Hairstylists: Artists with a canvas

Do stylists have a role to play in encouraging bolder looks?.

KARACHI:

While make-up, accessories and the outfit you don may have a role to play in your overall look, an important aspect which is often neglected is your hair. “When you look good, you feel good,” says hairstylist Tariq Amin. Not just that; the first impression you make may just be the last so don’t leave your house with a sloppy hair-do.

While most designers concur that our fashion industry has become more valiant in terms of the cuts and style it promotes, hairstylists also feel they have been a part of a positive change; they underscore that this transformation is visible.

“Hairstylists have the ability to bring change in society and it’s pretty simple — it’s all about communication. Advising clients on what suits them, based on their lifestyle, the shape of their face and their hair type, is our job,” says Saeeda Mandviwalla, CEO of Toni&Guy Karachi. She feels customers should be open to taking advice as stylists know what they are doing. “We are like artists with a canvas — it feels great to look in the mirror and see the changes for both the client and the stylist,” she adds.

With 27 years of experience in this industry, Nabila feels a stylist can only do so much when it comes to bringing about a change — it is ultimately up to the client. “Every individual has the power to bring a change in society and as a stylist, I put my best foot forward too,” she says. “I try to contribute as much as I can by creating a positive image for celebrities and critics.”

Most people would agree that blonde streaks/highlights are popular fashion statements in Pakistan. “People mostly come in for blonde streaks, but nowadays they are open to other colours that we recommend as well — this is a great change to have occurred,” says Saeeda. “Earlier, they were not advised properly on what would suit them so they would end up opting for the stereotyped blonde highlights.”

Nabila feels a stylist’s work should not end at just a haircut — it’s about the entire look. “The overall look created with a cut, colour, texture or style should be suitable to the person’s image and should, in effect, enhance their personal style,” she says.

Despite the efforts hairstylists put in, nothing can be done without the consent of the clients. Back in the day, when having healthy long hair was the best thing that could happen to a girl, taking risks with bolder haircuts and colours was not an option. But in today’s time, young girls and boys have become less averse to risks.

“People today are very much aware of what they want and how they can present themselves best,” says Tariq Amin, who has been in this business for almost 30 years. “However, unfortunately, there is a tendency to want to look like everybody else; but at Tariq Amin’s, we try to promote individuality — provide consultation and guidance before any service.”

Nabila and Saeeda feel media and technology have had a huge impact on the mindset of Pakistanis. “Everyone is connected with what’s happening around the globe due to the internet, opportunities to travel etc and thus, they want the best of everything, and this includes new hairstyles and techniques as well,” says Saeeda, adding that whoever wants to look different, will opt for bolder looks. “Everyone wants to make a style statement and stand out. To me, this begins with your hair.” The bolder, sharper and more unique the look is, the more interesting the person seems.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2013.              

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