"Right before my eyes, the 'ordinary' walked in and the 'exceptional' walked out. Flat hair was suddenly bouncy; diffident women were suddenly poised."

I parked on Murray Street, Port of Spain and walked a musty Woodbrook pavement that led to Bally's hair salon. A friend had recommended this young hair stylist to me and there I was. I sat on a black, leather sofa, looking straight into majestic, rectangular mirrors on the wall. Swivel chairs were the only addition to these pieces, yet, despite its simplicity, the room had a stately flare. "The clients themselves looked an impressive bunch, with their air of importance—some had their personal bodyguards waiting outside. Yet, each woman seemed relaxed and confident. Right before my eyes, the 'ordinary' walked in and the 'exceptional' walked out. Flat hair was suddenly bouncy; diffident women were suddenly poised. He was the miracle maker. After receiving my own cut and acquiring many compliments, this hair stylist won me over. I decided that this was one man that every woman should know about. Ashvin Bally, hairstylist extraordinaire, shares with us some of his thoughts.

Do you consider yourself an artist or a service provider?

I would think more of an artist. Hair cutting is an expression of how I feel. But it's also a service, as I listen carefully to what the client wants, and I create the perfect cut for him or her.

Where do you derive the inspiration for your cut?

I derive that inspiration from the energy of the client. As soon as she walks through that door, I can tell certain things about her. I can sense her mood and I can tell a lot by the way she interacts with me (her body language, eye contact and so on). I derive my inspiration from her positive aura. If I don't feel positive about her, I try to get her to feel at ease or to bring out her positive energy. For instance, I may comment on her beautiful handbag or nice shoes. Soon, she'll be smiling and I'll use her positive energy to guide my cut. After that, it's all about precision and working the right angles.

What's in a hair cut? Is it not just clipping hair? What is it that you do that is so different?

My job is not just expression, it's about geometry. It's precision. You have to be good at Math. There is nothing better than a precise cut that navigates the circumference and accentuates the right angles. Further, when my clients leave my salon, they leave with a total makeover. They feel light and happy. They go out to conquer the world. It is about understanding the person—his or her face, features, personality and energy. Hair dressing is psychology.

I have heard women say that once they experienced a Bally cut, they always come back. Has this proven to be true?

I see the same faces time and time again. So, I guess that that would be true. There are also a lot of new faces and my clientele keeps growing. In fact, clients I had south of the island, followed me when I moved north.

When did you realize that hairstyling would be your career?

My career began at the age of 10 when I began experimenting on other 'heads'. (smiles). As a child, I was always artistically inclined. I expressed myself via painting or sculpting. Over time, I was able to transfer this energy into hairstyling. This is the best thing for me. My first job was at Joan's Beauty Salon, San Fernando. Before I had finished training, she hired me. I think she saw the 'Makings of Bally'. (smiles).

What were the factors that allowed you to branch off on your own?

I can't really explain the decision to branch out on my own, except that there was a phase in my life where I needed to express that sort of ambition. I procrastinated a lot, thinking that my own business would stifle other avenues and interests, such as pageants and fashion shows. But it did not turn out that way.

What do you think of the state of the hairdressing industry in the Caribbean?

It is certainly a growing industry. People are more stylish; they have more options available and are certainly more aware. They expect a lot. Sometimes, they even expect miracles. The industry is continuously expanding.

Have you ever worked on any winners of local and international beauty pageants?

Yes, I have been involved in pageants for the last 10 years. I have worked with many global beauties including Michelle Khan, Lara Dutta, Heidi Rostant and Wendy Fitzwilliam among others.

Can you give us the inside scoop on 'behind the scenes' at Miss Universe?

Gosh! It's all hype, excitement and drama. It's a real adrenaline rush. It's something I will not give up. Sometimes, I spot that favourite girl who I think will bloom and I try to help her with tips and tricks that I've learnt. So you have favourites?

I have been around for a while, and I have the knack for just spotting that girl who is bound to shine.

Lastly, what do you look for in that special someone?

I live in a cosmetic world. Someone can walk into my place looking not so pretty and walk out looking totally transformed. But all this is very physical. I'm a master in the cosmetic world, and it makes me look for something more. I want someone who is attractive, but I need more substance in a woman. I don't need the girl with the perfect styling. I need the girl who is all heart.

"I don't need the girl with the perfect styling. I need the girl who is all heart”