Here are some of the excerpts from her interview...
interview
Nayana Karunaratne is a Sri Lankan beautician. She is primarily known in Sri Lanka and the Asian region for her immense contributions to the hair and beauty industry. She owns the company called Salon Nayana, established in 1980, which now has 10 branches throughout Sri Lanka and India. Nayana established Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers And Beauticians (SLAHAB) in 1996 with an aim of elevating the profession of hairdressing in Sri Lanka to an international level. SLAHAB is now a 3,000-member-organisation. She launched her first overseas establishment ‘Salon Nayana’ at Chennai in April 2002.
In addition to her chain of unisex hair and beauty salons in Sri Lanka and India, Nayana is also the founder of the Image Academy of Hair & Beauty (conducts professional hairdressing and beauty therapy courses recognised by the Immigration authorities of Australia and Canada) and the Image Academy of Personality Development (provides personal development programmes for corporates and individuals).
Nayana conducted a training session at Karachi, Pakistan in early 2007. The programme was sponsored by a company in collaboration with Pakistan Hair and Beauty Association (PHABA) and Sri Lanka's SLAHAB. She has conducted over 100 fully-sponsored personality development training programmes for university students over the past 10 years.
Nayana Karunaratne is a board member of the World Federation of Hairdressers (OMC), the President of the OMC Asia Zone, and one of the most respected and experienced hairdressers in the world.
Recently, Nayana was in Pakistan on the invitation of president of PHABA. I got to meet this wonderful lady in Karachi, in one of the events arranged by PHABA. Talking to Nayana was one of the most pleasurable experiences. She was simple, elegant, down-to-earth and professional to the core. Here are some of the excerpts from her interview...
You! How long you have been working in the beauty industry?
Nayana Karunaratne: From the age of 15 years, immediately after my O level exam.
You! Where did you get your training?
NK: Initially from Janet Salon, Sri Lanka; then from Alln International London; Vidal Sassoon London; Rever Hong Kong; L’Oreal Paris; Swarzkopf Germany and Lancôme Singapore.
You! What do you find exciting in this job?
NK: I am in the grooming business and I always find it exciting to make people look pretty.
You! What role have you played in uplifting Sri Lankan beauty industry?
NK: I established SLAHAB in 1996 with an aim of elevating the profession of hairdressing in Sri Lanka to an international level. SLAHAB is now a 3,000-member-organisation.
You! Do you visit Pakistan frequently?
NK: I used to visit Pakistan twice a year when PHABA was fully active. However, after a hiatus of few years, we are back in full action with IHB (International standard of Hair and Beauty courses) education in Pakistan.
You! Do you find similarities between complexion of Pakistani and Sri Lankan women?
NK: Sri Lankans are mostly brown-skinned. Sri Lankan Sinhalese are generally Medium Brown skinned due to their mixed Indo-Aryan (Bengali) and Dravidian (Tamil, Telugu etc.) origins whereas Pakistani women are on a fairer side and very pretty too.
You! What is your role in Pakistan Hair and Beauty Association (PHABA)?
NK: I play the role of an advisor and a big supporter of PHABA. PHABA was with SLAHAB for many years and participated in international events gaining fabulous results. I have also conducted workshops and classes in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad with PHABA. Now, I really want PHABA to get the OMC membership and represent Pakistan at the global platform.
You! You have conducted so many trainings and beauty seminars, what advice you want to give to aspiring beauticians?
NK: Learn the skill correctly to match global standards, practice hygiene standards, be committed, disciplined, honest and most importantly work hard and be organised. And last but not least, be a professional.
You! How do you stay up-to-date with beauty trends?
NK: I am always on the lookout. OMC international events and meetings help a lot too. We really work with the world’s best beauticians and beauty educators and share knowledge and ideas.
You! What cosmetic brands are popular in Sri Lanka?
NK: Sri Lankan Skin Care industry is very developed with international quality products. Cosmetic brands like Derma, Kryolan and M.A.C. are very popular in Sri Lanka.
You! Are Sri Lankan women fond of makeup?
NK: They are fond of makeup but not as much as Pakistani women are.
You! Are Sri Lankan women comfortable when it comes to colouring their hair in bold hues?
NK: Colouring yes, but not so bold; mainly because of our skin tone as we are darker and many shades do not suit us. But again the young women are experimenting a lot now.
You! What’s latest in makeup internationally this summer?
NK: Blusher to highlight, neon eye makeup to create an impact and glossy lips.
You! What haircuts are popular in 2022?
NK: Long lengths with volume, shoulder, jaw line bobs, fairy colours and ponytails.
You! Are bangs coming back into style?
NK: Yes, they will be used to create softness.
You! Do Sri Lankan women follow international hair trends?
NK: Yes, but not copy blindly.
You! What type of look would you suggest for brides-to-be in summer/fall 2022?
NK: With the heat, strongly recommend soft shades in their attire, not necessary to shine, but be pretty yet grand. Soft foundations, bright cheeks and lovely eye makeup with natural looking false eye lashes.
You! Who are your favourite international makeup artists?
NK: Nanara Barezina - Russia, Dominique Roberts- Hungary, Micky Contractor - India, Cory Walia – India.
You! What’s your signature style?
NK: Elegance and simplicity. I often wear sari. And I always wear simple makeup. I love pearls.
Always wear sandals with a small heel and back strap - never flat shoes or slippers.
You! What does a typical day look like for you?
NK: I wake up at 5am – Do one hour of yoga, cook and pack lunch for family, get dressed and be at work by 9 am. I do training till 5 pm and on some days work in the salon after 5 till 7 pm. Back home, have dinner and generally free. Enjoy Pakistani teledramas at that time. Sleep around 11 am. If I have preparation of notes and presentations, most of it is done at 4 am to 5 am, when my brain is at its best.
You! What beauty advice do you want to give to our readers?
NK: Please understand that 70 per cent of your beauty is from within. Hence good food, plenty of vegetables and fruits, 10 glasses of water and 15 to 30 minutes of breathing fresh air is essential. Thereafter make sure the skin is cleansed and moisturised daily – morning and at night
You! Can you name some of your international celebrity clients?
NK: I have handled almost all the Miss Sri Lanka events, and local and international shows, but I do not build up clients any more as I travel a lot and it is a hindrance.
You! What are you currently working on or preoccupied with?
NK: Expanding IHB in Asian countries. Preparing teams for World Championships in September in Paris. I’m also a Board member of the Women Chamber of Industry and Commerce and we are committed to training small, medium and micro level women entrepreneurs.
You! What are your future plans?
NK: Work till my last day. Make the hair and beauty education in the Asian countries as good or better than in European countries by providing affordable international education through IHB.
