HAIR | Your Complete Guide To Great Hair And Beauty

A.N.JOHN is a legacy. Tell us about your experience with the salon and its history.

Hairdressing has been the family business for over six decades now. A.N.JOHN was founded by my grandfather, as he was a hairdresser as well as one of the pioneers in those days. ‘JOHN’ was a business name used by him during the British era and ‘A.N’ were his initials. I was not sure whether I wanted to run the family business, but eventually I took it up due to circumstances at home. My involvement with A.N.JOHN started in 1997. My vision then did not match the existing profile of a hairdressing salon or a barber shop. So, to transform the profile of my saloon to a state-of-the-art hair salon, along with the team of existing hairdressers, was the most challenging part in my career. It required constant training and development for my team, and also for me, to keep abreast with global trends. After taking charge of the business and repositioning the salon to keep up with the developing industry, we have, today, become a chain of leading salons in Kolkata, with four premium luxury salons and a hairdressing academy, with a curriculum that’s on par with international standards.

Tell us more about your association with L’Oréal Professionnel.

I have been associated with L’Oréal Professionnel as a hairstylist and as a salon owner for more than a decade now. Working closely with L’Oréal has been a great experience and has given me a wonderful platform to explore the international market.

How was the experience of performing live at Paris?

Any performance by a hairdresser, big or small, is a challenge. The Haute Coiffure Française (HCF) Paris was the biggest live performance ever. The show had an audience comprising the hairdressing fraternity from around the globe, but, it was also a nerve-wracking experience. It has taken my hairdressing career to a different level and I am proud to a part of the L’Oréal India HCF Dream Team.

According to you, which cuts and styles will be in vogue in 2012?

We will continue to see a lot of hair that is short and slick at the sides and back, with length and texture on top. We will also see an increase in the number of men experimenting with the quiff effect. Short cuts are one of the easiest styles for men. Classic haircuts are setting the tone for men’s hair. The one style that we’re seeing a lot these days is the slick back or wet look, using gels and hair creams. The second most important trend will be a precise side parting. For women, when it comes to picking a haircut this year, there’s one thing you need to know: the year’s fashion is all about revivals — the ’60s and ’70s, as well as of more recent looks. And as it is for fashion, so too it is for haircuts in 2012. The short haircuts are influenced by the ’60s, while the mid-lengths are inspired by the ’70s. As a trend hairstyle, the bob is softer and with more retro effect, with a subtle, rounded shape.

What are the things to watch out for in colour?

With the New Year, many of our clients have been asking what trends in hair colour have we predicted for 2012. The basics will always remain popular and consultations are always the first step in finding out just how far the person in the chair is willing to go. Warm tones seem to be extremely popular this year, in reflects of copper, gold and natural red. Rich browns and softer shades of blonde are back in demand, too.

What is the most exciting aspect of working with the L’Oréal Professionnel INOA range?

The revolution named INOA enables a colourist to achieve the desired result with complete respect for the hair fibre. The vibrancy of toners, the silken effect and the brilliant shine achieved by the oil delivery system is astounding. Its freedom from acidic fumes, unpleasant odours and optimal scalp comfort is a pleasurable experience for the client and an absolute creative satisfaction and visual treat for the colourist. The core idea of the INOA experience is change — change in scalp comfort, in the overall processing, in the client’s mindset and the hairdresser’s attitude, and finally in the finished colour result.

Do you agree that 2012 will be a promising year for the Indian hairdressing industry?

Not only 2012, in fact, the years to come will be promising as the Indian hairdressing industry is evolving and developing, with salons and academies flourishing. Opportunities for stylists are vast and growing, as a new generation of young talent crops up at every hairdressing event.

Name one celebrity you would really like to style

The one name in my mind right now is the modern-day Madonna — Lady Gaga.

Any advice to upcoming hairstylists

Having a good sense of style, an ability to transform, an artistic bend of mind and above all being passionate are the key ingredients to success. You should be committed, patient and keep your mind open to learning.

Tips for our readers

Hairdressing is an art form and one can never know enough, as fashion and techniques constantly reinvent themselves.

Quote hanger
“The revolution named INOA enables a colourist to achieve the desired result with complete respect for the hair fibre.”