HAIR | Your Complete Guide To Great Hair And Beauty

Last week, he was in Moscow. Right now, I’m chatting with him in Frankfurt. Tonight, he flies to New York, where he’s got a night shoot planned. How does he manage? Far from being jaded by the glamour and glitz, Josh says simply, “I do my yoga, drink my water and go to sleep.” He is animated as we talk, joining his hand in prayer, glugging an imaginary drink and creating a makeshift pillow on which to rest his head.

For someone who has worked with one of the most beautiful women in the world (Aishwarya Rai — “She’s a really nice person, very down to earth and easy to work with,” he says) as well as high-profile international clients, Josh is devoid of starry attitude. Many celebrated stylists feel that working in a salon is somewhat “beneath” them, but Josh shakes his head in disapproval. “It’s important to be at the grassroots,” he states, explaining why he likes going to the salon. “You need to keep in touch with what’s happening, what stylists want, what clients require.”

With a client list of 3,000, there are quite a few (and that’s an understatement!) people trying to get a one-on-one salon session with Josh. Someone once said, “Somebody has to die or move away from London before a slot in his chair becomes free.” There’s hope, though, for those longing for a consultation. “There’s one day when I take new clients,” he shares. “I ask them to come in with a pile of images they like and a pile of images they don’t like.”

What happens if a client insists on a colour that Josh knows won’t suit her, I ask? “If it’s her first time, I’d do it…just to build her confidence,” he replies immediately. “But then I’d move her gradually closer to what I think is right for her.” This relationship between client and colourist is of great significance to Josh. “It’s all about communication,” he insists.

And this does not end when you walk out of the salon. Josh is quick to emphasise: “I would never allow a client to leave the salon without knowing about the care products she needs so as to look after her colour.” He likens colour to “a tool kit to express myself and bring out the best personality of my client”, but he stresses that the condition of one’s hair is a base on which styles and colour are created; hence, well-conditioned hair is the most important thing for Josh.

“I’ve had the good fortune to work with some of the best stylists,” he says modestly. “I’m part of the Wella family (Josh is currently Wella Professionals’ Global Creative Director – Colour) that has people who come with a lot of experience.”

He has his own range of products, but, sadly, they are not in India at the moment. Josh will soon be, though! “I love your country,” he says with passion. His Indian connection is strong and continuously growing. I’m surprised when he reveals that he’s done Deepika Padukone’s hair when she was shooting in London for Love Aaj Kal. And he’s worked with the Mittals and Hiranandanis, too.

With so many reasons to come to India, we hope to see Josh here again and again!