A STYLE JUST FOR YOU…

hair

While it may sound like such a frivolous thing, a good hairstyle can surely boost your confidence and even elevate your entire personality. Your hair is often just the game changer you need for your overall look. It can make you feel like the best and beautiful version of yourself. If your hair is on point, you could make a style statement even in your pyjamas.

And this is where a good hairstylist comes in. A stylist should ideally be able to guide you through your transformation, discovering the best style according to your face shape and what would accentuate your best features. Stylist Marium Haideri is a big believer in giving her clients a look that suits them the best, rather than merely following a trend.

Haideri has been a stylist for the past five years at Peng’s Salon in Karachi. She moved from Afghanistan to Pakistan in 1999 with her heart initially set on a different profession. “I wanted to be a doctor initially,” she shares. “I couldn’t pursue it any further due to troubles with documentation. However, around that time, my friend from school started teaching me about beauty. She actually piqued my underlying interest in the field which led me to take up professional courses. After college, I went for training at Peng’s followed by L’Oréal Academy. Since I was naturally good at it, I developed my interest in becoming a stylist,” elaborates Haideri.

Now, having worked under Peng Qureshi and Shammal Qureshi of Toni&Guy, Haideri has garnered a loyal following for hair needs. This week You! chats with the up and coming hairstylist about the hot new trends and some hair care tips…

What’s latest in hair trends this season?

Currently, short hair with curtain bangs or fringes are really in.

Are your clients more experimental when it comes to haircuts?

Yes, they are quite experimental, which is a good thing. I feel like change is good because the same old can be quite boring.

What kind of hair colours do your clients request frequently?

My clients usually want something that frames their face and suits their skin tone.

What colours are trending this season?

In Pakistan, we mostly see requests for chocolate brown or caramel shade. However, blonde hair is very trendy nowadays.

What hair trends are over this season?

The haircuts with a V-shaped end from the parameter are over.

Do you get requests for bold hairstyles?

Not yet.

What are your personal favourite trends?

My favourite would have to be layers, Bob cut and fringes.

What is your signature style?

My signature style is layers, which works for all hair lengths.

What are some of the most common mistakes women tend to make while going for a cut?

Women would often opt for a trendy look without considering if it would suit them. They would get it in the moment, but later on, they end up regretting it. I always advise that it’s not necessary that every trend will suit everyone. I always suggest a cut that would specifically work the best for each client.

Are women taking inspiration from international hair trends?

Yes, many of my clients come in with pictures of bobs, Korean bangs and fringes, which are quite the rage overseas.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a hairstylist?

The biggest challenge is to convince clients of what the best style is for them or what suits them according to their features. One should trust their hairstylist as well if they offer a suggestion.

Talking about hair care, what are your three favourite hair styling products?

My favourite hairstyling product is blowout spray, volume mouse and texturising spray from label.m.

Suggest some tips to oil the hair properly…

Don’t use oil without knowing your scalp first. You need to check your scalp type and based on that choose the oil for your hair.

Suggest some hair care tips that you can swear by…

Do not shampoo on a daily basis. If you cannot avoid it, then opt for a sulphate free shampoo. Conditioners are absolutely necessary as shampoo cleanses the hair but conditioner repairs it.

Moreover, if you have colour-treated hair, use a hairmask once a week and a hair serum after every wash.

What do you love most about your job?

While I love doing everything, I enjoy giving haircuts and doing makeup the most.

Do you think social media, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, are useful to grow your business?

Yes, most of my clients are from social media. My work speaks for itself. Every time I post a photo of my work, I get so many questions and I happily answer.

What are your future plans?

I want to have my own salon after which, I will give free classes to anyone who needs it. There are many people who are struggling and I would like to give them an opportunity.