Salons with a serene feel

Two new salons have recently opened in downtown Bangkok aiming to offer ladies all the pampering they desire. One focuses on the hair, while the other looks after those often forgotten nails.

At "The Gallery: Luxury Green Salon", guests will not find hard water, chemical styling product residue or noise pollution from hair dryers. Here every process from the shampoo, blow dry, cut, colour, perms, or treatments, is luxuriously applied with ammoniafree, Chi hair products from US, a filtered water system for cleansing, and a negative ions blow dryer that produces low noise.

Locate on the ground floor of Gaysorn shopping centre, the Gallery feels just like an art gallery thanks to the 17 acrylic paintings on its wall, which are inspired by the lucky meaning of 17 Tarot cards. Marketing director Puthapol Pumeputh says he believes the service and products will make a big difference to customers. The hair salon has dedicated one section to ladies who prefer privacy as well as to Arab customers.

"In term of decoration, the mirrors are framed in Louis style to reflect the fabulous styling of the customers. In term of products, the salon focus on both the personal and environmental care of customers, the hair stylists and our staff," he says.

"The Chi label is certified by US Food and Drug Administration and is ammoniafree. It contains natural ingredients such as silk protein, pearl, white truffle and olive oil. We also utilise Chi's innovative devices like the blow dryer, which dries from the inside out, with up to 50 percent faster drying while reducing frizz and static electricity," Puthapol adds.

 Asked about the latest trends in hair styling, Chalit Wongjan says three looks are in: the "undercut" style for short hair, which is very modern. Curly hair or the Farah style is the goal for long hair while the 'Brazilian Blowout' is a great natural look for those with frizzy hair.

For an elegant manicure and pedicure, head over to Nail etc (All about nails and accessories) in Amari Residence on Soi Soonvijai, New Phetchaburi Road. Owner Piyawan Charanachitta says her aim is to be sure all her customers receive satisfaction and wonderful service.

"As I used to be a customer, I want my clients to get what is best for them. I put myself in their shoes," says Piyawan.

"I don't want the shop to be too girlie, I want the customers to feel at ease and relax with the treatment as well as the environment", she adds. "All the staff here are professionally trained in the OPI method".

Nail etc, is an OPI licensee and most of the products used in the salon are from the leader in professional nail care. However, highend brand nail polishes such as Chanel, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent are also available at the shop.

"We give priority to OPI but of course customers have their preferences on the colours and brands. As I travelled overseas a lot, I will buy one or two non OPI nail polishes to offer customers a something different," says the 30yearold entrepreneur.

Nails treatments vary from normal nail paint and 2D or 3D art paints to the fancy acrylic method as well as the trendy hot shatter nail polish that is so popular amongst many Hollywood stars such as Katy Perry. Gaining in popularity is the "spiritual" colour, organic nail polishes made to favour the nature lover.

The feet don't miss out either. Customers can enjoy relaxing in a luxury armchair while having someone massaging and scrubbing their hands and foot at the same time. For a real touch of luxury, try the paraffin hand and foot masks for healthy and soft looking skin.

"Customers who come here will not only get good service from us but we also give them nail caring tips and advice," says Piyawan.