Tania Roy chats up young, talented hairdresser and make-up artist Amrita Bokey who is coming up with a new destination for her salon

If Amrita Bokey was not a hairdresser, she would be an international criminal lawyer. As a child, she always dreamed to be a lawyer some day, but destiny had something else in store for her, a career more creative and unconventional.

After completing her BBA from Symbiosis, she pursued a diploma in ‘cutting and colouring’ (hair) from the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London. “Initially, my dad wasn’t happy with my decision, but he came around,” says Bokey, who is coming up with a new destination for her salon ‘Amrita Bokey Hair and Make-up’.

New salon coming up

“For the past six years, I was operating my salon at the terrace of my home, but it’s time I had my own place. I am launching my parlour off Senapati Bapat Road in a month from now,” says she.

Along with hair and make-up, Bokey will be conducting three-to-four-day personal make-up workshops for women. “I am trying to rope in celebrity make-up artist Kumar Iyer, who has worked for Bollywood films like Cocktail and Rockstar, to share his expertise as well. We will give you tips on how to do good, daily basic make-up,” explains she.

Bokey has acquired most of her skills and competence from the eight-month training she undertook at Vidal Sassoon. “I got to know the technical aspects of colouring and cutting hair. For example, basic haircuts like layered hairstyles for long hair, which is easier to cut; shorter hairstyles, which are tougher and difficult to work with and men’s haircut which has little scope for experimentation,” says Bokey who started her venture when she was 21.

Diverse experiences

In 2009, she enrolled for a short course at the London School of Beauty and Make-up. “The course provided a blueprint for beauty and make-up, and then of course I applied my creativity to my profession,” shares Bokey who has also done a few TV commercials and award shows. She was the hair and make-up artist for the anchor at a film award ceremony. Also, the recent Raymond and Acer laptops advertisements are part of her work profile.

Challenges at work

Talking about the challenges, Bokey says outdoor photoshoots like TV commercials are the most time-consuming. “The work starts early morning and continues for the next 14 to 15 hours. But I enjoy it because each day is different and yes, the pay is good too. However, your biggest reward is when clients feel happy and appreciate your effort,” says she and smiles.

Festivals and wedding seasons make her busy too. “Once I had to do hair and make-up for a Sindhi bride and the wedding started late night. Next day, I left for work early morning to style a Maharashtrian bride. It was a taxing schedule, but I pulled through it,” says the hardworking youngster.

Another tough challenge is to convey to clients how a celebrity hairstyle and make-up may not look as good on them. “Most brides today insist on a Kareena make-up and a Sonam hairstyle. But a neon pink lipstick will not be appropriate for dark skin! Your makeup and hair should suit your personality, skin colour, clothes, etc,” she says. To be a successful hairdresser, you have to be good at your job. “For us, word-of-mouth publicity works better than ads. You have to win your clients’ trust, so that they keep coming back,” signs off Bokey.

Rapid round

• Secret to a good haircut: Keep it classic and go for haircuts that grow out well. When cutting hair, I try to be technically sound and work with natural textures. Also, I try not to give a blow dry unless my client insists. The idea is not to give you the salon look for just one day!
• Chic celebrities: Deepika Padukone, Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively are fashionable.
  Slip-ups: Initially, I had messed up my brother’s hair and goofed up my friend’s sideburns! Now, I specialise only in women’s haircut and make-up.
• Hobbies & interests: I play the piano; I have completed 6 grades from Trinity College London. I also enjoy swimming and travelling.