Naina Gunjikar Creatively Yours

Meet Naina Gunjikar, Joint Proprietor and hairdresser at High Gloss Salon in Bangalore. With an experience of over nine years, she is a powerhouse of talent, and renowned for colouring. Gunjikar is always experimenting with different hues and is known for her trademark looks, like, the unicorn, mermaid, smurf, to name a few, all of which are a rage amongst her clients

- Shivpriya Bajpai

Please tell us about your professional background. What are the certificates and degrees you have earned?

After graduation, in 2009, I did a diploma in hairdressing from the L’Oréal Academy in Mumbai. I have done advanced courses with Wella Professionals, Toni&Guy in Singapore, and Paul Mitchell’s Train the Trainer course in Korea. I also studied at the Steiner Academy in London. I can honestly say that in this industry, experience and passion trump formal education.

How did you get started in the hair colouring industry? Who has been the driving force?

I have always loved colour. I have grown up at High Gloss, and feel more at home in the salon than my house! My mother, Rovena Gunjikar, taught me everything that it takes to be a great hairdresser, which are patience, passion, and hard work.

Where was your rst job?

What were the learnings there? My first job was at our salon, High Gloss. It is where I learned how to actually care about and empathise with my clients, and treat them like family. I have also worked at Paul Mitchell, as an educator and taught at several salons in Bangalore. I worked on a cruise ship for a couple of years with The Onboard Spa by Steiner. But, no matter where I have worked and what all I have done, I will always come home to High Gloss.