Aussie hairstylist, a first timer at WIFW 2014 reveals why Asia is the place to be; what makes women happy and why you need to change your hairstyle every season
By Asmita Aggarwal
He is your quintessential Aussie from Down Under—has the ability to laugh at himself, is a celebrity hairstylist by profession and a fun guy who isnt afraid to flaunt a bald head as he magically maneuvers his scissors snipping off your tresses, transforming you from a plain Jane to an undisputed head turner.
This visionary with an unending appetite to please women (no you have got it wrong); not that way, he cuts hair, and gives women something new on a platter every season. As seasons change sporadically, we change the way we dress, so why not a sparkling hairstyle? asks Rod Anker with a chuckle.
The Creative director of Monsoon Salon and Spa stayed behind in India despite the business that brought him here shut down with such alacrity that it taught him a valuable lesson. After honing his skills at Box Hill Tafe Academy, he aspired for a change of scene and with the Asian market opening up, he saw a lucrative opportunity with a famous Hong Kong/Singapore-based chain of salons Kimrobinson setting base in India. The brand left, I stayed, he laughs.
Rod started his own salon, and it did supremely well and was later renamed Monsoon, with investor assistance. The difference between us and other salons is our people skills and training. We offer haircuts at just Rs 300; it is one thing to open a salon and another to deliver. We must understand the psyche of people, I think Kimrobinson couldnt and thats why they had to fold up. I did learn quick that its not the affordability factor that is crucial here as people have money, but also what and how much are you offering in that ingenious package, he adds.
Despite answering innumerable questions as to why he is here, despite the chaos, traffic and pollution, Rod declares that things actually get done in this country. It may be slow, but work gets finished. But my deepest regret is that beyond ek minute I havent learnt much of Hindi, he laughs.
Being in the profession of making divas look good, Rod has discovered how to get out of sticky situations with supersonic speed, and thats where his diplomatic skills come into play. I always give women styling options and it works even when an idea they came with is bound not to work. But the beauty of Indian women is their thick, dark hair which just falls effortlessly, he concludes.
Five tips to keep hair great all year round:
1. Use a conditioner: I know you have heard this many times, over and over again, but I would like to reiterate it. Even though conditioner has a thinning effect and most women love volume, it must be used just towards on the ends.
2. Trimming: Hair grows fast, and trimming is a must every 6-8 weeks. It will make your tresses grow faster.
3. Serum: Get yourself a leave-in serum with UV and moisture protection; it will keep it shiny and help you sail through your toughest hair days.
4. Change your look periodically it will make you feel good.
5. Regular treatments: Protein packs, dehydration and moisture packs will rev up your tresses