Getting your hair done can sometimes be embarrassing, especially when perfectly styled hairdressers twitch their noses at your dry, splitting roots. Being a trusted name in haircare, Centro is one of those rare mall salons where intimidation is unheard of. Acting as the posh cousin to the existing outlet in The Gardens Mall, Centro Privé was recently launched in Suria KLCC. It’s nostalgic to think that Kevin Woo, creative director of Centro launched the brand ten years ago at Sungei Wang Plaza in the form of a modest salon.
On a day my hair is being particularly stubborn, I pay Centro Privé a visit. The modern French setting is sleek, but not in a vacant, overly futuristic way. The staff is chirpy and I am led to a private room bathed in a dim glow. Only two salon chairs fill the floor and the atmosphere is soothing, much like a spa. I am grateful to step into a salon where I don’t have to listen to customers talk about lunch or their kids. Note the refrain – I didn’t touch a single glossy magazine because such an ambience deserves a deep resting of the eyes.
I choose the Fusio- Dose treatment by Kérastase (from RM210), a concentrate treatment customised to suit different hair types including coloured, thinning and oily. Because my hair is prone to drying out, my hairdresser uses a formula which will help fix this condition. But first, a hot stone massage on the shoulders is the order of things before my head is caressed gently with treatment shampoo. I am then summoned to an adjourning private shower after which the use of treatment comes in. The concentrate is carefully applied to my hair along each fibre followed by a comforting blowdry. Slowly but surely, I feel my self esteem forming shape.
For customers who want to up the indulgence, the Kérastase Chronologiste treatment (from RM430) uses restorative caviar pearls and a cream masque to add shine and bounce. Although more expensive than the Fusio-Dose, the formula used is said to be the most advanced to date, plus you get a hot stone massage thrown in. The usual styling, cuts, blows and colouring services are also available. Centro Privé is an upmarket solution for the jaded middle class as it sure feels good sitting in the solitary confines of a private salon within the city centre while the rest of the corporate community chases deadlines. Surekha Ragavan