When a quiet talent from Shillong ends up stealing the global stage, the world takes notice. Lalruattluanga, or RT as he is affectionately known, became the first Indian to win the Wella Professionals Colour Visionary Award at Wella TrendVision, one of the highest honours in the world of hairdressing. But behind the glittering trophy is a story of faith, humility and finding creative purpose in unexpected places.
In an honest and heartwarming chat, RT tells us about his journey - from finding his passion in hairdressing to bringing home a global title.
“Hairdressing wasn’t something I planned as a child. I just grew into it”, RT shares. His introduction to the craft came through family. “My aunty introduced me to it,” he recalls. “At first, I was not very interested, but I gradually began to like it more and more.” What started as a curious exploration evolved into a creative pursuit that today defines his professional identity.
From the beginning, RT’s approach to creativity has been deeply introspective. Rather than chasing trends, he focuses on learning from experience. “My work itself inspires me,” he reflects. “I have learned many things from my mistakes, and I believe those experiences have been the biggest driver behind my motivation. They challenge me and help me grow.”
There is also a strong undercurrent of faith in RT’s journey. “Praying to God gives me a lot of confidence,” he shares. It’s this grounding that keeps him balanced and focused, no matter how high the stakes.
“This award is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who dreams, creates and believes.”
-Lalruattluanga
Ask him what his favourite part of the profession is, and the answer goes beyond a technique or trend. “What I love about being a hairstylist is that it allows me to create joy that goes beyond just enhancing someone’s appearance. It’s incredibly rewarding to help bring out a sense of confidence in people who may not see it in themselves.”
His growth has been supported by role models he looks up to—one of them being James Earnshaw, Global Ambassador for Wella. “His dedication and creativity have deeply influenced me,” RT says. “He’s one of the people I admire the most.”
His Wella TrendVision journey began on a rather spontaneous note. “I was not planning to participate at first,” he admits. “But Mistu, the Wella technician, encouraged me to give it a try. I submitted my entry just before the deadline.” What followed was a creative whirlwind that not only pushed his boundaries but also brought profound personal growth.
Competing in TrendVision was more than a contest—it became a turning point in his career. “It challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me form many meaningful friendships. I truly cherish it,” he says. His humility is evident throughout the conversation, especially when talking about the grand finale.
When his name was announced as the global winner, RT was overwhelmed. “I couldn’t believe it. I truly believe it was only possible because God was with me.” For him, the win goes beyond personal achievement. “This award doesn’t belong to me alone. It represents India and Indian hairdressers as a whole.”
His words resonate with young professionals across the country, proof that global dreams can be rooted in small towns. RT’s story isn’t one of overnight success but of gradual, committed growth. It reflects the rising strength of Indian talent in the international beauty landscape.
As he continues to evolve and inspire, RT remains grounded in his mission to keep learning, keep creating, and keep representing India on the world stage with pride.