Udaipur is hosting a major national gathering of India’s professional beauty and hair industry as the Hair & Beauty Federation India (HBF India) prepares to hold its first national conference, Manthan, on 7 January at Hotel Inder Residency. Ahead of the event, senior federation leaders addressed the media on Tuesday, outlining the objectives and long-term vision of the newly formed national body.
Speaking at the press conference, HBF India Vice President Uday Takke said the federation was formed during the COVID period by bringing together more than 100 associations linked to beauty, makeup and hairstyling across the country. He points out that the largely unorganised sector faces serious challenges, which become more evident during the pandemic, underlining the need for a unified national platform.
Takke explained that the conference focuses on key policy and welfare issues, including the formation of Hair Art Boards in all states, allocation of adequate government budgets and ensuring that board leadership comes from professionals within the field. He added that awareness against fake and chemical-based cosmetic products, which pose health risks to both professionals and consumers, remains a major area of concern.
National President Ashok Paliwal said the convention opens with an inaugural session followed by a creative fashion and hair show, featuring around 15 models showcasing innovative beauty and hairstyling concepts from across India. He added that the second session includes deliberations on 13 identified issues, after which resolutions are taken at the national level.
Addressing the media alongside Takke are Vice President Savio John Pereira, Joint Secretary Neeta Parekh, Treasurer Vipin Dabas, and Bollywood hair and makeup artists Harish Bhatia and Shyam Bhatia. They emphasized that the federation aimed to reach beauty professionals even at the village level, while addressing education, health and safety, pension planning, professional recognition and business development.
Nearly 250 delegates from 15 states are expected to attend Manthan, marking an important step toward collective representation and structured growth for India’s beauty and wellness industry.
