Meet the perfectionist experts who make up our Jury – the people, their perspectives, and expectations behind every HBS trophy.
Words | Rohini Wahul
PHOTO & CAPTION: The HBS jury on stage
At HBS – Hair & Beauty Show India, winners are not decided by chance. They are recognised by a Jury through a process shaped by experience, observation, and an uncompromising understanding of craft. Behind every trophy is a panel of artists and educators who have spent decades refining technique, mentoring talent, and defining professional standards across the industry – the HBS Jury.
For the HBS Jury, judging is not about preference. It is about recognising intention, technical excellence, individuality of the Contestants, and their ability to perform under pressure. Their role carries responsibility. They are not just selecting winners. They are identifying artists whose work reflects readiness, discipline, and creative maturity – essentially the future of the hair and beauty industry on the national stage.
The HBS Jury’s expertise and experience is derived from international competitions and fashion weeks, to classrooms and salon floors, and their journey shape how they evaluate talent today. Their insights reveal what truly defines a winning performance and why recognition at HBS carries lasting meaning within the professional industry.
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HAIR JURY
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NAJEEB UR REHMAN
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Hairstyling for the Miss World Pageant in 1996 and winning the Queen’s Cup in Thailand were my defining milestones. These experiences exposed me to global standards and strengthened my artistic discipline. Being Chief Hair and Color Consultant for Miss India further shaped my approach, pushing me to evolve creatively and professionally.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Individuality makes the difference. A winning entry reflects a clear concept, clean technical execution, and confident presentation that leaves a lasting impression even under pressure.
ASHA HARIHARAN
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Teaching visually impaired students about colour & texture early in my life completely changed my perspective. It taught me patience, empathy, and adaptability. That experience shaped how I approach art and mentorship, focusing on connection rather than just technique.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry goes beyond technical correctness. It carries personality, emotional depth, and intention. It creates a lasting impact.
RYAN D’ROZARIO
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Training under Monisha Naegamvala reshaped my thinking. It taught me to analyze structure, proportion, and detail deeply. That foundation continues to influence my work and mentorship today.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Clarity separates winners. When an artist executes their vision with confidence and intention, it becomes memorable.
Pull Quote: “Clarity separates winners. When an artist executes their vision with confidence and intention, it becomes memorable.”
ELTON STEVE VESSOAKER
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Building my own brand shifted my role from artist to mentor and leader. Teaching others deepened my understanding of technique and responsibility.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry shows vision. Every element feels intentional, refined, and complete.
NATASHA NAEGAMWALA
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Learning under my sister, an exceptional hairdresser, shaped my understanding of technique profoundly. Her analytical approach influenced how I see structure and creativity.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Attention to detail and complete focus separates winners. Precision and intention matter more than showmanship.
PLACID RODRIGUES
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Transitioning into mentorship refined my understanding of technique and creativity. Teaching strengthened my clarity and discipline as an artist.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry reflects cohesion. Concept, execution, and finish must work seamlessly together.
NITIN MANCHANDA
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Leading creative work from concept to execution helped translate ideas into reality. That journey strengthened my creative identity and discipline.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry reflects complete harmony. Every element contributes to the final vision.
BONY SASIDHARAN
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Becoming a mentor reshaped my understanding of success. Guiding others deepened my technical and creative discipline.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Preparation, discipline, and creative clarity define winners.
HEENA DALVI
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Realising that hair is not just a technique, but a transformation, shaped my journey. Mentoring others refined my fundamentals and discipline.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A good entry looks nice. A winning entry looks complete. Seamless blending, balance, and clarity elevate an entry into a complete creative vision.
SEEMA JERAJANI
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Being an educator and mentor for over three decades shaped my career. It allowed me to refine creative thinking and shape talent across the industry.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
Winning entries stand apart through originality, adherence to trends, and strong application of design principles such as balance and proportion.
Q: What was the brief you received at HBS, and what inspired your look?
The brief was to create a distinctive HBS look inspired by punk culture. My interpretation blended rebellion with modern editorial structure. The sculpted mohawk and graphic makeup reflected individuality and creative freedom.
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MAKEUP JURY
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RICHA AGARWAL
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Being appointed Chief Mentor for IndiaSkills strengthened my commitment to guiding artists and supporting emerging talent.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry reflects conceptual clarity and disciplined execution. The artist’s ability to translate vision into reality makes the difference.
MANISHA CHOPRA
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Understanding how to customize makeup based on facial features transformed my artistic approach and elevated my work.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry enhances every feature harmoniously while maintaining elegance, balance, and artistic presence.
CHERAG BAMBBOT
Q: Which milestone shaped you most as an artist or mentor?
Joining MAC Cosmetics and recognising the lack of formal makeup education in India shaped my focus on mentorship and education.
Q: What separates a good entry from a winning entry?
A winning entry creates impact. It reflects originality, balance, and a presence that commands attention.
Pull quote – “Winning at HBS carries weight because it’s validation from professionals who truly understand the craft.”
Winning at HBS is not just recognition of technical skill. It reflects creative clarity, discipline, and artistic vision – recognised by professionals who understand the craft deeply. The HBS Jury ensures that every winner represents excellence, reinforcing HBS as a platform where careers are shaped and industry standards are defined.
| ROADMAP TO WINNING HBS 2026
What the jury wants to see on stage this year
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