A Q&A with Asif Rajan

I was inspired by how hairstylists could change people’s looks in a matter of an hour and gain their clients’ respect.

Are you conscious about your appearance while working?
Personality and personal appearances count a lot in hairdressing. In fact, I dress better to work than I do when I go partying at night. I spend nearly Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 every few months on my work clothes.

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Your most memorable experience?
I once had a client who was a middle-aged woman from Delhi. She was overweight and depressed about her life. She told me all her problems and I gave her advice and motivated her while giving her a colour and cut. A month later she came back and I couldn’t recognise her. She had lost weight and was lookingmuch happier. She said to me, “You changed me”.

And your worst experience?
I once nicked my friend’s ear while cutting his hair. It was a morning appointment and I was sleepy!

What makes a great hairstylist?
I would give it about 50 per cent to tongue—you have to speak good English and conversewell — 30 per cent to talent and 20 per cent to tools and equipment.

How often do you go on holidays?
In my capacity as Schwarzkopf’s brand ambassador I get to travel around the world at least twice a year. I last went to London and Budapest.