‘There’ll be many who will say that you won’t be able to do it’: Nish Hair founder Parul Gulati unlocks secret to building her hair extensions business

From growing up in a lower middle class family in Rohtak, Haryana, to becoming one of the most sought-after entrepreneurs in the hair extensions industry today, Nish Hair founder Parul Gulati has come a long way.

If you have scrolled through your social media feeds recently, or have (obviously) watched business reality TV series Shark Tank India, then this face is no stranger to you. “There was a lot of trust that came with that because I reached into everyone’s houses with that pitch,” Gulati admits.

Gulati’s appearance in the show not only catapulted her to even more respect and fame across India, but also brought an onslaught of memes, which she attributes to her business acumen as well as “pretty privilege” to some extent.

As a young girl in high school, she often dreamt of achieving something big one day, and showing everyone that women can achieve glory and success in whatever they put their mind to. But, this journey has not been easy, there have been victories and challenges along the way, which makes her story even more inspiring.

In a candid conversation with indianexpress.com, the hair boss talks about her upbringing, and her journey towards entrepreneurship, acting, and social media superstardom.

Excerpts:

Q. Can you share with us a little bit about yourself and your journey?

Parul Gulati: I’m from a small town called Rohtak. I am close to my mother, who worked hard to raise me and my brother. When I was still in Class 12 I decided to come to Mumbai.

The only thing I remember being a young child was that I wanted to make something of myself. I would sit on my brother’s computer at night and search for different things that sparked my interest, including beauty pageants, as I thought that was relatively easier to enter than the film industry.

I would also watch and learn from videos of these beauty pageants on YouTube along with clips of how to groom yourself for these contests, and that’s what ignited my interest in being in front of the camera.

Q. How did you envision your career as a young girl?

Gulati: As a young girl, I had never thought that I would go on to own my business, but I envisioned myself having a well-paying and respectful job. I remember being very ambitious, and thinking that someday I would create something of my own.

Later on in life, when the opportunity came my way, I went for it. I do not know how it all came together; sometimes I look back in disbelief and think to myself how someone like me who had nothing, now has everything that she could ever wish for.

Q. What made you start a business in hair extensions?

Gulati: I had an idea that I wanted to do hair extensions because nobody was doing it; and with practice, I became efficient in making extensions of unmatched quality. I have also struggled with temple hair loss myself, which I acquired genetically from my father, so that became an inspiration.

I didn’t know initially that the general public would be my biggest buyer, as I was making products solely for the film industry. It was only when I started doing pop-ups that I realised there is an actual need. Women suffering from hair loss would walk up to me requesting that I make something for them… that can give them their confidence back. So, I think I learned a lot from making products for different kinds of customers.

Q. How do you believe that hair extensions contribute to enhancing a person’s self-expression and confidence?

Gulati: It makes a lot of difference. People don’t know that it is equivalent to applying makeup! We use makeup for concealing our under eyes, right? Same way it’s a form of concealing your hair thinning or bald spots.

Hair extensions give you the desired results by enhancing the length and volume of your hair. While caring for your hair in general is very important, my philosophy aligns more with what a concealer does to your under-eye bags. I give my customers that instant gratification, which makes them feel self-assured. I think everyone would agree that when your hair isn’t cooperating, it can be hard to feel your best.

“I think everyone would agree that when your hair isn’t cooperating, it can be hard to feel your best,” actor and entrepreneur Parul Gulati says. (Source: Instagram/Parul Gulati)

Q. How do you think people in general can incorporate hair extensions into their haircare routine, while ensuring the health and integrity of their natural hair?

Gulati: I think that when it comes to permanent hair extensions (the ones you weave into your hair, or the stick-on ones) there are chances of hair damage so one needs to be very careful.

Hair loss happens when there’s a friction between your hair and the piece, which occurs when you wear them while sleeping or you wash your hair while having them on. But, if it stays in place throughout the day, it won’t have any significant impact on your hair.

It is better to just opt for clip-on hair extensions, because you can wear it wherever you like, leave it on without worrying too much, and remove it at the end of the day.

If you do want to take it a step further, I just say massaging your head to enhance blood circulation will help avoid any discomfort and hair loss.

Q. Please give some insider tips on how to properly style and take care of hair extensions.

Gulati: Okay, one very important thing is try and store them in a satin pouch or plastic packet. You can use any plastic you may have at home, brush the hair from the ends, and make your way up ensuring that it’s detangled. If it’s tangled up the it won’t last you very long. Once detangled, leave it or wash it properly, and you will be able to use it for 10 years easily.

When you are wearing it, style it separately and then install it into your hair again because there’s less pressure onto your roots. Don’t forget to use heat protectant for your hair extensions, because then that way you’re not damaging them when using tools.

Q. What are your go-to remedies for achieving strong and smooth locks?

Gulati: Once in a while, putting on a hair mask is very important because going to a hair spa is not easy for everyone. There can be many constraints such as lack of time or money. Invest in a good hair mask and put it from your roots till the ends and give yourself a good massage at home.

I personally try to do that because I suffer from hair breakage. Try to avoid using heat or anything permanent onto your hair including keratin and cysteine treatments. It does irreversible damage to your hair.

Always use a heat protector before straightening or styling your hair if you are heading out. I don’t do much to my hair and like to maintain my natural texture. Sometimes, if you have oily hair, you can only put oil on the ends of your hair instead of applying it on your scalp and wash it off. I’d also suggest using good leave-on spray. Believe me if you do this, you won’t have to visit a salon at all!

Q. Reflecting on your journey so far, what advice would you give to women who want to pave their own journeys and paths in the world of business?

Gulati: Persistence – there will be many people who will say that you won’t be able to do it because it’s difficult, you need more funds, you need more advice, or you’ve not been to business school.

Turn the outside noise down and follow your heart, because that’s what I did. I opened my business, handled everything the way I thought I was right, went on Shark Tank, and got to where I am today because of sheer self-belief and hard work. Have that faith in yourself, follow your dreams, and do not give up.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.