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BizAsia talks to hairstylist Dar about Dar Blo Bar

One of the UK�۪s top hair stylists, Dar, has announced the opening of his new salon Dar Blo Bar in the prestigious St James�۪ Court, A Taj Hotel.

With over 30 years�۪ experience, Dar has forged an incredible reputation through his work for clients ranging from international royalty to Hollywood superstars. His ‘East meets West’ styling has attracted a list of devotees including clients such as Aishwarya Rai, Imran Khan, Gurinder Chadha, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and the recent rising star from TV series Indian Summers, Amber Rose Revah.

BizAsia caught up with Dar to talk about the new Blo Bar.

Dar Blo Bar 400x

How would you describe “East meets West”?

Women from the East ��� let�۪s say Pakistan for example, have a very different approach to beauty than Western women.

The majority of Western women do everything to enhance and promote their beauty, in the way they do their makeup ,hair and dress. In the East, women tend to be more discreet with their beauty.

This is predominantly a cultural difference, especially with the Islamic faith, as it is their custom for women to reserve their beauty for their husband, and hence shy away from the stare of other men ��� especially the elderly, as a sign of respect.

Jewellery, however is huge in the East ��� an essential accessory to compliment features as well as an obvious status symbol. In the West, jewellery is much more understated.

My understanding and appreciation of both Eastern and Western woman helps me to design the perfect hair style to compliment the individual and their culture.

As styling is taking an almost personal responsibility for someone’s look, will the salon cater to specific requests from clients?

Absolutely. I love creating looks for specific events and occasions ��� I just did actress Danielle Bux�۪s hair last week for the Born Free Foundation Gala at the Taj, St James�۪ Court. She requested an ��East meets West�۪ look, so I combined a western looking bun with an eastern twist – a plait crown. I arranged for my styling team ��� celebrity makeup artist Armand Beasley and former stylist of New Zealand�۪s Next Top Model Jessica-Ann Jensen to do her make-up and styling.

What would you say is the Dar Blo Bar’s USP?

Dar Blo Bar�۪s USP is that it offers a 360 degree service ranging from an ��on the go�۪ blowdry to an exclusive head-to-toe pampering experience with some of the world�۪s leading names in beauty and hair.

Another USP is the location of the salon, at the heart of the five-star St James�۪ Court, A Taj Hotel, which means you can combine your hair appointment with a spa treatment at the La Sultane de Saba spa, or with a meal at the Michelin-starred Quilon.

What was your inspiration behind opening such a place?

My inspiration for opening Dar Blo Bar was to give everyone a taste of the red carpet. I have three decades of international experience with a clientele of celebrities and models but what I am really passionate about is enhancing the beauty of the everyday woman and making her feel like a star.

What kind of clientele are you looking forward to meeting at Dar Blo Bar?

My salon is open to everyone, but it is designed to appeal to women who take pride in their femininity. You will understand what I mean when you visit the salon!

With your years of styling experience, what would you say has been the most out-of-the-box request made by a client?

I was asked to style a model’s hair on stage as an entertaining intro to launch the Asian Wedding Show�۪s catwalk.

Where would you expect Dar Blo Bar to be in maybe 5 years time?

In 5 years time, I would like to open 5/6 additional Dar Blo Bars. I am also looking to launch my own Hair by Dar haircare range using Indian oil as the star ingredient.

Dar also specialises in bridal hairstyles and offers bridal hair tutorials with the Hair by Dar academy at the salon.

Whether you want an ‘on the go’ blowdry before you dash out of the door to a party or an afternoon of luxury pampering, the salon�۪s ��Mane Menu�۪ has a treatment for everyone. From the salon’s signature ��Luxury Blowdry�۪ to the ��Sleek on Fleek Treatment�۪, smoothing your tresses to get rid of frizz, Dar and Head Stylist Nando ��� both of whom are regarded as some of the best blow dry experts in London, can tailor to all client requests. There’s even a ��Pamper Princess Blow�۪ (for under 12 year-olds).

The ultimate pampering experience on the menu is the VIP Glamorous Makeover, available upon request from the Founder of Dar Blo Bar. For a catwalk finish, Dar collaborates with celebrity make-up artist Armand Beasley, who is also available for special requests. You can get changed in the special VIP room, have your make-up done professionally, and go off to your event feeling like a million dollars.

The salon�۪s location at the five star Taj Hotel, is not only practical – it is under 10 minutes away by taxi from Mayfair, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge ��� it also enables you to take advantage of the Taj�۪s luxurious surroundings by combining your hair styling with a treatment at the spa at La Sultane de Saba, just downstairs, or a meal at the Michelin-starred restaurant Quilon.

You can visit the Dar Blo Bar website here:��Dar Blo Bar