Henna your salon, The Cutting Edge has marked its name in the beauty industry of both Pakistan and Dubai. How do you feel about it today?

The success of my brand brings a feeling of satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment.  There is a sense of validation and recognition for all the hard work and dedication of the past 17 years. It drives me to work harder and do better.  I’m  grateful for the overwhelming response from the UAE market.  It’s been a rewarding yet challenging experience so far and my aim is to make a mark amongst the top hairstylists of the world.

It has been a great learning experience to work out of my comfort zone and work in an extremely competitive market in Dubai.

What inspired you to become a hair and makeup artist?

Playing with hair has always intrigued me.

I was a 5-year-old when I first noticed that dolls’ hair could be coiffed. This hobby extended to my sisters and I would spend hours playing with their hair;

braiding it, brushing and trying different hairstyles.

Growing up I would go through my mother’s magazines and notice how impactful the hair is in a picture. I believe 70% of your look is how your hair is done. The first thing that grabs my attention is the hair, the colour, the style and everything related to it.

My mother opened her first salon when I was 19 years old and that’s how I got a platform to pursue my passion.

A brief overview of your experience as a hair stylist, including any specialized training or certifications you have received?

I started training in 2009 and have been working since then. Over the years, I  have taken multiple courses from Toni and Guy, Singapore to  learn different haircut techniques.

I started my colour training with Loreal Paris and I go there every year to learn new techniques and colour trends. I have also taken training from famous hair dressers like Mounir and Catherine Boden.

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest hair trends, styles, and techniques?

I am constantly studying and attending trainings(virtual and in person) to keep myself updated with the latest trends and techniques. I take courses every 2/3 months with different beauty academies and hair and makeup trainers.

Tell us about a challenging hairstyle or color request you have successfully executed? What made it challenging, and how did you achieve the desired result?

Oh Gosh! There are soo many but there  is this one that I recall right now, a client came to me with repetitively box dyed ginger (orange) hair and requested for an ash shade. This is sometimes impossible to achieve in one sitting without damaging the hair. I managed to do it in one sitting without any damage and it took almost 6 hours to achieve the result.

Explain how you’d advise a young girl going for a makeup & hair look that’s both trendy and parent-approved

Please take care of your hair health and skin.

Invest in good hair and skin products. Trust me- healthy skin and hair doesn’t require a lot of makeup or hairstyling.

Tell me about three hair & makeup trends you’re a fan of.

• Korean lips. It gives a very raw tint to the lips, accentuating the pout.
• Curtain bangs are just soo much fun.  Depending on your face shape and hair type, they contour your face and add that oomph factor.
• Feathered eyebrows- they add softness to your face

Which hair trend you think will be trending this summer’s season?

Copper gingers and very vibrant shades of rose copper are definitely back. Whether is a blend, balayage or highlights, the fiery shades are definitely the IT look for this summer.