The latest addition to A.N. John on Park Street is cutting-edge “hair care support”. L’Oreal’s Kerastase Paris Scalp and Hair Institute, at the salon’s 350-sq-ft mezzanine floor, offers hour-and-a-half-long treatments. “The Calcutta consumer is looking for professional luxury treatments that are tried and tested,” explains Raman Bhardwaj, director and stylist, A.N. John.

Aryan Vaid, who feels colouring should look “natural and not overwhelming”, at A.N. John. Picture by Rashbehari Das

Customers who walk into the store have their scalp photographed, following which the appropriate product is recommended for care. Then starts the treatment. “A lot of people believe they have dry and damaged hair and they look for nourishment and shine boosting. Hair-loss is the next big problem,” says Smira Bakshi, business manager, Kerastase.

“In these hot summer months, avoid the sun as much as possible. Too much air-conditioning doesn’t help either and stay away from pollution that has aggressive chemical elements. Diet, to a degree, always shows up on the skin,” advises Philip Giles, director, L’Oreal Professional Props (India).

The treatments cater to the “elite market” with the average price for a Kerastase experience costing Rs 1,500 to 2,000. A fashion show, including city models and TV star Aryan Vaid, added the glamour element to the launch of the institute on Tuesday evening at the salon.