With men and women increasingly conscious of their looks, its boom time for beauty business
Photo: T. Singaravelou
Mirror mirror on the wall…At one of the salons Photo: T. Singaravelou
Ever wished to make heads turn? Don’t you like being pampered for hours? If yes, then Puducherry isn’t the wrong place to be. Puducherrians now are waking up to the importance of a well-groomed look. Big names such as L’Oreal, Lakme
and Schwarzkopf are vying to capture the beauty market.
Our nouveau riches are thronging the many salons that have sprung up in and around the town. Their unique selling propositions include space, privacy, exotic facials, therapeutic remedies and iridescent hair colouring.
The latest entrant to the town’s beauty scene is the Naturals salon on Montorsier Street (off MG Road). Naturals, a popular chain of salons in Chennai, has set up Puducherry’s first unisex salon. It is being promoted as a family salon. There are separate sections for men and women. Equipment, products and expertise are from L’Oreal and Schwarzkopf.
“Men too are becoming conscious about the way they look. Our hair treatment for men is quite popular and so are the facials. Spikes for men and straight hair for women are in vogue,” says Arthi, the managing partner of the salon.
Anil Porwal who works with Century Celcom and frequents salons in Bangalore and Mumbai is quite impressed with the wide options such as aroma, gold, chocolate, fruit and aloe vera for facials at Naturals. He says, “Normally, during summer, I go for a facial once a month. And this salon is not very different from others. The atmosphere is good and the staff are trained professionals.”
The care extends from head to toe. Besides the regular pedicures, there are special ones done with chocolate.
Another well known name in the beauty care circuit is the Lakme parlour above Nilgiris supermarket on Rangapillai Street. Opened in June last, the parlour offers peppermint facial to keep cool during summer. Thirty kinds of facials available for the discerning and separate facial rooms in the 1,800 sq. ft. salon. What’s more, manicures and pedicures are done with rose petals and milk. There is also a special French manicure in which the nails are painted with French nail polish.
Ayur Spa and Beauty and You (B&Y) in Anandha Inn too are frequented by beauty enthusiasts. Rajesh, an Ayurvedic expert from Kerala, manages Ayur, which primarily offers therapeutic treatments to help de-stress, increase blood circulation and eliminate joint pain. The day at Ayur Spa begins with the Praanaayam, to harness the healing power of Nature. The popular therapies here include the “Uzhichil” for rejuvenating the body (Rs. 1,250), Sirodhara and bundle massage. The first heals displaced nerves, joint pains, cramps and so on, and is popular with senior citizens. The second is a treatment for mental relaxation, insomnia and headache. And the third soothes muscular ailments. They also offer an anti-ageing therapy called the Herbal Bath.
B&Y has branches in Chennai and Palakkad and is run by R. Madhu Sudanan. “Our rates commensurate the international standard of service we offer,” he says. Men and women, young and old, people today are willing to splurge on beauty treatments.
PHEROZE L. VINCENT
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