For Dambarudhar Barik, hairdressing was never simply a career choice. Growing up in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, he spent much of his childhood watching his father and grandfather work in the family’s barbershop. Every haircut, every client interaction, and every transformation fuelled his fascination with the craft.
That early curiosity eventually became a profession. Today, Barik works at Indulge Salon, steadily building a reputation as one of Odisha’s promising young hairstylists. His recent Gold Medal win at the IndiaSkills National Competition has further established him as a rising talent, but the journey to the national stage was far from easy.
BUILDING ON A FAMILY LEGACY
“Hairdressing is in my blood,” says Barik. “But I wanted to prove that it could become much more than a family profession. I wanted to master modern hairdressing and compete with the best.”
After completing his higher secondary education, he enrolled at the World Skill Center (WSC), Bhubaneswar, where he received formal training in precision cutting, colouring, styling and chemical services. It was here that his mentor, Sugyani Manjari Dakua, introduced him to the world of competitive hairdressing.
His first attempts, however, were disappointing. Barik competed in the Odisha Skill Competition in both 2023 and 2024 but failed to qualify. “I realised that my skills weren’t lacking. It was my confidence that needed work,” he recalls.
Rather than letting those setbacks define him, he used them as motivation. He refined his technique, improved his speed, strengthened his focus, and learnt to perform under pressure.
The transformation was evident when he claimed Gold in Hairdressing at the IndiaSkills National Competition, contributing to Odisha’s success as the overall champion state. “The medal isn’t just a personal achievement,” he says. “It represents everyone who believed in me and reminds me that failure is never final if you’re willing to keep learning.”
PREPARING FOR EXCELLENCE
Competitive hairdressing demands technical precision, creativity, and composure. Competitors are required to complete challenging modules within strict time limits while being assessed by judges on every detail of their work.
For Barik, preparation extends beyond technical practice. He relies on motivational films and music to stay mentally focused before competitions, while long practice sessions help build the stamina needed for modules that can last more than ten hours.
Every section, cut, colour placement and finish is practised repeatedly until it becomes instinctive. To further broaden his experience, he volunteered to provide complimentary haircuts at orphanages and old-age homes. “Every individual has different hair textures, face shapes and expectations,” he explains. “Working with diverse clients helped me become more creative and confident.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP
A defining moment in Barik’s journey came while training under Atharva Takke, Expert for WorldSkills 2026 and Creative Director at Uday Takke Hair & Skin Salon & Academy, Mumbai.
“He taught me that time is your biggest competitor,” he says “Every minute counts. More importantly, he showed me that professionalism isn’t limited to your haircut. It’s reflected in your discipline, communication, presentation and attitude.”
Although barbering remains close to his roots, Barik believes hairstylists should develop expertise across every aspect of the profession. Precision cutting remains his strongest skill, colouring challenges his creativity, and styling allows him to express his artistic vision.
“A complete hairstylist should be confident in every aspect of hairdressing,” he says. “Clients trust you with their appearance, so you should be able to deliver a complete transformation.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Balancing salon work with competition training required discipline and perseverance. Along the way, he also learnt to welcome criticism. “In competitions, judges evaluate every tiny detail,” he says. “Initially, criticism felt personal. Today, I see it as valuable feedback that helps me become better.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to gain experience in some of India’s leading salons before opening his own salon in Odisha. His vision is to offer international standards while creating opportunities for aspiring hairstylists from traditional barber families and underprivileged communities.
“World Skill Center gave me an opportunity to dream bigger,” he says. “One day, I want to create the same opportunity for others.”
With technical excellence, resilience and an unwavering commitment to learning, Dambarudhar Barik represents a new generation of Indian hairstylists redefining the profession. His IndiaSkills Gold Medal marks an important milestone, but for him, it is only the beginning of a much bigger journey.
PBHJ