For over 15 years, the virtuoso hairstylist Dani Hiswani has been perfecting the techniques of hair design and styling, specialized wigs, haircuts, coloring and all types of avant-garde hair extensions. With a slew of awards under his belt, his celebrity clientele ranges from several Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, beauty queens and influential men and women from across the world. He has worked closely with international designers and brands and been lavishly featured across some of the top publications around the world. Dani transformed our Arab Asia Starz for the cover shoot. Manju Ramanan catches up with the super talented artiste.
Who was your first Bollywood client?
The Kapoors. I worked closely with Karisma and Kareena Kapoor.
You speak the hair language. Tell us more about the poetry in it?
The hair has a soul. Every hair has to look and feel good and that depends on the love and care you give
Long or short, which is the hair you like to work on? And what is the trend for 2021?
I love working on long hair. I can do anything with it. However, I definitely enjoy giving new looks with a short haircut. The 2021 trend will be jaw to shoulder length hair layered with balayage
The celebs you have worked with and anyone who has had a hair-raising tale?
Jacqueline Fernandez, Arjun Rampal and Irrfan Khan.
Did you always want to be a hairstylist? Tell us about your journey?
Well, it’s not a decision you take. It is like love. You just feel it and know that you’re happy and want more and more. I was a kid and saw my mom coloring her hair and I asked her to let me apply it on her hair and when I saw the result, I was amazed as a kid. Something changed that day, it took my heart. Also, I grew up with salon products and tools/equipment which was my father’s business. He was an exclusive supplier for many big brands in Syria and my mom is a makeup artist and owns a salon. So, after I learned all the products by heart, all I wanted was to know how to use them. So, I learnt the techniques and I was just 15 years old when I first did professional coloring and styling.
In the current changing climate, what are 5 recommendations you’d like to give our readers?
I always say healthy hair is from the inside out.
Drink lots of water.
Eat hair-friendly foods which contain biotin, omega-3 fats, Vitamins C, A, E Zinc and protein like walnuts, carrots, apricots, mangoes, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, lentils, blueberries etc.
Wash hair every 2 to 3 days and never shampoo daily (and yes, no hot water). Hot water harms hair and skin.
Concentrate the shampoo on the scalp not the length of the hair.
Condition the hair well and rinse well.
Keep hair nourished all the time.
Use sun and heat protection products.
What is an absolute no-no when it comes to hair?
Don’t indulge in hair colouring at home.
Which is the most challenging shoot you have encountered?
The Burj Khalifa hairstyle that I did on a model was 2 meters high. It was challenging to keep it still while the model moved. But yes, I did it successfully.
A fashion icon you admire for her hair?
Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif.
How is Dubai when it comes to experimenting with hair – for both men and women?
Dubai is the best place to learn how to deal with all hair types as it is a multicultural city though the most challenging aspect is the humidity.
Quick questions
The most beautiful hairstyle is…
natural beach waves
The worst thing to put into your hair is …
Coconut or Olive oil, vegetable or any food grade cooking oils on the scalp may clog the pores and cause irritation. Just use quality natural hair products!
A quick recommendation for a bad hair day will be…
A simple messy bun
What is the style you’d like to give the following celebs for a retro Bollywood party in Dubai?
Well it always depends on what they’re wearing but I think those hairstyles suits their face:
Alia Bhatt: slick wet hair
Anushka Sharma: French twist
Priyanka Chopra: side part elegant retro
Hrithik Roshan: Big volume side part
Ranveer Singh High men pony-bun