Long hair is synonymous with beauty in India. While once, Indian women would flaunt their long, dark and beautiful tresses in thick braids that lay gracefully down their back, gen X seems to feel that sporting the same hair style or colour day in and day out is kind of like eating the same thing for breakfast every day.
Karthika Ajith of Strands Aaroos Day Spa and Salon recalls how very few women dared cut off more than a couple of inches of their tresses when she entered the hair industry 20 years ago. However, those times have changed. Youngsters these days, says hair and beauty expert Ambika Pillai, are in tune with what’s happening world wide; hair is one of them. “They follow trends from film stars, fashion magazines, TV shows…. With internet access at your fingertips, kids don’t have a ‘frog in the well’ attitude anymore,” she says.
While some stick to conservative cuts, others dare to experiment. From sexy tousles to blunt cuts, more and more youngsters are stepping out of the box. Layered cuts with side sweep bangs that blend in well with layers framing the face are currently in vogue, say the local stylists.
Hair designer Viji Kumarapuram says the messy look is what is popular amongst teenagers. “Those in their mid twenties, however, prefer a ‘neat’ look, while those in their thirties keep their profession in mind before choosing a style. Straight hair will always be in demand; it gives you a softer, fresher and more glamorous look. However, it’s not about a trend but about what suits you. As hair specialists, we take into account body proportion, face shape and lifestyle before we decide on a style. The texture and shape have to match,” he says.
Deepa Fenn of Catalyst Saloon and Spa feels that young women these days dare to go for a drastic makeover. “Women these days are sure of the kind of look they want; they are wearing their attitude. I recently had a young woman come in for a Mohawk cut. She looked great,” says Deepa.
However, unlike the West, Indians generally do not follow the current ‘in’ look in hair fashion that the West follow. “When the spiky, pixie look was in for girls in the West, the long haired women in India couldn’t digest it,” says Ambika.
As for hair colours, warm tones of chocolate, cappuccino, ash blondes, mahogany and reds that go with Indian skin tones are the ‘chosen’ colours, say the stylists.
Temporary colours are also in. “There is a choice of hair colour that fades after one wash and one which fades after five to six washes. You have a plethora of colours to choose from these range of temporary colours, right from hot pinks to turquoise blues. Some pick colours to match their outfit for the evening. The Indian hair texture and skin tone require careful selection of hair colour. For Indians’ hair texture, permanent colour is not really advisable. Once the colour starts fading, it makes your hair texture dry and frizzy and the hair colour changes to brown or blonde. I would suggest temporary colours or highlights for a soft, trendy look,” says Deepa.
According to Karthika, temporary is the key word when it comes to hair with most wanting a hairstyle and colour that can be changed at a moment’s notice. “That is why there is a trend for women cutting their hair, mid-length. That way, they can either let it grow out or cut it short for new looks,” she says.
While most curly haired girls opt for smoothening, rebounding or Brazilian blow outs, some treat only part of their hair and leave ends naturally curly for a more natural look. “Perms in large waves using benders are what the straight haired girls are doing,” says Ambika.
According to stylists, using the right hair products is important to maintain those lustrous locks. The influx of foreign products that makes the hair dance to every whim and fancy is a boon.
Says Viji: “Using the right shampoo or conditioner can go a long way in retaining the hair’s texture. Although most of these products are a tad expensive when compared to those available in the local market, women are willing to shell out money for their mane.”
So, with a plethora of styles, treatments, colours… there is plenty to choose for those who want more than a hair cut.
