Nish Hair, founded by actress-turned-entrepreneur Parul Gulati, has transformed the hair extension industry in India. Known for offering high-quality, natural-looking hair extensions, Nish Hair gained nationwide attention after appearing on Shark Tank India Season 2.
The company, which started with minimal capital, is now worth over ₹50 crore. But the journey wasn’t easy; Gulati struggled to make just ₹40,000 in the first year. Her inspiring story is a testament to perseverance, strategic branding, and the power of social media.
Who Is Parul Gulati?
Parul Gulati, a well-known actress and now a successful businesswoman, started Nish Hair to solve a personal problem. Struggling with hair-thinning issues and finding limited quality options in India, she decided to create her brand of clip-in extensions, toppers, and wigs.
Gulati had no formal business training but used her acting career and social media presence to market Nish Hair. She credits her success to Instagram Reels and word-of-mouth marketing, which helped the brand grow rapidly before even investing in paid advertisements.
The Shark Tank India Pitch
Parul Gulati appeared on the final episode of Shark Tank India Season 2, presenting Nish Hair to the sharks in a confident and compelling manner.
She sought an investment of ₹1 crore for 2% equity, valuing the company at ₹50 crore. Her pitch impressed the sharks with its combination of emotional storytelling and solid business numbers.
Investment Details
- Amit Jain, co-founder of CarDekho, was the shark who invested in Nish Hair.
- The final deal closed at ₹1 crore for 2% equity, keeping the company’s valuation at ₹50 crore.
- Jain was impressed with the brand’s organic growth and its strong direct-to-consumer model.
Parul’s pitch stood out because of her clear vision, strong branding, and deep personal connection to the product.
Post-Shark Tank Growth & Success
After Shark Tank India, Nish Hair saw an explosion in sales. Parul revealed that her company’s sales quadrupled (4x) in just a few months after the show aired. The brand expanded its marketing efforts, now actively investing in Google ads and influencer collaborations while continuing to leverage Instagram as a key sales driver.
- Nish Hair now employs 36 women, making it one of India’s first women-led hair extension brands.
- It has expanded internationally, recently launching in Dubai.
- The company now offers a wide range of extensions, from clip-ins to customized wigs for people experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.
Parul acknowledges the power of Shark Tank India in legitimizing her brand and attracting a larger audience:
The show really transformed my company. My sales got 4X times after Shark Tank. – Parul Gulati
Was This a Good Deal for the Shark?
For Amit Jain, Nish Hair appears to be a smart investment. The company was already profitable, had a loyal customer base, and benefited from Parul’s personal branding and influencer marketing.
- Jain’s 2% stake is now worth over ₹1 crore, meaning he has likely already seen a return on his investment.
- Given the rapid growth and expansion into international markets, Nish Hair has the potential to become a ₹100 crore brand shortly.
Compared to other Shark Tank India deals, this one stands out due to low risk and high scalability, thanks to the direct-to-consumer model and strong brand loyalty.
Business Lessons from Nish Hair’s Success
- Authentic Storytelling Matters – Parul’s connection to the brand made her pitch more relatable and impactful.
- Leverage Social Media Early – Nish Hair grew through organic marketing before spending on ads.
- Solving a Real Problem Wins – The brand’s focus on high-quality, natural hair extensions filled a market gap.
- Resilience is Key – From making ₹40,000 in the first year to building a ₹50 crore business, Parul never gave up.
Conclusion
Nish Hair’s rise from a small startup to a multi-crore company is an inspiration for Indian entrepreneurs. With a passionate founder, a strong product, and a Shark Tank boost, the brand is on track for even bigger success.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a Shark Tank fan, Parul Gulati’s journey proves that hard work, strategy, and a great pitch can change everything.