On a listless-locks day, Shubhra Krishan headed to a hair spa... you will want to too

It's a sunny spring morning, but I'm feeling blue. You know how it is, when your strands decide to do the stuck-to-the-scalp, oil-oozing act. Yikes.

But there's something to look forward to. I'm heading for a first-of-its- kind hair-pampering experience at New Delhi's spanking new salon Affinity.

The first floor houses the Kerastase Hair Studio, Affinity, a calm, compact retreat for tired locks. The décor is understated, and the photograph of a lovely woman with flowing wavy tresses adorns a wall inspiringly.

First things first, a very articulate and well-informed therapist (enchantingly called a hair ambassador) takes me around the place, telling me about the four-step treatment I'm about to receive.

Here's what the four steps are going to be:

Prepare

At this diagnostic stage, the hair is first assessed and then prepared for some tailor-made luxury treatments. I'm told that this exclusive ritual will optimise the benefits of in-salon technical services, fortifying the internal and external structure of the hair fibre. For example, if you have weakened or fine hair, you'll begin with Injection de Force, a Reconstruction Ritual that strengthens the core and the cuticles of the hair fibre. Enriched with nutrients that penetrate the core of the hair fibre, this treatment will increase the hair's resistance to technical and chemical procedures such as colouring and straightening.

Cleanse

This next step is all about freeing hair of debris. The gentle cleansing products are chosen according to the therapist's assessment of what your hair really needs. For example, chemically weakened hair will get a fortifying hair bath that gently cleanses and puts the shine back. And if you have an overactive scalp with dry or oily hair, you'll be treated to Bain Divalent, a balancing bath that refreshes and re-oxygenates the scalp, leaving your locks feeling nourished and new.

Care

This is where they put back the goodness that is missing or treat your specific hair concerns.

The care ritual for weakened or severely damged hair is called Ciment Anti-Usure. It leaves hair smooth, tangle-free and easy to use. Fine, flyaway strands can benefit from Kerastase's exclusive combination of System 3D and ultra-light active ingredients.

Perfect

Products that give an extra dimension to the natural beauty of the hair by adding smoothness, body and shine come in here to perfect your look.

First Hand Experience

My hour-long experience of Kerastase's total hair pampering was a truly heady one. First, the therapist sat across from me and asked me a few basic questions about my hair. Is it limp? Does it get frizzy? Have I ever coloured it? Based on my replies, she jotted down her observations on what my hair needs. This in itself was wonderful, because very few salons or spas in the country really care to spend time assessing your hair's quality and deeper needs.

Next, I headed for a hair bath. The product chosen for me was a gentle cleansing shampoo, which promised to lift and bodify my limp hair. Along with the bath, I received a totally relaxing head massage. The therapist knew exactly which pressure points to please, and by the time she was done, I was already feeling wonderfully healed.

After getting a shot of nourishing conditioner, I was put under a steam-dispensing nebuliser that helped the products penetrate deep into the roots. Lastly, my hair was dried and styled using products that would give it the lift and sheen it needed.

And voila! I looked into the mirror and swayed - I couldn't believe the bounce my hair now enjoyed! What's more, the lift lasted until my next shampoo.