This week You! talks to this promising hair expert who shares her work experience in Sydney and much more about the hair trends 2020...
hair
Fizzah Batool, despite being an ACCA student, always found herself passionate about haircuts and styling. As a teenager, she often used to surf for YouTube hair fashion tutorials as it was fun and engaging for her. Later, at Toni&Guy, Lahore, she received her advanced training in hair colouring, highlights, lowlights, cutting and hair treatments such as Keratin Hair Strengthening.
It was a complete course where she got a vast exposure in the field of hair fashion ranging from its technicalities to minor details. Almost working for two years at Toni&Guy, Fizzah later on joined Numra Makeup Studio, where she was the main hair stylist and trained its entire team. Last year, she went to study and get her Certificate III in hairdressing from Toni&Guy, Sydney.
Currently, Fizzah is training a team of girls at Rameesha Riaz Salon in DHA, Lahore. This week You! talks to this promising hair expert who shares her work experience in Sydney and much more about the hair trends 2020...
You! Tell us about your experiences at Toni&Guy, Sydney?
Fizzah Batool: It was so far the best decision of my life. My course involved hair cutting, colouring, relaxing and all sort of hair treatments. It was a very detailed course so I was studying full-time and stayed for 14 months in Sydney. I experienced to study the core as well as practice at Toni&Guy. I got to study from the best trainers the salon has. I knew most of the haircuts but the knowledge and in-depth hair handling techniques were taught during the course, which I guess we lack in Pakistan. Doing work books and searching hair magazines for better understanding was something I really enjoyed there. The training was intense and you are required to pass each haircut and colour assessment with ample knowledge and skills. There is a pool of techniques involved behind everything you do. You can’t have jugars (shortcuts) to get things done. To my luck, I participated and got selected as part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia backstage hairstyling team, which added a feather in my hat as I worked with some very big shots of the hair industry.
You! How are the work dynamics different in the franchise overseas?
FB: It’s different as it requires a certification in your portfolio, so you can be recognised as a hairdresser globally. The approach of work is very systematic and they prefer appointments over walk-ins. The salaries are hour-based so you get to have two days off which you cannot think of in Pakistan. In Australia, a hair salon is just for hair so you don’t get it all under one roof. They have separate places for spas, nail bars and beauty salons. I worked at one of the Toni&Guy’s busiest salon franchises in Sydney so it was never a slow day at work. I also loved it as it only deals with hair so more chances of hands on and detailed hair training.
You! What did you learn over there?
FB: It started from hair styling including braids, upstyles and advanced blow-dry techniques. Haircuts included women and men combined haircuts with advance futuristic terminologies. Hair colouring involved from basic to complex techniques including all new colour trends. A dozen hair treatments and very detailed product knowledge of Label.m and Wella was also given. Moreover, the course included salon management skills, so I got the chance to maintain salon stock, looking after reception and schedule appointments. Australia is known as a multicultural country so I experienced to cut and colour hair of almost all types, which itself was very informative, challenging and added versatility to my overall learning experience.
You! Tell us about the current hair colour/haircut trends worldwide. How are these different in Pakistan?
FB: It’s not really different and just the regional difference that we have that controls our hair types and skin tones. We are Asians and we fall in dark to light brown hair colours. All over the world, hair experts choose hair colour according to the skin tone and what is achievable for the client in accordance to the hair texture. And also, haircuts are chosen according to the ongoing trends in a particular region. For example, in London, people will get mullet cut and get it dyed with funky colours. In Pakistan, I have hardly seen anyone with a mullet and Balayage is all the rage; whereas Bobs and Long Layers are every client’s favourite.
You! Give us the best hair style tip for 2020.
FB: Accessorise your hair! A lot of new accessories are now being used to make simple, everyday hairstyles look fun and attractive. Also, upping the hairstyle game by putting a glittery or pearly hair clip would do the trick. Big scrunchies are also back to help those ponytails look fab!
You! Tell us about a few hair care tips for 2020.
FB: Hair care can be a lot of things and not just oils or treatments. You should start with investing into a good shampoo and not just pick any drugstore ones. Switch to a Sulphate-free shampoo and you will see the results. Always use a conditioner for your length and ends. You can keep two days for a hair mask, apply it after conditioner and rinse it off with moderate temperature water. Don’t rub your hair with a towel and always dab to dry them. Also, use a serum for length and ends, whether you’re using styling tools or not, it will make a huge difference.
For hair oils, I do not recommend mixing too many natural things and applying it on. Olive, Jojoba, Avocado and Coconut oils are good for all hair types, but do not leave overnight, 40 minutes are enough. Recommended hair wash is three times a week maximum, stick to it in summers as well. And, try trimming after every two months, because your hair needs it.
You! Girls with curly hair always struggle in maintaining their curls. What would you suggest them?
FB: Curly hair tends to get frizzy and loose moisture quickly. I suggest hydrating shampoos with moisturising conditioners to maintain them. There are a lot of after shampoo creams and serums for the curly hair to lock in moisture. Also don’t blow-dry them if you want to keep your curls soft, use a ‘diffuser’ something you all throw away after unpacking the hairdryer. Use heat protecting sprays, it will help. Twist your curls when they are wet, don’t shake them to dry. Wrap your hair in a silk scarf before sleeping. Use a wide comb for brushing and never forget to brush your hair before washing them.
You! Suggest a few after shower hair serums, sprays and anti-frizz hair creams to be applied before using any hot styling tools.
FB: Summers are approaching and Asian hair type gets frizzy when the hair is exposed to humidity. Don’t apply too much product to fight frizz and always remember less is more. Extra product will only build-up resulting in more washing and more frizz. I personally have worked with Label.m and Wella products and so far, I have loved them. I recommend Label.m After Wash Anti-frizz cream (fine to medium hair) and Balm (for thick hair). You will just love the results and they are excellent as heat protectors. Use protein sprays that help against all kind of heating tools and UV rays. Also, use light weight hairsprays for daily use as there is less product build-up and they let your hair and scalp breathe in the humid weather. Serums and usually all after shampoo products are for length and ends so shouldn’t be applied in the roots. Loreal Liss Unlimited is a very good serum and is a good pick for summers. If you are into spending more, Label.m Rejuvenating Oil is your best pick.
You! What are your future plans?
FB: I feel we lag behind in the learning process and are still not able to eliminate taboos attached to this profession. I really want hairdressing to be a part of our educational system, so that more people can choose it as a career. I take clients by appointment but teaching is my main focus right now.
