Maryam Nakhaee
In this interview, Maryam Nakhaee, Hair and Makeup Designer, shares some of her top beauty secrets and inspiration for creating new looks.
When did you first show an interest in the field of beauty and style?
From the time I was a little girl, I used to go to my mom’s room and take her mask or cosmetic products and mix them to create something new. I would apply these mixtures to my face or hair. That’s when my interest in makeup and hair started. One day, I tagged along with my mother to her usual salon. While waiting there, I asked the owner if she wanted some help tidying up the place or someone to assist her. My mother was unwilling to allow me to go to the salon to gain experience and I wasn’t able to choose since I was under-aged (13 years old and had to obtain my father’s consent). Fortunately, the owner had a good relationship with my family. Therefore, she contacted him personally and convinced him to allow me to join the salon team. There has been no looking back since then.
What do you do and how did you get into the industry?
Armed with diploma’s and certifications from the Iran Professional Education and Training Organization in Skin & Hair Care & Beauty, I started the position of trainee and assistant hairstylist. I gained more experience, attending various workshops with brands (L’Oreal, Wella, Lakme, Tony & Guy and more). With 14 years in the profession, I run my salon. I have provided exclusive services including cuts and styling, hair colouring, skincare and other beauty treatments to individuals, high-profile clients, ramp models, TV artists, and the like.
What’s the best part of your job?
It’s an opportunity my client gives me to expose their inner beauty and make them shine. I love to make them more stylish and beautiful and treat them like celebrities. This gives them more confidence and more energy. My ability to provide quality customer service has gained me loyal clients in four countries. I proudly share my knowledge of skincare and beauty treatments with my peers as well as competitors.
What simple things do you recommend to have healthy hair?
Mix a silicone-based shine serum with a deep conditioner and apply it to the whole length of the hair. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and rinse it out thoroughly with cool water to lock in the moisture and sheen.
The perfect day off would be…
Waking up and walking beside the sea while watching the sunrise and listening to my favourite music.
A day in the life of a Maryam Nakhaee is…
I usually wake up before dawn, make herb my tea, wait for the sunrise and then snap a video or photo. Afterwards, I attend online classes to continually update and improve myself on current trends, styles and products. When I reach the workplace, I brief my assistants to prep them for the clients of the day. After work, I often go back home, cook dinner and spend time with my son. Finally, I usually read a book and go to sleep.
How do you find a suitable hairstyle or colour for your clients?
I have to see my clients face to face to consider their hair, personality and facial features. Next, I listen to their ideas and what they want to achieve in the end. I then give them my advice, and we come to an agreement. I offer many other services to complete a look and improve the health of my client’s hair and scalp. I enjoy being creative with them and help to create a look that would best fit their individual lifestyle. Simple, girlie, modest, corporate, show-stopping – they choose, I am game!!
We hear your clients love you for the makeovers you give them.
I like to inspire my clients to try new looks. I am inventive when it comes to giving makeovers and changing the complete look of a person. I document each of my works and let the clients pick and choose from my past looks, or if they want to bring in their own creative ideas, we discuss, and I try to give the best results. It is a demand in the modelling and fashion world. Still, I am happy to do it for any lady who is willing to be adventurous.
What inspires you most?
I receive all my inspiration from nature. I love taking long walks in the evening and watching the sunset colours. Birds and trees make me feel completely alive. I receive inspiration from nature’s palette, and my creativity has evolved to a whole new level. Say, for example, I will offer a client autumn-like hair colouring. I use a lot of depth with golden undertones, foliage shades of chestnut brown towards a mellow orange at the edge.
Or for a certain makeover for a model I did this (and won the competition as well) – Warm undertones for the skin, warm peachy extending to the neck, soft brown eyebrows. Deep earth tone to the eye colour – dark hazel to medium brown. Dark brown mascara. Light, muted orangey chestnut lip gloss, blending in the earthy tones.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring beauty consultants?
In my experience, the top requirement for a salon artist is to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Always be attentive to your clients’ needs, understand properly, ask questions, then get to work. Use your education and knowledge to advise what’s best for each client. Keep yourself updated with the latest techniques, products and fashion trends. Don’t stop learning, be open-minded towards new ideas and stay professional.
Make an appointment with Maryam Nakhaee here and check out the latest on Malaysia’s spa and beauty scene here.
What lovely hair she has!