City salons get busy with basics
It’s pouring in Kolkata, and city salons are bracing for the usual monsoon rush. Hair fall, dandruff, and frizz are peaking, worsened by the muggy weather. Slushy pavements and flooded streets have also made foot hygiene a daily struggle, pushing many towards regular pedicures. Hair colour and blow-dries are down, while keratin and protein treatments are seeing a spike as are frizz control and foot care. CT spoke to salon experts across the city to track what’s trending.
Hair gel scrubs, pH balanced shampoos
Monsoon humidity is weakening roots and causing frizz, says Sonia Bhattacharya, whose salons in Jodhpur Park and Ballygunge Place are seeing a demand for Caviar Renovador, hair gel scrubs, and cooling spa packs. “They tackle dandruff, and hair fall, while the packs soothe the scalp,” she said. Sadiq Alam, with salons in New Alipore, Kasba, and Picnic Garden, adds, “We use pH-balanced shampoos and scalp-energising tonics to reduce excess oil and hair fall.” Keith Alberts swears by DIY fixes. “I use homemade remedies like castor-coconut oil or a mix of honey, aloe vera, lemon, and banana to naturally control frizz,” he shared.
‘It is important to get regular clean-ups done’
Kolkata’s humid monsoon often leads to breakouts and dull skin, say salon experts. “High moisture clogs pores, causing frequent breakouts,” said Ishrat Ansar of a salon on Lord Sinha Road. “Clients are opting for exfoliating clean-ups to keep skin clear and fresh.” Jameela Anjarwala, founder of a Ballygunge based salon, added, “People are shifting to minimal, breathable skincare. We recommend regular hydration boosters and clean-ups—timely salon care with a simple home routine helps maintain a healthy glow all season.”
‘Weekly pedicures are a must this season’
“In monsoon, foot care is essential to prevent fungal infections,” said Sadiq Alam, adding that regular pedicures and antiseptic cleaning keep feet healthy. Sonia Bhattacharya noted the popularity of bubblegum, crystal, and ice cream pedicures for exfoliation. “I’m doing 10–12 pedicures a day,” said pedicure expert Keith Alberts, stressing the need for surgical tools handled by professionals. “A weekly pedicure is a must this season,” said singer Kousumi Manobina Adhikaree, who enjoys flower pedicures.
The humidity makes foot odour and stickiness hard to avoid. Sweating and bacteria only worsen it. Foot soaks, pedicures are my go-to fix – Sakshi Sen, HR professional
During the rainy season, salon visits become a weekly must for a thorough cleanse, hair wash, and dandruff treatments
– Dipanwita Shah Roy Chowdury, banker
Frizz, oily scalp, infections are some of the most common woes this season
Pics: Anindya Saha & iStock; model: Hrilina Majumder
Hair gel scrubs, pH balanced shampoos
Monsoon humidity is weakening roots and causing frizz, says Sonia Bhattacharya, whose salons in Jodhpur Park and Ballygunge Place are seeing a demand for Caviar Renovador, hair gel scrubs, and cooling spa packs. “They tackle dandruff, and hair fall, while the packs soothe the scalp,” she said. Sadiq Alam, with salons in New Alipore, Kasba, and Picnic Garden, adds, “We use pH-balanced shampoos and scalp-energising tonics to reduce excess oil and hair fall.” Keith Alberts swears by DIY fixes. “I use homemade remedies like castor-coconut oil or a mix of honey, aloe vera, lemon, and banana to naturally control frizz,” he shared.
‘It is important to get regular clean-ups done’
Kolkata’s humid monsoon often leads to breakouts and dull skin, say salon experts. “High moisture clogs pores, causing frequent breakouts,” said Ishrat Ansar of a salon on Lord Sinha Road. “Clients are opting for exfoliating clean-ups to keep skin clear and fresh.” Jameela Anjarwala, founder of a Ballygunge based salon, added, “People are shifting to minimal, breathable skincare. We recommend regular hydration boosters and clean-ups—timely salon care with a simple home routine helps maintain a healthy glow all season.”
‘Weekly pedicures are a must this season’
“In monsoon, foot care is essential to prevent fungal infections,” said Sadiq Alam, adding that regular pedicures and antiseptic cleaning keep feet healthy. Sonia Bhattacharya noted the popularity of bubblegum, crystal, and ice cream pedicures for exfoliation. “I’m doing 10–12 pedicures a day,” said pedicure expert Keith Alberts, stressing the need for surgical tools handled by professionals. “A weekly pedicure is a must this season,” said singer Kousumi Manobina Adhikaree, who enjoys flower pedicures.
The humidity makes foot odour and stickiness hard to avoid. Sweating and bacteria only worsen it. Foot soaks, pedicures are my go-to fix – Sakshi Sen, HR professional
During the rainy season, salon visits become a weekly must for a thorough cleanse, hair wash, and dandruff treatments
– Dipanwita Shah Roy Chowdury, banker
Frizz, oily scalp, infections are some of the most common woes this season
Pics: Anindya Saha & iStock; model: Hrilina Majumder
Next Story