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Ambika Pillai: Growing From Strength To Strength With Kaytra

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Ambika Pillai
Images from FWD Media (Nikhil Wilson)

Seasoned celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Ambika Pillai offers her special secrets and hair expertise through Kaytra, the latest on her ever-growing list of achievements

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

Thirty years of incessant work has failed to show any signs of it on her, as she beams with the same spark of excitement and eagerness that she came to be known for from the outset. It is the same that has kept her going, being deeply passionate about what she does. And while many trace a downward turn on their graph of a protracted career, Ambika Pillai has only grown from strength to strength, constantly innovating and ensuring there is a freshness in what she does.

An institution in her own right, Ambika Pillai needs no introduction when it comes to hair and makeup in India. But her greatness lies in the fact that all faces and hair are the same for her, whether it be that of a Bollywood star or the girl next door.

Knowing the pulse of the Malayali

“Kerala has its own mindset regarding hair care,” says Malayalis’ favourite beauty boss, who has remained close to the hearts of her followers within and outside the state. The celebrity stylist has been instrumental in changing the rigid minds of Malayalis in Kerala. Asked about the development in approach towards hair care, Ambika says that it has taken her five years to alter the mindset of Malayalis. “When I ask Malayalis when they last got a haircut, they say that it has been one or two years. But the very concept of getting a haircut is to prevent split ends and dry hair. It’s taken me forever to make Malayalis understand that you don’t have to wash your hair every day. It’s not our religion or custom that we should wash our hair every day. It is a mindset that Malayalis are hooked on to. Now, after opening my salon in Kochi five years back, I have women coming in and saying that their hair is growing back after they have started washing their hair only two or three times a week.”

Ambika understands the Indian hair so well that despite being a salon specialist, she has always emphasised natural methods of hair care. Interacting with over 8L fans and followers on her Facebook page, Ambika has avidly heard and responded to their hair care queries over the years. Not long after, the hair expert decided to venture into producing her own natural products. “I used to make my own products at home. It’s easy to source raw materials in Delhi, where I used to get organic cocoa butter, shea butter, etc., and I used to make different products such as moisturisers, scrubs, creams, for my daughter, family, friends, models, and stars and they loved it and used to ask me why I wasn’t bringing them out. But bringing them out is not an easy proposition; it is difficult for any person. I am not a chemist, I don’t have an R&D department, manufacturing, advertising, marketing – all are a different ball game altogether. So all this time I was on the lookout for somebody who could do this and handle it.”

New journey with Kaytra

That is when Ambika came across AVA Healthcare, under the aegis of Dr A V Anoop, and collaborated with them for the creation of brand Kaytra that has a range of hair care products, specially made for frizzy hair. “AVA and I are on the same page regarding organic, herbal, and ayurvedic products. It is a dream come true for me.” After facing numerous setbacks with wrong business partners, Ambika is finally happy in her association with AVA. “I have finally chosen the right partner because Anoop also thinks like me. He is a calming influence. He leads me in the right direction.”

Fending off competition in a market increasingly getting exhausted with brands claiming themselves to be ‘ayurvedic/ herbal/ natural’, Ambika says that Kaytra stands out for its purity and strength of a holistic mix of ingredients. “I didn’t want to do just kaachiya enna; I wanted a blend of oils. This is distinct because it has five different oils, cow’s milk, and eight herbs. It helps in regrowth of hair. You are always running to the salons to take care of yourself; now you don’t have to as here is a product that looks after you.” Targeting both women and men across all age groups, Ambika says that her dream is that the products should reach every household. Kaytra is available in Kerala across 3,500 stores and through online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa, and in Ambika Pillai salons.

Kaytra Products

Self-assured symbol of womanhood

A self-taught makeup artist, Ambika is self-confidence personified. “I break all rules and regulations and because of that I am a great makeup artist. I will not shy away from using colour or predicting a trend. I don’t believe in short selling my creativity. I will break all boundaries and explore anything and everything. If you have a burning desire in your belly to become a makeup artist, try your hand at it. I am saying that from my own experience. Just let your creativity run away with you.”

For those aspiring to enter the world of styling, the celebrity stylist has wise advice. “You can work in a parlour, movies, or the fashion world. Fashion is the most creative. In the parlour, you are doing what the client wants; whereas in fashion, you are exploring everything. For me, what completely drives my creative juices is fashion, and what drives me as a person is the salon. Being in the salon, I’m meeting not models or celebrities, but normal kids who say to me, ‘Ambika ma’am, make me look beautiful’. That is what makes me happy and makes me smile.”

For one whose life has been a source of inspiration to many, Ambika draws strength from herself. “My life has only been a bed of thorns and I have learnt to pull my foot out and keep moving forward. And I am still a happy person. Earlier, I was doubtful but not anymore. I don’t allow anybody to walk over myself. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean you can’t fly. I have wings on my feet as well. I never let anyone talk down to me. I am a woman, but I am a strong, strong woman.”

Ambika’s Advice:

  • For upcoming summer and monsoon season: Stop putting a lot of makeup. Do spot treatment instead of applying foundation all over. Use water based products like gel. Always pick and choose products that suit you.
  • Go for colours like burnt orange, pink, red, berry colour tones, old rose
  • Never leave your kit makeup lying around. Do not share your makeup products with others.
  • Message for women: We are no less than anybody else. Don’t let anyone touch your spirit; your spirit belongs to you. Your heart and soul belong to you. Even if someone breaks your heart, learn how to mend it. Life is full of heartaches and heartbreaks and disappointments, don’t let it break your spirit.
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Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

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