Needless to say, these lockdowns brought out the “cavepeople” in many – wisps of grey hair sprouting everywhere, hair styles way past their trim-by date, bushy eyebrows, hairy legs and let’s not mention the state of most people’s fingernails.
Well, since all hairdressers and manicurists are open for business now, it’s time to inject some much-needed style back into your life.
To help you visualise how a little styling from the experts can totally transform you from pandemic couch potato to runway-ready party girl, FMT visited SS Glam Beauty Bar in Klang.
After all, a new year’s beckoning so why not dress-up a little just for the fun of it?
If you’re looking for something traditional, this personal makeover might just be the thing you’re after – you’ll be amazed at the stunning transformation in store for you.
Henna art: the coolest fashion craze, hands down!
If you’re looking for a makeover, why not go all the way? Henna artist Dharsinie Shanmugam, works with ease and precision, expertly drawing intricate motifs on your hands.
Darshinee explained that women have been adorning their hands, and sometimes feet, with henna art for centuries.
She said what started off as a form of body art, quickly evolved into an important part of traditional festivities celebrated by the Indian and Malay communities.
“Today, it has become a fashion statement especially for weddings. Historically, henna is applied on a bride’s hands and even feet on the eve of her wedding.
“The art of drawing these intricate designs can be very soothing for her, and so this helps the bride to just take a minute to relax and enjoy the sensation,” she told FMT.
She explained that henna has medical benefits as well. “The real henna from the henna plant can help lower a person’s body temperature. It can also help to reduce headaches and inflammation while detoxing the body as well,” she said.
Beauty in the eye of the beholder – literally
To perfectly frame your face and highlight your natural features, it’s time to tease and trim those unruly brows.
Devyamini Selvaraja, owner of SS Glam Beauty Bar, uses the traditional art of threading to pull, pluck and remove stray strands of eyebrow hair.
According to her, a full makeover package starts from RM200 and comes with free eyebrow threading, a popular choice among many of her customers.
She said her beauty salon also offers manicures, pedicures, facials and hair-styling.
“We also offer costume jewellery, which is usually for brides on their wedding day. A woman’s jewellery is designed to make her stand out from the crowd and emulate a princess’s look which is very special and memorable,” she said.
Princess for the day in a beautiful saree
The makeover is only complete once you’re draped in an exquisite saree.
Owner of clothing brand Singing Bowl Tree Vaijitha Baskaran said the saree chosen for this particular makeover was made of linen, using a thread known as “silver zari”.
She explained that this particular “even thread” is traditionally made of fine gold or silver threads. It is used in traditional Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani garments, especially in brocade sarees.
“This saree is hand-loomed and made in a village in West Bengal, India. The linen is 120 (thread)count, one of the finest there is. Another amazing fact that Vajitha shared is that there are actually 108 ways to tie a saree.
As a finishing touch to this magnificent makeover, colourful bangles were slipped on as the perfect complement to the saree, makeup, henna art and hairdo.
After literally months in seclusion, maybe some much-needed pampering is justified. If you’re up to it, you now know where to head.