Hair has the amazing ability to transform your look; a glossy waterfall of tumbling waves can make you feel as though you’ve just stepped off a red carpet, while a chignon is the epitome of sophistication. The style you choose is as crucial as your makeup and bridal outfit, so it’s imperative to entrust this to an expert in the field.
Widely considered as one of the best Asian bridal hair stylists in the UK, Shamalah Asif began her career entirely by chance. As a teenager she was working in a restaurant when a customer complimented her hair. So impressed was this customer that she booked Shamalah to do hers for a party.
As her word-of-mouth reputation gained traction, she turned to social media to showcase her exquisite designs, using her own long hair to model a variety of styles to a captivated audience. With every ‘like’ and comment, her business grew until two years ago when things really shot into the stratosphere.
You’ll find her work throughout the pages of Khush Wedding, on editorial shoots and campaigns for elite Asian bridalwear and jewellery brands, working alongside the Khush Creative team to create traditional as well as avante garde looks - all the while demonstrating her incredible dexterity and efficiency.
Bookings
For someone so young, Shamalah has the talent of someone at least three times her age. Combined with her sunny outlook, approachable personality and imitable social media presence, she is the hairstylist du jour for today’s British Asian bride. Her phone constantly buzzes with messages from brides-to-be who hope the talented 23-year-old will have space in her increasingly hectic schedule to style their hair. This summer alone, Shamalah is completely booked and is already receiving bookings for 2015.
Shamalah advises, “Make an enquiry as soon as you’ve confirmed your date. The best way is by text message with your time, date and location.”
Bridal Consultation
Shamalah’s bridal consultations take up to two hours and are held at her studio in east London. She tests two looks for each event such as registry, and recommends bringing screenshots of desired styles which she then adapts for the client’s facial structure. She also urges brides to bring in ornaments, a headscarf or dupatta or anything else they plan on wearing in their hair. “My goal is to ensure the bride is happy with the look I’ve created because at the end of the day, confidence is the best hairstyle.”
On the Big Day
Shamalah reserves 90 minutes for bridal hairstyling, which includes dupatta setting and hair ornament settings, as well as hair puffs, hair extensions, kirby grips and of course, hairspray. As well as the bride, she can create stunning looks for up to six members of the wedding party, allowing bridesmaids and other close friends or family to have their hair styled at the same time.
Summer Style
There are a multitude of styles perfect for the summer bride this season. Soft flowing waves bolstered by extensions is ideal for an outdoor wedding. A tousled up-do embodies playfulness and completes a Sangeet or Mehndi night outfit, while a ballerina bun can support a dupatta in the day and unfurls for the reception in the evening. One of the most popular requests is for stylized plaits. Think grown-up twists, high-impact fishtails or worked into up-dos adding flair and texture to Big Day hair.
FIND OUT MORE: Shamalah hairstylist, +44 (0)7535 865 914, Instagram @shamalahairstylist