Pamper yourself with various hair treatments
Susanna Tjokro, Contributor, Jakarta
Svenson, Gaya Spa, Gondo Wangi Sariaji and Secret Professionnel are among the places that offer a variety of hair and scalp treatments.
Perhaps you have heard their names, but you may wonder what really distinguishes one from another. Each of them tries to offer "something different", be it in traditional or modern treatment methods. Let's tour the salons and see what they offer.
Svenson Hair Center; Wisma 46, Kota BNI, Suite 308, 3rd floor; Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. I; Tel. 574 4443; Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. - 6.30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.; Closed on Public Holidays
Mal Puri Indah, No. 109, 1st floor; Jl. Puri Agung, Puri Indah; Tel. 582 2613; Monday to Sunday and also public holidays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Svenson was established in London in 1956. You can find Svenson hair centers in many countries, such as Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Svenson claims, it is at the forefront of up-to-date trichology. Trichology itself is the science of the diagnosis and treatment of various hair and scalp problems, as explained by Patricia Lim, the General Manager of Svenson.
Treatment starts after a discussion about your lifestyle, habits and family history. A consultant (they're called a trichologist, in some countries) will analyze your scalp by using a microscopic magnifier videoscope and give you some suggestions. The method of treatment and how many times you need to visit Svenson will be discussed.
Upon enrollment, the 45 minute treatment begins. A therapist washes your hair, followed by a treatment suited for specific problems (dandruff, hair loss and so on). The therapist massages your scalp to increase blood circulation, followed by application of the solution on the scalp.
The therapist will apply the special solution in cross sections on your scalp. The solution used is the prescribed formula.
Afterward, electrotherapy (using infra red/laser) is done to improve absorption. It is followed by steaming to allow the solution to be absorbed into the scalp for maximum benefit, finished by a neck massage.
One of their latest innovations is Tricho-Fusion. It is a blend of traditional Chinese herbal extracts and the latest western tricho-chemistry.
At Sveson, you may also choose the latest developments in hair transplants and hair weaving procedures. Still in doubt? Just try their free hair and scalp analysis.
Besides Jakarta, you may enjoy its treatment at Tunjungan Plaza Surabaya too, just call (031) 5327050.
"I put my trust in Svenson, because they use modern equipment, like laser. Well, I'm a person who believes in modern treatment," said Hengky, a customer.
Gaya Spa Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No. 25 Tel. 7267648, 7267650 Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on public holidays)
The soft blue light in the cozy treatment room relaxes your mind. Meanwhile calming New Age music or sounds from nature and aromatherapy soothe your mind.
"Spa Essentia uses only the best quality natural products and the most carefully selected therapeutic grade essential oils, herbs, flowers, roots and so on, backed by scientists," explained Erry Alif, the public relations manager of Gaya Spa.
Some of the ingredients are imported from overseas, such as lavender from France. He also added that Spa Essentia Aromatherapy products are available in Singapore, Malaysia, the U.S., Japan and Dubai.
A spa programmer will listen to your health history, habits, lifestyle and "complaints", as the first step of hair treatment. She will analyze your scalp manually and give you some suggestions.
A therapist washes and dries your hair naturally. A blend of base oil and essential oil is applied on your hair and scalp. The special solution is made according to your hair condition (dandruff, oily, dry or hair loss etc.) such as: a mixture of rosemary, juniper and lavender essential oils for treating hair loss. A blend of cedar wood and tea tree essential oils is used to combat dandruff.
Later, enjoy the Essentia Spa cream bath session. The head is massaged for 20 minutes, to improve blood circulation, followed by a back massage for another 20 minutes and a 15 minute hair and scalp steaming session.
Along with the steaming session, you may enjoy a hand massage, while your feet benefit from a foot massage.
The therapist washes the hair again, with Spa Essentia shampoo and conditioner, followed by hair oil application.
This 90-minute hair treatment costs Rp 99,000 (including shampoo and blow dry). However, for hair styling expect to pay Rp a 49,500 additional charge.
You can buy Spa Essentia products at selected Century and Guardian pharmacies in Plaza Indonesia, Plaza Senayan, Pondok Indah Mall and Kelapa Gading Mall. Spa Essentia Shampoo sells at Rp 27,000 for 150 grams. Spa Essentia Cream bath, 150 gram, costs Rp 26,500. Meanwhile, 10 ml essential oils (some of them, such as lavender are needed for hair treatment) range from Rp 20,000 to Rp 105,000. The best selling one is lavender (Rp 72,500).
"I'm into aromatherapy, essential oils and related products as I believe in their benefits. That's the reason why I chose Gaya Spa in the first place," said Tania.
Unit Perawatan Rambut Gondo Wangi Sariaji; Menara Bidakara, Suite 06, Ground floor; Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 71-73; Tel. 83793027, 8379328
Jl. Tebet Barat I No. 10; Tel. 8307523 - 32
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed on Sunday and public holidays)
"Back to nature" is its motto. Liem Soedarno established PT. Gondo Wangi Sariaji in 1984. It sells various products for scalp related problems such as dandruff and hair loss.
Pupung, its senior hair consultant says that they use 100 percent natural ingredients. For instance, in their Natur Pencuci Rambut shampoo, palm oil extract is used for cleansing, seaweed for conditioning, while traditional Asian formulas with medicinal herbs are used to prevent hair loss.
"Our products contain no detergents, no coloring and no perfume at all. So, they won't damage your hair," explained Pupung.
He also claims that they can treat and cure various hair problems, from hair loss caused by excessive dandruff to some hair viruses.
"We can terminate the hair virus and promote hair regrowth," said Pupung. Sounds too good to be true? Just make an appointment with him and he will share some fairly scary stories about the virus plus some before-and-after photos of his former clients.
The ritual begins with a discussion of your lifestyle, habits and family history. A consultant will analyze your scalp by using a videoscope and give you some suggestions
Before shampoo, hair tonic is applied according to your hair and scalp condition, to remove dirt, fungus and eliminate the virus or dandruff. Then, your hair is steamed and washed. Here, you can experience a type of magnetic acupuncture device for 15 minutes on damp hair and scalp (unlike traditional acupuncture, needles are not used).
Personally, I thought of it as a sort of a magnetic acupuncture hairbrush. The treatment increases blood circulation and stimulates hair growth.
The treatment ends with hair tonic to stimulate hair growth, prevent dandruff and hair loss.
The treatment will cost you Rp 50,000 per visit, or pay Rp 250,000 in advance, for six visits.
If you live in Surabaya or Semarang, you can try their service too. For more information, call: (031) 5310773 and 5310909 or (024) 318672 for Semarang.
Some of their products (such as shampoo) are sold in supermarkets. However, most of their products are sold only in Gondo Wangi Sariaji.
"I chose this place, simply because I like natural products as I believe that they won't damage my hair," revealed Linda, a customer.
Secret Professionnel Botanical Care; Tel. 3107613; Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rudy Hadisuwarno Salon; Tel. 3107583; Plaza Indonesia Unit 6, 2nd floor; Jl. M.H. Thamrin; Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Public holidays: 12 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pondok Indah Mall, 1st floor.; Jl. Metro Pondok Indah; Tel. 7506924; Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Secret Professionnel is an all-botanical line from France. Its mini hair clinics can be found inside selected Rudy Hadisuwarno salons. Rudy Hadisuwarno himself is a well-known Indonesian hairdresser.
After a discussion of your lifestyle, habits and family history, a consultant will analyze your scalp by using a videoscope and give you some suggestions.
Dirt on the scalp is eliminated using a vibrator for five to 10 minutes. Then, Botanical Secret Pre-shampoo is applied for a few minutes before the shampooing session to removes excessive oiliness. Later, the therapist shampoos and massages your hair. Afterward, the hair towel-dried, followed by application of botanical hair tonic.
This non-oily hair tonic is used to prevent hair loss and strengthen your hair at the same time. The therapist will use a magnetic tool to rub your scalp, so the scalp can absorb the hair tonic better. The treatment ends with blow-drying.
Expect to pay Rp 155,000 per visit; or you can buy their products and use them at home, such as shampoo (200 ml, Rp 80,000) and hair tonic (100 ml, Rp 280,000).
"I like Secret Professionnel botanical care since they use natural ingredients, not because they're from France. I mean, if they're imported from France but use excessive chemicals, then I would not use them," explained Dini.
If you want to use Indonesian hair treatment products, you may choose Rudy Hadisuwarno products. You can find them at Rudy Hadisuwarno salons and supermarkets. Rudy Hadisuwarno Ginseng Hair Tonic (Rp 15,975 for 125 ml) and Ginseng Cream Bath (Rp 17,150 for 200 ml) are among the merchandise.
You may also pamper yourself with Rudy's products at the salon. Wash-hair mask-blow dry package is Rp 83,000 and wash- cream bath-blow dry package is Rp 76,000.
"I choose Rudy Hadisuwarno hair treatments because they use ginseng as one of the main ingredients. I believe in the benefits of ginseng," said Lisa.