Meet Asgar: Hairstylist To The Rich And Famous

From supermodels to movie stars, the name Asgar is synonymous with cutting edge, attention grabbing hairstyles for the rich and famous. The hair maestro is based at the Daniel Galvin salon in London and has worked his magic on scores of celebrities and dignitaries the world over.

Asgar’s distinguished celebrity clientele includes Cindy Crawford and Twiggy as well as Bollywood A List stars Karisma Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Hrithik Roshan and Rekha. He is also pivotal in the styling of business moguls, ultra-high net worth individuals and royalty such as members of the Sultan of Brunei’s household.

We were lucky enough to catch up Asgar over the summer and got the low-down on his illustrious career and how you can have locks worthy of being a Belle About Town…

How did you get into hairdressing?
I was introduced to hairdressing by my sister, who was a stylist at a trendy salon in London’s Bond Street. I started my hairdressing profession over twenty years ago at the Daniel Galvin salon in London’s West End.

I will always remember the excitement of the day I was given the keys to my first salon. When I turned the key in the lock and stepped into the space, I had to imagine what it would be like. For me that moment was a dream come true.

What is ‘the’ look for A/W 2012?
Sleek long hair is making a comeback and the ponytail is very much in. Super sleek strands like Beyonce’s are very much the look for A/W 2012.

What would be the right style for a night party, business meeting or just to hang out with friends?
Party hairstyles are usually elegant, sophisticated and feminine and also very loose and sexy. For a business meeting, a hair style should be neat, tidy and well-groomed. It can be wavy or curly, but must always be neat. There is no restriction to the way you can wear your hair. For long hair, you can pull it back and plait or braid it. Short hair is free-flowing and easy to manage, and is the sort of hairstyle you can have for a walk in the park or going to your friend’s home.

How often should we really have our hair cut and how can we keep it in best condition between salon visits?
Hair should be cut at least every six to eight weeks because split ends can be specifically problematic in the hot months and it will help to minimize breakage, dryness and frizz. Try to deep condition your hair at least twice a month between salon visits and if your hair is very dry, then do it at least once a week. Don’t forget to protect your hair from the heat when blow drying or straightening from home. A good quality heat protection spray will work wonders.

Given the rising level of pollution, what’s the best way to avoid dandruff and premature greying?
No one really knows what causes dandruff. A recent study shows that it may be caused by a type of fungus or an inflammation. Dandruff is a treated skin condition that usually responds well to treatments such as medicated shampoo. However, following treatment, dandruff can occur. It is a common, non-contagious skin condition. Premature greying is often a symptom of premature ageing, but there are many other reasons why it occurs, such as genetic or hormonal factors.

What do you think about using natural therapies for keeping hair healthy?
Natural hair remedies can do wonders for restoring a healthy shine, and help with reducing dandruff and even grey hair and hair loss. Natural remedies have been used for centuries, and believe me they work. Natural hair oils can be used for almost any problem you have with your hair.

Whose hair have you enjoyed styling the most?
I have styled the hair of a number of celebrities but one of my fondest memories is styling actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. I did her hair for a film premiere in London. She is such a wonderful person and so down to earth. She also has the most beautiful hair!

Which celebrity would you like to style and which Olympic athlete?
Celebrity wise it would have to be Lindsay Lohan’s hair because on many occasions her hair can look quite scruffy. I would love to get the opportunity to create a whole new image for her.

One Olympic athlete I would love to style is Zara Philips as I would love to give her a brand new revamped look to bring out her bubbly personality and identity.

What motivates and inspires you when you create new looks for people?
I love to create. Seeing that I have made a difference to others lives motivates and inspires me. I have always been motivated by the desire to do a good job.

Does paying more mean the best service?
In my personal opinion, I believe in meritocracy primarily and therefore perhaps it could be said that I believe that if you want better quality and service, you probably are going to have pay more for it.

If you could, what advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
I know that I have made the right choice going into the hair profession. At the time I was unsure as to what the future would hold. But I am very glad that I stuck at it through the tough times. Hairdressing is a great profession for young people to get into. No two days are the same, one day you might be doing a movie star’s hair, and the next you could be working on a catwalk show.

For more details go to www.danielgalvin.com/~stylists.

by Nat Trice
[photo credits: Daniel Galvin; WENN.com]

Miss B

Miss B is a Belle About Town who likes to bring a little bit of style into every aspect of her life. An experienced journalist with over a decade in the industry she turned to the web to fill a gap for tech-savvy stylish women who want the best life has to offer at their fingertips. She loves a decadent cocktail bar, a beautifully cut dress, the perfect pair of heels, quality over quantity and is partial to Asian-fusion food, enjoys holidaying in the sun and shopping breaks to New York. But her first love is of course London!