The Heave And Ho Of Hairstyling Fashion is dangerous, it is slow and progressive. But hairstyling needs immediate reaction.

Amaru does not consider hairstylists to be part of the designer brood. “It's different for fashion designers - their vision and inspiration come from their clients. The designs are a celebration of their clients' identity. We, as hairstylists, have to work much more. We are obliged to go out in the evening - to see, to understand, to feel the pulse of the fashion-conscious.

“As stylists, we should wear the latest cut, should know our target audience and remain focused. Our salon has to be eclectic to suit everybody. It should speak of mixed influences, should reflect the environs - a mixing of all people!

“Success doesn't come easy, though. I have had to snip my way through the younger heads, you know the 15-to-25 year olds. Give them dreadlocks and mohawk and they keep coming back for more - more of the bizarre, that is. You can't really blame them - fashion is such: Sometimes chic, sometimes fun. And sooner or later, their parents are going to come, too, but for another version of the trendy. However, I do feel that there is a shift towards street fashion, and punky is part of it.”

The Ways To Wow “Styling products are obligatory. These are like drugs - you want more and more,” says Amaru. “But an expert is one who doesn't use the same mayonnaise on everybody - he must know what to use when.”

He lets you work your own magic with these styling tips: * Straight hair needs stronger products, while wavy hair could do with lighter stuff. * Go messy or clean. Possible, since styling products are more elastic than ever before. Get your style in tecni.art a.head GUM. * Tame Afro, frizzy hair with liquid silicone in tecni.art Liss control to get a wet look and to give curls more definition. * If you have frizzy hair, don't wash too often. But, if it's fine, do cleanse frequently. * Take some shine serum (tecni.art Liss control +) in your palm, put your head down and clean your hands on your hair. Use on wet hair to use less of the product. To perfect it, do it on your day off. * tecni.art Volume + Mousse is for curly hair. The alcohol in it helps dry your hair quicker. Mix some shine serum with the mousse, dip a comb in it and apply to your hair. Then, twirl small sections of hair, and wrap your finger around each to create a ringlet. * Shampoo is for the scalp and conditioner for the hair. * The resins in styling goo today coat the hair fibre to create a barrier that doesn't let humidity get in. So curly hair doesn't pouf and straight hair stays put. * Scrunch up your hair with a mix of Liss Extreme Creme and Volume + Mousse for a soft, natural, just-out-of-bed style. It is messy and sexy, and the look of the moment. * Hair colour is a must-have. A haircut without it is flat. Bring your hair to life with colour. Hot On Hair Amaru believes that styling trends have to be young and fresh, but the philosophies, similar. You have to use new products, keep abreast of new happenings, and undergo constant training. If you are not watching the act, you are outdone. Take hair colour, for instance. Constant innovations and team-working have made it possible for L'Oréal Professionnel to create a red that suits the Indian skin tone. Today, red is in because nobody wants it. Once everybody wants it, it will be out. Today, it is for the fashionistas, tomorrow it will be on the street.

He who translates the best is successful. The right cut on the right person. The right colour for a particular skin tone. It is very important to consult and communicate with the client, much more important than technical skills.

A hairdresser can't afford resistance to change. “We are here to excite people - to allow them to take what they like and adapt it to suit their style.

“Nothing is constant in life. You have to move with the times. What I am saying today, will no longer hold tomorrow.”

On this note he signs off, but would like to add that, “For every customer, the buzz word is - feel good with what you wear. Nobody can decide for you. For a stylist, enjoy your work and you will enjoy the result!”