Mumbai, the home of Bollywood, is India’s most glamorous city, with hundreds of socialites and film stars and even more struggling actresses and models. The people you see out on the streets on a daily basis are not the beauty-conscious social butterflies, but you can spot fashionable stars and starletts at swanky night clubs in places like Juhu, Bandra, and Colaba. In these and other high society circles, beauty centers around impeccable make-up, hair, and nails. Hair removal and eyebrows are de rigueur and even small hole-in-the-wall parlours will have a person specially trained in waxing and threading.
You’ll find plenty of beauty clinics and salons with internationally trained, English-speaking staff for hair cuts and coloring, facials, pedicure, and manicures. While salons are more expensive than the common parlours, keeping yourself looking stylish and well groomed will cost you a fraction of what you would pay in similar facilities abroad. A haircut and shampoo in an ultra hip salon such as Toni and Guy will cost about Rs 900 or $20.00.
Most beauty salons also offer a range of spa treatments. A typical spa menu includes traditional Ayurvedic therapies and massages, aromatherapy, acupressure, Swedish and Thai massages, and reflexology. Masseurs will allow you a choice of oils and some also offer home-made body scrubs and face masks.
You can call ahead to book an appointment, though walk-ins are gladly accepted at most places.
If you prefer, you can pay a masseuse or masseur to come to your home for $15.00 to $25.00 an hour. Hire someone who comes highly recommended, and fix a price beforehand. Tip only if you like the service.
Kaya Skin Clinic
Locations in Malad West, Juhu, Andheri West, Bandra West, Fort, Worli, Malabar Hill
http://www.kayaclinic.com
Facials, laser hair removal, Botox. Stores open between 9:00 am and 11:00 am and close at 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm depending on the location. English speaking staff.
Dermalogica
16 Alaknanda Building, Nepeansea Road, Malabar Hill
Phone: 2368-2548
http://dermalogicaindia.com
Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Excellent imported skin care products and facials. English speaking staff.
Club Oasis Fitness Centre & Spa
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Santacruz
Phone: 6676-1234
Very stylish. Expensive. Each private treatment suite has its own shower, changing area, and steam and sauna rooms. The Spa offers exotic massages and body treatments and is open to local memberships. English speaking staff.
Anil Pandya
Home Visit
Phone: 98 9217-3656
Email: anilpandya@rediffmail.com
Marma masseuer comes to your home to give full body massages. Send an SMS to book an appointment or send an email. Charges Rs 1500 for a two-hour massage. Speaks English.
Shiivaz
Mohammedbhai Mansion, Cumballa Hill Hospital Lane, Kemp’s Corner
Phone: 2389 6001
Balinese massages by masseuses. New equipment. Body treatments, wraps, and scrubs. Expensive. English speaking staff.
Spatika
509, Jai-Niketan, 16th road, Khar
Opposite Camy Wafers
Phone: 40064006 or 40064007
Unisex day spa and salon. Facials, hair cuts, perms, manicures, pedicures, massages, hydro-therapies. English speaking staff.
Jean-Claude Biguine
68 Chapel Road, Bandra West
Phone: 6522 2211
French hair stylists. Good service. English speaking staff.
Toni & Guy
207/208 Allied Bungalow, Ground Floor, St John’s Road, Bandra West
Phone: 2640 0163
http://www.toniandguy.com
Internationally branded hair salon. English speaking staff.
Nalini and Yasmin
Locations in Andheri West, Juhu, and Bandra West
http://www.nalini.in
Hair cuts and coloring for men and women, manicures, pedicures, facials, scalp treatments, massages. English speaking staff.
