Swastika Mukherjee’s Peaky Blinders-inspired pixie, Parambrata Chattopadhyay’s tamed curls, Ishaa Saha’s long bob or Sauraseni Maitra’s balayage highlights — if there’s one stylist T-town A-listers trust with their mane, it’s Jolly Chanda. With Durga Puja knocking at the door, it’s the perfect time to explore the latest hair trends and know the best practices for some extra shine during the Pujo days, and who better to talk to than Tollywood’s hair guru? My Kolkata had a chat with the stylist about her style inspirations, her salon, fashion and care tips for the Puja and more…
‘Style is something that defines you’
“Every individual has his or her own style, and style is something that defines you,” says Chanda, whose salon, Satin Rose Salon & Spa, turned 25 this year. The stylist believes that personal touch is very important and tries to check the final look of each of her clients.
A walk to remember
From word-of-mouth and traditional methods of marketing to almost 19k followers on Instagram, Satin Rose Salon & Spa has come a long way. Chanda’s first celebrity client was actress Swastika Mukherjee, who was referred by a friend. “I could not believe it when Swastika entered my salon. She was so open to change and adventurous — she left her hair completely to me,” she said.
It’s been more than 13 years since, and Chanda continues to style not just Swastika, and now her daughter Anwesha, but also television and film personalities like Trina Saha and Neel Bhattacharya, Aparajita Adhya, Ishaa Saha and many more.
Makeovers are trending
Chanda believes hairstyles are a part of people’s personality and differ for each person. An advocate of experimentation, she always encourages trying something new. “To me, a makeover is trending,” she says, introspecting on how the Covid-19 pandemic has made people think more about living it up every day. Each cut that she works on is customised and everything that is trending can be suited for individuals with slight modifications. Face type, hair texture and lifestyle must be taken into consideration while choosing a haircut, according to Chanda.
Doing it right for Puja
With Puja plans in full swing and the humidity not likely to let up, Chanda also suggests investing in leave-in conditioner and leave-in moisture spray.
Hair serums are almost everyone’s go-to product to keep the frizz at bay, but the beauty professional bursts the bubble, suggesting that not every hair type benefits from a serum. Frizzy hair needs a moisturising hair cream, thin hair needs light serum, while thick and frizzy hair requires a leave-in conditioning cream. She also stresses on choosing the right hair care and styling products only after discussing it with your stylist.
“The correct products will help protect your hair from damaging agents like ultraviolet rays, humidity, air conditioning and pollution. For people with coloured hair, professional-range shampoos and conditioners are a must,” she adds.
For those with pandal hopping plans, Chanda suggests investing in good hair accessories and finding styles to keep your hair tied up to save it from the humidity and discomfort. Avoiding non-detergent based shampoo, and not compromising on skin and hair care products are musts too.
For men, Chanda recommends haircuts with mid or high fade sides to battle the humidity while effortlessly raising the style quotient. Also remember to make sure to tell your stylist to align the jawline and hairline for a chiselled look.
Jolly Chanda’s DIY tips for your haircare regime
Check out these simple, easily available and inexpensive hacks by the expert and bookmark them for your Puja regime —
- Use aloe vera pulp with a few drops of glycerin as a hair mask
- A runny concoction of rice starch with some water, few drops of glycerin (optional) and rose water or essential oils like tea tree or lavender (optional) can be used as a mask after washing your hair. Apply and let it stay for a while before rinsing off
- Leftover flat beer as is an effective conditioner
- If you have dandruff, rinse your scalp and hair with a mug of water with a few drops of tea tree oil in it after you shampoo
A rapid fire with the style guru
Everyday do’s and don’ts to follow for good hair?
Don’t wash or tie wet hair, trim your hair every two to three months, ensure balanced and nutritious food, follow regular body check-ups
Tips for battling dandruff woes?
Wash your comb regularly, use a cotton hand towel or cloth on your pillow at night and replace every day, use the right shampoo and maintaining hygiene
The best hair in Tollywood?
Very difficult to say… Koushani Mukherjee and Tuhina Das maybe
Keratin treatment or straightening?
Depends entirely on hair texture
Hairstyles for women that will always be fashionable?
Madhuri Dixit’s curly haircut, Dimple Kapadia’s long layers, and bobs of any type
Hairstyles for men that will always be fashionable?
Mid fade haircuts
Jolly Chanda’s Satin Rose Salon & Spa has two outlets — Salt Lake and Camac Street. Regular working hours are 10am-8pm, Salt Lake branch is closed on Mondays and Camac Street on Sundays.
For Puja, the salon is open from 10am-10 pm, Monday to Sunday after Viswakarma Puja through Durga Puja.
