Adhuna Akhtar tells Salon India about trends in hairstyling, her own journey in hair and plans for the future.
How do you foresee trends for spring/summer 2009?
The look for spring summer: a combination of what is classic, with a twist. In the 1960s, 70s and 80s and even 90s, upto a point, fashion trends were set and everyone would follow these. Now it is more about individuality. Even if you look at clothes, a classic jacket idea is taken and then deconstructed. That’s what I’m trying to create classic elements with a twist.
Are clients willing to experiment to create this individualistic look?
Much more than they were 10 years ago! Long hair is part of our Indian culture which is why we have to work with it rather than around it. Taking the basic plait and creating new things with it is part of the creativity.
You’ve been setting trends on a larger scale with Bollywood…
I think the power of the Indian film industry is huge. A lot of precedents have been set here. Some have not been that good, for example, the way women are perceived is often derogatory. But the films we have been investing are the ones that we really believe in. Dil Chahta Hai was the first film I worked on. It was great because the three boys were so open and ready to experiment with new looks. We were able to really change their hair for the film.
Is working on film more creative than salon work?
My personal preference would be session and salon work. Film work can be quite tedious. But it’s true that the film ind-ustry has a huge impact on people. The pre-production is great when you get to ideate and create.
Is the new salon chain you are launching inspired by b:blunt? We’ve just launched b:you.
We thought that after a few years of being in the industry it would be nice to make our brand accessible to more people. There is a need for a one stop shop for beauty and hair needs. This will be a chain which will expand from Bombay to Pune and, as far as we can, the whole of India. The first one has just opened in a mall in Chembur.
Hairdressers should remember…
…to establish a rapport with the client. Once you have a rapport and understand the personality, the lifestyle and the needs of a client, you can advise more experimental looks which work with their personality. One has to remember that nothing comes easy. You have to work hard to achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to work hard and most of all, believe in yourself!
