Paris International Salon

Okay, it's not France, but believe you me, there's plenty of the gaiety of Paree going on right here. Yes, that's right, this is the Paris International Salon. This tres chic grooming joint which shrugs off the tag of beauty parlour because that is too commonplace, prides itself on bringing a touch of class into the lives of its patrons.

There's a little story behind how Paris came to be in Hyderabad. Its owner, Shree Devi Nekkanti, had gone to several salons that touted their services, and found them all falling short on the quality of the care that she was on the lookout for. Finally, taking to heart the motto "If you want something done right, do it yourself", she opened up her own salon, and made sure that it had everything she'd want, had she been indulging herself.

And that's the name of the game at Paris. It pampers, preens and primps you till you glow and walk out feeling like a million bucks.

Speaking of bucks, if all this self-indulgence is going to take place, how much of penny pinching will one be able to do? Umm, not much at all, because Paris caters to the elite, the well-heeled, and is a coterie joint as it were, with the page 3 crowd being the most regular patrons.

But all that apart, what really makes this place stand out is its attention to detail, tasteful decor and hygiene. Not ones to worry about overheads, they use all disposables and get the products approved from the clients before they use 'em. Very much the garcon with the "would you like to taste the wine sir" kind of an attitude abounding!

One of the best things about Paris is the location. You come coasting along Road No. 2 and notice the brazen logo hitting the eyes, very much in the manner of the sun's rays, which form the foundation of the emblem of the establishment.

Among Paris' many claims to fame is that it has trained people in the industry who are qualified to carry out their work, and not just people who have good hands. Each employee has a firm grounding in the industry, contributes his or her bit in making you feel that you come first, and your every wish is a command. Yes, Paris properly induces and encourages the hedonist in you.

The USP? Using products which are the rage on the international market and have accolades to prove their efficacy. Again, international stuff comes at international prices, but once you give yourself up to their ministrations, you get lulled into a sense of utter comfort, indulgence and ease which seems well worth the moolah at the end of the day. Exclusivity wins out over mass appeal, and extravagance over value for money.

But do you float by the time they're done with you? You betcha! Hey, watch out for the door on your way out...