At the Eurasia ABMU Golden Cup 2025 in Yerevan, Armenia, Uttam Parekh made history by securing first place in both the Creative Salon Look and Avant Garde categories—an extraordinary feat that highlights his visionary approach and hard work.
When we spoke with Uttam, he reflected on the incredible growth the team experienced in Kazakhstan. “My Kazakh trainer was 60 years old but her energy was out of the world and her problem-solving skills were exceptional. Most trainers smiled all the time, inspiring us to push our limits. That experience opened our eyes to new haircut and color possibilities. We observed their speed, creativity, and year-round dedication. Now, we feel confident not just to work alongside others but to beat them,” he shared.
Avant Garde
Creative Salon Look
For his award-winning looks, Uttam drew inspiration from global trends while experimenting deeply over the past year. His Avant Garde Look was inspired by Egypt’s Pharaoh aesthetics, incorporating a bold mix of colors like pinks and dark greens, carefully placed to highlight intricate details. “Creating that look took around eight to ten hours on a dummy. The hardest part was painting fine streaks without allowing colors to bleed. It had to be precise and line-perfect,” he said.
His second look for Creative Salon Look embraced the pastel color trend, aiming for a “crystal-like color combination” that blended cool and warm tones to give a subtle, soothing effect—something he researched extensively following his exposure to international styles.
Uttam is candid about the challenge of working with live models for such adventurous colors, noting that only a small percentage of Indian clients are open to bold shades currently.
Throughout his journey, Uttam credits the guidance of seniors like Yogesh and Vikram J Pania, whose motivation and strategic insights proved invaluable. “Understanding the category requirements and workflow was crucial. Vikram Sir was always encouraging and supportive, helping us master new systems step by step.”
About Uttam Parekh
Uttam Parekh is a visionary hairstylist, educator, and entrepreneur. Owner of the Latest Hair Academy and Salon in Ahmedabad, he focuses on nurturing the next generation of Indian stylists through rigorous training and exposure to international trends. His dedication to hairstyling has earned him multiple national and international accolades, positioning him as a key figure in India’s hairdressing stage.
