New Delhi, February 28, 2013- That time has long gone by when makeup and hair were listed together in film budgets. Now, when it comes to fashion and red carpet appearances, hairstyles make the cut as much as designer clothing and accessories. However, while the ladies of the glamour world like to play it safe and predictable when it comes to their hair, except a few like Bipasha Basu, Genelia D’Souza or Preity Zinta, the men like to keep it different and spunky.
From Dhoni and Sachin of cricket to Ranbir and Saif from Bollwyood, the boys clearly are the winners when it comes to giving us fresh and quirky looks. Popular and second-generation hairstylist Aalim Hakim has contributed significantly to the country’s hairstyling scenario. He was the first to call a hair salon a lounge, the only one to hire a DJ in his lounge and one of the first to introduce body art with hair treatments. Hakim, who is a favourite of many Bollywood actors, learnt the tricks from his father, Halim Kairanvi who has styled veterans such as Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna. The makeover master talks to Lifestyle about his journey so far, his star-studded clientele, top hair trends for men and his future vision.
Hair maketh the man“A good hairstyle changes one’s look instantly and automatically boosts confidence,” says Hakim. Picking up hairstyling at only 16 and working with professionals all over the world, the hairdresser has lounges in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Dubai. He feels that people have started to understand the importance of a good haircut and more than copying celebs, they want to create their own style. “Media, internet and Bollywood have made people aware of hair trends. They understand how hair plays a major role in today’s fashion. This has naturally boosted the hairdressing business in the country. The one’s who started with single chairs have diversified into full-fledged salons,” adds the stylist.
Trend alert
Every season lays down new IT hairstyles and the do’s and don’ts. The hair guru forecasts looks that will be ideal for the sunny days ahead. “Short cropped hair with light stubble is one of the easiest styles to go for. The retro look will be back with dense hair on top and shorter sides. Ditch the rebonded hair and overall highlighting for something more classic and crisp,” suggests Hakim. He adds, “It’s all about keeping it more masculine rather than metrosexual. Moustache, long locks and facial hair are all out.” For those who want to keep their look young and exciting, a dash of colour (only a little) will do the work. Some fashion blunders done by men are blonde long locks, unkempt shabby hair, over-gelled look and an inappropriate haircut. “The key is to understand your natural texture and go for cuts that will suit your hair type, face and features,” says the hairdresser.
Celeb talk
By his creative cuts and impeccable styling, Hakim has managed to carve a strong niche for himself in the cine industry and is the first choice of many Bollywood boys. “Aalim is a part of my creative process. He is the backbone of my life and I am very grateful to meet a man like him so early in my career,” says youth icon Ranbir Kapoor. Not just the newer lot, he has styled several times for Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan amongst many others. “When I have him, I don’t need to think about my hair,” adds superstar Hrithik Roshan. Hakim will be giving makeovers to Bollywood stars and walk-in clients on his upcoming show Style Inc. With Aalim Hakim, to be aired on TLC starting next month.
While Mumbai is the glamour city of the country, many would agree, that the capital is the fashion centre. “Delhi is a superior destination where people understand fashion well. I plan to open a salon here which will offer all types of hair and body art services,” says the stylist. He adds, “My aim is not to work with just celebs. I want to educate everyone about their hair and how it should be treated.”
