We’re celebrating all things hair with renowned hairstylist Natasha Naegamvala. The director at Nalini of Nalini & Yasmin Salon & Spa, Natasha has over three decades of experience in the industry and has styled multiple eminent personalities. The craft is more than just a job for her, it’s her passion. With bold pink hair and a very refreshing personality, there’s no one quite like Natasha in the industry. In a candid chat, Natasha reveals her hair care routine, hair colouring myths, trends, and a lot more:
ELLE: Could you take us through your hair care routine?
Natasha Naegamvala: I have naturally wavy frizzy hair and I’ve realized that people with wavy and curly hair can often produce less sebum. More often than not, people with curly hair will invariably say that their hair is dry and that is because they naturally have fewer sebum glands. Hair is an extension of the skin and if we over-treat our skin or hair we’re likely to create a different or new set of issues. I wash my hair twice a week. Very often I do a co-wash which is just a conditioner wash. I use loads of good quality masks and conditioners more than I use shampoos. I may shampoo my hair just once a week but I definitely co-wash it in between.
ELLE: How often do you recommend that people wash their hair in a week?
NN: It depends completely on the hair type. It’s very difficult to generically state this because it doesn’t apply. For example, someone may need a cleansing shampoo and on the flip side, someone else may need a deep moisturising mask. The climate of our country is such that we don’t need to treat or wash it, and shampoo and condition it more than usual but even if it’s conditioning it will depend on the hair type.
ELLE: What is the process you follow when creating looks for your clients?
NN: I have a chat with my clients to find out more about their likes, dislikes, hurdles and areas of concern when it comes to their hair. Simultaneously, I also analyse their face shape and features. If you were sitting in front of me, I would be constantly picking up your hair and positioning it to see where I want it if I was to consider layering. I always see their lifestyle, how they dress etc. So even though two clients may have very similar textures and thicknesses, I would do a completely different cut. It’s not a copy-paste job.
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ELLE: A lot of people are sceptical about getting their hair coloured especially for the first time. Are there any hair-colouring myths that you would like to bust?
NN: One, hair colouring does not and cannot cause greying. Greying happens way down in the scalp, past the dermis and epidermis, where there’s no melanin production. Also, colour can not damage the hair because it’s done to the dead shaft. Hair is much stronger and more resilient than we think it is. Is your hair healthier if not coloured? Absolutely. But is it more boring if not coloured? Yes to that too. If you overdo it or if the bleach is used incorrectly, it can cause damage to the hair. But does a good hairdresser not know how to use bleach? Of course, they do and they try to minimise the damage.
ELLE: What is your opinion on homemade DIY hair treatments?
NN: I put grated coconut on my hair after the milk has been squeezed out of it. One of the multiple proteins found in hair is also found in coconut oil. Hair is made up of 19 different amino acids. The proteins found in coconut oil, jojoba oil, Argan oil, avocado oil, chia seed oil, silk protein oil, and almond oil are all found in the hair too. Oil is good for hair but how it’s used is what makes a big difference. That being said, we don’t need to topple a bottle of oil on the head. The right amount, and mixing and matching of these oils can be a game-changer. However, dry herbs, jadibootis don’t necessarily cleanse the hair, you could be clogging the follicles. We need to clean and moisturise the hair. Yoghurt and egg are protein sources, they are not moisturising ingredients. Too much of anything is not good, protein included. Not that our natural remedies aren’t good but one must also shampoo, condition, and use heat protectants while using styling tools. You can’t expect to just get away with putting nothing on your head and expect it to be in prime condition just because you’re using home remedies.
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ELLE: Share a few tips to tackle a bad hair day?
NN: Tie it back. Most women think that they have big faces and don’t like tying up their hair. But what they don’t realise is that by tying it back we’re adding more light to the face as opposed to all the shadows created by open hair. It also lifts your skin. If you’re having a bad hair day, tie it back in a bun, half bun, ponytail or anything that suits you.
ELLE: Any new haircut or hair colour trends that are really popular right now?
NN: Most people lean towards what’s popular and trending but also (always) do what they think suits them. You’re more likely to work within what you’re familiar with. People who like brown may alter from a red-brown to an ashy brown, but they’ll stick with browns. They are not going to wake up one day and say I want to have pink hair just because it’s in. On the flip side, I’ve always had pink hair and I’m never going back to brown. Trends may come and go but we are who we are. That being said, really scruffy layers are very popular right now.
ELLE: Lastly, How does it feel to be a part of EBA and how was your experience?
NN: The experience has been lovely as always. It’s an honour to be working with such a prestigious publication. Great products also, some of which I know and some new ones I learnt about.
