A French Affair

At Mumbai’s Jean-Claude Biguine Salon & Spa, experience a variety of services that are as luxurious as they are effective.

FOR ME, THE TRANSITION FROM the cold winter to the blazing summer means dry, dehydrated skin, frizzy hair (a la Monica from Friends), and feet that need a pick-me-up after being confined to sneakers and boots all winter long. So, I’m at the Jean-Claude Biguine Salon & Spa at Malad to get myself summer ready.

It is an easy-breezy Thursday at the salon, with hairstylists and pedicurists talking nineteen to a dozen with their clients. I settle down for my head-to-toe treatments that are specific to my skin, hair, and feet types. I opt to start with the ‘Biguine Bio Aqua’ facial (with PHYT’S products). The welcome massage is slow and soothing, carefully building up the tempo to keep my skin soft. The massage is followed by a quick cleanse—my makeup is removed and skin is toned, after which the facialist applies the PHYT’S Gommage Contact Plus Scrub. After a thorough scrub, a 20-minute steam session that makes my skin glow follows. A hydrating serum is then applied, and with each pat on the face, the lightweight concoction seeps in beautifully, adding a much-needed flush and smoothness. After a 10-minute break, a peel-off mask is applied on the face. Then, a finishing cream is applied to seal in the moisture and retain the plumpness while enhancing the skin texture. My skin feels cleansed, hydrated, and smooth.

The ‘Moroccan Moisture’ therapy is next in line for my dull hair (with a side of oily scalp). The treatment begins with a simple procedure using the Moroccanoil Oily Scalp Treatment, an argan oil-infused treatment that works on balancing oiliness and soothing the scalp. Once the serum is applied, the hairstylist allows it to sink in for about two minutes before starting a relaxing massage. Later, a hair wash leaves my hair shiny, revitalised, and healthy-looking. The 90-minute session has the stylist using a repair mask that adds intense hydration to the hair, making it more manageable.

The day comes to a close with an effective ‘Bespoke Pedicure’ by Footlogix, a customised treatment. After a soothing wash and clean-up, the pedicurist massages my ankles and feet, and then I enjoy a soothing lavender foot soak. Moisturised to perfection and prepped, my feet, and my glowing skin and bouncy hair give me all the motivation I need to face the summer! biguineindia.co.in

Clockwise from right: The nails station at Jean-Claude Biguine Salon & Spa, Malad; the entrance to the salon; a massage room; the hair stations at the salon.