The Ultimate Festive Guide by Celebrity Hairstylist Yianni Tsapatori
A sought-after name in the grooming industry, celebrity hair stylist Yianni Tsapatori shares interesting ways to create the perfect festive looks and offers insights into current fashionable trends.
By POOJA PRABBHAN SRIJITH
THE MAN, THE MAVERICK
“Creative, sarcastic, and independent.”— that’s how Bollywood’s numero uno hairstylist Yianni Tsapatori sees himself. The Greek grooming professional has made India home in recent times and why not? After all, he’s cracked the code to pleasing some of the country’s biggest celebrities with his exceptional hairdressing skills. From nailing Deepika Padukone’s look at the Academy Awards in 2023 to being one of the key forces behind Isha Ambani Piramal’s festive aesthetic at a recent family wedding, it seems like Tsapatori has a magical styling touch. What’s his secret to success?
“Friendship.” he reveals. “I’ve been lucky to work with people I genuinely like. And this friendly relationship has made my work life easier and lets me be a little more creative, because I care for them and want them to look great,” Tsapatori adds. In a candid chat, the hair-styling guru talks all things tresses—his favourite looks, muses, and other creative inputs. Let’s dive right in!
HAIR SHOTS WITH YIANNI
When is the best time to get a haircut?
A trim is necessary every six months because you start losing the shape of the previous haircut.
Easy ways to navigate a bad hair day…
Use a leave-in conditioner to tame your tresses. Put your locks in a messy bun or braid—it looks beautiful, especially on Indian women.
Haircare tools you always carry with you?
Hairdryer, straightener, and curler.
ON TREND: MESSY BUNS ARE IDEAL FOR A YOUTHFUL LOOK.
“People should understand that everything should be easier. Festive dressing is about having fun and feeling good when you’re out with family and folks.”
ON DEEPIKA PADUKONE
“We went ahead with a sleek hairdo with light streaks for her Oscars appearance last year. It accentuates her facial features, while giving off a very vintage Hollywood glamour-esque vibe. I’ve been working with her for years now, but the minute we changed her hair colour to a blonde streak with layers, it made a huge impact. People love volume in India, especially long and bouncy hair. So, it was no surprise to learn that this makeover was an instant hit among young women here.”
ON TREND: A SLICK PONYTAIL WORKS WELL FOR ALL BODY TYPES, INCLUDING PLUS SIZE.
“Beauty comes in different sizes and shapes. Confidence is everything. I’m never interested in body shapes while creating, I’m more interested in beautiful, happy, and smiling faces. Always find a haircut to frame your face.”
ON KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN
“I love her vibe. She’s a diva and she knows it! And in all these years I’ve worked with her, I think there was one time when she’d agreed to go short for a shoot, and we created a slightly rougher texture on the edges. I believe the look made her appeal fresher and more international and continues to be one of my favourites to date. I also think the high ponytail-braided look we experimented with for Dance India Dance quickly caught on, becoming a favourite among confident, modern women. It’s clean, neat, and makes an impact without stealing the thunder from your face.”
ON TREND: GO EASY, SOFT CURLS ARE ALWAYS IN.
“Open hair with long and bouncy curls is back. However, the choice of colour is imperative. Indians must opt for global colours; vermilion is a great shade for Indians. You can go for a regular blow-dry and create soft curls using a curling iron. Apply serum to infuse life into your hair, tame flyaways, and give it a healthier appearance.”
ON KATRINA KAIF
“She is quite experimental during photo shoots. We once created a nice voluminous curly look for her for a shoot and she totally slayed. I enjoy working with Katrina for her class and she’s very comfortable in her own skin. And she’s also a clear case of how not doing too much can often be beautiful.”
THAT MASCULINE TOUCH
“From classic to contemporary looks, men are getting more experimental. Faded sides with a textured messy top or a clean top, crew cuts, and side partings are very much in, as well.”
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