Sculptors Of Self-Expression: Profiling Young Indian Hairstylists

I. Audrey D'souza

“A good hairstyle is something that requires no effort, an out of bed look.”

A line that constantly inspires her: “If you don't look good, we don't look good.” – Vidal Sassoon.

II. Ridhima Arora

“A good hairstyle is an expression of a person’s personality and an extension of their natural looks.”

As far as her profession goes, “it’s the ability to transform the way people look and see themselves, the confidence it gives them,” she says. But it’s equally challenging to “win a client’s trust,” she admits. “Not every person wants to experiment with a new look and showing them that it can work for them is challenging.”

A line that constantly inspires her: “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you are.”- Maya Angelou

III. Sushanth Shyamsundar

“A good hairstyle is in sync...with your personality, your features and your aura.”

A line that constantly inspires him: “All you need is love.” – The Beatles.

IV. Ankieta  Oberoi

“A good hairstyle makes you look good, without trying too hard.”

To her, the most satisfying aspect of her profession is being able to “meet a lot of different people from different spheres of life, sharing stories about journeys people go through.  And being able to make them happy with my work of course!” She does admit that “executing someone else’s vision is never easy though.”

A line that constantly inspires her: “It's better to burn out, than fade away.” - Neil Young.

V. Zahabia Lacewalla

“A good hairstyle is something that makes you smile every time you look into the mirror, whether you've styled it or not. It’s something that suits your personality, your face structure and you hair texture.”

A line that constantly inspires her: "A woman who cuts her hair, is about to change her life" - Coco Chanel

VI. Alexander Gellay

“A good hairstyle is one that suits both your face and your personality.”

The move did him good, seeing as to how he’s built up an impressive repertoire here right from being the main stylist on set for Hrithik Roshan’s upcoming film Bang Bang as well as doing shoots for everyone from Vogue to Grazia and Elle. Two years ago, he was also appointed as a style director for Jean Claude Biguine. For him, like many others, hairstylist often takes on the role of counselor as well, and he loves to “meet all the different people from whom you can learn so much about life.” He also believes that a good hairstylist is godsent—someone you stick to once you’ve found him, so building great client relationships is a must. If the testimonials we received are anything to go by, Alexander Gellay is succeeding in his goals.

VII. Justine Mellocastro

“A good hairstyle is one that helps bring out the best in someone’s personality.”

A line that constantly inspires her: “Let It Be.” – The Beatles

VIII. Koshy Brahmatmaj

“A good hairstyle is the best accessory.”

A line that constantly inspires her: Keep surprising yourself.

IX.  Shamita Gogia

“A good hairstyle is an instant confidence boost.”

A line that constantly inspires her: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi

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