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From little hairdos at home to a growing passion
By Ishani Ranasinghe
December 31: Ramzi's Salon at Borella is alive with activity. Being one of the most sought after hairdressers in the country it comes as no surprise that Ramzi Rahaman is as busy as anyone could be on the eve of another NewYear. This New Year will be somewhat special for the man who has spent most of his life making women look good as he celebrates his 50th birthday on January 11. Going back more than 25 years, Ramzi remembers how it all started.

An artist since he was just five, Ramzi grew up watching his 'granny' do hairstyles for his mother and aunts. "I think I really got my inspiration from this," says Ramzi who remembers how he would watch Hindi movies and come back and do sketches of the hairstyles he had seen. "Later I would try them out on my mother and my aunts."

His hairstyles on one of his aunts were so good that when she went to work people commented on them and asked her who her stylist was. "After that my aunt's friends used to come to me and then the word got around," adds Ramzi with a smile.

It was a pastime that became his passion. "When I left school I was wondering what to do and someone told me about hairdressing classes," says Ramzi remembering how the teacher initially refused him because he was male. "I was, of course, upset by this. I think she saw this and called me back and said she would give me a chance," adds Ramzi acknowledging his first teacher Ms. Logi Mariathasan.

The only guy in the class Ramzi used to go home and sketch the hairstyles. "All the girls use to admire the sketches," and soon Ms Mariathasan got Ramzi to do the sketches to be used in class. She then took him onto her advanced course, free of charge. "At that time I couldn't afford it and what she did was really great," he says.

Over the years it has not been smooth sailing for him. "As years went by hairdressing was not done for the love of it but also as a business," says Ramzi with a tinge of regret. "While you have to change with the times it is important that whatever you do, you do it properly," he says ever the perfectionist.

"I am an artiste and at times I can be very tough," says Ramzi. But that's just the exterir, inside he is all soft ."I just melt," he laughs. As for the challenges of being a male hairstylist in the industry, "I think men are better hairdressers," is his response.

Over the years Ramzi has styled the hair of many celebrities. "I styled Rosy Senanayake's hair for all her pageants when she won the Mrs. Sri Lanka title," he says adding that each and every client is important to him. When you have the same hairdresser over the years, you build up a personal relationship.

Changes in the industry? He has seen many. "I feel that people are not professional enough now," says Ramzi. Many just learn a little and think that they know it all, "but the paper qualification is also important". He says that even though a person could cut hair when it comes to colouring, perming and more advanced details, unless the technique is known, "you are in deep trouble".

Ever keen to expand his knowledge Ramzi travels the world attending various courses. He is also frequently invited to judge international competitions. As 2004 begins Ramzi has plans to set up a training centre for hairdressers that would award national certificates. But first there is a need for teacher training. "I would love to teach and I feel I would like to do workshops on grooming," he says.

His zeal for his work is unquestionable; over the years he hasn't lost it, it has only increased. "I love my work. The business aspect of it is terrible though," he admits. "But when I produce something I am so amazed at the end result." His 50th birthday on January 11, will be celebrated in style as a website dedicated to Ramzi Rahaman (www.ramzirahaman.com) will be launched by Emphasis.

His birthday bash that will be held alongside the launch will be a lot of fun he promises. Looking back Ramzi has many things to be proud of and many to look forward to.

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