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Home » December 2009 » Just Chill » Story

In vogue

Sumaiya Khan

Winter is here and the party season has begun. The weekend is lined with invitations but you aren't ready to step out thanks to the weather wreaking havoc on your skin and hair. Ditch that gloom and try these new treatments to fix all your beauty woes.

1. Spa parties
If you are torn between meeting your girlfriends or heading to a spa this weekend, why not combine the two? Yes, that's exactly what spa parties are all about. Get yourself and your friends pampered with treatments at the spa, interspersed with organic bites and health drinks.

Depending on your budget, add-ons could include a culinary demonstration by a chef, a small crafts bazaar or maybe even a yoga or pilates session by a trainer. Arrangements are usually made for about six to 20 guests.

It's the ideal way to relax and catch up if you are pressed for time.
Average Cost Rs 2,500 - 6,000 per person

2. Reflexology
This ancient healing tradition is based on the principle that there are reflex points in the hands and feet relative to every part of the body. Accordingly, thumb or fingertip pressure is applied to these points without the use of oils and lotions.

The blissfully relaxing massage not only stimulates body processes and relieves pain but also improves blood circulation.

Usually done as a part of a longer oil massage it takes only 15 to 20 minutes.

Average Cost Rs 500 - 800
Is only a natural healing therapy that should not be substituted for medical care.

3. Thermage
The thought of getting rid of sagging skin without having to go under the knife may have sounded too good to be true but not anymore. This non-surgical procedure uses radio waves to heat the collagen in the skin causing it to contract and thicken and also tricks the body into producing more collagen over a period of time, tightening the skin.

It requires only an hour-long sitting at a medispa or a cosmetic clinic though complete results may take about six to nine months to appear.

Average Cost Rs 1,20,000 for one sitting
The procedure must only be done by qualified medical practitioners.

4. Caviar Facials
If medical procedures are not your thing, here's a completely natural ingredient to take years off your face a la Catherine Zeta Jones-caviar. Scientifically, the cell structure of caviar is very similar to human collagen and so when applied, has a regenerative effect.

The age-defying treatment lasts 45 minutes and includes cleansing, exfoliation and a face pack with real caviar extract products. The facial is ideal before a special occasion as it's so gentle.

Average Cost Rs 5,000
Since caviar is a seafood, it could be allergenic. Test before trying.

5. Hypoxi
Besides the diet and exercise regimen you've been subjecting yourself to, here's a quicker way to shed kilos. Since the body only burns fat it can access, Hypoxi is targeted body shaping that ensures blood circulation to fatty deposits during an easy cardio training programme.

As you step into the machine and begin exercising, a vacuum is created inside that directs blood to the fatty tissues and helps to burn them. So while you exercise for the same amount of time, your weight loss rate is accelerated.

Average Cost Rs 2,500 for an hourlong session, a minimum of 12 sessions required.
It is not a substitute for exercise and diet and requires consultation from an expert before you start.

6. Body Wrap
Think grapes, wines, saffron and chocolate. No we aren't talking about a gourmet dinner. These are the exotic ingredients you can wrap your body in the next time you want to indulge. You can pick the lotus wrap as it's rich in anti-oxidants, neutralises pollutants and rehydrates the skin while the titanium content in it acts as a natural sunscreen.

Or try the luxurious Vinotherapy where wine and grape mixtures are used in wraps, scrubs and baths that soothe inflammation and repair damaged skin.

Body soaks with henna leaves that are natural astringents are the other it thing and no you do not come out looking orange as it lasts only 20 minutes.

Average Cost Rs 1,900 - 4,000
Make sure you are not allergic to any of the natural ingredients used.

7. Fish Foot Therapy
This is one treatment you can enjoy with your better half. While the two of you sit with your feet soaked in a tank full of the Turkish Garra Rufa fish, relax as the omnivores nibble away the dead skin off your feet. The fish only feed on disease inflicted and dead cells while at the same time produce an enzyme, Dithranol, that rejuvenates the skin.

The treatment lasts about 15 minutes followed by a five-minute foot massage. You can also combine it with a neck and shoulder massage and since it's available in malls, if you are dropping from shopping, recharge yourself and head back with a vengeance.

Average Cost Rs 390 - 550
There is a possibilty of transmitting fungal and bacterial infections.

8. Detox Diets
Before you jump onto the Internet and find one for yourself, here's what you must know. Detox diets largely mean eliminating certain unhealthy foods eaten on a daily basis while including protective ones to help the body rid itself of waste and toxic materials.

Often misinterpreted, women usually starve themselves to detoxify. But experts now suggest adding wholesome fruits, vegetables and nuts and increasing fluid intake on a regular basis rather than following a short dietary plan as the more effective detoxification.

Average Cost Rs 5,000 - 15,000 for diet consultation
A detox plan must be supervised by a dietician or a nutritionist.

9. Nail Art
With nail art becoming so popular, there are specialised parlours now that offer to enhance your nails with everything from paint, gel, glitter and even Swarovski crystals. And if you aren't naturally blessed with those long, feminine ones, there are artificial nails that can be glued on to make up for it. Once done, the art lasts about two weeks and a break is suggested every six weeks to let the nails breathe.

Average Cost Rs 500 - 3,500
They are high maintenance and prolonged use damages natural nails.

10. Hair Extensions
Always wanted to sport that Jennifer Aniston hairstyle but don't have the mane to? It's hair extensions to the rescue. Available in almost every colour, texture or length, they let you have just the kind of hair you want.

The method involves taking small amounts, about 20 to 50 strands of natural or synthetic extension hair that are attached to small sections of your own natural hair by either weaving in, heat fusing, gluing, clamping with metal rods or using waxes and polymers. After care is simple, as they are washed and treated like natural hair and last about four to five months. So go ahead, experiment, taking family and friends by surprise.

Average Cost Rs 4, 500 - 7, 000 for permanent extensions, Rs 500 for temporary ones that last a week or two.
The extensions attached with glue can cause thinning or damage to hair.

Beat dry skin this winter

Keep your skin feeling soft and supple with these tips.

There’s a chill in the air and you need to protect your skin from the effects of dry air and warm water baths that strip the skin of its oils. Try these simple tips to stay moisturised.

The easiest thing to do is to apply moisturiser on freshly-washed skin rather than on dry skin.

Prevention advisor and columnist Dr Rekha Sheth cautions against long hot water baths/showers. “Use lukewarm water instead; pat dry and immediately apply a body lotion,’’ says Sheth. Plus, chuck drying bar soaps; foam up with bath gels. Cheers to this winter!

If it's short, it's hot

Bollywood beauties have gone bolder than ever before —by putting the scissor to their mane. Here’s why they’re doing it.

He winds of change are blowdrying their way through Bol-lywood and causing tinsel-town's leading ladies to stepout of the box with bold newlooks. If Bollywood celebri-ties are ones to make and break trends,then there is trouble brewing for loversof long hair.

In the past few months, abevy of beauties have visited their styl-ists and lopped off their lovely Indianlocks and in the process set forth awhole new trend of short hair. Victoria Bekham also made the news recentlyfor a new cropped hair style, which wasdeclared by fashion critics as her best look sofar. It is no surprise then thatIndian celebrities are also learn-ing the power of a great Bob. The most recent celebrity totrim her life of ‘excess baggage’is none other than DeepikaPadukone. Just this past weekshe showed off her new hairstyle, a sleek layered look thatcompliments her features andmakes her look years younger.While her hair is still on thelongish side, it is now a moremanageable shoulder grazinglength.

Deepika acknowledgedthat the decision to take theplunge and join the short hairclub was a daunting one. In aninterview to the press duringpromotions for her new film Karthik Calling Karthik, shesaid that the last time shechopped off her hair was whenshe was eight and the new lookwas a move she put a lot ofthought into. When asked about the fact thatall her hair care endorsementswere bagged on the fact that shehad a luscious mane, Deepikasaid “It’s ok, I like it this waynow. Change is good.

”Similarly, Priyanka Chopra,Lara Dutta, Celina Jaitley andRakhi Sawant have all been spot-ted with short hair in the recentpast. For the fashion forward, it’sbeen a welcome change from theone look (dark long hair fluffedup with rollers) suits all rolesmantra that has ruled the glam-our industry, and the Indian psy-che, for so long. Hair stylist Adhuna Akhtar,who has been responsible for alot of the fabulous new cuts onIndian celebrities (including thatof Deepika’s) acknowledges it isno easy task convincing womento chop off their locks. She says:“I personally feel that long hair isso much a part of our culture and tradition, that is perhaps why women are often reluctant to cut it off. However there are many times when women just want to hold onto it for the sake of it.”

The fact that actresses are cutting their hair short is a monumental shift in celebrity style as previously the top rung of Bollywood stuck to a wig and hair pieces to get new looks. The stars were simply not ready to cut their much talked about Indian tresses fearing a backlash by producers, advertisers and the masses.

Remember Bipasha Basu’s sleek bob a couple of years back? While the striking modern look was applauded by the fashion forward, Bipasha had reverted to her long locks, courtesy of hair extensions, within a fortnight.

While she said it was because she missed her long hair, the rumours of disapproval from her directors were accepted as the reason for the quick flip flop back and forth.

According to Ruchi Mehta, Creative Director R’s Miracle, who has been trimming tresses in the capital for over 15 years, there are advantages to breaking away from the mold. Unlike dropping to a size zero or starting a new relationship, which take a fair amount of effort and can invoke harsh criticism by the media, cutting hair is one of the key ways to stand out and get noticed in the cut- throat movie industry. She says, “ when someone gets a new look, it creates a lot of buzz and a great haircut is immediately noticed and commented on. Overnight your picture gets carried on front pages around the country. Remember Preity Zinta in Dil Chata Hai ? Her look was completely revolutionary and revealed a modern upper class appeal to the masses for the first time.”

Another reason Mehta believes that actresses are more willing to cut their hair these days is because of new techniques and treatments available to them, not only are there more options, but they don’t have to live with a cut they don’t like for too long. She says, “ In the past, if you had a bad cut then you had to wait for it to grow out, nowadays one can just use temporary or permanent hair extensions to change the look from one day to another.’ C ASE in point, Lara Dutta, who has been sporting more hair styles than Madonna in the recent past. The actress, who has kept her hair chin length for a number of roles, including Partner and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is seen with long hair one day and short hair the next.

Stylists to the stars also say that many of them are more willing to experiment with new looks as the technical abilities of hair dressers is finally at an international level. Stylists are now superbly trained to work with a clients facial features, hair texture and lifestyle. Everything is taken into account when giving a new look.

According to Akhtar, the life style of celebrities, who are now not just indian stars, but global icons, mean that indian stylists also have to up their game in order to be favoured by the stars.

As stars do a lot of research before going for a new look, stylists also need to do their homework if they want to be favoured by celebrities. She says, “ these days a client looks for a stylist that is willing to listen. One should be prepared to answer their questions about likes and dislikes, how much time they have to spend on their hair at home and what kind of products and tools they use. Also they take a look at the way the stylists own hair is.” But as drastic changes to appearance are a relatively new phenomenon, the sudden influx of celebrities sporting chin grazing lengths is surprising. While some might say that these trips to the hair salon are a means to express ones’ personal style, so is the availability of character driven roles. Women in cinema are now able to create new stereotypes of the modern Indian woman.

While the development of more in- depth characters in cinema is one reason the leading ladies are able to go for new looks, fashion photographer Hemant Khandelwal, who has worked with many top actresses, including Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu and Celina Jaitley, for add campaigns and personal portfolios, says that cutting of their long locks, could be a way to let the world know that they have arrived. He says,” when girls enter the industry, they are encouraged to keep long hair as it is more versatile to work with and one can create many looks. But all these actresses, who were formerly models, are now doing well and are bigger than brands they endorse or characters they play.”

Priyanka Chopra’s new layered look is perfect for heroval face as it balances her already stunningfeatures. This look is one that can be carried off bywomen of all ages and facial types.

Lara Dutta is a chameleon when it comes to her hair.She regularly switches from long to short but alwayshas an off centre part to even out the square shap.