Dar Barot – The Creative Maestro Redefining Beauty
In the world of hairstyling, one name stands out like no other – Dar Barot. Famously dubbed as ‘Mr Big’ by Tatler, Dar has been the genius behind towering hair creations in fashion shoots and videos for over four decades. From A-list celebrities to international royalty, his skills have graced the tresses of the most distinguished personalities, leaving an indelible mark on the beauty industry. Beauty Prime had the honor of sitting down with the maestro himself to unravel the journey that made him an icon and the secrets behind his success.
A Journey of Passion and Creativity
Dar Barot’s illustrious career commenced in 1973 when he joined the legendary Vidal Sassoon salon in London. Learning from the maestro himself, Dar honed cutting techniques that focused on sculpting hair to enhance facial beauty and bone structure. His career took flight in the 1980s when he embarked on a freelance journey, working with esteemed photographers like Norman Parkinson, David Bailey, and Lord Patrick Lichfield. His impeccable skills and creative vision caught the eye of the fashion world, leading him to style pop icons like Paul McCartney, Boy George, and Kate Bush.
In 1983, Dar took a bold step forward, opening his first salon, Dar Salon, in London. This endeavor was supported by his business partner, Imran Khan. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, his reputation soared as he worked on fashion shoots and established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the hairstyling industry.
The Power of ‘Total Look’
One of Dar Barot’s greatest strengths lies in his ability to craft a ‘total look’ for his clients. Beyond hair, he excels in fashion styling and makeup, designing a bespoke hairstyle that complements the individual’s lifestyle, facial features, and bone structure. His precision-cutting skills, acquired from top-tier salons, create ‘wash-n-go’ styles that are effortlessly maintained at home. With his Indian heritage, Dar seamlessly unites Western and Eastern styling, bringing a unique perspective to the world of beauty.
As a former editor for Asian Fashion Magazine, equivalent to Marie Claire, Dar’s expertise and understanding of beauty go beyond borders, catering to diverse clientele with finesse.
A Clientele of Celebrities and Royalty
When you boast a clientele that includes Hollywood stars and international royalty, there’s no denying your prowess. Among his impressive list of clients, Dar has worked with icons like Goldie Hawn, Britt Ekland, Aishwarya Rai, and Katie Derham. His artistry has also graced the tresses of esteemed figures like the Sultana of Pahang, the Queen of Malaysia, and His Royal Highness Prince Sufi of Brunei.
Setting the Trends
In the ever-evolving world of hairstyling, Dar Barot stands tall as a trendsetter rather than a follower. He confidently claims to set the trends himself, from sleek bobs to tumbling curls and age-defying longer cuts. His revolutionary volumizing ‘Dar Cut’ has garnered admiration and popularity, giving clients the illusion of thicker hair.
In recent times, Dar’s creative ingenuity unleashed London’s fashionable blunt bob cut, featured on the front cover of the Daily Mail, proving that he continues to push boundaries and captivate the beauty industry.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Hairstylists
For those aspiring to make their mark in the hairstyling industry, Dar Barot has a piece of invaluable advice: “Never go into hairdressing to become rich. This industry is all about creativity.” Emphasizing the importance of a keen eye and creative ability, he believes true mastery lies in understanding each facial feature and enhancing a woman’s beauty.
A Vision for Scalp Nourishment
As a visionary with a passion for excellence, Dar Barot looks beyond mainstream beauty products. While he has worked with renowned companies like Wella and L’Oreal, he feels that nothing matches the traditional Indian approach to nourishing the scalp. His upcoming venture involves launching a range of Ayurvedic hair oils, drawing inspiration from centuries-old techniques used by Indian women. Recognizing that good hair starts from the scalp, Dar seeks to revolutionize hair care with this fusion of tradition and modernity.
Dar Barot’s journey from Vidal Sassoon to becoming a global hairstyling icon is a testament to his passion, creativity, and dedication to the art of beauty. With his ‘total look’ approach, trendsetting capabilities, and commitment to scalp nourishment, he continues to redefine the standards of beauty, leaving an everlasting impact on the industry and his clients’ lives alike.
