BEAUTY WITH INTEGRITY

beauty interview

The beauty industry can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of trends, filters, and overpriced treatments, but Afshan Kanwal cuts through the noise with a refreshingly honest approach. A certified aesthetician and beautician, she started her journey in Pakistan and polished her skills in Singapore. Trained at the Toni & Guy Academy for hair, the Cosmoprof Academy for makeup, and the Aesthetic International Academy for aesthetics, she brings both expertise and sincerity to her work. But what really sets her apart? She’s not in it just to sell you the next big thing - she genuinely cares about what’s right for her clients, even if that means turning them away. This week, aesthetician and beautician Afshan Kanwal offers a glimpse into her journey and the ever-evolving beauty industry...

What sparked your interest in the beauty business?

It all started in my teenage years when my father noticed a shortage of henna artists for weddings in Singapore’s Pakistani and Indian community. He suggested my sister start a small business, and I jumped in to help. Demand grew quickly, and soon, we were fully booked.

Seeing a gap in quality beauty services, we opened our own parlour, offering makeup, hair, and skincare. We ran it successfully for eight years until COVID forced us to close. Instead of giving up, I used the time to refine my skills, training at top academies in Singapore to expand my expertise.

What sets your clinic apart from others?

There’s no receptionist upselling treatments - clients meet me directly. I listen, assess, and if a treatment isn’t right for them, I say so. It’s not about making money but doing what’s best.

Many come in wanting trendy treatments they saw online, but I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. If their skin won’t benefit or needs a different solution, I tell them. Sometimes, I even advise against procedures that won’t meet their expectations. My focus is on educating clients, not just selling services.

Have you noticed any common misconceptions among your clients?

Oh, plenty. Social media has made things incredibly confusing for people. They see someone with glowing skin and assume that if they get the same treatment, they’ll look identical. But that’s not how it works - everyone’s skin is different.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a single facial or treatment will fix all their problems. Skincare is a journey, not a one-time fix. I often have to explain that consistency, home care, and lifestyle choices play a huge role in maintaining results. People also underestimate the importance of professional consultations. Instead of blindly following beauty trends, they need to understand what works for their unique skin type.

Have you worked with any celebrities?

I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing names - Naeema Butt, Amna Malik, Kiran Haq, Sunita Marshall, Amna Aslam, just to name a few. My salon and spa are exclusively for women, but our aesthetic clinic is open to everyone.

Working with celebrities is exciting, but at the end of the day, I treat all my clients the same way - with care, attention, and honesty. Whether you’re a celebrity or a regular client, my goal is to ensure you walk out feeling your absolute best.

Are aesthetic treatments only for celebrities and the elite?

It used to be, but not anymore. Prices have come down due to increased competition, but that’s created a new problem - people chasing cheap deals. Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s good.

I always tell my clients: research the quality of the products and equipment being used. Many places cut corners by using substandard products, and that can have long-term consequences for your skin. If you’re trusting someone with your face, it’s worth spending a little more for the right treatment.

What’s the most neglected area that you think deserves more attention?

Hair, without a doubt. So many salons don’t even know the basics - like how layers, texture, and cuticles work. One of the biggest mistakes? Colouring hair without shampooing it first. When you shampoo, the cuticle opens up, allowing the colour to penetrate properly. If you skip that step, the colour won’t last.

Another thing I emphasise is hair health. People spend thousands on skincare but ignore their hair. Regular trims, deep conditioning, and the right products can make all the difference in keeping hair healthy and vibrant.

What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?

For me, success is about trust, not money. When clients return, recommend me, and leave feeling confident, that’s my real reward. I’ve helped many with severe skin issues - acne, pigmentation, or post-laser complications. Seeing their transformation, both in their skin and confidence, is the most fulfilling part of my job.

What advice do you have for people in general?

Please, do your homework. About 90 per cent of people walk in without a clue about what they actually need. Before you book a treatment, take five minutes to Google the basics. Know your skin and hair type. It’ll save you time, money, and disappointment. Understanding what works for you is key to looking and feeling your best.

Also, stop believing every beauty hack you see online! I’ve had people tell me they rub toothpaste on their pimples or use lemon juice directly on their skin. These DIY treatments can do more harm than good. Always consult a professional before trying out something new.

Afshan Kanwal can be reached at afshankanwalofficial@gmail.com, on Instagram @afshankanwalaesthicsalonspa and her YouTube channel can be found @Afshan_Kanwal