Hair and beauty care:

Bringing international trends to Sri Lanka

by Manique Mendis

"I thoroughly enjoy transforming people.....to make them look better, to make them look younger, to make them look different and to make them feel happy!"

This statement was made by Romesh Atapattu a young hair stylist and beautician. Romesh has been fulfilling his ambitions and proven his expertise from a young age by winning coveted awards in hair styling and beauty culture at prestigious international festivals and competitions. He has also won the hearts of his clients in Sri Lanka and the U.K.

Romesh developed his passion for hair and beauty care from the time he was small. "My earliest memories in life are of playing around with my mother's hair. I used to experiment with various hair styles and plaits on her!", he exclaimed.

While being a student at St. Peter's College, Colombo, Romesh excelled in the arts. "Art and singing were my favourite subjects. I took part in many art exhibitions and sang in the Peterite choir. Later on I joined the Mary Anne singers and the Peterite Chorale", he said.

After leaving school, Romesh pursued his interest in art by following a course in Interior Designing conducted by Kamini Vitharana.

His initial efforts in interior designing were publicly acclaimed when he won the award for the best Christmas table top at the Interior Designer and Patch work exhibition in 1996.

However Romesh continued to dream of hair and beauty. His dream was realised in 1997, when he got a break at Ramani Fernando Salons.

He was based at the Ramani Fernando salon at the Hilton Hotel and received his early training from Cheryl Gunaratne.

"I was trained in every subject in the salon including hair cutting, blow drying, hair styling, make -up, sari draping and beauty culture, " said Romesh. Within a year he was absorbed into the Salon's permanent cadre and attracted steady patronage of a group of discerning clients.

In 2000, Romesh was nominated by Ms Ramani Fernando to take part in the Hair Asia Pacific Competition that took place in India. He vied for the categories of ladies' hair cut, bridal make up, evening hair style and fantasy hair.

"There were over 100 contestants from 26 countries. I practised hard in Colombo, and pledged to Ramani that I will return with an award", said Romesh.

Romesh's hopes were fulfilled even more than expected. He brought honour to himself, his salon and his country, when he was declared winner of the fantasy hair style category and 3rd runner up in the other three categories he competed in. He was also adjudged the Sri Lankan Champion at this prestigious global event.

Romesh took further strides in his profession, when he was sent by Ms Ramani Fernando to follow further training at "Tony and Guy", in London in 2001.

Most enriching

"The training I received in London was most enriching. The trainers were very friendly, but tough. They went into meticulous details in explaining and demonstrating techniques. They used to thoroughly check each section of the hair as I cut," said Romesh.

On his return to Sri Lanka, Romesh was lured again by the excitement of international competition. In 2002, he took part in the world renowned "Asian Hair Styling and Make up Competition" that took place in Singapore.

Romesh faced stiff competition. There were about 150 competitors representing 20 countries. He vied for the Evening hair style and Evening make up categories. He emerged a winner again- winning the first place in the evening hair style category and was placed 1st runner -up in the evening make up category. He was also adjudged the Sri Lankan Champion.

After returning to Sri Lanka and continuing work at the Ramani Fernando Salon, Romesh decided to go back to London to obtain further experience.

"I was extremely lucky to get a job in the famous salon 'Identity' in London. It is a big salon with 13 cutting stations and separate sections for beauty treatment and Spa", said Romesh. He went on to say that many eminent personalities and celebrities including some of the "Spice Girls" patronised the salon.

"I had the honour of having among my personal clients, the famous British News Anchor, Gina-G, Socialite Gayle Porter who frequently adorns the pages of high fashion magazines such as 'Hello', Actor Antony of TV Programme 'Big Brother' fame and actor Chris Evans. ,

The clients in London, especially the celebrities were friendly and pleasant. However, they were also highly demanding. They maintained themselves well. When they visited the salon, they always made an appointment for their next visit before they left"., said Romesh. While working in London, Romesh also took every opportunity to visit hair and beauty shows.

While Romesh looks ahead to the "Capello Salon and Spa", he also remembers his own beginning and his mentor.

"I have achieved so much and come so far today because of Ms Ramani Fernando. She has taught me, guided me and supported me in every way. I will be indebted to her forever", he maintained.

"I am also grateful to Mr. Michael Wijesuriya, Mr Lucien de Silva and Ms Savithri Edirisinghe, who have helped me throughout my career." he said. Last but not least, Romesh paid tribute to his parents.

"I am what I am today because of my mother and my father. They proved by example the value of doing one's best for others and making others happy. Through 'Capello', my brother and I want to use our talents and skills to serve others and make people happy", said Romesh.