Shazia Sheikh

Afsennah Kalanawi stands apart with a philosophy rooted in truth, science, and deeply personal experience. As both an advanced trichologist and a product formulator, her journey into hair and scalp health was not born from trend, but from lived struggle. Today, she is reshaping the conversation around hair care, shifting the focus from surface beauty to the health of the scalp itself. In this candid conversation with Meri & Rime, she shares how authenticity, education, and results define her work. It actually started from my own frustration. I have Androgenetic Alopecia, Alopecia Areata and Eczema. I saw so many people, including myself, struggling with hair loss, scalp issues, and breakage, while the industry kept offering surface level solutions. No one was really talking about the scalp as the foundation. Once I understood that healthy hair starts at the scalp, everything clicked. That is what pulled me into trichology. I wanted real answers, not marketing promises, so I decided to do this myself. They influence everything. Because I work directly with real cases, I do not formulate based on trends, I formulate based on real problems I see daily. Hair loss, thinning, scalp inflammation, buildup, every product I create is a direct response to a real need. The results from my clients continuously refine my formulas. It becomes a constant feedback loop between science and real life results, and that is what makes the work so powerful. I stay very close to research, especially clinical studies and ingredient data. But I always filter everything through real world application. Not everything that works in a lab works on a real scalp. I combine scientific literature with hands on experience, and that balance is key. Seeing the results my clients achieve is what makes it all worthwhile. Social media has allowed me to break myths at scale. There is so much misinformation, people oiling incorrectly, using the wrong products, ignoring their scalp. Through content, I simplify complex science into something people can actually understand and apply. Education is the foundation of everything I do online. Customization is what sets my formulations apart. There is no one formula that fits all. Most products are generic, diluted, and focused on appearance rather than real results. My formulations are concentrated, targeted, and built around scalp biology. I do not just want hair to look good, I want to fix what is underneath so it can grow stronger naturally. Gen Z is more aware, but also more overwhelmed. They are willing to invest in self care, which is great, but they are exposed to endless trends. I believe the shift will move toward intentional care, understanding your scalp, your hair type, and choosing routines that actually make sense instead of copying everything online. When you finally understand what works for you, everything changes and becomes much simpler. I simplify everything and bring it back to fundamentals. What is your scalp type, what is your hair type, and what is your goal. Once you understand these, you know what to use and what to avoid. If something is just a trend without real benefit, I say it directly. My audience trusts me because I do not follow hype, I follow results. I have turned down many collaborations because they did not align with my values. I cannot mislead people for profit. My goal is always real results, and I continue to educate myself across trichology, cosmetic science, and herbalism to stay true to that. The future of hair care is personalized and scalp focused. We are moving away from generic products toward customized treatments based on individual needs. I also see a shift toward more natural but effective actives, especially alternatives to harsh treatments. Hair care will become more like skincare, targeted, intentional, and science backed. At the same time, it will become more simplified. You do not need dozens of products, just the right ones. One viral hair trend I actually approve of is scalp oiling, but only when done correctly. It should not be random oils applied without understanding. When used as a targeted pre wash treatment with the right ingredients for your scalp type, it can support circulation, reduce dryness and dandruff, and improve overall scalp health. The problem is that most people do it incorrectly or use the wrong formula. When done right, it is one of the most powerful habits you can have. I love spending time with my family and friends. After a long day, nothing compares to hearing my baby laugh and being with my husband. I manage almost everything myself, from consultations and analysis to formulation and testing. Alongside that, I am continuing a new study which takes several hours each day, usually after my baby sleeps. It is a busy life, but I always make time to unwind. I return to my own routine, deep oiling my hair, taking time for myself, and disconnecting. Those quiet moments are everything. In a space filled with noise and ever changing trends, Afsennah Kalanawi brings clarity. Her work is a reminder that true transformation does not come from copying what is popular, but from understanding what is personal. By bringing the focus back to the scalp and grounding beauty in science and honesty, she is not just treating hair, she is changing the way we think about it entirely.

Tamsen Rae on cosmetic tattooing, creative instinct, and the power of subtle transformation Some artists follow trends, while others quietly shape the future of beauty through instinct, experience, and an unwavering trust in their craft. Tamsen Rae belongs to the latter. With a journey that bridges makeup artistry, tattooing, and advanced cosmetic techniques, her work is defined by a rare balance of technical precision and intuitive design. Known for creating results that feel effortless yet transformative, she approaches every face as both a canvas and a collaboration. In this exclusive feature with Meri & Rime, she shares the evolution of her career and the philosophy behind her artistry. Honestly, this was always the dream. Even as a teenager, I knew I wanted to be a cosmetic tattoo artist, but at the time the industry had not yet reached the level it is today. I did begin with an apprenticeship in tattooing, but I found myself naturally drawn toward beauty and special effects makeup. Then everything changed when microblading became more visible. At that time, very few people in Montreal were offering it, so I decided to train and step into that space. With my background in both tattooing and makeup, everything finally aligned in a way that felt natural and right. Balancing artistry with technical precision is something that comes from both skill and intuition. A lot of my process is guided by feeling rather than rigid rules. Of course, symmetry is important, but true artistry comes from creating brows that genuinely belong to someone’s face. No face is perfectly symmetrical, so I consider angles, expressions, muscle movement, and how features evolve over time. I try not to overthink the process. I trust what I see and what I feel, and that is where the best results come from. My experience in film, fashion, and bridal has shaped my work in ways that I carry with me every day. Special effects makeup, in particular, trained my eye to create subtle illusions, which translates beautifully into cosmetic tattooing. While these fields may seem very different, they complement each other in a unique way. Throughout my makeup career, I was always known for brows. They have such a powerful impact on the face, often becoming the feature that defines and elevates everything else. Helping clients feel comfortable with treatments like nano brows begins with communication. Every appointment starts with a conversation. I take time to explain the entire process and understand what the client truly wants. It is natural for people to feel both excited and nervous, especially when it involves something as personal as a face treatment. My approach is always focused on subtle and natural results, because even the smallest adjustment can create a meaningful and beautiful change. When it comes to beauty standards, I do not believe Gen Z is shaping them as much as people assume. I often see more influence coming from women who have experienced different beauty eras, especially those who lived through trends like the thin brows of the nineties. They bring a deeper understanding of what works and what lasts. There is something powerful about the confidence and knowledge that comes with experience, and that continues to inspire modern beauty in a very real way. Restorative work is something I connect with on a deeply personal level. For many clients, especially those living with scars, alopecia, or hair loss following chemotherapy or significant hormonal changes—the experience extends far beyond aesthetics. It can play a role in healing, in reclaiming a sense of self, and in moving forward. While each person’s emotional journey is unique, being able to help soften visible reminders of the past is something I genuinely value. This work is not simply about appearance; it’s about offering support in a way that feels meaningful and affirming. The future of the industry is incredibly exciting. Technology continues to evolve, bringing new tools and techniques that expand what is possible. However, no matter how advanced things become, one element will always remain essential, and that is human connection. The trust built between artist and client, the shared experience, and the understanding developed over time are things that technology cannot replace. That connection is the true foundation of this work. Rather than focusing on trends, I believe in the timeless value of enhancing what someone naturally has. Working with a person’s unique features instead of trying to change them will always remain relevant. Beauty that feels authentic never goes out of style. For me, the greatest inspiration is always the individual sitting in front of me. Each face tells its own story, and that is where the artistry begins. A perfect self care day in Montreal reflects both the energy of the city and the comfort of home. There are so many beautiful places to explore, from spas like Bota Bota to art galleries and live music spaces. But at the same time, there is something equally fulfilling about staying in, creating a calm environment, and taking time for personal rituals. That balance between external inspiration and internal peace is what truly recharges me. What often surprises people about cosmetic tattooing is how much work happens behind the scenes. It is an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and refining techniques. Beyond the artistry, there is also the reality of running a business, managing operations, staying organized, and maintaining consistency. It requires both creativity and discipline. While the creative side is what people see, the structure behind it is what sustains everything. Tamsen Rae’s approach to beauty is a quiet statement of intention, one that values authenticity over excess and connection over perfection. Her work reminds us that true transformation does not come from dramatic change, but from understanding, enhancing, and respecting what is already there. In a world that often chases trends, her perspective brings beauty back to its most meaningful form, personal, intuitive, and deeply human.