Indian women should try messy, classic look, French hairstylist

The clean cut is not fashionable, says well-known French hairstylist Laurent Decreton, who believes older Indian women should not shy away from trying a messy or classic look. He also suggests that brides be more adventurous by adopting trendy hairstyles for their D-day.

Decreton, who himself sports very short hair, told IANS: "I think women should try new fashionable styles and experiment with hairdos. Hairstyles in India are very formal. It should not be that formal. I feel it's only young girls who are playing with hair in India."
The celebrity stylist, known for his modern-day cuts and styling, has a wide range of experience - be it working on top models and celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Emmanuelle Beart and footballer Robert Pires or collaborating with fashion shows by Chanel, Yves Saint-Laurent and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Decreton, who has been frequently travelling to India in the past 12 years, said: "It's not necessary to have a clean hairdo. I think people here (India) don't try the messy or classic look, especially mature females.

"I've been observing Indian faces and their hairstyle for a very long time. One thing that is really missing is that Indian women don't focus on the sides of the head while making hairstyles.

"The front will look nice if you tighten the sides, which most Indians don't do. Also, they should be careful for the side hair for finishing and to make it classic," he added.

Decreton is the creative brand ambassador of L'Oreal Professionnel and a member of the Haute Coiffure Francaise creative team. He was here to unveil seven bridal looks (hairstyles) under the theme - Royal Wedding Collection of L'Oreal Professionnel.

The brand has come out with its fresh fashionable hairdos to cater to the demands of modern Indian brides. It collaborated with some of the best Indian hairstylists like Dhruv Abhichandani, Sachin Dakoji, Sumit Israni, Raman Bhardwaj and Vipul Chudasama, and Decreton to create the looks.

Decreton suggests that "Indian weddings and the hairstyles are very formal. But Indian women should change this habit and try new, trendy hairstyles for wedding. That is the reason we picked wedding as the theme for the same. Weddings are all about happiness, trying something new gives confidence and happiness to the bride."

He started his career at a young age of 19 and has 30 years of experience in hairstyling. Decreton never had a mentor and his creations are the outcome of his imagination.

"It's been more than 30 years that I'm into this profession. I started my career at the age of 19 and learned hairdressing from a local master in France," he said.

"I participated in many competitions like Opera, theatres and luxury fashion shows from the beginning of my career which gave me opportunities to learn things while working on these kinds of projects. Most of my ideas and themes come from my dreams," added the 49-year-old, who is currently working on his portfolio in Mumbai.

Though Indian women are not so adventurous in trying new hairdos, Decreton says the salon business has boomed here.

"In the last 12 years, I've seen a rapid and massive growth in the Indian hairstyle business. I think the growth in real estate and change in the lifestyle of people are making it big here," he said.

Asked about some of the spring hair trends and hair colour for Indians, he suggested: "Hair colours like honey, chocolate and red would look stunning on the Indian skin tone. But, yes, it should be balanced, not very light. I think it's nice to play with the roots and the end should be left lighter with colour."