If Bandra lets its hair down this weekend, there’ll be a legion of aestheticians to comb, cut and crimp it. The suburb recently got two new salons – UK-based Saks at Waterfield Road and celebrity hairstylist Sapna Bhavnani’s latest Mad O Wot hair studio.

One Sapna, Many Dreams

Those who went to Sapna’s weekend launch saw stars, as well as a fun space (see image) with crazy lamps that the hairstylist crafted herself (order them here). Relocated from its previous Bandra address, Mad O Wot now sits atop Yellow Tree Cafe, which means you can get a yum glass of sangria on your way down. Would you like some wine with your manes?

Saks In The City

Saks on the other hand is more corporate, with a Jean Claude Biguine-ish look, feel and partly-poached staff. They offer a whole range of services and a plush two floor space separated by a claustrophobia-inducing elevator. On the ground floor, men and women can get their hair treated to pretty much anything, with pricey cuts ranging between Rs 800 to Rs 2,500. Upstairs, your body can either be waxed or massaged – S&Mers can mix the two up – in pretty, clean rooms.

We took our nails up to the mani-pedi lounge, opting for an express manicure (Rs 400). The staff was accommodating considering we didn’t have a prior appointment, but then again, it was a Tuesday morning. This quick manicure consisted of a 25 minute ritual in a comfy massage chair, complete with TV remote and coffee. Our nail aesthetician Aatish (ex JCB) seemed to know exactly what he was doing, giving advice on practical, at-home cuticle care as he trimmed, filed and buffed. The only thing that stood out amid all the sophisticated equipment was the rudimentary plastic bowl (with half the tag scratched off) that we had to dip our hands in.

Now that’s exactly the kind of thing that would make our claws come out. Or in this case, pretty lacquered nails.

Getting there: Mad O Wot, Clove Building, above Yellow Tree Cafe, Dr Ambedkar Road, Bandra (W), call 65290288; Saks, Silver Pearl, next to San Churros, Waterfield Road, Bandra (W), call 26414243/44, Rs 1,000 for a 30 minute foot reflexology treatment.