A touch of celebrity hairstyling in Seychelles |28 August 2010

They always leave their fans breathless with their expensive clothing, jewellery and perfect looks.
But before they dress up for their outings, they have to make sure their hairstyles are stunning – and for that the first call is on their reliable hairstylists.

While we were watching them flaunt their looks on television, most of us were unaware that it was Seychellois Martin Hoarau who had often given the former Destiny’s Child stars – and also male celebrities such as Mel Gibson and Robbie Williams – the elegant touch to their hair.

Martin, a professional celebrity hairstylist, has lived in the UK for 31 years and has now returned to Seychelles to share his skills and knowledge.

He started his career at the age of 17 and then followed a three-year hairdressing course in the UK. He has worked in several prestigious hair salons in London and for top hairdressing companies.

Martin has travelled around the world doing photo shoots for magazines and fashion shows for big houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel.

He has also featured in magazines such as Hairdressers Journal, which has articles on all the top names in hairdressing.
Also a creative hair designer, Martin says he has taken his career to its height in the UK.

“I have done everything I wanted to do in fashion and hairdressing in the UK, so I wanted to come back to give something to the community and to share my skills with the young people,” he said in an interview with Seychelles Nation.

The Martin Hoarau Hairdressing salon deals with clients from 14 to 72 years old in a professional and spacious environment at Hermitage.

He works with four Seychellois girls and has now been joined by Australian professional hairdresser Kellie Allen, who is among the 100 people worldwide to be a Master in colour, a degree from L’Oreal.

The salon offers only hairdressing for now, but Martin says he plans to expand the business into a “fashion house”.
This one-stop shop will be where you can buy everything to do with fashion, such as clothes, shoes, handbags, make-up and jewellery.

In today’s world of hairstyles, Martin says the fringe is a hit and the concave fringe is the latest trend.

But in Seychelles lately, many young people have been asking questions about the new style being offered only by him – the Brazilian blow-dry.

This new style, which is very different from hair rebonding, is becoming very popular among the young ladies.

It is a relaxing conditioning treatment that de-frizzes the hair, leaving it like baby hair, youthful and healthy.

The positive side of this treatment is that it can be used on all hair types including virgin, coloured, bleached, highlighted and relaxed.

Results can be seen immediately after treatment is done and can last from two to five months.

This revolutionary process comes from Brazil, and Martin is the only one licensed in Seychelles to do it as a special exam has to be passed before practising the technique.

The celebrity stylist has his own line of products called the Martin Hoarau Tia Collection, which he uses in his salon.

He said a new line of products such as shampoo, wax, blow-drying lotion and gel will be launched here soon.

Martin has trained many hairdressing enthusiasts in the UK based on the country’s National Vocational Qualification.

He is also a member of the British Hairdressing Council, for which he creates new styles, and can certify anyone in the world.

“I would like to suggest that the local hairdressers’ association prepares a system to train younger people and exchange ideas,” he said.

Martin himself would like to offer special training for hairdressers, sharing his knowledge in colour, cutting and the new styles coming out.

Those who want to have a complete hair make-over, or need advice on hair, make-up and clothes, can either call the salon on 325186 or visit Martin Hoarau and his team.

M.B.