Hailing from the City of Joy, professional hairdresser Danish Nehal (from A N John Salon) has made it to the finals of the prestigious Indian Hairdressing Awards by L’Oreal. Danish is the only one who has been selected from Eastern India amongst 1 lakh participants. His journey began at Eye Catchers, where his passion for hairdressing flourished under expert guidance. His exceptional talent caught the eye of many. Competing amongst the best in the industry, Danish is all set to showcase his innovative techniques and artistic flair, impressing not only the panel of celebrity judges which includes Karan Johar, Sonakshi Sinha, Alaya F and Harnaaz Sandhu, but also leaving a lasting impact on the audience. His dedication and relentless hard work have propelled him to the forefront of the hairstyling world, earning him recognition on a national platform. A t2 chat...
What inspired you to pursue a career in hairdressing, and how has your journey led you to this prestigious recognition at the Indian Hairdressing Awards?
I’ve always had a passion for creative pursuits like cooking and fashion. Given that hairdressing seamlessly combines fashion and creativity, it naturally appealed to me as a career choice. Hairdressing as a profession excites me, it makes me feel that this is what I want. The Indian Hairdressing Awards (IHA) represent the pinnacle of recognition in our country’s hairdressing industry. It’s been a long-standing ambition of mine to participate and ultimately triumph in this esteemed competition.
You’ve made it to the top 12 of the prestigious final. How do you think your techniques or styles set you apart from the other finalists?
I try my best to understand my client’s desires while adhering to my mentor’s briefing which enabled me to fulfil both sets of expectations. I aim to craft styles that seamlessly blend commercial appeal with avant-garde elements, catering to consumers, mentors and judges. I believe I’ve achieved success in satisfying all the audiences here.
You are representing Calcutta from Eastern India. How does it feel?
It makes me feel very content and motivated as a craftsman. I feel proud to see my city on the national platform for the first time in IHA history and I want to give my best to take Calcutta to a global hairdressing platform.
What challenges have you faced as a rising hairdresser, and how have you overcome them to reach this level of success?
In the past, hairdressing wasn’t highly regarded in middle-class families, but over time, attitudes have shifted. Fortunately, platforms like IHA have provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate the true artistry and skill involved in this profession to the world.
Does the cultural background from Calcutta influence your creativity and style in hairdressing?
Absolutely! Calcutta’s rich artistic and cultural heritage often fosters a deep appreciation for artistry and creativity among its residents.
One classic hairstyle you think suits a Bengali woman, and how will you add your charm to that style?
Bengali women possess naturally beautiful features, and I aim to enhance their stunning attributes by providing cuts and colours that highlight their big eyes and complement their warm skin tones.
As one of the top 12 finalists, what do you hope to achieve beyond this recognition in your career?
I want to keep honing my skills and want to be recognised as one of the top stylists in the country and inspire upcoming young hairdressers.
You will be judged by top celebrities at the L’Oreal event. How are you preparing yourself for that?
I am very confident about my craft, so I want to take this as a learning opportunity. There’s always something new to learn from successful people across all fields.
