Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya | May 21,2025 | Any business, when pursued with determination, ultimately leads to success. This truth is exemplified in the journey of Parul Gulati, the founder of Nish Hair. Born in Rohtak, Haryana, Parul began her career in the entertainment industry, acting in television shows and Punjabi films. Her portfolio includes popular titles such as Bandi Yuddh Ke and Girls Hostel. While she was making a name for herself on-screen, she became increasingly aware of the beauty standards and insecurities behind the scenes. Her own struggles with hair fall, combined with what she witnessed in the industry, planted the seed for Nish Hair.
This idea truly took shape in 2016, when Parul watched an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians and became fascinated by hair extensions. In India, quality extensions were either too expensive or difficult to find. So, in 2017, she decided to start making them herself. With just Rs. 30,000 worth of raw materials, Parul and her mother spent several days hand-stitching the first few pieces. The beginning was tough, they sold only three products in the first three months. Most sales happened door-to-door, and they often had to incur losses to raise awareness. But instead of giving up, Parul pushed harder. She reached out to hairstylists, experimented with social media content, and used videos and Instagram reels to connect with potential customers. Slowly, Nish Hair began to gain traction.
More Than Beauty, It Was About Empowerment
The brand began with just three offerings: clip-in bangs, halo extensions, and length enhancers. But customer feedback became the most powerful engine of growth. Parul listened to every question and concern, eventually expanding the product line to include hair toppers, wigs, buns, ponytails, and colored strands. Each product was made from 100% natural human hair. The goal was not just beauty, but empowerment. For women dealing with alopecia, post-chemotherapy hair loss, or hormonal thinning, Nish Hair’s products brought comfort and confidence. These weren’t made to hide flaws, but to celebrate beauty in all its forms.
In 2023, Parul took a bold step by appearing on Shark Tank India Season 2. Her pitch impressed the investors, and she secured Rs. 1 crore from Amit Jain, the founder of CarDekho, in exchange for 2% equity. More than just funding, this moment was a major milestone for Nish Hair. Within a few months of the episode airing, monthly sales quadrupled. What started as a homegrown brand was now expanding nationwide and entering international markets, including a flagship studio in Dubai. The momentum from Shark Tank wasn’t just about numbers, it was about credibility and reach.
When the Product Stands for Something Meaningful, You Don’t Need a Marketing Team
Parul’s marketing instincts also played a crucial role in building the brand. In 2025, she wore a strapless dress made entirely of black hair on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. Designed by stylists Mohit Rai and Riddhi Bansal, and crafted by 12 artisans over 30 days, the dress was a tribute to her brand. Though it received mixed reactions online, it accomplished what Parul intended, it sparked conversation. She believes that when your product stands for something meaningful, you don’t need a separate marketing team, you become the brand.
Today, Nish Hair is valued at over Rs. 50 crore, with more than 45 styles across categories like volume, length, coverage, and style. The company is run by an all-women team of 35 members and provides personalized services through video consultations and salon partnerships. Despite her entrepreneurial success, Parul continues to act and often says that acting is her first love, while Nish Hair is her baby. She cannot choose between the two. Her journey reminds us that success doesn’t always come overnight. Sometimes, it’s about showing up every day, listening deeply, and building something that truly makes people feel better about themselves.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
