS THAT COLOURISTS SHOULD CONSIDER DURING COLOURATION?

• Keep the skin tone in mind

• Work with plexes so you can maintain the integrity of the hair

• Choose your developers carefully, if the client is your regular. You will have to deal with shattered cuticles and broken bridges, if you don’t!

•A thorough consultation with the client is paramount

HOW HAS YEAR 2022 STARTED FOR YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?

We have managed to stabilise despite the way the industry was rocked by the pandemic lockdowns. This is largely due to our loyal client base. As a brand, we will continue with our upgrade, revamp and collaboration mode. On a personal level, many things are brewing with international brands. Our Academy is going from strength to strength and we hope to continue to nurture students and give them international standard education.

IN THIS AGE OF INSTA-WORTHY HAIR COLOUR, HOW CAN COLOURISTS KEEP UP WITH INNOVATIONS IN HAIR COLOUR?

Training is widely available online -choose your instructors and your other mediums of education with discernment. A thorough education will hold you in good stead for any challenge presented, be it Insta or any other medium.

WHICH AREA OF WORK ARE YOU PLANNING TO FOCUS ON THIS YEAR?

The three Cs -cut, colour and care. These are the cornerstones of our industry. The latest cuts, head turning colours and state of the art care.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING HAIRDRESSERS AND SALON OWNERS?

• Don’t become complacent

• No success comes overnight

• The importance of education and keeping abreast of all the latest trends and techniques cannot be stressed enough

• Keep It quirky, identify your USP and make the most of it