With 410 nonstop hairstyles in a day Javed Habib's name figures in the Guinness Book of World Records and Limca book of records. For him scissors is not a mere hair snipping device, but a a styling tool. This post graduate in French has given new dimensions to hair styling.

INTERVIEW

Why did you want to be a hair stylist?
After doing my post graduation in French from Jawaharl Nehru University, I wanted to have a professional career. I thought of doing hotel management but then it struck me that it would be great idea to join my father's profession of hair styling. Then I went on to do my hair styling course in London and worked there for two and a half years. Since then I have been just slogging.

What is the most important thing you keep in mind when working on a client?
Hair styling is more than just hair cutting; it's a science. Just like the doctor who after feeling the pulse of the patient, assesses what's wrong. Similarly with hair I come to know by just running my hand through a client's hair. I can tell what's wrong with the person's diet or lifestyle. Actually, you have to be involved with the client.

What is the difference between haircut and hair styling?
When I style hair for a client, it does not mean running the scissors through the hair. Hair style is like science. I delve into their lifestyle and only then do I style their hair. The hair style depends on the client's lifestyle. It depends according to the face structure and the texture of the hair. And also how much time the client devotes to grooming.

According to you how important is hair in a person's personality?
Hair is a complete personality. When you get up early in the morning and see yourself in the mirror, hair is the first thing you adjust and it makes a lot of difference in your appearance. Hair can change your whole personality. So it is very important to have the right kind of hairstyle.

Give some tips to take care of hair in Delhi with all the dust and pollution?
* Wash it frequently with shampoo that suits your hair type.
* Have a proper balance diet.
* Stop thinking; take it easy
* Cut your hair at the right time and have a proper balanced cut.

Is hair styling a very creative and challenging field?
Yes it is. Every client is different and with each one of them you have to deal differently. Each one has a different texture. So I have to decide what hair style will suit that person.

What's the latest in hair styling?
There is nothing such as fashion. I don't believe in it. If a client can carry a particular hair style, then it becomes fashion. So, it depends on the person and his requirement.

You have done your post-graduation from Jawaharlal Nehru University, which is a place for churning out IAS officers. Didn't you think of giving it a shot?
No, I always wanted to be in the fashion industry. I wanted to be in the limelight. I wanted to do something creative.

Are you planning to write a book on hair styling.
Yes, I'm planning to write a professional book on the techniques of hair styling. It will be a technical book and not very general. My father has written a book on hair care, titled "Hundred Tips for Good Hair".

- Avni Sood