If you dread getting your child a haircut, worry no more. Thanks to specialised spas and salons that cater to children, the job has become as easy as one-two-three. After dotting the metros, these grooming centres have mushroomed in other cities, and offer many irresistible add-ons for children.
It is no longer only about a trendy haircut, but more about a massage, manicure, pedicure, nail art, hairstyle, make-up and a spa session. You name it and they have it. “The fun, safe and entertaining environment makes children enjoy it. Haircut is now a no-tear experience,” says Rashi Dhawan, a working woman and mother of a three-year-old girl. Most of the operators who run the show are qualified hairdressers and people who have experience in dealing with children. “The kids are safe in the hands of trained personnel. They will ensure that you and your child leave the place happy,” says Melissa Patheria, of Kidzappy & Ambition Salon, Mumbai.
Most of these centres have children-friendly decor and furniture, such as bright walls with cartoon stickers, haircutting chairs shaped like a car or an aeroplane, and play zones with soft toys for that instant connect. But there are some exceptions too. “Our decor and interiors are European and French. We didn’t want the place to look too amateurish, so we took a bit of a mature route,” says Rashi Morbia Kumar of Mumbai-based Dolled & Dapper.
The salons cater to children between two and 12 years, and the spas take ample care to relax and relieve a weary toddler. With specialised services and attractive packages, these spas cater to mothers too. Mumbai-based mother-child wellness centre Baby Castle provides aqua therapy, aqua physiotherapy and massage for babies, and pre-natal and post-partum massages for mothers. “Water babies are healthier, smarter and happier,” says Dr Priyanka Bhoir, founder of Baby’s Castle, and an internationally certified and authorised trainer in Relaxation Aqua Therapy and Infant Massage.
Dr Prashanth P of Little Baby Clinic and Developmental Assessment Center says they use the innovative BabySPA Swimming System developed in-house, where the baby, is kept bouyant in warm water with a special neck float. “Such a water training programme is designed for one to 24 month-olds, and has been effective in stimulating their physical, mental and sensory pathways growth. The environment also mimics the natural setting inside a mother’s womb, allowing newborns to retain their natural affinity for water,” he says. Relaxing massages, water aerobics and gymnastics are other services for babies.
Water activities improve their health and help in developing and improving their fine motor and gross motor skills, balance coordination and muscle strength and tone. The youngest client at Bhoir’s ultra-luxurious centre is as young as one month.
Bhoir fondly remembers one of her water babies, Kiara, who was brought to her at the age of 18 months, “She joined us when she was able to crawl, and her parents were a tad concerned. But after the fourth session, they came to us and told us how Kiara had started running all over the house.”
The services are
administered by trained physiotherapists.
Flick Salon in Delhi, is divided into three zones—hair care, spa and party zone—and its design mantra is functional luxury. Sanjana Nath, partner, Flick Salon, says, “We have to be stylish too. Vibrant colours have been infused keeping in mind what kids would relate to. The furniture has been customised keeping in mind our young clientele—adjustable height, colourful and comfortable.”
Step in and make the experience a fun play date with your child.
Our decor and interiors are European and French. We didn’t want the place to look too
amateurish, so we took a bit of a mature route.” Rashi Morbia Kumar,Dolled & Dapper