Tell us about your journey into hair and beauty world...
I started off 30 years ago in Germany as an apprentice for three years, then went to London and enrolled at the Robert Fielding School of Hair and Fashion.
I graduated after three years and was awarded the title Associate of the British International Hairdressers.
Do you ever feel the pressure to work harder since you are in a woman-dominated field?
No way, it’s not a woman-dominated field! All over the world, men rule in fashion, cooking and in the hair and make-up industry. It’s only a few cultures that think otherwise.
What kind of styles do you focus on, or are you a jack-of-all-trades?
I put my expertise into practice by doing everything and anything to do with hair. I do so because I believe hairstyling is a lot like fashion, and it keeps evolving with time. You thus, have to keep up in order to keep your business afloat.
Which famous people have you ever styled before?
Most of my clientele consists of celebrities and among them is former US First Lady Hillary Clinton, celebrated Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, and the list is endless. Most local celebs also visit this place. I can’t mention names because they value their privacy.
What’s your greatest achievement in your business so far?
My greatest achievement happens every time I work my magic on a client’s hair and the outcome is normally a total transformation on their looks, which in turn, boosts their confidence. I live for that moment!
You have a salon called Farouk’s Salon based at The Mall in Westlands, Nairobi, do you plan to open more salons in other parts of Kenya?
I would love to, but it’s tricky because if we had more hairdressing schools, which could train students the right way, then I wouldn’t hesitate to open more salons because then I would have professional employees who are certified. You see, I don’t compromise on quality. I like to offer my clients quality service and with quality service you need quality staff.
Do you get tips from other stylists or do you normally have to research on various styles to keep up with the latest trends?
Yes, in order to grow, one has to keep in touch with the world’s gurus in hair dos and techniques. I love going to various beauty shows, especially in Dubai where I get to see what’s new and what new tips I can use on my clients as well.
Have you ever had a client who had difficult hair to work with? How did you handle the situation?
I get that all the time because people buy products from supermarkets and shops that don’t suit their hair type, so when they come to me, their hair is normally messy and I have to do my best to explain to them why I have to use a different product, and prove why these products are the most suitable for their hair.
Do you normally train/mentor other hairdressers, especially since you are experienced in this field?
Mentoring is important. This way, I impart the knowledge that I have to other stylists so that they too, can grow in the industry. I also always want to train more people so that even when I am not around, my business can continue to flourish without any compromise on quality.
If you were told to pick any other career, what would you choose?
I would never change my career for anything else in the world. However, I will someday, move to teaching and training other stylists to increase professionalism in the hairstyling industry.
Do you think there’s room for the industry to grow?
Oh yes! People need to look good, standards and ethics need to be developed. Kenya is not in the global map yet in the hair styling front, and I wonder what we are waiting for.
What do Kenyan women do when it comes to hair care?
Using the same shampoo with her entire family or using the same soap. For instance, if her hair is processed with colour, she needs to use a ph6 shampoo to keep in the colour and not any other shampoo. Kenyan water has a ph of 8.5, which removes colour even if the hair is relaxed, so this causes hair dryness and breakage. Kenyan women should also use nourishing shampoos and conditioners to stop hair loss. If your hair is frizzy, use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners.
What golden rule do you normally live by?
My golden rule is that in whatever you do, you should do it to your level best and never take your clients for granted.
Try and think outside the box and show your clients something new every time they visit.
You should also always keep time whenever you have set an appointment with a client that way they will know that you respect them, and that you value their presence.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I plan to further my education in hair and beauty.