Sleek hair is great for India: TIGI’s Akos Bodi

Akos Bodi is European Education Director at TIGI, the company that makes great hair products. He was at Lakme Fashion Week (thanks to Lakmé Studio) to promote TIGI Catwalk’s new range of hair products, called Sleek Mystique, which he used to style hair for designer Arjun Saluja’s show.

Sleek Mystique is a silky, straight-hair look defined by the Catwalk Sleek Mystique collection. The collection comprises six products to help women get smooth, soft and straight hair.

Akos spoke to Speaking Chic about Sleek Mystique, why it’s  great for Indian hair, and dos and don’ts of hair care.

Tell us about the Catwalk by TIGI range of hair products and how Sleek Mystique fits into it.

The Catwalk range of hair products  focuses largely on shape: volume, curl and sleek mystique. The Sleek Mystique collection is a natural outcome of that.

What does Sleek Mystique mean to you?

To me, Sleek Mystique means simplicity. Women try to do too much with their hair, but Sleek Mystique gives hair a dramatic look, while keeping it simple. Sleek Mystique is inspired by the Orient, hence the combination of black and red colours on the product bottles. It’s a hair trend that won’t fade away.

Why do you think Sleek Mystique will work in India?

We’ve been focusing too much on volume and texture for the past few years, it’s time bring back something simple, yet dramatic. Sleek Mystique comes especially handy when women want to fight humidity and its effects on their hair. Layers are popular in India, but can sometimes be more difficult to handle with the humidity. The products add a very small amount of weight to the hair, but don’t weigh it down completely.

How do TIGI hair products fit into fashion?

We’re not directly involved in fashion, but the evolution of fashion and trends helps our involvement. TIGI’s been on catwalks in New York, Paris, Milan, London and now India.

I have only five minutes to do my hair in the morning, and I want a Sleek Mystique look. What should I do?

Use the blowout balm, it’s great on wet hair. It’s almost like a serum, you need to apply just a small amount on your hair. Or you could use the Work It Haute Iron spray and run a flat iron through your hair.

If I have the luxury of 30 minutes or more, how could I style my hair to get the Sleek Mystique look?

Go through the entire regime: shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, balm. There are various options you could choose from: do a ponytail, or use spray and backcomb your hair.

A lot of urban Indian women have short to medium length, layered hair. What do you suggest for them?

Use the Sleek Mystique Blow Out Balm throughout your hair, and then brush hair from side to side to give it volume.

Time to bust hair myths. Most Indians neither use a hairdryer nor hair products, believing it will damage their hair, or grey early. What do you think?

Yes, heat can damage your hair, but only if you overdo it. Heat dries out the hair’s natural moisture. So you should use the hair dryer, but don’t use it all the time.

Product overuse can be harmful as well. Here’s a simple thumb rule: the finer your hair, lighter the product should be.

That’s a rule I’ll remember. Finally, any handy hair tips for us?

Firstly, use a high quality shampoo  and conditioner; very few people realise their importance in maintaining their hair.

Use good products to style your hair, but make sure you know how to use them correctly. And remember the rule: the finer your hair, lighter the product. So if you have thicker hair, use a stronger product or more of the product.

Finally, don’t overdo on the heat.

PS: CATWALK by TIGI’s ‘Sleek Mystique’ range (and other products) are exclusively available at Lakmé Studios and select Lakmé Salons.

Would you try the Sleek Mystique look this festive season? Tell us!