In a groundbreaking development for Indian reality television, esteemed Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar is set to bring his expertise to a glittering new arena—the high-stakes world of professional hairstyling. Johar, known for his long-standing tenure as a judge on various dance and talent shows, is gearing up to appraise the creativity and skill of India’s top hairstylists in what promises to be a scintillating new reality series.
This novel show, hosted by prestigious hair tech brand L’Oreal Professionnel, aims to honor the craft of hairstyling through a unique format, diverging from the traditional ceremony of the Indian hairdressing awards. The revamped competition will broadcast as a series of five episodes on the popular streaming platform JioCinema, taking the audience on a journey filled with style, precision, and artistic flair.
The Indian hairdressing awards, a respected institution since its inception in 2014, has continuously highlighted and awarded the creme de la creme of the hairstyling industry throughout the nation. With each passing year, the stakes have risen, and this year’s theme, ‘Meta-morphosis,’ emphasizes the transformative power of hairstyling. After an announcement in August 2023 calling for submissions, the competition saw an unprecedented number of entries, surpassing 100,000 aspiring and established hairstylists eager to showcase their talents.
From this vast pool of applicants, a rigorous selection process was undertaken to shortlist 89 regional finalists, all of whom faced off in their respective categories based on technical prowess. With a panel comprising international hair artists and beauty media representatives, only the most outstanding talent made it through to the penultimate contest.
The reality series will document the journey of the top 12 hairstylists as they navigate through various challenges set in a cutting-edge, augmented reality L’Oreal Professionnel salon. Participants such as Abhishek Choubey, Vandna Mishra, Danish Nehal, and nine others will seek to embody the thematic metamorphosis, crafting innovative looks that push the boundaries of conventional hair styling.
The evaluation of these artists’ works will fall on the shoulders of an impressive adjudication panel led by Karan Johar, alongside Min Kim, L’Oreal Professionnel global colour ambassador. Moreover, a tantalizing lineup of Bollywood celebrities is slated to join the panel, adding further glamour to the event, though their identities remain veiled in anticipation.
These hair maestros will be tested not only on their technical ability but also on their capacity for self-expression, with each round designed to elicit bold and artistic interpretations. Contestants will need to demonstrate a balance of imaginative concepts and refined execution to secure their spot at the top. What sets this show apart is the interactive element, as both the esteemed judges and the viewers at home will play a role in the scoring, blurring the line between observer and participant.
The ultimate accolade for these hairstylists extends beyond mere recognition. The victor will be granted an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris to further their education at Le Visionnaire, L’Oreal’s flagship academy, thereby offering an unparalleled opportunity to refine their craft among the best in the world.
As the world of hairstyling braces for a seismic shift in how talent is discovered and celebrated, viewers can expect an immersive experience that showcases the breadth and depth of the industry’s artistry. With Karan Johar at the helm of the judges’ panel, unrevealed star-studded appearances, and the spectacle of transformation on full display, this reality series is poised to become a stylistic tour de force in reality television.
