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Hair and how!

He's a cut above other hair stylists. Meet Jawed Habib, who has big plans for the city

JAWED HABIB "I operate on instinct" PHOTO: SHAJU JOHN

As his scissors go snip, snip, snip, texturing, sculpting and contouring softly architectural forms, you can instantly figure out why Jawed Habib is considered the caretaker of some of the hottest heads in politics and Bollywood.

After a flashbulb-blitzed press meet at the launch his second salon at Courtyard by Marriot (the first one is at Shopper's Stop, Chetpet), the cheery Habib, who hails from the country's first family of hairstylist, says, "It's like design. I operate on instinct. I know exactly which style will suit a client when he or she walks in."

Training academy

Radiating optimism, the celebrity stylist (remember Abdul Kalam's cool cut?), who chooses to speak at length about brand Habibs' plans for the future rather than his wow-worthy hair cuts, says, "Our target is five salons in Chennai. Habibs also proposes to launch an academy for training professionals in hair styling here. Our aim is to create a new generation of cutting-edge stylists. Students who pass out will not find it difficult to find good placements."

Why would they, considering the fact that Habibs itself is a burgeoning chain? "Yes, we no longer think India or Asia. We think global. When Indian doctors and IT professionals can make a mark internationally, why shouldn't a hairdresser? Our plan is to open 2,000 salons across the world." So which is his next stop? "The moon," he jokes and adds with characteristic charm, "everyone thinks in terms of London, New York and Paris. For Habibs, it's the Earth and the Moon!"

Jokes apart, Habibs' scrip is set to soar. "We will be the first hair styling company to go public. It will happen post-Deepavali this year," he beams. Ask him about Habibs' brand value, and he retorts, "Jawed Habib," breaking into laughter. "Habibs is popular because we are professional rather than commercial. And our approach to hair is based on logic and science. Clients like us for the knowledge we share with them."

Stroking his stylishly-cut mane, he continues, "After Chennai, we hope to launch our next hair-styling academy in London. We already have two salons there." So what is his USP on Sassoon and Toni and Guy turf? "Technique and a personal touch. Habibs' hallmark is technique. Glamour comes with sound technique. We have well-trained staff who are frequently put through upgradation programmes," says Habib who was trained at Morris in London.

Though his family has traditionally been in the business (his grandfather had worked for Lord Mountbatten, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi), Jawed wanted to enter the hospitality business. "I even did my Masters in French. But soon I realised that hair styling was in my blood. Not just that, I also believe in doing big things. Success breeds success, and thankfully, passion drives me to this day."

As someone who has moved away from the confines of clichés and expressed his simple aesthetic in a way that his individuality shines, Habib says, "Trends are not for me. What suits one will not work for another. Styles have to be flattering, and at the same time practical."

Ask him for some simple hair care fundas, and he reels them out with amazing speed. "Good sleep, plenty of water, regular hair wash, proper Indian food, a hair cut that suits your lifestyle and above all, a positive mind. Keep smiling. That's important for your hair."

T. KRITHIKA REDDY

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