Yogesh Nikam, the owner of both Ajanta Salon and KK Cosmetics Mall, has not only created a thriving business empire but also represented India with distinction on the international hairdressing stage. At the Eurasia ABMU Golden Cup 2025 in Yerevan, Armenia, he won 4th place in the Salon Look Man category and 3rd place in Avant Garde.
Yogesh comes from a family with deep roots in barbering. “My grandfather started as a roadside barber, and my dad joined him when he was in eighth grade. We witnessed the growth from small salons to chains, and today, we own 15 salons in Ahmednagar,” he shared. His journey was shaped by grit and determination, starting a salon with minimal resources.
His experiences abroad—particularly in Kazakhstan—opened his eyes to new possibilities. “Before Kazakhstan, we hadn’t truly explored avant-garde styles. Seeing their work, speed, and creativity was eye-opening. It motivated me to push past limits and explore new colors and trends. Avant-garde fascinated me; the looks were something I had never seen in India,” Yogesh explained.
Yogesh’s artistic flair was fully displayed in the avant-garde category, where he took inspiration from the vibrant hues of a peacock feather. This avant-garde look combined intricate color, cut & styling techniques. For the Salon Look Man category, Yogesh executed a fresh, contemporary style that balanced precision and flair, reflecting his deep understanding of male grooming.
Yogesh’s inspiration draws from India’s rich legacy of cinema and style. He observes, “The iconic hair of our old but gold Bollywood actors is unique worldwide. It saddens me that despite our talent, we once lagged in raising skills internationally. But now, India is catching up fast.”
About Yogesh Nikam
Yogesh Vinayak Nikam is the visionary owner of Ajanta’s Salon for He & She in Nashik, Maharashtra, with a career spanning over 20 years as an International Award-Winning Hair and Makeup Artist. Renowned for his expertise in haircuts, styling, colouring, advanced skin treatments, and bridal makeup, Yogesh has built a remarkable presence with six salon branches across Nasik, Ahilyanagar, and Pune. He is also the founder of KK Cosmetics Mall and Academy.
