“There’s a shape and style for everybody”.

 
In the 1970s, when you needed a trendy hair cut in India, you headed for the ubiquitous Chinese beauty parlours. This was also the era when the well-heeled travelled to places like London—once the hub of hairdressing—to get a hairdo that was in vogue. In this milieu, two former airhostesses, Nalini Naegamvala and Yasmin Eranee, started a modest home salon in Mumbai and went on to revolutionise the haircare and styling industry in India with their trendsetting hair makeovers. Widely travelled and internationally trained, they brought home the latest global trends and beauty solutions. And their elite clientele—from celebrities and housewives to anyone who wanted to look good—lapped up their services with delight; from Sadhana, Dimple Kapadia and Madhuri Dixit to Aishwarya Rai, they styled the tresses of many an actor. Over time, their popularity spread through word of mouth to such an extent that getting your hair cut at the Nalini & Yasmin salon was in itself a style statement. In fact, today’s celebrated hair stylists such as Savio Pereira, Placid Braganza, Kanta Motwani and Anees Muss have been trained under their expert guidance. For this special issue, Yasmin Eranee, 72, shares her recommendations on styling and caring for silver hair.

Get versatile with your silver locks
Model: Yazdi Eranee
Styled by Abdur Rahman

Your haircut and hairstyle can make a big difference to your looks. For a trendy yet classic haircut, your hairdresser should be able to understand your lifestyle and suggest something that complements your personality. There is a shape and style for everybody and every type of hair. Most important, the hairstyle should not give the impression that you want to look younger, only smarter.

Short hair: If you have had short hair all your life, go for a professional hairdresser who will give you a look to suit your face. Your hair can be styled straight or in layers depending on the type of hair—straight or curly. The hairdresser will guide you to maintain the haircut so it grows out nicely.

Medium-length to long hair: Keep it well-conditioned and shiny. Use a good shampoo and conditioner. Colour it with a lighter shade. Trim your split ends regularly. To style it, women can pin up the sides or make an attractive juda [bun]. Men can gel their hair for styling, or go in for a man bun or ponytail depending on the occasion.

—Sai Prabha Kamath

Short, sassy and silver
Model: Dolly Rustomji Jokhi.
Styled by Varsha Sagar
All models styled at Yasmin of Nalini & Yasmin, Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai

Don’ts

• Don’t use colours you were using decades ago—your skin texture has changed, so should your hair colour.
• Don’t use black colour; with age, black looks harsh.
• Don’t use non-standardised products and products with too many chemicals.
• Don’t go out in the sun without protection—use accessories such as caps, hats and scarves.
• Don’t do root touch-ups frequently; it overlaps the colour and messes with the shade.
• Don’t over-colour; it makes hair dry and susceptible to breakage.

Dos

• As we age, our body doesn’t produce enough moisture; select products with more moisture content.
• Use a mild shampoo and conditioner.
• Go in for hot oil massages—oil lubricates and moisturises the scalp.
• Opt for non-greasy oils that add sheen to your hair.
• While colouring, choose shades that are easy on the eyes; lighter shades such as brown and medium brown will add softness to your looks.
• Go for subtle highlights.
• During the day, your hairstyle should be underplayed.
• During evenings and nights, go for a classic style with a little modern touch. A blow-dried classic look is everlasting and doesn’t go out of fashion.
• For men: Get a versatile look using styling gel.
• While experimenting with different cuts and styles, it is important to look comfortable and confident.

Work hard, play harder
A little gel and heaps of attitude can take you from day to night
Model: Dr Sekhar Raghuram. Styled by Abdur Rahman

Yasmin of Nalini & Yasmin
Convention Wing, Ground Floor,
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Andheri (W) – 400053
Tel: 3097 0027/3221 5278

Blue Door
Ground floor, Mac Ronnels,
Next to Candies,
5 AA Pali Hill,
Bandra (W) – 400050
Tel: 022-2655 0365

Yasmin’s Salon
Sun-n-Sand,
Juhu, Mumbai – 400049
Tel: 022-2624 2988

Photos: Haresh Patel
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
June 2016