The Most Luxurious Hair Treatments

In the mood to have a professional pamper your long hair? If so, the August 2000 issue of Elle Magazine features some of the most luxurious hair treatments we've ever heard of. Most include some sort of scalp massage with moisturizing oils that are meant as much for mental relaxation as hair health.

Aromatherapy Cleansing Treatment

The stylist sprinkles Aveda calming or invigorating oils onto a wet towel, warms the towel, and wraps it around the shampoo bowl. The client rests against the bowl, enjoying the fragrance, while the stylist performs a neck massage and scalp stimulating scrub with Aveda's Sap Moss Shampoo and Rosemary Mint Conditioner.

Japanese Oil Healing

The stylist custom-blends a variety of healing Japanese oils and combs the mixture into the client's hair. A steam machine helps the oils penetrate the hair shaft for 20 to 30 minutes.

Shirodhara Ayurvedic Treatment
The client reclines on a massage table while a "Shirodhara" funnel is stationed six inches above her head. The funnel emits a stream of warm oil and herbs on the client's "Third Eye" in the middle of her forehead. The stylist works the oil back onto the client's scalp and through her hair to the ends. The oil remains on the hair for three hours before being washed out.

Hibiscus and Aloe Vera Treatment

The stylist works fresh aloe vera into the client's muscles and fresh hibiscus extract into the scalp. Following a reflexology treatment, the client soaks in an outdoor bath infused with fresh flowers. Finally, the hair is rinsed and braided with hibiscus flowers.