Who was Habib Ahmed? The hairstylist behind Indira Gandhi’s iconic look and India’s grooming revolution
When we think of Indian style, clothes and jewellery often come to mind. But behind the scenes, one man changed the way India perceives hairstyling — turning a simple haircut into a symbol of identity and prestige. Habib Ahmed, who passed away on September 25, 2025, aged 84, was far more than a barber. He was a trailblazer who transformed hairstyling into a respected art form and cultural phenomenon across India. Habib Ahmed was the visionary hairstylist who crafted the unmistakable and powerful hairstyle of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
His signature two-toned style for her—half black, half white—became a global symbol of strength and resilience. More than just Indira Gandhi’s stylist, Habib transformed hairstyling in India, turning it from a humble trade into a respected art form embraced by celebrities, politicians and the general public alike.
Habib Ahmed was born on October 2, 1940, in Jalalabad near Muzaffarnagar, into a family where hairstyling was a heritage. His father Nazir Ahmed served as the personal barber to British India’s Viceroys and later to the Presidents of independent India, including Dr Rajendra Prasad. This legacy of grooming the powerful was embedded in Habib’s DNA.
Sent to England to study hair design at the prestigious Morris School in London, Habib initially hesitated but soon embraced the craft as an art. His training introduced him to advanced hairstyling techniques and a vision to elevate the profession in India. Returning home, he worked with Delhi’s Oberoi Hotels, refining his skills and blending international flair with Indian tradition.
In 1983, Habib launched his first salon at the Lodi Hotel, marking the start of a hairstyling empire. He broke stereotypes, moving hairstyling from street-side barbershops to luxurious salons catering to celebrities, politicians and elites. His influence extended beyond salons — apart from Indira Gandhi, he styled iconic figures such as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, known for his signature silver hair.
Habib Ahmed’s impact wasn’t limited to the elite; he made hairstyling an aspirational and respectable career for ordinary Indians. Today, his legacy continues through his sons Jawed, Parvez and Amjad, who carry forward the family’s name and craft.
Despite challenges, including attracting high-profile clients to a modest hotel salon, Habib’s perseverance earned him a legendary reputation. His salons became cultural hubs where style met substance and hairstyling gained the prestige it deserved.
More than a businessman, Habib was a mentor and educator who believed beauty was tied to confidence. His passing marks the end of an era, but his transformative influence on Indian grooming endures. Habib Ahmed didn’t just cut hair — he shaped history.