Thanks to reality shows like 'B: Blunt' with Adhuna Akhtar and experts at the craft, like Sapna Bhavnani, hair stylists have been making huge strides in the minds of the general populace.
While Chennai-based Rachel Singh belongs to the same club, whom celebrities have on speed dial, she prefers to keep a low profile.
She has two modest salons but a portfolio glittering with celebrities, from Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra to Trisha Krishnan, Asin Thottumkal, Suriya, Karthi, AR Rahman, even Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
A regular at the fashion weeks in Delhi and Mumbai (till recently, when her second daughter kept her city-bound for a bit), Singh is back on the circuit and is busy behind the scenes at the currently ongoing third edition of India International Jewellery Week this month.
With years of experience to back her, rather than formal qualification, she recalls, ‘‘After my eighth standard, I had visited Mumbai where my sister is a hairstylist. Seeing her at work, I took to this profession. I trained with her and later, with a famous Chinese hair stylist in Kolkata.’
With former president, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, on her wishlist, she weighs in on the mane trends of the moment:
Overdone: Messy and bed hair. The messy look has been exploited enough. I would recommend sleek, neatly done-up buns or different braids like side, French and fishtail.
Extensions: Celebrities love it but you should try it only when the look demands it. People who have less volume and desire more, or people with short hair who need a change are advised to go in for an extension. That said, the biggest misconception is that it is a painful procedure and high maintenance. It is actually very simple.
Styling essential: For an up-do, use a serum, hair spray and a curl booster. I use a roots volumiser in any style. And you must follow all instructions on the product.