Huma wearing the educationist’s hat

beauty interview

Huma Tahir, an ace makeup artist and hair stylist, has been in the beauty business for more than 20 years now. Although her forte is colouring, she is equally good with cuts and makeup. Huma has done several hair and makeup courses from various countries.

She has done countless makeup shoots for fashion magazines and has been a part of major fashion shows in Pakistan and abroad including Karachi Fashion Week (locally) and Fashion Pakistan Week (internationally). She has been the official technical advisor of Schwarzkopf products in Pakistan. She has also been associated with Pivot Point, Pakistan.

As a professional, Huma strongly believes that if one wants to become a beautician, she needs to know about skin and hair in detail. “Makeup is an art and just like any other science one needs to study the subject in depth. There is a need of more learning institutes in Pakistan like Pivot Point where potential artists can go and sharpen their skills.” Keeping that in mind, Huma has now started teaching the art of hair and makeup to novice girls; in other words, she is now a beauty educator. She runs her own academy, along with her friend Nighat, called – ‘H&N Hair Academy’. In a candid interview with You! Huma explains why she is interested in educating upcoming beauticians…

You! What inspired you to become an educator?

Huma Tahir: I have an inquisitive mind, so when I started my career, I had many questions in my mind related to my field but at that time there weren’t any beauty institutes or beauty educators. Whatever I learned, I learned from my seniors like Saima. It was more like an on-job training. Now, after spending so much years in this field I wanted to share what I learned about grooming. I have knowledge in this craft that doesn’t necessarily come naturally to other professionals, and it became important to share it. I know education can make anyone a well-rounded stylist. It’s time to give back!

You! What does a beauty educator do?

HT: A beauty educator creates an army of educated, creative and passionate hair and makeup artists. Beauty educators provide instruction to aspiring hairdressers, beauticians and other students at a training salon/class. You prepare lesson plans, provide demonstrations, and instruct students in the correct use of products and appropriate techniques in hairstyling, makeup application, skincare, nail designs, and other beauty procedures. You may also provide tips on how to interact with customers and how to find a job once students have finished training.

A person like me who has an experience of serving beauty industry can, not only teach well but can share the experiences too.

You! How has your experience prepared you for this role?

HT: I have been selected by different hair colour companies as their trainer – specially Shwarzkopf colour brand from Germany made me an international trainer by training me. I’m really grateful to them for playing a very important role in my grooming as a trainer.

You! What methods do you use to plan and adapt your course curriculum?

HT: It’s a very interesting question. I’m very particular about the basic knowledge. I believe if we make our students expert in technically basic education, then it’s very easy for them to work on any brand. So, my curriculum is designed on those lines.

You! What techniques do you use to impart your skills to your students?

HT: I’m giving them what all I learnt in form of my experience and education. I let them explore their own self. They need to feel passionate about what they are learning and at the end of the day it’s not about hair colouring/cutting nor about makeup, it’s about being an artist.

You! What is the best part of teaching?

HT: I love doing it. I love helping students learn that it’s essential to build clientele. Start with one customer who loves what you do, and watch that small base grow. I think watching students become successful is the best part of teaching.

You! What is the importance of on-going education?

HT: It’s not important - it’s a must. You wouldn’t go to an accountant who’s unfamiliar with new tax laws, and the same goes for our industry. We must constantly keep pace with emerging trends, technology, products, and tools. There’s info all over the Internet and not all of it is correct. Continued courses provide students with legitimate learning.

You! What do you find exciting in this job?

HT: I feel very happy when I see my students get to know the correct techniques of hair colour; haircut and makeup. When they excitedly do their first haircut or colour or makeup, it gives me a real sense of achievement.

You! What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being a beauty educator?

HT: There are very few people who believe in beauty education. They think that to become a beautician, you don’t need a degree. This is a misconception, in today’s world one should be well aware of the latest trends and techniques, and for that you need a beauty educator. I would say convincing people is the most challenging aspect of my job.

You! What kind of problems do you face while educating your students?

HT: Understanding how different people grasp information. One attendee might catch on quickly while another requires in-depth explanation. There is no dearth of talent and so many salon girls want to enhance their skills but since they are not educated, it is difficult for them to grasp the knowledge. They are brilliant when it comes to hands-on learning but it’s hard for them to understand the technicalities. I work to tailor my message for every participant.

You! Best advice you want to give to your students?

HT: Whatever they learn they have to practice it on daily basis as they say practice makes a man perfect. Also, human connection is as important as learning to cut or colour hair.

You! How do you stay up-to-date with hair and beauty trends?

HT: I keep travelling and learning new trends and techniques in hair and makeup. I also go through trend books of renowned international brands to keep myself abreast with latest trends.

You! What are two things that you use regularly?

HT: I am a big fan of kajal and mascara.

You! What is one common beauty mistake that women make in Pakistan?

HT: It’s so sad to see that women spend a lot on cosmetics and beauty treatments but when it comes to hair, they don’t want to spend much.

You! What’s latest in hair internationally this season?

HT: Lowlights and highlights are not so much in fashion whereas ombré and sombre techniques are very much in vogue.

You! Any hair care tip you would like to share with your readers?

HT: Wash your hair every alternate day with silicon free shampoo and conditioner.

You! Are our women comfortable when it comes to colouring their hair in bold hues?

HT: No, they don’t want to do it at all.

You! What does a typical day look like for you?

HT: In the mornings, I go to the salon and see if there are any appointments. Then in afternoons, I take my classes, in evenings I go for my walk as part of my daily regimen.

You! What are your future plans?

HT: I will join or open up a school where we teach women to get financial independent by learning skills and educate them to do their own business. I also want to open up a proper school of cosmetology which includes every aspect of beauty education.