Four winners reveal how one career-defining moment on the HBS stage launched them to new heights.
For India’s leading hairstylists and makeup artists, an HBS win goes beyond a medal, redefining who they are and how the industry sees them. It gives them a total shift in their identity. Careers accelerate, confidence multiplies, and one performance on a national stage becomes a lifelong credential. Here are four winners whose lives were transformed the moment their names were announced under the spotlight.
Mangesh Lohor, Flying Scissor Unisex Salon, Pune – Beard & Moustache Champion
“HBS turned me from a stylist into a brand.”
For Mangesh Lohor, men’s grooming was never just about hair. “A simple haircut can transform someone’s confidence, and that transformation fascinated me”, he says. His precision and creative instinct brought him to HBS — and the win changed his life almost overnight. The visibility placed his work in front of casting teams, leading to a breakthrough connection with Bigg Boss. “HBS gave me the spotlight. I made sure I delivered when it mattered.”
Post-win, his clientele evolved from walk-ins to influencers, celebrities, and premium clients seeking his signature finesse. Pricing rose, demand multiplied, and he began approaching the media with a strategy rather than chance. “After winning, I learned to create content with purpose. I’m not just a stylist anymore — I’m a brand.”
For barbers from smaller towns, he believes HBS is the ultimate springboard. “On the HBS stage, your hometown doesn’t matter — your skills do.”
Pull-Quote
“Winning at HBS completely changed the game — it put my work in front of the right people.”
Bhaskar Jyoti Saikia, Pink Villa Salon, Assam – Fantasy Hair Winner
“HBS proved that talent has no geography.”
From Assam, Bhaskar Jyoti Saikia often felt distant from India’s beauty hubs. Yet, when he won HBS — not once, but twice — everything changed. “Winning opened my creative vision. When industry experts appreciated my craft, it pushed me to think bolder and refine my techniques.” With national exposure came a dramatic shift in credibility back home. Clients who once hesitated now trusted his artistry wholeheartedly.
“People see you differently when you win at a national level. They know you’ll bring the same quality to them.” Confidence wasn’t the only upgrade. His process, planning, and project execution matured — the way he thought about innovation changed forever.
For stylists from tier-2 and tier-3 towns, Bhaskar’s message is simple but powerful: “Visibility is our biggest challenge. Winning proves talent doesn’t depend on geography — only dedication.
Pull-Quote:
“Winning proves talent doesn’t depend on geography — only dedication.”
Ravi Kumar Joiya, House of Elton, Mumbai – Ladies Hair Colour Winner
“HBS gave my craft a language the whole industry could understand.”
Ravi revels in the power of a great hair colour as it instantly elevates clients’ personas, making them look good and feel glamorous. “Colour is the perfect balance of creativity and technique. I love how it transforms identity.” Winning at HBS validated his artistry and immediately strengthened his reputation across premium salons. His confidence — and his technical sharpness — skyrocketed.
The biggest lesson HBS taught him? Discipline. “You don’t become confident overnight. You become confident by showing up again and again.” His advice to colourists who hesitate to participate: “Consistency beats fear. Keep practising, stay committed, and your dedication will take you farther than you think.”
Pull-Quote:
“HBS didn’t just boost my confidence — it prepared me for international stages.”
Altaf Khalifa, Sitara Salon, Kutch – Trend Expression Winner
“Winning changed how the whole industry looked at me.”
Altaf primarily competed in HBS to test his courage and skill. “The biggest motivation was to test myself on a big stage and compete with the best barbers in the country.” He further explains, “Preparing for HBS pushed me to perfect every technique — fade, shape, finishing — everything improved.” Winning, he says, transformed his professional image instantly. “People started seeing me as an award-winning barber. Clients trusted me more, and opportunities came from other cities too.”
Social media visibility expanded, bringing collaborations and a wider client base. His advice to aspiring barbers is rooted in humility and ambition: “National competitions push you out of your comfort zone. You learn real pressure, real technique, and real industry standards. HBS opens doors you can’t open alone.”
Pull-Quote:
“HBS opens doors you can’t open alone.”
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What an HBS Win Really Gives You
- National-level validation of skill
- Instant credibility with clients
- Premium pricing power
- Industry networking that changes careers
- Media visibility & brand collaborations
- Confidence to compete globally
