When International Educator Marco Firriolo arrived in India, he expected to encounter a different professional landscape and unfamiliar hair textures. Instead, what he discovered was a hairdressing community defined by technical skill, curiosity, and a deep commitment to client care.
Having worked with professionals across multiple cities, Firriolo left with a renewed appreciation for India’s growing influence within the global hair industry. From the quality of the hair itself to the enthusiasm of the professionals behind the chair, the experience challenged many of his assumptions.
RAISING THE BAR ON CLIENT EXPERIENCE
From a global perspective, Firriolo believes Indian salons are already setting standards in one area often overlooked by international markets: client experience. “I believe Indian hairdressers are already setting a benchmark when it comes to client experience and service,” he says.
The level of care, attention, and hospitality he witnessed stood out throughout his visit. Every stage of the client journey appeared carefully considered, creating experiences that extend beyond the technical service itself. In an increasingly competitive market, where clients value experience as much as results, Firriolo believes this service-led approach gives Indian salons a distinct advantage.
He also highlights the expertise Indian professionals have developed in managing thick, dense, and often frizz-prone hair, a skill set that deserves greater international recognition.
A UNIQUE ADVANTAGE
One of Firriolo’s biggest revelations was Indian hair itself. “Indian hair is among the best hair types I have ever worked with,” he says. “It shares many characteristics with Mediterranean hair, but often has even more density, structure, and volume.”
These qualities create significant opportunities for advanced cutting techniques. According to Firriolo, layering, weight removal, and texturisation can be performed with remarkable precision, allowing hairdressers to create movement and shape while maintaining the integrity of the hair. The same applies to colour work. Despite expecting greater challenges when lifting darker hair, he found Indian hair highly responsive to professional colour services. “Excellent levels of lift can be achieved while maintaining beautiful tonal clarity,” he explains.
The only assumption that remained unchanged involved a light-hearted cultural difference. While Firriolo’s definition of a short haircut might be a pixie crop, he quickly learned that in India, “short” often means hair that sits just below the shoulders.
DRIVEN BY LEARNING
While technical ability impressed him, Firriolo believes the greatest strength of Indian hairdressers is their mindset. “The quality that impressed me most was their enthusiasm,” he says. “I met professionals who were genuinely eager to learn, experiment, and challenge themselves.”
Rather than relying solely on existing knowledge, many of the professionals he met were actively seeking new techniques, fresh perspectives, and international education. Equally notable was the respect shown within the professional community. “The level of respect shown among colleagues and towards educators creates an incredibly positive learning environment.” Combined with strong manual skills and technical confidence, this willingness to learn is helping Indian hairdressers develop at an impressive pace.
ADAPTING GLOBAL TRENDS
Global colour trends such as personalised placement, lived-in colour, and low-maintenance luxury are finding a natural home in Indian salons. “We live in a fast-paced world, and clients everywhere are increasingly looking for results that are sophisticated, long-lasting, and easy to maintain,” says Firriolo.
For Indian clients, personalised colour services that grow out seamlessly are becoming increasingly attractive. Advances in professional colour technology are making it possible to create customised results while preserving hair quality and reducing the need for frequent maintenance appointments. These evolving preferences reflect a broader shift towards practical luxury, where clients want beautiful results that fit comfortably into their lifestyles.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Although Firriolo currently describes Indian hairdressers as “trend adapters”, he believes they are well positioned to become trend creators in the years ahead. “India is currently experiencing an exciting period of growth, creativity, and innovation,” he says. “There is a genuine hunger to explore new ideas and challenge traditional boundaries.” Continued investment in advanced education, creative development,- and international visibility will be key to strengthening India’s influence on the global stage.
Looking ahead, Firriolo believes authenticity will separate exceptional hairdressers from average ones. “The professionals who will stand out are those who build a strong personal and professional identity,” he says. “Authenticity creates distinction, and distinction creates value.”
As India’s hairdressing industry continues to evolve, Firriolo’s message is clear: the future belongs to those who embrace their individuality, celebrate their strengths, and confidently bring their unique perspective to the world stage.