‘Applying essential oil on hair after drying does wonders for your crowning glory’

Taruna Sharma

His father always wanted him to study engineering and land a secure job in the government sector just like him, but Delhi guy Virender Verma was not much interested in it. Though not very clear on what he wanted to do, one thing which he loved was hair cutting and styling. “I loved giving a haircut to both my sisters. But didn’t know if it could be a viable career option,” he says.
Back in 2000s, hairdressing was not considered a good career option. So his entire family was completely against to it, so much so that his father stopped talking to him when he did a course in hair cutting. The talks resumed only after he became fairly successful. “But I’m blessed that before leaving this world he was happy with my career choice,” says Verma.

Verma worked with Habibs for some time and then spent the next 12 years gaining expertise in hair cutting. He did stints with Shahnaz Hussain, Lakme Lever, Monsoon Salons, Bblunt, Toni & Guy among others before setting up his own academy and salon MasterStroke Salon and Academy in August this year in Delhi. He plans to open 50 centres across in India and outside in the next 10 years. Excerpts from an interview:

Who inspired you to take up this career?
Jawed Habib. Back in late 1990s, he was a popular name in the Indian beauty industry and globally the face of hairdressers in India. I was astonished to see a hair dresser coming on national television for advertisement so I joined his academy. I also drew inspiration from Vidal Sassoon, Ted Gibson, Jen Atkin and George Kot.

How do you find the city for the growth of male hair stylists?
Hair dressing is an art so anyone who is creative can do this. An increasing number of women, especially college-goers and working professionals, today choose male hairdressers instead their female hairstylists – you we can see the rise in the number of unisex salons in India.
The Indian hairdressing industry is growing at close to 40 per cent annually, leading to an increase in career opportunities. We are needed not just in salons but also in other related industries like television, film industry, product educator, hotels, cruise ships, etc.

What interests you the most in your profession?
Creativity. Also, now being an educator, teaching youngsters, imparting my knowledge with others is satisfying.

How do you convince a client on adopting a new hair style?
I first get to know their needs, and understand their lifestyle. A good consultation is the most important part prior to any service. If you are good at consultation your clients will always be happy with the results. But I must say, it is easier to convince female clients vis-à-vis men as women are more open to experimenting with their hair.

Which hairstyles and hair colours are in vogue these days?
Biggest trend these days are long shag and beach waves as these are low maintenance hairstyles, and in daily life most people do not want to spend a lot of time on their hair. As regards colours, I foresee a lot of mocha, walnut, and almond, nicely blended into brunette colours, in trend. Transition of grey is the other trend in vogue in 2021.

Give us some hairstyle tips.
Never leave hair wet, make sure you blow your hair dry either with cold air or with medium heat. Heat seals the cuticles nicely making your hair shine and keeping it in shape. Applying essential oils post this will do miracles.