5 secrets your hairdresser doesn't want you to know

You know those products he wants you to buy? Stay away from them.

Hairdresser
(Image credit: (iStock))

O'ahu-based hairstylist Habib Alaei has been around the block. Around the world, actually. Born in Iran and raised in Germany, Habib literally grew up in the hair salon and cosmetology school owned by his mother; the family home was in the same building. He recalls cutting his first head of hair at the age of 12. Habib emigrated to the United States decades ago, and made his way across the country entire country to Hawaii … cutting, styling, and coloring hair all the way.

Today Habib's eponymous studio in Honolulu's posh Kahala district is one of the most talked-about salons in the state. Habib himself maintains a client list of 350 (including celebrities, socialites, business magnates and a handful of regular people he just likes) with more always clamoring for an appointment. He's very, very good at what he does … and, having attained the confidence and stature of a man on top of his profession, he can afford to be honest about it.

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Leslie Turnbull

Leslie Turnbull is a Harvard-educated anthropologist with over 20 years' experience as a development officer and consultant. She cares for three children, two dogs, and one husband. When not sticking her nose into other peoples' business, she enjoys surfing, cooking, and writing (often bad) poetry.