How HBS is transforming India’s hair & beauty talent across India’s most far-flung towns.
Words: Preeti Kulkarni
For most of the Hair & Beauty Show (HBS) participants, this isn’t just a competition — it’s a transformative stage that celebrates skill, confidence, and creativity. Every year, HBS brings together the brightest talents in hairstyling, makeup, nail and creative artistry from every corner of the country. But beyond the glamour of the stage and the shimmer of spotlights lie true stories of grit, resilience, ambition, and transformation — stories that define what HBS truly stands for.
Turning Distance into Determination
For Mohammad Rizwan from Bareilly, stepping onto the HBS stage in Mumbai was more than just participation — it was a statement.
“I came all the way to Mumbai to show that HBS is India’s biggest platform for hairstylists,” he says proudly. “It inspires people to upgrade their skills, learn new trends, and grow professionally.”
Rizwan’s fantasy look — inspired by environmental issues — symbolized both creativity and conviction. With limited resources but limitless imagination, he turned his concept into art. “Even though I lacked materials and guidance, I used creativity and determination to bring my idea to life,” he recalls.
That determination paid off. Despite not winning, Rizwan returned home with new confidence and recognition — proof that HBS is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for reinvention.
Creating Opportunities Through Courage
From Kolkata, makeup artist Ranita Chandra travelled to HBS with self-belief as her strongest companion.
“I inspired myself to do this because I have strong confidence in my abilities,” she shares.
Ranita designed her own outfit, makeup look, and theme — investing her savings and countless hours of practice. “It cost me more than ₹4,000, but I consider it a worthy investment. The experience, the exposure, and the energy were priceless.”
Though she didn’t take home a trophy, the experience gave her a renewed sense of purpose.
“It strengthened my confidence,” she says. “If HBS continues to build bridges for independent professionals like me, it will become an even more empowering platform for artists from every region.”
Bringing Bhuj to the Big Stage
For Farid Lodhiya from Bhuj, Gujarat, the journey to HBS was a leap of faith.
“Talent should never be confined by geography,” he says. “Participating in HBS is a dream — it allows me to represent my hometown and show that creativity from Kutch can shine on a national stage.”
Farid practiced tirelessly with limited access to products and tools, relying on online learning and community support. “There were tough moments,” he admits, “but my passion kept me going.”
That spirit caught attention at HBS, where even fellow competitors praised his technique. “It reminded me that passion and hard work speak louder than anything else.”
Today, Farid carries back to Bhuj a mission — to inspire other small-town artists to dream big and aim for platforms like HBS.
When Passion Meets Professionalism
From Indore, Kunal Verma of Golden Ratio Salon calls HBS “the biggest dream stage for artists who don’t belong to Mumbai.”
“The stage automatically opens up a lot of opportunities and exposure,” he says. “It gives us a professional identity and connects us with the best minds in the industry.”
Preparing for HBS requires months of research, creativity, and investment. “Even though it’s an expensive affair, I forget everything when I’m there,” he laughs. “It’s my dream to lift that HBS trophy at least once!”
For Kunal, the event’s structure and support are unmatched. “A heartfelt mention to the Stylespeak core team — their planning and execution are admirable. HBS is one of the most organized events in the beauty industry.”
Where Dreams Find Their Stage
From Bareilly to Bhuj, from Kolkata to Indore — the journeys may differ, but the destination remains the same: the HBS stage, where talent meets opportunity. For countless hairstylists and beauty professionals across India, HBS competition is more than a platform — it’s a movement. A celebration of artistry, grit, and growth!
Because at HBS, every stylist has a story. And every story has the power to inspire.
(Featured image credit: Altaf Khalifa, HBS Winner 2022)
