Looking Gorgeous

Schnell Hans is Bandra’s latest salon and spa and they will very reassuring tell you that all their services are only for women. Just a small peek into their guest book and you’ll notice the long lists of praiseful comments left.  “People sometimes come in just for a pedicure but they have felt so good after the pedicure that they get a manicure or other treatments done,” says one of the attendants.

With 40 Years of International Expertise and other salons at Napean Sea Road and Colaba, Schnell Hans recently opened Bandra Salon is now the flagship salong.  In 2100 sq feet of space, it manages to offer women a variety of  treatments under  one roof – Hair, Skin, Makeup, Nails and Spa all at the hands of Experienced Specialists. A walk through the place will throw all doubts away with separate closed sections for various treatments ranging from reflexology (Rs.450), herbal facial (Rs. 600), body polish with Hydrotherapy bath (Rs. 2500), to hair cuts(Rs.300 onwards) and bridal
packages (Rs. 3500).

Director Sunita Motwani-Makhija says, “What makes our Salon in Bandra unique is that we have everything under one roof right from stone therapy to reflexology. We also have a training academy alongside which has courses in hairdressing, beauty, nail care, etc. where we provide students with practical as well as theory practice.”

So whether you’re the type who wants to learn all there is about beauty and how to look beautiful or the type that just wants to sit back and get pampered, here’s your one stop for all your needs.

Where: Shoeb Manzil, 1st fl, New Kant Wadi road, Above Old Spinach,
Contact: 26418875/22999562

Pamper Your Dog

If you can’t take your dog to the salon, now you have the choice of bringing the salon to your dog. Petsburgh is possibly the answer to many an owners’ fussy dog needs. “I started this when I couldn’t get a raincoat for one of my dogs, who is a little on the plump side. I realized that many people out there must face the same problem I do and hence Petsburgh was born,” says Andrea Cyrill-Khurana, the brainchild behind Petsburgh and their mobile van. She adds, “Our fully-loaded van offers a number of facilities, from a basic bath and groom to hair cuts, de-matting treatments, flea treatments, shed-e-cure treatments, massages and hair colouring.” Andrea, who has been trained in Australia, says that even though they currently only have one van, the response has been great.

Apart from grooming, Petsburgh also offers matrimonials for pets and a pups for sale/adoption section. Andrea adds, “We currently have information and products mainly for cats and dogs but we assure you that we will be adding products and services for other pets very soon.”

ON OFFER

* Basic grooming bathing, drying, brushing, nail clipping, eye and ear cleaning: Rs.500 onwards
* Tick and flea treatment Rs.585 onwards
* Full body trim (includes basic bathing and grooming): Rate depends on the size of dog and length of coat

* Shed-e-cure removal of dead undercoat: Rate varies
* De-matting removal of stubborn knot: Rate varies
* Hair colouring: Rate varies

Monsoon mane and style tips

The rains are here so you can finally have an official culprit for your bad hair days. But, if you’re mane worry is your hair; we suggest you follow these tips from Rohit Daya, expert stylist from L’Oreal, on how to tame your hair this monsoon. Rohit says, “If your hair gets wet in the rains it’s not necessary to wash it, since it won’t get damaged. But if you feel it’s gotten dirty then try to, because the rains are the perfect time for nits and lice to flourish.” Rick Roy also gives us some style tips.

FOR LONG HAIR:

Hair is super frizzy this time of year so make sure to use some product to tame the fly always and frizz. You should use a light mousse as well as a shine serum. Rohit recommends you try: Lisse Ultime. If all else fails tie it up and use a hairband.

FOR SHORTER HAIR:

Opt for a cream that offers some control and a serum to tame the stubborn frizz. Use a lot of clips to keep it in shape. Wetter, lighter, unkempt looks are in.

STRICTLY AVOID:

Any sort of chemical treatment. This is the worst time to bond or perm your hair.

BEAUTY TIPS:

Celebrity stylist Rick Roy gives us some tips beauty essentials for the rains. For women, waterproof mascara is a must. Don’t buy smaller brands as they aren’t as effective. Try L’Oreal or MAC. Keep your face properly cleansed as this is perfect time for fungal infections, use a good face wash- try the Indian brands as they are better suited. Avoid dolling up too much because make up will run. Instead, keep it fresh and clean.

In terms of clothes and footwear opt for bright colours to contrast with the gloom.

AVOID:

White! It’s just a bad idea. Flip flops are a no-no because they will stain any outfit with muck.

Calling all “True Fashionistas”

It’s always a nice feeling when you see youth creating an identity for themselves and starting a career in a field that they love. Inbandra caught up two such ladies Neha Ahuja(22) and Nisha Hoodani(19) who have both worked in the fashion industry and are launching their own designer brand named ‘Label N’. Nisha says, “Label N is for all the fashionistas who understand true fashion. It’s a young and fresh line where we’ve experimented with cuts and construction which enhances your body”. These girls have got a whole range of readymade garments like tunics, kurtis, kaftans, shirts and ruffled tops in a variety of sizes and colours and also do custom made outfits as well.

To generate an ultra-feminine charm, you can indulge in their range of accessories including bling lockets, beaded necklaces and earrings. And for the men they’ve got a range of stylish shirts in linens and cottons in stripes, classic whites & blacks, pinks, greens, skins n much more. Neha says, “Each garment has its own inspiration. Our aim is to make our clients feel comfortable in our garments and it should also be easy on their pockets”.

Go and check out their outfits and accessories at Out of the Blue, Saturday and Sunday June 6th and 7th , Contact them on
Neha- 9867195888 and Nisha- 9833690112

– Rommel Albuquerque

Hello Ladies!

Which girl doesn’t enjoy getting pampered? But, we’re not sure if she’d choose ‘Hair and skin studio Salon’ (yes we wish the owner thought about the name) for some feminine pampering. Located next to Mini Punjab, Salon is barely two weeks old so in terms of service and décor, it leaves a lot to be desired. You can get a trim for Rs 180 and a proper haircut (they promise chic) in Rs 500. A full body wax will come at the cost of Rs 450 and the epitome of pampering, manicure and pedicure will cost you about Rs 475. We can’t vouch for any treatment as we are yet to find someone brave enough who has made it to Salon. If you think of being the first, do let us know how much you liked it.
Where: Shop 4, next to  Mini Punjab, Contact: 9870208208

– Shilpa Rao

Wanna Peel Pretty?

Before you can wonder what you can eat here. Don’t. “If people can wear Mango and Banana Republic why not Onion,” says owner Sangeeta Tomar. And Onion Peel is a perfectly acceptable vegetable and an even better store (plus points for not inducing tears). The simple store is elegantly done up and this translates into the clothes that are here. Sophisticated colours and sexy cuts are predominant and thankfully the sizes are for real ladies. “We can also custom make clothes for larger sizes,” adds Sangeeta. She also stocks a nice collection of leather products including frames, little tea cups and other home accessories. The price is pretty reasonable and a good “going out” dress would cost you Rs.2000 and above. Onion Peel is worth checking out.

Where: 28th Road, Gurunanak Park, Near Tavaa

“How much for that watch?” – “One handbag, please”

In these tight financial times it seems that bartering is a great way to get new stuff and save on money. And now, there’s an organised system where you can do so, it’s called Barter Road.

Sapna Bhavnani says, “I love the concept of barter and I am constantly trading handbags, digital watches etc for haircuts in the past.” So, Sapna and her boyfriend Arijit Datta decided to take the bartering a notch up.

She says, “We started Barter Road to encourage people to barter and it’s really picking up. Soon, we will also be having live swap meets with live music and beer to encourage more people to trade.”

BARTERS: A sound card

Anushka Anand

“This is my first Barter deal and it’s gone amazingly well. I’m already looking for other stuff. The idea is great and the economics involved are really interesting. It’s a great idea considering the current market situation too.”

But what you trade need not be only goods. Sapna says, “You can trade skill too. The process is easy. Post what you have and what you want in return and people get back to you.” Right now Sapna is striking her own barter deal, she says, “A Dj mixer for speakers!”

Sapna was inspired by her other successful online project called Blacklist. She explains, “Blacklist is a bible for people in the industry. It’s a reference point for people to check up on companies that don’t pay either on time or at all. A lot of people have come forward and companies feel the pressure of getting blacklisted. I’m really proud of this one.”

For vocal lessons

Suman Shridhar

“People think it’s a crazy idea but the best part is that it actually works! The concept is fabulous and it just needed a kick in the right direction. If you’re broke and want something, go to Barter Road.”

BARTERS: A sound card BARTERS: A sound car

Muah!

As the name suggests Muah is the perfect place to head to before heading out for an evening of air kisses. Located on Kantwadi Road (where Magic used to be) this salon is pretty basic and clean as far as interiors are concerned. Non-cluttered and minimal but with a cute little outdoor patio where waiting patrons can sit. The salon specializes in make-up and hair (Muah… geddit?) and offers services such as haircuts, styling, extensions, make up and more. Ryan who runs the salon along with his wife, is also a straightening specialist and will be able to fix the most damaged straightened hair and make it look natural. Muah is reasonably priced at Rs.400 onwards for cuts and Rs.500 onwards for extensions. Where: Kantwadi Road, near Magnet, Contact: 9821206654

– Glynda Alves

Naughty by Nature

How many salons have a tree bang in the center? (So what if it’s fake). Naughty By Nature is a fun salon that has recently opened up in suburb, where Bandra beauties can get their quick make up fix. The salon specializes in hair, make up and nails. Nail extensions will cost Rs.1400 onwards, whereas nail art will set you back a minimum of Rs.250. The more elaborate the design the more it will cost. They also do the basic manicure, pedicure (RS.180), haircuts etc. The salon also does make up for parties, bridal etc. But make sure to book a sitting at least three days in advance. The salon’s décor is definitely their strong point, warm, cozy and quirky all at the same time. So if you can get over the acetone smell head to Naughty By Nature to pamper yourself.

Where: 16th Rd, near Hawaiian Shack, Contact: 26002264

– Glynda Alves

Mane Event

As the name suggests this unisex salon’s main forte is hair(mane) and they treat each job as if it were an important event. Co-owned by two sisters Anjali Firasta and Anita Ahuja, who have been in the business for 20yrs, the salon specialises in colouring, cutting, styling, bonding, and other beauty services. They’ve also started acrylic nails with glitter, permanent nail polish, tailor made therapeutic treatments and the latest hit is their Sole therapy. Anjali says, “People love our salon because we’re very hygienic, we give each customer personalized service and make them feel at home. We also have a great membership program where you pay Rs 600 for a year and get 20% off on all services.” Now you know where to go to get pampered and look beautiful. Where: Mane event, 4 Firdous Apts, Dr. Ambedkar road, next to eye world, Contact: 26056659

– Rommel Albuquerque