Keeping Up With Nalini & Natasha

‘Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin’ is more than just a salon business — it stands for a legacy of over 50 years that has pioneered the growth of Indian hairdressing industry. From opening their salon in Mumbai at a time when professional hairdressing was still unknown for most of the contemporary society, to standing their ground in the face of mounting competition from new brands and entrepreneurs largely focussed on business than service, there lies an incredible journey behind the success of this name that resonates expertise and experience.

- Isha Gakhar

Beauty Launchpad was honoured to have spent a few moments talking to the mother-daughter duo who continue to inspire our salon industry, merely by doing what they are best at. The conversation throws light on the many challenges that this rapidly advancing industry faces on a day-to-day basis — unethical practices, educational improvements, standardization and more.

EVOLVING CHALLENGES

The lack of proper awareness and limited resources were the biggest challenge to establishing professional hairdressing in India. Today, awareness is at an all-time high, and all the major players in the global beauty & salon industry have set up shop in the country. And so, the challenges have moved on to higher levels as well.

“50 years ago, India did not have professional hairdressing. When our salon was launched, we had to try and figure out what would work for the clients here. We had to teach our staff and clients on how to use hair products. Even shampoos and conditioners weren’t popular nor were there any of the big global brands; and salesmen would come to our doors with international products. We had to make do with limited resources in those days. But today, the options are limitless. Back then, we barely managed colour with 30 tubes — today, we have more than 200! However, it also taught us to be creative and work out the best with whatever products were available,” says Nalini Naegamvala, Founder-Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin Salon.

ETHICS ARE IMPORTANT

Staff poaching is a rising concern for many salon owners in India. With new entrepreneurs — many with no prior experience in the industry, entering the salon space, unethical practices are at an all-time high. Nalini had recently spoken out about her adverse experience with poaching and how it damages the balance of a thriving industry.