The right cut

Auckland’s fashion stylist Chetan Mongia would have been an accountant had his parents not suggested hairdressing as a profession. And now, a decade later, Mongia has his own salon set up in Kingsland with a clientele that includes Miss NZ Universe 2016 first runner-up and Bollywood stars on New Zealand tours. Indian Weekender spoke to him to know more about his roots (pun intended), his recent gig at Wella Trend Vision 2016, and the secret to a killer blowout at home.

IWK: When did you develop an interest in the field of hairstyling?

Chetan: I started my schooling in Lynfield College in mid-2003 and most of my subjects were creative such as photography, art design, and graphics. I took accounting as well, as I enjoyed it. After finishing my schooling when my parents asked me what I would like to do, in my head, I knew the answer was photography, but I was too scared to tell them. So I said accounting and unexpectedly, they said that I wouldn’t last a day in accounting, as they knew I was more creatively inclined. Instead, they suggested hairdressing. It was surprising to know that it was completely okay for them if I didn’t become an engineer, a doctor, a pilot or a lawyer, but do what I loved and was passionate about.

IWK: You started your own business before you moved to Melbourne. What were the challenges your faced starting out?

Chetan: The main challenge was to know how to run it. I think I was only 22 when I bought my first salon. At the same time, I was pursuing a business degree from AUT that turned out to be helpful, as it gave me an insight into understanding the fundamentals of running a business. I also had my parents’ support who helped me look after the daily running of the business.

During my second year in Melbourne, I worked in a couple of top salons. Although I enjoyed it, there was something about New Zealand that pulled me back. I am happy to return, and I have recently taken over a salon in one of the coolest suburbs in Auckland—Kingsland.

IWK: You recently styled Shreya Goshal when she was in Auckland for her performance, and in the past have styled Miss Universe NZ 2016 first runner-up. Is there someone that you have enjoyed working with the most?

Chetan: It was a great opportunity to style Shreya Ghoshal's hair for her Auckland concert. She has a beautiful personality and, of course, an amazing voice.

I have worked with Atif Aslam and Adnan Sami for their Auckland concerts in the past and have equally enjoyed working with them as I did with Ghoshal and Seresa (Miss NZ Universe 2016 first runner-up). In the future, I hope I keep getting such opportunities and continue to do the best.

IWK: What would you say is the secret of maintaining a consistent brand name in the industry?

Chetan: The biggest secret is to keep upgrading yourself and never be satisfied with how much you know. Keep on learning and never stop educating yourself, as you are your competition.

IWK: Tell us a little about the recent Wella Trend Vision 2016 awards.

Chetan: Wella Trend Vision is an International Hairdressing Competition—Wella’s biggest and best showcase of hairdressing where hairdressers from across the globe participate. I heard about this in April 2016, and I knew I had to do this. Participants were informed about a latest trend and we had to create our version of it. Our category was Creative Vision.

I worked with my photographer Vineet Menon, make-up artist Padma Akula, and my talented model Gaby Manaloto. We brainstormed while preparing our inspiration board and created a vision that was captured in photographs. All the hard work was paid off in June 2016 when we found that we were the New Zealand finalist for Wella Trend Vision 2016.

It took us almost five months to prepare the look and then my team and I were flown to Melbourne on September 10 for the finals. We were a part of this creative energy and talent from New Zealand and Australia. I think we are still buzzing from that.

IWK: What would you say is the secret to a great at-home blow-dried hair?

Chetan: The secret is the haircut and the products you use to style it with. If it is a great cut, you shouldn’t struggle to style it at home. I personally make sure that after I have worked with a client and their hair, I teach them how to style it.

IWK: What is your #1 hair care tip?

Chetan: Your hairdresser is your best friend. Make sure your ends are trimmed by a professional hairstylist every two months for hair to remain soft and shiny from roots to tips. Also, your hair is what you eat, so make sure that your diet includes enough vitamins, mineral salts, and fatty acids.