Avan Contractor, owner, B: Blunt (a popular Mumbai salon frequented by celebrities), bears the mantle of styling the contestants' tresses, giving them chic cuts and hair care advice. Here's what she has to say.

Choose the right haircut

Avan-speak: Haircuts should be based keeping in mind hair texture, face structure, personality and lifestyle. It's best to trust your stylist who will put together a look for you based on your hair texture, face structure, personality and lifestyle, along with cutting it either low maintenance or high maintenance. He or she will also advise you about the appropriate style products and care routine to help you get the most out of your mane.

Getting the well-groomed look

Avan-speak: Sporting well-groomed locks is a good career move. Clean, neat, well-cut and well-styled hair makes the right statement. It's a myth that poker straight hair equals a well-groomed look. Even curly or wavy hair that is well maintained with the right styling product is very chic at work.

Hair dos and don'ts

Avan-speak: Indian women make common mistakes and hold some disastrous ideals when it comes to hair. For example, most of us tend to 'hide' behind our hair. While some hide figure flaws behind a curtain of long, dull, straight hair, others hide a pretty face or features.

It's important to understand that there are many options to hair styling today. These can accentuate up your assets and draw attention away from your flaws when applied correctly. You don't have to go dramatically short to exude a contemporary and confident air. Lengthy, layered tresses are the new mantra of femininity.

Photograph: Jewella C Miranda
Avan Contractor's image courtesy: Ford Supermodels Of The World