This is monsoon we are talking about. And my hair were basically in a mess. They seemed like a weird, tangled mass of straw. And the newly launched salon at Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, turned out to be my saviour! Invited for a review, I was delighted as I went ahead to get a Kérastase hair ritual for my sorry hair.
Located inside the Imperial Spa, the salon has a separate area earmarked for itself. The design is more contemporary and modern as compared to the spa. Having said that, you can still see a glimpse here and there of a Mughal influenced mirror or a little stone bowl with small spoons in it which remind you of the Ayurvedic roots of the spa.
I was introduced to my therapist, Kaushal, and I resigned the fate of my hair to him. Starting with the diagnosis, Kaushal checked the quality of my hair and scalp and I could see them zoomed up with my own eyes. I must say I cringed to see my non-healthy scalp, but well, that’s what I was here to improve!
Based on my conditions, Kaushal recommended two rituals – one was the Cleasing Ritual to remove excess oil from my scalp and the other was a Smoothening Ritual to condition ad settle down my dry hair. After changing, I was led to the wash area where Kaushal took ample time to wash and condition my hair and scalp with Kérastase products. While his hands massaged and cleansed my hair thoroughly, the chair I was sitting in massaged my back fluidly. Bliss!
After the wash, I was directed to another area. Kaushal made a paste with some oelium drops in it (I was told that this is a highly nutritious complex and just a few drops are enough). He took a few strands and started applying it. What struck me was the way he applied it. After application, he would whip that group of hair with extremely quick motion of hands. It was mesmerizing to see his repeated motions like watching some magic trick! It was pure art happening right in front of the mirror!
To talk a little more about the salon itself, there was some amazing herbal tea with honey always on call. The salon menu was not just restricted to Kérastase. Apart from other usual salon services, you can demand effective facial therapies with Natura Bisse products or a make-up regime with Yves Saint Laurent. Bridal packages were on offer as well. Men had a separate area dedicated to them, but I must add that the women’s area was much better. It was more open, spacious and filled with beautiful natural light.
As Kaushal continued with the drill, he chatted quite freely about his previous workplaces and his extensive work experience with Kérastase products. The Imperial Spa and Salon director, Ms Jacqueline Tara Hoon, confirmed this when she came over to say hello. Kaushal proceeded to give me some tips on how I could take better care of my sadly frizzy hair. So now you know who to ask for when you go for your treatment!
Another wash and a blow dry later, my hair never, ever felt so brilliant! And when I came out of the salon, a good friend exclaimed, “Woah! What did you do? Your hair look so gorgeous!” It was all I needed to sail gleefully through the day…
Coordinates: The Imperial, 1, Janpath, New Delhi, India | Phone: +91-11 – 23341234, 41501234
