Spa on your tips

Spas are not just about body massages… Nail, hand, foot, and hair spas are the new-age reality for urban women keen to be perfectly groomed. Read on to know what you should look out for if you decide to venture in.

Nail Spas
Their Expertise… Don't get baffled. Scherezaad Panthaki, owner of a premier nail spa in Mumbai*, explains, 'A nail spa is different from a beauty parlour. At a regular salon, they offer various treatments; they're not specialised in any one aspect.

At a nail spa, all the energy, time and investment is focused on nails. However, before you venture into a nail spa, check how much experience your nail technician has - this might also explain why some places are more expensive than others. The cost of a session may go up to Rs 3,500; and treatments can stretch for over 2 1/2 hours.'

Why should you go for it?
Scherezaad says, 'Treatments such as pedicures for fungal infections and ingrown toenails are not standard procedures. A nail technician will know about the nail biology. Also, procedures such as nail extensions need to be done by specialised experts. If a technician is careless, she can damage your nails permanently.' Arpit Sharma, the COO of a newly launched nail spa in Delhi, says, 'The difference between a salon and a nail spa is the same as going to a restaurant for desserts, or going to an eatery specialising only in desserts.'